Rotarians, Jesus and Talking Plants

The Rotarians Freak Out over a Missing Birthday Cake

2011-06-07T14:45:00.000-07:00

Since Rotarians are creatures of habit, small problems can become major issues. Such was the case with a recent absent birthday cake.

Tary Tarlton Brings the Club Members a Gift

2011-04-26T18:06:00.000-07:00

Tary Tarlton (whose name is the last four letters of Rotary) brought our aging members a great gift--a "reacher" which allows one to pick things off the floor without bending down. Allison Fulton wondered if it would pick up a small puppy (it will) and Mark Havira, of Sperry Rail, wondered if it would pick up a segment of a railroad rail (it will not, so don't drop one on the floor and expect to use the grabber to pick it up). A nice gift; it was put to immediate use collecting sad/happy dollars by various enthusiastic club members.

The Skunk Cabbage Shoots are Talking

2011-04-26T17:16:00.000-07:00

Every Spring the skunk cabbage makes its appearance, and prior to blooming into large, leafy plants, the shoots have something to say.

The Broken Rotary Bell

2011-04-26T16:58:00.000-07:00

We begin our Rotary meetings with a strike of the bell, and end them the same way. Last week our Danbury Rotary president, Paul Palanzo, informed the club the bell had been broken. This produced a rush to judgment, but the crisis was solved by our attorney, Larry Andrea, who concluded that the bell had a factory defect, it was out of warrenty, the club would have to replace it, and the case was closed.

Charlie can get Creepy

2010-08-15T12:55:00.000-07:00

Creeping Charlie is the bane of many gardeners. Its blossoms are tiny, but profligate. Still, we find Charlie has his entertaining side. He likes to scare small creatures and apparently gets a real kick out of it.

Birds also Enjoy a Good Parade

2010-08-15T12:49:00.001-07:00

We've all tried to find a nice "perch" to view a parade. Birds have a unique advantage. They can fly up to their viewing platform.

Rotarian Rich Godfrey Questions Validity of Dollar Bill

2010-08-15T12:33:00.000-07:00

Rotarians are very trusting, but cautious, too. Here we see a Rotarian carefully examining a bill handed to him, as part of his change, for a five. Perhaps it was the source (a fellow Rotarian who does not attend on a regular basis).

Bugs Deserve as much Respect as Other Creatures

2010-08-15T12:25:00.000-07:00

The hummingbird bug has his/her feelings hurt when someone says, "Oh, look. There's a hummingbird! On no. It's just a bug." That's just not nice.

Beware of Henry, the Dog (Not Really)

2010-08-15T12:13:00.000-07:00

His bark is worse than his bite--'cause he only barks. He doesn't bite, but he is still a formidable creature to those who want to drop something off at the house. He loves scaring the devil out of folks.

Competion in the World of Nature

2010-08-15T12:05:00.000-07:00

Butterflies are really into themselves. Take a look.

God is,Indeed, in the Heavens

2010-08-15T11:48:00.000-07:00

God is in the clouds. Here's proof.

Another Image Of Jesus

2010-08-15T11:42:00.000-07:00

These images are everywhere (honest).

Holding a Dear, being Watched by a Deer

2010-07-12T18:58:00.000-07:00

You never know who is looking over your shoulder.

The Sun is Bright for Bees, Too

2010-07-12T18:54:00.000-07:00

So you didn't think bees wore sunglasses? Look again.

Deer are Smarter than you Think

2010-07-12T18:41:00.000-07:00

The deer have figured out the electric fence. So have several squirrels, who will sit right over the boundry and taunt both barking dogs.

Nativity Scene in the Hollow of a Tree

2009-12-22T11:02:00.000-08:00

I was shooting some snow scenes following our last snow, and came across this rather remarkable, but short lived image.

God Created Christmas Tree Ornament

2009-12-22T10:45:00.000-08:00

Most of the time, a snowfall blankets a tree with the fluffy stuff. However, there are times Mother Nature gives us a small Christmas gift for the tree.

The Crisis of the Wet Shoe

2009-10-27T18:07:00.000-07:00

Rotarian Michael Searing accidently spilled his coke, which dripped onto the very expensive loafer of Ray Kish. A crisis was averted when the shoe dried due to all of the hot air being generated in the room.

Mushroom Image of Jesus flanked by Captors

2009-09-24T18:51:00.000-07:00

This is part of a Kaleidoscope image of a large mushroom growing on the tree, next to our mailbox, in Redding, Connecticut.

Autumn Leaves Fairy Tale

2009-09-19T09:37:00.000-07:00

I was fooling around with Paint Shop Pro, and popped this up with the kaleidoscope tool. I was impressed. Notice the fairy-type creatures around the leaf-burst. They are best seen by enlarging the image. Who said you can't improve on mother nature?

Butterfly and the Bee

2009-09-16T16:44:00.000-07:00

There is plenty of nectar on a butterfly bush, and these two critters agree to share it.

Bad Food at the Rotary Luncheon or What?

2009-09-14T19:48:00.001-07:00

It sure looks like the meal was less than tasty--but it was actually a group of Rotarians responding to a speaker who was teaching a series of relaxation exercises. They sure don't look relaxed, but that comes after the tensing up stuff.

Rainbow Anointing a Hat

2009-08-13T19:09:00.000-07:00

While vacationing on the Oregon coast, a rainbow appeared out of the blue. I positioned it over the head of my cousin, Leslie Fairbanks, to pay homage to his hat. He has shown us all the label, and it is The Best Damn Hat. So here's to Les's hat, and may it find its place at the end of the rainbow, again, soon.

Greek Mythology among the Clouds

2009-08-09T16:11:00.000-07:00

In the first frame, we see a dragon blowing puffs of smoke. In the second frame, we see Theseus, the son of Aegeas, killing the Minotaur, after challenging a lion first. Images seen on a trip from Connecticut to Portland, OR.

Morning Riser

2009-05-11T08:37:00.001-07:00

Eagle in Wood

2009-05-05T07:04:00.000-07:00

The end of cut logs often reveal a surprise. This is one of them.

Togetherness is Part of Rotary

2009-04-23T18:50:00.000-07:00

Rotarians believe in fellowship. This can, and does extend to snacking.

Dogs Like Windows--and Sunroofs

2009-04-23T18:45:00.001-07:00

Madonna and Child in Wood

2009-04-21T11:12:00.000-07:00

My grandson has been trimming the trees. Here is an interesting image taken after one of the cuttings.

Fall Foliage Flicker

2009-04-07T19:50:00.000-07:00

Leaves can mimick birds. Here is a maple leaf doing just that.

Abu Gharib in the Backyard Woodpile

2009-04-01T12:35:00.000-07:00

I was cutting wood, and suddenly I noticed a familiar image on the end of one log. This is really spooky.

Sentinels in the Utah Deseret

2009-03-23T20:37:00.000-07:00

These soldiers have been standing a long time--and are likely to keep standing a lot longer.

Twain on the Nature of Humanity

2009-03-21T05:21:00.000-07:00

At a time when the economy has tanked due to the greed of those money men who have taken advantage of us at our expense, I think this quote is very appropriate.

A Deadly Beauty

2009-03-21T05:11:00.000-07:00

Ice rain decorates the trees in a magical way, but it also decorates the road surfaces and sidewalks in a deadly way. In an a attempt to capture the beauty, I have fallen more than once, and the paper fills up with reports of auto accidents. Mother nature is fickle. She tempts us, then gets even.

Watch Your Back

2009-03-14T18:27:00.000-07:00

This tree trunk tells the story a looming threat to a small dog.

Good Nutrition Requires Effort

2009-03-14T18:23:00.000-07:00

A feeder is no guarentee of an easy meal.

Weed Bug

2009-03-12T11:31:00.000-07:00

This clump of swamp grass sure looked like a bug we all use to chase, in fields, as kids. It isn't Jesus, but those images are usually found in more substantial material.

Homage Paid to the King of Clubs

2009-03-08T15:43:00.000-07:00

Here we see Rotarian Karen Tracy, providing a courtsey and a bow to the King of Clubs (the card one has to pull to win the weekly drawing). It was a show of unique homage to a king. We all appreciated that.

Image of Baseball Player on, well....

2009-03-08T08:58:00.000-07:00

This rather interesting bird dropping was found on a car, outside a 7-11, in Baltimore.

Bird Brain Behavior

2009-03-02T07:43:00.001-08:00

Birds can be mean spirited, but they're not stupid.

Cardinal Greeting

2009-02-06T15:21:00.000-08:00

Jealousy among birds exists. Cardinals are really quite visually intimidating.

Image of Jesus in Floor Tile

2009-02-01T08:27:00.001-08:00

This image was found in one of the bathroom floor tiles of my son's apartment in Salt Lake City.

Man Plays Giant Harp in Utah

2009-02-01T08:14:00.000-08:00

Southern Utah has unusual geological formations. We thought this one looked like a mammoth harp.

Radar Dish Mushroom

2009-02-01T08:07:00.000-08:00

At least he wasn't wishing to become a mushroom cloud.

Tailfeather Freeze

2009-01-29T10:38:00.000-08:00

It gets so cold in New England, your tail can really get cold. This is, of course, true of the birds, too. Here is an example of Morning Dove tailfreeze.

Rock of Ages

2009-01-11T20:03:00.000-08:00

As I have previously shown, images of Jesus abound. Here is one in a New England stone wall, a stones throw from our house.

Be Careful When Peering from your Balcony

2009-01-11T17:48:00.001-08:00

This guy on the right opened his mouth in awe at the sights below, and in a flash, the teeth were gone.

Dragonfly Disappointed in Pipe

2009-01-10T11:32:00.000-08:00

I'm sure that few dragonflies are addicted to tobacco. But they sure land a lot on pipes of all kinds. We surmise that their compound eyes cause a misjudgment of the size of the chosen pipes. Just a wild guess.

Scuba Diver saves Squirrel from Slime Pit

2009-01-10T07:43:00.000-08:00

Just another tree trunk in Redding, Connecticut--during a rain storm.

Rotarians Dress up for the Salvation Army

2009-01-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

Each Christmas season our Rotary Club rings a bell for the Salvation Army. It gives club members the opportunity to really look spiffy.

Ice Dog with Pups

2009-01-09T06:56:00.000-08:00

In New England we have some very interesting ice storms. At times, they produce rather novel photo opportunities. I found this formation outside the door of our home, after taking a nice fall on the ice.

Good Bye 2008; What a Lousy Year

2008-12-23T19:33:00.000-08:00

We were all glad to see 2008 sink into the snowdrift of time. Hello 2009. May it be a better year.

A Catch-22 For a Poor Little Traveling Pup

2008-11-13T08:14:00.000-08:00

Not a Hobson's choice, but a Catch-22. We hope he ended up on someone's lap.

We All Enjoy a Good Meal

2008-10-30T05:41:00.000-07:00

Turkey Vultures and Rotarians alike appreciate a good meal.

Autumn Abstract

2008-10-19T19:06:00.000-07:00

In one fiftieth of a second, a Monet is made.

Some Sea Birds are Really Strict

2008-10-19T18:48:00.000-07:00

If you want to belong to the group, you must conform.

Airborn Squirrel

2008-10-18T13:04:00.000-07:00

No. This is not a flying squirrel, but he comes close to one. The Autumn leaves are a nice touch.

Struck by Lightning?

2008-10-12T14:22:00.000-07:00

No, my grand daughter Erin did not get hit with lightning. She was just jumping on a trampoline. She did admit, however, the picture was a bit shocking.

Future Rotary District Governor Forgets His Speech

2008-09-30T16:58:00.000-07:00

Did George Camp, District Governor desinate from New York State, came to our luncheon without his speech? No way. He gave a great speech, and is a man whose "giving" has been both national and international in scope. The others are (left to right) Paula Greenberg, Will Houston, George Camp, and our Rotary Club President, Carol Giannico.

Water Spirit

2008-09-21T10:26:00.000-07:00

Water Spirits frequent the landscape, and are always there ready to help with refreshing cool water, and and a sense of the serene. When they wave to you, be polite and wave back.

Message from Mother Nature?

2008-09-19T14:43:00.003-07:00

At times, the snow formation seem to be telling us something. My take on this snow formation was that Mother Nature was telling us she was not sure what she was going to do next. I think that is a common problem with her.

Die Hard Football Fans

2008-09-19T14:43:00.002-07:00

We understand this is a group of Green Bay Packer's football fans following a quickly passing snow storm. They are always there, rain, sleet, snow or whatever. We applaud their grit.

Inactivity of Plants in the Winter

2008-09-19T14:43:00.001-07:00

It is doubtful that the active, standing plant is going to roust the other plant out of his winter slumber.

Image of Jesus in Stone

2008-09-19T14:43:00.000-07:00

This image is from a rock in a New England rock wall, in Redding, Connecticut. It is seen by some as clothed...others, not so much...take your pick.

Snowboarders are Dimwitted

2008-09-16T20:54:00.001-07:00

Here we see a snowboarder trying to open the door of a car made entirely out of Lego blocks. Snowboarders, by and large, are not too swift. This is a prime example.

Butterfly Airport

2008-09-16T19:53:00.000-07:00

It's fun watching the planes take off and land. Butterflys need an airport, too. In this case it is our Butterfly Bush.

Wasp Nest on House

2008-09-16T10:08:00.000-07:00

When one of these fellas (upper corner) gets his/her buddies to build a paper house on your house, take the bunch of them seriously. They mean business. Don't remove the thing with your bare hand, unless you enjoy pain. If you do, stick your thumb in the entrance, and you will soon find out why it is not recommended to do so.

Crab Shell on Beach

2008-09-16T10:01:00.000-07:00

Crab shells are fun to look at on the beach, but did you ever hold one up to the sun? They are really remarkable when back-lit.

Shoes on a Wire

2008-09-16T09:49:00.000-07:00

We spied these sneakers on a telephone wire in affluent Redding, Connecticut. We were wondering if they were Guccis, and worth retrieving. We know that some Gucci sneakers are worth more than $400.00 a pair. Now if they were hanging on a telephone line in Bridgeport...that's a different matter.

Peace Flag

2008-09-16T09:39:00.000-07:00

We passed by this interesting "American" flag, on a barn in Redding, Connecticut. It was touching the ground, and out in the rain--but this hardly matters. It is not a "true" American flag--or is it? It's all in the eyes (and hearts) of the beholder we suspect. Don't bother counting the stars. There are 50 of them.

Engagement at Sea

2008-09-08T16:30:00.000-07:00

We recently took a cruise on the windjammer, the Mystic Whaler, as the previous posting points out. And to our delight, a couple got engaged in the way we all find the best--with the lady totally surprised, and thrilled to tears. Paul Peloquin really surprised Lisa. Best wishes to the both of them. Paul is an "old salt" himself, and works in the front office for the cruise firm. We hope that Paul and Lisa respond to this posting. We'd like to know the "big date" so all of the people who look at this site can attend the wedding (just kidding, but the crew aboard the Mystic Whaler really know how to boil a mean lobster dinner).

A Sea Captain So Good He Can Sail Blind

2008-09-04T11:46:00.000-07:00

My wife and I took a delightful cruise on the windjammer Mystic Whaler out of New London, Connecticut last week. The first mate assured us that Capt. John Eginton was so good he could sail blindfolded. Taking his lead, the captain shut his eyes, took one hand off the wheel, and away we went.

A Very Sick Baby Racoon

2008-08-30T11:02:00.000-07:00

Our big, not-so-brave, German Shephard Henry found this sick little guy in our yard and was barking his head off when we went out to see what was going on. My first inclination was to put it out of it's misery, but my son, Scott, came up with a more unique solution. Fearing rabies, we put him/her in a box, and took the little fella to the Wildlife in Crisis sanctuary, in Wilton, CT. They have a few acres in the middle of suburbia complete with an animal clinic, and cages of hawks and owls in various stages of recovery. Our little guy has been there a couple of weeks, is chattering up a storm, is eating well, and will be released to the wild, soon (One of the true stories on this blog).

Golden Toad

2008-08-30T10:55:00.000-07:00

This guy, the size of a fingernail, was found in the yard. We captured him, and then sprayed him with gold paint (just kidding).

Watch Where You Reach

2008-08-30T10:45:00.000-07:00

Rotarians love practical jokes. Here is one of the better ones.

Some People Have Bad Toupes

2008-07-29T13:06:00.001-07:00

Growing one's own hair can be an alternative to a bad hair piece.

Catipillar Myopia

2008-07-28T17:30:00.000-07:00

When a catipillar's sun glasses are too dark, he has trouble recognizing objects in his surroundings.

Dogs Get Attatched to their Playthings

2008-07-28T13:06:00.000-07:00

Here we see a dog gingerly carrying her favorite toy. We hope she didn't end up swallowing it.

The Fly Police

2008-07-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

The fly police confer just like police the nation over.

Snowboarders Sit and Stand. Skiers Ski

2008-07-13T10:46:00.000-07:00

Whether one goes on the slopes during the day or night, one can find most snowboarders sitting, or standing in the middle of the road. Snowboarders are generally young and out of touch with reality.

Mouse in the House

2008-07-13T05:17:00.000-07:00

This little fellow is none too happy to be trapped underneath a bell jar. In a gesture of peace with his extended family (and we trust it is quite extended) he was released to the wild.

Be Careful with Flowers When their Friends are Around

2008-07-07T18:10:00.000-07:00

Raising one's hand, even while holding a flower, can be interpreted as aggression.

Dragon Flies Showing Off

2008-07-06T09:21:00.000-07:00

Here are two dragonflies modeling the latest in Paris fashions.

Mom With Nine Kids: Is She a Mormon?

2008-07-03T06:21:00.000-07:00

I spied this turkey down the street from our place. I've seen turkeys before, but never with nine little ones. As far as I could tell, they were all very well behaved.

Indescriminate Paper Shredders

2008-07-03T06:14:00.000-07:00

The puppy stage lasts too long. Get a dog from the pound--not two. Just one. Does anyone have a current issue of Discover Magazine?

A Fly With an Attitude

2008-06-29T14:01:00.000-07:00

Dragon flies are sensitive about their names. This one definitely is. Actually, his given name is Horace. He responds to that too. Just don't call him Horace fly, for obvious reasons.

Bees Like Their Own Space

2008-06-28T19:41:00.000-07:00

Bees can have an attitude if you enter their space. They are one insect that can take matters into their own hands--I know. I've felt their wrath.

Bee Decorates Flower

2008-06-24T12:29:00.000-07:00

Bees like to show off. But they will let you know if you get too close. Just watch; don't touch.

Comparisons Can be Hurtful

2008-06-24T08:54:00.000-07:00

Don't compare flowers to cartoon characters. You will hurt their feelings.

Dog Day Afternoon

2008-06-24T08:51:00.000-07:00

A dog's feeling are easily hurt. Here is a prime example.

An Awsome Tree Image

2008-06-23T06:33:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite images of Jesus. I am still looking for one on a potato chip. Potato chips are highly portable. Cutting down a tree and selling one of its logs on Ebay, is not easy to do--especially if that tree is in your neighbor's yard.

Ephemeral Memorial to Di

2008-06-17T20:18:00.001-07:00

Due to an odd twist of fate, on August 31, 1997, we were flying into London when the pilot announced that Princess Di had just been killed in an auto accident. That week, in London, was a surreal experience. The flowers piled up outside of Buckingham Palace, and Herrod's department store had flowers stacked 5 feet high entirely around a building which occupies a city block. Grown men were crying in the streets. We came across the above sidewalk artist in Covent Gardens creating a beautiful image, which would only last until the first rainstorm-- a short lived creation, which Di herself was.

Volcanic Elf

2008-06-17T20:11:00.000-07:00

Visiting the big island in Hawaii, one has to walk the lava fields. There are so many unique formations for a photographer, and this was one of them. He was really cool; I think I heard him ask for a glass of water.

Sharks in the Water

2008-06-17T20:07:00.000-07:00

Scuba diving in Belize, we were introduced to a school of nurse sharks, and were assured they were harmless. The guide threw chum in the water on the right side of the boat, then suggested we enter the left side. I slipped into the water, fine. My wife straddled one of the sharks--a great picture which I unfortunately missed. Jane was not at all amused.

A Right of Passage at Summer Camp

2008-06-17T10:52:00.000-07:00

If you ever walked the logs at summer camp, you can sympathize with these guys.

Photographer Looking for Subjects

2008-06-16T15:31:00.000-07:00

Even flowers want to look their best when photographed.

Weed Emulating Wet Parrot

2008-06-16T10:41:00.000-07:00

"So I look like a parrot, you say? Shiver my timbers, laddie; I'm just a common weed that got stuck in a rainstorm. I'm waiting for a prince who will give me a kiss, and turn me into a toad. That would be a lot more interesting than being a stationary, unpretentious weed."

Winter Fun in Erie, Colorado

2008-06-15T19:01:00.000-07:00

Kids in Colorado go drag racing in a manner different from kids in California. Here is an example.

Inadvertent Swim in the Arkansas River

2008-06-15T12:15:00.000-07:00

While rafting with his wife and two grand children through the Royal Gorge, in Colorado, the author of this blog went over the side of the raft, and then floated perilously down a boulder strewn field of rapids. The kids were screaming, "Grandpa's going to drown," and the novice guide tried frantically to catch up to me. All that was lost was my pride. It dries out fast, though. Two cameras miraculously survived undamaged, one that was waterproof, and a second that was in a platic baggie. My false teeth made it through, too, but they are use to being wet.

Tulips Can Have Fun, Too

2008-06-13T19:16:00.001-07:00

Tulips have no problem getting worms for their hooks. They are right there under their roots.