It Happened Again - The Making of Landscape Images (and more)

Regular readers of my thoughts may remember me saying the Good Lord always provides photography opportunities, especially on Sunday mornings. Nearly each Sunday morning I listen to our church message as I am enjoying the natural blessings around us. Sometimes I am hiking, other days I am paddling - as I was today for my December paddling trip. This morning was no different… I was listening and the photographic opportunities were provided.

When I saw fog in our area this morning, I knew exactly where I wanted to be and what I would be pointing my lenses at - an island in Brinker Lake. Under ordinary light the island has not yet generated any artistic ideas for me. During sunrise or fog - oh yes… it is a great photography subject.

This first picture is what I was able to document since there was little fog by the time we reached the lake. I would have to shoot a good base image and then “work” the image to create what I visualized in my mind.

Candied Owl Pellet Nuggets

At our house we frequently do things with a nature/outdoor theme. Today Kristy and four other women spent the day baking Christmas goodies. New for this year was an experiment called “Candied Owl Pellet Nuggets!”

These bite-sized morsels are a bit challenging to keep together while drizzling the melted candy on them. Once hardened, the glaze holds the treats together. There is a sweet flavor blending with soft and crunchy texture. Who would have expected that!

The most challenging detail of this “sure to be a new favorite” for the season is finding enough owl pellets to fill a snack bowl. I guess I know what I need to watch for from now until early next December.

More Star Trails…

During many overnight hours I recorded 599 still images that were then stacked to create this single star trail image. Much to my disappointment, I did not see any aurora borealis in the pictures, even though northern lights were predicted. Oh well, I tried!

More Learning Than I Expected

Since the winter months have far more minutes of darkness than light, I am hoping to improve my night sky photography. Tonight I am sharing my first serious effort of this winter photographing star trails. Technical details include…

Something Special or Springs?

A day or two ago I noticed what I would consider to be large circles on the ice on the Wapsipinicon River. Being the curious type, I did some research. Apparently there is a phenomenon where, under the proper conditions, ice circles can form on bodies of slow moving water. That explanation makes sense, but I do not think applies to the circles I am seeing.

Each of the ice circles I documented has at least one hole. My best guess is maybe there are numerous spring in the river and these froze as the warmer water rose from the center and spread out symmetrically. Maybe?

If someone knows, please share with me.

Feeling a Chill… Feeling Artistic

As serious ice is first formed, there is a sense of clean… of blending the last season and the new season… and a feeling of mystery. This afternoon I tried to capture that essence while standing in the Wapsipinicon River.

Following are four views I liked. Each was…

I Wonder if She Noticed

My mother-in-law had a confusing relationship with a plant Kristy is now nurturing in our home. Marlene could not understand why her Christmas cactus would always bloom around Thanksgiving. Sometimes I sensed frustration when the peak of blooms ended before her Christmas celebrations.

Now, a couple of years after Kristy assumed care of the plant, we realized the plant is not a Christmas cactus but is a Thanksgiving cactus. All along the plant was…

Sentry on Watch

Their timing could not have been more perfect! While two of our grandsons were at our house we noticed the appearance of two sentry bald eagles in our spruce trees.

To say the boys were…

Fun With Words

Who would have imagined my two oldest grandsons might have so much fun with the name of a bird.

The three of us were out wandering a timber when I pointed out the tell-tale signs of a yellow-bellied sapsucker at work on the trunk of a tree. Wow, an eight and six year old certainly are having a good time naming that species!

Thanksgiving Traditions and More

Thanksgiving 2023 has included traditions and a non-typical activity. Let’s begin with the non-typical.

Yesterday afternoon I received an unexpected phone call about an injured bald eagle on and along a highway. Our regular Thanksgiving activities were paused as two of my grandkids joined me to capture the bald eagle. When I arrived I learned our job was only to capture the injured bald eagle. All rehab details were completed by the “finders.” Once caught the eagle was transported to Wild Thunder rehab for care. Needless to say, not only my grandkids, but I think the folks who helped with the capture and move to the pet taxi. experienced something most do not do on their Thanksgiving holiday. Many thanks to those who reported this bird and Tracy and team at Wild Thunder.

Then early this morning Kristy and I, along with…

Say it isn’t so… Resorted to Filtering

Yes, I know, it is Thanksgiving Day 2023. We are nearly through the month of November. Still, I am not ready for the ponds and rivers to freeze up. But Mother Nature does not care what I want or don’t want. Winter is coming.

Today, on my annual Thanksgiving Outdoor Outing, I…

The Taming of This Shrew - The Final Chapter

For my serious literary friends… I respectfully advise you the final chapter in this shrew’s story of taming has been written. There was no drunkenness, no…

Paths

When I saw the initial view for this picture I immediately visualized a final image that appears as shared here - sort of inviting, but not really, busy and confusing - so much at once yet not enough to explain in entirety. The name for the piece was right there too - “Paths.”

Throughout life we follow various paths. Some paths lead to success of some degree while others appear to be leading toward success, but really prove to be much less. When lucky we venture down paths where the end goal is easily seen. Other times we work our way forward on a path to destinations unknown and often uncomfortable.

My life story…

Happy Birthday Princess!

For every birthday our grandkids put in a request for a themed-birthday cake and Grandma (Kristy) does her best to provide. This year our favorite granddaughter asked for a birthday cookie. Not only did Grandma do well on her first try, but it was delicious!

Good job Kristy!

One Image

During my hike early this morning I had to stop to shoot this picture. Technically, all I did was say “GoPro…take photo” and the picture was made. This ease come from the GoPro’s…

Something I Don’t Do Often

Very, very seldom do I shoot “people” pictures. I much prefer to shoot wildlife or scenic images. Today was different though - I shot people pics of one special person.

After taking care of several important “work” projects here on the ponderosa, Kristy and I - along with our oldest grandson and our very old dog - wanted to have some fun. The four of us headed to Alcock Park where we threw a football, hiked (Layla got tired), and explored (again) the suspension bridge over the Wapsipinicon River. Then my grandson and I hiked further to investigate below the dam. As I was packing my gear I noticed…

Impressive!

While my grandson and I were driving to Sweet Marsh to check on the renovation work, we were treated to more…

An Assumption and an Observation

Assumption:

I am assuming our flora and fauna are as confused by our weather conditions as I am. We have had record or near-record warm days, ice on the river and frost on the windshield and warm days again. I am not complaining… just confused. I do prefer it warm.

Observations:

Observation #1: Today’s…

Wow!

I don’t know about your Facebook feed, but mine has had multiple posts showing the differences in holiday cacti. Rather than forwarding the same posts, I am sharing a picture of one of many Thanksgiving cactus blossoms we are enjoying. The colors are so vibrant in a shade of pink I cannot accurately describe - just bright pink!

Beach Buntings!

Decades ago (back in the 70’s) there was a song called “Beach Baby” that was somewhat popular. A verse in that song came to mind when I spotted to snow buntings in sand going for a drink of water.

“…Beach Baby, Beach Baby, there on the sand, from July to the end of September…”

To be accurate the verse would need to be…