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DailyPhotos > James Hill  > Photography > Daily Photos
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James Hill > 20100223-4859

Found, roaming around today.

I was roaming, not my subject.  He was rather static and not likely to run off. He had passed on; no longer pining for the fjords, or the great pine forest floor in the sky, or whatever it is that his species pines for once their wild roaming days have passed.  

Something I didn't realize before, until reading up on this tonight, is that these little creatures live an average of 25-40 years and perhaps as much as 100 years. It's humbling to consider that one twice my age may be under foot, roaming around in my backyard.  Imagine what's he's seen come and go through the woods.
James Hill > 20100222-4824

Compared to the warm, almost blissful, beauty of yesterday, today's weather could be called anything but benign.  Twenty degrees cooler and driving rain.  Once the rain slowed, the fog formed, and then slowly everything faded into a cold damp monotone scene all too familiar for February.  Needless to say, no bees braved the breezes and the daffodils did not open today.  Who could blame them.

This was taken from the relative comfort of my front porch.  The thought did cross my mind to don rain gear and explore a few different compositions, but thoughts like that tend to pass very quickly.  Warmer tomorrow, then two days with possible snow; just to keep us guessing.
James Hill > 20100221-4790

Spring sprung spontaneously, sans segue.

Spring is officially some time away yet, but the spontaneous springtime weather we enjoyed today was a welcome shift from the previous several weeks of frigid air and snow.  With temps in the mid 60s and bright sun most of the day, I went searching for signs I could photograph other than my thermometer.

The most obvious audible sign -and, after several hours, the most obnoxious-  was the incessant honking happening in and around the pond which abuts the property.  The invading Canada geese sounded as though they were waging all-out war over prime nesting territory.  Apparently, claiming right of eminent domain to rezone and divide the shore through corrupt political practice isn't common in Canada. Who knew? 

Of course there were all kinds of insects scurrying about that I haven't seen in some time.  There were even bees bumbling around all abuzz; probably upset that the fickle weather fooled them into flying before the first flowers have opened.  This daffodil, scheduled for a grand-opening tomorrow, was the closest I found to a bloom prepped for diners.  With rain in tomorrow's forecast, opening day may be a bust.
James Hill > 20100220-4782-Edit

Eating one's own bird food. 
(A paraphrase of corporate jargon I detest and often heard uttered in motivational management meetings.)

Some of you have seen and warmly commented on my freshly baked bread photo, so you're aware that I can occasionally cook something yummy, which also photographs well.  Unfortunately that image gave rise to some assumptions that an appetizing image is indicative of one's overall skill and consistency in culinary craft.  Well, today's image is considerably different.  Read on if you care to learn about my fifty-cent food fiasco from yesterday.  Otherwise, click away, click away fast.
James Hill > 20100219-4778

Waxing crescent moon. 

It's tough to follow yesterday's deer portrait with anything comparable, so I won't even try. (read: I didn't shoot anything remotely interesting) This was my view while seated in my rocking chair out on the lawn this evening; legs stretched out, head tilted back, a little WCPE Classical streaming from the speakers in the shed, and a cold but clear blue sky up above.

A boring photo by many standards, but the moon is never boring to me.  If ever someone offers me a one way trip through space, it's going to be a tough decision to make; do I take my blue towel or the white one?

Thanks for all the kind words on the little doe portrait.  Yes, she was almost close enough to reach out and touch.  That was shot at 145mm.  No, I haven't named her but maybe I'll take suggestions.  I suppose I should name them all since they're practically like pets by this point. And yes, the 70-200 2.8 is a sharp lens with great clarity.  Unfortunately my aging 10D doesn't do it full justice, especially behind dirty windows.  Pixel peepers will know what I'm talking about.
James Hill > 20100218-4728

Absolutely adorable at 8 months and from only ten feet, isn't she?

I spent part of the early afternoon wandering the back forty, looking for someplace other than my porch to ambush the deer.   Turns out it was colder than I expected once the sun drifted low in the sky, so I returned to the cabin for thicker gloves. As (bad?) luck would have it, I ended up being invaded by the entire cavalry, in a classic flanking maneuver and in broad daylight, exactly when I didn't expect it.  They moved in quickly and in silence while I was distracted by a brief video someone was yammering about on Facebook ;-)

Truth be told, I probably ended up with more interesting frames by not being outside making the deer nervous.  They are scrounging so desperately for food right now that they were literally inspecting the porch and compost for crumbs from my lunch.  Overall I'm pretty happy with several images.  I've posted a bunch to my Daily Visitors gallery. Link goes to a shot of the advancing formation.   There is also one in particular that's pretty funny.  It almost made it as my daily pick.  Think of a memorable scene from 'A Christmas Story.'

And, as usual, these were shot through double pane windows, hence the funky bokeh with that slight psychedelic vibe to it.
James Hill > 20100218-4651

A little light reading by candlelight should feed the imagination.

"When from our better selves we have too long
Been parted by the hurrying world, and droop,
Sick of its business, of its pleasures tired,
How gracious, how benign, is Solitude" ~~William Wordsworth
James Hill > 20100215-4631

Cold, damp, and mostly cloudy.  

Snow from a fortnight ago still lingers, 
blemished, ugly and mostly gray, 
partially hiding grass and ground 
where shadows dominate, night or day.  

The yard fluctuates, solid then soggy,
the road turned muddy, rutted and rough.
Freeze and thaw is taking its toll,
even the earthworms are yelling, enough!

But don't feel down, look up instead, 
where the sun occasionally warms 
to a pleasurable degree, 
buds are emerging, anticipating,
a colorful Spring jubilee!

 ;-)
James Hill > 20100214-4626

Breakfast with a deer acquaintance on Sunday.

This little doe came browsing by, just outside the kitchen window, as I cooked breakfast Sunday morning.  She visits fairly often, always unannounced, never unwelcome.  This morning she was searching for something tender and green to nibble on while several of her relatives laid around behind her, chewing and re-chewing the tough woody plant material they've resorted to eating this time of year.   Calorie choices have dwindled considerably from the all-you-can-eat salad buffet of a few months ago.  February and March must be absolutely brutal on their digestive system.

She sampled some twig tips, sniffed and rejected the emerging daffodils, then finally resorted to pulling the few remaining vines off a small pine.  (The area she's occupying was engulfed by those vines last summer, so I'm not complaining.)  Methodically she would tug the vine, snip off a short length, and then chew like a valley girl for some time before swallowing and starting over.  Tug, snip, chew, over and over, never once looking in my direction.   Then, with my frustration growing and patience waning to get a clean shot of her not chewing, she turned and gave me this look.  

I turned off the camera after this shot and ate my cold breakfast.  But I'm not complaining.
James Hill > 20100213-4619    

fo-cus (ˈfō-kəs) --v. concentrate: direct one's attention on something.

Have you ever tried to fully focus on something, only to have your focus stolen by some obstinate or cantankerous distraction which left you cussing, even though you're not one who normally cusses?
   
That's happened to me.
James Hill > 20100211-4594

Lost Cove Trail - Pisgah National Forest

Just an old map I found tucked away in a box of Blue Ridge Parkway photos.  I say old but, this map is probably less than 20 years old.  It only feels old compared to today's GPS systems and online mapping sites.  

Same for the compass, which will take some practice to remember how to use properly.  The odd thing is, I have a compass built into my phone now, as useless at that's turned out to be.  It's no better, slower, and even more frustrating to use, than the phone's camera.  For my next phone I think I'll pick one that only does phone calls.

For anyone interested in an aerial view of the wilderness area that is Roseborough, NC and the Pisgah National Forest, Google has it covered: http://bit.ly/cIhHFb
James Hill > 20100210-4578  

Thinking out of hand.  (with apologies to anyone else who was more timely & original with this than I)

It's been a busy, blustery day here at the white log house.  The wind gusts nearly blew me away.  But the wind Palined paled in comparison to the howling going on all over place about some right wing out of hand talking points and the proper way to prepare oneself for a teabagging global audience.  

I'm not quite sure what all the fuss was about.  I mean it's pretty common for talking heads world leaders, and those aspiring to be so, to use their sweaty palms  technology as an aid for maintaining their train wreck of thought when addressing their colleagues, constituents, and third grade teachers the world media.  Isn't it?

Anyhow, I thought it was a pretty freaking ridiculous cool idea and decided to mock copy it myself.  My notes are a little less obtuse ambitious than those of the future dear god, no presidential hopeful.

My list?  Dinner, veal pork chops, lift Amelia's spirit.  (just between you and I, I don't know anyone named Amelia, but as long as it sounds good, what does that matter)
James Hill > 20100209-4570  

Fishing lure philosophy: The more elaborate and expensive a lure, the more likely it will attract far more fishermen than fish.

Thanks for the comments on the little mouse from yesterday.  He makes a reappearance here for a sense of scale.  To answer Dave's question, I have caught many fish with the little mouse.  Granted, most were large bluegill (a type of sunfish) which are incredibly easy to catch; known to take just about anything, cheez-wiz, corn, and  bare hooks, even.  They are not picky eaters.
James Hill > 20100208-4556 

Why yes, as a matter of fact, I do have a mouse in my pocket.

A well worn one at that.  He's missing a few whiskers, has partially deformed ears, a slightly rusty hook, and his tail is probably going to fall off that next time it encounters water, but sure, I always have a mouse in my pocket.  What, doesn't everyone?

Spring will be here soon, time to prep the fishing tackle....
James Hill > 20100207-4538  Stick a fork in it.

Nothing fancy, just a parting shot showing what's left of the snow and my brunch for today.  The sun is bright and any snow left in it's path should be gone by evening.  The birds have abandoned the feeder, apparently to dine in the less crowded undergrowth.  I couldn't even attract one to the windowsill to eat with me.  Maybe I should have showered first?

This shot is also a good representation of why I don't like to do food photography.  I'm too impatient.  Heck, often I'll eat part of my meal over the stove while the remainder finishes cooking.  Besides, by the time you get a shot set up, lighted, touched up, and fussed over; your meal is cold.  Where's the fun in that?  But I do have a new respect for Karina, Christine, and others who can pull off a tempting food shot when they want to.

So what's on the plate?  
Organic Belgian waffles (store bought since I no longer own a waffle iron) with homemade blueberry compote.  I used maple syrup instead of sugar for the compote.

And on the fork, poor-man's pâté, aka Neese's Liver Pudding. If you're not familiar with it, and I doubt many outside Piedmont NC will be, think very fine sausage made from liver instead of whatever is actually in sausage, and without the grease.  It was coated in leftover toasted flax seed from last nights bread, then pan fried in a little coconut oil until golden brown and crispy on the outside, warm and very pâté like on the inside.
20100207-4538 Stick a fork in it.

Nothing fancy, just a parting shot showing what's left of the snow and my brunch for today. The sun is bright and any snow left in it's path should be gone by evening. The birds have abandoned the feeder, apparently to dine in the less crowded undergrowth. I couldn't even attract one to the windowsill to eat with me. Maybe I should have showered first?

This shot is also a good representation of why I don't like to do food photography. I'm too impatient. Heck, often I'll eat part of my meal over the stove while the remainder finishes cooking. Besides, by the time you get a shot set up, lighted, touched up, and fussed over; your meal is cold. Where's the fun in that? But I do have a new respect for Karina, Christine, and others who can pull off a tempting food shot when they want to.

So what's on the plate?
Organic Belgian waffles (store bought since I no longer own a waffle iron) with homemade blueberry compote. I used maple syrup instead of sugar for the compote.

And on the fork, poor-man's pâté, aka Neese's Liver Pudding. If you're not familiar with it, and I doubt many outside Piedmont NC will be, think very fine sausage made from liver instead of whatever is actually in sausage, and without the grease. It was coated in leftover toasted flax seed from last nights bread, then pan fried in a little coconut oil until golden brown and crispy on the outside, warm and very pâté like on the inside.
James Hill > 20100207-4538  Stick a fork in it.

Nothing fancy, just a parting shot showing what's left of the snow and my brunch for today.  The sun is bright and any snow left in it's path should be gone by evening.  The birds have abandoned the feeder, apparently to dine in the less crowded undergrowth.  I couldn't even attract one to the windowsill to eat with me.  Maybe I should have showered first?

This shot is also a good representation of why I don't like to do food photography.  I'm too impatient.  Heck, often I'll eat part of my meal over the stove while the remainder finishes cooking.  Besides, by the time you get a shot set up, lighted, touched up, and fussed over; your meal is cold.  Where's the fun in that?  But I do have a new respect for Karina, Christine, and others who can pull off a tempting food shot when they want to.

So what's on the plate?  
Organic Belgian waffles (store bought since I no longer own a waffle iron) with homemade blueberry compote.  I used maple syrup instead of sugar for the compote.

And on the fork, poor-man's pâté, aka Neese's Liver Pudding. If you're not familiar with it, and I doubt many outside Piedmont NC will be, think very fine sausage made from liver instead of whatever is actually in sausage, and without the grease.  It was coated in leftover toasted flax seed from last nights bread, then pan fried in a little coconut oil until golden brown and crispy on the outside, warm and very pâté like on the inside.
20100207-4538 Stick a fork in it.

Nothing fancy, just a parting shot showing what's left of the snow and my brunch for today. The sun is bright and any snow left in it's path should be gone by evening. The birds have abandoned the feeder, apparently to dine in the less crowded undergrowth. I couldn't even attract one to the windowsill to eat with me. Maybe I should have showered first?

This shot is also a good representation of why I don't like to do food photography. I'm too impatient. Heck, often I'll eat part of my meal over the stove while the remainder finishes cooking. Besides, by the time you get a shot set up, lighted, touched up, and fussed over; your meal is cold. Where's the fun in that? But I do have a new respect for Karina, Christine, and others who can pull off a tempting food shot when they want to.

So what's on the plate?
Organic Belgian waffles (store bought since I no longer own a waffle iron) with homemade blueberry compote. I used maple syrup instead of sugar for the compote.

And on the fork, poor-man's pâté, aka Neese's Liver Pudding. If you're not familiar with it, and I doubt many outside Piedmont NC will be, think very fine sausage made from liver instead of whatever is actually in sausage, and without the grease. It was coated in leftover toasted flax seed from last nights bread, then pan fried in a little coconut oil until golden brown and crispy on the outside, warm and very pâté like on the inside.
Camera: Canon (Canon Eos 10d) |
more details: exif |
original size: 2048px x 3072px |
Current: 300px x 450px |
Other sizes: S • Medium • L |
Share photo: links, forums, blogs |
Keywords: snow sunshine fork brunch blueberries waffles liver pudding neese's
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