Last Day of May

 Recent Snaps

Shortly before sundown, May 25.
With about 3 weeks until summer solstice the sun has
almost reached the northern limit of its annual journey
along the western horizon.

Please enjoy my images by clicking on them to see a larger view and please view on something larger than a smartphone.  Thank you!

This bird is about the same size as a peregrine falcon, but,
for several reasons, doesn't get a similar amount of respect.  
It is a pretty bird, though, isn't it?  😊

You know the cruise ship season is peaking when there is
cruise ship traffic.  I had to wonder what the ship 
Captains were thinking.

An MSC container ship at anchor just beyond the Marina.
I was curious about the emissions, but, interestingly, it 
appeared more like steam than smoke.

Along the waterfront, looking east, about to start my daily walk.
May 27th

Along the waterfront, looking south, about to start my daily walk.
May 27th, 4:59 AM, PDT  (Yes, early)

Ovation of the Seas arriving in port, May 27th

If you know exactly where to look, you can see the human 
standing on the open bow hatch, on the port side of the ship.  
That person works with the crew to get the ship tied up
at the dock, which, in this case, would be Pier 91.

The police station this boat nearby to prevent any water 
access near docked cruise ships. Why? I don't know. They
only do this for some ships. My guess is, some cruise lines 
may pay for it to keep curious boaters away.

Alone Season 9 is underway on the History Channel
The location is Labrador, Canada

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Memorial Day 2022

 Thanks to those who have served for America.

From my collection of old postcards.
ca. 1910

Back of the unused card

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May 16, 2022 Update

John has been taking a break from all kinds of media for about one month. So far, it has been a wonderful, enlightening experience. If you are old enough, think back to a time when there was no internet and before you had a personal computer, and way before your smartphone. It's truly difficult for me to describe the difference. There are positives and negatives on both sides. 

Quick update: My 2-mile daily walks have continued while taking the break. This morning, May 16th, while on the walk along the waterfront, I was reflecting on how nice the weather was and how good I felt as one approaching the platinum celebration of life. All is well.

Thank you for stopping by. As for when I might return to regular publishing here on John's Island ... I'm just not sure. To all my friends ... take care and be well.

John 

Early April in Seattle & an Experiment

 I've been walking every day. Here are a few pics from early April. Most of these pics were taken during my walks. Those of you who've been following the blog know that walking daily is a challenge I set for myself in early 2021. So, I'm working on my second year now. My #1 recommendation for improving your own wellness is to start walking daily, about 2 miles (3.21km) or more.

Signs of Spring

At work on this year's nest.
[Click on images for larger view.]
See lots more critter pics via Saturday's Critters! 

On the left ... After a very rainy night
On the right ... new growth

Daily Start Photo

Every day, at the start of my walk, at a certain spot
I snap a photo of the scene to record the sky condition.
Above are 4 different days in early April.

Reflections

On the left ... a reflection in the walk path
On the right ... the trees above

Just happened to be at the right spot
at the right time to catch the rising sun
reflecting off the windows of the Space Needle
April 6th  6:59AM

Ships

At anchor, waiting for the opportunity to be 
loaded with grain at the Grain Terminal.

The "Great Hope" being loaded with grain from the
Mid-West destined for Asia

Foss Tug in early morning light.

Big OOCL departing for Asia.
OOCL - Your Vital Link to World Trade

Cruise ship season is about to open in Seattle later in April.
Here is Ovation of the Seas arriving April 8, 2022,
but not to start its summer cruise season yet.
Seattle Cruse Ship Schedule 2022 - PDF

Skies

I like the beams of light.
Looking west from Seattle over Puget Sound
Bainbridge Island in the distance.

Just after sunset, April 5th
Click to see the large image.
Then, take a long look at the bright cloud,
in the center, just above the mountains.
What do you see?  😈

...**⇹**...

Experiment

April, 2022

A day or two after this post I’m starting an experiment. Realizing there is little I can do about the state of the world, perhaps taking a break from the steady stream of information regarding how humans treat other humans might improve my own sense of wellbeing. I’m starting with an expectation of taking a month, maybe more, for my experiment. What I’m going to do is disconnect from media of all sorts. No more following the news on the internet and trying to figure out what is true and what isn’t. Same for news on TV, radio, newspapers, etc. Also cutting back on social media, Twitter, Facebook, etc. Tired of so much negativity without realistic plans for improvement. Humankind is in a state of disarray. Although there has long been speculation about the “end times”, it seems to me we are closer than ever. So many humans trying to force their own beliefs on other humans. So, I’m taking a break from it. The reason I mention this is, for those of you who blog, or follow me on other social media, you may not see me for a while. No worries, all is well. And especially to my blog friends ... my experiment is not about you ... you are, for the most part, encouraging and uplifting. However, this experiment cannot be carried out peacemeal. Taking a break from the internet means taking a break from blogging. So, see you again soon. Take care, be well, and stay safe!   

John

Early March in Seattle

 Yesterday morning, before my walk, I looked out to see the full Worm Moon. The Worm Moon is the last full moon of winter. The name refers to the time of year when worm-looking beetle larvae emerge from the bark of trees as spring approaches and temperatures warm.

Full Worm Moon, March 18th
behind a thin layer of clouds.

Unusual sunset,
March 8th

Sunset with a silver lining,
March 9th

Birds

Thanks to those who let me know this is
a Double-crested Cormorant.

Mr and Mrs Mallard

Mr Mallard
Be sure to check out Saturday's Critters!

Canada Goose
During the several minutes I watched this bird,
it did not move, and it stayed on one foot the entire time.
I am curious if it is just resting on one foot,
 or does it have just one foot?

Port Pics

First day of "Daylight Saving" and
 it is dark again as I start my walk.

First fishing vessel to see in a while.

Morning of March 18th.
Green for day before ... St Patrick's Day

Newest grain ship at the Grain Terminal
The Okinawa

The Monrovia flag always catches my attention.

Nice to see a fully loaded container ship arriving.
Note the variety of containers.

Darya Shanti being loaded with grain from our Midwest farms.

Along my walk

Signs of Spring

Early light of sunrise tints the sky ...
clouds blanket the top of Mt Rainier. 

Mount Rainier on two different mornings.

Couldn't believe I was seeing this photo in New York Times.
For a moment, I thought it was mine. Ha Ha.
Must have been taken from the same spot 
where I take a daily start photo for my walks.
The image here is a screen shot from NYT online.
PRINT EDITION Restoring Nature While Building - March 16, 2022, Page B7

Compare to NYT's pic above.

This morning - Saturday, March 19, 2022  7:57AM

Always tempting.

John's closing thought ...

Russia's "Special Military Operation" is a tragedy for humanity.