The Bee's Knees

Another in the bee series utilizing flash fill.

Nectar Awaits, II

Final approach to the prize by an STOL expert. STOL is pilot-speak for short take-off/landing and refers to the runway distance an aircraft requires to travel before becoming airborne and subsequently land on and come to a stop. More fun with flash fill and extension tubes for macro-photography.

Nectar Awaits

Or "Flight of the Honey Bee". In any event, part of my enduring fascination with honey bees and macro photography. In this instance, utilizing external flash fill. Still not a short enough burst to freeze the bee's wings. Interestingly, a neighbor's friend stopped by as I was shooting and said he wouldn't be surprised if they were "his bees"- he has a couple of hives in his backyard and was a commercial beekeeper for a while. Sweet!

Sarah's Bouquet

A few days after her wedding and prior to being dried. Beginning to fade, but still lovely in muted late afternoon light.

Mt. Diablo, Clouds

What we've seen a lot of lately:
Clouds, leaden skies, rain.
What we've not seen: Mt. Diablo's peak,
the sun, and warm weather. Things look better today, though!

Headstones, San Francisco National Cemetery

Following a most joyous weekend with friends and family attending my daughter's wedding on May 28, a visit to the National Cemetery in  San Francisco's Presidio. It was  a sobering experience then and writing this now, on the 67th anniversary of D-Day, is deepened further. Yet, perhaps ironically, the joy of that weekend is not diminished but rather enhanced with the realization that this last full measure of devotion was given so that future generations could experience the happiness that fills me still.

I am not a particularly religious person but it seems to me that if one accepts the concept of the inter-relatedness of all things in the cosmos regardless of time, then it behooves one to act accordingly. To behave with the consciousness that what you do in the course of your daily affairs has consequences beyond your perception.

In the light of this realization and the media's obsession with the scandals and inanities of politicians and publicity seekers rather than the serious issues facing us as a nation and a planet, I find myself wondering why is there no perceptible outrage on the wasted resources reporting on such apparent fluff and why one particular representative should insist on remaining in office rather than resign.

It would appear that we are indeed living in "interesting times". The question is: To whom?