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February 2, 2025

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2025

“The best thing about a picture is that it never changes, even when the people in it do.” — Andy Warhol

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

Sunday, 01/26/2025: Posted photo — Something Old.

Photo challenge of the week — Something old.

Many have posted old house, jewelry, or other items. I have posted a Cub Scout award that my brother received back in the 1960’s. My brother would have aged out of Cub Scouts in 1961 making this 64 years old. I have this memento to remember him along with some other items from his youth and his time in the Peace Corps in the late 1960’s.

Monday, 01/27/2025: Posted photo — Sunset.

This was taken just as is leaving the office. The colors were past peak but still wonderful to see this time of year. This was the first opportunity that I had to take a sunset photo as I was leaving work. As the days get longer, I am looking forward to getting on the local mountain and seeing the sunset from the summit.

Tuesday, 01/28/2025: Posted photo — Garlic.

Another shopping day. I tend to do my grocery shopping on Tuesday nights. The only time I do not is when I go hiking with the Tuesday night hiking group.

Garlic can reduce the severity of common cold symptoms, helping manage cholesterol and blood pressure, boosting heart health, and reducing the risk of liver injury.

Wednesday, 01/29/2025: Posted photo — Sunrise.

We had a few inches of light, fluffy snow last night. It was snowing off and on during the day with little more accumulation that in the morning. Since there was overcast sky this morning, the sun was just poking through the clouds.

I also took this photo of the flag against the snow. The flag was changed today since the high winds of the last few days had torn it.

Thursday, 01/30/2025: Posted photo — Boots.

Went to a new store near us. It was called the Boot Barn. I wanted to go into see if they had any hiking boots. They did not (not that I saw).

When I walked into the store, I felt like I was back in Houston Texas. The store was full of cowboy boots and hats. It did have some work boots, but most of the store had the ranch theme. I do not know how long the store will be there since there are not many ranchers in our area, but I did find the price of the shoes and hats as expected.

I thought of my niece and her children when I saw these boots. She lives in Washington state and lives on a farm with her family. She loves cowboy boots and pink.

Friday, 01/31/2025: Post photo — Blue Sky.

This week’s theme is blue. We had some snow last night and the sun was out today. I took a photo of the blue sky. Nice contrast between the snow, trees, and the sky.

Saturday, 02/01/2025: Post photo — Flowers.

Some flowers to close out this tiring week. Been editing procedures this week at work and have not gotten much sleep.

I almost fell asleep writing this.

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

“Sumens imagines consolatur et inspirat me.”

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January 26, 2025

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Photographic Thoughts — 01/19/2025 to 01/25/ 2025

“No place is boring, if you’ve had a good night’s sleep and have a pocket full of unexposed film” — Robert Adams

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

Sunday, 01/19/2025: Posted photo — Leading Lines.

Photo challenge of the week — Leading Lines. I took many photos today to try to fit this theme. This was the winner. The lines are leading you down the seawall along the beach at Hampton Beach NH.

It was a cool day to be on the beach. When walking with the wind to my back, it felt warm. When I was walking into a headwind, you can tell it was frigid outside with the wind chill.

Monday, 01/20/2025: Posted photo — Cigar Box Guitar.

My bother made this one and just electrified it. He made one for one of his granddaughters during the summer and wanted to make one for himself.

As you can tell by the inscription, he is also a hiker. He was the past chairperson of the local chapter of the AMC and is now on the AMC Board of Directors.

Tuesday, 01/21/2025: Posted photo — Dekopon Mandarin.

Imagine the perfect citrus — super easy to peel, extra juicy and amazingly sweet. This is a hybrid of the satsuma, navel and mandarin orange varieties developed in 1970’s.

I have posted many times before, the supermarket that I go to every week has a great assortment of fruits and vegetables. I like taking photos of them and doing research on them before purchasing them.

Wednesday, 01/22/2025: Posted photo — Coating a Japanese Yew.

Some snow on a Japanese Yew at my office. I like the contrast of colors.

Thursday, 01/23/2025: Posted photo — Moon from Office Window.

I looked out my office window last week and saw the full moon. I took out my camera and took a photo for the moon through the office window.

I have people tell me that my moon photos are great and they wished I had something in the foreground, do I took this photo with the branches in the foreground.

Friday, 01/24/2025: Post photo — New Hampshire Marine Memorial.

“It started as a grave marker… and became a monument!” This started out from a father wanting a grave marker for his son lost at sea in 1945. What his efforts brought after many years of endeavor, was a memorial at Hampton Beach to all New Hampshire sons and daughters lost or buried at sea during World War II.

This monument is across the street from the location of a cubing event that took place last weekend. I saw this monument as we entered for the competition and I went out to take it before the snow.

Saturday, 01/25/2025: Post photo — Training Hike.

Today I held a training hike to introduce people into winter hiking. I know that we are part way through the season but it was the first opportunity for a training hike. A few weeks ago, we (the Wachusett Hikers) had a conference call with people that wanted to learn about winter hiking. It was an informative call and some people wanted a hike planned to practice we talked about.

I set up this hike to be the training hike. There were some that signed up for the hike and canceled last minute, as with typical hikes. Even if there were only one person signed up, I was going to do this hike. The temperature today was in the low 20’s (F) and the sun was shinning. This was so far the warmest day of the week.

I showed them my full winter gear and talked about which item was needed for local hikes and upcountry hikes. We also discussed layering for heat control, how to used microspikes, what type of microspikes to purchase and what type not to purchase, how to keep your water from freezing, how to properly adjust their hiking poles and how to use them properly, and other topics. It was a great hike and it made the two hikers that joined me more confident in their abilities. That was the main purpose of the hike.

As a bonus, we saw a bald eagle flying at the summit. By the time I took out my phone camera, it had flown out of range.

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

“Sumens imagines consolatur et inspirat me.”

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January 19, 2025

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Photographic Thoughts — 01/12/2025 to 01/18/ 2025

“It’s weird that photographers spend years or even a whole lifetime, trying to capture moments that added together, don’t even amount to a couple of hours.” — James Lalropui Keivom

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

This week will only be photos. Did some commentaries on my photos that I wanted to post this week, but did not have the opportunity to finish so I am posting only photos. I will finish this week’s photos for next week’s blog.

Sunday, 01/12/2025: Posted photo — Grand Tetons.

Monday, 01/13/2025: Posted photo — Alaska.

Tuesday, 01/14/2025: Posted photo — Bird in Bryce Canyon.

Wednesday, 01/15/2025: Posted photo — Route 66.

Thursday, 01/16/2025: Posted photo — Glen Canyon Dam.

Friday, 01/17/2025: Post photo — Mesa Arch.

Saturday, 01/18/2025: Post photo — Olympic National Park.

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

“Sumens imagines consolatur et inspirat me.”

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January 5, 2025

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Photographic Thoughts — 12/22/2024 to 12/28/2024

“Photography has nothing to do with cameras.” — Lucas Gentry

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

Sunday, 12/29/2024: Posted photo — Jicama.

I was looking for information on this vegetable that I saw while out shopping today. I found this information on webmd.com: “Jicama is a root vegetable with thick, brown skin and white flesh. It tastes like an apple but not as sweet. It’s a bit like a potato but with a lot fewer carbs. The jicama plant grows mostly in Mexico and Central America on a long vine. But the part you eat is the root.”

This was another vegetable that I saw and did not purchase. I want to find out more about the foods that I purchase and their nutritional values before I try something new.

Monday, 12/30/2024: Posted photo — Monday Night Hike.

We had a very warm day today. Most of the ice and snow that were in our yard and on the mountain have melted and have been washed away. The streams on the mountain were flowing almost as fast as they do in the spring. The trails were very muddy and wet.

For the route tonight, I brought the group by the ski area. As members of the group were taking photos, one of the regular hikers on the mountain came off the lift. His alter ego is working for the ski patrol. He came off the lift shortly after I took this photo. The mountain must have had a good base since they lost a lot of snow with the temperature change.

Tuesday, 12/31/2024: Posted photo — New Year’s Eve.

This is a tradition at my house. My wife, son, niece and her husband (one of my son’s friends) come over to do a puzzle. This year was a mystery puzzle. You solve the puzzle and them separate part of the puzzle to solve another puzzle that fits inside that one. Hard to explain. I do not help solve the puzzles since my mind wonders too much.

The did not finish the puzzle last night. The puzzle was finished on New Year’s Day.

Wednesday, 01/01/2025: Post photo — Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all. 2025 will be an eventful year.

Let’s up that people have the Moxie to stand up for our freedom.

Be safe out there and be kind to others. John 13:34: “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” It does not say protest or discriminate against those who are different than us.

Thursday, 01/02/2025: Posted photo — Worcester City Hall.

Worcester City Hall. Worcester MA is the second largest city in New England and is my home town. The top ten cities in New England are: Boston MA (population 675,647), Worcester MA (population 206,518), Providence RI (population 190,934), Springfield MA (population 155,929), Bridgeport CT (population 148,654), Stamford CT (population 135,470), New Haven CT (population 134,023), Hartford CT (population 121,054), Cambridge MA (population 118,403), and Manchester NH (population 115,644). The biggest city in Maine is Portland (population 68,408) and ranks 29 in New England. The largest city in Vermont is Burlington (population 44,743) and ranks 59. There are 154 cities and towns in New England with a population over 25,000 based on the 2020 census.

Some history city hall: “Worcester City Hall was designed by Peabody & Stearns and built by the Norcross Brothers in 1898. The Italianate structure was built with a granite exterior, and was partly modeled after Italian Renaissance palazzos. The building was built on the site of the Old South Meeting House, which was the original town hall. The Old South Meeting House was built in 1763 and was the site where Isaiah Thomas first read the Declaration of Independence in New England in 1776.”

Friday, 01/03/2025: Post photo — Sunrise Hike.

It was raining out on New Year’s morning so my traditional New Year’s sunrise hike was canceled. It was rescheduled until tomorrow, but I can not make that hike. I decided to do my sunrise hike this morning.

It was a cold morning and the sunrise was spectacular. The best one this year and one of the better ones in my lifetime. Here is a photo of me enjoying it. I do not know how to take selfies, so forgive the poor photo.

Saturday, 01/04/2025: Post photo — Moon and Venus.

I received a text message for a friend asking me to take a photo of the Venus next to the moon since he only uses a cellphone. I went outside and took this photo. Thank you John.

While I was outside taking this photo, two things were happening. The first thing was that the clouds were rolling in so I had to quickly take this photo. I went out later to take more photos, but the moon had already disappeared in the trees or had already set.

The other thing that was happening was that there were coyotes in the woods near my house fighting. I heard one of them warn the other, and then heard the confrontation. The sound was getting very close to me so I went inside. When I could no longer hear them from inside my house, I went outside to take more moon photos. That is when I noticed that the moon was in the clouds. I went out later and did not see the moon since it either was already set or was too far into the trees for me to see it.

That is it for now. Stay safe.

Happy New Years to all and wishing everyone a safe 2025.

“Sumens imagines consolatur et inspirat me.”

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December 29, 2024

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Photographic Thoughts — 12/22/2024 to 12/28/2024

“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 keeps me inspired.

Sunday, 12/22/2024: Posted photo — Never too Old.

You are never too old to believe. This is our son with Santa, his grandfather. My nieces and nephews all know that my father-in-law is the real Santa.

On a sadder note, I found out today that my college roommate passed from COVID a couple of years ago. I wished him a happy birthday on Facebook and a mutual friend let me know he passed. So sad that someone so young died from an illness that some people claim does not exist. COVID is real! Be safe.

Monday, 12/23/2024: Posted photo — Weather Front.

Here is a photo of a weather front that came through the area today. I like the look of weather fronts, the crisp line that creates them.

Here is a bonus photos of how some people feel so close to the holidays.

Tuesday, 12/24/2024: Posted photo — Possible White Christmas.

Here is a photo of my neighbor’s driveway. I just love the way the driveway looks in the winter. It is even better with tire tracks.

A white Christmas is a Christmas when there is snow on the ground or it is snowing on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve. The National Weather Service (NWS) defines a white Christmas as at least one inch of snow on the ground at 7 AM local time on Christmas morning. The last white Christmas in our area was in 2009. We had a little snow last night and there might be some more tonight.

Wednesday, 12/25/2024: Post photo — Christmas and Hanukkah.

Merry Christmas to all. Happy first day of Hanukkah.

We have an official white Christmas this year. This was a great year for this hiker. I received new MSR Lightning Explorer snowshoes, CAMP crampons, and heated socks. Friday I will be picking up a new to me ice axe. I should be ready for my above tree line winter training on Saturday.

Jesus celebrated Hanukkah, and it’s mentioned in the New Testament. At that time, Hanukkah was called “the Feast of Dedication” because it commemorated the dedication of the Temple. My family celebrated both Christmas and Hanukkah.

Thursday, 12/26/2024: Posted photo — Day after Hike.

It was a wonderful sunny day today. The temperature was cool and the air was refreshing. I went on a hike today during the day for the first time in a long time. The trails had heavy ice on them in some of the typical locations.

It was a practice hike for me. I had a full pack on me to practice carrying heavier weight. I wanted to carry the weight to practice for my above treeline leadership/safety training on Saturday.

Friday, 12/27/2024: Post photo — Headstone.

I had a day off today so I went to a neighboring town to pick up some supplies for tomorrow’s training hike. On the way back, I went to visit my parents, paternal grandparents, one of my aunts, one of my uncles, and by brother to wish them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

This gave me an opportunity to see if my brother’s name was on his headstone. It was.

Saturday, 12/28/2024: Post photo — Hike.

Today was a training hike for AMC up-country winter leadership. This was also a practice hike for next weekend when the AMC is leading some hiked up Mount Monadnock. All of the participants for this hike were AMC up-country winter leaders. I was the only Leader-in-Training that went on the hike. The other LIT’s could not make it for various meetings. This was a very good training in leading winter hikes and included the use of crampons. I expect to be fully certified by the end of the winter.

The summit was fogged in and there were winds of an estimated 40 mph. We were dressed for it so the weather did not bother the members of the group. These photos do not show how windy it was on the summit.

An Up-Country Hike is defined as a hike (offered within the state of Massachusetts) that is over 8 miles in length or over 1000 feet of elevation gain or any hike offered outside the state of Massachusetts. A winter hike is defined as any hike that takes place during the time period between December 1 and March 31.

That is it for now. Stay safe.

Happy New Years to all.

“Sumens imagines consolatur et inspirat me.”

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December 22, 2024

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Photographic Thoughts — 12/15/2024 to 12/21/2024

“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 keeps me inspired.

Little words this week. I was busy getting work done before the holidays.

Sunday, 12/15/2024: Posted photo — Advent.

The altar setup before Advent Mass. This is the third Sunday of Advent.

Monday, 12/16/2024: Posted photo — Wachusett Mountain.

The view of Wachusett Mountain from the summit of North Pack Monadnock.

Tuesday, 12/17/2024: Posted photo — Pattern.

Some interesting pattern on my car door this morning. It is starting to get cold. There will be a 40 degree F drop in temperature over the next few days.

Wednesday, 12/18/2024: Post photo — Ornaments.

Some ornaments on a tree.

Thursday, 12/19/2024: Posted photo — Roses.

Some roses to brighten your day.

Friday, 12/20/2024: Post photo — Colorize.

I attempted to do a different colorization today. Normally I would colorize using black and white. Today I wanted to use sepia.

Saturday, 12/21/2024: Post photo — Simplicity.

This week’s theme is simplicity in black and white. This is my submittal for the week.

That is it for now. Stay safe.

Happy holidays to all.

“Sumens imagines consolatur et inspirat me.”

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December 15, 2024

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Photographic Thoughts — 12/08/2024 to 12/14/2024

“If you see something that moves you, and then snap it, you keep a moment.” — Linda McCartney

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

Sunday, 12/08/2024: Posted photo — Organ.

Organ music is played at church because it has a historical association with religious ceremonies, its powerful and sustained sound is well-suited to accompany congregational singing, and it is considered a dignified and solemn instrument that enhances the atmosphere of worship.

In my younger days, I played the organ at church when I was a college undergrad. I also played keyboards in a jazz band in high school. It has been a while since I have played the organ. The one in my house is an older model that needs tubes and some of the broken tubes are hard to find.

Monday, 12/09/2024: Posted photo — Candle.

Candles represent the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Magi to Jesus’s birthplace. The candlelight symbolizes the light of Christ coming into the world and the hope he brought.

In our church we have candles with real flames and candles with fake flames. The real flames are on the altar and represent the presence of God at the altar and at the tabernacle. The fake flames, such as the one in this photo, are placed on the windowsills near the stained glass and in areas were there might be a fire hazard. I am a traditionalist and like the real flames but understand the reason for safety for the fake flames.

Tuesday, 12/10/2024: Posted photo — Droplet.

It was slightly warmer today than normal. It was in the high 50’s F and low 60’s F. This causes the icicles to melt causing droplets.

If you have been following me for a while, you know that I try to post droplet photos at least once a year. I do this to practice my high-speed photography.

Wednesday, 12/11/2024: Post photo — Sunrise.

I know, I know — would Joe get creative and stop posting sunrise photos? Well, I was not going to post one this week.

I was at my office on the west side of the building and saw the red trees outside my window. I walked to the other side of the building, took out my cell phone, and took this photo.

Thursday, 12/12/2024: Posted photo — Wabi Sabi.

Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic, philosophy, and way of life that embraces imperfection and transience.

I found beauty in these old roses. They were dried out and I just liked the delicateness and textures in them.

Friday, 12/13/2024: Post photo — Sensor Check.

Every once and a while I check the sensor on my camera to see if it needs cleaning. You can tell if a sensor needs cleaning because there will be some smudges, sometime hard to see smudges, on the sensor.

Looking at this photo, my sensor looks clean. The only thing that I see is a little vignetting in the corners. This might have been caused by my lens hood. Vignetting is a photographic effect that occurs when the edges of an image are darker than the center. A lens hood is primarily used to block stray light from hitting the lens, preventing unwanted lens flare and improving image contrast by shading the front element. The vignetting occurs when I zoom in to closely to an object and the camera’s angle of view is wider than the opening in my lens hood.

Saturday, 12/14/2024: Post photo — North Pack Monadnock.

North Pack Monadnock or North Pack Monadnock Mountain is a 2,276-foot monadnock in south-central New Hampshire, at the northern end of the Wapack Range of mountains. It lies within Greenfield and Temple, New Hampshire; the 22-mile Wapack Trail traverses the mountain. We hike along the Wapack trail during today’s hike doing a 5.5 mile loop.

Today I co-lead a hike up North Pack Monadnock with the AMC. It was my first official upcountry winter hike lead. I need one more lead to be fully certified as an upcountry four season hiking leader. I have hikes and lead hikes upcountry. I decided to make it official this year.

The hike was a learning hike for participants. We were hoping for snow so that we could practice snowshoeing but there was just ice due to this week’s rain and warmer temperatures. We had everyone carry their snowshoes so that they could practice carrying weight. We did have a great day teaching how to use microspikes. Some have never used them properly previously.

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

“Sumens imagines consolatur et inspirat me.”

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December 8, 2024

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Photographic Thoughts — 12/01/2021 to 12/07/2024

“Most things in life are moments of pleasure and a lifetime of embarrassment; photography is a moment of embarrassment and a lifetime of pleasure.” — Tony Benn

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

Sunday, 12/01/2024: Posted photo — Stained Glass Window.

This is the first Sunday in advent.

Here are some photos from around out church.

Monday, 12/02/2024: Posted photo — Sunrise.

Another week, another sunrise photo.

I will keep taking them as long as I can before the time of the sunrise does not allow for it.

Tuesday, 12/03/2024: Posted photo — Joke.

Shopping night. Here are some fruit. These are quick photos since I needed to get ready for my trip to Ohio this week. One of these photos reminds me of end of a knock-knock joke. As I write this, I realize I missed my opportunity for the full joke.

I have been busy at work, attempting to get more work done so when I return from my vacation, my backlog will not be so great.

Wednesday, 12/04/2024: Posted photo — Wood Stove.

Settings: FLIR i5, ISO n/a, f/na, 1/30 s, 7 mm.

Some of you may know that I own an infrared camera. This camera takes photo of heat signatures of object. I use it to look at insulation in houses and efficiencies at power generating plants. Occasionally I use it to take artistic photos. Some of these photos are of footprints, handprints, car engines, warm tires, and even have used it as a stud finder.

Once or twice a year, I use it to check out my wood stove. My wood stove is old and not as efficient as some of the newer stoves. It is just a steel box with an exhaust pipe. One item that I often check is the temperature given on the stovepipe thermometer. This is a thermometer that has a magnetic backing and just sticks to the stove pipe. To my surprise, that thermometer and my thermal camera normally show the same temperature. The 518°F (250°C) temperature reading is the maximum temperature my camera can detect. The brand name of our stove is Nashua. You can just make out the name near the center of the photo next to the pointer.

Thursday, 12/05/2024: Posted photo — Snow.

We left today go to Columbus OH to see our nephew dance with the Columbus Dance Theatre.

Here is some history from their web page: “COLUMBUS DANCE THEATRE (CDT) is a unique voice for dance in Columbus with work born out of a rich background in ballet, contemporary and modern dance, music and theatre. As a professional arts organization, CDT produces high-quality work in an intimate environment. CDT prides itself on creating collaborations with new and upcoming artists of all art mediums and has collaborated with many visual and musical artists local to the city. The work of the company is new, fresh, and innovative, offering central Ohio audiences a cutting edge performance experience.”

We left our house in a snow storm. The storm was ending and we had to drive through the snow most of the trip until we were in Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio.

Some photos of the snow around our house before we departed.

Friday, 12/06/2024: Post photo — Wonderment.

Our nephew did his last lead in the Columbus Dance Theatre’s production of Wonderment. He is aging out of the roll of Kai. This is the fourth year of this production. We went to Columbus four years ago for the world premier. His photo is not in the program since he is only in the intensive training program.

Here are photos from around the theatre.

Saturday, 12/07/2024: Post photo — Anchor.

Settings: Canon EOS 60D, ISO 400, f/9, 1/1600 s, 18 mm.

“Yesterday, December 7, 1941— a date which will live in infamy— the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by the naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.” — FDR. Thus started the United States entry into World War II.

This photo is from my second visit to Pearl Harbor. It still amazes me that there is oil floating out of the USS Arizona. Looking back, I posted the same photos a year ago. This is from that post — “’This anchor was recovered from the Arizona. The ship had three anchors. The crew used one in calm seas and two in foul weather, the third as a spare. Each weigh nearly 10 tons.’ This are the words on a placard near the USS Arizona Anchor at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument in Hawaii. The sacrifice these men and women made to make our country the great country it is today.”

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

“Sumens imagines consolatur et inspirat me.”

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December 1, 2024

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Photographic Thoughts — 11/24/2024 to 11/30/2024

“Once you learn to care, you can record images with your mind or on film. There is no difference between the two.” — Anonymous

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

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.

Sunday, 11/24/2024: Posted photo — Gospel Cover.

When one of the two churches in town closed a few years ago, the Gospel cover was saved and is used in my parish. This is an ornate and heavy cover. The figure in the center is St. Nicholas. If I am incorrect, please let me know in the comments below.

Every week I put up the numbers for the hymns that will be sung for my wife. This week this cover was inspiring me to take its photo.

Monday, 11/25/2024: Posted photo — Looking Up.

It was a cold and windy day on the summit this week. I was attempting to take a photo of the stars. It looks like my headlamp washed out the photo. I have the red light on in an attempt not to interfere with the exposure.

You should use a red light on your headlight bulb when you need to preserve your night vision while navigating in the dark, like when camping, hiking at night, or reading a map, as red light has minimal impact on your eyes’ ability to adjust to darkness compared to white light; essentially, you would use it when you want to see without blinding yourself or significantly disrupting your night vision.

When I camp in dark sky areas, I always use my red light. When I stop at trail junctions, I use my red light so that I do not blind the other people in the group.

Tuesday, 11/26/2024: Posted photo — Kiwi.

The topic for my 52 week photo project this week is low key. Last week the topic was high key.

Low Key photography is creating a frame that is mostly dark unlike last week when the frame was mostly light. Last week I took the roses into GIMP and turned them into a high key photo. This week I took the kiwis into GIMP and made them low key.

Here are the before and after photos.

Wednesday, 11/27/2024: Post photo — Pomegranate.

Pomegranates are rich in polyphenols. There is some evidence that polyphenols help protect against diseases in your heart and blood vessels. Polyphenols may have many health benefits, including Antioxidant properties, Lower risk of type 2 diabetes and Reduced risk of heart disease.

When I make my fruit salad for the holidays, I like to put pomegranate seeds in them for a touch of color.

Thursday, 11/28/2024: Posted photo — Rutabaga.

Research on rutabagas below.

Rutabagas and turnips look similar, but they are not identical. Rutabagas are large, more yellowish, and only grow in cool climates. Meanwhile, turnips are small, usually have a reddish tinge, and grow in a variety of climates.

Rutabagas are high in vitamin C and fiber which makes them a great alternative to potatoes in a low-carb diet. One cup of boiled and cubed rutabaga contains 12 grams of carbohydrates, while the same amount of boiled and cubed potatoes contains 31 grams of carbohydrates.

With Thanksgiving today, I wanted to post a photo of a food that many people may not have on their table today. Thanksgiving is a celebration of gratitude and reflection on blessings. The holiday’s origins are rooted in the first Thanksgiving feast in 1621, when the Wampanoag people and the Pilgrims shared a meal to give thanks for the successful harvest.

Friday, 11/29/2024: Post photo — Sunrise.

I took this photo on Wednesday and wanted to share it this week.

Today is what is known as Black Friday. It was that day that shops put on special sales for the holiday season. Now Black Friday starts after Halloween, so this day is not as crazy as it was. I can remember people not sleeping or camping out in front of stores to get the item of their choice.

To counter the craziness of this day, I am posting a peaceful sunrise photo. The sunrise was not as spectacular as it was last week, but the colors in the clouds warranted a photo.

Saturday, 11/30/2024: Post photo — Dusting.

We has a dusting of snow last night. It is nice to see a little snow covering. Waiting on the first snow fall of the season so that I can go snowshoeing and winter hiking.

The winter hiking season officially starts tomorrow, December 1. I will be going for my upcountry winter hiking leader certification this year. Once completed, I will be a four season local and a four season upcountry hiking leader. Looking forward to the challenge. I will not be as young as some of the leader, but I will be having fun. I have hiked year round local and upcountry so the additional training I will received this winter will be wonderful.

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

“Sumens imagines consolatur et inspirat me.”

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photobyjosephciras

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November 17, 2024

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hiking, Inspiration, Nature, Photography, Thoughts, Travel

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Photographic Thoughts — 11/10/2024 to 11/16/2024

“Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still.” — Dorothea Lange

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

Sorry for the broken English some weeks. I type as I think and sometimes do not make all the corrections that are needed.

Sunday, 11/10/2024: Posted photo — Moon from Movie Clip.

Last week I noted that I would not post a moon shot unless I took it during the week. I took this one tonight as a movie. One of the features of the AutoStakkert program is that you can take a movie of the moon and then have the program stack all the frames of the movie.

The movie I took tonight was with my “moon” lens and my Canon 60D. This might have come out better if I were to have a tracking telescope, or if I did a better job focusing, but I like to practice with what I have. The wind was also blowing, and the long lens does not like the wind. Also, I do not plan on purchasing a tracking telescope. I have investigated a tracking feature for my camera, but I would not use it enough to justify the cost.

Monday, 11/11/2024: Posted photo — Ring around the Moon.

The temperature was dropping during tonight’s hike. We have not had much rain lately and the clouds were moving in for possible rain showers tonight.

I saw this ring around the moon earlier in the hike and wanted to take a photo of it at the summit. When I saw it earlier, we were in a wooded area. This ring may or may not be a luna halo, I need to look up the official scientific definition.

Tuesday, 11/12/2024: Posted photo — White Pass & Yukon Route Railway.

The White Pass & Yukon Route climbs from sea level in Skagway to almost 3,000 feet at the Summit in just 20 miles and features steep grades of almost 3.9%. The tight curves of the White Pass called for a narrow-gauge railroad.

I have, in the past, posted a photo of one of the mountains that can be seen from the railway. This is a photo of the train as it goes through a valley. Not happy about the washout in the background, but I did not have much time to adjust any camera settings.

Wednesday, 11/13/2024: Posted photo — Navajo Arch.

Navajo Arch sits on a short side trail off the Devils Garden Trail in Arches National Park. The arch is made of Entrada sandstone and sits at the mouth of a small sandy alcove. The tree in this photo looks like it is full of branches, but if you look at it from the other side, the branches have been blown away. The area that I think looks like water, is the sun shining.

The day we did this hike it was over 100 degrees F in the shade. We were hugging the cliff walls during rest stops to keep out of the sun. The rule in the park is one gallon of water per person per day. We had one member of our group, me, carrying most of the extra water, with the other parties in the group carrying their own. This was a spur trail that we took on our way to Double O Arch, the second largest arch in the park, behind Landscape Arch.

Thursday, 11/14/2024: Posted photo — Fire.

I was bored today. It was the coolest day of the week so far and we had a fire in the wood stove. As I was loading wood into the fire, I had and idea of adding texture to a photo. I took a photo of the fire and went into the archives to my texture photos.

This photo is what I came up with. It looks like the photo is sideways, but it is not. This was just after I placed a log in the fire and the log was beginning to burn. The fire was following the contour of the log.

Friday, 11/15/2024: Post photo — Beaver Moon.

This is a composite of 12 photos stacked together with the AutoStakkert program. It is one of my favorite moon photos. I have been taken moon photos for 14 plus years and I am almost happy with one. All I need to do next is to take a full moon photo at moon rise, when it is closer to the horizon, so that it looks big.

The full moon for November is named after beavers because, at this time, they become particularly active in building their winter dams in preparation for the cold season. The beaver is mainly nocturnal, so they work under the light of the Full Moon. This is also the last supermoon of the year. A supermoon occurs when the Moon’s orbit is closest (perigee) to Earth at the same time the Moon is full.

Saturday, 11/16/2024: Post photo — Photo.

Needed one for today so I took a photo of the buttons on our projector.

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

“Sumens imagines consolatur et inspirat me.”