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March 1, 2026

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2026

“If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn’t need to lug around a camera.” — Lewis Hine

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.

Sunday, 02/22/2026: Posted photo — First Sunday of Lent.

Lent is a 40-day, solemn season of fasting, prayer, and repentance beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending before Easter. It honors the time Jesus spent fasting in the desert. The primary color worn by the priest is Purple or Violet. This is used for Sunday and weekday Masses. Rose is worn on the fourth Sunday of Lent, Laetare Sunday, as a sign of joy and hope amidst the penitential season. Red is used for Palm Sunday and Good Friday to represent the Passion of Christ. White is worn on Easter Sunday to represent joy and celebration.

If you count the days between Ash Wednesday and Easter, you will see that there are more than 40. Sundays are not included in the count. Also, Easter is always the first Sunday after the first Paschal Full Moon. The Paschal Full Moon is the first ecclesiastical full moon occurring on or after the vernal equinox. An ecclesiastical full moon is the 14th day of a tabular, or calendar-based, lunar month, rather than the actual astronomical full moon.

So many definitions today. Do not worry, no quiz will be given.

Monday, 02/23/2026: Posted photo — Bird Prints.

For the first time since the ice storm in 2008, I did not have work today due to blizzard conditions. I spent most of the day shoveling outside to ease the final clearing of the snow.

I took this photo yesterday. We were going somewhere I saw these bird prints in the snow. I have seen a flock of birds in our yard over the last few days gathering and preparing for the storm.

Tuesday, 02/24/2026: Posted photo — Anthurium.

I gave this plant to my wife as a gift. This is a real plant. The leaves on this plant make it look plastic.

Wednesday, 02/25/2026: Posted photo — Patterns in the Snow.

It has been very windy over the last couple of days. I was looking out my office window and saw this windblown pattern in the pile of snow in the parking lot. I took this with my cell phone through glass so I hope you can see the patterns clearly. Buildings and trees aid the formation of eddies in the wind causing these patterns.

Thursday, 02/26/2026: Posted photo — Roses Again.

I have not much to say today. Here is a photo of more roses. I know that I take many photos of roses. I take them when I am shopping as fillers for any day that I do not have time to get out and take a photo. I have been doing this photo project since January 1, 2010, so sometimes I run out of subjects to photograph.

Friday, 02/27/2026: Post photo — Whoopie Pie.

In 2011, the Maine Legislature designated the whoopie pie as the official Maine State Treat, distinguishing it from the state dessert, blueberry pie. Traditionally featuring two chocolate cake-like rounds with a creamy filling, this iconic confection has been baked in Maine since at least 1925. These whoopie pies were made by my wife for a fundraiser for the America Cancer Society Relay for Life. I have walked and camped at the Relay for Life for many years now and will continue to do so as long as I am able. I will post more about the RFL later and will send a link for donations for anyone that would like to help out.

My wife and I travel to Maine to go shopping in Freeport and Kittery, or just to go away for a long weekend. We like to search for the lighthouses in the state and have found many of them.

Let us compare Maine’s shoreline to some other states. Maine has 3,478 miles of shoreline and California’s has 3,427 miles of shoreline. Alaska has the most at 33,904 miles of shoreline. A shoreline includes tidal inlets and other intricate coastal features.

Saturday, 02/28/2026: Post photo — Crow Hills Pond.

Crow Hill Pond is stocked with trout several times a year by Mass Fisheries and Wildlife. The pond is near one of the parking locations that I use to hike Leominster State Forest. I am grateful that I live close to two wonderful hiking locations, Wachusett Mountain and Leominster State Forest. They are both within walking distance of my house

That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.

“Sumens imagines consolateur et inspirat me. Pulchritudinem mundi video per camera mean.”

“Quod scripsi, scripsi. Ingeniarius sum, non scriptor.”

.–. …. — – — -… -.– .— — … . .–. …. -.-. .. .-. .- …

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February 22, 2026

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Photographic Thoughts — 02/15/2026 to 02/21/2026

“A good photograph is one that communicates a fact, touches the heart and leaves the viewer a changed person for having seen it. It is, in a word, effective.” — Irving Penn

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.

Sunday, 02/15/2026: Posted photo — Numbers.

These are some of the numbers that I put up every week to list the hymns that the choir will sing during Mass. I do not sing in the choir. My job is to put up the numbers before the service and to give Communion to the choir. According to the Second Vatican Council the primary purpose of music at Mass is the glory of God and the sanctification of the faithful.

The Mass I attend is a folk Mass. The music is performed by guitar and voice. Occasionally there are some brass instruments. When I was in college, I played the organ in a traditional choir.

Monday, 02/16/2026: Posted photo — Rope.

Tonight is one of many nights that I will be hiking this week. I brought my rope with me to practice using it down steep and icy slopes. One of the trails on Wachusett is steep and was a great place to practice. Some people may say that the slope on Wachusett is not difficult. It is not, but it is a great place to practice techniques for bigger and longer hikes.

Tuesday, 02/17/2026: Posted photo — Traction.

Tonight, I practiced using my crampons since the snow is getting soft. The temperature is almost above freezing today, and the snow is much different than it was last night. Crampons are not needed on Wachusett as a rule. Occasionally I wished I had them, especially when I am in a very icy trail.

As I stated yesterday, some people think this is overkill. Over my many years of hiking, there is no such thing as overkill when it comes to my safety. I follow the rule that if you do not use a skill, you may lose that skill.

Wednesday, 02/18/2026: Posted photo — Wachusett Mountain.

I stopped by the side of the road before tonight’s hike to get a photo of the mountain. This is not the greatest photo since they were making snow, and the mountain looked fogged in.

If you look closely at the trails in the photo, you can see that they spell “ski”. This was pointed out to me a few years ago and I keep seeing it when I drive past the ski area.

Thursday, 02/19/2026: Posted photo — Hike.

What a great hike I had with this group hiking at night in the snow. I was in the sweep position tonight since I already hiked the mountain a few times already this week. The ability of the hikers in this group varies greatly, from very experience to not so experience. I would say that the not so experienced hikers are getting better every week. They have been hiking with this group for a while.

When I was sweeping, I was observing the use of hiking poles. Members of the group were using them incorrectly. I plan on posting tips on using hiking poles to this group and other hiking groups that I am a member. Poles are very useful equipment to use. They help with fatigue and save your knees and back, if used properly.

Friday, 02/20/2026: Post photo — Tapping.

It is that time of year again. Our neighbor is tapping our sugar maples to make his syrup. It generally takes 40 to 60 gallons of sap to produce 1 gallon of finished maple syrup. He has many trees tapped on our property and his property. On average, a tapped maple will produce 10 to 20 gallons of sap per tap.

Saturday, 02/21/2026: Post photo — Sunrise.

What a wonderful way to end the week. When I woke up this morning, I saw colors in the snow. The snow had a pink hue due to the colors of the sunrise. I grabbed my camera and took this photo.

I had to work quicky to get his photo since my camera battery was dead. There is something wrong with electronics in camera. When the camera is off, it is still draining the battery. I need to either get it serviced or purchase a new camera. I purchased my camera in April of 2014. Technology may have changes slightly in twelve years!

That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.

“Sumens imagines consolateur et inspirat me. Pulchritudinem mundi video per camera mean.”

“Quod scripsi, scripsi. Ingeniarius sum, non scriptor.”

.–. …. — – — -… -.– .— — … . .–. …. -.-. .. .-. .- …

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February 7, 2026

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Photographic Thoughts — 02/01/2026 to 02/07/2026

“What I like about photographs is that they capture a moment that’s gone forever, impossible to reproduce.” — Karl Lagerfeld

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.

Sunday, 02/01/2026: Posted photo — Mary with Jesus.

This is part of a statue in our church. The statue depicts Mary holding Jesus.

Monday, 02/02/2026: Posted photo — Chair.

The theme for last week’s project was chairs. I was at the dentist earlier in the week, so I could have taken a photo of the dentist chair. I did not feel that would be right, so I took a photo of the chair that our priest sits. The chair that a priest sits on during Mass is called a “Cathedra”.

Tuesday, 02/03/2026: Posted photo — Through Kitchen Window.

Looked out our kitchen window today so see these icicles. When I first saw them, the sun gave them a reddish color. By the time I was able to get a good photo, the reflection of the sun was gone.

Wednesday, 02/04/2026: Posted photo — Full Moon.

I when shopping on a different day this week due to commitments. When I came out of one of the stores, I saw a red moon. I attempted to get a photo of it with my cell photo. It did not work too well. Here is the photo.

Thursday, 02/05/2026: Posted photo — Orchid.

Fake flowers are more realistic these days. If I did not tell you they were fake, you may not have known that.

Friday, 02/06/2026: Post photo — Trying to Keep Warm.

Tonight, and this weekend is going to be cold. How cold do you ask? It will be below zero Fahrenheit, below -20 Celsius. We had the fire in the stove going and brought in a double-sized pile of wood. There has only been one day over the last few weeks, that was above freezing. We are also expending a few inches of snow overnight.

Say safe and warm.

Saturday, 02/07/2026: Post photo — Snow on Swing.

We did receive about 5 inches of snow last night and into this morning That is about 13 cm for those of you who are not from the United States.

I was out snowshoeing in our back yard and saw the snow on our swings. We built a swing set for our son many years ago. There have been grand nieces and nephews using them over the years. I would like to have grandchildren using them one day. Who knows if that will happen.

That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.

“Sumens imagines consolateur et inspirat me. Pulchritudinem mundi video per camera mean.”

“Quod scripsi, scripsi. Ingeniarius sum, non scriptor.”

.–. …. — – — -… -.– .— — … . .–. …. -.-. .. .-. .- …

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February 1, 2026

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Photographic Thoughts — 01/25/2026 to 01/31/2026

“What I like about photographs is that they capture a moment that’s gone forever, impossible to reproduce.” — Karl Lagerfeld

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.

Sunday, 01/25/2026: Posted photo — Breaking Trail.

It is starting to snow today. School for tomorrow has been called off since yesterday. I went out a few times during the day to shovel and snow blow to keep up with the storm. For most of the day we have been receiving 2 to 3 inches of snow per hour. We will have to see how much snow will fall. Today’s photo will be taken tomorrow.

We it is tomorrow and the photo that I took is of my snowshoe trail as I broke the trail into work today. I walk to work during snowstorms because I feel safer walking than driving. It did take my commute from five minutes to over an hour.

Monday, 01/26/2026: Posted photo — Stopping for a Photo.

It is still snowing this morning. I decided to walk to work, as stated above. When I was hiking on the Mid State Trail, I broke the trail. This is good and bad. The bad thing is that it is very tiring and it takes me much longer to get to work. The good thing is that I am out in nature, snowshoeing and breaking a trail.

Breaking the trail in the morning also leaves me breadcrumbs for my walk home. The Mid State is very different on my way home I have roamed off the trail a few times. If you were wondering, we received almost two feet of lighter snow out of the storm.

I know my snowshoes were working since I only sank about six inches in the snow while my hiking poles sank about 18 inches in the snow.

Tuesday, 01/27/2026: Posted photo — A Little Bit of Snow.

I had a dentist appointment this morning. On my way back from the dentist, I wanted to take a photo of the dam to show the amount of snow we received. I know that I posted a photo of this location not too long ago. Forgive me.

As you can see, the snow almost covered the entirety of the dam.

Wednesday, 01/28/2026: Posted photo — Wooden Heart.

Pareidolia — the psychological phenomenon of seeing recognizable shapes, faces, or objects in clouds or other random objects.

I was filling up our wood cart and noticed a heart in a couple pieces of wood. To take this photo, I had to turn my camera diagonally to get the heart shape. It was easier than turning the piece of wood.

composition. Minimalist composition is not the topic of this week’s photo challenge. The topic is Get

Thursday, 01/29/2026: Posted photo — Danger Zone.

This is a danger zone on our house. With the colder temperatures, and direct sunlight, these icicles formed. These are some of the largest icicles that I have seen in a long time. I knocked them off my roof shortly after taking this photo.

Friday, 01/30/2026: Post photo — Iced Jellyfish.

Jellyfish are about 95 percent water. Lacking brains, blood, or even hearts, jellyfish are simple critters. These frozen “jellyfish” are located on the side of a building.

With the snow and cold weather, we have been having, these ice formations have attached themselves to screws on the side of the building. As for the weather, the temperature is not predicted to go above freezing for the next couple of weeks.

Saturday, 01/31/2026: Post photo — Path in the Snow.

I was out today doing some cleanup from this week’s storm. I was out for a few hours, snow blowing a path to our shed and the door to our cellar, among our cleanups. I saw one of the paths, put my camera down, and took a blind shot. This is the result.

That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.

“Sumens imagines consolateur et inspirat me. Pulchritudinem mundi video per camera mean.”

“Quod scripsi, scripsi. Ingeniarius sum, non scriptor.”

.–. …. — – — -… -.– .— — … . .–. …. -.-. .. .-. .- …

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January 18, 2026

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Photographic Thoughts — 01/11/2026 to 01/17/2026

“One doesn’t stop seeing. One doesn’t stop framing. It doesn’t turn off and turn on. It’s on all the time.” — Annie Leibovitz

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.

Sunday, 01/11/2026: Posted photo — Christmas Flowers.

Christmas flowers like the Poinsettia symbolize good cheer, purity, luck, and magic. The colors of the flower are traditionally white and red. The colors and meanings of the flowers are based on Christian tradition or ancient folklore.

This arrangement was in front of the altar in our church. The arrangement was still there since today the last day of the Christmas season. It is also the first Sunday of Ordinary Time.

Monday, 01/12/2026: Posted photo — Polar Express.

Wachusett Mountain ski area finally opened its new Polar Express detachable high-speed six-pack lift. The lift replaced the ski area’s 30 year-old Polar Express Quad. It has been open for a few weeks now and every time that I have hiked past it, it seems to be stopped. Last night it stopped for a few minutes with some skiers just feet from the exit at the summit. Maybe it is still breaking in or maybe it is a safety feature for people getting on the lift at the base. I do not wish to speculate.

The Polar Express is named after Polar Beverages in Worcester. The family that runs the ski area also owns Polar Beverages. I know of the family since one of their sons was a year ahead of me in high school many years ago. As I grew up in Worcester, we would go to the factory and get the glass bottles that were mislabeled. With six brothers, my family had to look for bargains any place it could. We would go there weekly, return the old bottles, and they get our new supplies. I liked their birch beer, grapefruit dry, orange dry, and ginger ale. I still purchase these flavors today because they remind me of my childhood.

Tuesday, 01/13/2026: Posted photo — Abstract.

It has been a while since I last took an abstract photo. This is something that I saw when shopping tonight. Does anyone know what it is?

Wednesday, 01/14/2026: Posted photo — Napkin Pattern.

A few years ago, we stopped using paper napkins at our house. My wife made cloth napkins out of different scrap fabrics. We have different size napkins, depending on their intended use. I like some fabric more than others based on the way they feel and the efficiency of cleaning up. This is one of the patterns.

Thursday, 01/15/2026: Posted photo — Hot Coals.

It will be a chilly night. The temperatures are expected to be in the low teens, about 15 degrees F cooler than today. We have a good base of coal in our wood stove. When I saw the coals and took this photo, I thought about sharing the color of fire.

Typical Fire Colors and Temperatures:

Red: Cooler, around 1000°F (540°C).
Orange: Hotter, around 2000°F (1090°C).
Yellow/White: Very hot, nearing 2700°F (1500°C) and above, where white is dazzling and hottest.
Blue: The hottest, seen in efficient flames like gas stoves (3000°F+ / 1650°C+) where complete combustion occurs.

Friday, 01/16/2026: Post photo — Boiling Water.

We have an electric kettle for boiling water. When the water is heating up, blue LED lights are on making the boiling water look interesting. I was boiling water this morning for my oatmeal and took a photo of the boiling water just in case I do not have time to take a usable photo later in the day.

Saturday, 01/17/2026: Post photo — New Fresh Snow.

Snow is falling today. Most of the previous snow has melted and it is great to see the ground and the trees covered in snow again this winter.

Today’s snow is giving me inspiration to post a local winter hike. It has been a few years since I led a local winter hike for the AMC. I do lead a hike every Monday, year-round, so I do lead winter hikes. Local hikes are offered in Massachusetts, that are 8 miles or less in length and a total elevation gain not to exceed 1,000 feet. Winter hikes are hikes in the time between December 1 and March 31.

I have led an up-country winter hike already this season. Up-country hikes are defined as hikes offered within the state of Massachusetts that are over 8 miles in length or over 1000 feet of elevation gain or any hike offered outside the state of Massachusetts

That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.

“Sumens imagines consolateur et inspirat me. Pulchritudinem mundi video per camera mean.”

“Quod scripsi, scripsi. Ingeniarius sum, non scriptor.”

.–. …. — – — -… -.– .— — … . .–. …. -.-. .. .-. .- …

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January 11, 2026

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Photographic Thoughts — 01/04/2026 to 01/10/2026

“Photographs open doors into the past, but they also allow a look into the future.” — Sally Mann

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.

Sunday, 01/04/2026: Posted photo — Nativity.

Today we celebrate the Nativity. Traditionally the Nativity is on January 6 but is now celebrated on the Sunday closest to January 6. The Nativity is also called Little Christmas, and some cultures still exchange gifts and spend time with family and friends.

On the feast of the Nativity, the three wise men, or magi, brought the gifts of gold, frankincense, and Myrrh to Jesus. The number three is not in the Bible. Scalars have deduced three since there were three gifts.

Monday, 01/05/2026: Posted photo — Window Light.

This is a window light, or window candle. Candles are put in windows as a sign of welcoming, hope, and faith. I have also read that the window candles also were used in Ireland to show the locations of priests that were hiding during a period of religious persecution.

Tuesday, 01/06/2026: Posted photo — White Rose.

A white rose is a symbol of purity, innocence, reverence, and new beginnings. This was an attempt to have a submmital for the Rule of Thirds photo for this week.

Wednesday, 01/07/2026: Posted photo — Malanga.

A malanga is a root vegetable from the tropics that is like a yam. This is one of the many vegetables that are in my local grocery store. I am always intrigued by the different fruits and vegetables in the market. I like to do a little research on them before deciding whether to purchase them to try them out. The research is to find out how to eat the item and the health benefits of the item.

Thursday, 01/08/2026: Posted photo — Rule of Thirds.

This week’s photo topic is the Rule of Thirds. The Rule of Thirds is a compositional guideline that suggests dividing your frame into nine equal parts with two horizontal and two vertical lines, then placing key subjects or elements along these lines or at their intersections.

In this photo, I have lined up the gatehouse with one of the vertical lines and the top of the falls with one of the horizontal lines. The rule of thirds is a technic that I attempt to use in all my photos.

Friday, 01/09/2026: Post photo — String of Lights.

We are taking down our Christmas tree tomorrow, so I just wanted to take one more abstract photo of the lights.

Saturday, 01/10/2026: Post photo — Ice Fishing.

I went to the transfer station, aka the dump, today. It was such a bight morning that I decided to go to Leominster State Forest to take a photo of this tree. As you can see in the photo, there were people on the lake ice fishing. If you look closely, you can also see an outline of a skating rink.

With the warm temperatures from yesterday and today, I do not know if I would trust the ice to be safe. We have had some very cold days, so I guess the ice is thick enough to support people.

That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.

“Sumens imagines consolateur et inspirat me. Pulchritudinem mundi video per camera mean.”

“Quod scripsi, scripsi. Ingeniarius sum, non scriptor.”

.–. …. — – — -… -.– .— — … . .–. …. -.-. .. .-. .- …

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January 4, 2026

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Photographic Thoughts — 12/28/2025 to 01/03/2026

“Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.” — Henri Cartier-Bresson

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.

Little to now words this week. I have been busy with the holiday and with hiking.

Sunday, 12/28/2025: Posted photo — Music.

Music from today’s mass.

Monday, 12/29/2025: Posted photo — Covered Bridge.

This is the covered bridge at the Old Mill. We were there yesterday for the memorial dinner for my wife’s aunt’s birthday.

Tuesday, 12/30/2025: Posted photo — Falls.

Falls at the Old Mill.

Wednesday, 12/31/2025: Posted photo — Gazebo.

The gazebo at the center of town. I stopped by on my way to my before New Year’s Day hike incase the weather did not cooperate in the morning.

Thursday, 01/01/2026: Posted photo — New Year’s Hike.

A photo of me from yesterday’s hike. We received snow in the morning and it was too dangerous to drive to the trail head for the hike. My street was not plowed at the time I needed to leave for the hike.

Friday, 01/02/2026: Post photo — Icefalls.

Some wonderful icefalls seen during a hike on Wachusett Mountain.

Saturday, 01/03/2026: Post photo — AMC Mount Monadnock.

Today I was co-leading a hike on Mount Monadnock. The AMC has a winter hiker series that starts out with new winter hikers attending a winter hiking workshop. That leads to a Track I hike, easier hikes on flat to semi flat trails. Today was a Track II hike, one that involves more technical hiking for higher elevations. For the Track II, full winter hiking equipment was used — microspikes, crampons, shoe shoes, goggles, and some rope work. This was the first time some of the hikers attempted winter hikes that were more technical. Everyone did great.

That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.

“Sumens imagines consolateur et inspirat me. Pulchritudinem mundi video per camera mean.”

“Quod scripsi, scripsi. Ingeniarius sum, non scriptor.”

.–. …. — – — -… -.– .— — … . .–. …. -.-. .. .-. .- …

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December 28, 2025

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Photographic Thoughts — 12/21/2025 to 12/27/2025

“Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.” — Henri Cartier-Bresson

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.

Sunday, 12/21/2025: Posted photo — George S Hutchings Organ.

This organ is in the Ashburnham Community Church. I was at the church this afternoon for Lessons and Carols. Lessons and Carols is a service of Scripture and song that dates to the late 19th century. There are nine brief Scripture lessons, which recount the Fall, the promise of a Messiah, the Birth of Jesus, the Shepherds, the Wise Men, and the Incarnation. Each lesson is followed by a carol or other song that reflects on the lesson’s message and a brief prayer.

Back to the organ, the organ was made in 1886 by George Hutchings of Boston, who later made the first organ at Boston’s Symphony Hall. The organ came to the church from an organ clearing house, and between its previous home and the clearing house, it lost its casing.

Monday, 12/22/2025: Posted photo — Day Hike.

I took the opportunity today to hike during the day. I am taking vacation time this week and next week to relax for the holidays. It has been a while since I led a hike during the day. We attempted to get to the summit before sunset. We did not, since there were patches of ice on the trail. There was not enough ice to wear micospikes, so we had to carefully bear boot along the trail.

Next week I will be hiking even earlier in the day. Hiking during the day will allow more people to join me and possibly break in their new hiking equipment that they may receive during the holiday.

Tuesday, 12/23/2025: Posted photo — Sunset After Glow.

Still did not make it to the summit for sunset. I arrived at the summit just after sunset, during golden hour.

Here is the different types of natural light depending on the Sun elevation:

Day: Elevation higher than 6°.
Golden hour: Elevation between 6° and -4°.
Blue hour: Elevation between -4° and -6°.
Civil twilight: Elevation between 0° and -6°.
Nautical twilight: Elevation between -6° and -12°.
Astronomical twilight: Elevation between -12° and -18°.
Night: Elevation lower than -18°.

Wednesday, 12/24/2025: Posted photo — Christmas Eve.

I hope every has a wonderful holiday season. Our family celebrates both Hanukkah and Christmas.

Time to enjoy family and friends.

Thursday, 12/25/2025: Posted photo — Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas to those who celebrate. Happy Holidays for those who celebrated Hanukkah or another holiday this time of year.

“For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.” Luke 2:11

Jesus was born for all of us. Not just for the rich, not just the poor, all of us. It does not matter the color of your skin, your immigration status, your wealth, your political beliefs, all of us.

He was born into poverty, under harsh conditions, to show us that we make ourselves into what we believe and how we would want others to treat us. We should not be influenced by others, only the teaching of Jesus and scripture. Our true character is based on our own belief and should not be the belief of other false prophets or gods.

“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14

“In becoming man, Jesus took upon himself our fragility, identifying with each one of us: with those who have nothing left and have lost everything, with those who are prey to hunger and poverty, with those who are fleeing their homeland to seek a future elsewhere, with those who have lost their jobs and those who are looking for work, with those who are exploited, with those in prison, who often live in inhumane conditions.” Pope Leo XIV

Friday, 12/26/2025: Post photo — Yellow Rose.

One of the meanings of a yellow rose is for a sign of remembrance. This time of year, I remember the loss of our daughter by putting a rose on our tree.

I took this photo as a gift to her since I was drawn to its arrangement.

Saturday, 12/27/2025: Post photo — Ginger Roots.

Here are some health benefits of ginger roots that I have found online.

Popular Digestive Aid: Settles Stomach Issues
Therapy for Nausea: Reduces Motion Sickness and More
Powerful Anti-inflammatory: Reduces Joint Pain and Relieves Arthritis
Provides Pain Relief: Soothes Migraines and Menstrual Pain
Anti-tumor Properties: Successful in Killing Cancer Cells
Anti-diabetic Compounds: Lowers Blood Sugar and Increases Insulin Release
Heals the Heart: Treats a Variety of Cardiovascular Conditions
Relieves Respiratory Disorders: Effective in Treating Asthma
Immunity-booster: Reduces Coughs and Colds
Potent Antioxidant: Slows Down DNA Damage

That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.

“Sumens imagines consolateur et inspirat me. Pulchritudinem mundi video per camera mean.”

“Quod scripsi, scripsi. Ingeniarius sum, non scriptor.”

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photobyjosephciras

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December 21, 2025

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hiking, Nature, Photography, religion, Thoughts

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Photographic Thoughts — 12/14/2025 to 12/20/2025

“Taking pictures is savoring life intensely, every hundredth of a second.” — Marc Riboud

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.

Sunday, 12/14/2025: Posted photo — Third Sunday of Advent.

The Third Sunday of Advent, called Gaudete Sunday. The color for this Sunday is rose symbolizing for us rejoice since the Christ child is coming soon.

Monday, 12/15/2025: Posted photo — Blowing Snow.

The new lift is getting ready for operation on Wachusett Mountain. They were making snow tonight near the lift to prepare for its opening.

It was a wonderful night to get out and hike. I like to hike in the winter since you do not have to deal with the rocks on the trails. I put on my microspikes and covered tonight’s four mile loop in about an hour and a half.

Tuesday, 12/16/2025: Posted photo — Driveway.

This is my neighbor’s driveway. I like photographing it every winter. I will most likely photograph it a few more times over the next few months. Because of its length, I think it looks like a typical winter scene here in New England.

Wednesday, 12/17/2025: Posted photo — Santa.

My in-law’s house has many Santa’s. My father-in-law is Santa during the holiday season. Many children look at him at awe during the year since they are near Santa.

We were over their house after the latest snowstorm shoveling out their driveway and walkway. They do not need to be out in the snow and walking on the slippery ground.

Thursday, 12/18/2025: Posted photo — Sunrise.

Here is a photo of the sunrise from my office. The sunrise looked better in the clouds when I looked to the west than when I looked to the east to see it.

Nature always seems to impress and surprise me. Sunrises and sunsets are similar, yet two are never the same.

Friday, 12/19/2025: Post photo — Getting Ready.

More snow making as the lift is getting ready to open.

Saturday, 12/20/2025: Post photo — Holiday Bouquet.

While out shopping, I saw this holiday bouquet. What caught my eye was the balloon liking decorations. I took this photo since I liked the colors of the decorations withing the flowers.

That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.

“Sumens imagines consolateur et inspirat me. Pulchritudinem mundi video per camera mean.”

“Quod scripsi, scripsi. Ingeniarius sum, non scriptor.”

.–. …. — – — -… -.– .— — … . .–. …. -.-. .. .-. .- …

Posted by

photobyjosephciras

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December 7, 2025

Posted under

hiking, Nature, Photography, religion, Thoughts

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Photographic Thoughts — 11/30/2025 to 12/06/2025

“Photography is the story I fail to put into words.” — Destin Sparks

Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.

Short descriptions this week. I have been tired and have not had the opportunity I would like to better describe my thoughts for taking these photos. Refer to this week’s quote.

Sunday, 11/30/2025: Posted photo — First Sunday of Advent.

This photo was taken before the Advent candles were lit after I put up the numbers for the hymns. Advent is a time for hopeful anticipation, looking forward to the future with a spirit of expectancy.

Monday, 12/01/2025: Posted photo — Hiding Mouse.

During tonight’s hike, I saw this mouse hiding under a rock. I was expecting to move when I approached. As I put my light on the mouse, it just stayed still so I took out my phone and took its photo. A few weeks ago, the same thing happened on my hike with a frog. The frog did not move when I put my light on it.

Tuesday, 12/02/2025: Posted photo — Cottage.

We spent some time on Sunday afternoon finishing the closing of our cottage. We took the boats in and put in the storm door. The cottage is only a three-season cottage. We used it in the winter when going ice skating. I have not done that in a while. I need to get back to using it more.

As an interesting note, the cottage now sits on the west side of the lake. It was built on the eastern side of the lake. One winter, many years ago, it was brought to its current location by being moved over the ice.

Wednesday, 12/03/2025: Posted photo — Commute Home.

I love my commute home during the winter. Most of the time it involves a quiet hike in the woods. I especially like it when I break trail with my snowshoes.

My house is not far from the Mid State Trail. The Midstate Trail is a 92-mile hiking trail that extends from Rhode Island to the Wapack Trail in New Hampshire. I have hiked most of the northern section of the trial and have not spent much time hiking in the southern section.

Thursday, 12/04/2025: Posted photo — Snowshoeing.

More snowshoeing photos to show you. This was on my commute home in the heavy snow. You can see snow falling in this photo. It almost looks like it is raining.

Friday, 12/05/2025: Post photo — Icicles.

It is a very frigid day today. The temperatures were in the low single digits (deg F) this morning and is not expected to be much warmer. The cold does not bother me since I have the clothing to keep me warm.

Even with the cold temperatures, the sun is melting some icicles leading to droplets. This is not the best photo of the droplet but is the first of many icicle photos I plan on taking this winter.

Saturday, 12/06/2025: Post photo — Last Load of Wood.

Yesterday I received a text from my wife saying that we just received a load of wood. I was surprised since I did not let my wood guy know that we were ready for it. My son’s car was in the driveway at the time, so the delivery driver must have been very experienced.

This morning my son had a couple of cousins, and a friend came over to help. I was working on stacking the wood when the help showed up. So, I let the youngsters do the work while I did other things around the house.

Here is a photo of the wood stacked up. We can put five cords of wood into our four cord woodshed. We still had to stack about a half a cord outside the woodshed and we have burnt almost a half a cord already this winter since it has been bitterly cold at times.

That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.

“Sumens imagines consolateur et inspirat me. Pulchritudinem mundi video per camera mean.”

“Quod scripsi, scripsi. Ingeniarius sum, non scriptor.”

.–. …. — – — -… -.– .— — … . .–. …. -.-. .. .-. .- …