The flowers look inviting, but painful wounds will be suffered by those that simply reach in to pick a few. What agreement did the thorns make with the flowers to protect them from random pickers?  The harmony of nature is collaboration at its finest? We can all take a lesson. Even the thorniest of individuals serve a purpose no doubt. We may not see the benefit until long after the thorn has pricked our skin - if ever. 

Fuji X100T, 1/900 second at f/2.8, ISO 200, 23mm - 1513

A half century ago, when I was growing up in the Midwest, we frequently ate at Howard Johnson's and when we traveled east to visit family, we sometimes stopped to stay at a Motor lodge from time to time.  Years back, we used to take our kids and people that are no longer with us to the Howard Johnson Restaurant connected to the lodge pictured here. This is no longer a Howard Johnson's, but as long as it has the distinctive orange roof and the trademarked gas-lighter and Simple-Simon weather vane, it will always be a Howard Johnson's to me.

Nikon D610, 1/350 second at f/4.0, ISO 800, 35mm (17-35mm) - 6489

This isn't the most striking photograph, but it really does capture the moment.  It appeared to me the light from the early evening sun was laying a blanket of energy onto this marsh before ending its reign of day. A kiss goodnight as it were. If I was a bird or bug or snake or frog, I would very much like to visit here. I would pay homage to the Sun God for the gift of light and life. (If I were a  bird or bug or snake or frog)

Fuji X100T, 1/500 second at f/8,ISO 400, 23mm - 1362

You may as well step back in time a couple of centuries when the hills of Massachusetts were all but clear-cut to make way for farming of many sorts. These grasslands, once grazing and growing fields are now protected watershed property, These magnificent rolling hills have been through some tough battles.  In the end, nature wins and we reap the rewards. The wondrous sky? Just a little bit of gift wrapping to show off our gift.

Fuji X100T, 1/60 Second at f/8.0, ISO 400, 23mm - 1316

On the 1790 Sterling, Massachusetts homestead of Zebedee Redding, a Captain in the Revolutionary War, lies the remnants of this wagon that has sat in this spot for untold winters. Nature is swallowing the evidence bit-by-bit. The farm is now an Interpretive and educational site and owned by Massachusetts DCR which has programs explaining the watershed program protecting Stillwater River as a major source of water (1 in 8 gallons)  to  the Wachusett Reservoir.

Nikon D610, 1/4000 second at f/4.0, ISO 800, 35mm (17-35mm f2.8) - 6408

What is a man's castle without a lounge chair? This little fixer upper still has charm. Not far from where I have lived for 35 years, this little bungalow wasn't always like this.  It was once a place someone called home. What circumstances arose to bring it to the brink?  It can only be a lonely and desperate tale. Soon, nature will have its way and our memories will forever fade. It fills me with sadness.

Fuji X100T, 1/250 second at f2.5, ISO 200, 23mm - 1217

In jest, supposedly, this mug was purchased especially for me - as a warning of sorts of what not to become. The tradition has passed from my father to me. I use it every day and it reminds me not to cross the line of this wayward dwarf. I can only hope that with each generation, the trait becomes more mellow. 

Fuji X100T, 1/60 second at f/2.0, ISO 320, 23mm - 1076

This is the art of Jon Schmalenberger of JS Classic Woodworking in Concord, Massachusetts. Jon is a master woodworker and furniture maker and I am proud to own a number of his creations.  This stunning beauty hangs on the wall of his shop along side others. A wall of true evocative beauty. Jon's shop is quiet most of the time. He does things the old fashioned way, using mostly hand tools, experience and century old skills he learned a long time ago.   

Nikon D610, 1/125 second at f/8, ISO 800, 32mm (17-35mm) - 6281

It is a wonder to look at the rings of a fallen tree.  I counted just over 75 rings which pinpoints the birth year fairly accurately. Each ring depicting the seasons of the year with winter creating the dividing line. Born just prior to World War II, this tree has gone through good years and bad. The wide bands were times of prosperity and wealth, the narrow bands, lean years. I wonder if our lives can be chronicled with the same accuracy after we have leave.

Fuju X100T, 1/80 second at f/8, ISO 200, 23mm - 0209

Junipers are like a zillion spirogyra grasping for their own place in the sun. They all work together gathering the falling droplets of rain and moving the water to the root system. The green threads against the blue night sky are probably my favorite color combination. 

Nikon D610, .5 second at f/8.0, ISO 200, 105mm (105mm f/2.8) - 6248

Our pond is the source of much pleasure. Between the water strider's that skate across the top of the pond to the sound of the brook to the reflection of the sun and the trees in the surface in the late afternoon, it never ceases to please.  

Nikon D610, 1/350 second at f/5.6, ISO200, 26mm, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6) - 6204

Spent the afternoon in Cambridge and stayed for dinner just so I could take some shots of the Boston skyline from Cambridge across the Charles.  Memorial Drive is a great road to pull over for 20 minutes and shot pictures across the river. This was taken near the boat docks across from MIT.

Nikon D610, 10 seconds at f5.6, ISO280, 28mm (28-300mm 3.5-5.6) - 6130

Nearly a decade ago, we built had a pond and a brook. It was one of the best additions to our back yard. The sound is wonderful! The birds enjoy bathing in the brook.  We have had fish in the pond, but sadly the mink like to eat them. This winter was the first year we shut off the pump and let it freeze. We just turned it back on. It's a great to hear it flowing again. The moss on the rocks is a beautiful green highlighted by the late afternoon sun.

Nikon D610, 1/90 second at f5.6, ISO 280, 68mm, (28-300mm F3.5-5.6) - 6118

This is angler territory. In the afternoon, you will see cars parked up and down the road and the anglers will fetch their gear and head up and down the river looking for just the right spot to begin casting their bait. Mostly, that's all they do, but every once in a while, some lucky catch will ensue. Those with a net might succeed better in collecting bait.

Nikon D610, 1/250 seconf at f/6.7, ISO 280, 35mm, (28-300mm f3.5-5.6) - 6033

You can go back centuries and find a scene almost identical to this. It is a timeless tradition.  Only the shoes change. Skipping stones into the river is surely one of the finest past-times we can ever experience. It's hard to find the words to describe how it feels sharing it with grandchildren. What is even more awesome is watching the 13 year old teach the 9 year old the proper technique.

Nikon D610, 1/1500 second at F/16, ISO 3200, 56mm (28-300mm f/3.5-5.6) - 5965

Our back yard is a menagerie of maples, pines, oaks, laurel and birch as far as the eye can see.  We back up to about 60 acres of protected watershed land. The camera picks up in 6 seconds what our eye can barely see. The photograph shows red-orange skies which would make you think there was a fire in the distance. I guess you could call it a lingering sunset. A little bit spooky since it is very dark to the eye and knowing the bears are up and about, I always exercise a little caution at night. Is this what bears see?

Nikon D610, 6 seconds at f/3.5, ISO 3200, 28mm (28-300mm f3.5-5.6) - 5871

I am not sure if this guy was bragging to the other geese on the water or trying to impress this young lady.  I watched for quite a while at sunset tonight. If he wasn't pumping his wings, he was honking and sticking his tongue out at her.  As far as I could tell, she couldn't have been more aloof. Not impressed.  I totally get her attitude. 

Nikon D610, 1/60 second at f/16, ISO 800, 300mm (28-300mm f3.5-5.6) - 5720

By Fall, we will have a dozen of these little guys scurrying around collecting their winter store. Too many for my liking. For now, there are just a couple chippies competing together to see who can collect the most left overs that had been buried in the glacier in our back yard. The wrist band caught my eye.  What an outstanding day today. 

Nikon D610, 1/45 second at f/8, ISO 400, 300mm (28-300mm f/3.5-5.6) - 5394

I visited Mirror Lake today.  It was beautiful and serene.  I was all alone. But that isn't what captured my attention. This is what captured my attention.  Somehow, it is always the light that inspires, that welcomes, that invites our attention. This was no exception. The afternoon sun filtered through the clouds and created a path, as if to say, this way, come this way. How can you refuse. You have to go towards the light. It is how we are made. 

Nikon D610, 1/45 second at f/22, ISO 200, 70mm (70-200mm f/2.8) - 5277

It was a cold and dreary morning with drizzle and fog in the higher elevations.  On Muddy Pond, it was barely clear, but full of life. Swans, geese, osprey, red wing black birds, robins, and other busy birds. The power I have as the photographer is creating a moment even more beautiful than the reality. Thus, the picture reflects my sense of beauty, blue skies and all!  If I can fool myself, well, that's enough. 

Nikon D610, 1/30 second at F/11, ISO 1600, 195mm (70-200mm f2.8) - 5146

The older I get, the less there is I want. But those things I do desire, the more difficult they are to acquire. Mostly, I think about time and wine. In that order. Time with the ones I love along with a fine Cabernet to savor the moment. The treadmill of life has an accelerator locked inside the motor.  If I could only find the key, I would surely slow it down.  Consciousness and appreciating every moment is really important. I highly recommend it. But still.

Nikon D610, 1/30 second at f/8.0, ISO 200, 105mm (105mm f/2.8) - 5046

Pretty amazing the network of branches when you look up. Each vying for its own lot just the right distance from its neighbor to get its share of the sun. In a months time, those of us on the ground floor will not be able to see the sky from this very spot.  The lush canopy will be a welcome sight after such a long winter. I wonder if the squirrels that live atop these trees appreciate the coming of spring.

Nikon D610, 1/45 second at f/2.8, ISO 800, 17mm (17-35mm f.28) -5029

As the song goes.... If the sky above you should turn dark and full of clouds...  Today was that kind of day, it started out gray and seemed to decline as the day went along.  Starved for life and color, I had to resort magic.  What better subject to lend a helping hand but our old friend Mickey and his buddies.  Some buy into it the magic, some don't. Me?  Hook, line and sinker.  Excuse my fun and games...

Nikon D610, 1/8 second at f/13, 180mm (28-300mm f3.5-5.6) - 4906

When I painted and sketched, this was a frequent subject.  I love rushing water. For the sight, but mostly the sound. The sound is wonderfully peaceful and serene no matter how turbulent. Even in this picture, you can almost hear this water falling as it races over the rocks and gravity has its way with it. When you are here, it grabs you so you can focus on nothing else. 

Nikon D610, 1/15 second at f/19, ISO 400, 28mm (28-300mm f/3.5-5.6) - 4831