Close up with a flock of flowers

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I like to make photos of flowers close up, primarily because there is so much more detail than one might see in passing. I’m happy to say that all of these images were made with my iPhone 7 Plus, using a really nice App (Camera +) that has an easily accessible macro mode, as well as an image stabilizer to help get sharper photos. It’s all pretty amazing actually, given how much I have invested in professional grade photo gear. And which I’m a bit sad to admit isn’t used that much any more. I could sell it all, but I’m not ready to do that. Anyway, have a look. (Check out the small Bumble Bee and Japanese Beetle that made each image a bit more special.)

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Rustic Log Cabin

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I found this really neat log cabin in Danbury, NC recently and it was very nice being able to walk around it, making photos from various angles. Whenever I find such structures, my mind begins to ask questions. Such as: when was the last time anyone lived here, who were they, what did they do to make a living, and is there buried treasure nearby (just kidding). I love American history like this. Enjoy seeing what I saw.

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Father’s Day Beauty

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I have a love for photography, and all that involves. Amateur variety of course, but that matters not. Coinciding with the Father’s Day period now underway, was an opportunity for me to spend time with two of our grandsons, one of whom made this really nice photo, which I asked him to share with me, it being so nicely done. Thanks, Brandon!

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So, I couldn’t resist early one morning after a night’s rain in the Western North Carolina mountains where our daughter lives, to make a few close up images of my own to add to the flowery beauty so well captured by Brandon. Isn’t life great?

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Summer Green

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It’s sure “green” in SW Virginia where we live, and I love it. For a time we lived in coastal North Carolina, on a barrier island, and often missed the lush green vegetation further inland, given the beach sandy soil, dunes and associated vegetation; some green most not. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, beach living has it’s own unique beauty. But here and now, I’m liking the color green. Lots of it.

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Danbury, NC — Small but Historic

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Danbury, NC was not a location of American Civil War battles but it was, toward the end of the conflict, part of Union forces forays through the state, destroying Confederate facilities that had some relation to sustaining the war. The iron works near the town were one such target, as were rail lines. Today, Danbury is home to some historic and beautiful buildings such as the old Stokes County Courthouse (above-below) and the adjacent Moodys Tavern (third image) which was headquarters for Union Army forces in the area. Part of the old building is now home to a few of the approximate 200 residents of the town, and it still has the “look” of what it once was. The next photo I liked very much, because I was not expecting to find such a building there. It’s a nicely designed small building used by the town’s present day government, and it fits in very well with surrounding facilities. Last, is a small church I found a bit of a walk away from the courthouse. I liked the wooden cross at ground level by the freshly painted white picket fence. Danbury isn’t a place most folks would travel “to”, but mostly “trough.” I’m glad I stopped.

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U.S. Coast Guard in Kodiak Alaska

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Our grandson is assigned to the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Douglas Munro named for the only Coast Guardsman to be presented with the Medal of Honor. The ship itself is impressive, but when seen as a part of Kodiak Alaska, it becomes even more interesting. When given time off from ship’s duties, our grandson is doing a bit of exploring on the rugged, remote island. I’ve been to Kodiak so I can attest to its beauty. But I’m enjoying posting some of our grandson’s photographic work here. He gets all the well deserved credit.

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One Magnolia Tree

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There is a very large Magnolia Tree across the street from our home. Every year at this time the sweet fragrance of its large-petal blossoms add much to my day. But, alas, it’s gone far too soon. Within a day or two the petals fade from ivory white to faded brown and then fall off. But, it I catch them just right as I did recently, I’m rewarded. Magnolia trees are an iconic part of living in southern regions of the United States. I’m glad I’m there to enjoy the beauty.

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Brighten a Day

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May time flowers and bushes make for a special time in SW Virginia. For me and my camera. And for you reading this. The lens of my iPhone 7 Plus captured each of these photos, and the more I use it, the “sadder” my other single-purpose cameras become. Technological progress. Or, if one is a “purist”, maybe not so much.

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One Boot Camp Graduation

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P1050436I recently attended the graduation of one U.S. Coast Guard Boot Camp class, in which our grandson was a part. Being retired military myself, I had looked forward to this day for months, even back to a time when he was working hard to get himself physically prepared at home in North Carolina, for the rigors of the training. Which, I learned, was a lot tougher than he expected. But all that was put behind the proud young men and women standing at attention before me and others, seated nearby.

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Leaders made introductions and speeches, and afterwards it was time to present the coveted Certificates of Graduation to the 80-plus “Coasties” standing in formation.

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And then it was over and family members like me moved quickly to shake hands, hug and generally say we too felt pride in the accomplishments made by these fine men and women. Within a few days each of the graduates would be off to their first assignment “in the fleet.”  But first, a handshake and hug.

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Graveyard or Cemetery

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I’ve been fortunate to have lived and traveled throughout Europe, and it was during one visit to England when I learned there is a difference between a “graveyard” and “cemetery.” It’s all related to a church. This United Methodist Church in southern New Jersey in the United States, illustrates my point. In the 17th Century, burial places located on church property in Europe were called graveyards, but as the population grew significantly in the 18th Century, church yard space was filled and thus burial locations were located some distance away and … cemeteries were created. I’m happy that the United States has so many close historical ties to Europe, especially Great Britain.