“Taking pictures is savoring life intensely, every hundredth of a second.” — Marc Riboud
Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.
Sunday, 12/14/2025: Posted photo — Third Sunday of Advent.
The Third Sunday of Advent, called Gaudete Sunday. The color for this Sunday is rose symbolizing for us rejoice since the Christ child is coming soon.
Monday, 12/15/2025: Posted photo — Blowing Snow.
The new lift is getting ready for operation on Wachusett Mountain. They were making snow tonight near the lift to prepare for its opening.
It was a wonderful night to get out and hike. I like to hike in the winter since you do not have to deal with the rocks on the trails. I put on my microspikes and covered tonight’s four mile loop in about an hour and a half.
Tuesday, 12/16/2025: Posted photo — Driveway.
This is my neighbor’s driveway. I like photographing it every winter. I will most likely photograph it a few more times over the next few months. Because of its length, I think it looks like a typical winter scene here in New England.
Wednesday, 12/17/2025: Posted photo — Santa.
My in-law’s house has many Santa’s. My father-in-law is Santa during the holiday season. Many children look at him at awe during the year since they are near Santa.
We were over their house after the latest snowstorm shoveling out their driveway and walkway. They do not need to be out in the snow and walking on the slippery ground.
Thursday, 12/18/2025: Posted photo — Sunrise.
Here is a photo of the sunrise from my office. The sunrise looked better in the clouds when I looked to the west than when I looked to the east to see it.
Nature always seems to impress and surprise me. Sunrises and sunsets are similar, yet two are never the same.
Friday, 12/19/2025: Post photo — Getting Ready.
More snow making as the lift is getting ready to open.
Saturday, 12/20/2025: Post photo — Holiday Bouquet.
While out shopping, I saw this holiday bouquet. What caught my eye was the balloon liking decorations. I took this photo since I liked the colors of the decorations withing the flowers.
That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.
“Sumens imagines consolateur et inspirat me. Pulchritudinem mundi video per camera mean.”
“Quod scripsi, scripsi. Ingeniarius sum, non scriptor.”
“Photography is the story I fail to put into words.” — Destin Sparks
Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.
Short descriptions this week. I have been tired and have not had the opportunity I would like to better describe my thoughts for taking these photos. Refer to this week’s quote.
Sunday, 11/30/2025: Posted photo — First Sunday of Advent.
This photo was taken before the Advent candles were lit after I put up the numbers for the hymns. Advent is a time for hopeful anticipation, looking forward to the future with a spirit of expectancy.
Monday, 12/01/2025: Posted photo — Hiding Mouse.
During tonight’s hike, I saw this mouse hiding under a rock. I was expecting to move when I approached. As I put my light on the mouse, it just stayed still so I took out my phone and took its photo. A few weeks ago, the same thing happened on my hike with a frog. The frog did not move when I put my light on it.
Tuesday, 12/02/2025: Posted photo — Cottage.
We spent some time on Sunday afternoon finishing the closing of our cottage. We took the boats in and put in the storm door. The cottage is only a three-season cottage. We used it in the winter when going ice skating. I have not done that in a while. I need to get back to using it more.
As an interesting note, the cottage now sits on the west side of the lake. It was built on the eastern side of the lake. One winter, many years ago, it was brought to its current location by being moved over the ice.
I love my commute home during the winter. Most of the time it involves a quiet hike in the woods. I especially like it when I break trail with my snowshoes.
My house is not far from the Mid State Trail. The Midstate Trail is a 92-mile hiking trail that extends from Rhode Island to the Wapack Trail in New Hampshire. I have hiked most of the northern section of the trial and have not spent much time hiking in the southern section.
Thursday, 12/04/2025: Posted photo — Snowshoeing.
More snowshoeing photos to show you. This was on my commute home in the heavy snow. You can see snow falling in this photo. It almost looks like it is raining.
Friday, 12/05/2025: Post photo — Icicles.
It is a very frigid day today. The temperatures were in the low single digits (deg F) this morning and is not expected to be much warmer. The cold does not bother me since I have the clothing to keep me warm.
Even with the cold temperatures, the sun is melting some icicles leading to droplets. This is not the best photo of the droplet but is the first of many icicle photos I plan on taking this winter.
Saturday, 12/06/2025: Post photo — Last Load of Wood.
Yesterday I received a text from my wife saying that we just received a load of wood. I was surprised since I did not let my wood guy know that we were ready for it. My son’s car was in the driveway at the time, so the delivery driver must have been very experienced.
This morning my son had a couple of cousins, and a friend came over to help. I was working on stacking the wood when the help showed up. So, I let the youngsters do the work while I did other things around the house.
Here is a photo of the wood stacked up. We can put five cords of wood into our four cord woodshed. We still had to stack about a half a cord outside the woodshed and we have burnt almost a half a cord already this winter since it has been bitterly cold at times.
That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.
“Sumens imagines consolateur et inspirat me. Pulchritudinem mundi video per camera mean.”
“Quod scripsi, scripsi. Ingeniarius sum, non scriptor.”
“When I photograph, what I’m really doing is seeking answers to things.” — Wynn Bullock
Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.
Sunday, 11/16/2025: Posted photo — Apples.
Apples provide numerous health benefits, including improved heart health, better digestion, weight management support, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases like certain cancers and type 2 diabetes. We like to use McIntosh apples for baking pies and I eat Gala apples for health reasons.
Monday, 11/17/2025: Posted photo — Acorn Squash.
Acorn squash is a starchy vegetable and is a source of carbohydrates and vitamin C. It may offer numerous health benefits, such as providing antioxidants, promoting digestive health, and more.
I cook acorn squash once and a while. It does take a while for the squash to be cooked, 45 minutes to and hour, but the end justifies the means.
The first shopping cart was invented by Sylvan and Fred Goldman in June 4, 1937. The original patent for the “Combination basket and carriage,” was filed in 1937 and granted to Sylvan Goldman in 1939 (US patent 2,155,896). With the introduction of shopping carts, shoppers were able to carry big items and a lot of items at once. This made shopping a lot easier and revolutionized the shopping industry.
Every week I go shopping on Tuesday nights. I always look for something to photograph while I am shopping. This week I was in an abstract, or artistic, mood and saw the shopping carts lined up.
What a wonderful sky this morning. This photo was taken just before sunrise. The reflection of the light off the clouds makes them look like they were painted.
The colors of sunrise are primarily red, orange, and yellow, but can also include pink, purple, and blue. As light travels through the Earth’s atmosphere, the blue wavelengths are filtered with the longer red and orange wavelengths reaching our eyes. This is the same phenomenon as in sunset.
Thursday, 11/20/2025: Posted photo — Compass.
This is a photo of my lensatic compass. I am in the middle of an article about how to orient a map and compass using a lensatic compass. I have written the same article using a fixed declination baseplate compass and wanted to explain it using a different type of compass.
A lensatic compass gets its name from a magnifying lens on the rear sight that is used for reading the compass dial accurately. A lensatic compass is good for taking bearings in the field and is not easy for beginners to use on a map. A baseplate compass is one that has a plastic see through baseplate that is better for using it with a map and easier to use in the field.
Friday, 11/21/2025: Post photo — Stained Glass.
During medieval time, when many people were illiterate, stained glass windows were used the depiction of Biblical events to teach those who could not read about the events and lessons in the Bible.
Some of the newer churches do not have stained glass because of their maintenance. There are not many craftsmen that can restore the stained glass, if needed. Also, many of the older windows have led in them. I always enjoy looking at stained glass windows and the stories they detect.
Saturday, 11/22/2025: Post photo — Poinsettia.
The Poinsettia, or Christmas Flower, is a plant from Mexico and Guatemala. The plant was used to make dyes and medicines. I read on a website that the name poinsettia comes from Joel Roberts Poinsett, a U.S. ambassador to Mexico appointed by John Quincy Adams in 1825.
The plants can be kept as houseplants, though they require specific care to trigger the bracts to change color and “bloom again” the following year.
Tips for Caring for and Growing Poinsettias at Home that I received from another website.
Poinsettias can thrive at home in the right conditions. Pay careful attention to light and temperature to keep your plant healthy and happy.
Poinsettias should receive direct light. Placing them in an east or west window will ensure they receive bright light daily.
An indoor temperature of 65-70 degrees is ideal for growing these plants. Damage may occur if poinsettias are placed in environments where the temperature fluctuates, or where the plant may become dried out or chilled from a cold draft, heat duct, poorly insulated window, fireplace, fan, or space heater. Temperatures below 50 degrees can further damage or even kill poinsettias.
The soil for poinsettias should be kept moist. Do not allow plants to dry out or wilt! Excessive wetness or poor drainage may rot the plant’s roots.
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.”
“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.”
“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 helps keep me inspired.
Sunday, 09/14/2025: Posted photo — Rosebud.
A few weeks ago, I constructed a planter for some roses that I purchased. I purchased white roses and yellow roses. The white roses bloomed a couple of times since I purchased them and the yellow roses looked like they were not going to live.
When I planted them, I was hopeful that they both would take root. I took my time and fed them, watered them, and removed weeds to help them grow. The white roses bloomed in the bed again, bending under their own weight. I need to support the blooms the next time I see them start. The yellow roses are starting to have multiple blooms.
This is a photo of one of the rosebuds from the yellow plant. It looks like it will bloom this week. If it does, I will post a photo of it later this week.
I am starting to learn about growing roses. There is much to learn, and any advice will be greatly appreciated.
The bearded dragon is equipped with armor of spiny reptilian scales, which include a “beard” of spikes under its chin that puffs up depending on its mood. A Bearded Dragon represents change, rebirth, and renewal.
This bearded dragon is the pet of one of my brothers. We stopped at his house on the way to one of the two weddings we attended last weekend. One was in Naples NY, and one was in Westminster MA the next day.
Tuesday, 09/16/2025: Posted photo — Chinese Swan Goose.
Wild goose symbolizes loyalty, integrity, and love.
This goose was swimming at the Old Mill during the time of the second wedding we attended last weekend.
This is the centerpiece from the second wedding. The first wedding was more traditional, and the second one was less traditional. The first wedding had less traditional food, and the second wedding had more traditional food.
Both weddings were special in their own way. The first was for a friend, and the second was for my niece. Wishing them both many happy years.
Thursday, 09/18/2025: Posted photo — Jump Off Point.
Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill has a lookout point called Jump Off Point. There is an overlook at the point, but not much of a drop to jump off, just a steep hill.
We took a walk to look at the views before packing up our camping equipment and heading to the wedding we were going to photograph. This was the first of two weddings over the weekend.
This park is very well maintained and is growing. The campsite we had the first time we were there, and when my wife and son camped there a few years ago, is now occupied by the camp host. I can understand why he took that site, it was the best one in the park.
Friday, 09/19/2025: Post photo — Orntario St. Bridge.
This bridge is a hidden wonder. The newly married couple wanted to take photos on this bridge after the ceremony. The bridge had debris on it, so before we took photos, we purchased a broom and swept off the bridge. We later presented the broom as a wedding gift. The couple loved the idea that we gave them this broom that was part of their special day.
Saturday, 09/20/2025: Post photo — Milky Way.
Second attempt at a Milky Way photo using my cellphone. This one was better than the first one, but still not great. There still was light pollution in the area. I attempted to block the light, so this photo came out slightly better.
I will keep taking this photo in darker areas to get a good one.
That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.
Bonus
Here is the photo of the rose in Sunday’s photo in bloom.
“Quod scripsi, scripsi. Ingeniarius sum, non scriptor.”
“Sumens imagines consolatur et inspirat me. Pulchritudinem mundi video per cameram meam.”
“The picture that you took with your camera is the imagination you want to create with reality.” — Scott Lorenzo
Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.
Sunday, 09/07/2025: Posted photo — From Above.
The photo theme for the week is taking a photo from above. I took many photos during the week and decided on posting this photo of the altar from above from the choir loft. I selected this one to post since I liked the colors in this photo better than the other photos I took during the week.
Monday, 09/08/2025: Posted photo — Balance Rock.
Glaciers can pick up chunks of rocks and transport them over long distances. When they drop these rocks, they are often far from their origin—the outcrop or bedrock from which they were plucked. These rocks are known as glacial erratics.
This erratic is called Balance Rock. It is located on the Balance Rock train on Wachusett Mountain. It was left behind by the Laurentide Ice Sheet about 12,000 years ago (thank you Matt Landry for that information).
I once heard a college-aged couple discussing how someone would have placed the rocks on each other. I had to explain to them that it was a glacial erratic.
Tuesday, 09/09/2025: Posted photo — View from the Trail.
My hike this week took me across the ski area at Wachusett Mountain. As the sun sets earlier each day this time of year, I wanted to see how the lighting would be on the ski area.
The lighting was not bad. The shadows made it a difficult photo.
Wednesday, 09/10/2025: Posted photo — Graffiti.
Kids do not spend the time outside these days making graffiti the way they did many years ago. Today graffiti is done with spray paint. I often wonder how long it took to carve names into rocks.
Thursday, 09/11/2025: Posted photo — Trial Ahead.
I took this photo for a couple of reasons. These blazes are new on the trail, and I wanted to show them during my next navigation class.
I took this trail this week to challenge myself. I wanted to see how quickly, at a fast-walking pace, I could do a loop. It took me 1 hour 30 minutes to cover 3.93 miles. I had an average moving speed of 2.6 miles per hour with a maximum speed of 4.2 miles per hour. This trail had an ascent of 979 feet. All this information was taken off my Gaia GPS app.
Next time I will take less stops. If I were with a group, my estimated time for this same route would be around 3 hours. I always like to double the time it would take me when I am with a group. This estimate works most of the time if I do not know all the people that are hiking in the group.
Friday, 09/13/2025: Post photo — Stream Crossing.
Hiking trail bridges are necessary to allow for safe crossings of streams, rivers, wetlands, ravines, and other environmental features. I have crossed many bridges in my days and years of hiking.
There are several of these bridges on Wachusett Mountain. They allow for safe crossings of the many streams on the mountain. During the dry season, I might cross next to the bridge since it is a straighter and safer path.
The commonwealth is doing a great job maintaining these bridges. Most of them are in great shape. There are a few in which some of the boards are starting to rot and need to be replaced. These bridges are on the north side of the mountain.
Saturday, 09/13/2025: Post photo — Something New.
They are starting to assembly the new high-speed lift on Wachusett. This is a photo of the new towers at the summit as the ski area prepares to install the upper part of the lift.
For the past 15 or so years, I have been posting a photo of me on the summit of one of the 48 4K mountains in New Hampshire as part of the Flags on the 48 September 11 memorial hike. This year I was unable to do the hike due to a prior commitment. I would like to congratulate the members of the Worcester AMC and the Wachusett Hikers who both took on summits this year.
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.”
“What makes photography a strange invention is that the primary raw materials are light and time.” — John Berger
Thank you for all the new views and likes from last week, it helps keep me inspired.
Sunday, 07/27/2025: Posted photo — Mary and Jesus.
This is a photo of Mary with Jesus. This statue is on the altar of our church. Next to Mary and Jesus is the Paschal Candle.
The Paschal candle represents Christ. The candle is made from pure beeswax represents the sinless Christ. The wick signifies His humanity, the flame, His Divine Nature, both soul and body. Five grains of incense inserted into the candle in the form of a cross recall the aromatic spices with which His Sacred Body was prepared for the tomb, and of the five wounds in His hands, feet, and side.
As Catholic’s know, Jesus died for all of us, not just a chosen few. He died for those we love, those we hate, people with different political and sociological views, different skin color or nationalities. People forget this these days.
Monday, 07/28/2025: Posted photo — Foundations.
These are some of the foundations that will be installed for the new ski lift on Wachusett Mountain.
Every week, I take my group of hikers to the ski area to watch the progress. We have seen the old towers and lift being removed. Now we are seeing the new equipment being installed.
Tuesday, 07/29/2025: Posted photo — Hibiscus.
Hibiscus flowers generally symbolize beauty, grace, and delicate charm. Different colors can have more specific meanings, with red often representing passion and love, white signifying purity and innocence, and yellow symbolizing friendship or happiness.
These are new hibiscus planted at my in-law’s house. I don’t know when they were planted since I have been traveling most of the summer.
Photo from the summit of Madden Peak (11,982 feet) looking at Parrott Peak (11,871 feet). We did the saddle to Parrott Peak from Madden Peak but did not climb to the summit. It was a very hot day with not much breeze, even at this elevation.
This was a great day for a hike. Glad I finally conquered this peak. On to the next one during my next trip to Colorado.
Thursday, 07/31/2025: Posted photo — Fishing.
Jonah and Jonah (along with Freedom) went out fishing. This was a great day for family to get together as part of my wife’s family’s reunion week.
There was plenty of food and fun this week. The older Jonah did catch a few fish. He is a catch and release fisherman. We did have a campfire going, but they did not want to cook the fish.
Friday, 08/01/2025: Post photo — Water Lilly.
The water lily represents purity of heart, tranquility, and peace. Its ability to float gracefully on the water, seemingly untainted by the dirt beneath, makes it a powerful symbol of inner beauty and resilience. They are also a great place for fishing.
These water lilies have been frequented by beavers and ducks. I would just sit on the shoreline and enjoy nature. Watching the ducks swim in the water lilies, diving for food, and seeing the beaver swim to the lilies to feast on some of the flowers.
Saturday, 08/02/2025: Post photo — First Quarter Moon.
Today is the day for the first quarter moon.
There are eight phases of the moon. The phases are, in order: new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third quarter, and waning crescent. The cycle repeats about once a month (every 29.5 days). As the Moon orbits the Earth, the Sun lights up different parts of it, making it seem as if the Moon is changing shape.
Even with all the full moon photos I have taken, the one that I want to succeed at is one of the crescent moons with the earthshine. Earthshine is a phenomenon where the dark portion of the Moon appears to glow faintly, illuminated by sunlight reflected off the Earth.
That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.
“Sumens imagines consolatur et inspirat me.”
“Quod scripsi, scripsi. Ingeniarius sum, non scriptor.”
“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, 06/15/2025: Posted photo — Gospel Cover.
This is the Gospel cover at our church. I like the details on the cover. The book is very heavy, and the inside message is important.
I took this photo when I was putting up the numbers for the hymns. Looks like I was too close, so the top of the holder is cut off.
Monday, 06/16/2025: Posted photo — Foot on Summit.
Whenever I hike a mountain, I tough the summit. I have hiked Wachusett many, many times (hundreds of times) and always touch the summit. Some people think that it is strange that I do this. It is just a habit of mine.
Tuesday, 06/17/2025: Posted photo — Burl on Walnut.
A burl on a tree is a large, rounded outgrowth, often found on the trunk or branches. These growths are typically a result of stress or injury to the tree, like damage from insects, fungi, or physical trauma. Burls are used to make furniture.
This tree is at the intersection of West Side Trail and Old Indian Trail on Wachusett Mountain. I have often wondered what the cause of this tree’s injury was.
Wednesday, 06/18/2025: Posted photo — Watermelon.
The entire watermelon is usable. Pickled rind is the most widely known way to eat the rind, but it can also be candied, juiced, stewed, and baked.
That is something to think about. How many of you have eaten watermelon rind. I may have to try this sometime.
Thursday, 06/19/2025: Posted photo — Angel of Patience.
The “Angel of Patience” is a figure associated with virtues like endurance, resilience, and the ability to bear suffering without becoming upset.
I have posted a photo of the Angel of Patience in the past. I took this photo this week and needed a filler photo. To see my other posting, look at my post from May 26, 2024.
Friday, 06/20/2025: Post photo — More Mountain Laurel.
Busy day. I wanted to take a photo of a daily routine to use for my other photo project. Just ended up taking a photo of one of the other mountain laurel bushes in our yard.
These are pink. The ones I posted last week were white.
Saturday, 06/21/2025: Post photo — Camping.
This is my tent set up in our backyard. I set it up in our backyard to dry it out from last weekend’s Relay for Life. I set it up on Monday night before my hike. When I came back from my hike on Monday, my tent was still damp, so I left it set up.
It has been raining and very humid most of the week. Unlike most weekends lately, it rained during the week and not on the weekend. I was finally able to take down my tent and get it ready for my next backpacking adventure.
That is all for now. Until next week, be safe.
“Sumens imagines consolatur et inspirat me.”
“Quod scripsi, scripsi. Ingeniarius sum, non scriptor.”
“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.
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.
These bleeding hearts are at my in-law’s house. I missed taking a photo of them last year since I was away when they bloomed.
Monday, 05/05/2025: Posted photo — Stickers.
Some of the 36 stickers on my water bottle from each one of the US National Parks I have visited. Let’s hope that I will be able to visit them all before they disappear.
One of the azalea bushes in our yard. We have a red one and a pink one.
Thursday, 05/08/2025: Posted photo — Sacrament of Confirmation.
Congratulations to one of my grandnieces for receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. It is also the same day that the world has a new pope, Pope Leo XIV.
Friday, 05/09/2025: Post photo — Rain.
We are having heavy rain today. We had some last night on our way to and from Confirmation. We will have some more rain tomorrow.
Saturday, 05/10/2025: Post photo — Inspection Station.
Today was the day for my yearly vehicle inspection.
Photo by Joseph Ciras 