Buds

- The Knockout Roses I planted in the Fall of '09 are really doing well this Spring. I was a little worried in January and February as the harsh cold seemed to be doing them in. But they bounced back great with more blooms than ever. Canon 40D, 1/320 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 400, 100mm macro late afternoon shade helped out a bit by the LED Litepanel.

Shadow Puppet

My four-year old grandson Robert was busy making shadow puppets as the morning sun was streaming in through the kitchen. I only got off two shots with camera and this one is a keeper. Canon G11, 1/1250 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200 converted to black and white in Silver Efex Pro.

Espresso Brown

- Why is that colors these days have a first and last name? When was the last time you saw a can paint or fabric color just called brown? So yesterday I was took a picture getting ready to make an espresso, tonight it is the finished cup. This is espresso brown or Mr. Brown to those who are more formal. Canon 40D, 1/60 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 800, 100mm macro lens, LED litepanel.

Espresso?

- Can I interest you in an espresso? Well is not a "real" espresso but its pretty darn close for a home version. Made myself an espresso with my Nespresso machine tonight to enjoy with a little strawberry sorbet. Very nice. This picture was taken just before pushing the button to begin the magic. Canon 40D, 1/10 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 800, 100mm macro.

The State Flower

- The Dogwood is the official state flower and tree of the Commonwealth of Virginia. So why is Virginia officially called a Commonwealth rather than a state? Fiction author Clive Cussler once lamented it was because "Virginia considers itself too good to be just a state". Virginia has used the old traditional English term since before the founding of the United States. There are three other U.S. states that refer to themselves as a Commonwealth - Kentucky, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. The term implies a political community founded for the common good. As I watch Virgina's strange politics, I often wonder what has happened to the "common good". Canon 7D, 1/100 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 400, 100mm macro lens, LED Litepanel.

Rear-view Mirror

- Well technically its a side-view mirror. Looking back on the rush hour traffic waiting behind me to make a left turn from Park Avenue onto Brambelton Avenue to get on I-264 East in Norfolk Virginia. Notice the two cars in the blind-spot mirror can't be seen in the standard mirror - that's why they call it a blind spot. That little mirror has saved me more than once. Canon G11, 1/250 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200.

Lavender

- Lavender is the color of femininity and my bride of 36 years loves tulips. So it was lavender tulips with some baby's breath, pink roses and stargazer lilies for today's anniversary flowers. Canon 40D, 1/60 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 800, 100mm macro, Litepanel LED.