My Best Shot of 2023

 Not too shabby:

Tuesday Afternoon: photo by Cliff Hutson

Some say that December is a good time to reflect back on what happened before the year slips away. However, I feel that the beginning of the month is too early to start publishing "best of" lists. Who knows what may still lie ahead? Still, when I saw that Flickr was asking for "Your Best Shot 2023" I went ahead and submitted the above photo. It was taken in June, but odds are I will not do much better before the end of this year.

I like it for a couple of reasons. One is that I planted the seed(s) from which the plant grew. The other is that I took photos over the course of several days, and times of day, until I made the image I wanted. Thus, the title "Tuesday Afternoon." 

Looking forward to 2024, I am thinking of doing more work with my iPhone SE, or may be taking up another Photo a Day project. There will be photos in any event. See you in the new year.

A Small Step for a Man

 A Giant Step for Mankind?

Giant Step for Mankind: photo by Cliff Hutson

Not quite what Neil Armstrong really said when he took his first step on the moon.

Reading Log: November 2023

 The books that I finished reading in the month of November 2023 -

November 2023 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson

"Below the Belt," A.J. Stewart

"Making the Drop,"  A.J. Stewart

"Chasing the Ghost Bear: on the Trail of America's Lost Super Beast," Mike Stark

"The Gods of Guilt," Michael Connelly

Cliff's Notes:

"Belt" and "Drop"

As previously noted, I have very much enjoyed Stewart's Miami Jones series. And, I believe that finishing these two brings me current. They did not disappoint. 

Part of my enjoyment stems from Miami being a former pro athlete who frequently muses on what was and what could have been. Also, each book in the series revolves around a different sport. These cover boxing and surfing respectively. Both of them offer an interesting story offering humor and insights into life.

"Ghost Bear"

I have a great interest in natural history and Stark's book has expanded my knowledge about an animal that I have vaguely aware of for decades, but knew very little about. 

The bear in the title is the prehistoric North American giant short-faced bear. I say that I was familiar with it as I once lived within walking distance of the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles where the remains of thirty some-odd individual bears have been found. The author devotes a couple of chapters to the scientific  work done there and his visit to the George C. Page Museum. He seems as bemused as I was over the cartoonish statue of a short-faced bear on the park grounds. 

This book is a great guide to the Pleistocene and one of the more spectacular animals that during that time.

"Gods"

This book is a "Lincoln Lawyer" novel. I like Connelly's work, but much prefer the Harry Bosch books. But, this is an engaging read filled with a lot of ins, a lot of outs, and a lot of what-have-you's. A reader with a limber mind should enjoy it.

 

National Sock Day

 There seems to be a day for everything:

A clothing company called Pair of Thieves created National Sock Day. According to the company’s website, they started this day “to warm our toes with the commemoration of two toe-tapping historical events that happened on this day.” In 2016, it was officially declared that National Sock Day would be celebrated annually on December 4.

I actually have three pairs of their colorful crew socks. But, as they are they are all in the laundry hamper they are not available for a photograph today. However, I do have a sampling from other textile manufacturers, taken over the years.

It seems that I can add socks to the category of things of which I have too many - along with hats and jackets. And, it is not like that I wear them every day.

#NationalSockDay

All writing and images ©Cliff Hutson unless expressly noted. Do not use without permission.

Thanksgiving Aftermath

 Whoa Nellie!

The Thanksgiving holiday, observed last Thursday here in the USA, can exact a toll:

Ouch!: photo by Cliff Hutson

Between the Thanksgiving Day meal itself, and making use of any leftovers, many people have trouble following their regular food regimes.  And, at least one of us apparently paid the price. [Those are my feet in the above photo.]

Turkey & Biscuit Sandwiches: photo by Cliff Hutson

I have a particular fondness for the rolls or biscuits severed with dinner. My late wife used to make a batch just for me. Those that I don't polish off then are used to make sandwiches with the leftover turkey. On this occasion, I went with avocado - I actually prefer jellied cranberry sauce from a can.  That may sound odd to you, but I have been doing that for years and have made some converts to the cause.

Pumpkin Pie: photo by Cliff Hutson

Pumpkin pie is also a favorite. I bet that I will not get many arguments with that.

 Homemade Apple Pie: photo by Cliff Hutson

Apple pie, of course, is nothing to sneeze at. This serving was presented with a topping of Dulce de Leche ice cream.

I hope that, if Thanksgiving Day is a holiday on your calendar, it was good one. 

This Day in (My) History

 My photography is a reflection of my life:

Some years I have done Photo-a-Day (PaD) projects. Other years I just shoot when the spirit moves me.

Stamens (2005): photo by Cliff Hutson

A Sun Camellia bush in my front yard.

Donut Shop Poster (2006): photo by Cliff Hutson

A shop across the street from my HQ. Donuts and coffee in the morning. Hamburgers or sandwiches for lunch.

Smug Cat (2009): photo by Cliff Hutson

Mini - she is the most photographed of all our pets.

Climb and Drink (2010): photo by Cliff Hutson

A souvenir carabiner from a "beer walk".  It is probably not a good idea to drink and climb. But, in "The Eiger Sanction" Clint Eastwood and George Kennedy share a beer after topping out on a training climb.

A Blast from the Past

 Today's blog is brought to you by the letter "B":

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Photographic Dictionary




It is still fun to see my work used by other people.

Reading Log: October 2023

The books that I read in the month of October 2023 

October 2023 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson

"Judgement Prey," John Sandford

"Naming Nature: The Clash Between Instinct and Science," Carol Kaesuk Yoon

"War and Peace and War: The Rise and Fall of Empires," Peter Turchin

"The Ninth Inning," A.J. Stewart

"Big Thaw," A.J. Stewart

"Devil's Backbone," A.J. Stewart

Cliff's Notes

"Judgement"

This is another book in John Sanford's "Prey" series. Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers team up to solve the cold blooded murder of a judge and his two sons. 

"Naming"

As a volunteer "nature interpreter" at a botanic garden I experienced first hand the disconnect between the way visitors viewed the world and that of the professional staff. The author does a good job of discussing this and trying to reach some common ground.  

"War and Peace

What did Abraham Lincoln mean by A house divided against itself cannot stand"?

Lincoln paraphrased the following passage from the Bible, Matthew 12:25, when he spoke of a house divided:

And Jesus knew their [the Pharisees'] thoughts, and said unto them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand."

Lincoln’s ‘House Divided’ speech teaches important lessons about today’s political polarization,  the main point made by this book.

Miami Jones mysteries 

Miami Jones is my favorite Florida based private detective. These stories are not only really good crime fiction they also can impart some interesting information such as what goes into making ice for a hockey rink or the running of a fishing tournament. 

Going, Going, Almost Gone

International Dinosaur Month

Small Dinosaur: photo by Cliff Hutson

Much to my chagrin, I almost missed out on the fact that October is International Dinosaur Month. But, it is not too late to celebrate with these books and movies.

 

National iPod Day

 National iPod Day is celebrated on October 23

iPod classic: photo by Cliff Hutson

National iPod Day is observed annually on October 23, in recognition of the portable music device. 

iPod shuffle: photo by Cliff Hutson

The first version of the iPod was released on October 23, 2001. Apple discontinued the iPod product line on May 10, 2022. They are gone, but not forgotten.

iPod nano: photo by Cliff Hutson

I owned quite a few iterations over the years. Oddly, I can not find any photographs I made of the two or three iPod touch models I had before switching to an iPhone.

[Note: I once shot a video with the iPad nano.}

All writing and images ©Cliff Hutson unless expressly noted. Do not use without permission.

Reading Log: September 2023

 The books that I finished reading in September 2023:

September 2023 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson

"Harlem Shuffle," Colson Whitehead

"The History of White People," Nell Irvin Painter

"The Complete Guide to Mysterious Beings," John A. Keel

"Crook Manifesto," Colson Whitehead

"Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law," Mary Roach

Cliff's Notes:

"Shuffle" & "Manifesto"

"Harlem Shuffle" is apparently the first book in The Harlem Trilogy. And, "Crook Manifesto" is the second. They set stories about a furniture store owner against actual events. What is most interesting to me is that they offer an explanation of why an intelligent person may turn to a life of crime.

"Mysterious Beings"

I just have to mention that "The Complete Guide to Mysterious Beings" is well ahead in the running for the worst book that I will read this year. Even believers in mysterious creatures and the paranormal will start to doubt themselves after slogging through the "evidence" presented by this author.

"White People"

Spoiler alert: White people in America did not coalesce as a group until Malcolm X achieved national prominence.

"Fuzz"

An engrossing discussion of ongoing conflicts between humans and the species that happen to get in our way. But, no "laws" are actually broken.

Walking with an iPhone

On Harvard Avenue

[Maud Hart Lovelace is best known as the author of the Betsy-Tacy series.]

All writing and images ©Cliff Hutson unless expressly noted. Do not use without permission.

National Fried Scallop Day

 #FriedScallopsDay

October 2nd each year, right at the beginning of National Seafood Month, is National Fried Scallops Day.

All writing and images ©Cliff Hutson unless expressly noted. Do not use without permission.

Dia de la Quesadilla

National Quesadilla Day 

September 25 is National Quesadilla Day. A quesadilla is a Mexican dish consisting of a tortilla that is filled with cheese, and sometimes includes meat and/or other fillings, and then cooked on a comal, in a skillet, or on a griddle. 

Toppings can also be used. Popular ones are guacamole, sour cream, or one's choice of salsa.

A side of avocado can be a tasty treat.

All writing and images ©Cliff Hutson unless expressly noted. Do not use without permission.

National Cheeseburger Day

September 18 is National Cheeseburger Day!

#NationalCheeseburgerDay

All writing and images ©Cliff Hutson unless expressly noted. Do not use without permission.

Reading Log: August 2023

The books that I finished reading in August 2023: 

August 2023 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson

"Righteous Prey," John Sandford

"Black in White Space," Elijah Anderson

"IQ," Joe Ide

"The Green Ripper," John D. MacDonald

"Free Fall in Crimson," John D. MacDonald

"Cinnamon Skin,"  John D. MacDonald

"The Lonely Silver Rain,"  John D. MacDonald

Cliff's Notes

A Long Weekend

Labor Day - 2023

Stetson Weekender: photo by Cliff Hutson

This weekend marks the end of Summer for many. Others see it as a welcomed three day break. Others may just get today off. And, let us not forget those who will have to slog on as usual.

As for me, I have had a rough couple of weeks and am taking a break* from the labor of doing a full fledged post (such as they are).

I am just going to refer you back to last year's entry, which I really like. Happy Labor Day!

*I am writing this on Thursday, so it is four days for me.

National Cherry Turnover Day

 National Cherry Turnover Day

National Cherry Turnover Day (in the USA) is celebrated on August 28 every year.

This day commemorates the creation of the cherry turnover, a pastry made with puff pastry and filled with sweetened cherries. The cherry turnover is believed to have originated in the United States in the 19th century.

Creation dates, in my opinion are hard to nail down. However, today is a good excuse to pick up a turnover on my weekly trip to the supermarket. 

All writing and images ©Cliff Hutson unless expressly noted. Do not use without permission.

I Grow Old

 Rolled trousers?

An Old Man: photo by Cliff Hutson

I Grow Old

I grow old ... I grow old ... 

I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled. 

Shall I part my hair behind? Do I dare to eat a peach? 

I shall wear white flannel trousers, and walk upon the beach. 

I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each. 

I do not think that they will sing to me. 

"The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" 

by: T. S. Elliot 

Peaches: photo by Cliff Hutson

I am not sure that this is what the poet had in mind, but today is my birthday.  A good time to wonder how much time is left for me and what will I do with it?

World Lizard Day

World Lizard Day is celebrated on August 14 every year:

Outside My Front Door: photo by Cliff Hutson

This day celebrates the diverse and often misunderstood world of lizards, and raises awareness for conservation efforts for the reptiles.

The name "lizard" doesn't correspond to a single scientific group. Lizards belong to the order Squamata, which they share with snakes. There are several subgroups within Squamata that are commonly called lizards, including geckos, iguanas, worm lizards and Autarchoglossa, according to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS), a partnership of North American agencies, organizations and taxonomists that provides taxonomic information. All lizards are sometimes grouped under the suborders Lacertilia or Sauria, but ITIS doesn't consider these to be valid scientific groups. 

While I like to think of myself as somewhat of a naturalist, I more into plants than animals and must admit that I have not make the effort to identify any of the lizards that show up in my yard or on my patio - including the little one (see above) that was hanging out on my front screen door. 

Nor do I give them names. And, it seem that a lizard, with a name, which I looked forward to seeing on a weekly basis was not at all real.

 

Reading Log: July 2023

 It was a very slow month -

July 2023 Book: photo by Cliff Hutson

"The Empty Copper Sea," John D. MacDonald

Cliff's Note:

I finished just one book in the month of July.  A meager defense is that I have been reading a couple of literally dense books, both in size and subject matter. It will probably take another couple of months before I will be able to tick those off.

A lamer excuse is that I have got caught up in streaming such shows as "Ted Lasso", "Hijack", and "The Afterparty". Not to mention Major League Soccer and FIFA Women's World Cup games.

Anyway, "Copper Sea" was a fun read. A mystery story with a lotta ins, lotta outs, lotta what-have-yous that I picked up after reading a review by David Allen (my favorite local writer and inspiration for my posts about books).