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Toughing it out

Posted by Photonstopper on January 7, 2014
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Photo: American Robin on a frigid winter's day. Photo by James Guilford.

Bracing Against the Cold

It has been a rough day or two for those of us affected by the blast of frigid air ushered in by the “polar vortex.” These are also tough times for wildlife, often determining who survives into springtime. Today someone excitedly called my attention to a flock of American Robins. A dozen or so birds had gathered near some windows; they were alternately picking fruit from neighboring Hawthorne trees and sheltering themselves from the brutal wind along the building’s wall. A thaw is coming in a couple of days. I hope the birds can tough it out ’til then.

Photo: A group of American Robins sheltering against frigid winter temperatures. Photo by James Guilford.

Sheltering American Robins

Snowy tracks on a dark day

Posted by Photonstopper on January 5, 2014
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Photo: Cross-country skier on trail to bridge. Photo by James Guilford.

Bridges to Cross

The weather has been interesting if uninviting for a currently part-time photographer like me. I’ve managed to get out now and again and have added photos to my Google+ account. I have also neglected this blog and my portfolio site(s). Bad. Today we took a brief walk at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Station Road trailhead to see what the rails, bridges, river, and canal looked like on a dark, mild, and snow-covered winter’s day. I shot a number of images of slush-covered wetland areas of interesting color; I’ll need to work on those some more. A couple of other shots, shown here, rather illustrated quiet midday moments in the park.This year I hope to put together another photography show, enter a juried show or two (if I can find them), and possibly enter a contest, though I usually avoid those. For now, however, I’ll simply try and get out and shoot more than I have and bring back some pleasing images to share one way or another. Happy new year!

Photo: Rabbit tracks along slushy edge of canal. Photo by James Guilford.

Tracks Show Path a Rabbit Took along the Canal

Sky filled with multi-colored clouds

Posted by Photonstopper on December 23, 2013
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Photo: Cirrus Clouds in the Evening Sky. Photo by James Guilford

Cirrus Clouds in the Evening Sky

The sky cleared for a while Sunday afternoon and evening, providing us a break in the recent long string of gray, wet, and chilly days. As the sun set beautiful cirrus clouds graced the western sky.

Photo: Rust-colored clouds. Photo by James Guilford.

Clouds the Color of Rust

Though the day’s grand sunset was blocked by trees from our direct view, we did receive an extraordinary and beautiful gift. High-altitude clouds, lit by near-full sun, were bright and white while scudding along under them, low clouds were stained in rusty tones by rays of sunset-tinted light.

Photo: Colorful clouds at sunset. Photo by James Guilford.

Colorful Couds at Sunset

The sight was typically short-lived as clouds dissolved into darkness and overcast again overtook us. For a shining moment, however, the sky was filled with multi-colored clouds.

2014 Photo Calendar Published

Posted by Photonstopper on December 18, 2013
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Photo: Calendar Cover

Cover Page of My 2014 Calendar

Whew! I’ve managed to put together the 2014 edition of my photographic calendar. It was quite a struggle working with the foibles and requirements of the publishing site but, at least, it should be easy for any buyer to purchase copies. I selected some of my favorite images from 2013 for use in the calendar. Selection wasn’t very difficult and it was fun looking back over the past year’s shoots. I know I left out a bunch of pictures I loved but only had space for a “baker’s dozen” in the calendar. Next project: the annual bicycle events calendar and after that, perhaps a photo exhibition for mid-2014. To view or purchase my 2014 calendar, click here!

Now arriving: The Polar Express

Posted by Photonstopper on December 15, 2013
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Photo: Excursion train arriving in Peninsula, Ohio. Photo by James Guilford.

Now Boarding: The Polar Express

On a jaunt through the countryside, we stopped by Peninsula, Ohio known these days at The North Pole. Peninsula is the center of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s annual Polar Express excursion rides. Children from all around, many wearing pajamas, ride the train through the snowy countryside entertained both on the train and at trackside by costumed staff. Buildings and objects near the line are decorated and renamed, recalling scenes from Chris Van Allsburg’s wonderful book. At the “North Pole” train station, the tracks are lined by wreath-decorated antique-style streetlights. The whole scene is pretty even by day, and said to be enchanting by night. While steam enthusiasts may be disappointed that a 2-8-4 (Berkshire) locomotive isn’t heading up the train, it’s a wonderful time nonetheless.

Photo: Lone rail car sits, collecting snow, on a siding. Photo by James Guilford.

Sidetracked

Winter’s shadow runs ahead

Posted by Photonstopper on December 15, 2013
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Ice/Flow

Ice/Flow

The place where land and water meet is transformed at this time of year. The waters of Lake Erie are rolling free and fluidly but at the shoreline, things change. Objects on shore, some already coated with snow, are wet with spray become anchors for ice. Snow-heavy clouds hang low, block the sun, and turn the world monochrome. Winter is yet to come though its shadow runs ahead.

Last color

Posted by Photonstopper on November 15, 2013
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Photo: Muted fall colors reflected in the still waters of a lagoon. Photo by James Guilford.

Last Color

Autumn is in full-force. Mornings may be frosty and the light softened by cloud. Colors have faded from the brilliance of a couple of weeks ago to, now, browns and deep orange — where leaves are to be seen. Many, maybe most trees have dropped their leaves now drained of chlorophyll and useless to them. This morning was crisp, clear, and dim; beautiful in its own way.

Deer at Breakfast

Posted by Photonstopper on November 5, 2013
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Photo: Group of Whitetail Deer grazing near a driveway. Photo by James Guilford.

Deer at Breakfast

This morning, venturing outdoors, I encountered a small herd of Whitetail Deer enjoying breakfast at the end of our neighbors’ drive. They were a bit wary of my presence but I was able to get my camera, shoot several photos of them, and move much closer to the group than I would have expected. Many consider them pests coming, as they do, into lawns and gardens to graze. I consider the deer beautiful and feel a bit sorry for their plight — they come into unsafe areas seeking food because we humans continue to remove their woodlands to build houses, shopping centers, and parking lots. So, my dear deer, enjoy your breakfast and have a safe day!

Fixed the Toshiba display, at last!

Posted by Photonstopper on November 4, 2013
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20131105-105115.jpg

UPDATE 11/15/2013: After about a week of blank screen-delayed logons, the Toshiba is now working right. I’m not sure precisely what has happened — whether it was a change in the system’s Power Plan, or recent Windows Updates from Microsoft — but I do see a couple of changes. First, when I open the laptop’s lid after shutdown, the computer does not immediately start; I must press the power button to start it. As I said, this is following a complete shutdown, not sleep or hibernation. Second, once the power button is pressed the machine starts up, runs its POST, and boots windows all in less than one minute flat! No more booting to a blank screen and waiting 20 to 45 minutes for the computer to awaken from its darkness. Between Windows 8/8.1’s inherent boot speed and (especially) the solid-state drive (SSD) I installed, it’s nice to have the laptop working to something far better than its factory-installed Windows Vista experience! I don’t know what finally resolved the blank screen issue but I’m glad things are better now.

UPDATE 11/5/2013: The notebook booted up this morning with blank display! Toshiba’s splash screen came up, followed by the Windows 8 “Window”, then nothing but a mouse pointer when the mouse is moved! Something’s afoot and I’m checking into it. Frustratingly, Windows 8/8.1 apparently cannot be started in Safe Mode with a key combination (like F8 or Shift) unless Windows starts and presents its GUI — not much help if it’s the video driver that may be at issue!

A little later… I let the computer sit for a long time while I did other things, the screen still black with only the mouse pointer showing. I got something out of a desk drawer, closed the drawer a little hard (accident, not frustration) and {poof} back came the pretty Windows 8.1 lock screen (shown above)! Just … plain … weird! I did learn something not very comforting about Windows 8 and Safe Mode, however, so I guess it’s all good; that is, after all, why I installed Win8 on this old Toshiba.

Wednesday … The screen was black again today when starting the computer. I had a thought, however, and with the computer shut down, I unplugged the AC adapter and pressed the notebook’s On/Off switch. The computer started right up and presented the normal Windows startup screen. I logged on without incident, plugged the AC back in, and am using the machine right now! Very odd, indeed.

Ever since I upgraded my good old Toshiba Satellite A215 to Windows 8, one thing has really bothered me (besides Windows 8) … the notebook’s display was downgraded. The video had lost resolution of detail, was “stretched” so that on-screen images were slightly flattened, and there were no better screen settings to select. Windows had identified the monitor as Generic PnP and installed its “Basic” video driver. So today, as part of my learning Windows 8 (now 8.1) technical operations, I made fixing the display my goal. I did a lot of Googling and a few abortive attempts at new driver installation. Finally, I came across this article on WindowsForum.com (thank you “Medico”), followed the link as indicated, and downloaded the driver. Hallelujah! The moment installation completed, the video was as good as I remembered, which was very good, indeed! I actually like looking at the Toshiba’s display again as I explore the new Windows. By the way, my old Satellite’s display is not touch-sensitive so I’m getting the painful Windows 8 desktop user experience. — 11/4/2013

A fine day to be stuck indoors

Posted by Photonstopper on November 3, 2013
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Photo: Colorful tree lit by a spot of sunlight. Photo by James Guilford.

A Fine Day to be Stuck Indoors

I thought fall foliage color hit peak a week or so ago but this is an extended season. Even after recent winds and rains there are plenty of colorful leaf-covered trees catching today’s sunshine. It figures, I’m stuck indoors today. I did, however, sneak out long enough to shoot a couple of photos.

Photo: Brilliant autumn leaves. Photo by James Guilford.

Closer-In Leaves Aflame with Color