All Nature Sings

Overheard

2012-02-08T22:44:00.000-05:00

"Hey, looks like something interesting going on down there."

"Sam, what do you think ?"

"I don't know, Charlie; do you think we should go check it out ?"

"Well you two can sit here talking all day; I'm getting hungry !"

"Hmmm, the grasshoppers DO look greener on the other side !"

"Eenie, meenie, miney, mo ..." "Aw, forget it; last one down's a dirty rotten egg !"

"That figures - Art's always last; what a birdbrain !"

"Finally ! Now I've got this side all to myself !"

It Came Upon A Midnight Clear ...

2012-02-02T23:48:00.000-05:00

... the idea to get out for a few night shots, that is.

With everyone already in bed, and the night still young, and fresh snow on the ground, there was no compelling reason not to take advantage of an opportunity to capture the serenity. Sasha didn't need a second invitation and we set off into the crisp night air. It seemed like we were the only ones on the planet.

It's a pity if you've never ventured out on a beautiful winter's night.

If you have a few moments to linger, listen to the music (click on play button below the last photo) as you step into the peaceful night.

(all photos shot with a 10-22mm lens at f7.1, ISO200, with shutter speeds from 6 to 30 sec)

Forever Young ...

2012-01-29T01:50:00.000-05:00

(click on the play button below the photo)

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
...
(from Flanders Fields by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, Royal Canadian Army - 3 May 1915)

"As for man, his days are like grass, As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. But truly the wind passes over it and it is gone, And its place knows it no more." (Psalm 103:15, 16)

“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38)

Just a Closer Walk With Thee

2012-01-26T22:55:00.000-05:00

Press the 'play' key below the last photo, then come back up here and take a walk to ease your mind and enjoy His creation ...

Curses! Foiled again!

2012-01-22T01:06:00.000-05:00

We returned to Fisherman's Village a few days ago to walk around a little, visit the shops, and check out the eateries. Seems like one of the 'locals' had similar ideas.

Normally these fine feathered fellows are wading around in the shallows seeing what's on the lunch menu. Instead, this one was checking out the back of a shop for something to eat. When he was shooed away off the loading dock, he looked entreatingly up to the shopkeeper for a handout - to no avail. A little later I spotted him on a pole by the water checking to see if there might be a morsel for him there. The last I saw of him he was winging out over the water, presumably to a more favourable eatery.

(70-200mm f9.0 1/400 sec ISO200)

Winter Wonderland III

2012-01-18T22:38:00.000-05:00

I've seen from news reports that winter has arrived across much of the North American continent. I mean really arrived, which those of you driving in it daily don't need to be reminded of. While we were back home in the north over the Christmas season we were fortunate not to have to drive in any adverse weather. In addition, I was able to go out several times to capture the beauty of the creation enhanced by a dusting of snow, before real winter had arrived.

Join me as I traipse through a secluded wonderland not far from home.

This is the creek that flows below the waterfalls I posted recently and which you might have visited with me last spring

A small creek which tumbles from the hill on the other side yields these ice formations

A few hundred yards downstream we come across another waterfall - don't get too near the edge - it's a bit slippery

The snow-covered ice that's formed across the rocks reminds me of cauliflower

At this point it hasn't been cold enough long enough for the ice to completely conceal the stream

The stream disappears around a bend below this waterfall. We have to scramble through the forest, away from the waterfall, and find our way down a side gully to find the stream again. The sides of the gully are coated with ice built up by dripping water - winter must have surprised these plants

Another few yards through the underbrush and we see the stream as it tumbles around the corner. From here it disappears to our left but the steep gully side means we'll have to bid it adieu, and we'll make our way back

And throughout our trek Sasha has been patiently accompanying us - whenever the camera bag is unzipped she knows it's time for a rest in the snow. But she doesn't mind - she's in her element

Sunset at the harbour

2012-01-15T23:54:00.000-05:00

"Inspirational Blog Award"

I very recently received this award from Amelia at Amelia's De-ssert and there are a few ‘rules’ attached, which include answering some questions about myself. Now if you like dessert (ok, put up your hand all those who can honestly say they don’t !) then you need to check out her blog. Not only will you see photos of mouth-watering treats but she’ll also give you the recipes. And she posts some great photos to go along with her witty anecdotes. Thank you, Amelia !

Here goes:

1. What makes you laugh, smile or giggle?

A humorous situation in real life, a funny story about our human foibles, a great cartoon (I’m partial to Dilbert), and of course Foghorn Leghorn TV cartoons !

2. What are your dreams for your future?

See (and hopefully photograph) more of this beautiful creation and meet people in far off places – it reinforces my view that we all have the same desires and needs.
Enjoy watching my grandchildren grow up.

3. If you are going on a cruise, where would it be and why?

Unfortunately the idea of a cruise doesn’t appeal to me. I’d feel too regimented – I want to be free to explore a place on my own for as long as I want (or can) without being part of a crowd and being compelled to return to ship.

4. Where would you spend your vacation and with whom?

My wife and I have discussed a possible vacation with Ireland as a potential destination. Wales, England and Scotland also beckon. Given unlimited funds I’d like to take my whole family somewhere exotic (and warm, of course). There’s a lot to be said about sharing an experience like that.

5. If given another life, what life would you choose ? Your life now or your past?

Of course there are very good experiences in the past that would be good to relive, but I’m happy with the circumstances I find myself in.

6. Is there something that you wished before when you were young but you didn't get?

At a young age I wished to become a pilot. At a later time I got as far as completing ground school but life events took over and I pursued a completely different career.

7. Have you been in a situation where you might have given up but you still chose to move on?

I took a number of assignments in my career that I wasn’t too sure I could successfully handle going in, including a couple of relocations. Being somewhat of an obstinate sort I couldn’t let failure prevail. I know that I had a lot of help, especially from above – any success was definitely not attributable to me alone.

8. Is there someone in your life who has been your source of strength and inspiration?

Yes, my wife has stood beside me all these years.

Now for the hard part: I also have lots of favourite bloggers but the ‘rules’ say I can only choose eight for this award. I realize that not all of you do the blogging award thing – I will not be offended in any way if that’s your preference. Hopefully anyone visiting here will come and visit you:

1) Marty at Marty

2) Darlene at My Life For A Year

3) Leslie at Let A Joy Keep You

4) Cloudia at Comfort Spiral

5) Lisa at Lisa Gordon Photography

6) Betty at Cut and Dry

7) Elizabeth at Magical Moments

8) Dawn at Just~One~Life

Of course, in keeping with with Scott's Sunset Sunday theme, I also wanted to show you what the sunset at the harbour looked like last evening.

(10-22mm f14 several different exposures ISO100)

Change of mind

2012-01-14T01:16:00.000-05:00

I was going to continue posting a few more photos of my recent winter wanderings, but I changed my mind (I've rescheduled them). After we walked around the harbour this afternoon, I decided to return later to add to my stock of sunset shots. I did get a few but I changed my mind about posting any tonight (I've rescheduled those too). Although dusk was rapidly approaching, there was still enough light to capture some of the colour around the harbour. My son had sent some photos of the freezing rain and snow they've had over the last 2 days - I thought he could use a little more colour in his life right now.

Our internet connection here is something I could only dream about a week ago. I'm slowly catching up on responding to your comments and coming round to visit you.

(18-55mm f11 3 different exposures each 2 stops apart ISO100)

WWW II

2012-01-10T23:17:00.000-05:00

I mentioned a couple of posts ago that I would share a bit of my experience of walking in a winter wonderland while we were 'back home', over the next few weeks. Now that we're ensconced in the warmth of a southern winter once again (and I have an internet connection speed that most people take for granted), I thought it time to follow up on that promise.

A few days before Christmas I revisited a place not far from home to see it in a winter setting. At that time it looked like we were in for a green Christmas. Jack Frost had certainly left his mark on the area, but then on Christmas eve, possibly as a result of all the "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" jingles that had been raised heavenward in the weeks before, the landscape received a nice white blanket of the stuff. Talk about dreams fulfilled just in time.

So I re-revisited this place the day after Christmas and marvelled at the transformation that had taken place. And I marvelled at the Creator of this beauty “for in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:16-17

(10-22mm f8.0 1/15 sec ISO200)

before

(10-22mm f11 1/50 sec ISO200)

after

Osmosis

2012-01-04T19:45:00.000-05:00

I was awakened prematurely this morning by my wife who told me that I had to get up and see a beautiful sunrise (thank goodness we're in the middle of the winter when the sun rises at what I consider to be a more 'normal' hour). As I jumped into my clothes she reminded me that I had requested her to wake me the next time there was a gorgeous sunrise. She had even brought the camera up with her.

I made some shots out of an upstairs window and then went down and stepped out onto the front porch, sans winter coat, into the -21C / -6F early morning. Within a few minutes I realized further shots would suffer from severe camera shake brought on by hypothermia. So inside I dashed for a coat and toque. I stayed out to get more shots until my fingers were so numb I couldn't operate the camera any longer.

I've never impressed on my wife any of the unwritten rules of photography e.g. carpe diem (see #2 here) but I think the 'learning by osmosis' concept has been at work in our home. She had already made a number of shots of the sunrise in its early stages whilst I was still lost somewhere in dreamland.

Here's a bit of the sequence we were privileged to witness and capture this morning. I hope your new year is off to a similarly auspicious start.

(if patience is truly a virtue then I'm in line to be a saint - this 'only' took 4 hours to post. Starting next week, I hope to be blogging at the speed of light, relatively speaking)

click on photos for a better view

Walking In A Winter Wonderland

2011-12-31T02:36:00.000-05:00

I hope all of you have had a peace-full Christmas, and you were able to make some happy memories with those close to you. I'm glad to say that I have been so blessed. I also had the pleasure of once again experiencing the beauty that winter bestows on the creation, on solitary walks and walks shared with loved ones. I hope to share some of this over the next few weeks.

The old year is quickly sliding away, a new year is just around the corner. I want to wish each of you who have come here to visit throughout this past year or perhaps just starting recently, a wonderful new year. I'd also like to leave this Irish blessing, a favourite of mine, with you:

May the road rise up to meet you,
may the wind be always at your back,
may the sun shine warm upon your face,
and the rains fall soft upon your fields;
and until we meet again,
may you be held in the warmth of God's hand.

You might note the 'early' hour of this post - that's due to the length of time it took this evening to download Windows updates and then to load this blog post. If all goes well I expect to have access to a very fast internet connection within 2 weeks, at which time we shall 'meet again' in blogland. I thank you all for your visits and kind comments.

(10-22mm f14 1/100 sec ISO200)

All is calm, All is bright ...

2011-12-24T18:00:00.002-05:00

Silent night, holy night!
All is calm, All is bright
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child
Holy Infant so Tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight!
Glories stream from heaven afar;
Heavenly hosts sing Al-le-lu-ia!
Christ the Saviour is born!
Christ the Saviour is born!

Silent night, holy night!
Wondrous star, lend thy light!
With the angels let us sing
Alleluia to our King!
Christ the Saviour is here,
Jesus the Saviour is here!

Silent night, Holy night!
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus Lord at thy birth;
Jesus Lord at thy birth.

♫ Happy trails to you ...

2011-12-18T10:00:00.002-05:00

As you're reading this, we hope to be well on our way 'up north', having left the balmy south early yesterday morning in order to spend Christmas with family. We've traded shorts and sandals for boots and warm winter woollies. Tonight, if all goes well, we'll be sitting around the crackling wood stove. That will be a stark contrast to the scenes we savoured so recently.

Note: not only are we leaving the wonderful warm weather behind but we're also leaving the urban high-speed internet connection behind. For the next several weeks I will have to make do with a connection that is 400 times slower. I will likely have to restrict myself to doing the bare minimum online i.e. paying bills. I'm doubtful that I'll be able to post, let alone visit anyone's blog during this time.

If that's the case, then I want to wish each and every one of you a Blessed Christmas, and peace and joy in 2012.

Till we meet again ... ♫

Square peg meets round hole

2011-12-16T21:22:00.000-05:00

Our sense of the familiar has been challenged as we try to 'get into the Christmas spirit'. This is the second year that we are spending the weeks leading up to Christmas in the balmy south. For all of those previous years we had grown accustomed to the weather turning cold and blustery, and we literally meant it when we hummed along with "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas". In our experience, there's something incongruous about standing on a street dressed in shorts and sandals in mid-December looking at palm trees adorned with bright Christmas lights.

Good thing that the joyous message of Christmas - the birth of the Saviour of the world - remains the same without regard to geography or weather.

"May all your Christmases be bright."

All earth to Him her homage brings

2011-12-11T14:33:00.000-05:00

1 The ends of all the earth shall hear
And turn unto the Lord in fear;
All kindreds of the earth shall own
And worship Him as God alone.

Refrain:
All earth to Him her homage brings,
The Lord of lords, the King of kings.

2 For His the kingdom, His of right,
He rules the nations by his might;
All earth to Him her homage brings
The Lord of lords, the King of kings. [Refrain]

3 Both rich and poor both bond and free,
Shall worship Him with bended knee,
And children's children shall proclaim
The glorious honor of His Name. [Refrain]

Composer: William H. Doane, 1834-1915

What's in a name

2011-12-09T23:48:00.000-05:00

Thanks to the ABC principle that was burned into my subconscious whilst completing a 365 photo project last year, I was prepared when I happened upon this anhinga striking a familiar pose - for anhingas, that is. Since water does not run off their backs, like a duck's, anhingas must dry their feathers after diving for fish and frogs if they want to take to the air again.

Now anhingas are also known as snakebirds since most of their body is underwater as they swim on the surface with only their long neck and beak showing. I've seen them swimming like that, and the name is an apt one. But apparently they're also known as water turkeys, and to be honest, I just can't make the connection. No one here mentioned them during the recent Thanksgiving celebration.

(70-200mm f5.6 1/80 sec ISO200)

Postcards from the past

2011-12-05T22:47:00.000-05:00

Nostalgia is a file that removes the rough edges from the good old days. (Doug Larson)

Nothing is more responsible for the good old days than a bad memory. (Franklin Pierce Adams)

(Belated) Phriday Phun

2011-12-03T01:14:00.001-05:00

Well, the phun was all had on Phriday - it's just that I didn't get phinished with the photos until past midnight (EST) - although it's still Phriday to the west of us. (Scott started the Phun Phriday posting - you may want to check him out).

We visited Fishermen's Village in Punta Gorda this afternoon. While my wife browsed through the many shops there, Sasha and I dragged ourselves away and scouted the surroundings for some photo ops.

You wouldn't think that a place that bills itself as 'Fishermen's Village' would post signs like the one in this photo, would you ? Perhaps that's false advertising aka 'bait and switch'. I mean, what's a fisherman to do ?

Now being from up north I happen to know that Santa gets around via sleigh, but I've wondered how he does that in Florida where snow is as rare as a politician (anywhere) that can balance a budget. I discovered his secret and I'll share it with you here. Shhh - don't tell the kids.

Well, after all that time wandering around in the sun, I couldn't tell if my eyes or my camera were playing tricks on me in this last shot.

I hope your Phriday was phun too.

Short story of sacrifice for Sunset Sunday shot

2011-11-27T22:51:00.000-05:00

Sunsets arrive at a bit of an awkward time at this point on the calendar - right around dinner time. While my wife still doesn't understand why anyone would need to get more sunset shots when they already have so many to choose from, she did sacrifice dinner time together recently. I set out alone to a nearby park - dogs weren't allowed there.

I wasn't alone long. As I trekked along a wilderness trail, the entrance of which was marked by a sign showing an alligator chasing a dog and its owner, I soon became aware of the scourge of Florida salt marshlands at dusk - the ubiquitous no-see-um. I thought I had protected myself against these minuscule pests with a voracious appetite by liberally applying a 98% deet ointment, but by next morning I discovered all the unprotected places that they had discovered. The itch finally disappeared after 7 days and the bite marks after 10.

I thought the sunset was worth it. My wife doesn't understand.

(10-22mm f5.6 1/200 sec ISO200)

For more superb Sunset Sunday shots, be sure to visit Scott's blog.

For the beauty of the earth ...

2011-11-21T22:57:00.000-05:00

   "To look out at this kind of creation and
   not believe in God is to me impossible."
       (Astronaut John Glenn)

       "Beauty... is the shadow of God on the universe."
        (Gabriela Mistral, Desolacíon)

       “You are worthy, our Lord and God,
        to receive glory and honour and power,
        for you created all things,
        and by your will they were created
        and have their being.”
      (Revelation 4:11)

        "For since the creation of the world,
         God's invisible qualities - his eternal
         power and divine nature - have been
         clearly seen, being understood from
         what has been made, so that men are
         without excuse."
         (Romans 1:20)

(60mm f5.6 1/60 sec ISO200)

(60mm f2.8 1/1400 sec ISO200)

(60mm f5.6 1/160 sec ISO200)

Speechless Saturday

2011-11-19T01:42:00.000-05:00

(well almost ...)

No, I'm not starting a competition with Wordless Wednesday ;-) I had a lot of thoughts running through my head as I was reviewing shots from a recent evening photo shoot, and in the end I decided just to post the shots. There, I've already said too much.

We're all kids at heart when ...

2011-11-13T00:43:00.000-05:00

... there's a fireworks display. I saw evidence of that tonight when I waited patiently for the show to start. I'd forgotten that the Coconut Festival (I think that's the local version of a Winter Festival without the winter) was on this weekend and one of the features was a fireworks display. Last night I got my reminder when we watched it from a mile away, on our front lawn. I immediately made a note in our daytimer so I wouldn't miss it tonight.

I arrived in plenty of time to get a good spot and get set up. And I watched as young and old arrived with eager anticipation. And we weren't disappointed ! Despite the residue falling on my head and all around me, since I was downwind from the launch site, I stayed focused on capturing my first fireworks shots. There was much clapping and cheering from old and young alike when the grand finale was over. For those few moments, we were all kids again !

(all shots made with an 18-55mm lens, at f11, shutter speed of 6 seconds, ISO100)

click on image for a better view

Contrasts

2011-11-11T21:13:00.000-05:00

I've mentioned in earlier posts that we lived out west near Calgary, Alberta for about 15 years where on more than one occasion the weather changed from the depths of winter freezing (-30C/-22F) to balmy (21C/70F) in the span of a day. That welcome weather contrast was due to a phenomenon known as a chinook (an Indian word meaning 'snow eater').

I think our children back home would welcome a chinook today. We received a couple of photos from one of my daughters this morning - their first, and early, taste of the season to come. I put a couple of photos of what we've had to 'endure' this week beside hers. Perhaps I'll wait a few days before I mention this post to them. (Well, maybe not).

Note: I experimented last week with a new view offered by Blogger. While I liked the many different ways photos and posts could be presented, many people found it difficult to post comments, and I haven't been able to see some of the information widgets. For now I'm reverting to my old (and familiar) template.

Ain't it the truth

2011-11-05T21:06:00.001-04:00

"If I would have known that grandchildren were going to be so much fun I would have had them first !" (Bill Laurin)

"Grandchildren are God's way of compensating us for growing old." (Mary H. Waldrip)

Advice to parents: "Have children while your parents are still young enough to take care of them." (Rita Rudner)

"Grandparents are there to help their grandchildren get into mischief they haven't thought of yet." (Gene Perret)

"Perfect love sometimes does not come until the first grandchild." (Welsh Proverb)

"The idea that no one is perfect is a view most commonly held by people with no grandchildren." (Doug Larson)

And here are our three (so far ...):

Hailey (7)

Lilly (4 AND a half)

Graydon (almost 2)

'Walking trees'

2011-11-02T23:28:00.000-04:00

The more you observe and learn, the more you realize how little you know about this wonderful, complex Creation we've been commanded to be good stewards of.

An encounter with a fellow dog lover at the harbour near here (where I made my current header shot) provided us with the location of a doggy beach near appropriately-named Lover's Key state park. We spent several hours there yesterday, and although I limited the number of shots I made, I saw all sorts of interesting things, among them - mangroves.( I'll share some others at a later time).

Of course, there's a lot of interesting information to be learned about them, not the least of which is that they thrive in salt water and yet are uniquely created to filter salt out. They provide habitat for many species of fish, crabs, and birds. And they can be severely damaged by as little as a few hours of freezing temperatures (if you're interested in learning more, check this out). I learned that the ones we saw, and are pictured below, are known as red mangroves.

On the road again ...

2011-10-31T20:39:00.000-04:00

I'm quite fond of driving and don't find it a daunting task to spend a couple of days on the road. I'm the one behind the wheel on our road trips because (according to my wife) I make a bad passenger. I consider a road trip successful if it's uneventful i.e. no traffic surprises, no weather surprises, and no bedbugs ! And I'm always thankful that our guardian angel flies as fast as we do.

We were again blessed with beautiful fall scenery as we travelled south through the country from New York State to Florida. Here and there my trusty Canon was able to slow (most of) the pixels down from 120kph / 75mph to give you a glimpse.

(I used an 18-55mm lens, kept the aperture at f5.6 and ISO at 200 with various shutter speeds)

At journey's end

2011-10-26T23:46:00.000-04:00

After 2,519km / 1,565mi and a few days of settling in and getting things ship shape, we were ready to take in a quiet evening at the waterfront.

(I did manage to capture a few images of our journey down here, although the pixels were flying by at 120kph / 75mph - I'll include a few in an upcoming post).

To satisfy my own curiosity, I tested our internet download speed here (www.speedtest.net). Turns out it's 433 times faster than our connection back home ! I think I'll be able to start catching up on visits :-)

Guest photographer

2011-10-20T22:38:00.000-04:00

As some of you may already know, I'm not a (voluntary) morning person. I think that my better work is done once the day is well under way. My wife awakened me a few days ago with a bad news/good news story. The bad news was that I had missed a most glorious sunrise (which I do, of course, on most occasions). I mentioned to her that if it was glorious enough to wake me up early, then I could certainly make the supreme sacrifice and get some shots. That's where the good news came in - she had obviously heard me mention 'ABC' in the past - and she had grabbed my camera and captured the sunrise.

It was just left to me to put a collage together. So, from today's guest photographer, I present a glorious sunrise.

Internet update: first I'd like to again thank everyone for their visits and comments - you daily sustain me with them, and I read your comments with much pleasure ! As our intermittently fair/extremely poor internet connection permits, I've been making some visits to see your work. When it's very poor (e.g. tonight), it's almost impossible to load blogs, and to post on my own. The expectation is that our current connection will be replaced in 5-6 months (oh that I may be granted patience !). The good news is that we'll be down south next week where we have an excellent connection and I'll be able to resume visits.

Coming to an end

2011-10-18T08:17:00.001-04:00

There's a trite but true saying that all good things must come to an end, and so it is with the spectacle of autumn's magnificent colours. I'm sure that there are still places where the rain and strong winds haven't left barren limbs reaching for a gray sky, but those are disappearing quickly. I had a last opportunity to load up a memory card with autumn memories this past weekend. Accompanied by one of my daughters, who has recently taken up photography, and 3 canine friends, we braved sullen skies and a steady drizzle to make a trek into the woods.

The leaves will continue to fall and carpet the ground until a hard frost is followed by the first snowfall which in turn will cover everything under a soft blanket. Then life will slow down and rest for several months, until the cycle begins again. And we can be as assured of that as of His faithfulness.

Perishable moments

2011-10-17T00:27:00.000-04:00

Perishability in a photograph is important in a picture. If a photograph looks perishable we say, "Gee, I'm glad I have that moment." John Loengard

(HDR - 3 shots - 10-22mm f22 1/6 - 1/100 sec ISO200)

(SOOC -no editing - 10-22mm f16 3.2 sec ISO200; same place 35 min. later)

Reflective moments

2011-10-11T23:53:00.000-04:00

The weather folks have forecasted 4 days of rain, starting tomorrow. While I'm not opposed to making photos in rainy weather (in fact rainy days can present excellent and interesting photo ops), I had a specific spot in mind early this evening that would be much less inviting if the chest-high grass was dripping wet.

And so, Sasha and I spent a quiet hour and a half watching the sun set and the full moon rise, during which time I tripped the shutter on a few occasions. Oh, yes, I did capture the sunset - which would be difficult over the next four days - but I'll save it for Sunset Sunday.

Note: I've been making some visits to you kind folks who leave comments here when my internet connection permits; I haven't been able to visit all of you (yet) but I'm plodding along. Within a few weeks I hope to be down south where I'll get to enjoy blinding (well, by comparison) internet speed :-)

(images for these 2 shots were made with an 18-55mm lens, at f16, ISO200 and shutter speeds ranging from 1/2 to 13 secs; Photomatix was used to render the HDR images)

The world through rose-coloured glasses

2011-10-09T22:07:00.000-04:00

First off, a Happy Thanksgiving to all my fellow bloggers here in Canada. May we never take for granted all that we're blessed with in this great country.

Today I had the opportunity to see first hand what the world might look like when seen through rose-coloured glasses. A few of us went for a walk down a small dirt road which wanders through the woods just a few miles from our home. As I was remarking on the fall colours (first photo), one of my daughters suggested I look at them through her sunglasses. After recovering from optic overload I decided to shoot the same scene through her sunglasses (second photo).

(both photos made with an 18-55mm lens at f8.0, ISO200 and shutter speeds of 1/50 and 1/25 sec respectively)

Time out

2011-10-07T21:09:00.000-04:00

"Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn." (Elizabeth Lawrence)

So we went out early this evening to a part of the picturesque Rideau Canal to do just that. We met a young lad out for a stroll with his dog, and both of them were obviously enjoying one of the few remaining warm evenings of this beautiful Indian summer. A short while later we came across a father who'd taken his young son and daughter to go fishing off a bridge across the nearby Rideau River (coincidentally I was on this bridge exactly a year ago). It seemed like we each had left something much less important undone.

(18-55mm f9.0 1/5 sec ISO200)

click on image for a better view

Savour the season

2011-10-05T21:17:00.000-04:00

"Come said the wind to
the leaves one day,
Come o'er the meadows
and we will play.
Put on your dresses
scarlet and gold,
For summer is gone
and the days grow cold."
(A Childrens' Song of the 1880's)

"A tangerine and russet cascade
Of kaleidoscopic leaves
Creates a tapestry of autumn magic
Upon the emerald carpet of fading summer."
(Judith A. Lindberg, Shades of Autumn)

You might want to listen to this while you view the photos ...

click on images for a better view

Back to the future

2011-10-02T09:19:00.000-04:00

My plan to go out and shoot some more autumn colours has been temporarily shelved. Our weather has taken on a decidedly autumn character - cold, blustery winds, rain, and sullen gray skies. So I decided to peruse my archives and came across this shot to mark Sunset Sunday, taken on the other side of summer.

(10-22mm f8.0 1/30 sec ISO200)

For more marvelous sunsets, visit Scott's blog.

Are we there yet ?

2011-09-27T13:10:00.000-04:00

I have some favourite areas I like to go and visit, particularly when fall colours are at their prime. Yesterday I decided to go on a test drive to gauge how the Master's fall decorating was progressing, before I visit a few of my favourite places. I'll let you judge.

(these were made with an 18-55mm lens at f11, ISO200, and various shutter speeds)

click on image for a larger view

Sailor's Delight

2011-09-25T23:54:00.000-04:00

This age-old saying proved true again recently as storm clouds were swept away to the east, illuminated by the setting sun. But you don't have to be a sailor to enjoy and appreciate a sunset.

This is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

(70-200mm f6.3 1/400 sec ISO200)

click on photo to enlarge

(18-55mm f6.3 1/1000 sec ISO200)

Phriday Phun in Phall

2011-09-23T18:50:00.000-04:00

I recall that Scott over at 'Just Used Pixels' used to post just-pher-phun shots on Phridays up until some time ago. I'm not sure if he's giving the concept a rest for a while, but I hadn't participated in several months. Today while I was having fun meandering out back with the photographic arsenal and Sasha in tow, that thought struck me. So, in addition to the pleasure of capturing some more seasonal images, I decided to create a few pher-phun shots. Hope you enjoy them too.

(all shots made with a 18-55mm lens at f22, shutter speed of 1/4 or 1/5 sec and ISO100)

click on the images for a much better view

Signs, Signs, Everywhere There's Signs ... Part II

2011-09-20T16:02:00.000-04:00

As a follow up to my last post, I found some more signs in our yard of the impending and inevitable change of season. I've noticed that along our roads the colours are starting to become more vivid in the bushes and trees. I feel a photo shoot coming up soon to capture the blaze of glory with which God paints his creation before He lets it go quietly to sleep beneath a blanket of white.

I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.
(George Washington Carver)

(60mm f8.0 1/20 sec ISO200)

(60mm f10 1/40 sec ISO200)

(60mm f11 1/15 sec ISO200)

(60mm f7.1 1/25 sec ISO200)

(60mm f7.1 1/200 sec ISO200)

Signs, Signs, Everywhere There's Signs ... Part I

2011-09-16T20:14:00.000-04:00

It's true. Our thermometer registered 2C/35F this morning !

Despite our reluctance to acknowledge the changing of the seasons, the signs are everywhere. I wandered around the yard today looking for them. In fact I found so many, I decided to split the results into a couple of posts.

You might enjoy this whilst viewing today's photos.

[internet update: I don't want to bore you with the whole saga, but I'm sure my name is well-known at my ISP. Almost daily discussions take place between the ISP engineering group, field ops and level 3 experts. Fortunately (?) I'm not the only one in the area who suffers from internet issues. Several equipment problems have been addressed with the wireless tower, and this weekend (I'm told) a major component is being replaced that is supposed to resolve the issues. In the meantime I try to find periods when the connection is working in order to post and to visit as many of you as possible. Evenings are especially bad when it becomes almost completely unusable. I remain hopeful, although my patience is becoming razor thin. Postscript: I started this post at 7:00 pm ... it's now 8:05 pm; am going to remove a video I was trying to embed and just give you the link]

(all shots made with a 60mm lens with apertures ranging from f5.0 to f8.0, and shutter speeds of 1/400 to 1/60 sec)

Not forgotten

2011-09-11T22:56:00.000-04:00

To all the heroes of 9/11
Who look upon us from highest heaven
Whose memories we'll ne'er forget
On whom the sun will never set.

Dedicated to all the men and women who gave their lives in the valiant rescue efforts of that tragic day. "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down one's life for one's friends." (John 15:13)

A glorious sunset followed by the rising of the full moon marked the closing of this day of remembrance.

(10-22mm f8.0 1/50 sec ISO200)

click on photos for larger image

(18-55mm f8.0 1/50 sec ISO200)

(10-22mm f8.0 1/15 sec ISO200)

(10-22mm f5.0 1/20 sec ISO200)

(10-22mm f6.3 1/13 sec ISO200)

(18-55mm f6.3 1/2 sec ISO200)

Dry enough for you ?

2011-09-09T02:41:00.000-04:00

On my way to Ottawa today, I made a mental note of this creek which I'd passed before but hadn't had time to make some shots of. Later this afternoon I found myself standing on the mostly dry bed of this creek. A small trickle still meandered along the solid rock bed, and here and there stood small pools of water in which I saw a few minnows. It's hard to believe that in the spring time this creek becomes a fast-flowing river - I've never seen it like this before.

[no, my internet issues are not resolved; last evening it was virtually unusable. I'm told that technicians ARE investigating. In the meantime I've stayed up rather late to post a few shots. We'll see if they load. tonight.]

(these shots were made with a 10-22mm lens at f22, ISO200, and a shutter speed of 1/4 or 1/3 sec. HDR processing was done using Photomatix).

click on photos for a better view

Hot off the sensor

2011-09-06T21:43:00.000-04:00

The only reason that the pixels you see below have cooled off a little is due to the (lack of) speed of my internet connection. The sun just set and I was able to catch its last moments before it left to rise in someone else's backyard. I hurried here to post a couple of shots. (I needn't have - it's taken 1-1/2 hours to try to load this - see below).

Since I wasn't able to post last night, I'm claiming a late Sunday Sunset post slot.

[Xplornet (our ISP) is sending a tech to our home tomorrow morning. I no longer wait with bated breath for a technical miracle. If there's any truth to the saying that misery loves company than I can be heartened by the fact that Xplornet (perhaps inadvertently) admitted that others in this area are experiencing similar problems - perhaps that will spur a resolution. Until that glorious day arrives, however, my ability to visit you is severely impaired - my download speed hovers around 0.02 Mbps almost every evening (it should be at 3.0 Mbps), and at other times during the day - it can take 20+ minutes for a blog to load, including my own. I haven't thrown the towel in yet, however ... I appreciate your visits and comments, and as my connection allows I will try to respond and visit.]

(10-22mm f5.6 1/30 sec ISO200)

(18-55mm f5.6 1/15 sec ISO200)

Miles from nowhere

2011-09-02T01:33:00.000-04:00

"Miles from nowhere
I guess I'll take my time
Oh yeah, to reach there ...

Miles from nowhere
Not a soul in sight
Oh yeah, but it's alright"

Cat Stevens, Tea For The Tillerman, 1970

(10-22mm f8.0 20 sec ISO200)

Irene came calling

2011-08-30T00:00:00.000-04:00

Based on weather forecasts we had seen over several days, hurricane Irene, which had already been downgraded to a tropical storm, was projected to barely brush our area with its western-most edge. Indeed we saw a pickup in wind speed yesterday afternoon and clouds scudded by and delivered some rain - all in all, however, nothing of consequence.

Around 7:45 pm my eyes were drawn to an eerie glow coming through the back windows. The entire western sky had turned orange with hardly any discernible clouds. I was making a few shots of this out the back door when my wife called me to come look out front. There was one of the most brilliant rainbows I'd seen in a long time, against an orange-hued backdrop. The rainbow lasted just long enough for me to make a few shots when the light started to fade, taking with it the rainbow. The glow in the sky to the west also diminished and it was now possible to see the cloud formations again.

I checked the time in the photo EXIF data - the entire episode had taken place in 10 minutes. We've been blessed with some lovely sunsets in our back yard before but I don't think they've been quite this vivid - I'm sure this was Irene's calling card.

[I was hoping to post this last night but our internet was slower than usual - if that's possible ! It's been taking a long time to load other blogs making visits a real chore, however, my letters to Xplornet's senior management have at least given me direct access to their level 3 techs. Hope reigns eternal.]

(18-55mm f9.0 1/30 sec ISO200)

(10-22mm f6.3 1/20 sec ISO200)

(10-22mm f8.0 1/10 sec ISO200)

Country evening

2011-08-26T22:17:00.000-04:00

Although it missed Florida, we got out of Irene's path and made it back to a more temperate climate this week. Our hopes are that at worst Irene's fury will be spent at sea and that the eastern seaboard will be spared significant damage.

In contrast to the wild images coming out of the Bahamas, Sasha and I went out for a short ride last evening in the tranquility of the countryside near our home.

(all shots made with a 10-22mm lens, at either f11 or f14, ISO200, and shutter speeds ranging from 1/2 to 6 seconds)

Subtropical Sunset Sunday

2011-08-21T23:24:00.000-04:00

As I've said in previous sunset posts, descriptive words are entirely superfluous when accompanied by a sunset photo. I spent a couple of hours at the waterfront a few evenings ago transfixed as the evening sunset ritual unfolded. There's something about the thunderstorm cloud formations and perhaps humidity and warmth in the tropics that have a magical effect on light. Here are two views taken about 30 minutes apart.

(18-55mm f11 1/250 sec ISO200)
click on the photos for a better view

(10-22mm f5.6 1/5 sec ISO200)

For more beautiful sunsets, check out Scott's blog.

Venice Venture

2011-08-19T02:25:00.000-04:00

Pack a lunch, bring some chairs, and settle back on one of the beaches in Venice (Florida, not Italy). It's summertime - the living is easy, the weather is hot and humid, and the tourists are few. You'll almost have the beach to yourself.

We sat in the shade of the Australian pines and did what you can only do when it's 34C/94F - nothing. Well, we did walk out on the jetty to see what the few fishermen were catching - not much, besides plenty of sun. And we took in the beauty of the place.

(10-22mm f11 1/320 sec ISO400)

the view from my chair

(70-200mm f8.0 1/2000 sec ISO400)

looking west down the jetty
(10-22mm f8.0 1/1600 sec ISO400)

view across the inlet to North Jetty Park
(10-22mm f8.0 1/1600 sec ISO400)

in the shade of the Australian pines
(10-22mm f11 1/250 sec ISO400)

Flash photography

2011-08-14T23:43:00.000-04:00

From what I've read, Florida is the lightning capital of the US, and from what we've seen so far in the few days we've been here it's living up to its reputation. I find thunderstorms fascinating, although I do apply common sense and try to stay out of harm's way by following the adage "when the thunder roars, get indoors !"

Last night I missed an opportunity to capture the sunset illuminating towering cumulonimbus clouds just to the east of us. By the time we got home though, frequent flashes of lightning lit up the storm clouds. (I suffered numerous mosquito and no-see-um bites to get some captures, but no bugs were hurt during the session).

(all shots made with an 18-55mm lens at f8.0, ISO800 and shutter speeds of 1/5 to 1/8 sec)

click on images for a better view

Cool as ice

2011-08-13T00:44:00.000-04:00

Have you ever noticed how some people's voices go up about an octave and they switch to rapid fire mode when they get really excited, or scared ? I suspect that's one of the tests you have to take when you apply to become a commercial airline pilot. I'm sure that in order to pass this audition you need to sound like the captain on our flight this week.

Both legs of our journey had been very smooth till we were within 30 minutes of our destination. I had been watching a band of thunderstorms looming in the distance, and it looked like we were headed right for them. As we approached what by now looked like a solid wall of dark clouds, the captain came on the PA and in a calm, cool, unhurried voice said "Ladies and gentlemen, you may have noticed some clouds on the right side of the airplane. There are thunderstorms the rest of the way along our route and we're going to have to go through them. Please make sure your seatbelts are fastened - it could get a little bumpy."

"It could get a little bumpy." That's similar to a dentist telling you "you could feel a little pinch" as he stabs you in the most tender part of your gums with an 8" needle ! I suspect there were a few sweaty palms on board, but none in the cockpit.

For the next 20 minutes we weaved and dodged among the swirling mass of clouds which now towered over us. Here and there we would catch glimpses of the ground. We waited with bated breath for the inevitable roller coaster ride. Suddenly we broke through the bottom layer of cloud and were on the tarmac within minutes. Our captain had picked his way through the storms and not a drop would have spilled from a full glass of ice water.

(both shots made with an 18-55mm lens at f11, ISO200, shutter speeds of 1/640 and 1/500 sec)

Sunday Sunset Serenity

2011-08-07T17:46:00.000-04:00

"There is such a thing as taking ourselves and the world too seriously, or at any rate too anxiously.

Half of the secular unrest and dismal, profane sadness of modern society comes from the vain idea that every man is bound to be a critic of life, and to let no day pass without finding some fault with the general order of things, or projecting some plan for its general improvement.

And the other half comes from the greedy notion that a man's life does consist, after all, in the abundance of things that he possesses, and that it is, somehow or other, more respectable and pious to be always at work trying to make a larger living, than it is to lie on your back in the green pastures and beside the still waters, and thank God that you are alive.”

Henry Van Dyke

(10-22mm f11 1/60 sec ISO200)

Close to home

2011-08-05T22:12:00.000-04:00

The summer is going by quickly, and this summer is more like the ones I remember as a kid - hot, dry, and sunny every day; virtually no rain to speak of. I decided to walk around the yard yesterday, camera in tow, to capture a little of the colour before what remains succumbs even further to the heat and drought.

(all shots made with a 70-200mm lens at ISO200, apertures ranging from f5.6 to f14 and shutter speeds from 1/320 to 1/4 sec)

Tongues of fire

2011-08-03T22:13:00.000-04:00

As in many parts of the continent, the drought continues here too. We've been teased off and on with forecasts of 'isolated showers' which turn out to be so isolated that they don't seem to occur where people actually live. This evening again there was a faint promise in the clouds. However, I got the hose out anyway to water the parched veggies and flowers (I thought I could actually hear little thank-yous from the plants as they received some precious drops).

As the sun started setting, the sky took on a golden glow, which progressively flowed into orange, then pink, and finally red. That's when I had to put the hose down and grab the camera to catch the finale.

A couple of updates (or good news/bad news): my Canon made it back in much less time than promised on the web site - looks like I hit the magic number of shots at which point the shutter stops working. All is well again.

The news on the internet side is disheartening - after countless hours with various Xplornet tech support people and escalations to management, the issue comes down to one of wireless tower congestion - too many users and not enough capacity, and no plans to upgrade. So each evening at prime time our internet is slower than dial-up which drastically impedes my blog visiting ability. I even tried out a competitor's offering (Rogers) who assured me I would receive up to 5Mbps download - unfortunately there is no signal in our area. As a last resort, I've written letters to Xplornet senior management - I plan to continue breathing whilst awaiting a response.

(both shots made with a 18-55mm lens at f8.0, ISO200 and shutter speeds of 1/13 and 1/25 sec)

Day of Rest

2011-07-31T23:56:00.000-04:00

One of the great pleasures we derive from having a pond (actually, 2) is to look at the amazing, almost artificial looking, water lilies which we've 'planted' over the years. Each day new ones open, and old ones close up and return to the bottom. The rhythm of life around a pond is fascinating to watch, but it can't be caught in quick glimpses as you rush by. Sundays were given to us by the Creator as a day of rest, in which we could cease from our daily labour and reflect on the rhythm of life.

"This is the day that the Lord has made,
Let us rejoice and be glad in it."
(Psalm 118:24)

(70-200mm f11 1/160 ISO200)

(70-200mm f5.6 1/320 ISO200)

Peaceful feeling

2011-07-27T20:07:00.000-04:00

Thank you to everyone for your support and prayers through your comments on my last posts. I hope to be back here on a more regular basis, and to come by and visit you.

(18-55mm f9.0 25 sec ISO200)

He ain't heavy, he's my brother

2011-07-17T23:47:00.000-04:00

The road is long
With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where
Who knows where

But I'm strong
Strong enough to carry him
He ain't heavy, he's my brother
So on we go

His welfare is of my concern
No burden is he to bear
We'll get there

For I know
He would not encumber me
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

If I'm laden at all
I'm laden with sadness
That everyone's heart
Isn't filled with the gladness
Of love for one another

It's a long, long road
From which there is no return
While we're on the way to there
Why not share

And the load
Doesn't weigh me down at all
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

He's my brother
He ain't heavy, he's my brother
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

Blogging hiatus

2011-07-08T01:00:00.000-04:00

Due to a sudden and unexpected death in our immediate family this week, I will be taking a break from blogging for the next week or so. Thank you for the comments on the past posts to which I haven't been able to respond.

Day is done

2011-07-03T20:55:00.000-04:00

The vast and solemn company of clouds
Around the Sun's death, lit, incarnadined,
Cool into ashy wan; as Night enshrouds
The level pasture, creeping up behind
Through voiceless vales, o'er lawn and purpled hill
And hazéd mead, her mystery to fulfil.
Cows low from far-off farms; the loitering wind
Sighs in the hedge, you hear it if you will,--
Tho' all the wood, alive atop with wings
Lifting and sinking through the leafy nooks,
Seethes with the clamour of a thousand rooks.
Now every sound at length is hush'd away.
These few are sacred moments. One more Day
Drops in the shadowy gulf of bygone things.

"After Sunset" (William Allingham)

(18-55mm f14 1/8 sec ISO200)

Ode to my beloved

2011-06-30T23:46:00.000-04:00

I knew the dreaded day might come,
Hoped I'd be spared, somehow,
To disappointment I succumb
And to chagrin I bow.

Technology is wonderful
When all works as it ought
But when it fails and comes up null
I'm really happy. NOT !

It started off so peacefully
Towards the end of day
A sunset, glowing beautifully
't would make my post Sunday.

Some shots were made, they were sublime,
The clouds began to shine
When suddenly, 't was like a crime
An ERRor 99 !

I stared at it for just a sec
This couldn't be for real,
Was this the end ? I had to check
If this was a big deal.

I turned it off, I turned it on,
The error wouldn't leave
That it was by now still not gone
I just could not believe.

Tonight my Canon's in the mail
I hope all will be well
I'll update you on this sad tale
When there is more to tell.

I will be relying on my archives for the next little while (at least I HOPE it's only a little while !).

(The last of my Quebec City posts - I think. Both shots made with a 18-55mm lens at f8.0 and f5.6, shutter speed of 1 sec, ISO200)

Storm brewing

2011-06-28T21:45:00.000-04:00

We've had a couple of hot, humid days (31C/88F) which exceeded the forecasted highs of 27C/80F and 23C/73F. The sky had become progressively cloudy during the day but nothing that looked threatening. However, during the news after dinner, the weatherman said our area was under a thunderstorm warning. While some thunderheads were visible to the north and south of us, we were still blessed under a patch of blue.

That didn't last long, however, as storm clouds gathered in the west. I grabbed the camera and tripod and shot some of the cloud formations. At one point, large drops of rain started to fall, and you`ll see a few drops on my lens on the last shot. Then, suddenly, the sun burst out of a hole in the clouds, bathed the front yard in brilliant sunshine, and produced a rainbow that lasted less than 30 seconds. As quick as the sun appeared it was covered with dark clouds again, allowing me just enough time to get a few shots.

Shortly thereafter the clouds burst open - but I had already sought shelter indoors. We received a deluge for a good 15 minutes - sans lightning and thunder - and then it was all over.

(first shot made with 70-200mm lens, last 3 shots made with a 10-22mm lens - all at f11 and ISO200, with shutter speeds of 1/500, 1/2, 1/4, and 1/20 sec respectively)

click on photos to enlarge

15 minutes of ethereal glory

2011-06-26T19:59:00.000-04:00

I find it fascinating to watch the metamorphosis that takes place at the setting of the sun. The changes in the lighting, the clouds, the colours, and the reflections occur literally by the minute. The ones posted below were made over a period of 15 minutes. Our Creator saw fit to paint a glorious end to the day. No two are alike, and if you miss today's, He provides another tomorrow for our enjoyment, until the arrival of THE glorious day.

(all shots made with a 18-55mm lens at f5.6 or f8.0, shutter speeds from 1/500 to 1/800 sec, ISO200)

Most photographed hotel in the world

2011-06-25T22:57:00.000-04:00

Well, that's what Guinness says, and I further cemented that record during our recent trip to Quebec City. If you didn't already know, this is the Château Frontenac, which opened in 1893 as one of the luxury hotels built for Canadian Pacific Railways. (No, we didn't stay here - we were in the Château Laurier). It dominates the skyline of Quebec City viewed from the St. Lawrence River, perched high on a cliff overlooking it. Another reason to add Quebec City to your bucket list.

(all shots made with a 10-22mm lens at f8.0 - night shot at f5.6, with shutter speeds ranging from 1/640 sec to 2.5 sec, ISO200)

QC tour - part II

2011-06-24T23:53:00.000-04:00

The Cathedral-minor basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec (Our Lady of Quebec City) is the primate church of Canada and seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Quebec, the oldest see in the New World north of Mexico. It is also the parish church of the oldest parish in North America, and the first church in North America to be elevated to the rank of minor basilica by Pope Pius IX in 1874. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage of the Historic District of Old Québec. Since its original construction in 1647, it was rebuilt twice - once after the siege of 1759-60, and again after a major fire in 1922. (Wikipedia)

We had the opportunity to tour it on our recent visit to Quebec City.

(all shots made with a 10-22mm lens at f7.1 or f8.0, shutter speeds ranging from 1/500 to 1.0 sec, ISO200)

Another world

2011-06-24T00:01:00.000-04:00

In a bit of a departure from my 'usual' subjects, I plan on providing a small selection of shots made in a very unique city in Canada, one with much historical significance. It was the site of many clashes for supremacy between the French and British Empires. That place is Quebec City, which celebrated the 400th year of its founding in 2008. Many buildings from the early days have been preserved in the 'old city'. The architecture is unlike any found elsewhere in Canada. We visited here for a weekend recently, but a much longer stay is required to truly see what it offers.

(10-22mm f8.0 1/25 sec ISO200)

Introducing Mr. Highly Versicolour

2011-06-21T23:43:00.000-04:00

Well, actually his formal name is hyla versicolor, or more commonly gray tree frog, but his formal name derives from the fact that he can change colours from gray to green to almost white to blend in better with his background. These little guys only measure 5cm/2in. but you wouldn't know it by the loudness of their croak - I guess the females of the species are a little hard of hearing, or perhaps that's selective hearing.

I found this one last evening just outside the front door, trying to impress the ladies.

(70-200mm f13 1.6 sec ISO200)

click on photos to enlarge

Today I spotted this one on the bridge over our pond.

(60mm f13 1/20 sec ISO200)

We had a staring contest - I think I won when he jumped onto my shirt.

(60mm f13 1/20 sec ISO200)

It was difficult to get a shot of his little feet because he kept them tucked in when he was just sitting.

(60mm f9.0 1/50 sec ISO200)

For their size they can leap quite a distance. I gave this one a little 'encouragement' and he leaped about 4' right into a nearby tree (they are called tree frogs after all).

(60mm f14 1/30 sec ISO200)

Our talented but lonely pond denizen

2011-06-20T23:06:00.000-04:00

Thought I heard some lyrics coming from the pond early this evening, so I got a little closer, and sure enough, I heard them quite clearly ...

"Long distance call I got today
She sounded lonely so I'm on my way
Hitchin' a ride, hitchin' a ride
Gotta get me home, keep her satisfied

Ride, ride, ride, hitchin' a ride
Ride, ride, ride, hitchin' a ride ..."

(70-200mm f8.0 1/15 sec ISO200)

Never enough ?

2011-06-19T23:37:00.000-04:00

I won't talk your ear off with the story behind this photo. Suffice to say that when I look at it, some of the frustration of dealing with my ISP melts into the background and becomes insignificant in the grand scheme of things. I hope you're not tired of sunsets.

A new week is starting and I'm girding myself to resume battle with my ISP. I have been misled, given empty promises, waylaid with weasel words, and treated like a bad fungal outbreak. Till now, I haven't identified the ISP but now I will - Xplornet.com. Perhaps they're your ISP and you've received good service from them. You are fortunate. If you are contemplating using them as your ISP, I strongly suggest you look at other alternatives - I am. I will attempt to visit you again, although it may take most of the week.

Thank you for continuing to visit here, and leaving your comments.

(10-22mm f8.0 1/40 sec ISO200)

Indecision

2011-06-14T00:59:00.000-04:00

We had one of those weather days where it wasn't sure whether to rain, shine, be cold, be warm, and almost everything in between (except SNOW !). Our temperatures jumped around from 13C/55F to 24C/75F and back and forth between these points. The sun shone brilliantly, if briefly, through the odd patch of blue. We had dark, threatening skies which morphed into dull grey skies which then unloaded on us. Let me show you instead of blathering on.

(I won't regale you with more tales of my internet woes. Suffice to say that upload 'speeds' are 6x faster than download speeds, and for the technically inclined, a simple ping consumes 129 ms ! I believe that my dial-up service of 5 years ago ran faster.)

(10-22mm f11 1/400 sec ISO200)

(10-22mm f11 1/640 sec ISO200)

(10-22mm f8.0 1/25 sec ISO200)

Serendipity

2011-06-12T01:55:00.000-04:00

I went for a very late evening stroll along the waterfront while we were visiting our daughters this weekend - I had intended to come here on other occasions to capture some night scenes. All was calm and quiet, and only a few other people walked by. I could have stayed longer - the lights and scenes were mesmerizing, but it was getting rather early. I felt comfortable with the shots I'd been able to make, and left something for another night.

Of course I had to download them when I got back, despite the hour. But I didn't get the chance to go through them carefully until this evening. Imagine my surprise when I came across this one and discovered a fellow Pink Floyd fan !

(18-55mm f7.1 25 sec ISO200)

click on photo to enlarge

Lady Luck

2011-06-07T23:25:00.000-04:00

We are fortunate to live on a 77 acre parcel of land. It's not suitable for farming given the shallow, rocky soil and most of it is covered with cedars. Over the years we've carved out a 'domesticated' area which includes the lawns around the house, the flower beds, a couple of small ponds and a veggie garden. Outside this area lies 'the wilderness'. There's a fairly well-defined line between the domesticated and wilderness areas, and we are in constant battle to prevent the encroachment of the latter upon the former. I suspect that if we left nature to decide the outcome, within 2 years the wilderness would prevail everywhere.

One of the benefits of living in the country and having a wilderness area, is that I have an easy place to dispose of the numerous undesirable plants (aka weeds) that want to take up residence in the flower beds. I simply walk to the edge of the domesticated area and pitch a handful of weeds as far as I can - tough to do in the city, unless you consider your neighbour's property a wilderness area (and I'm sure you've seen a few of those).

About a week ago, I was doing just that - I weeded and pitched the weeds into the wilderness. As I turned to weed some more, I happened to notice a few yellow flowers some ways into the wilderness. At first I thought they were dandelions - then it dawned on me that there were no other dandelions around - their moment to shine had come and gone. Curious, I decided to walk over for a closer look - I recognized a flower I had never seen in the wild before - a small yellow Lady's Slipper ! Now I've pitched countless weeds into that general area over the years but I had never seen these before. At a later time, I trudged through several acres looking for more of them but I found none.

(all shots made with a 60mm lens at either f11 or f14, ISO200, and shutter speeds of 1/80 or 1/125 sec)

click on photos for a larger image

This is what I saw in the wilderness when I first spotted this seemingly nondescript plant.

Smoke on the water ....

2011-06-05T23:44:00.000-04:00

Depending on your monitor, you might see some deep purple here. The scene is not Montreux, but our back yard late on a nice spring evening. I was reminded of a chorus of a well-known rock number when I made some photos of this sunset. You might know it too - if not, you can have a listen here.

(60mm f5.6 1/40 sec ISO400)

The hike ... continued

2011-06-04T22:11:00.000-04:00

You might want to freshen up your mosquito repellent - seems they really appreciate visitors to their neck of the woods.

After walking down the trail to get nearer the river, we'll scramble over a few moss-covered rocks to get down by the water.

(18-55mm f11 1/5 sec ISO200)

Now we can see the waterfalls from below.

(18-55mm f11 1/125 sec ISO200)

Scrambling back up over the rocks we rejoin Sasha by the trail, and start following it again as it meanders along the river. A few people had come along but now we have the place to ourselves again. The river seems to disappear around a corner up ahead. After avoiding some very muddy areas we come to solid rock. Bushes block our view but we can hear rushing water. We work our way around the bushes and then come upon this sight.

(18-55mm f14 1/40 sec ISO200)

This explains why the river 'disappeared' from our earlier vantage point. After tumbling over these falls, the river enters a narrow 'canyon' with steep walls that make access difficult. So we'll content ourselves by lingering awhile and looking at some of the wild flowering bushes that are in their spring glory. No need to hurry back to civilization.

(both of the following shots: 70-200mm f5.6 1/60 sec ISO200)

Pest control on patrol

2011-06-02T23:58:00.000-04:00

I was reminded of the importance of the abc* rule again just the other day. I was minding the barbecue but I had my camera outside with me, getting a few shots in the flower beds with my telephoto lens. As luck would have it, the propane ran out about 1/2 way through. However, we learned the first rule of barbecuing many years ago - 'hst' (have second tank); we get a new full tank within days of one running out - avoids a great deal of disappointment.

I connected the full tank, and as I rounded the corner of the house to bring the empty tank to the front, I spied something slithering through the grass towards a stone border. In a flash, I put the tank down and ran to grab the camera. Now I trust you're not squeamish - after all, these are only photos ! (Oh yes, my understanding wife finished barbecuing).

*abc = always bring camera; you're not a photographer without one

(all shots made with a 70-200mm lens at f5.6, ISO200 and shutter speeds of 1/250, 1/100, and 1/80 sec)

she looked like she'd enjoyed a meal recently

note the tongue

Come join the hike

2011-05-31T00:03:00.000-04:00

Watch your step and I'll continue the tour I started Saturday. After following the path from the road for a short distance, we come upon a cliff and we see the first waterfalls through the trees. We don't get too near the edge - the rocks are slippery and it's a 6m/20' drop to the rocks below.

(18-55mm f8.0 1/320 sec ISO200)

After watching the water cascade over the falls for a while, we'll pick our way to the left down a wet path to the river side, stepping over fallen logs as we go. At the far end, another surprise awaits us, but we'll save it for another day.

(10-22mm f11.0 1/20 sec ISO200)

On the other side of the river, a small tributary has found a channel through the rocks and is hurrying to be part of the mainstream.

(70-200mm f11.0 1/20 sec ISO200)

Sunday reward

2011-05-29T20:28:00.001-04:00

We've had a dearth of sunsets here lately, and as I've noticed from some blogs I was able to visit, we're not alone in this. Seems the April showers baton was handed off to May, and although May did produce the promised flowers, you had to act quickly to grab the opportunity to shoot them. I lingered awhile this past week when I visited the village of Merrickville since it was one of those infrequent days without rain, and I was rewarded with this sunset.

(18-55mm f9.0 1/50 sec ISO200)

click on photo for a larger view

If you're also a fan of sunsets, be sure to visit Scott's Sunset Sunday post.

Tips

2011-05-28T22:51:00.000-04:00

I always appreciate a good tip, especially one that pans out. Well, I received one a couple of days ago from my daughter-in-law, Nadine, who said she'd found a very scenic hike through quiet woods, along a serene - in places - river, and overlooking a beautiful waterfalls (actually she only told me about the waterfalls, but that was enough ...).

The first (dry) opportunity to check it out came this afternoon, and I was not disappointed. Sasha and I spent the better part of 2 hours there, taking it in and making some shots. I'll share them over the next few days and you can let me know if this was a good tip.

(10-22mm f11 1/30 sec ISO200)

No, these aren't the falls - they're rapids just above the falls.

(70-200mm f18 1/25 sec ISO100)

A bee's world

2011-05-26T00:45:00.000-04:00

When I was out among the lilac bushes a few days ago, the air was filled with a constant buzzing. Not only are we blessed with many beautiful lilacs, but we also have a healthy crop of dandelions. I don't think bees have a preference - I had to be a little careful before sticking my camera into a lilac bush and I also had to tread carefully. I didn't want to be mistaken for and treated as an invader. We all got along famously. I did use my long lens for this shot, however - I'm not THAT brave (or foolhardy).

Today was another of those "ya win some, ya lose some" days. In the win column, I discovered why my photos display at a smaller size when you click on them than what I uploaded - I've used all my free blogger storage (1 Gb) and blogger automatically reduces the size of further uploaded photos. I've deleted some old photos so tonight's post will be a test to see if the original size is maintained. Thanks to those who tried to help me with this one.

In the lose column I'm again having internet connection issues - I couldn't even display my own blog tonight, let alone visit anyone. While I write this (late, because I spent over an hour with the ISP - again !), I have no idea how long it will take, or even if I can post this - if you're reading this, at least it uploaded. Since I've had so many issues (yes, I log all my calls to them) I'm finally getting a 3rd level engineer assigned to do a complete assessment. So - I hope they can find the root cause and fix it. soon. I will again try to come visit you when my connection allows. Thank you for your visits and comments.

(70-200mm f5.6 1/320 sec ISO100)

Evening postcard

2011-05-25T00:08:00.001-04:00

I slipped over to Merrickville this evening to wander around the Rideau Canal and catch the spring colours. I thought I'd send you a postcard.

(18-55mm f8.0 1/125 sec ISO200)

A dog's life

2011-05-23T22:08:00.000-04:00

"Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace." (Milan Kundera)

"My dog is usually pleased with what I do, because she is not infected with the concept of what I "should" be doing." (Lonzo Idolswine)

You're all familiar with Pavlov's conditioning experiments with dogs. It seems I've been unconsciously conditioning Sasha as well - as soon as I zip up the camera bag, she jumps to her feet, even from a deep sleep, and she's ready to go out with me. She never complains about where we go, or how long I take, or what postures I adopt to make a shot - as long as she gets to go. Here she is enjoying herself on a recent shoot in our front yard.

(10-22mm f11 1/10 sec ISO100)

(70-200mm f11 1/20 sec ISO100)

Appearances

2011-05-22T21:56:00.000-04:00

A few evenings ago the cloud formations promised an opportunity to capture a sunset. We hadn't seen many sunsets lately due to the copious rainfall. The sky far to the north of us contained ominous-looking clouds, but they seemed to be moving to the east, and above us we had mainly blue sky streaked with a few high clouds. I made a number of shots and finally went indoors thinking that towns to the north of us were in for a good thunderstorm - lightning lit the sky and distant thunder could be heard. The lightning persisted, however, and the thunder became louder and more frequent. Within the hour we were hit with a torrential downpour which superseded any we'd had in the past weeks. I'm beginning to understand where the expression 'out of the blue' came from.

(10-22mm f8.0 1/80 sec ISO200)

Scent from heaven

2011-05-22T00:09:00.000-04:00

You may be familiar with the (true) legend of Johnny Appleseed. I think that he had a counterpart in this area who did the same for lilacs that Johnny did for apple trees. We live in a rural area where there is a lot of uncultivated land, and at this time of year it's quite easy to spot all the lilac bushes - either with one's eyes or one's nose. We're very blessed to have an abundance ourselves - they've just started opening and this evening I cut a large bunch. It really doesn't matter where in the house we put the vase because the fragrance now permeates every corner.

(60mm f9.0 1/13 sec ISO100)

click on photos for a larger image

(60mm f5.6 1/100 sec ISO100)

(10-22mm f11 1/40 sec ISO100)

Under the apple tree ...

2011-05-20T23:41:00.000-04:00

I vaguely recall one of the first songs I learned in elementary school, which started with the following profound lyrics:

"Spring, spring, spring, spring

Under the apple tree,

Swing, swing, oh swing, swing

Under the apple tree ... "

My recollection of the rest of the lyrics has suffered from the ravages of time, but I can readily recall the tune, and it was playing in my head as I wandered among the apple blossoms this afternoon. It's too bad the apple blossom season is so short - they smell so good, and bees have to work overtime to visit all the blooms before they're gone. No time for them to sit under the apple tree.

(all shots made with a 60mm macro lens at f5.6 or f6.3, ISO100, and a shutter speed of 1/80 or 1/125 sec)

The added benefit of rain

2011-05-19T22:38:00.000-04:00

We actually had a break from the rain today - the first since last Saturday I think - and I used the opportunity to bring our refuse to the dump this morning (yes, friends, when you live on the edge of paradise they don't come and pick that up for you, hence I use my 'dump truck' to bring it there). On the return leg, my roving eye (remember, the other one stays firmly focused on the road) caught this reflection in the ditch. Technically speaking, I violated the ABC rule, however, since I was only 1 minute from home, I'm claiming a mulligan. I was back in a few minutes with the camera.

After lunch, we took advantage of the sun to cut the grass - it had almost grown to a height where Sasha might have got lost on the front lawn. And a good thing we did, too, because the skies opened up again at 4:00 p.m. I think there will be a bumper crop of mosquitoes, and reflections.

btw - can one of you blogger experts out there explain to me why, when I upload a photo that's 1200 x 900 it ends up at around 800 x 600 ? Is there anything I can do to keep it at the original upload size ?

(18-55mm f10 1/40 sec ISO100)

Justifiable 'rub-out'

2011-05-18T22:53:00.000-04:00

Our house was a little fuller this past weekend. Our 3 daughters made the 450km/280mi trek to deliver on a Mother's Day promise to help us paint a large part of the interior of our house. It's amazing how quickly 2 coats of paint can be applied when 5 people are armed with brush and roller !

The house was also made fuller when one of our daughters brought her 2 dogs, and one of the dogs unwittingly brought along a 'friend'. The story didn't have a completely happy ending, however - after shooting the friend, the task of disposing of the body fell to me. I hope you'll agree from the evidence that it was completely justifiable. My daughters and wife were grossed out.

Now before you go and look at the photos, I need to write you all a heartfelt THANK YOU ! Whilst I was trying to get my internet and blogger issues sorted out, a few more people snuck in here to become followers - and I didn't have the opportunity to mark the occasion of n o. 200 joining ! I want to thank each and everyone who has taken the time to come and look here - I consider you all friends (and fellow photography addicts). I want to thank everyone who leaves a comment - I look forward to reading them daily. I only have one regret - there are not enough hours in the day or week (and especially not the way my internet has been 'working') to visit each of my follower's sites.

(both shots made with a 60mm lens at f9.0, 1/10 sec, ISO800)

Cyber wasteland

2011-05-15T22:52:00.000-04:00

Let me start by saying that many many people have far worse problems, so I'm keeping my little issue in perspective. It's taken about 20 minutes to get to this point in publishing a post this evening. I think it's my internet provider (again !) but with the blogger issues over the past few days, I'm not certain.

[I'm also on hold with the ISP (only 13 minutes, so far ...) and I'm simply glowing with warmth as the muzak is repeatedly interrupted with an announcement that my call is very important to them !]

I've tried visiting a few other blogs today but have to give up after taking 10-15 minutes to load a page - and that with only partial photos showing. So ...

Being somewhat of an optimist, I'm forging ahead with trying to post a Sunset Sunday shot. If that succeeds, and the ISP is able to determine and resolve the internet issues, I may come over to visit you. If not, I wish you all a great week, and I will persevere with the ISP. While this isn't a major crisis, it sure is getting frustrating.

(18-55mm f6.3 1/1000 sec ISO400)

A marigold by any other name ...

2011-05-13T20:30:00.000-04:00

Over the past number of years our lower pond has been gradually transformed into a partial marsh. It now contains some bulrushes (cattails), arrowheads, pickerel weed, wild irises, marsh grasses, and water lilies. But the star of the marsh, especially at this time of year, is the marsh marigold - the only name I've ever known this plant by. I liberated a few plants from the wild several years ago and they're thriving and helping the transformation.

I did a little research and was surprised by 2 things: 1) all parts of the plant and flower are poisonous, and 2) it has many names, likely due to its wide distribution around the world. Here are a few: Kings Cups, Water Blobs, May Blobs, Mollyblobs, Horseblobs, Bull’s Eyes, Leopard’s Foot, Marybuds, Water Dragon, Cow Lily, Soldier Buttons, Water Goggles, Gools, Drunkards, Mayflower, Pollyblobs, Water Bubbles, Gollins, Water Crowfoot, and the Publican. And there are likely more, but you get the idea.

I'm sure you're all aware of Blogger issues over the past day or so. I understand comments will be restored. I visited a number of your blogs but was unable to leave any comments - I will try again.Thank you for your comments - I was able to view them before they disappeared.

(60mm f18 1/40 sec ISO200)

(60mm f11 1/125 sec ISO200)

Show time

2011-05-11T23:14:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year we, and all nature, have been waiting for - those few moments, relatively speaking, when nature puts on a splendid show. We are most fortunate that we have a number of different (non-domesticated) trees and shrubs scattered around our property. This evening I walked in the glow of the late-day sun and made some shots. Here are (what I believe to be) wild cherry blossoms. Too bad cameras can't capture their fragrance also.

(10-22mm f5.0 1/500 sec ISO200)

(60mm f5.6 1/125 sec ISO200)

(60mm f5.6 1/200 sec ISO200)

The trillium

2011-05-09T23:47:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year when Ontario's designated provincial flower (trillium grandiflorum) covers the forest floor with a carpet of white 3-petaled flowers. It seems to have an affinity for maple and beech forests. I crawled around in last fall's leaves this evening to make some photos of this magnificent species. I also found another species known as Trillium erectum which seems to be far less common, at least in these parts. Its burgundy flowers contrast nicely with the white variety.

Natural propagation of trilliums is accomplished by ants which take the seeds back to their nests - they feed the fleshy part attached to the seed to their larvae. White-tailed deer also have a fondness for trilliums and thereby help disperse their seeds.

(10-22mm f4.5 1/50 sec ISO400)

click on photos to enlarge

(60mm f8.0 1/30 sec ISO400)

(10-22mm f9.0 1/6 sec ISO400)

(10-22mm f9.0 1/20 sec ISO400)

A small piece of history

2011-05-03T23:56:00.000-04:00

A place on the Rideau Canal was my destination this past weekend. I've been here before but there's a real quiet at this time of year before the canal opens and the boating season gets underway. The canal was built in the early 1830's and a lot of the lock mechanisms are original.

"The timber swing bridge crossing Upper Nicholsons lock is one of four such heritage bridges remaining along the canal. In the 1850s a petition was signed by the local residents requesting a drawbridge at the site. If a bridge was built over the lock, the petitioners promised to build one over the river. The government refused but in 1863 the municipalities of Wolford and Merrickville offered to build the bridge at their own expense. The government readily gave them permission. The Andrews brothers built a swing bridge over the upper lock the following year. They also built a fixed bridge across the river to complete the crossing. Since then the bridge has been replaced numerous times, the most recent being in 1971." (from Parks Canada website)

Note: we will be out of town for a wedding and hope to be back late Sunday. I suspect my access to the internet may be sporadic so I may not be able to post, respond, or visit until we return. Have a great week all, and thank you for your visits and comments !

(10-22mm f11 1/50 sec ISO100)

The payoff

2011-05-02T21:16:00.000-04:00

The promises attached to April showers are starting to materialize around the house. I went out this afternoon to capture some of its ethereal beauty, however, more drizzle, along with a breeze that makes macro shots impossible, cut that short. A window of opportunity opened up right after dinner and I only had to travel 10 feet out the front door. Now don't get the impression that we have beds full of these hyacinths - I wish. In fact, we only have a few, and these hardy souls have struggled to get established. I think I'll get some more in the fall though.

(60mm f4.5 1/8 sec ISO200)

(60mm f10 1/3 sec ISO200)

"... all creation praises Thee"

2011-05-01T23:21:00.000-04:00

“God, all nature sings Thy glory,

and Thy works proclaim Thy might;

Ordered vastness in the heavens,

ordered course of day and night;

Beauty in the changing seasons,

beauty in the storming sea;

All the changing moods of nature

praise the changeless Trinity."

(18-55mm f20 1/25 sec ISO200)

[shot last fall]

See Scott's blog for more Sunset Sunday shots.

Caught in the glare

2011-04-30T22:50:00.000-04:00

It was one of those decision days again today - go shopping, or do some chores and then take the camera for an outing. Ok, I'll be honest - I wasn't invited to go along shopping - it was a ladies-only event. But I did get the chores done, which included mowing some parts of our lawn (don't you just love the smell of freshly-mowed grass ?).

I had a general idea of where I wanted to go, but I always leave myself open to be hijacked by other opportunities. My eyes do a weird split-screen as I drive - one eye stays focused on the road but the other is scanning all around ready to alert me if something interesting comes into view. Sure enough, barely 3 minutes from home I'm already forced to pull over as I caught the glare of sunlight coming through the still naked trees to illuminate something on my left.

I did eventually make it to my destination.

Note: please bear with me as I'm struggling to visit all of you. I'm not sure whether the recent wind storm knocked our fixed wireless access out of kilter (again) but our internet is quite slow (again). It can take many minutes to load some blogs, and more minutes to view photos and leave comments. At this pace it may take a week to make the rounds I used to be able to do daily. I'm not ignoring you - I will come for a visit. Thank you for your visits and comments.

(18-55mm f7.1 1/1250 sec ISO200)

click on photo to enlarge

Mellow Yellow

2011-04-29T20:14:00.000-04:00

It's difficult to avoid mentioning the weather since it plays a large role in our lives. Just 2 days ago, we painted the living room during a humid 30C/86F day, livened up a little with a couple of thunderstorms. Yesterday dawned warm again, but by late morning the wind had picked up, and our grandson, Graydon, wasn't too happy going out for a stroll in it. By early afternoon we were experiencing sustained winds over 80 km/50 mi per hour, with gusts up to 120 km/75 mi per hour. Then the power failed.

The high winds continued into the late afternoon, and they gradually decreased by evening. We were spared any wind damage and the power was restored after about 8 hours. I can't imagine what those poor folks in the southern US endured when tornado winds of 320 km/200 mi per hour came roaring through - they surely need our prayers.

The wacky weather blew the heat away - temperatures dipped to 6C/43F overnight and only rose to 12C/54F today - but I was pleasantly surprised to see that our forsythias barely lost a blossom, despite the howling winds. Many utility poles and large trees were snapped like toothpicks and yet these fragile little flowers clung tenaciously to their stems. It defies logic.

(60mm f5.6 1/80 sec ISO200)

(10-22mm f9.0 1/50 sec ISO200)

My backyard photo shoot was cut a little shorter than planned when this sky moved directly overhead and more blessings rained down upon us.

(18-55mm f8.0 1/1000 sec ISO200)

When wrong feels right

2011-04-27T23:46:00.000-04:00

I guess weathermen (weatherpersons ? ok, meteorologists) are somewhat like economists - they quite often have a gloomy forecast and we love it when they're wrong ! Well, ours turned out to be quite wrong today. for the most part.

Yesterday's forecast calling for another rainy day went out the window already early this morning. The sun shone through some broken cloud cover and the temperature soared to 30C/86F, a tad (that's a technical term in meteorology meaning we were way off) warmer than the predicted high of 20C/68F ! We weren't complaining - even though my wife had chosen today for us to repaint the living room.

Now I suppose the weather people could claim a moral victory of sorts - we did catch a 15-minute thunderstorm this afternoon, and another this evening. And as you can see from this photo, our little 'creek' - which is dry about 9 months of the year - was still flowing with runoff from April's abundant showers.

I don't like to wish anybody ill, but I sure hope these weather gurus are wrong for the remainder of the week.

(10-22mm f11 1/60 sec ISO200)

Rainy Day Blues

2011-04-26T22:41:00.000-04:00

For a little background music for this post, you could do worse than listen to this.

I hope no one who reads this is from Vancouver (if you are, you'll be able to relate to this):

A woman was attending a conference in Vancouver. Each morning as she went to catch the bus outside the hotel to go to the conference centre, it was raining. On the third day, it was again raining incessantly as she clutched her umbrella at the bus stop. Exasperated, she turned to a young boy who was also waiting there.

"Young man", she asked, "tell me, does it ever stop raining here ?"

The lad turned to her and said "How should I know, lady. I'm only six !"

Well, apparently we are on our way to setting a rainfall record for April. Now, I don't want to compare our situation at all with those parts of the world where rain is causing serious flooding - it's nothing like that. But - the forecast is calling for more rain, every day through next Monday. Here's hoping that the sun makes a guest appearance before then.

(60mm f2.8 1/80 sec ISO100)

Easter 2011

2011-04-25T00:10:00.000-04:00

I hope you all had a joyous Easter. I trust that the lyrics in this song only serve to bring you back to another time, and that none of them were applicable today.

(70-200mm f14 1/125 sec ISO400)

And although I missed the stroke of midnight, I'll post this for Sunset Sunday.

(10-22mm f18 1/25 sec ISO100)

Reflections on Good Friday

2011-04-22T23:24:00.000-04:00

The mob that hounded Christ from Jerusalem to "the place of a skull" has never been dispersed, but is augmenting yet, as many of the learned men of the world and great men of the world come out from their studies and their laboratories and their palaces, and cry, "Away with this man! Away with him!" The most bitter hostility which many of the learned men of this day exercise in any direction they exercise against Jesus Christ the Son of God, the Saviour of the world. (Thomas De Witt Talmage; 1832-1902)

(18-55mm f9.0 1/25 sec ISO200)