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September 20, 2026

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Photographic Thoughts — 09/13/2026 to 09/19/2026

“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.” — Aaron Siskind

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

Sunday, 09/13/2026: Posted photo — Flags on the 48: South Kingsman.

This is a repost of the commentary from last Saturday. I came back late from the hike and did not post a picture.

I co-lead a hike with the Worcester Chapter of the AMC up South Kingsman for this year’s Flags on the 48 (FOT48). The FOT48 event has been held every year since 9/11/01. It started out with a group of people hiking Mount Liberty to fly the flag shortly after the event. A few more peaks were covered the next year, and then all the peaks after that. The FOT48 is the hiking community’s way to honor the deceased with a tribute: flying the American flag atop all 48 four-thousand foot and higher mountains in New Hampshire for two hours the Saturday closes to September 11. This was my 12th year of doing this hike. I started in 2013 when I hiked Mt. Garfield, only missing a couple due to family events on the day of the hike. I have not yet repeated a peak. I will not fly the flag on all 48 during my lifetime. I will continue hiking in this event if I am able to do so.

It is a very emotional day, and we get many words of thanks and encouragement from other hikers who just happen upon it. Some people plan to hike to see how my summits, and flags, they can see during the day. It is great to take out the binoculars to see the flags flying on nearby peaks.

I have hiked this event in bad weather, high winds, hot and humid weather, cold and raw weather, and ideal weather. When you hike with a fellow group of hikers and friends, the weather does not matter, just the meaning of the event.

Monday, 09/14/2026: Posted photo — Lights on Mount Washington.

For the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Mount Washington sent up two pillars of light.

My brother and I took a trip to see the lights. We did not go near the mountain since there were many people heading towards the lights. We ended up going to the town of Jefferson.

The conditions for taking photos were great. Very dark sky, some clouds, and many stars. The difficulty was focusing. This was the best photo that I took of the lights. They were not as bright as I was imagining them to be.

Tuesday, 09/15/2026: Posted photo – Lonesome Lake.

This is a photo looking over Lonesome Lake looking into Franconia Notch from the AMC Lonesome Lake Hut. The mountains you are looking at are part of the Franconia Range, including Mount Lafayette and Mount Lincoln. the Arabian slave traders are the ones who gave the banana its name.

We stopped at the hut on the way to the summit and down from the summit to refresh our water and to use the facilities instead of the wilderness.

Wednesday, 09/16/2026: Posted photo — Summit Selfie.

Someone took my photo at the summit with the flag in the background. The photo was too backlit, so I took a selfie photo. I am not very good at taking selfies.

The words on the bottom of the flag: “Flag of Honor: This flag contains the names of those killed in the terrorist attacks of 9.11. Now and forever it will represent their immortality. We should never forget them”

Thursday, 09/17/2026: Posted photo — Gourds.

A gourd is a member of the Cucurbitaceae, or cucurbit family, A gourd is a hard-shelled, non-edible fruit related to cucumbers, summer and winter squashes, and pumpkins. We display gourds in the fall to allow them to dry and last as rustic decorations. In several indigenous mythologies the round gourd symbolizes the circle of life, the womb of the mother, and the repository for ancestral spirits.

Friday, 09/18/2026: Posted photo – Apple Pie.

This is one of the 49 apples pies that were baked tonight at our church’s bazaar on Sunday. The bazaar is normally on a Saturday. This year it is on Sunday. The local elementary school allows the use of their kitchen to bake all the pies. Crusts are made in advanced and the filling is prepared while the pies are baking. My job was to wrap the pies.

Saturday’s weather is predicted to be nice. There is predicted rain for most of the day on Sunday.

Saturday, 09/19/2026: Post photo —Wolf’s Milk Slime Mold.

Wolf’s milk slime looks like little, round, reddish pink balls; they exude a pinkish-orange or pinkish-gray paste when popped. It grows in groups on dead wood, especially large logs. They are not edible. Slime molds have inspired the science fiction movie “The Blob” in 1958. These are on some logs that we have in our yard.

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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September 13, 2026

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Photographic Thoughts — 09/06/2026 to 09/12/2026

“You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” — Ansel Adams

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

We also celebrated Labor Day this Monday. Labor Day is, and should always be, a federal holiday and a day off from work. This week was also the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. On Saturday September 12, I did my annual hike for the Flags on the 48 hiking the 4,358 feet South Kinsman Mountain.

Sunday, 09/06/2026: Posted photo — 3D View.

FinePix XP70 XP71 XP75, f/3.9, 1/70 sec, ISO 100

It has been a while since I posted 3D photos. We were at the cottage today, doing some planning on what to do to close it up for the season. We are not closing the cottage until Columbus Day, in about a month.

Do you see the 3D photo of the boats? This is how you should look at this image:

  1. Look at what looks like two identical images.
  2. Cross your eyes. A third image should appear in the middle. If you see 4 images, you’ll have to relax your eyes and cross them less.
  3. Focus on that middle image until it pops out in 3D.

To take a 3D image:

  1. Always take photos in portrait orientation.
  2. Set the camera to full manual and choose the correct exposure and focus.
  3. Put your feet square on to the subject of your 3D photo.
  4. Put your weight onto your right foot, without lifting your left.
  5. Take the first photo.
  6. Put your weight onto your left foot without raising your right.
  7. Unless your subject is very close, you don’t need to turn your camera to keep it in the center.
  8. Take the second photo.

Monday, 09/07/2026: Posted photo — Fish.

Canon EOS R50, f/5.7, 1/332 sec., ISO 2000

Happy Labor Day! Labor Day occurs on first Monday of September. The holiday pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American. It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894. This should always be a holiday and a day to be with family and friends, the ones we work to support.

Now about this fish. I was at the cottage today and saw this fish swimming near our dock. The water is clear in this area since there are not any weeds. The fish was closer to the dock when I took out my camera, and it just stayed in the location of this photo for a while. The fish was just far enough away that it was at the end of the focal point of my regular lens and too close to me for my zoom lens.

Tuesday, 09/08/2026: Posted photo – Bananas.

Pixel 7, f/1.8, 1/24 sec, ISO 51

Bananas originated 10,000 years ago and some scientists believe they may have been the world’s first fruit. The first bananas are thought to have grown in the region that includes the Malaya Peninsula, Indonesia, the Philippines and New Guinea. The personal physician to Roman emperor Octavius Augustus is credited for promoting the cultivation of the fruit from 63 to 14 B.C. Historians believe that the Arabian slave traders are the ones who gave the banana its name.

Bananas are a source of carbohydrates, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, dietary fiber and antioxidants. Bananas have no fat, cholesterol or salt. Their potential benefits include Heart health, Digestive health, Weight control, Faster workout recovery, and Memory and mood help.

To peel a banana gently but firmly, pinch the bottom of the banana between your thumb and index finger. The skin splits into two clean sections, ready to peel away without any fuss. That is how animals peal a banana.

Wednesday, 09/09/2026: Posted photo — Reflection of a Duck.

Canon EOS R50, f/7.1, 1/250 sec., ISO 640

I was just taking photos testing out different settings on my camera. I took photos of the dock, sky, clouds, leaves staring to turn, and this duck. I was practicing panning.

When I uploaded the photos to my computer, I saw the reflection of this duck in the water. It almost looks like the duck has two heads. Or is that my imagination going wild. I did not achieve my goal of taking a panning photo, but I like this photo better.

Thursday, 09/10/2026: Posted photo — Hidden Bug.

Canon EOS R50, f/5, 1/100 sec., ISO 1250

Last week at this time, I took a photo of a rosebud. This is the rose in bloom. When I developed it, I saw this little bug hiding. Do you see the bug?

Did he just type “when I developed it?” Yes, I did. I always take my photos in RAW format since I want my photo to be as I like and not as the camera predicts what I like. It is like not using AI since I want my results to be what I am looking for and not what AI thinks I am looking. A RAW file is a digital image file that contains the unprocessed data from your camera’s sensor. RAW is not the abbreviation for anything, it just means raw as the sensor sees it. I postprocess, or develop, my photos using either Canon’s Digital Photo Professional or Darktable, both free programs. I then use either GIMP or Paint Shop Pro to further edit and clean up my photos. I am using GIMP often now since I carry the program around with me on my thumb drive.

Many times, I can fix and recover a “bad” photo by editing the RAW file.

Friday, 09/11/2026: Posted photo – Northern Right Whale Skull.

Canon EOS R50, f/6.3, 1/125 sec., ISO 100

Today I am posting a photo from past travels. I am on my way to the White Mountains in New Hampshire to take part in the Flags on the 48 memorial hike.

The plaque reads: “Northern Right Whale Skull. This section is all the remains of a 60-foot Northern Right Whale that washed ashore on Ocracoke in 1988. Each spring and fall small groups of these plankton feeding giants migrate past the Outer Banks.”

The Northern Right Whale is an endangered large whale species. It has been listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act since 1970. The most recent estimate for the population is approximately 380 whales. The whale can weigh up to 140,000 pounds and can grow up to 52 feet long. It has a lifespan of up to 70 years. It must be a great sight to see one of these whales breaching.

Shortly after this photo was taken the sky opened with the rain so heavy you could not see out of the car. Now I have a better understanding of how quickly the Outer Banks flood during storms.

Saturday, 09/12/2026: Post photo — Flags on the 48: South Kingsman.

Canon EOS R50, f/4.5, 1/60 sec., ISO 1000

I co-lead a hike with the Worcester Chapter of the AMC up South Kingsman for this year’s Flags on the 48 (FOT48). The FOT48 event has been held every year since 9/11/01. It started out with a group of people hiking Mount Liberty to fly the flag shortly after the event. A few more peaks were covered the next year, and then all the peaks after that. The FOT48 is the hiking community’s way to honor the deceased with a tribute: flying the American flag atop all 48 four-thousand foot and higher mountains in New Hampshire for two hours the Saturday closes to September 11. This was my 12th year of doing this hike. I started in 2013 when I hiked Mt. Garfield, only missing a couple due to family events on the day of the hike. I have not yet repeated a peak. I will not fly the flag on all 48 during my lifetime. I will continue hiking in this event if I am able to do so.

It is a very emotional day, and we get many words of thanks and encouragement from other hikers who just happen upon it. Some people plan to hike to see how my summits, and flags, they can see during the day. It is great to take out the binoculars to see the flags flying on nearby peaks.

I have hiked this event in bad weather, high winds, hot and humid weather, cold and raw weather, and ideal weather. When you hike with a fellow group of hikers and friend, the weather does not matter, just the meaning of the event.

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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August 16, 2026

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Photographic Thoughts — 08/09/2026 to 08/15/2026

“My life is shaped by the urgent need to wander and observe, and my camera is my passport.” — Steve McCurry

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

Little words this week.

Sunday, 08/09/2026: Posted photo — Stained Glass.

Stained glass in our church. I do not have much more to say about this photo.

Monday, 08/10/2026: Posted photo — Leading Lines.

The theme for my photo project was leading lines. The dock in the photo leads you out to the lake.

Tuesday, 08/11/2026: Posted photo — Nesting Robin.

This robin has a nest at our cottage. This is the third year in a row that it used this nest.

Wednesday, 08/13/2026: Posted photo — Partial Solar Eclipse.

There was a partial solar eclipse today. We had only about 18% coverage. When I woke up the weather was predicted to be partially cloudy. I glad it was not at the time of the eclipse. I stepped out of the office to take this photo.

Thursday, 08/13/2026: Posted photo — Thurmond Station.

Thurmond Station is in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in WV. Thurmond was once among the greatest railroad towns along the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. The historic Thurmond Depot has been restored by the National Park Service and now serves as a park visitor center.

Friday, 08/14/2026: Post photo — Acorn.

This 10-foot-tall, 1, 250-lb. copper and steel sculpture was commissioned for Raleigh’s bicentennial in 1992. Dedicated to John Watkins, it is located at Raleigh City Plaza.

Saturday, 08/15/2026: Post photo — Ocracoke Lighthouse.

The Ocracoke Lighthouse is in Ocracoke Village at the southern end of Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

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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August 9, 2026

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Photographic Thoughts — 08/02/2026 to 08/08/2026

“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, 08/02/2026: Posted photo — Votive.

The word votive describes something offered, given, or dedicated in fulfillment of a vow, prayer, or expression of devotion. The word votive comes from the Latin word votum, meaning a vow or a promise. These candles are in the vestibule of our church. They are dedicated to a good friend and his wife who have both passed.

Monday, 08/03/2026: Posted photo — Abstract.

The topic for my photo project this week was abstract. I took this photo as an abstract photo. It served two purposes. The first is to take a photo for my project. The second is to test out the focus on my phone’s camera. The class on my phone spontaneously broke. I am not the first owner of this brand of phone that this happened. Since the glass broke, my phone’s camera does not focus in the distance.

Tuesday, 08/04/2026: Posted photo — Black Eyed Susan.

The black-eyed Susan symbolizes encouragement, motivation, resilience, and justice. The name comes from the flower’s dark central disk surrounded by bright yellow petals, paired with a popular 1729 English ballad titled “Sweet William’s Farewell to Black-eye’d Susan” by poet John Gay.

Wednesday, 08/05/2026: Posted photo — Avocados.

Though once they roamed wild on the island, the Ocracoke Banker Ponies have been penned for their protection and cared for by the National Park Service since 1959. Legend has it that the “Banker” horses of Ocracoke were left here by shipwrecked explorers in the 16th or 17th century. These horses, often referred to as Ocracoke ponies, have been documented on Ocracoke Island since the first European settlers came to stay in the 1730s.

Thursday, 08/06/2026: Posted photo — Sunflower.

Sunflowers universally symbolize happiness, loyalty, adoration, and longevity. The sunflower got its name from its bright, round shape that looks like the sun and its habit of turning to face the sun.

Friday, 08/07/2026: Post photo — Still Eating.

This is the same rabbit as the last few weeks. I did not see it all week until today. I had to use my DSLR to get this photo. I wanted to take its photo this week using my phone, but as stated earlier, the zoom does not work.

Saturday, 08/08/2026: Post photo — Wright Bothers Memorial.

The site of the first flight in Kitty Hawk, NC in the Outer Banks. The wooden rail in the photo is what they used to keep the plane straight during takeoff. I did not realize how much influence their sister Katharine had on them. She is the forgotten sibling in this incredible feat and should have some credit. Glad to see that her name is in the Memorial.

Flight Details on December 17, 1903
First flight: 120 feet (36.5 meters) in 12 seconds, piloted by Orville Wright.
Second flight: 175 feet (53.3 meters) in 12 seconds, piloted by Wilbur Wright.
Third flight: 200 feet (60.9 meters) in 15 seconds, piloted by Orville Wright.
Fourth (best) flight: 852 feet (260 meters) in 59 seconds, piloted by Wilbur Wright.

Looking at the flight markers, I could just imagine what went through their minds during that fourth flight. It was a relatively long way from the first three. It took some time to walk to it in the North Carolina heat.

When I was walking from the location of the fourth flight to the Big Kill Devil Hill Monument, I heard a teenaged girl tell her mother, “I do not know why so many kids do not like going to a place like this. This is such a historical event in history.” There is some hope with the younger generation.

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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May 3, 2026

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Photographic Thoughts — 04/26/2026 to 05/02/2026

“You can look at a picture for a week and never think of it again. You can also look at a picture for a second and think of it all your life.” — Joan Miro

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

Sunday, 04/26/2026: Posted photo — Music.

Singing in Church is an essential form of prayer, praise, and active participation in the Mass. St. Augustine once said that singing is “Double” Prayer. This phrase highlights that singing adds an emotional and spiritual depth to prayer that spoken words alone might not.

I stay up in the choir loft with my family, my mother-in-law, and other friends. I sing softly since I do not have a great voice.

Monday, 04/27/2026: Posted photo — Monument.

The plaque reads: “10th Mountain Division. In memory of comrades who gave their lives in the Aleutians and Italy in WWII. This elite division of alpine troops spearheaded the victorious fifth army against the mountainous gothic line fortresses and across the PO Valley to shatter the German defenses in Northern Italy. It was their love of mountains, coupled with their dedication to human freedom, that they inspired hundreds of young patriots to join the 10th mountain division. Many returned to their beloved mountain. Those heroes who did not return are still fondly remembered as brave men whose souls rest forever. Sempre Avanti.”

This plaque is near the summit of Wachusett Mountain and was installed in 1975.

Tuesday, 04/28/2026: Posted photo — Vote.

Many people complain about this administration and the past administration. They only vote every four years, or do not vote at all. I say if you do not vote in your local elections then you have no grounds for complaining about federal elections. Voting is your voice. Article 1 of the Constitution gives us the right to vote. This gave states the responsibility of overseeing federal elections. Many constitutional amendments and federal laws protecting voting rights have been passed since then.

The only people that do not want people to vote are those who either did not read the Constitution or are attempting to silence the people. This opinion is not just mine. I have heard this from Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and others from all sides of the aisle.

Voting is your right. Please vote every chance you have to do so.

Wednesday, 04/29/2026: Posted photo — Bleeding Hearts.

Bleeding Hearts symbolize romantic love, heartbreak, and passion. It is frequently used in shaded garden borders, woodland gardens, and cut floral designs. There is a four-to-six-week period in which bleeding hearts grow. For many years, I have seen these bleeding hearts grow and by the time I get back to them to photograph, they are past.

Thursday, 04/30/2026: Posted photo — Stone Wall.

A closeup photo of a stone wall. Field stone walls are traditional, durable structures built from natural, weathered stones (often New England fieldstone) that are either dry-laid or mortared, offering a rustic, earthy look. Stone walls found in woodlands are primarily relics of 18th to 19th-century European agriculture, built to delineate property, manage livestock, or dispose of rocks cleared from fields.

Friday, 05/01/2026: Post photo — Stay on the Trail.

One of the many trails on Wachusett. This sign is on one of the steeper trails on the mountain. As you can see, the trail drops off shortly after this sign. This section has a 17° grade, which is categorized as a steep grade.

This is the middle section of Jack Frost Trail. This is one of my favorite sections of trail in the winter. Because of its steepness and location of the slope, there is plenty of opportunity to practice my winter skills.

Saturday, 05/02/2026: Post photo — First Moon Photo.

This is the first moon photo I took with my new camera. I kept playing with the setting. The settings kept jumping around on their own when I was adjusting in manual mode.

There is much to learn about this camera.

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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April 11, 2026

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Photographic Thoughts — 04/05/2026 to 04/11/2026

“A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know.” — Diane Arbus

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

Sunday, 04/05/2026: Posted photo — Easter Sunday.

Today is the holiest day of the year. This is the day that Jesus rose from the dead symbolizing victory over death and sin. Jesus did this for us all. His message was peace and justice for all. He condoled violence and those who used violence. He could have used violence by calling his angles to rescue Him and choose not to do so. Matthew 26:53.

Monday, 04/06/2026: Posted photo — Flowing Stream.

The weather has been up into the low 70’s F and down to the low 30’s F over the last few days. This has led to some of the streams on Wachusett Mountain flowing again. The flow of the streams were not as fast as earlier in the year when we had the initial snow melt.

We were waiting at one of trail junctions tonight and I looked at the stream a few feet away to see how fast it was flowing. It was flowing enough for me to take this photo. As with many of my photos, I am not crazy about it. It does keep my photo a day streak alive.

Tuesday, 04/07/2026: Posted photo — Snow.

We had some snow this morning. Just dusting and the snow did not last long on the ground. It is predicted that we might receive another dusting of snow tomorrow as well. As I noted yesterday, the temperature is fluctuating as much as 30 deg F from one day to another.

My weather app over the last few days told me that tomorrow will be 34 deg F cooler tomorrow than today on day and then that tomorrow’s temperature will be 25 deg F warmer than today.

Wednesday, 04/08/2026: Posted photo — Wind Power.

Here are some facts about the wind turbine:

  • Each Tower height is 215 feet (or 65 meters) above ground level.
  • Length of each blade is approximately 125 feet (or 37.5 meters), and each blade weighs 6 tons.
  • The turbine speed is 17-20 RPMs.
  • The maximum blade tip speed is approximately 204 MPH.
  • The minimum wind speed to produce maximum rated power output is 27 MPH (or 12 meters per second).
  • The Cutout Wind Speed or wind speed too great for a turbine is 45 MPH (or 20 meters per second).
  • The Survival Wind Speed is 133 MPH (or 59.5 meters per second).

There was a discussion about the wind turbines during the hike on Monday night. I decided to go back and get a photo of the wind turbines and post some facts about them.

Thursday, 04/09/2026: Posted photo — Tomatoes.

The topic of the week in my 52 week photo project is red. There are many red items to photograph. I have seen a few red Suns during my hikes this week, but I only had my cellphone with me. Cellphone photos are not the greatest. I did not bring my DSLR since it is not working properly.

I took this photo of tomatoes as a fill photo just in case I do not see anything else red that is photo worthy. In front of me now is my red tool bag, red handled scissors, a red marking machine, a red pen, and someone in a red shirt.

Friday, 04/10/2026: Post photo — Stained Glass.

I just love a stained-glass window. They are great colors and stories behind each one of them. They are not always in churches. Many people have stained-glass windows in their house, not as detailed as the one in this photo, but have interesting decorations.

Stained glass was created primarily to educate an illiterate medieval population, enhance religious spaces, and filter light into cathedrals, serving as a “poor man’s Bible”.

Saturday, 04/11/2026: Post photo — Sugar Maple Bud.

The sugar maple trees in our yard are starting to bud. These are the same trees that our neighbor was tapping over the last few weeks.

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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November 2, 2025

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Photographic Thoughts — 10/26/2025 to 11/01/2025

“To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting an ordinary place… I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.” — Elliott Erwitt

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

Sunday, 10/26/2025: Posted photo — Corn.

“Corn is a healthy grain and a source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It may promote eye and digestive health.” https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/corn

Monday, 10/27/2025: Posted photo — Gourds.

“Gourds are any of the hard-shelled fruits of certain members of the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae. Many gourds are cultivated as ornamentals, decorations, or food crops, and some can be dried and used to make decorative or useful objects.” https://www.britannica.com/plant/gourd

Tuesday, 10/28/2025: Posted photo — Roses.

Just a photo of roses for today. Shopping day leads to “what am I going to photograph today?” There are usually flowers where I go shopping.

Wednesday, 10/29/2025: Posted photo — Onions.

“Onions may provide potential health benefits. These may include reducing the risk of several types of cancer, improving mood, and maintaining skin and hair health.” https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/276714

Thursday, 10/30/2025: Posted photo — Rainbow.

This is an older photo of a rainbow. Rainbow symbolizes new beginnings and change.

I am posting this photo as a symbol of joy and remembrance.

Friday, 10/31/2025: Post photo — Knollwood Memorial Park.

“Knollwood Memorial Park was founded in 1898 by a group of people with a vision of a modern garden-style cemetery that would serve the residents of Eastern Massachusetts. Centrally located in an idyllic setting overlooking the Neponset Valley in Canton, Massachusetts, Knollwood’s location on 340 acres was carefully selected for it’s natural beauty.

Although it is one of New England’s oldest and largest memorial parks, Knollwood is a modern, well designed cemetery with exquisitely manicured grounds. Distinctive works of Carerra marble sculptures and statuary provide visitors with inspiring settings while flowering trees and a myriad of floral plantings serve as a lovely haven that comforts those who come to remember their loved ones.” https://knollwoodmemorial.com/about/history-of-knollwood/

We were at the park for an burial yesterday and took a photo of this statue.

V/. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord.
R/. And let perpetual light shine upon her.
V/. May she rest in peace.
R/. Amen.

V/. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R/. Amen.

Saturday, 11/01/2025: Post photo — Reflection.

A reflection of a fake Jack-O-Lantern in a window.

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

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

“Sumens imagines consolatur et inspirat me. Pulchritudinem mundi video per cameram meam.”

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

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June 15, 2025

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Photographic Thoughts — 06/08/2025 to 06/14/2025

“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.” — Aaron Siskind

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

Sunday, 06/08/2025: Posted photo — Pentecost Sunday.

Pentecost is the day that the Holy Spirit fell upon the Apostles and gave them the courage to go out and speak to the people about the faith. Before the Holy Spirit fell upon the Apostles, they did not know what why they were told to spread the Good News, and how they were going to do so.

They left their shelter and spoke to the people. Each heard them in their own voice. The message was one of love and understanding. These are all people, not just the people that you like.

Today, people forget this message to love one and other and to preach kindness to one and other. Today, if you are not of the same social economic class, same religion, same skin color, come from the same country, you are an outcast and troublemaker. The message of the Holy Spirit is to include all, help all, and love all, even if you are told not to do so.

Monday, 06/09/2025: Posted photo — Jack Frost Trail.

What a great hike today. The mountain was fogged in so there was an airy feeling on the hill. I just finished two weekends of teaching navigation, so tonight was a perfect day to use the skills that I taught to navigate the mountain. This is from old-growth area of the Jack Frost Trail. Most of the mountain was clear cut, apart from this area of Jack Frost and an area around the visitor center.

When I saw this area, to took out my cellphone and took this picture. I liked the way the fog and the old growth contrasted with each other.

Wachusett Mountain is home to one of the largest known stands of old-growth forest in Massachusetts, covering approximately 100 acres. These trees, some dating back to the 1600s, have not been cut and are living out their natural lifespans of several hundred years. The mountain also boasts a high diversity of lichen species, including those rarely collected in Massachusetts.

Tuesday, 06/10/2025: Posted photo — Mountain Laurel in Bloom.

Last week I posted a photo of the mountain laurel in our year starting to bud. This week I am posting a photo of the delicate looking flowers on the mountain laurel. There were a few areas in which there was more bloom than other areas.

Mountain laurel is unsafe for people to take by mouth. It can cause many side effects such as pain, cold sweats, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, numbness, dizziness, headache, fever, loss of vision, muscle weakness, serious heart and lung problems, death, and other severe side effects. You can touch mountain laurel, just don’t eat it.

Wednesday, 06/11/2025: Posted photo — Lost Summit.

One of my brothers made a 3-D topographical model showing the relationships between contour lines. I use this model during my classes over the last couple of weekends. The model was in an old hockey elbow pad bag that the summit piece fell out of.

He needed the model back from some training he was giving, so I taped up the holes in the bag so that the pieces did not fall out. When I put the pieces in the bag, I saw that all of them were in it, including the summit, so I thought.

Later in the day, after I handed the model off to another hiking leader to bring to my brother, the summit was found on our living room floor. The model will still work for training purposes. I just need to find a way to always keep it in the bag, otherwise the mountain cannot be claimed!

Thursday, 06/12/2025: Posted photo — Waiting for a Bed.

These rose bushes have been at our house for a few weeks and I have not been able to plant them due to the weather. We have been looking for a good location to plant them, since we had rose bushes before and they did not like their location. We tried multiple locations with no luck.

The new location seems to be a good one for them. The only problem is that they are in an area that gets the heaviest snowfall. The area is also in a location where snow is thrown while shoveling the walkway of the roof.

It was decided to make a raised flower bed in this location to plant them. This will be one of my first summer projects. I just need to keep room around the bed for mowing the lawn and for shoveling the walkway and roof.

Friday, 06/13/2025: Post photo — Daisy.

Today is the first day of the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. I took this photo earlier in the day since I do not know how busy I will be tonight. I will be taking photos at the RFL and will be posting one for tomorrow’s photos.

The photo that I plan on posting is one of the luminaires that are around the track. Luminaries are bags with candles in them. The bags have the names of cancer survivors, living and deceased. I take a photo of the luminaires every year.

About the photo — I saw a few patches of daisies as I was packing my vehicle with supplies for the RFL. I spotted the bug resting on one of the daisies. I always look for bugs or bees on flowers since they take a better photo than just the flower on its own.

Saturday, 06/14/2025: Post photo — Luminaria.

Luminarias honor every life touched by cancer. They are dedicated to a loved one lost, someone currently battling, or anyone who’s overcome it. It is one of the most emotional ceremonies at RFL.

Here are some of the hundreds, maybe thousands, of luminaria that surrounded the track last night.

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

“Sumens imagines consolatur et inspirat me.”

“Quod scripsi, scripsi.”

“Ingeniarius sum, non scriptor.”

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May 4, 2025

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Photographic Thoughts — 04/27/2025 to 05/03/2025

“When I have a camera in my hand, I know no fear.” — Alfred Eisenstaedt

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

Looking for some new quotes to use. If you have any, please put them in the comments.

Sunday, 04/27/2025: Posted photo — Pope Francis.

“Who am I to judge?” Pope Francis July 28, 2013. The Roman Catholic Church emphasizes a welcoming atmosphere, striving to be inclusive of all people. “Love one another as I have loved you” John 13:34-35.

Many Catholics forget, or pass over these teachings, to discriminate against migrants and others they do not like or judge people on one topic. Pope Francis pushed for these traditions, and some did not like him for that.

He may not have been the perfect pope. He was human just like us. Matthew 25:31-46 teaches us to love all: “Then they will answer and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?’ He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’” Matthew 25:44–45.

Monday, 04/28/2025: Posted photo — Communications Towers.

Communications tower on the summit of Wachusett Mountain.

It was a great and uneventful hike tonight. The adventures started on my ride home from the trailhead.

Let me tell you about kidney stones. Not the greatest of topics and some of you may not want to read on. I felt a stone coming on my ride home. I had stones before and knew the feeling. Most of the time the feeling goes away. Not tonight. I got home and was in pain. The decision was made to go to the ER to get it checked out. Good decision. I have an 11 mm stone that needs to be removed. Fun, fun, fun. It will be removed on Monday.

Tuesday, 04/29/2025: Posted photo — Flag.

This is my attempt at negative space photography, this week’s photo topic.

I made the photo a little darker to get more of the negative space feeling.

Wednesday, 04/30/2025: Posted photo — Tulips.

On my way to my medical appointment, I saw that one of the tulips in our yard had bloomed. I took multiple shots and liked this one because of the little spot of dew on it.

The tulips in our yard are hit or miss on their blooming. We have lost a few over the years and are glad to be about to see them bloom in daylight. The bad thing was that I was able to see them bloom in the daylight because I was going to a doctor’s appointment for my stones.

Thursday, 05/01/2025: Posted photo — Bluets.

Bluets are perennial wildflowers that may grow to a height of 6 inches. The leaves are opposite with a smooth margin. The leaves that originate at the base of the stem are large, while the two leaves on the stem are small. Blue flowers with yellow centers first mature in mid-spring and continue into mid-summer.

We have many patches of bluets in our yard. They are there until the first mowing of the lawn.

Friday, 05/02/2025: Post photo — Fiddleheads.

Fiddleheads are the young, curled fronds of certain fern species, and are a popular and edible springtime vegetable. These fiddleheads grow next to our mailbox. I take a photo of them every year and have not ventured into tasting them.

I do see that many stores in our area are starting to stock them this time of year.

Saturday, 05/03/2025: Post photo — Spillway.

This is the spillway from the Barry Falls Dam. Stopped today on the way home from doing an errand.

From the Barre Falls Dam website (https://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Barre-Falls-Dam/): The project of Barre Falls Dam was authorized by Congress in 1941 to reduce flood damage from storms like those that devastated New England in 1936 and 1938. Construction of the project began in May 1956 and was completed in July 1958 at a cost of $2 million. A portion of Route 62 was relocated to accommodate the project. The project has prevented $53.2 million in flood damages since it was built (as of September 2011).

I went to the dam a few years ago to look for a geocache and wanted to go back. Soon I will be able to go back and explore more of the area.

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

“Sumens imagines consolatur et inspirat me.”

“Quod scripsi, scripsi.”