In the books
How much is enough? I never know. It’s not a competition. Photo op? How many shots do you take? This was my second time seeing Quinn. I won’t see Noa or Quinn for a while. They live far away. I shot throughout the day – about 7 hours. Colleen shot. Jules shot. Jeff shot with my camera. We got 2000 images. Do you think there was a good one? Sure! From a certain perspective the day was a success. A great success?! I think the moments will be more precious as time passes.
A day out
After a week of rain, fog, and wind, we ventured out into the world again. Stir crazy! Low and behold the beach was severely eroded. Wind and tides. I would say we lost 6 feet of sand. Well, as they say, I know where it went. Insanity! The police and beach people say they do not know when the government will be by to replenish the sand. Why? Would you? Should you? Meanwhile, Mother Nature sure is powerful!
After a week… we hit our usual antique stores. Strictly browsing. We still got stuff I/we did not need! But not this. Elvis? Fewer and fewer people remember. I carry a replica license. His pic and mine are similar. Retro hats? We still plan to attend another high tea. One simply must be properly attired! Yes, nuts. Us. But, fun!
How’s the weather?
Moonset, sunrise, sunset, clouds, jet trails, water – I get all kinds of weather into my memory card. The colors standout. It’s not every day I get a shot at spectacular weather. But, everyone talks about the weather. I shoot it.
I have lots of cats – ha, ha – and lots of cat pictures. But the number of yawn pics is small indeed. And, I have a smaller number of pics with Colleen in a hat. She doesn’t wear hats. She looks good in a hat. She’s a good sport. I was told to stick with weather….
Oh, no!
Saved. I almost passed Valentine’s Day without a post for my beloved. Colleen would be my present and most favorite wife. I got a favorite cat… Silly! Yes, she is above all my cats. I was able to put something together from… gee, it’s been a long pandemic. And, honey, I brung you flowers! Flowers! In a few scant weeks we can start planting again. And, yes, I will be with my one and only Valentine. Sorry, I just gotta smile to myself. Life is full of unexpected blessing some days.
Parked
I watch people when there is no scenery to photograph. Library? Yes, again. The building was picturesque enough to demand a visit. Books? But, of course! There was a sale of used books! Oh, surprise! We came away with a couple (books, not people). Hat? Hats? Alpaca, you gotta feel! Soft!! Of course, they are all the more stylish in this year’s fashion cat mask. Imagine me, parked, patiently sitting in one place? Hardly! I usefully perused my phone for a place to eat. Yeah, all that sittin’ makes me hungry.
High Tea
This would be my second time. We tried it in Scotland. And, now we found a Tea Room closer to home. It was shut during the Covid crisis. Now that we are vaccinated, the shop has opened and accepted reservations. The hat is de rigueur. Afterward we wandered through the local antique store trying on more stylish chapeaus for the next occasion when we take high tea once more. Pennies on the table? Shiny. They keep away flies. Uh, ok. It worked. We did not see a fly all day.
Cute
This random grab shot was on the street. I caught this cute girl twirling her umbrella across the intersection. I liked the hat and the matching tights. It was colorful and graphic. There was a simple message in a single shot.
Dad
When did I get old? I look like an old man now. Maybe it’s the hat? Maybe I should lose the hat. Maybe I’ve been looking the wrong way? Maybe I should stop complaining and appreciate what a wonderful life I’ve had? A sweet baby granddaughter will do that to you.
Party
For some reason there were more people with odd costumes or hair at the sheep festival. Party! Party color! When did I become conservative? But, you dress like this and you beg me to look and notice you. Maybe I don’t get out enough these days.
The way you wear your hat…
Try humming the Frank Sinatra version as you look at this picture. “The way you wear your hat. The memory of all that. No, no, they can’t take that away from me.” You know how it goes. It just fits. All askew. Cool! Some people are just cool without trying. And some of us try and seem to have missed the bus. Baleful: “No! They can’t take that away from me…”
Old hat
It’s old now. Jules went to Hamilton. I got a hat. I’m the dad. It’s new…in this slide. It’s about 18 years old now. I would get another but Jules graduated long ago. Currently the one I have is sweat stained and completely faded. It hasn’t fallen apart. It’s well worn. I hate changing out my stuff. I have plenty of hats. But the good old Hamilton has sentimental value.
Jules was admitted to Colgate University as well. It’s a university by dint of a single post grad program. It’s on a hill. Any class on campus is either up hill or down hill. There is a gorgeous entrance – so gorgeous that people get married with the view. Jules was undecided. I added my two cents. Go to Hamilton. It’s on a hill but the classes are on the plateau at the top. One of the few times Jules heeded my advice? It worked.
How’d They Do That?
It beats me? This cloth was crafted with the little mountains. Oddly mesmerizing, I was amazed at the ingenuity. How’d they think of that? Brilliant!
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