• Camera Equipment,  landscape,  natural areas,  Photography,  Plants,  Reservoir Ridge Natural Area,  sunsets

    Laughing at Myself

    Fujifilm X-T10 and XF 18-55mm f2.8-4.0

    I decided to go on a walk to reservoir Ridge Natural Area with my older Fujifilm kit, taking the X-T10 and the XF 18-55mm f2.8-4.0. I needed to get in my steps and wanted to enjoy the beautiful evening. I chose the lighter kit because I wanted to carry less. I was surprised at the experience I had using my older camera. Embarrassingly, I’d forgotten how to use it and at times I was quite awkward, clumsy and confused. Found myself talking to myself, saying things like: Now why is it doing that? That’s not what I wanted. Dammit! Okay what did I do now? Sh*t! Spent way too much time fiddling with and talking to the camera. But so enjoyed laughing at and with myself. 😳

    Anyway, I became aware of just how much progress had been made with the technology in the three and a half years from the introduction of the X-T10 to the X-T3. I quickly noticed how much slower the X-T10 turn-on time was. Then I noticed how much improvement there was in the focusing ability. The X-T10 was way behind in that area. Another surprise was the weight difference. For me the six ounce difference and overall physical size were much more comfortable using the X-T3. That, or maybe I’ve just gotten used to it. Anyway the X-T10 still does a good job taking images as long as the photographer does their part. Well, it will remain my backup and I got my steps in while laughing at myself.

  • Avian,  natural areas,  Reservoir Ridge Natural Area

    Afternoon Walk

    I had a quiet walk at Reservoir Ridge Natural Area yesterday evening. It was a hot and muggy day so I was sweaty by the time I returned to the car. May have to take my monthly shower a week earlier than scheduled.

    It was also very quiet. In the hour I was there I only heard one meadowlark, far off in the pasture, a half dozen red-winged blackbirds chattering in a tree and this mourning dove, who was mourning.

  • clouds,  landscape,  natural areas,  Reservoir Ridge Natural Area,  storm clouds

    Ever-so-silent

    Storm clouds in the south

    I enjoy the walking trail at Reservoir Ridge Natural Area because it is reasonably flat, has wide open vistas, lots of songbirds and healing silence. When I get to my rock-bench I usually find the silence I’m seeking. And, the silence I’m seeking is absence of manmade noise. I can sit there for 15 minutes with only the sounds of nature reaching my ears, which is music to my soul. Last Friday evening was one of those ever-so-silent times. Loved it. Hope everyone has a wonderful 4th of July.

  • animals,  natural areas,  quotes,  Reservoir Ridge Natural Area

    Not Many Listen

    “Some people talk to animals. Not many listen though. That’s the problem.”

    A.A. MilneWinnie-the-Pooh

    A while back I had a cottontail approach me and instead of saying my normal welcome such as “hello” I kept silent. We just watched one another, remaining present to each other and the moment. This was unusual behavior as they do not stay still very long. I wonder, was it due to the fact I did not talk but kept quiet. Anyway, I’ll continue to practice remaining quiet, listening and see what happens. Pooh may be on to something here.

  • landscape,  natural areas,  quotes,  Reservoir Ridge Natural Area,  sunsets

    the color of sunsets

    “Art is not simply works of art; it is the spirit that knows beauty, that has music in its soul and the color of sunsets in its handkerchief, that can dance on a flaming world and make the world dance too.”

    W.E.B. Du Bois

    This image is not what it looks like this morning. It rained almost all day yesterday and this morning it is overcast with prediction of rain later. It is the last day of May and yet we had snow in the mountains yesterday. I imagine a few Memorial Day camping trips and picnics are not turning out as planned. Some are probably were over early yesterday. Alternate plans today call for the grill to be fired up in the backyard under an umbrella or they’re ordering pizza. This image was taken last summer at Reservoir Ridge Natural Area before the fires ignited. Hope you have a super Awesome day!

  • landscape,  Reservoir Ridge Natural Area,  seasons,  shadows,  snow,  winter scenes

    More Snow

    As predicted we received another 4-5 inches of snow yesterday afternoon and into the night. Awoke to wonderful sunshine and shadows but had to be out in 12 degree temperatures to photograph it. However, we are already up to 25 degrees and snow is melting. 😁The snow brings us much needed moisture and this type of snowfall is so beautiful to take in.

    Fresh snow from yesterday’s storm with blue skies and sunshine was what I needed this morning. Weather app says we could see more snow tomorrow. Lows tonight will be in the low teens again. Have a great day!