Photography
Shutterbug Saturday: Living History
Today was Living History Day. I didn’t make it to the festivities but, my buddy Ray did. The weather was just too damp for me and I was busy with other things. He graciously provided me with copies to post and four short video clips.
This area (a five county span) was a hotbed of struggle during the War of the Regulation, the Battle of Alamance, the Revolutionary War, the Battle of Guilford Court House, the Civil War and was the site of the last & largest Confederate Surrender. We, collectively, have seen a lot.
We also have a lot of actors and reenactments. Some of the uniforms and gear are quite impressive. Hopefully, I will make it next year.
Oh, Captain, My Captain
German Mercenary
Ray had a little trouble keeping his filming steady. Overcast skies can interfere with viewing ability. Apologies.
Foto Friday: Office Humor
I’ve been digging around in some old images on my computer. There was a rash of cube farm/office humor that circulated on emails back in the middle 2000s. They may have eventually made it to Facebook but, I don’t remember seeing these. Anyway, I thought I would share some silliness. These were labeled “Cutbacks” and someone went to a lot of trouble for the detail. I will hit you up with some more next Friday. They are not mine and I have no idea where they originated from.
Shutterbug Saturday: Completely Rotten…
My Ollie and his escapades. He is such a case. All photos are my personal collection. © ~Vic
Because the water tastes SO much better in here.
10-24-2017
12-07-2017
12-15-2017
05-03-2018
12-04-2018
Foto Friday: Sunsets Local
All photos, below, are my personal collection. ~Vic
07-12-2016
12-12-2016
11-05-2017
11-11-2017
06-02-2018
08-06-2018
09-18-2018
01-06-2019
01-29-2019
02-03-2019
Shutterbug Saturday: Tribute Pictures 7.0
I have reached the end of my tribute. I have showcased all that he sent me. Previous posts:
♦ Part I
♦ Part II
♦ Part III
♦ Part IV
♦ Part V
♦ Part VI
I have missed my life in Texas and I still miss him. He was such an interesting man. He wasn’t perfect but, he was himself and he charmed. Thank you for sharing your life with me, Sir.
RIP W. H. Patton (July 16, 1939 – July 21, 2012)
He wanted to drive the 1938 Ford in the background.
I think his cousin took this.
1970s perms were not his friend.
Discussing business.
Wife Glenda, son Sean & daughter Shari.
Love of his life.
1961
One last bonus photo…
Always the photographer.
September 2004
Foto Friday: Tribute Pictures 6.0
Photo Credit: Natalie Rhea Riggs on Unsplash
The below is now Part Six of the final Seven Part Series showcasing my former supervisor’s work and, additional photos taken of him at various stages of his life and career. The above picture of Big Bend National Park, I never got to see while I was living in Texas. It’s a big state and there is a lot to see. I confess that I spent a rather large amount of time traveling back and forth, between the Austin area and the Houston area, as I had a very dear friend and classmate living in Spring. Texas will always be my second home.
♦ Part I
♦ Part II
♦ Part III
♦ Part IV
♦ Part V
This picture has no time stamp. I haven’t a clue when it was taken.
03-24-2010
03-24-2010
03-24-2010
The following three pictures, he sent to me on November 17, 2008. I have no idea when or where these were taken but, they were his friends and they requested his expertise.
He is from Houston.
He is from Lubbock.
That is all I have of the pictures he took. Everything forward will be of him.
Last post, tomorrow. ~Vic
Shutterbug Saturday: Tribute Pictures 5.0
1st Street Bridge
Town Lake (Colorado River)
Photo Credit: Carlos Delgado on Unsplash
It appears that I have more Patton pictures than I realized. Some of them are of him, not by him. Nevertheless, this is looking like a seven part series, now.
♦ Part I
♦ Part II
♦ Part III
♦ Part IV
06-04-2008
08-27-2008
02-24-2009
05-08-2008
More to come… ~Vic
Foto Friday: Tribute Pictures 4.0
This is part four of a five, possibly, six part series showcasing my former supervisor W. H. Patton’s photography. The first post is here. The second post is here. The third post is here.
Round four…
10-09-2008
10-09-2008
02-21-2008
02-27-2008
03-07-2009
03-07-2009
05-18-2008
05-18-2008
Shutterbug Saturday: Christmas Local 2.0
Beautiful home a block away.
Part II of 2018 Christmas reflections.
Registered National Historic Landmark
Built in 1772 by Francis Nash
Was home to William Hooper 1782-90
Foto Friday: Christmas Local
Iron Reindeer & Sled
Foto Friday, local flair…something a little different from Shutterbug Saturday.
Iron Sled & Reindeer in the background.
More to come… ~Vic
Cold Moon 2018
From Moon Giant:
The December full moon is commonly known in the Northern Hemisphere as the Full Long Nights Moon. It takes its name from the Winter Solstice which has the longest night in the year. The Full Long Nights Moon cuts a soaring trajectory through the wintry skies, in direct opposition to the low-hanging sun. The Algonquins called this full moon the Cold Moon in reference to the cold light it casts upon long winter nights. Strangely enough, in certain other cultures, December’s full moon can actually be associated with warmth.
To the Deborean Clan, the Cold Moon is associated with staying in your cosy home beside a crackling fireplace, surrounded not just by physical warmth but, also the warmth of family and friends. Similarly, the Wishram tribe named December’s full moon the Winter Houses Moon. Given that it coincides with holidays like Yule, Pagans consider this the perfect time to open up your home and provide warmth to those you love, as well as to those who are most vulnerable to the cold of winter.
For those who are more inclined towards solitude, the Full Long Nights Moon provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy your cosy home in peace and quiet. Consider taking lots of restful naps under warm, fluffy comforters or allowing yourself to lounge in bed in the mornings instead of rising immediately to work. Appropriately, the Native American Zuni tribe called December’s full moon the Moon Where the Sun Comes Home to Rest. This full moon is a great time for you to take a long overdue break and recharge, so that you may shine all the brighter when it comes time for you to rise again.
This period of slow restfulness is also very conducive to introspection. When you look inwards and take stock of your life during this time, try to focus on loose ends and the little things that you’ve left hanging throughout the year. As the last full moon that rises before the year draws to a close, the Full Long Nights Moon is a time of endings. Take advantage of this full moon’s energy and bring an end to tasks you’ve been meaning to do, clearing your mind so you can move forward with a clean slate.
As much as the Full Long Nights Moon may be about endings, it is also about beginnings and rebirth. The Sioux Indians’ name for December’s full moon is the Moon When Deer Shed Their Horns, thus beginning the process of growing new ones. The Celts, on the other hand, call it the Elder Moon. Elder is fragile and easily damaged but, it’s also full of vitality and recovers very quickly. As the Elder Moon shines upon you, allow yourself to rest and heal from everything that has hurt you over the year and, focus instead on new beginnings and promising areas of growth. This is an excellent time to start planning your New Year’s resolutions and set exciting new goals for the upcoming year.
From Moon Connection:
The full moon name often used by Christian settlers is the Moon Before Yule.
From Farmers Almanac:
Snapshots Sunday: Snow Bombs 2018
All photos are my personal collection.
Have mercy…two big snowstorms in one year. This is reminding me of my childhood. I remember lots of snow and lots of snowmen in the 70s. I also remember folks being more mobile back then, too. Anytime there was a snow forecast, my dad was putting chains on the back tires of the ’72 Charger. Everybody got chains and off they went. Even in the early 80s, a manual, front-wheel-drive compact would pretty much get you anywhere. My 1977 Honda Civic and my 1983 Toyota Tercel took me where I wanted to go. People just don’t do that anymore. Cars these days are definitely more fragile and lighter than the metal monsters of yesteryear.
I remember zipping around in the snow in the middle 80s (college days) in my Civic. One particular trip, I was headed to a friend’s place for snacks, movies and snowballs. I was approaching an intersection that included a railroad crossing (with roads and individual intersections on either side) and a steep, short hill on the other side of it. The light was red as I cleared the tracks but, my Civic became excited about the hill-induced inertia and my attempt to slow down (tapping said brakes lightly) only brought my ass end around. Just as the light turned green, I slid sideways, all the way thru the intersection. Once my Civic was done having fun (yes, I’m blaming it on the car), I came to a stop, hitting nothing…and, nothing hitting me…and, then, proceeded on my way. If it were today, I’d either be dead or, viral on social media.
Today
January 17
Majestic, mighty Oak across the street
Shutterbug Saturday: Tribute Pictures 3.0
This is Part Three of the five-part series showcasing my former supervisor W. H. Patton’s photography. The original post is here. Last Saturday’s post is here.
The above picture (on a phone) or the picture to the left (on a PC) is from the Texas Lone Star Wind Farm just outside of Abilene (northeast) and Clyde (northwest). On one of my visits to his ranch in Clyde, he took me out to this wind farm installation. Those wind turbines make the weirdest noises.
I wish I had remembered MY camera.
Round Three below.
Wild turkey in his backyard, 04-07-2008
Shutterbug Saturday: Tribute Pictures 2.0
The Percy V. Pennybacker, Jr., Bridge on Loop 360, Capital of Texas Highway, Austin
In my previous post from November 24, I spoke of my former supervisor, W. H. Patton, whom I worked for, and with, from September of 2002 until he retired in May of 2007. This is Part Two of a five-part series. Below are more of his photography works.
From his ranch in 2007, a pair of Bobcats
From his driveway, 09-16-2008
From his driveway, 09-16-2008
From his backyard, 09-16-2008
From his back patio, The Quartet 08-10-2008
From his back patio, The Texas State Bird Chorus & a couple of wasps 08-10-2008
From his back patio, 07-23-2007
From his backyard, 07-23-2007
Shutterbug Saturday: Tribute Pictures
Texas State Capitol Building
I lived and worked in Texas for nearly a decade. I was fortunate enough to snag a Texas State job for the majority of the time I was there. The gentleman that interviewed and hired me was, as it turns out, my immediate Supervisor. He was one of the best bosses I ever had (his replacement after retirement was just as terrific). He did his job and he let me do mine. We sometimes rode the bus together, to and from work (downtown Austin).
I grew to love this man. He was a lanky 6′ 6″ and spoke fluent Spanish with a Texan accent. He had to have heart valve surgery a decade before I met him and, when you got close to him, he ticked like a clock. He owned a ranch just outside of Abilene in a small town called Clyde. He was a cattleman, a businessman, a photographer, a writer, an artist, a musician, a pilot, interviewed two U.S. Presidents and, was good friends with Mac Davis, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. He graduated Texas Tech with a Journalism degree, loved the Red Raiders and served in the U.S. Army Reserves:
“I protected Fort Leonard Wood, MO, from all enemies, foreign and domestic, during the Cuban missile crisis” ~ W. H. Patton
He lived all over the U.S. and Mexico. He moved to the Austin area in 1997 and I met him in 2002. He always had a story to tell and had a wicked sense of humor. He was one hell of a cook and drank like a fish. I am thankful that I met him and am a better person for it. He passed away in 2012, five days after his 73rd birthday. I’d like to share some of his work, as he shared it with me.
From the 1960s, his son fishing.
From the 1960s, he managed to capture the image of a Barn Owl in an abandoned house.
From the 1960s, local geese.
From the 1960s, Kodiak bear.
From the 1960s, a wood duck.
From his backyard, 04-08-2008
Cosmic-Observation 