Beach Combing

I walked another section of shoreline along the Patuxent River today.  While I saw the Red Tail Hawk and the Turkey Vultures soaring above, there wasn't a good photo in the bunch I snapped.  I'll need to keep trying for those aerials. Though I didn't get the shot I was hoping for, I'm never at a loss to find something interesting on the shoreline.  So, let's take a short walk:

Here's the stepping off point from the Pacifica.  While the tripod is out, I took a couple shots of the distant Gov. Thomas Johnson Bridge, but didn't they didn't really strike me.

 I found a baseball, lacking it's cover.



Then there was a basket.  This type usually holds some crabs.  As expected this one was empty, though it looks like it was hoping for some crabs to jump in right from the water.

This shows that anything can have barnacles eventually. 

The bottle of water above was sunk into the sand.  The ironic part is that this company My Cause donates 5 cents for every bottle sold, and the customer gets to pick the charity.  It's a nice way to do something good, but I guess recycling is not part of the program.


The last shots include a hunter's blind right at the waterfront, some grass and a pine tree that stood out.

That's the walk for today. Not a very long walk, but I took quite a while to enjoy it all.  The cool air, the sound of the wind and waves all made for a great little trip. 

I hope you have had time for your own short walk, or adventure.  What did you see today?

Here's to looking up, looking out, and looking in.

Blessings,
Brian

Get Your Eyes Up!

"Get your eyes UP!"  That was a the mantra of last week of ski lesssons I had some 35 years ago.  Those were the words Spike, our instructor, would continually say during the week of our group lesson.  Our group was pretty advanced, we could ski the whole mountain, but needed a little polish you might say.  Spike's relentless critique spoke a truth.  Most of us concentrated on the nearing changes in the slope, but that wouldn't allow us to progress with confidence as our speeds increased on the harder slopes.  We needed to look much further ahead to be able to react in time.

You can experience the same thing while driving.  You are taught to look well down the road.  You get your eyes looking far ahead to anticipate the potential dangers and obstacles.  The faster you travel, the further down the road you should be looking.

In this world as things move as ever increasing speeds, I need to remind myself of the life lesson from Spike; Get your eyes up.  Think about it.  Even going back in time some two thoushand years ago, most plowed the land right in front of them.  There were also those that had their eyes up.  The Maji watched the stars travel across the skies, and they knew of a cosmic event when they saw one.  The miracle of Christ, born in Bethlehem.

I was reminded today by our Reverend that "Jesus is the reason for the season,"  and it's true.  The observation seems to be that it's more of the reason for the day.  We have the run-up of Black Friday, and on-line Tuesday with the hustle and bustle.  The attempt to buy the perfect gift for that special someone, or the time making the perfect piece of art, or maybe the meal and deserts all leading to the perfect day.

Hopefully, we've all had the chance to experience a moving church service over this weekend.  It may have been a choir singing, a candle lit sanctuary with all singing Silent Night, or maybe a Children's Program complete with little angels.  Then Christmas arrives.  We celebrate with family and friends, and the day passes like so many others.  Perhaps we take the next few days up to the New Year to continue the revelry.

The Tweleve days of Christmas have just started!  My lovely wife reminded us of that this morning.  Her new tradition is to give us one gift each of the twelve days.  I was surprised, a little disappointed (cause I'm not very patient), and then pleased.  I realize I have a hard time getting my eyes up for more than a day.

I think I need to follow the example of the Maji, and realize the majesty of God shines all around us.  We need to keep watch for what God is doing.  We celebrate His coming to earth as a lowly, helpless babe this day, but dare we keep Him in mind more than a day or season?  My prayer this day is that I keep Jesus as more than the reason for the season.  That I get my eyes up and know He is the reason for my life and salvation, not for a day, not a season, but for eternity.

Yesterday (Today?)

(Wrote most of this yesterday; posted today) 
Today turned out to be sweet, though not many photos to show for it.  Since the temperature is unusually high for the 22nd of December, I decided to take the BMW in to work today.  Before I left the house though, I was serenaded by a bunch of birds.  There were loads of Robins in the trees just out the back deck.  There were high in the trees, and flying about.  Added to their numbers were some crows, Dark-eyed Junco (based on the cropped photo), a Blue Jay, and what I think was a wood pecker.  All the chorus and chatter brighten the dawning sun all the more.  I watched and listened for quite a few minutes, then noticed the neighbors railing on their deck.  The tomatoes sitting out on the corner seemed to be calling for help.

Dark-eyed Junco

I had to get to work though, so I put the camera away and headed to the bike.  It's been a long time since I rode it, and I was glad to hear it start right up.  It was only a little cool, and I had a wonderful ride to the gate.  I decided to add a few miles to the trip and took the longest route to the office.  I looked for my Bald Eagle along the way but was only slightly disappointed that none were perched in the usual spots.  The ride had to come to an end, and though short it was a fantastic trip.  I was definitely smiling when I arrived at my desk.

The office was uneventful, and I took the long route back home.  This time the Eagle did not disappoint.  I pulled into the  tree covered drive leading to overlooks of the water.  It's back in a park area holding tent sites, and there he was perched majestically in a small riverside tree.

Then topped the day off with a few friends at the house. The menu was mostly "sweet" as evidenced by the mixer and sugar pic.  What a great day.

Some of these are from last weekend, and the one with the horse and buggy a little older still.

I'm not sure if all my friends would know, but there is an Amish population here in southern Maryland.  So on occasion you will see a horse and buggy, and more rarely you'll see one near a shopping center.. tied up to a pole.

The next set of photos are from church last weekend.  I took them as the team was getting set up and rehearsing.

Darrell, playing keys

Deb looking things over at the sound board

Eric working intently on the computer

Michael putting his heart into song

Missy enjoying some banter

Still working on the "people" photos.  I need more practice in this area,,  any volunteers?

Blessings,
Brian

It's been a while

Hey folks, I know it's been a while since I've posted.  I haven't given this up at all.  I just have been too busy lately, and the weather hasn't been exactly cooperative for my typical outdoor photos.

There's been a fair amount on the plate.  We had rehearsals running up to Saturday's performance of the cantata at Zion UMC.  Fortunately it went very well!  The choir was great, and everything fell into place.  It was a scramble to get the sound system to cooperate.  A couple loose connections from the CD player  and the left front speaker connection restored resulted in good sound.

We were also blessed to deliver food for Zion and Mike's Bikes this past Thursday.  I hope you have some time to think about those that may need a hand this holiday season.  You can play a part in helping out, in any number of small ways.  Small amounts of time, funding, praying when added up collectively can make a huge difference for someone.

I hope to have some photos up soon.  I know I need to get a more creative and try some things set up in the house or other indoor scenes. 

Stay tuned, and thanks for joining me on this ride, this journey.

Blessings,
Brian

Variety

I don't have a single story today.  There wasn't a particular outing that had enough punch to stand on it's own really.  The thought occurs to me now though, that the last few days have all had their special moments.  Collectively they point out the blessings that are so easily over looked.

Friday I got out reasonably early and found two Bald Eagles perched in trees near Harpers Creek. I posted this to FaceBook the other day:

 This one was the nearest, and as I looked around there was another on a more distant tree.  I watched them for several minutes before they both took flight to more private estates.



Then Friday night was spent with Deb (my lovely bride) and the Choir at Zion UMC in Lexington Park.  The Cantata they're working is really taking shape now, including some wonderful solos as well.

 Friday was a good day.

That's a Bald Eagle way up (out) there

Saturday I woke early and went to see if I could find the Bald Eagles again.  As it turned out, that wasn't to be, but I was able to watch the moon drop below the western sky in a blaze of pale orange.  Here's a pic of how it first appeared as I wandered down the dirt road towards the bank of the Patuxent River.

Light Check!

Saturday evening we took the time to put up our Christmas tree. Truth be told,  Christopher and Lauren did most of the work,  though we all put on the ornaments.  Our tree is a collection of items that nearly all have some special connection.  Old glass ornaments, some ornaments made by Chris when younger, some made by Deb's Grandmother, others that have been gifts over the years all add a charm uniquely echoing our lives.

 And I almost forgot my little trip Saturday afternoon.  I needed to make a run to the dump, but took a bit of an extended route to come back home.  I discovered a very small hawk on a power line.  After searching for pictures on the net and comparing them to the one below, I'm fairly convinced that this is a Sharp-shinned Hawk.  Please correct me if I'm incorrect!

This is what the scene looked like without cropping in on him

 Saturday was a good day.

So, I ended up over-sleeping Sunday morning and missed church at Zion (sorry Rev.)  I did go late to help with some more Cantata solos. I got there before the service let out, so I wandered around the back of the church and headed into the adjoining woodland that abuts a wide partially improved zone meant to become yet more housing.  I wasn't very far into the  trees when I heard a loud screech high in the branches.  It was definitely a Red Tailed hawk.  I stopped, but couldn't find him.  I waited quietly without moving, then took another two steps.  More screeching, and then flight into the field.  He came to rest near the top of a huge tree some 300 yards distant.  No pictures on this one - but I have a new site to explore some day soon and  I was still thrilled to hear and see him.

The solos went well, and didn't take much time.  Before we knew it, it was time to run off to our other church - The Refinery.  It was a good service, with great discussion and on-the-fly pull in of a video from and old Saturday Night Live sketch about the Devil.  Great fun.  We closed the evening with a group of ten heading to Ruby Tuesdays for a late dinner.

Sunday was a good day.

So the weekend comes to a close, and looking back it's easy to see what's right with the world:  nature abounding from the moon in the heavens to the birds of the sky; friends and family spending time together.  There was such a complete mix of laughing and frivolousness, serious discussion and just plain caring and sharing.  Maybe we're getting closer to the Christmas spirit after all.

I hope you've been as blessed as well.

Brian

A Day in DC

I had a routine appointment in DC today.  Follow the trail of photo crumbs:

I like parking at National Airport, simply because I know the route and there's ample parking, if somewhat overpriced.  Take the Blue line to Foggy Bottom to find this sign right at the hospital as you come up the escalator out of the Metro.  I walk up a couple blocks to the Medical Faculty building.

!

Today I happened to be extremely early, so I had time to grab some lunch at ROTI, and take a walk around.  I went down 23rd toward the Mall.  I passed some University Building and then saw the sign below.  It was quite funny really, given how loud the city is.  There was a garbage truck loading up and it alone was loud, then through in the rest of the cacophony and ..quiet?  I don't think so.

I made it down to the Mall, went past the Vietnam Memorial and turned to head to the Washington Monument.  There's a nice pond that you'll see in a minute.  I was struck by the calmness of the park.  There were plenty of runners, walkers, visitors, police, and workmen, but overall it was a respite right in the middle of the chaos of DC.  Really lovely.


I stopped near the WWII Memorial.  It includes a beautiful fountain, which I have stylized here with some liberties in brightness and contrast:

As I walked away from the fountain I noticed some young folks getting setup for a photograph.  I couldn't help but take my own pic of the scene:

Shouldn't we all take a minute to gather some fallen leaves and throw them up in the air with vigor for a photo?

I started heading back after passing the monument.  And I should note the the reflecting pool in under construction, so no reflecting for now.  Maybe the friends in the picture have something to tell us.  I was captivated too, by two people sitting on a bench.  It's right along side the road.  There's a bunch of traffic and construction nearby.  They just seemed totally engaged in conversation.  When is the last time we just stopped, put the noise out of our minds (even though it was right there), and could sit face to face and converse fully?

To me, the funny part was that not very far away, maybe fifty yards, was the most beautiful scene in the park.  but first let me show you that some ducks just will flip you off...



Okay, not that funny, but a little funny.

So, here is  the scene I want you to see. I thought it was just magical.  The photo only gets you close to the feel.

I headed back up 23rd to I Street, walking past the Dept. of State, and the building labeled "The United States Institute of Peace."  Did you know we had an Institute of Peace? It's right near the State Dept, but in a much nicer building.  I continued along, entering the realm of GW Univ. and back to where I had started.

I made my appointment in time, and eventually was able to see the doctor.  He was incredibly gracious to fit me in.  So, after a nice chat and a quick blood test, it was off to the Metro for the return leg of my trip.  The station was crowded and the metro cars were jammed to capacity.  I could help to notice how many people were tuned out.  Many with the earbuds in place listening to their favorite tunes, many with their smart phones out,  or the  IPad, or reading.  Those that weren't jacked in to their favorite min-appliance were zoned in their own way.  The empty look into space, making sure there was little to no eye contact, no nod to invite someone to sit next to them.  It seemed sad in a way.  Are we all that ready to hide away in plain sight?  How did we become conditioned to be right next to a small army of people and not in some small way connect with each other?  It also seemed like everyone wanted to retreat to their own world and find a bit of peace.

At our church service we call The Refinery, we're talking about finding the path to Christmas.  I think part of that is finding peace.  Peace here on this world, doesn't have to be so far away.  If you haven't already, reach out to Christ, then reach out to a friend.  Go play with some leaves in the park, or maybe take a bench near a pond and enjoy each others company.

God Bless,
Brian

What's That Small Duck?

Sometimes it's the little things, and that's exactly what is was in this journey.

I needed to grab my laptop from work, and since there was just enough light left to see if there were any birds about the water, I made sure my camera was by my side.  It turns out there were some small birds floating right at the entrance to Pearson Creek off the Patuxent River.  I drove into the small lot to get close to their position, and was rather suddenly stopped in my tracks by a big tree.

So I hopped out, walked a short distance and got a few photos of these little guys you  see below.  I was reasonably close but shielded from a clean shot as there was a lot of brush along the bank.

 After a quick search on the net, I found out these are Bufflehead Ducks.  They are described as the smallest diving duck in North America.

It didn't take long for them to scatter, flying low along the water.













I drove out, (backed out a long way before being able to turn around), but not before a quick shot of another old busted up tree.  I think its the texture and contrast in color that draws my eye to them.

I drove further down the coast and around the corner.  This is the Chesapeake Bay side of  the base.  I found a few more Buffleheads and have cropped the photo to get a better look at them.

Bufflehead Ducks [Males sportting the white and black, while the female is a bit more plain, just a white spot near the ear

A last shot of the depart sun and with it the diminishing light:

From there it was time to head back to my office and get what I had come for...yeah, the laptop.  I had almost forgot.  And I think God was smiling down on me today, since I espied the silhouette of my Bald Eagle high in  a tree top on my drive to the office.

Hope you had a small adventure today as well.

Peace,
Brian

The Sky's the Limit

Well, this time my journey was just outside my door.  Let me explain.

There are capabilities that my new camera has that I want to explore.  Taking pictures at night is easier on this camera since it is more sensitive and the optics clearer.  So, I wanted to see if I could capture some stars.  I kept playing with the settings and finally got the two photos below.  The first has Jupiter at the very top of the frame - just a big bright dot here.  The second is of the constellation Orion.  Click on them to see them in gallery mode and the details will be more evident.

This is another case where I'm reminded that there is beauty waiting for us to see it.  It's hiding in plain sight blending in to the common scene.  We all have looked up and seen the stars.  Maybe it's time to remind ourselves that God has provided us an amazing world.  We don't have to go far to find it; it's just waiting to be (re)discovered right before us.

For the Birds

Not too much content on this post; it was a bit of a slow day.  I did get to add some photos to my collection of birds.  Both of the sets below were at work, the first set while on my way to a meeting, the next while coming back from lunch.

The first two shots are fairly plain pictures showing a roost of starlings.  I had hoped to catch the flock in mid flight but that didn't happen.  I'll have to keep looking for another opportunity.

DANGER GRAPHIC CONTENT - NATURE CAN BE CRUEL
ONE SOMETIMES SURVIVES AT THE LOSS OF ANOTHER


Okay, you were warned.  The next shots are of a Turkey Vulture that is still on the carcass of a raccoon.  I don't think it's that bad, but some folks are squeamish of such things.  It's nature doing nature's work of survival and the cycle of life.  The Turkey Vulture is actually helping rid the area of potential diseases. 

I'll sign off here.  Thanks for walking along with my journeys.  If you have any suggestions please let me know.  Suggestions or comments could be for topics of some photos, layout, photo critique, requests for more or less of the story... whatever you might like to add or comment on.

Thanks,
Brian

Architecture

My feeling is that you might as well make the most of a bad day.  This is especially true if you know in advance that it is going to be a bad day. I should clarify for you.  I knew that I needed some medical treatment that would take me to Richmond.  I needed to get back to my liver transplant clinic at the VCU Medical Center. (liver is fine, they were helping me out with another matter.)

Knowing this in advance let me plan a little.  My wife suggested going down the night before and staying just outside the city.  It was a good plan since it lets me get some more shut-eye.  I packed my bags and headed out.  The support plan included my trusty cameras and a few items to keep me occupied while getting my treatment.

 I ended up stuck at a red light after just filling my tank at the local Sheetz.  Of course there was a no turn on red sign - newly installed for my convenience.

All was not lost though, as I admired the crescent moon hanging just above the sign.  I had my Canon on the passenger seat and snapped a couple quick shots. I believe you can get a better look at these if you click on them.  In the one to the left you can see an interesting reflection from the windshield. Them moon continued to be an intermittent sight along the way.

I woke early.  It was that time of day when the sun's light is making itself know, before the sun was fully revealed.  After a quick ride to hospital parking lot, I still had some time before my appointment at 0800.  It's never too early to start taking photos, so that's exactly what I did.  I took some time to wander around the block near 11th and Broad Street.  It was gorgeous and only slightly cool in the mid 40's.  The warm colors and breaking sunlight made the building come to life.

I have to tell you that I thoroughly enjoy architecture, so much so that I thought about becoming one early in life.  I shot lots of pics of around the block.  The photos end up doing two things.  One they tell a bit of a story and second they show the art that is all around us when we take time to notice.

There is a build that always holds my gaze when I'm down at VCU.  It's the old City Hall.  The details are nothing you will find in new construction.  Take a look at the details here.

 I admit that I do not know all the correct terminology of the parts that are in this classic style, but that doesn't take away their majesty.  I love the clock.  It's not a scrolling red dot display with time and date and advertisement.  It's just a good old clock telling the citizens the current time.

 There were some art like photos of other buildings.  One has the sun shining on part bringing out color tones in some sections compared to the neighboring areas.  The other just had an interesting tecture, and perhaps a block that isn't quite correctly installed on the on-going construction.









 The next photos were taken from inside the Gateway Building which is home to my transplant clinic.  When zoomed in the corner sign says Altria.  Altia is a parent company of Philip Morris, but I couldn't find this location (N7th & Leigh St.) listed on their company web site.




 The next few show men at work on the construction of a new building at VCU.  How would you like to arrive at your final destination via this elevator? Or hang out and weld from somewhere near what will be the 12th floor.

 This last picture shows there is humor nearly everywhere.  The small room that I was in has a surgical light in it.  I don't think it gets a lot of use, since it's not an OR.  It's an exam room primarily.  Given the long time I was there, much of it waiting for something to happen, I noticed the label on the top of the machine.  It says "Coke Machine Bob was here."  I had to ask what that was all about!  No one knew for sure, but there is speculation.  There's always a guess as to what something might be.  So the potential explanation is that Dr. Robert (Bob) Fisher uses that room, and it somehow, for some reason, pertains to him.  My guess is that he is a fan of Coke from the vending machine....   Only, there is no vending machine on the floor of which I'm aware..  Hmmm

So, there you have it.  A story of architecture, art, work, and it all ends in a mystery.  A good place to end I should think.  After all, life is full of adventure, work  and a some mystery.  I play out this trifecta all the time, and glad I can find it all, while wrapped up in my own medical mysteries.

God Bless,
Brian