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December 8, 2024

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2024

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

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

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

This is the first Sunday in advent.

Here are some photos from around out church.

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

Another week, another sunrise photo.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are photos from around the theatre.

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

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

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

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

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

“Sumens imagines consolatur et inspirat me.”

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December 1, 2024

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

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

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

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are the before and after photos.

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

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

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

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

Research on rutabagas below.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Sumens imagines consolatur et inspirat me.”

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July 7, 2024

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Photographic Thoughts — 06/30/2024 to 07/06/2024

“The whole point of taking pictures is so that you don’t have to explain things with words.” — Elliott Erwitt

Sunday, 06/30/2024: Posted photo — Negative Space.

Negative space photography is a style of photography that emphasizes the empty space around a subject.

This was my attempt at negative space. My original plan was to take a photo of an object against a bright blue sky. The sky did not cooperate this week.

Monday, 07/01/2024: Posted photo — Burl.

The cause of burls is hard to pinpoint entirely, but they most often form because your tree is under invasion or being affected by some external stressing factor.

This burl is at the junction of the West Side Trail and Old Indian Trail on Wachusett Mountain. The section of Old Indian Trail that we are hiking is considered by most, myself included, as the second most difficult part of the mountain. It is long and steep and then gets steeper towards the end of the incline.

Tuesday, 07/02/2024: Posted photo — Red-berried Elder.

The Red Elderberry is a large native deciduous shrub or small tree. It produces clusters of tiny white or cream flowers in early spring, followed by bright red berries in mid-July through early August.

These are found on Wachusett Mountain during my hike.

Wednesday, 07/03/2024: Posted photo — Newt.

Newt is generic name used to describe several partially terrestrial salamanders. An interesting fact about newts from the Encyclopaedia Britannica, some newt larvae can become terrestrial juveniles, but remain aquatic as adults. Adult newts that return to water to breed may undergo a partial “reverse metamorphosis” back into a larval state.

There are many newts on Wachusett Mountain. When you hike and the ground is wet, you need to take your steps with care so you do not step on a newt.

Thursday, 07/04/2024: Posted photo — Tiger Lilly.

Tiger Lilies symbolize wealth, prosperity, and strength, reflecting cultural significance.

Tiger lilies are one of the most interesting flowers to me. They almost look fake, like plastic, and I like their colors.

Friday, 07/05/2024: Post photo — Annual Fleabane.

Annual fleabane is an annual native to the eastern United States but introduced across much of North America.

These are in my in-law’s flower patch. They are native flowers but look like weeds to me.

Saturday, 07/06/2024: Post photo — Daylily.

Daylilies are rugged, adaptable, vigorous perennials that endure in a garden for many years with little or no care. Daylilies adapt to a wide range of soil and light conditions. They establish quickly, grow vigorously, and survive winters with little or no injury.

This is another flower from my in-law’s flower garden.

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

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June 23, 2024

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Photographic Thoughts — 06/16/2024 to 06/22/2024

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

Photo for the week. Comments welcome.

There was a heat wave this week in our area, so most of the photos are from the cottage.

Sunday, 06/16/2024: Posted photo — Votive Candles.

Happy Father’s Day!

The usage of votive candles is a pious practice which continues today in many churches. The symbolism reminds us that prayer is the light of Christ, allowing our souls to be filled with His light, and letting that light burn on in our souls even though we may return to our other activities. These candles are usually lite in memory of or for pray for someone we love and care for.

Theses candles are in the back of our church. As mentioned in past posts, the holder for these votive candles is dedicated to a friend who passed with ALS and his family. It is good to see people using the candles.

Monday, 06/17/2024: Posted photo — Hiking Group.

We had a good time hiking tonight. One member of the group took this photo to capture the closeness of the Monday night hiking group.

If you live in around Wachusett Mountain and would like to join the group, please let me know. The group once had 12 regular hikers and is down to 5 or 6 regulars. We hike year-round and hike at the speed of the ability of the people that hike that evening.

Tuesday, 06/18/2024: Posted photo — Pinecones.

This year there have been many more pinecones on the ground than I can remember. Maybe my memory is not that great, but this was the first year that I have seen them around in our yard.

I do not have any pine trees on my property and have seen pinecones in the yard. These pinecones were on the croquet course at the cottage. They had to be raked to the side so that the croquet ball can make it to a wicket with fewer obstacles.

Wednesday, 06/19/2024: Posted photo — High Bush Blueberries.

This is another repeat/progress photo. A few weeks ago, I posted a photo of these high bush blueberries starting to flower. Today I took a photo of them starting to ripen. It will not be long until it is time to pick them and use them for breakfast and deserts.

Thursday, 06/20/2024: Posted photo — Baby Robins.

Remember back when this nest was found so that I could not power wash a deck? The eggs have hatched, and three of the four babies survived. There is one big bird and two smaller birds (you can see the beaks of the smaller birds in this photo). The mother was feeding them and teaching them how to fly. It will not be long until they leave the nest and live on their own.

Friday, 06/21/2024: Post photo — Fish.

Sitting by the lake today, I saw these fish looking at me. When I moved the fish shifted position to look in my direction. It was strange.

Saturday, 06/22/2024: Post photo — Promise.

Today is our 33rd wedding anniversary. This is one of the gifts that I gave my wife a few years ago.

Bonus Image:

Here is a 3D image of boats under a tree.

Look at the image cross-eyed and the 3D image will appair in between the photos.

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

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May 26, 2024

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Photographic Thoughts — 05/19/2024 to 05/25/2024

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

Photo for the week. Comments welcome.

Sunday, 05/19/2024: Posted photo — Angel of Patience.

Angel of Patience statue in the gardens of the rectory at our church. This weekend was spent selling cakes for the Relay for Life after the Masses.

The RFL cake sale has become more popular over the years and is our team’s biggest fundraiser. Baking has been going on in our house for over a month with over 60 cakes baked and decorated. We do not know the exact count of cakes.

Here is a sample of what was left for the last Mass. There were four more stacks like this that almost sold out. Any cakes leftover will be sold during the RFL team captain’s meeting on Wednesday night.

Monday, 05/20/2024: Posted photo — Mountain House/Grand View.

About 150 feet into the Mountain House Trail on Wachusett Mountain, there is an old stone foundation. In 1764, Elisha Hobbs built his farmhouse here. In 1855–56, Daniel Howe purchased this farm, expanded it, and converted it to take on borders. This house operated from late spring through early fall from 1856 to 1914.

I always knew there was a foundation at this location. This is the first time that I saw the marker that gets scanned to show this information. It may have been there a while; I just do not hike this trail as often as I have in the past. Mountain House Trail is a straight up and down trail and I like doing loops. Pre-injury I would hike Mountain House every Thursday night.

Tuesday, 05/21/2024: Posted photo — Sour Orange.

Some information off the web: “Bitter oranges, sometimes also known as Seville oranges or sour oranges, are a citrus fruit that is a hybrid of mandarin oranges and pomelo, or grapefruit. They have thick, yellow-orange skin, and their flesh is extremely sour and bitter. Though the raw fruit itself is not usually eaten, their juice, rind, and zest are used in various cuisines around the world.” https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-are-bitter-oranges-5208746

I am always amazed at the variety of food that our local supermarket has to offer. It is a regional chain that has been rated one of the top supermarkets in the country many times.

Wednesday, 05/22/2024: Posted photo — Clock Tower.

This is the back of the clock tower at Gardner Town Hall. I was at the town hall tonight for the final Relay for Life meeting before the relay. I have taken photos of the town hall and posted them in the past.

Tonight our team sold some remaining cakes from the weekend’s cake sale. People were looking forward to tonight. Many of them mentioned how great the cakes were last year and how they were looking forward to this year’s sale. We even made some special cakes for people that have purchased them in the past.

Thursday, 05/23/2024: Posted photo — Azalea.

Last Thursday I posted a photo of our red azalea. This week I am posting a photo of our pink azalea (with a visitor) and a photo of white azalea that I took last Sunday during our cake sale.

Friday, 05/24/2024: Post photo — Oak.

Oak flowers are all around us this week. We had rain earlier in the week and they fell from the trees. Now my lawn and roof are full of oak flowers.

Saturday, 05/25/2024: Post photo — Deck.

Started to power wash our deck today. I think it needed it.

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

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May 5, 2024

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Photographic Thoughts — 04/28/2024 to 05/04/2024

“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.

Tuesday, 04/30/2024: Posted photo — Trail Junction.

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.

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

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April 28, 2024

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Photographic Thoughts — 04/21/2024 to 04/27/2024

“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.

Wednesday, 04/24/2024: Posted photo — Geometric Shape.

The shape is a case for a gift at my in-law’s house. I don’t know the name of the shape. The box was handmade from by one of my brothers-in-law.

Thursday, 04/25/2024: Posted photo — What do you See?

I see a beaver holding a log. What do you see?

Friday, 04/26/2024: Post photo — Pansy.

Picture of a pansy for today. Looks like the pansy is looking at me.

Saturday, 04/27/2024: Post photo — Sunset.

As the week comes to an end, we are moving off to the sunset.

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

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April 7, 2024

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Photographic Thoughts — 03/31/2024 to 04/06/2024

“If the photographer is interested in the people in front of his lens, and if he is compassionate, it’s already a lot. The instrument is not the camera but the photographer.” — Eve Arnold

Random photos of the week.

Sunday, 03/31/2024: Posted photo — Easter Sunday.

Today is the most important day in the liturgical year. Easter marks the end of Holy Week, the end of Lent, the last day of the Easter Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday), and is the beginning of the Easter season of the liturgical year. Jesus Christ rose from the dead on the third day following his crucifixion, which would be Sunday. His resurrection marks the triumph of good over evil, sin, and death.

The date of Easter is based on the moon and the seasons. It is the first Sunday after the first full moon of the vernal equinox (spring equinox).

Monday, 04/01/2024: Posted photo — Sunset.

I took the group on a longer hike tonight since there is more daylight. We made it to the summit just as the sun was going beyond the horizon. I took this photo on the trail to the summit.

Tuesday, 04/02/2024: Posted photo — Sunrise.

Here is this morning’s sunrise. With a storm arriving later in the week, the sky was starting to cloud over. I was able to get this photo of the sunrise shortly before cloud cover arrived.

Wednesday, 04/03/2024: Posted photo — Sugar Maple.

The tapping of our sugar maple trees is coming to an end. The sap is starting to run watery because of the new growth. Here is a bud off one of our trees. These are some of my favorite looking tree buds. I like the shape and texture of it. The color is not bad either.

Thursday, 04/04/2024: Posted photo — Crocus.

Finally, a little sun brings out crocus. The plural of crocus is also crocus. This was the only one that bloomed in this area.

Friday, 04/05/2024: Post photo — Weather Front.

One of the favorite things I like in nature is looking at a weather front. A front represents a boundary between two air masses that contain different temperature, wind, and moisture properties. I just love looking at the crispness and the straightness that is with this front.

This is a cold front that will be bringing us snow.

Saturday, 04/06/2024: Post photo — Snow.

Wet, heavy snow on the ground. Our cars were serviced since we did not know which one we were taking to view the eclipse and when I went to turn on my wipers, both the wipers were pulled from their mounts. Time to get new ones before we head off. The current plan is to go to Vermont. I will let you know next week if that has changed.

Here are some photos of the snow. The dent in the woodshed was due to a branch that fell on it a while ago. Repairs are in the works.

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

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February 18, 2024

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Photographic Thoughts — 02/11/2024 to 02/17/2024

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

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

Sunday, 02/11/2024: Posted photo — Anniversary Roses.

Today is the 36th anniversary of my starting to date my wife. I celebrate if every year. It is close to St. Valentine’s Day, so I make it a double celebration. Yellow flowers mean friendship. There is a lot of red roses being sold this week, so I wanted to be different.

Monday, 02/12/2024: Posted photo — Rotary not Traffic Circle.

In New England we call this a rotary and not a traffic circle or roundabout. Sometimes I wish that GPS systems would be trained with local lingo. This is the Concord Rotary, one of the busiest rotaries that I have driven through. It has two lanes, and you need to pay attention to the drivers around you.

Tuesday, 02/13/2024: Posted photo — Icicles.

A foot of snow! No! Six to eight inches of snow! No! One to three inches of snow! No! A dusting of snow! Maybe. This weather forecast all happened within a few hours of the storm starting in our area. The snow moved out to sea quickly and the residents in southern New England and near the coast receive the most snowfall. Some up to a foot. Living in the snow belt of the state, we were expecting more. Schools close last night since heavy snow was predicted up until late in the evening.

Looking out an office window I saw the icicles hanging off the Japanese Yew, so I took this photo through the dirty window.

Wednesday, 02/14/2024: Posted photo — Keyboard.

Today is Ash Wednesday. This is the start of the season of Lent. Lent is a 40 day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. It’s a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection at Easter.

The choir my wife and son sing in, sang for the Ash Wednesday Mass. At the end of Mass, I saw the lights reflecting off the organ keyboard, so I took this photo.

Thursday, 02/15/2024: Posted photo — Milky Way.

The topic of a photo project I am doing is called unexplored. There are many regions of the galaxy that are unexplored, so I wanted to take a photo of the Milky Way on one of the few clear sky days we have had lately.

Friday, 02/16/2024: Post photo — Harmony small things Grow.

“Concordia Res Parvae Crescunt” in harmony small this Grow. This is the motto of the Xaverian Brothers. The Xaverian Brothers were founded in Belgium by Theodore James Ryken in 1839 to be missionaries, and have been educators in the United States since 1854. The high school that I graduated from is an Xaverian Brother’s school. I go back every Friday to help the Robotics Team with engineering and project management advice.

Saturday, 02/17/2024: Post photo — Devils Tower.

Taken at Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming.

At the base of the Tower is a bolder field that we hiked up to. Massive rocks, some large as a bus, form a 13-acre field. Predominantly around the west and south faces of the Tower, this field of giant rocks was created as pieces of the Tower weathered off and eroded down. Geologists agree that Devils Tower began as magma, or molten rock buried beneath the Earth’s surface. What they cannot agree upon are the processes by which the magma cooled to form the Tower, or its relationship to the surrounding geology of the area. This was one of the three movie sets were stopped in at during this trip. The other two were Goblin Valley were Galaxy Quest was filmed and the Field of Dreams in Iowa.

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

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January 28, 2024

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Photographic Thoughts — 01/21/2024 to 01/27/2024

“Photograph: a picture painted by the sun without instruction in art.” — Ambrose Bierce

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

Sunday, 01/21/2024: Posted photo — Photo.

I like the colors in this photo. They are very peaceful. I took this photo last week during the gathering after the funeral of a family member.

Monday, 01/22/2024: Posted photo — Flowers.

Flowers are a quick subject to photograph when I go shopping. Not too much more to say about them the I have said in past blogs.

Enjoy on this cold week.

Tuesday, 01/23/2024: Posted photo — Tomatillos.

These little fruits are native to Mexico but have been adopted by American farmers due to their resistance to disease. Tomatillos are used in many Latin American cuisines, particularly in Mexican and Central American dishes, and prized for their ability to add tartness and depth of flavor to sauces, soups, and stews.

It is interesting to find out about new foods when I go shopping. Do not know if I would try them all, just interesting to see them and to photograph them.

Wednesday, 01/24/2024: Posted photo — Snow.

Snow and ice today. The temperatures have been around the freezing mark from most of the day so we have had snow and freezing rain. The roads were not that bad to drive on in the morning, were covered in black ice in the afternoon, and were fine for the commute home.

Thursday, 01/25/2024: Posted photo — Covers.

Abstract photo for the day. I have not photographed the covers of products in the 14 years that I have taken a photo a day. I had a calling to take these two photos.

Friday, 01/26/2024: Post photo — Ice.

I did not take a photo today since I was waiting for my hike tomorrow to take photos.

These are photos from my hike. We had some rain in lower elevations and freezing rain in the upper elevations. This caused some nice ice formations on the mountain.

Saturday, 01/27/2024: Post photo — Going Down.

Today I lead my second qualifying hike for the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). After today’s hike I am officially a four-season local hiking leader. I am now a four-season local hiking leader and a three season upcountry hiking leader. I did have the opportunity to receive my upcountry winter this year but did not want to do it. That is the goal for next winter season. Winter hikes, according to the AMC Worcester Chapter, are hikes between December 1 and March 31.

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