#APicADay 2020: Day 152

After making pizza for dinner (which was a production in itself) I went for a walk with my parents and The pup and The babydoll.
Today's image:

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 33mm, f/3.6, 1/240 s, and ISO 160

This is the nicest looking yellow rose I have seen around here this year. The bud next to it was a nice bonus.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 29mm, f/3.2, 1/250 s, and ISO 160

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 36mm, f/3.6, 1/200 s, and ISO 160

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 41mm, f/4.0, 1/52 s, and ISO 160

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 39mm, f/3.6, 1/50 s, and ISO 160

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 50mm, f/4.0, 1/26 s, and ISO 160

Quote of the Day: 31 May 2020

“As we continue in faith, the Lord gradually changes us. We receive His image in our countenance and begin to reflect the love and beauty of His character.” -L. Whitney Clayton

#APicADay 2020: Day 151

It was a miserable rainy day all day.
Today's image:

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 23mm, f/3.2, 1/26 s, and ISO 160

This was just a quick grab of a few wet leaves on my way back from the mailbox this evening.

Quote of the Day: 30 May 2020

“Politics is the business of getting power and privilege without possessing merit.” -P. J. O’Rourke
[Ain't that the truth!? Regardless of the affiliation of the seeker.]

#APicADay 2020: Day 150

I took the camera on a brief walk early this evening. I'm running out of subjects near me, and I'll have to travel further afield, or find other ways to find different subjects.
Today's image:

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 48mm, f/4.0, 1/170 s, and ISO 160

I don't know what kind of blossoms these are, but they smelled lovely, and the bees were busy collecting nectar from them.

Quote of the Day: 29 May 2020

“No romance novel heroine ever said, ‘logic dictates that I swoon.’” -Scott Meyer
[Even my wife, who is extremely logical in nearly every other respect, wants romance rather than logic to rule in our relationship.]

#APicADay 2020: Day 149

I went with my family to the coast to do a bit of crabbing. I came back exhausted. And the place we go has very little in the way of photographic potential that I am able to realize.
Today's image:

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 55mm, f/4.0, 1/750 s and ISO 160

This little blossom of clover, and the daisies are in the grass at the facility we launched the kayak we used to set and check the crab pots.

Quote of the Day: 28 May 2020

“Reality is really, really difficult to understand.” -Joe Huffman
[This is true enough in its original context, but as a general principle, it loses none of its veracity.]

#APicADay 2020: Day 148

After a long day, I was able to go for a brief walk. I took a route through a cul-de-sac that usually gets bypassed. So, I saw some things that I wouldn't normally.
Today's image:

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 28mm, f/3.2, 1/34 s, and ISO 160

These are the first lilies (that aren't day lilies) that I have seen blooming this year. I'm glad to see them.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 22mm, f/4.0, 1/180 s, and ISO 160

This house had some beautiful light falling on it. I didn't see how much was in shadow at the time though. So, it didn't come out quite how I would have liked. Oh well. That's the way it goes sometimes.

Forest Grove Police Log excerpt, 27 May 2020

The selection from the log of local police activity this week is automotive in nature and reflects our current odd state of affairs because of the governmental response to the Wuhan Virus.

May 19
A man called the FGPD irate that he had received a citation for expired registration when such infringements are covered under a grace period due to Covid-19. Police kindly explained that the date of sale was in 2016, and that failing to renew four years ago was beyond the scope of the grace period. 

I am also affected by the inability to get some of the necessary services from the state to be able to fully register my vehicle. I did drive on an expired registration for a couple of weeks before I was able to determine the mitigation efforts the state has taken to address that lack. But I certainly didn't try to take advantage of the situation and excuse years of fraudulent behavior.

Quote of the Day: 27 May 2020

“[I]t may be dreadful to be old but it’s worse not to be young[.]” -E. E. Cummings
[This is a truth that is only revealed to individuals through the passage of time. I am beginning to discover its truth, and I expect further revelations to come in future days.]

#APicADay 2020: Day 147

I took a little walk this afternoon. The house was a little hot, and outside was much more pleasant than sitting and sweltering.
Today's image:

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 55mm, f/4.0, 1/125 s, and ISO 160

These succulent blossoms are quite vivid. Not quite as striking as the yellow and red ones I photographed a few weeks ago, but still striking.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 34mm, f/4.0, 1/100 s, and ISO 160

 I don't know what this is, but the leaves and buds look similar to things I know are daisies.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 32mm, f/4.0, 1/210 s, and ISO 160

This scene was inviting to me. I probably should have stepped up a ways or zoomed in to get closer to the rocking chair. I might take another shot at this scene later.

Quote of the Day: 26 May 2020

“We don’t compromise because it’s right; we compromise because it is easy and because it saves face.” -Chris Voss
[It is much harder to come up with a solution that will be acceptable to everyone without simply agreeing to meet in the middle.]

#APicADay 2020: Day 146

It's Memorial Day. I wanted to get my picture in earlier today.
Today's image:

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 21mm, f/3.2, 1/120 s, and ISO 160

Have a happy Memorial Day.

Quote of the Day: 25 May 2020

“For all of the men and women who gave their last full measure, and the families that forever have a hole in their hearts, thank you.” -Tom Rogneby
[May you have a Happy Memorial Day. Have fun, enjoy the day, but don't forget the purpose of our commemoration today.]

#APicADay 2020: Day 145

I took a walk with the family today. It was later than desired, and other activities kept me from editing them until just now.
Today's image:

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 46mm, f/4.0, 1/180 s, and ISO 160

This rose was just pretty. No other reason this is the image of the day.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 42mm, f/4.0, 1/70 s, and ISO 160

Don't know what these are.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 41mm, f/7.1, 1/20 s, and ISO 400

This iris was pointed out by my wife. She felt it was a near perfect exemplar of the type.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 18mm, f/2.8, 1/7 s, and ISO 160

These leaves are massive. about fifteen inches across.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 41 mm, f/4.0, 1/85 s, and ISO 160 (cropped)

I've been looking for a chance to get a good capture of the calla lilies. This isn't quite it, but it's close.

Quote of the Day: 24 May 2020

“[W]e should not complain about our own life’s not being a rose garden when we remember who wore the crown of thorns!” -Neal A. Maxwell

#APicADay 2020: Day 144

A gross of days. This is one of the longest I've kept up with a project outside of work and school. It was a busy day in preparation for a visit from the grandparents. I barbecued a brisket flat, and a pork shoulder. Plus I baked bread, and mopped the floor, mowed the lawn, and cleaned a bathroom. As said, a busy day.
Today's image:

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 55mm, f/8.0, 1/125 s, and ISO 160

This is more of a setting for a portrait session, but the coziness of the scene was intriguing. I also wanted to try a different subject matter.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 29mm, f/3.2, 1/125 s, and ISO 160

 Peonies have started blooming.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 26mm, f/3.2, 1/26 s, and ISO 160

Roses are always welcome.

Quote of the Day: 23 May 2020

“Today, it is widely assumed as axiomatic that the government must ‘do something’ when the economy turns down. Very seldom does anyone compare what actually happens when the government does something with what has happened when the government did nothing.” -Thomas Sowell
[How can we let the government do nothing? Surely, we need to let them do something, right?
No. We should be encouraging them to do less than they currently are. Everything the government does, it does badly.]

#APicADay 2020: Day 143

I went looking for a good large poppy today. I'm sure there are some around, but I don't know where they are.
Today's image:

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 55mm, f/4.0, 1/15 s, and ISO 160

I found these instead. I don't know what they are. If I ever do get the nicer lens I am saving for, I'll have to be more willing to increase my ISO, since it doesn't have OIS.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 36 mm, f/3.6, 1/125 s, and ISO 160

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 33mm, f/3.6, 1/220 s, and ISO 160

 I thought I'd try a little different subject matter. I saw this on an old MG of some kind in a fellow's driveway, and I took a quick snap. I felt it was already nearly monochromatic, so I made it black and white.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 48mm, f/4.0, 1/340 s, and ISO 160

This is probably an allium of some kind. Other than that I don't know anything about it.

Quote of the Day: 22 May 2020

“[Y]ou’re never in a story when you need to be.” -Terry Pratchett
[If you were in a story you'd be able to make reasonable predictions about subsequent events because a story has to make sense. Life doesn't. And often bucks sense for nonsense.]

#APicADay 2020: Day 142

After dinner (tacos, if you must know), I took a brief walk. I forgot to change the battery in my camera, so part way through I had a dead camera. Fortunately, I did find a few things to take pictures of before it gave up the ghost.
Today's image:

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 32mm, f/3.6, 1/550 s, and ISO 160 (cropped)

This image works for me. The tension built by placing the rose off center to the right, and the pulling back of the darker leaf on the left, and the little bud peaking out from behind the rose are the things that jump out immediately to me. Maybe it doesn't work for you, but it does for me.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 33mm, f/3.6, 1/320 s, and ISO 160 (cropped)

I knew I was going to crop this image when I took it. I centered it in the frame knowing that. However, I had not accounted for the stem running through the bottom right corner. I was able to de-emphasize it in post processing by adding a vignette. Now it is not nearly as distracting as it would otherwise have been. I think the image is overall stronger for that.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 28mm, f/3.2, 1/180 s, and ISO 160

And foxgloves are in bloom.

Quote of the Day: 21 May 2020

“Make mistakes. Have fun. Be less cowardly.” -You Suck at Cooking
[While the original context was about cooking, this is not a bad motto for life.]

#APicADay 2020: Day 141

There was not much worth taking a picture of on the route I walked today.
Today's image:

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 32mm, f/3.6, 1/200 s, and ISO 160

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 28mm, f/3.2, 1/160 s, and ISO 160

Forest Grove Police Log excerpt, 20 May 2020

The selection from the log of local police activity for this week involves explosives on an interesting variety.

May 14
Campus safety reported they ran into the suspected bean bomber from the previous day, but that he fled on foot on contact. Police conducted an extensive area search but to no avail. The man was spotted awhile later in a different part of town, but the track again came up empty. Police continue to investigate.

 The image of a bean bomber conjures up some fantastic conceptions if you don't know what is being described. You can see what is meant by following the link above to the full log, and reading the entry on the bombing from a previous day. Then it appears to be innocent enough, but I can still understand why the police would be interested in pursuing the perpetrator.

Quote of the Day: 20 May 2020

“I swear nothing is good to me now that ignores individuals, The American compact is altogether with individuals[.]” -Walt Whitman
[Too bad we have lost sight of this simple truth. It is out of our numerous individual desires, and identities that we come together to forge the American compact.]

#APicADay 2020: Day 140

I went with my family on a moderate walk this evening. That did mean I ended up carrying The pup most of the time, so anytime I wanted to take a photo, I had to put him down first. That's a disincentive to taking pictures.
Today's image:

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 37mm, f/3.6, 1/85 s, and ISO 160

The day lilies are starting to be out in force.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 34mm, f/3.6. 1/20 s, and ISO 160 (cropped)

 The strawberries are starting to come on as well.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 20mm, f/2.8, 1/70 s, and ISO 160

And some of the dogwoods are still in bloom.

Quote of the Day: 19 May 2020

“Well, I’m sure someone would tell me if I was supposed to be doing anything different.” -Calvin
[Don't we all, at least occasionally, come to the same conclusion?]

#APicADay 2020: Day 139

With a very rainy day (at least for May), I was only able to justify a short walk today, during a lull in the rain.
Today's image:

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 29mm, f/3.2, 1/20 s, and ISO 160

The rain on the red maple leaves was interesting.

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 24mm, f/3.2, 1/27 s, and ISO 160

Fuji X-T3 with XF 18-55 @ 39mm, f/3.6, 1/320 s, and ISO 160

Peonies are in bloom. At least a few of them are.