Some contrasts

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

This, then is a study in contrasts. Mind you these are all taken with the same camera, but from very different parts of our globe. Now the first two photos both say "peace - shalom - or shanti," but represent very different ways to express the same. The first is from Glacier Bay in Alaska, and it is the lone gull which whispers it. And in the second photo, from the Raj Ghat, in New Delhi, where Ghandi, Nehru, Indira Ghandi, and other famous Indians were cremated, it is whispered by the passing tourists and visitors. The third and fourth photos speak of commerce, with the first picture of a lonely boat in the waters off Alaska, and the fourth the hustle of trade in Old Delhi. The fifth and sixth pictures are of people doing what they love - the fifth one is of my granddaughter holding a husky puppy in the Yukon of Canada, while the sixth one is of a rug merchant in Jaipur, who was putting on a show for us visitors, and obviously loving it. And photos seven and eight are of quiet majesty - just two ways of speaking the same thing.

Especially for Stella

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

This week's photos are especially for Stella. They are all from Costa Rica, and feature some of the magnificent flora about that small, majestic country. Now, I am not a great naturalist, and I do not have my father's encyclopedic mind for names, so I'd like some help. The first photo is of some incredible orchids just growing in someone's garden. Number two I do know, and it is the wild ginger that grows along the roads, making the car trips memorable. Photo number three is what I presume to be some kind of Mimosa, growing on the banks of the river, but I might be wrong there. Number four is of some wild pitcher plants in the rainforest, while number five is from the same rainforest, but represents some absolutely astonishing orchids. Number six is, of course, one of the multiple varieties of Passion Flower (this being a very bright red variety). For extra credit, you should visit Stella's blog (Light Color Shade), for a nice, more in-depth study of a different variety. Photo number seven is of another flower that grows along river banks, I can't remember what the spanish term is for those flowers, even though one of the wonderful lodges is named for them. And photo number eight is again someone's yard. I think the flower may be some sort of Gunnera, but I really don't know.

Some fun in the (late) sun

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

I was thinking back to our trip to Costa Rica, and planning for another trip (next year) to Ireland and Scotland, and I thought about one evening stroll that we took there on the beach, as the sun was going down, and thought that I'd share it with you. All the photos are from one stroll on the beach in one evening. One filled with magic!

Mountains, again

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Well, I've got to apologize (just a little), for I'm bringing you more pictures of mountains. Now, as some of you know, I've got a serious weakness for mountains. It doesn't matter whether they're mountains in temperate climes or icy, snowy mountains. They seem to represent something that I am unable to describe in words - some instinctive searching for the unattainable. And this is especially true of mountains that seem to be interacting with the sky and clouds, as in this set. Photos 1 - 5 are from Alaska, and photos 6 - 9 are from Costa Rica. There isn't much that I can say about the pictures - just enjoy them for what they're worth.

What if I got a better camera?

For many years, I was opposed to the idea of getting any sort of "better" camera. What did it matter what kind of camera I took a photo with? It is what you are photographing that really makes the difference. Or so I thought...

Well, in the meantime I got myself a really good Olympus DSLR, and I have to say, it really does make a big difference what type of camera you use. The first set of shots were taken with my older digital camera, and the second with the camera I now have - you be the judge.

Where have I been?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

All right, I confess. I have been on vacation. We went and spent a week at Beaver Lake, in Arkansas. It was an extraordinarily relaxing week, which I do believe that we needed. There were family members and their kids, and a fabulous time was had by all. Photo number 1 is of Beaver lake in the morning. Photo number 2 is Sam Englin, who considers himself the star of the week's activities, and it's hard to argue. Photos 3 - 5 are of Sam's father Dan, water skiing (without skis!). Photos 6 and 7 are typical pictures from me. Photo 8 is of our boat dock, where much swimming was done, with multiple complaints that the fish were "biting" the little ones. Photos 9 - 12 are some of the few things we did on the water. And Photo 13 is a Hibiscus flowering in our yard. As I said, it was a fabulous and relaxing week.