The fifth day of the seventh month of the year of the OP

THE FLIGHT OF A HUMMER

I always said that I would rather be lucky than good! Whilst making frames in my workshop, I noticed this humming bird feeding on the lantana. Like most wild game and birds, this one was intent of feeding and I was able to move up close enough to make this image.

The trick is having the patience to get close enough without spooking the bird. Just fun shots that I cropped pretty tightly. The images were made in Cayce, SC in 2006 in the early afternoon.

I do make my own frames from exotic and fine woods. Flat and broad frames which show considerable grain that compliment the image and matt that I am going to choose. I use mostly fine walnuts and oak, while refinishing antique frames consistent with the images I use. Expensive of course, but signed and dated for the discriminating collector of fine goods.

KABOOM

THE FOURTH DAY OF THE SEVENTH MONTH OF THE YEAR OF THE OP HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY

INDEPENDENCE DAY

"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

The third day of the seventh month of the year of the OP

A heartfelt and happy fourth of July to you all.

Please remember our brave men and women who have and are serving and also the real meaning of the 4th.

It ain't hot dogs and hamburgers folks.

The image is of the flag, of course, overlaid on the place that Francis Scott Key wrote the Star Spangled Banner.

Yep, Fort McHenry in Baltimore's Inner Harbor.

http://www.francisscottkey.org/

Also please check out my Twitter sight to become either uproariously happy or depressingly angry....happy Fourth!

https://twitter.com/Skipwillits

The second day of the seventh month of the year of the OP

THOMAS POINT SHOAL LIGHTHOUSE
Chesapeake Bay
Off Shore Annapolis, Maryland


The only screw pile lighthouse left in Chesapeake Bay waters is the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse, built on November 20, 1875. This was also the last manned lighthouse on the bay, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The light is located off the mouth of the South River at Annapolis. The original light at this location was built on a seven-acre parcel of land on Thomas Point. The land was sold to the government for $530 in 1824, and the following year the first light was built by John Donohoo on that point of land. This was the first lighthouse constructed by Donohoo, who went on to build several more around the bay including Concord Point at Havre De Grace. This first light was doomed because of Donohoo’s relative inexperience and by 1838, it had to be rebuilt. The total cost of the original light surpassed $5,600.

In 1882 it became apparent to the Lighthouse Board that the light, in its original location, was of little use because it was so removed from the expanding shoal. A new and less expensive screw pile light was constructed and remains today. The land on the point where the original house was built was sold to private interests for $426, one hundred dollars less than the original purchase price.

This light is off shore at Annapolis, MD, and can only be reached by boat. One of the last octagonal, screw pile, lights still in the water on the East Coast. Marinas on the South and Severn Rivers would be able to provide a lead to those who would be willing to ferry passengers out to take a look.


http://www.cheslights.org/heritage/thomaspt.htm

The first day of the seventh month of the year of the OP

This image is one I could not resist. In focus, but way not enough depth of field. This morning with great light and good color, this spider had made a wonderful web in the rose bushes. Should have closed the lens way down to get a slow shutter and tiny aperture for good depth, but was in too much of a hurry to get to the River Walk.

Walked on the River Walk today for about two miles for the first time in six months. Felt good to be back, well not totally but at least am at it again. Nothing of note to photograph but the usual hard core early morning walkers, joggers, runners, and cyclists. Had to stop to talk a few times to explain why I have been missing in combat for a while, but that was good too.

A few will note that my extremely insightful commentary on current events has been missing from this blog and for good reason. I know you have been undergoing withdrawal from my razor sharp wit, but this is not the place for it. My thoughts now can be found on my Twitter sight where, for entertainment value alone, you should visit.

https://twitter.com/Skipwillits

For reasons that may take a couple of years to explain, I will from time to time be doing more than one entry to this blog per day. Not only for your reading pleasure (hopefully) but also as a personal record for my own long term purposes. As usual comments are welcomed and in fact encouraged. If you like this stuff say so, and if not keep it to yourself. Kidding! Want to hear the criticism too, but remember I get to talk back.