It rained today and at dusk the rain drops were bouncing in the pond, literally.  I took dozens of pictures with and without flash. But this abstract reflection was my favorite picture of all. It shows what a backyard pond is all  about. Mossy rocks, green plants and trees, reflecting in the water and everything is dripping wet.  It says it all. 

Nikon D610, 1/250 second at F/2.8, ISO 100, 105mm - 8259

I am not a huge fan of taking pictures of flowers, but sometimes they are so remarkable that you must take note. This bearded iris in our back yard is one of a dozen that are blooming as I write,  but they are so fragile that the rain coming tomorrow may destroy them before they have had a chance to entice whatever creature it is designed to attract. The Peonies across the garden that was beat to a pulp by yesterdays thunderstorm, we can only hope that the rains coming will be gentle.

Nikon D610, 1/45 second at F5.6, ISO 100, 135mm (28-300mm) - 8190

Thunderstorms last night left remnants of water droplets in the hostas along the driveway. Even after a day of high 80's, some water droplets remained. This shot was taken with my iPhone 6 Plus with a macro lens clipped on to the Camera lens. At a cost of under $9 it produces amazing clarity if you can hold it still enough.

iPhone 6 Plus, 1/850 second at f2.2, ISO 32, 4.15mm (Macro Lens) - 1625

What a wonderful concoction of stuff for the frogs, snakes, striders, dragon flies, turtles and other transient muck lovers. You can almost hear the food chain at work, it is the natural order of things. If it lasted all year, we would surely have alligators. But it doesn't, so its the gypsies that come and go in this land of plenty.

Nikon D610, 1/60 second at F/13, ISO 100, 32mm (17-35mm) - 8121

There is something about traveling the perimeter of a pond with your eyes. From afar, you can only barely make out the fisherman in the red boat near the island. The striders are flitting about on the surface making circles of vibration in the water. The pollen covers the surface of the water. The reflection grabs you but disappears close to the distant shore where the wind blows the water to rough.

Nikon D610, 1/500 second at f/3.3, ISO 100, 17mm (17-35mm) - 8097

This is a caboose sitting on dedicated railroad tracks in the middle of a bedroom community all wired up ready for, um, I haven't the foggiest idea. The owner has a fondness for heavy equipment and it shows here. Apparently, the idea isn't so far fetched.  Look online and you too could be the proud owner of your own caboose for a mere $17,000 excluding transportation charges.

Nikon D610, 1/180 second at f/3.5, ISO 100, 28mm (28mm-300mm) - 8085

Somehow, I always like to reminisce about childhoods gone by. I can remember maple trees in spring forever ago and the helicopters that fly through the air on a breezy day. When toys were less electronic, these little aerodynamic flying phenoms were great fun. Even more special were the colorful red maple versions. I do wish I could go back and replay those more innocent times. I guess that's why we have grand children.

Nikon D610, 1/30 second at f/5.6, ISO 100, 300mm (28-300mm) - 8069

A ten acre fluffy field of 4' rye grass is gentle, smooth and flowing especially in a warm breeze and  late afternoon sun that seems to bring out the magenta floret tips. Such a rare sight these days but must have been a very common sight a century ago when our fields were all clear cut for farming and grazing.

Nikon D610, 1/45 second at f/11, ISO 100, 116 mm (28-300mm) - 8017

Watching the sun fall through the trees tonight was a real treat. The glow through the forest changed every few minutes as the light found a new path to travel. Some leaves sparkled and some were in silhouette as the sun fell while they rustled in the wind. Sure, it happens every day, but it's great when you appreciate the moments instead of taking it for granted.  

Nikon D610, 1/90 second, f/11, ISO 100, 160mm (29-300mm) - 7910

Rhododendron are amazing. They tell us the outside temperature in the dead of winter with their contracting leaves and in spring they blossom with incredible flowers that displays a curtain with a unique fountain design on just one of its petals inviting visitors to get a better view by landing on its stamen. Must look like Las Vegas to a bee. Very clever.  

iPhone6 Plus, 1/20 second, at f/2.2, ISO 32

Today was, well, perfect. Low 70's, The breeze, the quiet, the clouds, a perfect day for golf.  There is something medicinal about the game of golf. Focusing on the breath, posture, and the smooth slow pace of a good swing and the sense of pride when the ball you just struck soars far down the center of the fairway, well it doesn't get much better in that moment. Well that happened once and that's all that's needed to want more.

Fuji X100T, 1/350 second at f/11, ISO 200, 23mm - 2330

For weeks, we have passed this spot in the morning, during the day and in the evening, and we see this swan. You can see him here in silhouette. He is alone. Always alone. He swims back and forth, first south, then north, then back again. Why could this be?  We have come up with only one reason. He is waiting. Like in An Affair to Remember high atop the Empire State Building, Waiting. Somewhere along the way, in his trip back to this place to celebrate spring with the one love of his life, he lost her. It hits us that there is no higher price to pay for singular devotion and loyalty than loneliness. 

Nikon D610, 1/250 second at f/11, ISO 100, 44mm (28-300mm) - 7898

My Grandson was patient enough with me to let me take pictures of his eyeball.  I have always wanted to do this, but never had a willing victim.  I have a rotolight for my 105mm lens which proved to be painfully bright. Literally painful.  But my little trooper stuck with it.  What a guy!  It is very hard to get this three-dimensional object in clear focus. I let him take pictures of my eyes just to be fair! I removed the reflection of the rotolight in the pupil.

Nikon D610, 1/180 second at f/3.8, ISO 100, 105mm - 7867

It's good to learn new things. Today's lesson is on black and white. Removing color from an image immediately adds drama. This scene was ordinary in color.  Sure the light was interesting, the water was nice and the contrast was pretty obvious, but converting to black and white and tweaking some of the tonal values and white balance created an  intense image filled with power and mystery.  

Fuji X100T, 1/3200 Second at f/8.0, ISO 200, 23mm - 2245

We returned from Paradise last night only to find springtime in New England in full bloom this morning. Bleeding hearts, Lilacs, Azalea, Fern, and flowers, the names of which I have never learned. And around them are bees, bugs and birds along with the squirrels and chipmunks. Then there are the trees in their full dress with a billion new born leaves. Could this be Paradise?  

Nikon D610, 1/45 second at f/16, ISO 800, 105mm - 7832

I had wanted to catch the morning due on something while still in Florida and this turned out to be a perfect candidate.  Morning due on the leaves of a Ti Red Sister plant in the garden. It is because of sisters that we find ourselves in this land of paradise each May. Thanks for having us again.  This is a cherished week every year which has become a tradition for the sisters, but very special for us guys that tag along as well.

Nikon D610, 1/350 at f/11, ISO 800, 105mm - 7818

Taking a walk with an ibis today was just like walking with a dog we once had, the ibis had to lead the way, glancing back every once in a while to make sure we had not gained any distance on him. Paradise could not have been more perfect. The color of the sea meeting the sky with fluffy clouds in the distance. The mild waves and breeze that matched. Alas, it is our last day in utopia. Sad to say good bye. By the way, we named the ibis Burt.  Those who know us will know why. 

Fuji X100T, 1/2500 second at f/8.0, ISO 200, 23mm - 2219

I keep asking myself, is this what heaven will be like.  Looking up at the sky, shielded by the palms, warm breeze blowing, The tensions of life all but disappearing into the wind. Near perfection.

Nikon D610, 1/4000 second, f/5.6, ISO 800, 28mm (28-300mm) - 7803

It is hard to discern what kind of vision these birds possess to catch fish in the tips of their beaks, but they are very proficient fisherman. With a single stab into the shallow water, this black ibis secures a meal that will last but a few moments before it is sent deep into the throat of the ibis. Moments later, it is fishing once again. Success insured.

Nikon D610, 1/180 second at f/22, ISO 800, 190mm (28-300mm) - 7766

It's all in the eyes of these amazing birds of prey.  The Osprey also known as the fish hawk is a fierce raptor.  Building large nests of sticks and twigs atop marker posts in Pine Island Sound. The water is only a few feet deep but fish are abundant and support many birds, dolphins, and fisherman.. Great being out in the water.

Nikon D610, 1/350 second at f/22, ISO 800, 300mm (28-300mm) - 7401

When in Florida, it isn't hard to get pictures of things we do not see in New England.  This may be a very common sight in this neck of the woods.  At home, not so much.  The Bird of Paradise is very unusual and could stand alone as the subject of this photograph.  The wasp adds another dimension. I wonder what he was looking for.

Nikon D610, 1/2000 second at f/4.0, ISO 800, 35mm (17-35mm) - 7362

A mother with seven children is watchful and certainly protective, but when it is time to move, she moves. Children who fail to follow do so at their own risk. There is no nagging, no turning around to see if they are all following. It is assumed that they are there as they should be.  Astonishingly, those who fall behind seem to understand instinctively and catch up - quickly.  Fun to watch.

Nikon D610, 1/1500 second at f/8, ISO 800, 300mm (28-300mm) - 7232

One of our favorite places in the world is this place of warmth, palms and stars -- at night and in the daytime, warmth, palms and sun with a portion of sea, beach and shells.  The stresses of life are quickly replaced by what to drink or eat next. Time slows down it seems, but I know it will be over in a blink of an eye. Thankful while we are here.

Nikon D610, 15 seconds at f/2.8, ISO 100, 17mm, (17-35mm) - 7195

At the entrance to Mount Vernon Cemetery in West Boylston, Massachusetts lies this pristine chapel with stone walls, stained glass windows and slate roof dated 1891.  It is wonderfully maintained and stands over three distinct cemeteries, one of which, the Beaman Cemetery, dating back to 1757  was relocated here during the construction of the Wachusett Reservoir in 1904.  Here lies Ezra Beaman, founder of West Boylston.

Nikon D610, 1/250 second at f/16, ISO 400, 17mm (17-35mm) - 7151

For those who also love Disney, you might remember 1940's classic Pinocchio which began with Geppetto working in his Tuscany wood shop finishing up his work on a wooden marionette. After he went to bed, Geppetto was looked out his window and saw this scene, and said "Star light, star bright, the first star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might, Have the wish I wish tonight" And you all know what happened next. Moral to the story, never stop dreaming and wishing on your star!

Fuji X100T, 2 seconds at f/16, ISO 3200, 23mm - 1693