Not quite the winter wonderland, but it is kind of a cool sight to see them make snow at Wachusett Mountain, especially on a clear day.  As you can see, they aren't hitting all the trails yet, just the lower ones right now.  Since we haven't had any snow at all this season, it must be hard laying the foundation. For me, this is exactly where I like to see the snow blow (rather than on the roads). 

Nikon D610, 1/180 second at f/19, ISO 800, 170mm (28-300mm)  - 3250

When you live in the woods, appreciating the sun setting at the horizon is simply not possible. Instead, we appreciate the sun as it sets on the trees in all seasons. The distinctive contrast between branches in sun vs. shade becomes so obvious as the sun falls low in the sky. You learn to appreciate it but long to see the horizon in the distance. Something about the grass is always greener I guess. 

Nikon D610, 1/500 second at f/11, ISO 800, 98mm (28-300mm) - 3238

This is the Sterling Town Hall at dusk in my little town. It is a charming building built in 1835 by some forward thinking people.  If you walk down Main Street anywhere near the Town Hall, you will be serenaded by Christmas music.  There is something to be said for music on the streets of a quaint town and I am proud to say I had a lot to do with making it happen. It reminds me of when I was a boy. For those of you who can make the trip, I hope you enjoy.

Nikon D610, 1/6 second at f/3.5, ISO 100, 28mm (28-300mm) - 3147

On any other day in another season, this scene would be common place.  But today, on November 27th when the ground should be frozen and covered with a blanket of snow, it is a rare and unique sight. This little guy came from who-knows-where no doubt confused by the temperature that climbed above 60 degrees. It was bizarre.  His color changed from a near black to this golden brown through the course of the day. The patio stones broke out in a cold sweat. No complaints from me.

Nikon D610, 1/15 second at f/8.0, ISO 100, 300mm (28-300mm) - 3145

This little project of mine, this year-long escapade with photography has, so far,  resulted in more than 31,000 photographs and 328 posts. It has been quite an experience to share a moment of everyday in words and images. A decision everyday of which photograph to choose and what words to say. I rather enjoy it and am thankful that there are those that appreciate the effort. Today, Thanksgiving Day, started a bit gray, but the sun is working hard to make a difference as the moon did last night. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Nikon D610, 1/30 second at f/13, ISO 100, 28mm (28-300mm) - 3095

A perfect setting for a werewolf to head out for a stroll. Not an easy shot to take. Forget that it is in the 20's, There is a fine line to balance the brightness of the moon -- like taking a picture of a light bulb -- and capturing the subtle shadows of the trees back-lit by moon light. One or the other would be fine, but both in the same photograph requires compromise. 

Nikon D610, 1/45 second at f/5.6, ISO 100, 150mm (28-300mm) - 3083

As winter begins to take hold and the nights fall below freezing, a skim coat of ice begins to crawl across the surface of the pond with webbed feet and crystal designs. It is a task to find color in the outdoors.  Angles and reflections become an important part of the window I look through and the eye of my photograph, the I of my Eye. 

Nikon D610, 1/350 Second at f/6.7, ISO 100, 300mm (28-300mm) - 3079

The beginnings of a children's book I think. Can you see them? Round bubble mouths of all sizes. Mostly perfect. But notice the two larger bubble mouths in the center.  You would think they are the only bubble mouths in the world? They have made each other less than perfect - in fact, out-of-round. Yet the majority of the population live in perfect harmony even when squeezed. Stands to reason. It's why we should never pay attention to big mouths. But beware...

Nikon D610, 1/125 second at f/38, ISO 100, 300mm (28-300mm) - 3032

Indian Lake, Worcester, Massachusetts.  Water level is way down. Just another sign that we have not had enough rain. A mild day with spitting rain and fog, but it is November 22nd and there is no snow in sight. No drama in the skies today but aren't the stones attractive in their photogenic 'S' curve.

Nikon D610, 1/30 second at f/11, ISO 100,28mm (28-300mm) -2920 

Whispy clouds, a crop of grasses beyond a field and the sun falling below the tree line. It doesn't get much better than this. This time of year, the golden skies of sunrise and sunset rejuvenate the spirit. If for only a few moments a day, the gifts from above are enough to carry us through the day and through the night. 

Nikon D610, 1/1500 second at f38, ISO 1600, 300mm (28-300mm) - 2160

Last game of freshmen football. Only one touchdown ending in a tough loss. A pretty good season with twice as many wins as losses. All attention is on the coaches final speech. I don't know how they motivate 14 year-old kids, but they do. Kudo's to them for inspiring these young men with the spirit of the team. It is great to see and the experience will last a lifetime.   

Nikon D610, 1/250 second at f/5.0, ISO 3200, 72mm (28-300mm) - 2725

I shot in the studio today. I love working with a black background. It makes everything pop. I shot a lot of objects man-made and natural.  Fans, marbles, statues, globes, milk weed, weeds and this leaf.  Ah, this leaf. Certainly it has had a prior life, but how extraordinary the detail. The rivers of veins, the age-wrinkled surface, the pockets of mildew, they all add to the unique individual character of a single leaf. And to think that, at one time, a million of them worked together for the nourishment of a single tree. Are leaves more advanced than man.

Nikon D610, 1/125 second at f/16, ISO 100, 135mm, (28-300mm) - 2213

The sun sets around 4:30 pm now, so I need to get out of the office around 4 pm.  At least that is how I rationalize it. But I would never catch shots like this if I didn't get up and walk out. I really like taking pictures directly into the sun if I can.  It brings life to an otherwise drab and lifeless object. The sun was quickly falling below the tree line when caught view of this while driving. I end up parking in the oddest places and usually have to walk a while because I procrastinate too long before stopping.  My bad but worth it every time. 

Nikon D610, 1/125 second at f/9.5, ISO 1600, 300mm (28-300mm) - 2206

You don't often find white wooden fences in New England like the one in the distance.  Kentucky is the place for them. Split rail (foreground) is most prevalent. I like both, but doesn't the white wooden horse fence stand out. The morning mist at dawn is quite lovely as it rises above a pond in Harvard, Massachusetts. 

Nikon D610, 1/125 second at f/6.7, ISO 1600, 38mm (28-300mm) - 2155

Just for fun, I played with a reel of heavy duty fishing line and a drill press. After attaching the line, I simply turned the drill press on and instantly got the line all tangled around the chuck and the drill. What fun. What stupid fun. Boys and there toys. I then proceeded to spend twenty minutes cutting away the line from the chuck.  I bet hundreds of you have done the same thing after getting the line caught on the propeller.  

Nikon D610, 1/125 second at f/5.6, ISO 1600, 300mm (28-300mm) - 2145

I have always liked black and white photographs. There is a simplicity and clarity not found in color images.  The frogs have all gone now, to where, I have no idea. They always seem to return every spring. The water is still running nicely in the pond although it is dark from the leaf tannin. It is nice that the babbling brook sound carries better in the cold weather. 

 Nikon D610, 1/6 second at f 5.6, 135mm (28-300mm) - 2079

I can't help but recognize the sorrow and sadness of the day. It makes no sense to me.  The tempered beauty of the sun peeking out from the dark ominous cloud spoke to me. Our hearts weep.  I don't understand this war, but I know it is real. We despise the cowards that forever marked this day.  Liberty and freedom will always triumph over oppression and tyranny, but we can't help mourn the toll it takes on the human spirit.  

Nikon D610, 1/250 seconds at f/22, ISO 100, 28mm (28-300) - 2043

I think gravestones have mastheads, just like a ships mast or a flag pole.  It is like the eagle atop the flagpole although not as ceremonial.  But it makes a statement none the less. In this we have what could serve as an urn, but is not, aged with many seasons of crusted moss.  A good headstone stands as a living memory of those who have passed. Note to Kids: I think it is a good thing.

Nikon D610, 1/250 second at f/5.6, ISO 100, 230mm (28-300mm) - 1729

Say hello to my little friend.  We don't want to say good bye to the pumpkin lights. We love the pumpkin lights.  And it's too early for Christmas lights. And they don't have turkey lights or pilgrim lights.  But maybe they should. In fact, there should be special lights all year long. Pumpkin, Pilgrim, Santa, New Years, Ground Hog, March Basketballs, April fools, May flies, June bugs, July flags and fireworks, August hot bugs, September school bells, and around and around we go. 

Nikon D610, 1/125 second at f/5.6, ISO 100, 160mm (28-300mm) - 1700

And so it begins. The spectrum of color has changed for us. The colors of dull are upon us.  We can't yet complain because we just experienced one of the most beautiful fall seasons of recent memory.  But I can't help but ponder words like dank, drab, gray, monotonous, dreary, gloomy, somber, murky and dismal.  

Nikon D610, 1/30 second at f/4.0, ISO 100, 28mm (28-300mm) - 1665

What can I say. Having never had a gas stove, I never realized all the benefits over electric. I love it. I have to believe that it is more efficient because it is faster and hotter than electric.  This is propane but I think it is pretty much the same as natural gas which we can't get in our area.  I love the blue flames. Like the ice of a glacier, blue is a cool color but don't let it fool you!

Nikon D610, 1/15 second at f/3.2, ISO 100, 105mm - 8264

Not a remarkable photograph, but this tree with shriveled leaves is the last tree with any leaves at all. It reminded me of the Doors song The End, "This is the end my beautiful friend, This is the end, my only friend, the end". And the song goes down hill from there. "The end of laughter and soft lies, The end of nights we tried to die. This is the end."  ​I thought the song was dark in 1967, it is darker than I thought. No wonder Francis Ford Coppola used the song (with Morrison's original words) in Apocalypse Now.  Hello winter, I'm ready now.

Fuji X100T, 2.5 seconds at f/5.6, ISO 200, 23mm - 2163

This is to some degree evidence that I enjoy the development process almost as much as I enjoy the photography process. This is simply LED lights in the bushes out front. Add some imagination or hallucinogens and this is what you might create. 

Fuji X100T, 7 seconds at f/5.0, ISO 200, 23mm - 2160

As the sun falls low in the sky, this glass cupola has a glow as if it was a lighthouse. Cupola comes from the Latin cupula or cupa.  It means cup or barrel and usually refers to a small glass dome usually atop another dome. This one sits atop a gazebo, that is a structure from which to gaze. 

Nikon D610, 1/125 second at f/6.7, ISO 100, 105mm (28-300mm) - 1648

Ever notice how nature has grace?   The winds blow and it fills nature with grace. In fall, the leaves fall from the trees with grace. The clouds pass by with grace. The trees, the grass, the water, all have grace. If you look up the word, it means simple elegance of movement.  Well if that doesn't describe nature, I don't know what does.

Nikon D610, 1/90 second at f/6.7, ISO 100, 32mm (28-300mm) - 1604