Shoot Ten - Likin' Lichens

The City of Angels - way TOO easy, right? Well, Michelle, Milt, Jim, Carol, Peyton, Joani, Mariann, and Elaine thought it was.

"Foliose"

"Leafy Lichen"

For many months I have been walking through the local cemetery for exercise. While strolling by I noticed the various headstones that dotted the various sections. At times I'll pause at a familiar name or an interesting monument. Recently I took notice of the green growth that can be seen on many of these permanent markers. Some have been spared the onslaught of the lichens while many have some evidence of their existence.

For the next two months I patiently waited for a cloudy day to bring my tripod and camera with a macro lens to photograph them. After some research I found that lichens are really a joint venture of a fungus and an alga. Did you know there are several varieties of lichen - crustose (crusty), foliose (leafy), and fruticose (shrubby)?

So the next time you walk by that green growth on a tree, the pavement, or a headstone - stop and try to identify it - or not!

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 first spots visitors head for is the park that boasts Gustav Vigeland’s sculptures. He is a famous area artist and his work can totally blow you away.

If you are the type that seeks thrill and adventure, you can shout at the top of your voice in Holmenkollen Ski Jump.

Aside from these exciting sports, you can also indulge in different home dishes, such as grilled fillet and redfish, venison with berry sauce, scallops dressed in sea grass, and Lutefisk.

The give-away clue: On the other hand, if you want to learn more about the Viking ships that sailed in this country, the Bygdoy Museum can provide you more information about it. You can also visit the Akershus Castle that was built some time in the 1300’s.

A Word to the Wise. . 

"All life is an experiment. 

The more experiments you make - 
the better." 

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Murphy's Laws. . .

Blanchard's Newspaper Obituary Law:

If you want your name spelled wrong, 

die. . .

It's Cartoon Time. . .

Shoot Nine - Plymouth at Night II

Did you get it - Lima? Carol, Mariann, Peyton, Elaine, Joani, and Doris all checked in this week!

"Nightie Night. . ."

This was one of the storefronts in downtown Plymouth. Lighting was a challenge. First of all there were reflections from the street lights and occasional passing headlights. Then there was the lack of light from the display window.

After much trial and error, I settled on an eight second exposure (yes, on a tripod). But I wasn't done yet. Another thirty minutes in post-processing helped me to get what I was looking for! 

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 most populous city in its country

is known for its mediterranean climate, ethnic diversity, sprawling metropolis, and as a major center of the country’s entertainment industry.

The city was officially founded on September 4, 1781, by Spanish governor Felipe de Neve.  It became a part of Mexico  in 1821 following the Mexican War of Independence. 

is a global city with a diverse economy in entertainment, culture, media, fashion, science, sports, technology, education, medicine and research. It has been ranked 6th in the Global Cities Index and 9th in the Global Economic Power Index! 

The city is home to renowned institutions covering a broad range of professional and cultural fields, and is one of the most substantial economic engines within the country.

it hosted the Summer Olympic Games twice and is bidding to host a third time soon.

This will do it: this city leads the world in the creation of television productions and recorded music; it is also one of the leaders in motion picture production.

A Word to the Wise. . .

"Wonder is the beginning of wisdom." 

~ Greek Proverb          

Murphy's Laws. . .

Boyle's Other Law:

The first pull on the cord 

ALWAYS

 sends the drapes in the wrong direction!

It's Cartoon Time. . .

Shoot Nine - Plymouth at Night

Mais oui, Montreal! Elaine, Carol, Mariann, Peyton, Jim, Michelle, Joani, Mike, and Doris all knew it was the city to the north!

"Traffic at the Rock!"

I belong to two camera clubs and two photographic meet-up groups. I find the meet-ups offer unique photo ops and most of them are within an hour's drive from home.

On this night we met in America's hometown, Plymouth, MA! The group started in the downtown area as we shot the store windows and the architecture of the town.

After twenty minutes the group of twenty had split up into smaller wandering bands of tripod-toting photo buffs.

Eventually I found myself on the hill opposite Plymouth Rock. Since it was well after sunset, the surrounding area was devoid of people. I thought this was a good time to focus on the passing vehicles and long exposures. The red streaks are the tail lights of passing motorists.

For those of you who have never experienced seeing Plymouth Rock - it can be viewed in a pit just beyond those tall columns!

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 world class city is located right on the coast of the Pacific, and is one of the largest desert towns of the world.

It is a city of contrasts. There are shanty towns that mark it being a third world country, but there are also modern skyscrapers, resorts, colonial mansions and shopping malls.

When visiting this capital city, make sure to stop by the following sights and attractions:

Blue Hill – It is the oldest public space in the city

The Cathedral – built in January 18, 1535, the cathedral was originally a modest temple built by Jeronimo de Loayza.

Plaza de Acho – Served as the city’s main bull ring. Many celebrations are held here each year, including the famous Lord of Miracles Festival in October.

El Malecon – the City Walk offers a scenic boardwalk, brightly colored mosaic floors and spectacular views of the bay.

One more clue if you remember your world history – an area named after one of its famous residents - Plaza Bolivar.  

A Word to the Wise. . .

"Change is the law of life. 

And those who look only to the past or present 

are certain to miss the future." 

~ John F. Kennedy

Murphy's Laws. . .

Travel Axiom:

He travels fastest who travels alone... 

but he hasn't anything to do when he gets there!

It's Cartoon Time. . .

Shoot Eight - Holy Cross Golf Tournament

It was London, as if you didn't know. . . Elaine, Peyton, Mariann, Carol, Milt, Mike, Joani, Michelle, and Jim.

"On the Putting Green"

Another fund raiser is the golf tournament run by Holy Cross Church in Easton. I was asked by the pastor to bring my camera for some photos for the parish's website.

My first encounter at the golf club was the putting green where young and old tried their techniques to get the little round ball into the little round hole. At times I'm sure they felt the hole had shrunken!

I liked Bill's determination - he did sink all of these. Just not sure how well he fared on the fairways. But I am sure he had fun!

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! I will offer some interesting facts about one of them. Just which city am I describing?

Life is indeed a celebration here with year-round festivals rejoicing over one or the other aspect of this great city.

You can start your incredible journey of this city by going back in time. The Old City is dotted with historical buildings from the 17-19th century.

If you want more insight into its history take a trip to the Pointe-à-Callière Museum - permanent displays and rotating exhibits in this Museum tell the story of the city’s past – right from the treasures found from excavations in this city to its first settlers.

Visit Downtown where you can view of the city’s skyline, various churches and museums, as well as educational centers such as the McGill University by walking along this area

Still not sure? How about a place such as the L’Oratoire St.-Joseph du Mont-Royal will only heighten that sentiment. It is built on the site of a chapel that once stood deep inside the woods. A holy place, it is revered by all the residents of this cityl.

A Word to the Wise. . .

"We make a living by what we get, 

but we make a life by what we give." 

~ Winston Churchill

   

Murphy's Laws. . .

Brinks's Theorem:

No armored car loaded with bags of money 

ever turned over and spilled its load in the street, 

in a good neighborhood!

It's Cartoon Time. . .