“Photography for me is not looking, it’s feeling. If you can’t feel what you’re looking at, then you’re never going to get others to feel anything when they look at your pictures.” — Don McCullin
Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.
Sunday, 02/02/2025: Posted photo — Bouquet.
A bouquet of flowers in a store today. With the dismal state of the world, higher gas and food prices, shortage of food in the stores, and many people losing their livelihood in the last few weeks, I wanted to start this week with something positive.
Monday, 02/03/2025: Posted photo — Summit Sights.
Today’s hike was messy. Not that it was rainy or anything, the snow was just like mashed potatoes, sticking to the bottom of my microspikes and balling up. I did not know what would be more dangerous, keeping the microspikes on or going bear boot. I decided to keep them on and clear the bottom of them often. As an editorial note: the temperature dropped on Tuesday and the Tuesday night group had not issues with the snow.
The trail I took passed the top of one of the ski trails. I have posted photos of this location in the past. I took this photo just to have one for today.
Also on the summit is a plaque paying tribute to the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division and its service in Italy during World War II. This plaque was covered in snow. Next time I am on the summit, and if the plaque is still covered, I will remove the snow. Honorary plaques should not be covered.
Tuesday, 02/04/2025: Posted photo — Succulent.
The word succulent comes from the Latin word sucus, meaning “juice” or “sap”. Succulent plants have thickened stems, or leaves. Succulents may store water in various structures, such as leaves and stems.
This was a succulent that I saw while shopping tonight. There were many items out for St. Valentine’s Day. I keep thinking to myself that if you purchased flowers or other items this week, or when the first arrived in the stores, they would die before St. Valentine’s Day arrived.
Wednesday, 02/05/2025: Posted photo — Sunflower.
There is no reason that I posted this photo of a sunflower that I took today. When I saw it, I wanted to practice making a HDR photos using only one photo in GIMP. I have made single photo HDRs in Paint Shop Pro, but I am moving away from that program and using GIMP more.
This is the results of my experiment. Enjoy.
Thursday, 02/06/2025: Posted photo — Tracks.
Snow fell this afternoon, so I took this opportunity to walk to and from work so that I did not have to drive home on bad roads. I have used my new shoeshoes only once. When I got them, I took a loop around our property. Every time that I was going to hike with them, the conditions were not correct. They were mostly conditions for the use of microspikes or crampons, too much ice and not enough snow.
My new snowshoesMy snowshoe tracksRabbit tracks
These photos are from my walk home. There is a photo of one of my snowshoes (if I took a photo of both, my shadow would be in the photo), my snowshoe tracks, and the tracks of a wild rabbit. I have seen deer tracks, bear tracks, coyote tracks, and what I think were mountain lion tracks in the past. Today I only saw rabbit tracks.
It was good to finally test out my snowshoes. I may use them on Wachusett on Monday since there is a prediction of almost a foot of snow in this area on Sunday.
Friday, 02/07/2025: Post photo — Puddle.
For my photo challenge this week, I am to take a photo of a reflection in a puddle. The problem this week was that we did not have many puddles. Most of them were frozen over. Today there was a brief period of melt, but the wind was blowing. I was able to take this photo of clouds in a puddle. I am not happy with it. You just have to take with Mother Nature gives you. At least I have a photo that fits this week’s topic.
Saturday, 02/08/2025: Post photo — Competition.
Today I competed in a cubing event for the first time. The event took place at the school our son teaches so it was a great opportunity to do so. We have been to many comps over the years and our son’s friends keep asking us if we can solve. We say “yes”, and then they ask if we compete, we say “no”.
I took the plunge. I did not finish last, just next to last to someone that did not complete all their solves.
My name tagMy first offical scorecardNon-consistant on the 2x2x2
Today I competed in the 3x3x3 and the 2x2x2 events. I have posted my times below. For the 2x2x2, there were three solves when I thought I was solving the cube and it looked to me that nothing had happened. I gave up on one. Some of my son’s friends were laughing at me because they saw something that I should have done.
“Essentially what photography is is life lit up.” — Sam Abell
Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it keeps me inspired.
Sunday, 01/05/2025: Posted photo — Mary and Jesus.
Mary and Jesus next to the Paschal candle. Today was the feast of the Magi but the kings were hiding at the time I took this photo. When I was putting up the numbers for the hymns, I liked the look of this setup. The Paschal candle is lite at Easter and represents the light of Christ coming into the world.
Monday, 01/06/2025: Posted photo — End of the Line.
I posted a photo of the ski lift last week when the snow was melting and the trails were wet. This week, the temperature was in the low 20’s F with the wind chill making the real feel temperature of around 3 deg F.
Tuesday, 01/07/2025: Posted photo — Gardner City Hall.
I had my yearly physical yesterday and took this photo. Gardner is the 92 our of the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts.
Wednesday, 01/08/2025: Post photo — Brussels Sprouts.
Brussels sprouts are named after Brussels, Belgium, where it is believed they were first widely cultivated in the 16th century.
When I took a photo of the moon today, it came out looking a little abstract. This is due to the fact that the mount of my lens was loose so there was too much movement in the lens. I knew it was loose, but I thought that it would not effect my photos. Guess I was incorrect.
Friday, 01/10/2025: Post photo — Trip Planning.
I am finalizing my plans on my second leadership hike this winter so that I can receive my Winter Upcountry credentials. I am looking for a hike in the White Mountains. I will be selecting a hike that is not one of the 4K mountains, yet the mountain will be challenging. The full planning of the hike is the last requirement for my credentials. I have planned many winter hikes in the Whites, including some of the taller 4K mountains, but none of them for the AMC.
The most difficult part of this hike is to get the one or two mentors that are needed to evaluate me. There are only a few people in the chapter that are qualified and there is another hiking series going on at the same time. Once I am credentialed, I will be able to lead hikes year round, both locally and upcountry in the higher, more dangerous, mountains.
Saturday, 01/11/2025: Post photo — Snow.
The inch of snow that was predicted turned into three plus inches. Not much snow for this time of year. The temperature will be getting warmer and then a freeze will happen, so I went out today to clean off our driveway, walkway, and deck before the freeze.
“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.
“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.
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.”
“If you want to be a better photographer, stand in front of more interesting stuff.” — Jim Richardson
Photo for the week. Comments welcome.
Sunday, 06/02/2024: Posted photo — Mowing.
I wanted to do this technique for a little while. I have done it in the past and wanted to do it again. I have switched photo editing software from Paint Shop Pro to just using GIMP. I switched because I was having issues installing the last few releases PSP on my computer. I have been using PSP since X2 many years ago and have been using GIMP over the last 10 years off and on.
The technique is called multiplicity. I set my camera on a tripod and set it to take a photo every minute. I shoot RAW so it was easy to edit my photos to all have the same exposure. You do the technique by importing each photo into a different layer. Once they are in the correct order, you use a layer mask to either hide or expose areas of the photos.
Hope you like it.
Monday, 06/03/2024: Posted photo — Koi.
This is a Koi Pond on the summit of Wachusett Mountain. There is a fence around the pond now since the wall around the pond needs work. These Koi have been on the summit for many years.
Koi are colored varieties of carp. The ones on the summit of Wachusett can be seen year-round. In the winter you can see them swimming under the ice.
Tuesday, 06/04/2024: Posted photo — Hickory.
When I was out hiking, I spotted this tree with the bark seeming to be peeling off. I took a photo of it to identify it and my identification app called it hickory. For someone who spends many hours outdoors, hiking in the wilderness, I should be able to identify trees and plant much better than I have been doing.
Wednesday, 06/05/2024: Posted photo — Sundog in the Clouds.
Sundogs are colored spots of light that develop due to the refraction of light through ice crystals. They are located approximately 22 degrees either left, right, or both, from the sun, depending on where the ice crystals are present.
I was looking up at the coloring in the clouds and spotted this sundog.
Multiflora rose is a large, dense shrub that was used for ornamental and conservation plantings and is now a serious invasive plant. Multiflora roses can become thick and dense that will stop native plants from growing. This density of the plant can be impenetrable and detrimental to nesting birds and reduce the forage areas for animals.
Friday, 06/07/2024: Post photo — Relay for Life (RFL) Day 1.
The American Cancer Society Relay for Life was a 24 hour relay for cancer research. It is now an 18 hour relay. Many want it to go back to 24 hours.
Here are photos of one of my sister-in-laws lighting the torch, the luminaria, and a few other photos from the first day into the night.
Saturday, 06/08/2024: Post photo — Relay for Life (RFL) Day 2.
“A tear contains an ocean. A photographer is aware of the tiny moments in a person’s life that reveal greater truths.” — Anonymous
Photo for the week. Comments welcome.
Sunday, 05/12/2024: Posted photo — Mother’s Day.
Happy Mother’s Day! These are photos of when my youngest brother was brought home will all my brothers looking at him and one of my mother’s 95 year old hands showing her newly cleaned mother’s ring. It has been a couple of years since she left us, and I still miss her. Happy Mother’s Day mom.
Monday, 05/13/2024: Posted photo — Scenes from the Trail.
Some items seen on the trail tonight. I took the group on a different route tonight. This is from what I call the back side of the mountain. It is a trail that is not used by may since you need to take back roads and a partial dirt road to get to the trailhead.
These are photos of some of the group, some Hobblebush, and an old trail marker.
Tuesday, 05/14/2024: Posted photo — Lilac.
Lilac flowers may be single or double, the leaves solid green or variegated, and the plants dwarf or standard. Lilac flower colors may be white, violet, pink, blue, and lilac (of course) to red-purple, dark purple, and even a yellow variety known as “Primrose.”
This lilac bush is in our yard and was transplanted a few years ago from a friend’s yard. It has survived many heavy snowstorms.
Wednesday, 05/15/2024: Posted photo — Ray of Sunshine.
Rays of sunshine coming through the clouds. Almost thought it was rain, but the rays are spread out further than raindrops would be.
Thursday, 05/16/2024: Posted photo — Azalea.
Azaleas are flowering shrubs in the Rhododendron genus that bloom in the spring and can tolerate shade. This is our red azalea bush. We also have a pink azalea bush that will bloom after this one.
It is interesting that azaleas and rhododendrons of different colors bloom at different times.
Friday, 05/17/2024: Post photo — Faces in Nature.
Pansies. Can you see all the pansy faces looking at you?
Saturday, 05/18/2024: Post photo — Blueberries.
Some high bush blueberries growing at the lake. Looks like it will be a good year for them. The bush is very full.
“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
Photo for the week. Comments welcome.
Sunday, 05/04/2024: Posted photo — USS Constitution.
Built in Boston and launched in 1797, USS CONSTITUTION is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world today. During the War of 1812 the ship gained fame and its name “Old Ironsides.” The USS Constitution remains both a training and ceremonial ship for the Navy, as well as an educational experience for visitors.
Here are some facts: The USS Constitution was launched on October 21, 1797 at Edmund Hartt’s Shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts and first sailed July 22, 1798 from Boston Harbor. As I was walking away for the ship, after taking these photos, I heard the canons go off and Reveille being played. Then the sailors came off the ship to do their exercises. What a great experience.
Monday, 05/06/2024: Posted photo — Onions.
I cancelled my hike tonight since I had some people sign up and then drop out. I was in Boston all weekend taking my wilderness first aid re-certification class, so I took the opportunity to switch my hiking day until tomorrow. I told myself that I would hike with the Tuesday night group once a month and it has been three months since I hiked with them.
While shopping, I saw these colorful onions. Onions are not high on my food intake list, but I did like the colors. These are yellow onions, white onions, red onions, and vidalia onions.
Tuesday, 05/07/2024: Posted photo — Hiking.
Today I hiked with the Tuesday night group for the first time in a while. This is an invitation only group of experienced hikers. We did a four mile loop around the mountain. I had an opportunity to verify bearing at a few trail junctions. I needed to verify these bearings for my map and compass navigation class I will be teaching in a few weeks.
It is always great to get out and hike with different people. This group knows me as the person who broke his ankle. At the summit, I met more of my friends in the hiking community. One of those people finished his trace of Wachusett Mountain in his kilts. Sorry, no photos of him.
Wednesday, 05/08/2024: Posted photo — Path of Freedom (Freedom Trail).
Boston’s iconic 2.5 mile-Freedom Trail connects 16 nationally significant historic sites, each one an authentic treasure. The sites are the Boston Common (Established in 1634, Boston Common is America’s oldest public park), Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, Granary Burying Ground, King’s Chapel & King’s Chapel Burying Ground, Boston Latin School Site/Benjamin Franklin Statue, Old Corner Bookstore, Old South Meeting House, Old State House, Boston Massacre Site, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House, Old North Church, Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, USS Constitution and the Bunker Hill Monument.
I have visited most of these sites in my life. One day I will take the short 2.5 mile hike to these historic sites in one journey.
Thursday, 05/09/2024: Posted photo — Sugar Maple.
Earlier this year I posted a photo of the sugar maple starting to bud. Here is some progress.
The leaves are starting to bud after some rain and warmer weather.
Friday, 05/10/2024: Post photo — Bluet.
Also called Quaker Ladies, their sweet petite blossoms attract Little Carpenter bees, Green Metallic bees, small butterflies, and the Meadow Fritillary Butterfly.
These wildflowers are in my lawn. If the weather is good tomorrow, I will cut my lawn for the first time this year.
Saturday, 05/11/2024: Post photo — Northern Lights.
The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, have been on my photo bucket list. I always thought that I would have to travel to see them. If they are in this area, they are close to the horizon, not very bright, and not high in the sky.
Last night I had the opportunity to see them and photograph them. I was unprepared to photograph them since I normally do research on camera setting. I had my camera and cellphone with me and no tripod or monopod, these photos are either handheld or with my cellphone. I heard talk about the northern lights happening soon but did not realize it was last night until a friend of mine posted photos from his house.
My cell phone has a night setting, so I had to test it out. I am happy about these photos but not overwhelmed by these photos. Next time I will be more prepared. It is amazing that I saw a total solar eclipse and the northern light just about a month apart. Normally there is cloud cover when events like this happen.
“I never have taken a picture I’ve intended. They’re always better or worse.” — Diane Arbus
Photo for the week. Comments welcome.
Sunday, 04/28/2024: Posted photo — Leading Lines.
I needed a photo for one of my photos projects this week. The topic was leading lines. I kept my eye open for the perfect photo opportunity and did not find it. I saw the lines in the ceiling leading to the altar, so I took this photo to post if I did not see anything else that met the topic today.
Monday, 04/29/2024: Posted photo — Off on a Hike.
Monday night is hiking night, as you know if you have been following this blog. The last couple of hikes started and ended in daylight. The trails have been drying up over the last few weeks, so more people are out hiking.
These are some of the members of the Monday night hiking group enjoying the good weather.
This is the trail junction of Harrington and Semuhenna on Wachusett Mountain. Semuhenna trail a 1.1 mile connector trail. The trail I took tonight was a 0.5 mile sections between Harrington and West Side. Most of the time I go up Harrington. The section of Harrington after this trail junction is the steepest section on the mountain. It is steep and there are many scrambles for novice hikers.
Semuhenna is not an old Indian name, as most people believe. Looking at the name backwards, it is Annehumes or Anne Humes, the name of the wife (or daughter according to some people) of the person who made the trail.
Wednesday, 05/01/2024: Posted photo — Texture in the Sky.
When I looked at the cloudy sky tonight, I saw textures in the clouds. There is rain coming in tonight. I do not think that this photo does this justice. Sometimes it is difficult to relay the emotion of nature into a photo. Sometimes the photo puts more emotion into nature. I think this photo is too blown out to have the intended emotional value.
Thursday, 05/02/2024: Posted photo — Fiddleheads.
Fiddleheads are the tightly coiled tips of ferns that are eaten cooked. These delicate delights are available only in early spring when ferns grow their new shoots. These fiddleheads are growing near my mailbox. I may have posted photos of fiddleheads earlier this year and they are still growing. They are around for a very short period.
Friday, 05/03/2024: Post photo — Mount Rainier.
This mountain always inspires me. Either seeing it from Seattle, hiking on it, viewing from different sections of the national park, or flying past it, Mount Rainier is majestic. I feature Mount Rainier on the cover of my first photo book (portfolio book).
An active volcano, Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S.A., spawning five major rivers. I have camped at Mount Rainier a few times and always remember the signs stating that this is an active volcano, and I am camping in a lava flow path.
I took a photo of a waterfall one spring and went back a couple of years later to take a photo of the waterfall with more snow cover. I had the GPS location but could not find it. After looking at my path, I was standing on top of the waterfall and could not see it because of the snow cover.
Saturday, 05/04/2024: Post photo — Historic Marker.
I have Wilderness First Aid (WFA) training today and tomorrow. This class will certify my in doing first aid on people that are more than 1 hour away from definitive care. That means when I am leading groups or hiking in the mountains or a remote location.
On the way to the training, I passed this historical marker in the John Havard Mall adjacent to the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) headquarters.
“Photography has nothing to do with cameras.” — Lucas Gentry
This week’s blog will feature photos of one of nature’s wonders, a total solar eclipse.
Sunday, 04/21/2024: Posted photo — Easter Candle.
The Paschal Candle represents the risen Christ, as a symbol of light (life) dispelling darkness (death). The Paschal candle is the large, white candle used in liturgies in the Roman Catholic Church and other religious ceremonies.
Monday, 04/22/2024: Posted photo — Views from my Hike.
Here are some views from tonight’s hike. Mount Monadnock, the pink moon over Boston, and a closeup of the moon.
Tuesday, 04/23/2024: Posted photo — Big Dipper.
Took this with my phone. The dipper is out of focus but I like the way the stars were exaggerated to better show the constellation.
Photo by Joseph Ciras 