Spring and Other Diversions
May 22, 2022
While spring has been progressing around my neighborhood, I continue to find joy in things much more mundane. We’ll start with images of spring.
1 When I arrived at the Buttonbush Vernal Pool two painted turtles were on the mound. By the time I left, seven minutes and 31 exposures later, 10 had climbed up for the orgy.
2 Leaving the turtles to their own activities I turned to find this Marsh Marigold in the pool.
3 I don’t know when I have enjoyed dandelions more than this year. David asked me why. I think it has to do with getting older. I had one of those birthdays that end in a zero last month. Many things I took for granted (or worse) now seem to present me with their beauty.
4 This crabapple tree is steps away from my front door.
5 The rest of these photographs were taken in or near our groundskeeping area. These leaves were resting in some water in a plastic barrel.
6 Ah, a new dumpster in the area gave me some pleasure.
7 Friends Ruth and Mary turned this dumpster image on its side and found a waterscape.
8 I usually go out of my way to avoid photographing things that hide faces or creatures of any sort. But this section of the dumpster and those in the next two images were too hard to resist.
9 Not everyone sees that same things.
10 For example, my friend Kathy saw a foot reaching out for a step on a ladder that might not hold. I saw a squirrel leaping for a tree.
11 But enough foolishness. Here is a pure shape with lovely coloring.
12 Detail of #11
13 A large tank—maybe a big water heater—had interesting markings.
14 The fencing had rearranged itself since the last time I photographed it.
15 Sunlight dappled some of it.
16 Metal hoses presented a study in tones.
Romancing Reality 
Welcome to 40! I’m still 39 but looking forward to 40. Another excellent selection, Linda. I love the fencing shots.
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May 22, 2022 at 10:17 PM
Thanks, Ken. I love that fencing and hope it continues to move around. Ah, but about 40: Let me know, when you get there, if I should look forward to it, too.
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May 25, 2022 at 9:46 PM
Colorful spots on turtles in #1, colorful spots on a dumpster in #6—to which you added dimensionality in #8. I like the complex lines and curves in #14–16.
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May 22, 2022 at 10:52 PM
Thank you, Steve. The colorful dots on the turtles identify them as painted turtles (Chrysemys picta). I’m not sure what the colorful dots on the dumpster in #6 identify.
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May 25, 2022 at 9:46 PM
I think they identify your interest in photographing them.
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May 25, 2022 at 10:32 PM
These are beautiful and thoughtful reminders that life keeps going on, outside, in nature, while we’re thinking of something else. Thank you, Linda. They’re wonderful.
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May 23, 2022 at 5:49 AM
Thank you, Sandy. Yes, nature does keep going on, in good ways and bad ones. I like celebrating the good ways.
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May 25, 2022 at 9:47 PM
Fine set, again, says the fan.. 🙂
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May 24, 2022 at 2:48 AM
Aw, Harrie. Thanks. 🙂
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May 25, 2022 at 9:47 PM
Don’t get this wrong: the dumpster surfaces and cracked paint and rust, I get that. They’re attractive to photographers. Rust, decay, texture, color… it’s inevitable. But 14, 15, 16? Just amazing. You have a way with these subjects and these photos are unique. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone else photograph those the way you do.
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May 25, 2022 at 1:02 AM
I appreciate your pointing out the stronger photographs, Alex. I do love photographing those kinds of things. It’s hard to imagine that my photos are unique, but I’ll gladly accept the compliment. Thank you.
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May 25, 2022 at 9:48 PM
A belated comment…it’s nice to see turtles, the Marsh marigolds, the crabapple…and the leaves in the bucket, I like that…but best of all are #14 and #16. Just fantastic!
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June 7, 2022 at 3:26 PM
Thanks, Lynn. I must admit that my favorites of this bunch are #s 14 and 16, too. I had to fuss around a lot with the cropping of #16, but was satisfied in the end. I’m sure you’ll see the rolls of fencing in #14 again. They seem to be a rather permanent feature in the yard.
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June 7, 2022 at 4:43 PM