My Digital Worldview

Waiting for Sunset

2011-06-17T20:56:00.000-07:00

I worked on the coast for a few days this week. It's good to get away from the big city and have a change of scenery every so often. Here is the anticipation of a beach sunset.

Tree Canopy

2011-06-09T22:10:00.000-07:00

Today was a beautiful day with the temperature in the upper 70's (F). I parked the motorcycle under some trees to take advantage of the shade. Something made me look up. The trees made a large canopy with the sun peaking through. The branches all seem to be leaning toward the sun.

Don't Worry... be Happy!

2011-06-07T19:52:00.000-07:00

These "Happy Boots" belong to our 1-1/2 year old granddaughter. They help keep life in the proper perspective.

Let The Adventure Begin

2011-05-27T20:38:00.000-07:00

(A trailhead at Bald Peak State Park near Newberg, OR. Elevation approx. 1600')

Oops... somebody got out of line

2011-05-23T00:05:00.000-07:00

Field of Crimson Clover

2011-05-20T22:29:00.000-07:00

I rode past this field today then turned around to get a closer look. I like this deep red color that only crimson clover has. What a pretty plant whose main purpose is weed control between crops.

Young Wheat

2011-05-15T19:29:00.000-07:00

Our son and daughter-in-law recently moved to a house located on 200 acres of farmland. They're renting the house and can use the non-farming portion of the property, complete with a river, as sort of a playland for the kids. Last weekend the wheat was about knee-high. I'm figuring this will be a photographic playland too.

Birch Tree Pond

2011-04-30T22:52:00.000-07:00

A little pond on the Oregon coast. A stress free zone.

Waiting to Move to a New Home

2011-04-27T20:32:00.000-07:00

He is Risen!

2011-04-24T00:05:00.000-07:00

"But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”

Mark 16:4-7

Early Spring Dusting

2011-04-09T18:21:00.000-07:00

(Near Ashland, OR)

I was in Southern Oregon on business this past week. Thursday morning the foothills received a coating of "powdered sugar". There were times of sun, rain, hail, and snow. At one point it was snowing while the sun was shining. I'm looking forward to April showers bringing May flowers!

Color Programming

2011-03-31T20:59:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder how the yellow color gets programmed to spread only so far on the flower? What kind of Artist could create such an amazing work of color and design which grows from a seed?

Florida Sunset

2011-03-24T20:48:00.000-07:00

A few years ago I attended a meeting in Florida. It was about this time of year. This was the sunset one evening looking out of my hotel room. The terrain below looks different than anything here in the Northwest. Everything above the horizon, though, could be anywhere in the world. We have a lot in common don't we?

Emerging Stronger

2011-03-11T23:51:00.000-08:00

Before long these trees will sprout leaves and buds and be bearing fruit. They have successfully made it through the harsh elements of winter to emerge stronger than they were. It's the same with us after we go through trials in life... isn't it?

Appreciating Color

2011-03-06T21:15:00.000-08:00

I'm glad God gave us the ability to see colors...

otherwise it would look like this.

Rainbow Promise

2011-03-04T22:30:00.000-08:00

I caught this rainbow yesterday afternoon near Albany, OR. It was actually a double rainbow but I couldn't get the second one to show up on the images.

Rainbows are amazing. After the great flood God made a covenant that He would never flood the earth again and when the rainbow appears it's a reminder of that promise. What an incredible love note.

Downtown Colors

2011-03-02T20:18:00.000-08:00

My wife has been out of town on a business this past week. Last night on the way to pick her up at the airport I stopped downtown along the river with camera and tripod to take some exposures. The reflections make the city look bigger.

It's been about a year since last doing night shots downtown. Just when I was beginning to have fun I realized I needed to get to the airport.

Lately the desire to do photography has all but dried up. Going to a different location and going in the evening has given a boost to the desire.

Storm Brewing

2011-02-19T21:15:00.000-08:00

Tillamook Bay Pilings

2011-02-12T20:23:00.000-08:00

I never get tired of the changing scenery at the coast.

Step into the Forest

2011-02-04T18:33:00.000-08:00

A unique entrance into the forest.

I couldn't resist a black & white version. I'm not sure which one is best.

Foggy Forest

2011-01-28T19:07:00.000-08:00

I don't know... there's something about a foggy forest that intrigues me. The diffused light through the fog acts as a filter that gives various amounts of emphasis to each tree. It makes me think of how talented artists are who can paint this kind of scene. All I did was press the shutter button.

Astoria, OR Local

2011-01-22T18:00:00.000-08:00

A typical day of hangin' out at the pier in the rain.

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T00:05:00.000-08:00

Thank you for visiting this blog this past year. Your kind words are much appreciated. A week ago yesterday was the one year anniversary for this blog.

The image above was taken a few weeks ago from the hospital room where our new granddaughter was born. The house on the slope is facing the sun as a new day dawns. As we face the coming new year I wish you the peace and joy that our good and loving Lord brings.

Layers

2010-12-28T21:02:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I'm attracted to the natural layers that the lighting and scenery make. This was an early morning scene looking west at sunrise a couple of weeks ago. A few months ago this field had corn growing but we've had so much rain lately the fields are full earlier than usual.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-23T00:05:00.000-08:00

(A manger scene along the road near our house)

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." (Colossians 1:15-17)

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOURS!

Ever Feel Like A Cue Ball?

2010-12-16T19:40:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it feels like we're standing alone separated from others. This can happen at work, at home, and with friends. When we stand firm with our morals and beliefs in spite of what the world says it can give us a feeling of being alone. We start to question whether we're right or not. There is only one source that I know of that always gives truth and moral correctness; it's the Bible.

I've found comfort reading Psalms, Proverbs, and the gospel of John. I hope you are guided by the strength and peace of God's Word.

Portland Area Tram

2010-12-15T20:43:00.000-08:00

The hospital were our new granddaughter was born last week has a Tram that carries people to another location with medical buildings along the river. The Tram was completed about four years ago and has already become an icon for Portland.

I have yet to ride on it but when I do, photos will be coming forth.

The Sunrise This Morning

2010-12-12T20:40:00.000-08:00

Too bad there isn't a 360 degree lens because the pink glow was everywhere this morning.

First Game of the Season

2010-12-11T21:23:00.000-08:00

This morning our oldest grandson had his first youth basketball game of the season. He just turned fourteen a coupe of weeks ago. Fourteen is a great age. It's the beginning of the transition between childhood and being an adult.

It's not only fun to watch him play but it's fun to take photos and video too.

We were the home team today and we got trounced. We have our work cut out for us at practice. Things can only get better!

New Granddaughter!

2010-12-09T13:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning, by the grace of God, Abigail Marie came into the world. She weighed 10 lbs. 4 oz. and was 21-1/2" long. She and our daughter are doing fine. We're the proud grandparents for the sixth time.

Tonights Sunset

2010-12-03T21:23:00.000-08:00

Tonight's irresistible sunset.

End of Autumn & Beginning of Winter

2010-11-26T00:05:00.000-08:00

Giving Thanks

2010-11-23T20:48:00.000-08:00

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands" (Psalm 19:1)

This was the sunrise this morning on a trip to Eugene, OR. I'm thankful for God, family, and life.

For those in the US, I hope you and your family have a blessed Thanksgiving Holiday!

First Morning Light

2010-11-21T20:45:00.000-08:00

November Colors

2010-11-11T22:15:00.000-08:00

I was on the campus of Oregon State University this afternoon. The school's colors are orange and black but yellow and brown seemed to be prominent today. Below are more shots from the campus.

Trees standing around

Oregon State holiday sprig

Campus treeline

"Oregon Trail"

The cool crisp air and the autumn colors trigger an internal awareness that the holidays are fast approaching. I hope you're being blessed with the peace and joy that the holidays bring.

Covered Bridge Residents

2010-11-09T20:38:00.000-08:00

Two spider webs on the Rochester Covered Bridge. The one below has the "Catch of the day."

A brief look on Wikipedia shows that these arthropods are too complex to be a product of evolution. The scientific community is confused on how to classify their 109 various families. Isn't God amazing?

Covered Bridge Tour #1

2010-11-05T20:52:00.000-07:00

I traveled to Southern Oregon this week for work. The weather was dry with the morning hours cold and foggy. The afternoons were mostly sunny with beautiful fall colors. I have a plan to visit all of Oregon's covered bridges. No time limit; just visit them when I can. This one is Rochester Covered Bridge in Southern Oregon.

The bridge is in good shape. It was remodeled in 1969.

Every time a car would cross, the bottom boards would rumble.

An autumn afternoon in Oregon.

Autumn on the Wilson River

2010-10-31T19:26:00.000-07:00

These were taken yesterday afternoon at the Wilson River in the Tillamook State Forest. I was on my way home from a trip to the coast (where yesterday's photos were taken). For the full story on the purpose of the trip please see my other blog.

(Men fly fishing on the Wilson River)

A Peaceful Sunset

2010-10-30T21:11:00.000-07:00

Late yesterday afternoon I rode to our place at the coast. I managed to arrive at the ghost hole and catch a similar sunset that I've captured in the past. In fact, my signature photo is almost the same.

The ghost hole is a popular fishing spot on the east side of Tillamook Bay. During the fishing season a floating platform with restrooms is held by the two poles.

I hope you're finding peaceful moments these days.

An Oregon Autumn Morning

2010-10-24T18:51:00.000-07:00

Some scenes from my travels this morning in the country.

Previous corn field.

This has been smoldering for a couple of weeks!

Newly planted field. Winter wheat?

An autumn driveway.

Backlit fence.

Shakey Legs

2010-10-23T21:56:00.000-07:00

Harvest Sunset

2010-10-19T18:24:00.000-07:00

Last night I rode the motorcycle to a Monday night meeting I have each week. The sunset was nice and lasted a long time.

I had parked on a dead end road in the country. As I was clicking away I heard the faint sound of an engine. It was a farmer pulling his cultivating discs. He turned in front of me and gave a silhouette to the sunset. Farming has long hours.

Light Morning Fog

2010-10-18T00:05:00.000-07:00

"God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing." C. S. Lewis

Autumn Colors

2010-10-15T23:27:00.000-07:00

This makes me want a slice of pumpkin pie!

Faithfully Waiting

2010-10-09T14:52:00.000-07:00

Faithfully waiting to get back on the road.

Curved Steps

2010-10-01T21:28:00.000-07:00

These are the steps leading to the Vista House from yesterday. They remind me of a stack of large coins. They have a different appearance if you squint.

Visit The Weekend in Black and White for more photos.

Vista House at Crown Point

2010-09-30T21:52:00.000-07:00

Today I worked in the Columbia River Gorge, one of Oregon's favorite natural attractions. This is Vista House which overlooks the Gorge at Crown Point. The river separates Oregon and Washington. The Gorge has some of the most amazing cliffs that were formed long ago. It's described as a "spectacular geological wonder".

The building has been a landmark and visitor spot since 1918.

Because of the natural funnel-effect that the Gorge makes, it's generally windy and it was very windy at the Vista House today. My plan was to take some shots for HDR images but it was too windy for a tripod. That will have to be on my to-do list.

Floating Fuchsia

2010-09-28T19:30:00.000-07:00

We looked out the front window this evening and saw this floating fuchsia between the two porch posts. It's slowly spinning while hanging from a spider web thread.

It looks like it's defying gravity.

Maybe I should have waited until Friday to post this. The title could be, "Friday Freaky Free Floating Fuchsia".

A Change in the Weather

2010-09-23T20:52:00.000-07:00

Although this photo was taken last Saturday morning, it's evident that the weather is changing. Cool night air passing over warm ground from the previous day gives the condensation needed for fog. The fog makes this road look lonely compared to how it usually looks.

Our first day of fall today was cool and rainy. I'm looking forward to fall, how about you? I like the beauty with the colors, the food, the weather, and college football. What do you like about fall?

Fishing Memories

2010-09-17T21:52:00.000-07:00

Fishing brings to mind good memories. Memories like when I caught my first trout near Lake Michigan. I was about 6 or 7 and we were on vacation taking a drive around the lake. We stopped at a trout farm, the kind were you catch fish and then the nearby restaurant cooks them for you. I was so excited when I got my first fish onto shore that I let him wiggle back into the water after I got him off the hook. Okay, so it was the second one that made it to the dinner table. The first one got away. He was a "practice fish".

Then there were a few times fishing with my dad and grandfather and times with my son and grandson. And I spent many hours fishing various lakes with my father-in-law in a little 12 foot Sears fiberglass boat. I don't know how we got all that equipment in there with us. It wasn't so much about catching fish because truth be told we didn't catch many. It was more about being together and building relationships.

These photos were taken this morning on Tillamook Bay. I was working on the coast and noticed a handful of boats on the water in a light drizzle. The scene brought back the fishing memories.

I hope you have good fishing memories with family and friends.

Duck Designs

2010-09-12T18:58:00.000-07:00

I posted this photo earlier this year but it wasn't in black & white. The other night while looking through past photos I converted some to black & white just to see what they look like. Have you done that lately?

This black & white version emphasizes the designs in the water late in the afternoon in the fall a few years ago. I guess I'm looking forward to fall.

Remembering 9/11

2010-09-11T00:05:00.000-07:00

Today as we remember those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attack, let's also remember how we were united as one nation on 9/12. We are one nation under God... always.

Portland's Living Room

2010-09-08T21:14:00.000-07:00

This afternoon I made a sales call at a downtown Portland hotel. The lobby is on the 8th floor because Macy's takes up the first seven floors. I caught this view of the center of downtown. The building in the foreground on the left is Pioneer Courthouse which is a federal courthouse. Built in 1869 it's the oldest federal building in the Northwest and second oldest west of the Mississippi.

On the right is Pioneer Courthouse Square which is also known as Portland's "living room". This is where concerts and rallies are held and where the Christmas tree is on display. And since the Northwest is known for its rainfall, today we even had the usual fair on tap.

Mystery in a Small Coastal Town

2010-09-06T20:51:00.000-07:00

At the coast this weekend I took some photos in Garibaldi Harbor in Tillamook Bay. I thought the lady sitting on the end of the pier made for an interesting composition. It wasn't until I looked at this one on the computer that I noticed it looks like no one is in the boat. It could be an opening scene from a mystery movie set in a small North Coast town.

Love Note?

2010-09-02T21:27:00.000-07:00

I've been working in Southern Oregon the last couple of days. After I got home tonight I took off again to get my wife and I some dinner. This was the sunset as I was riding home. I caught it on the late side. A few minutes earlier it was more pink.

When I see colorful sunsets and sunrises I can't help but think that they are love notes from God telling us that He loves us.

I Wonder...

2010-08-31T20:18:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I wonder what Adam and Eve thought while walking in The Garden of Eden. How beautiful it must have been just after God created it and said that it was good. I think the creation is beautiful today but to see it in the beginning would have been absolutely awesome.

I find comfort reading the Bible, especially in these uncertain times. It's comforting to know that what we see is not all there is or will be. What God has planned for those who love Him will be beyond what we could ever expect or imagine. The Bible says, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him." (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Cool Weather Scene

2010-08-26T20:21:00.000-07:00

Here's a scene that might not be that common these days, but soon this will be familiar again as we enter into the cool nights of fall. Today I stopped at the Heathman Lodge in Washington to use the wireless internet and lobby as a field office. This fireside scene caught my attention as a relaxing place to settle in with a good book on a fall afternoon.

Towards the end of each season do you find yourself looking forward to the next one?

Fancy Squirrel Bridge

2010-08-25T21:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday while in Longview, Washington I thought I would show this unique squirrel bridge again with it's summer view. This crosses a busy street in front of the public library and gives the squirrels a safe way to cross... in case they need a book. I showed this bridge in March with a different view.

For Yolanda

2010-08-20T21:23:00.000-07:00

(Haystack Rock - Cannon Beach, OR)

The last couple of days I've been working at the coast. Yesterday afternoon as I was approaching a favorite spot of Yolanda at Giving it a Shot, I decided to stop and take a couple of photos for her. She's going through a difficult battle and I thought this might brighten her outlook these days.

We all need a Rock in life. Haystack is always there even when it's covered in fog and we can't see it. It's always there.

Yolanda, your positive attitude in spite of what you're going through is an inspiration to many. I hope these photos don't make you homesick. Just remember, you'll be back soon.

Anatomy of a Leaf

2010-08-19T16:16:00.000-07:00

The other day while walking through a healing garden at one of Portland's hospitals I decided to stop and look at things. Just take a moment to bring the issues of the day to a scretching halt and relax.

After choosing a couple of photos for posting, I was prompted to do a search on the anatomy of a leaf. The cross section showing the complexity of it was a reminder of not only 8th grade science class but of the amazing world in which we live.

Years ago I took an astronomy class. I was blown away by the vastness of the universe and what a small piece we are to the entire puzzle. Can there be life on other planets in other galaxies? So far we don't know but one thing is for sure. The design and order we find in something as simple as a leaf is most definitely a love note from our Creator.

Isn't it Amazing?

2010-08-14T08:37:00.000-07:00

Isn't it amazing that we're on a planet swirling around the universe yet we're surrounded by beautiful and orderly things such as this? I know that there are some who believe in evolution, which is to say nothing + nobody = everything. But the design in the universe doesn't seem to be random.

Over the course of his life Albert Einstein became a deist - a believer in an impersonal creator God. He once stated, "I believe in Spinoza's God who reveals himself in the orderly harmony of what exists, not in a God who concerns himself with fates and actions of human beings." Einstein was half right.

"Happy Faces"

2010-08-08T20:26:00.000-07:00

This morning I had to stop the motorcycle and capture these "happy faces". As I stood there taking photos I had the urge to say, "You're all probably wondering why I called you together for this meeting in this field."

Taking a Break

2010-07-24T00:05:00.000-07:00

When I began this blog late last December my intentions were to try and post a photo each day for a year. Lately I've found that goal to be a chore instead of fun. To those of you who have achieved that milestone I commend and congratulate you.

Instead of throttling back to posting every so often I've decided to step back and take a break. This is only a temporary break to reflect and clear out the "fog".

Thank you to all of you who have visited here and for your kind comments. I appreciate your support and enjoy following your blogs and learning from your photography. Thank you, I hope to be back soon.

Our Bridge

2010-07-23T00:05:00.000-07:00

A bridge is the link between two sides which would not come together without the bridge. The key word is "between".

"For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." (1Timothy 2:5)

The Mouth of the Columbia River

2010-07-22T00:05:00.000-07:00

(Astoria-Megler Bridge - Astoria, OR)

These are Handy

2010-07-21T00:05:00.000-07:00

(Ashland, OR)

These are handy on a hot day in the city.

Just Hanging Around

2010-07-20T00:05:00.000-07:00

I saw these guys yesterday. I'll try not to complain about washing windows again.

Fun with the Family

2010-07-19T00:05:00.000-07:00

Saturday was our daughter Sara's birthday. We took her out to dinner with three of our grandkids. I caught this shot as we were leaving. I thought the lighting and lines made an interesting composition. It also captures a close time of fun with some of the family.

More Provision

2010-07-18T00:05:00.000-07:00

In keeping with yesterday's theme of provision, I passed by this wheat field Friday afternoon. When you think about it, it's kind of amazing how food makes it from the field to our dining tables. We sometimes take it for granted but it truly is a gift how in most countries food is abundant.

Provision

2010-07-17T00:05:00.000-07:00

I was riding to one of my accounts yesterday morning and noticed these blue flowers blowing in the breeze by the side of the road. I don't know what they are but I thought they might make a good photo if I could catch them in a blur. On my way back on the road the wind had died down but I stopped anyway.

Thinking about this bumblebee I was reminded that God even provides for insects. If He provides for them He certainly will provide for us.

We shouldn't worry about tomorrow, it has trouble of its own. Worrying about tomorrow is like bring tomorrow's clouds into today's sunshine.

Under the Bridge

2010-07-16T00:05:00.000-07:00

This is looking under the Yaquina Bay Bridge with it's cathedral looking concrete columns. The only prominent sound was the low repeating drone from a fog horn. Fog has a way of magnifying how sound travels so it really adds to the feeling.

Triangular Vision

2010-07-15T00:05:00.000-07:00

This was taken yesterday afternoon in downtown Portland at our World Trade Center. These triangular outside hallways have some interesting light patterns. It also looks like it could be an entrance to a space station or a ride at Disney World. Or maybe not.

Cleared for Takeoff

2010-07-14T00:05:00.000-07:00

Last week when I was at the coast I happened to catch these seagulls as they took off. It reminded me of a busy day at any given airport.

Another Foggy Scene

2010-07-13T00:05:00.000-07:00

Actually, the title should be "Another Foggy Angle". This is looking in the other direction at Yaquina Bay Bridge on last Wednesday's foggy afternoon. Ordinarily the sun would be shining through the bridge but it was giving some back lighting through the fog from this angle.

Remember Summer Camp?

2010-07-12T00:05:00.000-07:00

(On Spring Lake at Twin Rocks Friends Camp - Rockaway Beach, OR)

Fog Shrouded Haystack

2010-07-11T00:05:00.000-07:00

This is Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach. On Thursday morning it was enveloped in fog which gave it a distant, mysterious look. One of the many faces of the Oregon Coast.

Watching the Fog Roll In

2010-07-10T00:05:00.000-07:00

(Depot Bay, OR)

Please visit Weekend in Black & White to see more monochrome images.

Bridge to Nowhere?

2010-07-09T00:05:00.000-07:00

I spent the last couple of days working at the North Coast where there was a big temperature difference compared to the rest of the state. It was about 35 degrees (F) cooler at the coast. Consequently, in various areas it was somewhat foggy. The marine air was fighting to come onshore which made for some interesting compositions. This is Yaquina Bay Bridge which spans the mouth of Newport Bay, one of the larger cities and a popular tourist spot. It looks like a bridge to nowhere!

Eugene, OR

2010-07-08T00:05:00.000-07:00

Eugene is the second largest city in Oregon. It's located in the south end of the Willamette Valley which is our agricultural region. The University of Oregon is in Eugene. The city is noted for it's eclectic heritage and it's even home to a few 1960 holdovers from the hippie movement. I thought this downtown photo shows a little of the flavor of Eugene.

Playin' in the Surf

2010-07-07T00:05:00.000-07:00

(Our oldest granddaughter and grandson - Rockaway Beach, OR)

Pressure Washing Design

2010-07-06T00:05:00.000-07:00

Over this holiday weekend my primary goal was to pressure wash the moss off of the roof. Since I haven't done it in a few years it turned into a major job. Consequently, I spent many hours looking at this view and decided to make it my image for today. To give it a little more design I tried a double dose of sharpening in Photoshop color lab. The over sharpening adds more grain to the roof and makes the lines pop more than normal.

The good news is the roof is clean. But I told my wife Amber the bad news is, to offset the huge water use we can't take showers for two months. Of course she didn't buy that.

Deep Purple

2010-07-05T00:05:00.000-07:00

This was before this weed got pulled yesterday. As with Wednesday's Valueless Plant post I think this weed has interesting blooms. Even the weeds on our planet have interesting design. But because this weed was in our yard it had to go. All beauty aside, we're on a weed reduction program.

"Blessed is the nation..."

2010-07-04T08:09:00.000-07:00

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He chose for His inheritance." (Psalm 33:12)

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

Powdered Sugar Field

2010-07-03T00:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's photo desaturated for The Weekend in Black & White. Even in monochrome it still brightens up the cloudy sky. Check out other images at The Weekend in Black & White!

Yellow Field

2010-07-02T00:05:00.000-07:00

We have two prominent colors in Oregon... green and gray. While I was riding on the motorcycle yesterday this yellow field popped out. What a nice surprise to brighten up a cloudy summer day!

Ever Wanted Your Own Private Cove?

2010-07-01T00:05:00.000-07:00

(Heceta Lighthouse Point, OR)

Valuless Plant?

2010-06-30T00:05:00.000-07:00

We see these weeds in quite a few spots these days. For some reason they don't look like a weed to me. The dictionary calls a weed a valueless plant. I think that's kind of harsh for this one.

Above the Fog

2010-06-29T00:05:00.000-07:00

This is a view further up the Oregon coast from the last couple of days. This is looking south from the coast road near the top of Neah-Kah-Nie Mountain towards the entrance to Tillamook Bay. It's beyond the little slice of land showing through the fog by itself in the center.

Sea Lion Rest Stop

2010-06-28T00:05:00.000-07:00

While on the bluff where yesterday's photo was taken I noticed this scene below the cliff. These Sea Lions were enjoying what was left of the afternoon sun. A few days into summer and already lounging in the sun on the Oregon coast.

Keeper's House

2010-06-27T00:05:00.000-07:00

This is the keeper's house for Heceta Head Lighthouse on the central Oregon coast. The fog was rolling in on Thursday afternoon which made the lighthouse not visible and the keeper's house barely visible. Both of these structures are probably two of the most photographed landmarks on the Oregon coast.

Covered Bridge

2010-06-26T00:05:00.000-07:00

Wednesday morning I left on the motorcycle for a three-day road trip in the sales territory. I consider it a blessing to travel that way and see God's wonderful work. I like bridges and especially covered ones. This is Sandy Creek bridge built in 1921. I wonder how many early automobiles and horse-drawn buggies have crossed over this one.

Oregon Wildflowers

2010-06-25T00:05:00.000-07:00

Another view of the wildflowers at the end of the runway at Portland International Airport.

Check out other images at The Weekend in Black & White!

Sea Legs

2010-06-24T00:05:00.000-07:00

(Garibaldi Pier - Tillamook Bay, OR)

I seem to be drawn to this pier. I've posted a few photos of it and here's one more. I'm waiting for the just the right sunset to hit it on this side though. Returning to favorite spots for the right lighting can be both challenging and fun.

Anticipation

2010-06-23T00:05:00.000-07:00

This was our youngest grandson awaiting the birth of his new sister almost two years ago. I didn't have a recent photo to post so I was looking through some old ones and was moved by this one. It recorded a special morning for us. Recording the events in our lives is one of the wonderful benefits with photography.

Front Yard Web Design

2010-06-22T00:05:00.000-07:00

City Park Silhouette

2010-06-21T00:05:00.000-07:00

(Alton Baker City Park - Eugene, OR)

Father & Son

2010-06-20T00:05:00.000-07:00

(Our son and youngest grandson)

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Airport Wildflowers

2010-06-19T00:05:00.000-07:00

I picked up my wife, Amber, at the Portland airport yesterday morning. Very close to the airport is an Embassy Suites Hotel where I usually park and wait until she calls to say they've landed. As I turned into Embassy's lot I noticed a field of wildflowers. These look like they're from the poppy family. It's interesting to think that this small part of life still goes on below commercial airliners making their approach for landing.

Isn't God's creation wonderful?!!

Drama in the Front Yard

2010-06-18T00:05:00.000-07:00

The last couple of days I've been battling a cold so I've been working from home. I got the idea to take the screen off of our front bathroom window and use it as a photo blind to get some shots of our birds. Yesterday afternoon a bird-fight broke out amongst some Starlings.

It got a little intense at one point. Apparently they don't like to share.

Not everyone was caught up in the foray.

This guy actually looks board.

I've learned some things in the last few days while trying to capture photos of these birds.

Shoot in AV mode. I usually shoot in manual mode but with AV there's far less to be concerned about.
Things happen fast so use at least the minimum shutter speed matched to the focal length of the lens.
While photographing birds in RAW+JPEG, a 2 GB card fills up pretty fast.
I deleted a lot of photos from this shoot. (I think I took too many.)
Use manual focus instead of auto. This allows for better composition. Also the auto focus makes too much noise.
Speaking of noise... don't let your big curious Bullmastiff walk in behind you while in your photo blind. She can be noisy.

I'd really like to hear your suggestions!

Big Leaf Design

2010-06-17T00:05:00.000-07:00

We have this Hosta in our front yard. Actually it's in a galvanized planter box and inserted in one of our basement window wells. I thought the lines on the big leaves would make an interesting monochrome.