While strolling out to get the newspaper, I was impressed with how much dew was on the grass and how the morning sunlight was reflecting on it. It almost looks like frost! While it was somewhat a cooler morning compared to late thanks to yesterday’s cold front, it was by no means cool or anywhere near frosty conditions. The rain from the weak thunderstorm yesterday helped increase the ground moisture.
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A team of tree trimmers has been in the area for a couple of weeks now trimming trees around power lines. This of course is a good thing to keep electricity flowing during storms. But I was surprised to see them pull up in front of my house. Why? My electric service is underground! I soon realized they wanted to take advantage of the fine shade my maple and oak trees provide on the front lawn. I didn’t mind as long as they keep their chain saws in the truck!
I think it a little ironic they are benefiting from something they take away from some other people’s lawns…
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Since the Robin’s nest story didn’t end on a positive note (for the robin) I have another addition to the property. I think these are finches.
There are two very interesting facts with this nest. The first is this is the third year in a row that either these birds or descendants, have built there nest in the same exact location!
Now the second fact is the nest is located here: 
Yep that’s right in a hanging basket on my front porch that is *not* there year round!
Another interesting fact is this next was built in record time. I think it was a day! Yes they are small birds but I think more than two of them were at work. I guess it takes a village…
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These clouds looked a lot more threatening that they were. Right around sunset, they were the result of an area of thunderstorms in eastern PA.
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While parking at JFK airport to pickup one of daughters, I decided to take a picture of where I was parking. I saw this tip a few weeks ago and I was proud I remembered to put it into action! Problem was I parked at the wrong terminal (Delta – you *really* need to work on your web notification interface – just giving us the gate number at an airport like JFK simply doesn’t cut it) and had to move my car shortly thereafter (but I remembered where I parked – without looking!)
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A relatively quiet day until the report of a structure fire in Pohatcong twp came in around dinner time. No one was home and no one was hurt fortunately.
Additional photos will be on my website in 98 fire category.
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My youngest daughter participated in the PHS “One Liners” improv comedy night. It was a nice show and funny. Here’s a shot of a team cheer at the end of the show. Video was recorded.
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I went into NYC yesterday and attended Scott Kelby’s “Light it, shoot it and retouch it” seminar. It was a solid day and many new photo tips and techniques were picked up and have to be tried out.
While walking back to the train station I saw this show of the empire State building in the distance and enjoyed it and the leading lines.
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My youngest daughter accepted an award at her HS Senior Awards Night. Congratulations to her!
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For those waiting for an update on the baby Robin’s, I unfortunately don’t have good news. I checked on them Monday evening and all was OK (Memorial Day). Around lunch time on Tuesday, there was silence and the nest was empty. First I thought they couldn’t have learned to fly *that* fast. Upon looking around a little more I noticed some branches on the bush they were in were broken. It appeared something (small animal?) found them and climbed up into the bush and, well, fill in the blanks. I also found some parts of the nest on the lawn in front of the bush. Interestingly enough the nest is still in tact but the bush did undergo some sort of duress. The parents are no where to be found and not too much other signs of what happened anywhere. Survival of the fittest I suppose.
In other news we are under yet another Tornado watch today. Luckily it doesn’t look like too much is going to happen. So far we didn’t even get a thunderstorm but there was some thunder to the north and a few raindrops.
In photography news I found a download on Canon’s website that has some “Quick Guides.” The one that I found the most useful is a guide to EOS 7D Autofocus Modes. I recently (within the last 6 months) started exploring the different focusing modes on my current camera body and I wish I did so sooner. the online link to the website in general is http://usa.canon.com/dlc. It’s the Canon Digital Learning Center. If you search for “QuickGuide to EOS 7D Autofocus Modes” I’m sure you’ll find it. If not let me know and I’ll see if I can find the entire direct link.
I’ve heard it said time and again from other pro photogs that you need to know your camera and gear like the back of your hand. It’s true. That is what separates us from non-pro photogs. I know regularly change my focus points when doing certain types of photography and I know my work has increased in quality as a result. Far fewer “gee I wish that part of the photograph was sharp.” Now I decide on what I want sharp and focus on that focus point!
Dabour Photography 