On Empty /  by Dave Hileman

This shot is a stark reminder of the lengthy drought in the Southwest. These are intake towers at the Hoover Dam and ought to be just visible above the waterline.

You've Seen This Before - but wait there's more, lots more (five photos) /  by Dave Hileman

I posted this photo on Monday and said it was a favorite. What I don’t post, usually, are the ones that I take that are not - in my opinion, the better of the subject. For example, I took 18 images of this falls, more than usual because it was so lovely and different with the yellow leaves and the small side falls. Four were of this composition but different exposures the others were different compositions. Often the first one taken is not the best of the series and it was true in this case as the one below was the last of five possibilities. The others follow below. And if I had taken more time and care I know there were several more that could have been taken of this same subject.

On a rock just below the trail

Same spot as number three below different focal length

Just off the trail

From the top on a side trail - walking up on an overhanging rock.

Third Composition /  by Dave Hileman

There are actually more but these are the three main shots that include the boat. I did not like this one at first but it has grown on me a bit, still not the favorite. I do like some of the elements and with a more dramatic sky, yes. However the sunset just sort of faded, this shot is looking northeast. I expected the clouds to get brighter but they did not. As the sky darkened the pretty light on the trees just evaporated. A better angle here would have less sky and that would improve the photo to me.

Second Composition /  by Dave Hileman

This is the same subject/place as the shot posted on December 29th. This was the first frame I made at the time. I like the flowers in the foreground and the wider sweep of the foliage and the curve of the lake, I don’t like the boat positioned into the reflection. Could not get any higher here.

Ethereal /  by Dave Hileman

This is my favorite photo of a waterfall. It is one of the 21 waterfalls you can hike to at Ricketts Glen State Park in Pennsylvania. We were there in the fall and the trees down in the glen were just starting to change. But it was beautiful. I took this photo from above the falls off the trail about 30 yards. I wanted to get above the tree that still shows in front of the falls but that was as far as I could get. (They seem to frown on triming the foliage!) I would love to go back there, maybe in the spring and see what it would look like with the light green colors of spring. Winter would be beautiful as well but you need special equipment and permission to walk the trail in the winter as much of it is covered in ice.

Happy Birthday, Cindy /  by Dave Hileman

This is a photo of Cindy and her mom from spring of 1957.

I have been very blessed to share a lot of birthday’s with Cindy and every one is to be celebrated.

You’re “Still the One” Maybe a birthday hint?

Probing /  by Dave Hileman

This is a Tundra Swan but not as they are often pictured, gracefully gliding along a picturesque pond. This one is neck deep in the muddy waters of a pond on the Chincoteaque National Wildlife Refuge. The photo is taken in the last bit of light so the bird has a bit of an golden glow. It is not the goose of similar fame.

Solitary /  by Dave Hileman

Everything feels lonely on the beach on a cold, rainy winter day. The ferris wheel is without the buckets (or baskets or ?) and the pier is as empty as the beach.

Abandoned /  by Dave Hileman

This was a thriving oystering business at one time. You can walk around the area and by the piles of shells know that it was busy here. I do not know how long it has been since it was an active business but there are substantial docks, a pier and lots of infrastructure still standing (barely). It is located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore near the village of Stockton by George Island Landing on a sandy path called Packers Bay Road. Hurry if you wish to see it.

The Close of 2021 /  by Dave Hileman

A lot of people are anxious to rid themselves of one year in anticipation of the next. I have never understood that impulse. Life has patterns and rhythm but the start of 2022 will not change anything that we could not work to change last week or last month or February 8th. And no matter the trials and tragedies that may have occurred in 2021 - and they may have been overwhelming, there were joys and blessings, likely in abundance. The year to come is no different. The promise of the new year is not that it will be better but that we can chose to walk more closely with God and trust more fully in his wisdom. So that when the difficult occurs and it will, we are ready and when the joys occur we are actually blessed and don’t miss them. If you wish that the year that starts officially tomorrow will be better begin by preparing yourself to follow the Father more closely. He will make each day whether painful or joyful better than it would be on your own.

Last Stand /  by Dave Hileman

This old tree is about to lose the battle with time and elements. I don’t know how long it has been so close to collapsing but I doubt it will survive the next Nor’easter that blows through the island. I will make a point to go up the beach and photograph this same tree next trip to Chincoteague. If I can find it.

Reminds me of how I feel on occasion.

BONUS post /  by Dave Hileman

So this is a cartoon from S.Pastis who writes Pearls Before Swine. Originally it had on the last panel, “Cheese” which is a horrible ending for the strip. I thought ICE CREAM is the perfect conclusion. So, Dennis Mook took the panel to, I guess Photoshop, and put in the better line. And it is posted here for all to enjoy. Thanks, D.

Still /  by Dave Hileman

The wind and rain stopped, the sun came out and everything was calm, the colors intense and beautiful. Lake Mary in north central Pennsylvania.