(Day 319) Upon closer inspection ...

Today while I was doing PPP duty (pet poop patrol) I found something a little more aesthetically pleasing than the object(s) of my prime objective. I've noticed that the lenses of my eyes have been sharpened over the past year (no, I still need reading glasses) - it's something I've mentioned in previous posts - and now I see beyond the lawn and objects to be removed from it.

I found a small number of these little yellow flowers, only about 1/2" in diameter, growing in the grass. I'm still learning so I don't know if they're weeds, or desirables. Seems they keep their heads down just low enough to escape the lawnmower's blades, so I'll just leave them be too.

(60mm  f14  1/4 sec  ISO200)

(Day 318) On golden canal

We've been exploring the neighbourhood by taking Sasha for walks, especially in the evenings when it's a little cooler for her. Across the street is a canal which ends about a block west of us. I decided to walk there late this afternoon to see if there might be some 'wildlife' near it. I did spot a couple of turtles making their way leisurely across it, and a few fish jumped, but I found no alligators lurking by its banks. As the sun was setting, however, the north bank took on a golden glow, and I sat by the edge and watched it deepen. Even though this spot is in the suburbs and cars whizzed by just a few feet behind me, there was a sense of solitude. It was only broken when 3 youngsters appeared to do some fishing. And they assured me that YES, there were certainly alligators in that canal - THEY had seen one before ! Guess I'll have to come back here again in that case.

(18-55mm  f14  1/8 sec  ISO200)

Since it's Sunday I'm also posting a sunset photo as part of Scott's Sunset Sunday theme. This was taken yesterday evening from the bridge to Pine Island, which we discovered is only about a 10 minute drive away.

(10-22mm  f7.1  1/125 sec  ISO200)

(Day 317) Whooooo are you ?

If there's anything I've learned by doing a 365 photo project it is the ABC rule - Always Bring Camera (you might think that ironic coming from someone who flouts rules, but I try not to flout rules that have a basis in common sense). I tend to drag my whole camera bag along with its assortment of lenses because I'm never sure which lens would be optimal till I come across the opportunity. The times I 'score' far outweigh the times I get skunked.

And today was another day that I'm glad I followed this rule. We were walking towards a farmers' market in town to buy fresh fruit and vegetables when we saw a roped-off area on an open lot, marked by a small wooden cross. Looking closer I noticed a hole in the ground - I thought it might have been home to a gopher tortoise. But no, the little fellow below came up for a look, and he was more interested in Sasha - who took no notice - than us.

(70-200mm  f5.6  1/800 sec  ISO200)

burrowing owl

(70-200mm  f14  1/60 sec  ISO200)

(Day 316) Having phun in the sun

In keeping with Phun Phriday we decided to get in a little R & R today, with Englewood Beach as our destination. In keeping with the spirit of rest & relaxation, I didn't even have to go and chase any subjects for today's Project 365 post. In fact, as you look at today's photos, you might even say I had the best seat in the house.

(credit for this photo: my wife)

(70-200mm  f8  1/640  ISO200)

(70-200mm  f8  1/800  ISO200)

(Day 315) A different shopping experience

I'm not much of a shopper. If the world depended on people like me, the economy would remain mired in recession for years to come. I see it as a necessary evil. My typical shopping experience involves knowing what I need, (usually) making a beeline to where the item is located (or finding someone who can direct me there), paying for it, and leaving. The end. Full stop. The only variation in the routine comes when I (have to) go shopping with my wife. Then I get to drive the cart and provide helpful suggestions like "I think we have everything now".

Tonight I drove to the nearby outdoor mall, willingly, on my own (well, Sasha came along because she loves rides to anywhere). No, I didn't actually go shopping. This mall must have been built during more positive economic times - instead of just the usual asphalt jungle, the builder created a much more pleasing environment. See what you think.

(18-55mm  f5.6  1.3 sec  ISO200)