Friday, May 08, 2026

Very Recent Shots

The world turned green almost overnight although some trees still lag behind. Some people have their lawn chairs out, including this poor family that is forced to live by the river. I mean you've got to feel a bit sorry for them. 


Sue continues to try to get the seasonal photo as she envisages it, but there is a section of trees farther along the left bank that refuses to green up. I expect her to try a few more times and on brighter days. It is odd how the upriver photos ↑ always look brighter than the downriver ↓ shots.


I went out for coffee with the boys. Nick shot me. He caught me smiling. It drives Sue crazy when I can't smile for the camera, but this was spontaneous.


A guy sat down the table from us. You can see why I asked to take his picture. His name is Terry; I sent him a copy. Of note is the reality that I couldn't have done this with a real camera. I picked up the phone and twiddled one dial. The effect was right in the phone, not later when I edited. I did crop in post and removed the glare from his glasses, but those were just the touchups to the basic photo that came form the phone.


Meanwhile, we have tulip colour. These coral-coloured tulips are among those that Jonathan planted for us last fall. They are the early and low variety. I'd rather the later and taller tulips, but there is something to be said for early colour too. I think there are six plants scattered about our little front garden.


Poor plants though. We had a frost advisory last night. Whether it eventuated or not, it would have been a close call. I am sure the hardy daffs would have survived, but I don't know if the tulips would have made it. I don’t see as much colour when I look down there early this morning, but perhaps the tulips just gathered themselves overnight. 


24 comments:

  1. That opening photo is terrific -- I love those yellow chairs. And your hat -- that's a GREAT hat! Lovely pix all! (I left my plants out last night and haven't checked on them. Hope they are ok!)

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    1. I think we missed frost by a few degrees.

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  2. We had a freeze last night! Yikes, I still see frost on the grasses and the temp is at 30 F or -1 C.
    I covered the plants I was afraid would get killed!
    The upriver scene must have a much different light angle to produce such beautiful reflections with quieter water?

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    1. Wise move. We don’t purchase our annuals for another week or two.

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  3. Oh I'm so glad to see more of the willow and those yellow chairs. Yes, photography gives us the angles of light that change so much...color and details. When my dad would move people so the light was in their faces, they never liked it, but otherwise he'd end up with bright backgrounds and dark faces. Somehow side-lighting isn't as much photographed...wonder why. Your portrait is the best I've seen of you, and well done with backlighting and reflected light on your face! Terry is definitely proud of his stash! Hope the tulips survived the low temps!

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    1. Sue tells me that I have a great smile, but I have difficulty faking it.

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  4. You do have a great smile! It is rough to have a home on a river, I agree. That is a lovely photo.

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  5. I wonder how much maintenance that moustache takes?
    Lovely photo of you, by the way.

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  6. I love that 1st shot.
    A great pic of you.

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  7. Tulips like the cold but close up in that weather--then open up to the sun. Nice smile! I don't know what I think of that moustache. John better not get any ideas!

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  8. The first photo looks like a beautiful painting. That's one heck of a mustache!

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  9. That is a GREAT picture of you! Now that I know you can smile I'll be looking for that in every selfie.

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  10. All the pictures are so nice but that first picture is something I would print out, frame and have on my wall. That is so pretty. You look great.

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  11. You look like a changed man when you smile with your eyes too. I like it! I think it should be

    That mustache? I will admit to something: a hair in my mouth triggers gagging. I could not kiss a man with a mustache like that, no matter how fine he looked. (I envision men everywhere throwing their razors away.)

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  12. Not sure why the first sentence cut off. I think that picture would make a dandy profile picture.

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  13. Candid photos are the best, I can't ever manage to look natural otherwise. I love your first photo, just stunning!

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  14. Tulips are hardy plants too. They survive here but we may have different varieties.

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  15. Oh, that red house by the river! And the yellow-green tree! What a fine shot! And what a mustache!

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  16. What a beautiful willow tree.

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  17. Great pictures, all! That mustache is amazing, I’m glad he was OK with you taking a picture.

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  18. I had to read the comments to see how many women reacted with "Eeeew!" to the big mustache. I'm saying nothing, because, you know, each to her own, and if you can't say anything nice ... lol. -Kate

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  19. So much green! We're still getting there...slowly. Your smile makes me smile; it also says much about you and your company.

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  20. Wow! Terry must put a lot of effort into that, kudos to him.

    I love the variety of flowers that you have.

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