Shoot Twenty-one - Simes House

Boston - checking in we had Elaine (and family), Jim, Tony, Peyton, Michelle, Mike, and Jeff the W. And, Joani who is back from an eight state, 5400 miles trip!!

(thanks for the kind comments as well)

"Simes Still Life"

Another photo group with whom I have spent considerable time is the Plymouth Meet-up. Although not an actual camera club, they do provide photo opportunities and interesting guest speakers.

The Simes House has had quite the run since it was built in 1863. Beginning as a home, it transformed into an inn, a girls' summer camp and back into its original purpose, a home. In 2017, it will make one more major change as it becomes the area's community meeting space, retail office, and affordable housing.

The day before it started this major renovation a handful of photographers were allowed access to the multi-level domicile. With trusty tripod in tow, I spent almost two hours on all three floors. This set-up in the living room kept asking to be shot - so I did!

Where in the World?

Better get out the atlas as this year I will be featuring some of the more famous cities of the world! Here are some interesting facts about one of them. Just what city would I be visiting? 

the westernmost capital of the European mainland

the Monsanto Forest Park occupying 10 km is located in the city. The park is one of the biggest there is in Europe.

this vibrant city has a very temperate Mediterranean climate, one of the nicest climates on the European continent with a lot of sunshine.

the months of May to September are the best for many tourists because the skies are generally clear and blue with little to no rain.

some of the popular museums being the National Museum of Ancient Art and the National Museum of Costume and Fashion.

want a taste of the modern life, the Bairro Alto is the heart of the city’s nightlife.

A Word to the Wise. . .

Economy is the wealth of the poor and 

the wisdom of the rich.      

                        ~ French Proverb

Murphy's Laws. . .

Parson's Laws:

If you break a cup or plate, 

it will not be the one 

that was already chipped or cracked.

It's Cartoon Time. . .

No Shoot - Johnny's Legacy

St. Petersburg, Russia
As Michelle, Jim, Mike, Elaine, and Peyton knew!

"Dot T-shirts!"

At this time last year - late July - I was planning my younger Brother's final arrangements. When we cleaned out his apartment, we came across several t-shirts which summed up Johnny's life - he was a "Dot Rat!" and proud of it.

Sometime after the ashes were either buried in Raynham or scattered around Ronan Park, one of his friends petitioned the Red Sox to honor him. Sam (no relation) Kennedy sent this touching response:

This week's "Wise Saying" summed up Johnny's life as we were quite taken back by the number of friends who came to pay their respects. Even today, his Facebook page is kept "alive" by them!

Where in the World?

Better get out the atlas as this year I will be featuring some of the more famous cities of the world! Here are some interesting facts about one of them. Just what city would I be visiting? 

one of the oldest cities in the United States, it was founded in 1630

the twenty-third most populous city in the U. S. 

upon U.S. independence from Great Britain, the city continued to be an important port and manufacturing hub, as well as a center for education and culture. 

Its rich history attracts many tourists, with Faneuil Hall alone drawing over 20 million visitors per year.

Its many firsts include the United States' first public school (1635), first subway system (1897), and first public park (1634).

The area's many colleges and universities make it an international center of higher education, including law, business, medicine, engineering and business. 

Households in the city claim the highest average rate of  philanthropy in the United States.

Still don’t know - it was the scene of several key events of the American Revolution, such as a Massacre, and a Tea Party. (C'mon, Faneuil Hall didn't give it away??)

Murphy's Laws. . .

Malek's Law:

Any simple idea will be worded 

in the most complicated way!

And, this. . . 

A Word to the Wise. . .

"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. 

It's the life in your years." 

~ Abraham Lincoln  


Rest in peace, Little Brother. . . 

  

Shoot Twenty - WB Football

Warsaw - I inadvertently left Carol off the Cairo list last week. Mea culpa. . . As for the Warsaw Connection - Michelle, Elaine, Mike, Jim, Carol, and Milt.

"West Bridgewater Football"

After two years of playing its home games away - the West Bridgewater Wildcats finally got to enjoy a "home" game at home! I made an effort to be there for this special occasion. I was also interested in seeing if there would be any issues with the field's location. You see, one of the sidelines borders busy Route 106! I was wondering about balls kicked into the street and the possible damage they could do to unsuspecting motorists. Happy to report this situation never arose.

But I did have some options: 

no kicking off but instead passing it off

no punting so you need to go for it on 4th down

build a dome over it 
*** (most of those attending likes option 3).

Where in the World?

Better get out the atlas as this year I will be featuring some of the more famous cities of the world! Here are some interesting facts about one of them. Just what city would I be visiting? 

is the second largest city in its country.

the name of this city has been changed twice.

was also called the ‘Venice of North’ (yes, another one claiming that title).

  

the most important attraction in the city is Winter Palace or the Hermitage Museum. The Winter Palace is a huge complex, also comprising of the Museum. The exhibits featured in the Museum number over 3,000,000 and have been sourced from nearly all over the world. The only way you can do justice to this enormous Museum is by taking a guided tour.

The Peter and Paul Fortress is also a famous place to visit. Although called a fortress, it is actually the final resting ground of most leaders of the past.

the Alexander Nevsky Monastery is named after and dedicated to the spiritual protector of the city. The monastery includes several other places to see, such as the Trinity Cathedral and Church of Annunciation.

Church of the Savior on the Blood is said to be the most beautiful church in the city. Built of beautiful mosaic and stonework.

A Word to the Wise. . .

In bad things be slow; 

        in good things be fast.      

                                                 ~ Afghan Proverb

Murphy's Laws. . .

Law of Future Results:

Nothing ever comes out as planned.

It's Cartoon Time. . .

Shoot Nineteen - Breaking Ground

Cairo- sort of. . .
As Mike found out Cairo is no longer the largest city on that continent, Lagos is. However, the other clues pointed directly to Cairo - as Jim, Carol, Milt, Elaine, Tony, Peyton, and Milt guessed!

"This Is Holy Ground!"

As many of you know, I spend anywhere from one to five days a week (depending on the season) volunteering at My Brothers' Keeper - a Christian ministry that "brings the love and hope of Christ to those we serve.'

For many years these services were distributed through their Easton facility. Not too long ago a warehouse in Dartmouth was secured for serving those in the the New Bedford/Fall River regions of the South Coast of MA. As I write this week's blog, a new building is being erected in Dartmouth!

Here the deacon is blessing the ground before the official groundbreaking ceremony - this blessing is another story all on its own!

Where in the World?

Better get out the atlas as this year I will be featuring some of the more famous cities of the world! Here are some interesting facts about one of them. Just what city would I be visiting? 

Despite the many reminders of World War II that still exist, much development continues to take place here. Today, it is one of the country’s fastest developing cities.

Its population is about 2 million people and is the home of the country’s largest university and home to tens of thousands of businesspeople and professionals recognized the world over.

when visiting the city start in Old Town, where the city’s historic center has been rebuilt. You will also find various churches such as St. John’s Cathedral which contains various tombs of eminent citizens, knights and regents, as well as many of Wit Stwosz’ gothic artworks. Many visitors spend considerable time at the Royal Castle, the King’s chambers and apartments, St. Anne’s Church and of course, the New Town.

city can lay claim to being the home of Marie Curie and Frederick Chopin. 

You’ll need this as the clues were pretty vague so far: you should not miss visiting the city’s Uprising Museum.

A Word to the Wise. . .

A new broom sweeps clean 

but an old broom knows the corners.      

                           ~ Anon. 

Murphy's Laws. . .

Avery's Observation:

It does not matter if you fall down 
as long as you pick up something from the floor 
as you get up.

It's Cartoon Time. . .

Shoot Eighteen - Fall Festival

Way too easy - Paris! Michelle, Peyton, Carol, Milt, Elaine, Tony M., Jim, Joani, and Mike Di were all on board with this one!

"Fall Festival"

My church runs an annual Fall Festival for its parishioners. Rides, food, music, and games are available on the grounds. 

Well, this little girl was too short (and young) to go on the inflatable balls via the front entrance so she chose to do it in reverse. She didn't get too far as her Dad was within a few feet to sweep her off the ride.

I got a feeling in a few more years and a few more inches taller that she'll be back at the entrance to give it a go!

Where in the World?

Better get out the atlas as this year I will be featuring some of the more famous cities of the world! Here are some interesting facts about one of them. Just what city would I be visiting? 

this capital city is actually the largest city on the African continent?

home to over 16 million people and is definitely chaotic, exotic, dusty, smelly, and extremely beautiful.

Masr al-Qadima is the most ancient part of the city which was the original Babylon. It is the Coptic Christian community center where churches abound.

Ben Ezra synagogue is also located here. This is the oldest synagogue in the country.

This should do it: If you want to travel back in time and re-discover the rich history of the country then you must not forget to go to the city’s museum. Along with the sarcophagi, mummies, and other ancient relics, the museum itself is a reflection of the country’s archeological glory.

A Word to the Wise. . .

Common sense is 

genius dressed in its working clothes.      

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Murphy's Laws. . .

Danforth's Rules of Random Selection:

              Never be first

              Never be last.

               And, never volunteer for anything.

It's Cartoon Time. . .