• Fujifilm X-E1,  Plants,  quotes

    A Walk Along the Ponds

    Boka
    Riverbend Ponds

    “Suddenly I came out of my thoughts to notice everything around me again-the catkins on the willows, the lapping of the water, the leafy patterns of the shadows across the path. And then myself, walking with the alignment that only comes after miles, the loose diagonal rhythm of arms swinging in synchronization with legs in a body that felt long and stretched out, almost as sinuous as a snake…when you give yourself to places, they give you yourself back; the more one comes to know them, the more one seeds them with the invisible crop of memories and associations that will be waiting for when you come back, while new places offer up new thoughts, new possibilities. Exploring the world is one the best ways of exploring the mind, and walking travels both terrains.”  ― Rebecca Solnit, Wanderlust: A History of Walking

    This image was taken about a week ago while on a walk at Riverbend Ponds. It’s a jpeg file straight out of the camera. We have been dipping below zero the past few nights so walking has not been on my list of things to do. Way to cold for me. Hope everyone enjoys their weekend.

  • architecture,  doors

    White Bucket

    The White Bucket

    I haven’t been walking as much lately because I’m having trouble with the sciatic nerve in my left hip. This is due to the scoliosis I’ve had in my lower back for most of my life and is a sign its getting worse. The soreness and aching in my back has been something I’ve accepted but this pain my hip has bothered me enough to see a doctor.

    The trip to doctor and x-rays shows the real condition: 40 degree curve in the lower lumbar and outward twist of my spine on my left side. I have deterioration in all five discs and bone spurs. After showing me the x-rays he told me the options I face. Unfortunately none of those options will fix my back but they can help me restore some health to my body. He then asked me what “I” wanted to do. I liked that! So, I start therapy and an education program. My work involves primarily standing and walking on a moving aircraft. We never just stand or walk as if we were on a sidewalk because of the constant movement of the aircraft. I have much more to do in this life and need my health to attain those dreams.

  • Canon Powershot G12,  Plants/Nature

    Drifting Grass

    Drifting Grass

    This image is an example where the G12 works for me. Quickly capturing the moment was not needed, so I had plenty of time to compose and press the shutter button. I have this awesome lake to walk around at my apartment complex for exercise. It is much more enjoyable to take this walk while toting the G12 than the D300. 🙂 I like how the water level was just to the top of the rock and creating the small swirl just to the side of the grass.

  • Avian

    Yellow-Headed Blackbird

    Yellow-Headed Blackbird

    These birds make their presence in our western wetlands. They usually breed in loose colonies and build their nests over water, attached to cattails and reeds. Along with its cousin, the Red-winged Blackbird, they seem to pose for me on my walks around our lake.