March: Chicago

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2023 was my 12th anniversary of going to Chicago several times a year. In the beginning, it was all about opera, and opera still determines when I go. But soon the good side of social media helped me find photographer friends and my trips became equally about opera and hanging out with them. It often happens that Lyric Opera of Chicago has a March offering that appeals. March 26, 2022 – The opera was Tosca, a classic and a fabulous performance as usual. The day was spent on a walk-about with Adam, Tom, and Tami, all among my fave people…

February: More Birds

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It’s not surprising. When the deciduous trees are free of leaves is a good time to look for birds. But the truth is, I really didn’t have a lot to choose from because my time spent out shooting has also been reduced by my current commitment to part-time jobs. That’s the part that makes me sad! February 26, 2022 – This one is another treasure from the Tensas River NWR. I’m sure I was driving home on Sunday afternoon from leading worship services at our little Episcopal Church in St. Joseph. La. As is my practice whenever possible, I enter…

January: Birds

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I did not do a “Year in Review” in 2023. I had taken on a new part-time job in the fall of 2022, and I just could not find the time to do it. And I still have that job so I’m still awfully busy, but I’m determined. So I have decided to do pairs of photos this time, one per month for each year, 2022 and 2023. January 29, 2022 – This beautiful Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) perched on a branch just yards away and posed for me. I was entering Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge to meet a…

#YearInReview: December, 2021

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And so I come to the end of this tardy and drawn out #YearInReview. Fittingly for the end of the year, the photo of the month comes from what I call my “Dead Flower Society” collection. You can add to a Dead Flower Society collection most anywhere in Louisiana in December because our dead flowers most likely will not be covered by snow! But a Louisiana bog offers the special treat of dead and dying pitcher plants. In December 2021, I spent a couple hours at Cooter’s Bog, one of my fave spots in the spectacular Kisatchie National Forest that…

#YearInReview: November, 2021

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Back in Chicago. Yay!!! On this trip, the only one of my Chicago photog friends who could meet me was Tom Tran, and that’s him walking toward me on the enormous question-mark shaped pier at Montrose Point. Tom grew up nearby in a neighborhood called “Asia on Argyle.” What fun it was to hear his stories of playing on Montrose Beach and fishing from the pier as a kid! I have been in Chicago much colder days, but see the ice forming on the pier? It wasn’t exactly warm, especially not for this mid-westerner who has, after 20+ years of…