G'day, mates.

Another of the lost photos recently resurrected from decades old that somehow were still readable CDs. This fine-looking Katydid, taken 2006-03-06, probably in my front yard, appears to be eying the camera.

   

It's starting to get interesting in the World Cup.

Yesterday England sneaked by Congo, but it took some late heroics from Harry Kane to do so. They'll need to be better in their next game against Mexico.

Belgium barely beat Senegal, helped by a questionable PK.

And USA managed to beat Bosnia-Herzevogina despite a red card ejection early in the second half to one of their key scorers.

Today's matches are Spain vs Austria: Spain should win easily; Portugal vs Croatia and I think Croatia will upset the highly (and incorrectly) ranked) Portugal.; and Switzerland vs Algeria, which Switzerland should win.

We're halfway through the week so Happy Hump Day.

Another lost photo recently resurrected form decades old CDs that were to my surprise still readable: just some sort of ordinary domestic goose at a local park. But the lighting was wonderful...

   

Yesterday in the World Cup Mexico dominated Ecuador from the first minute and won easily. France had no problems beating Sweden as expected. And Norway barely beat Ivory Coast with a late goal by the nearly unstoppable Haaland.

Today I expect England to easily beat Congo, but right now Congo is ahead 1-0. Later Belgium should beat Senegal and USA should beat Bosnia-Herezegovina.

A Happy Taco Tuesday to us all. I have some very hot sausage to use, so maybe  I'll throw together some small soft tacos with that sausage, Mexican crema (kinda like a liquid sour cream, some mild peppers, lettuce, cheese , and diced tomato.

I'm continuing to process some of the old photos I  rediscovered on CDs. Today's is of two Northern Shovelers (the only decent photo I have of these photogenic birds - love that golden eye), taken 2006-02-02 at the eastern edge of the Bolsa Chica Wetlands, much of which has been replaced by expensive houses)...

   

Interesting World Cup games yesterday. I had given Japan a 25% chance to upset Brazil, and they nearly pulled it off. I had expected Germany to struggle to beat Paraguay, but Paraguay win after OT  and penalty kicks. For the last 3 or 4 World Cups Germany has been knocked out early. And I expected the Netherlands vs Morocco match to be a close one. Morocco ended up winning on PKs.

In today's matches, the Ivory Coast vs Norway looks to be a close match; I'm rooting for Ivory Coast to win. Next, France (#3) should easily beat Sweden (#38). And Mexico (#13) should comfortably handle Ecuador (#24).

Weekender 27/28 June 2026


Here's an oldie: the earliest version I can find on my computer is from early 2014, but the original photo could well be years older.

I've done numerous versions of the base photo; for this one I played around with selective color.

   

Today the last 6 games of the World Cup Group stage will determine the final 32 teams that will advance to the knock-out stage. Most of the advancing teams have already been determined, and I congratulate all of the 32 advancing teams. I am pleased that Australia and the US are among them, but I suspect neither will reach the semi-final matches.

More to come tomorrow, including my predictions for 1st through 4th places.

Good morning all. 

We had a nasty storm come through last night about 2 AM. We seem to have had a lot of rain and storms lately. 

Here are a few snapshots from a recent trip. The last one I played around a bit with Topaz filters for a more "painterly" effect.

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As usual, my weekend is almost over. There has been a few light showers over the past couple of days. The sky overcast, the weather unusually warm for this time of year which was the winter equinox.
Was looking at water drops that hang around on broccoli leaves. They wobble a lot when poking a camera in.

Don't you hate it when there are at least half a dozen of similar shots that you cannot decide which one is best?

Happy Hump Day!

Taken on an early walk yesterday...

   

One of those rare photos I've taken that didn't call for much processing: just the usual minor adjustments in Camera Raw, then in Photoshop a little sharpening to emphasize the COI.

I'm pleased with how it turned out.

"It's Just Another Monday" - one line of lyrics from an old song.

Still no new photos from me worth posting. But I did rediscover this flower shot originally taken March 28, 2005...

   

May we all have a peaceful, productive, and healthy week.

Greetings all! Here few shots from our first Farmers Market of the summer at the Palace the previous Saturday. We have one every Saturday weather permitting. This one caught a few vendors by surprise. Not many fresh products for sale. Todays was better.

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