First off, I was early to rise yesterday. Through bleary eyes, I noticed a rather impressive sky and moon from the bedroom window as I stumbled out of bed. I grabbed the phone from the charger on the bedside table, et voila.
The phone automatically switched to night mode, which means that it wanted to take a long exposure and brighten the scene. I didn't want that, so I compensated by under-exposing by two stops of light. Although it was a long exposure, as long as I kept my hand relatively steady, it seemed to work out well enough. I am still figuring phone photography out, though.
After taking the second photo, above, I came into the den to make my early morning coffee and took another photo looking toward the den window and the light beyond. Actually, I took two photos: one in night mode and one not. The night mode version was too light but the regular photo was too dark. So, I blended them into one image in Photoshop. (I don’t post these because they are exemplary images, particularly the next one, but as part of my experimenting and learning with the phone.)
That was early morning — very early morning. Close to noon. we drove into town for an early Thanksgiving feast. Probably my American friends recall that that our TG comes early compared to yours. (Actually, ours comes at the right time and yours comes late.) But we were early for our already-early Thanksgiving which will fall on this coming Monday.
We no longer hold a traditional, turkey and stuffing TG dinner for the family. It's a lot of bother for just the five of us. especially considering the two grands don't particuarly care for it. So Sue and I now usually drive into the city for the Swiss Chalet Thanksgiving Feast. We repeat the procedure for the Festive Special in December
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| We paid less than the $18.29 each on a Tuesday two-fer deal. |
It is not like mother, and then wifey, used to make it, but it is good enough, even though it is chicken and not turkey.
We shall do something or other with the fam on the weekend, but it will not be traditional, by any means.
It is a lot of work to prepare that sort of meal so good on you for making the decision.
ReplyDeleteI remembered that Thanksgiving is early in Canada, or actually at just the right timel.
ReplyDeleteI have never cooked a turkey which is fine with me since I dislike most poultry [we ate it about 5 times a week as kids].
ReplyDeleteI have never done a traditional Thanksgiving dinner either. I generally make lasagna. This will be a year of new firsts for me.
PS...cool shots!
DeleteGreat catch in first photo...where it looks like two moons somehow! I've been craving turkey dinner (must have a Canadian gene somewhere) and there's a restaurant here which makes a really good serving...but I haven't put time and energy together yet to go get it. Soon.
ReplyDeleteI guess the window glass picked up a reflection. I was shooting at quite an angle.
DeleteI like your night-time shots, particularly the one out of the window.
ReplyDeleteFood traditions are dying out for us. I used to cook masses at Christmas when all the family came. Now they've all got their own families and traditions and that's as it should be.
Happy Thanksgiving!
I'm in absolute agreement on this topic AC. Our Thanksgiving is way too late!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you are enjoying the phone photography, and the night shot worked well after you tricked the exposure. Enjoy the Thanksgiving feast and the no work and 2 for 1 deal would work for us as well. Of course, we won’t be cooking the November feast either as a PA family member is hosting.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of celebrating as it suits you and your family. For years my son and I have done a simplified tday and Christmas, also birthdays, and it's so much more enjoyable for the cook.
ReplyDeleteThanksgiving already? Time flies.
ReplyDeleteHappy Early Thanksgiving. You guys have it right -- an October Thanksgiving. It fits better with harvest. Not a lot left to harvest in late November. Love the window photo. A lot!
ReplyDeleteMy Mum always loved the Swiss Chalet feasts. This brought back memories.
ReplyDeleteIt would be impossible to make for $18 a plate, another plus. And no dishes!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about the timing. Our Thanksgiving is way too close to Xmas. It stresses me out! I love turkey but don't want to cook on Thanksgiving so I'm hoping that my sister-in-law volunteers.
ReplyDeleteSwiss Chalet's Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings is scrumptious. It is sad that they pulled 😢 their restaurants out of Quebec years ago.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea, but I guess you have St Hubert,
DeleteSt. Hubert is nothing compared to Swiss Chalet. However, we have the best...Chalet Barbq, which began during WWII in 1944! They don't have a Thanksgiving dinner like Swiss Chalet, but their chicken is the best in Montreal, and this restaurant has won many awards! They are always voted #1 for rotisserie chicken! :)
DeleteI love how families adapt traditions to suite their members. Whatever you end up doing it will be wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWow! That photo is simply brilliant. $18.00! You can't get that here for sure.
ReplyDeleteThat's a pretty good price. I loved the pictures.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love these dark sky photos. Also, thanksgiving needs a rebrand, imo, so I say, go for it.
ReplyDeleteI need to learn more about phone photography too. I have been using my phone exclusively for several years for picture taking but I haven't tried anything to improve the photos. My old phone had a lot of settings I could use, like fireworks, beach, etc, but this one doesn't seem to offer anything like that.
ReplyDeleteA blend of quiet experimentation, gentle humor, and the comforting rhythm of family life
ReplyDeleteI forget when Thanksgiving is in Canada…. I know it is in October….. but it sounds like it is this week from your post perhaps? I was thinking the last week of October was more likely. I guess I should look it up. But, also wondered if it on a particular day of the week like the US version is always Thursday.
ReplyDeletePipeTobacco
Always Monday, around the second weekend I think.
DeleteWe usually celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving (or as you call it, ‘Thanksgiving’) because my husband was born there. It’s often pretty warm here for that, having the oven on and so on. But I like it not being so close to Christmas, like US Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving, and your phone shots are great!
ReplyDeleteThat's a fine moon shot! I've been frustrated by clouds.
ReplyDeleteI admire your efforts to do early morning photography.
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ReplyDeleteAs usual your photos are absolutely captivating (spellbinding), truly BEAUTIFUL! Thank you for sharing with us. Happy early Thanksgiving to you and the family. Sounds like a lot of fun.
Wishing you well, my friend! Have a wonderful "rest-of-the-week" and coming weekend!
The moon has been gorgeous for the last three nights.
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