On December 27th of last year I ordered a new telephoto lens to go with my kit.  It FINALLY arrived about 2 weeks ago! I guess the delay was due to COVID and goodness knows what else.  At least it wasn't the ransomware attack that Fujifilm had.  Anyway, I have been playing with it in the backyard trying to get shots of various birds and captured this white winged dove yesterday just as it was unfolding its wings.  Turned out pretty well and I must say the lens is pretty sharp zoomed all the way.  I think I'll keep it!

I hope you enjoy the photo and thanks for dropping by!

White Winged DoveTaken in backyard in Georgetown, TX. To purchase a print or digital copy of these images, click the image above and go to the "VISIT SHOP" button.  For any other, please contact me or visit my on-line gallery.
 

Memorial Day for me is always one of those holidays that brings on mixed emotions.  Some people I know will wish a "Happy Memorial Day!" but that seems weird.  Sure I'll be happy to get that extra day off from work, gather with family and friends to enjoy the "unofficial start of Summer" and be thankful for the sacrifices of those who helped preserve this country.  The latter is where I have the weird feelings.  Those who sacrificed their lives so that we can live free is worth honoring, but to me the word “happy” doesn’t come to mind. I supposed we should be happy, but not the kind of happy as in, "Let's throw a party because these people died!" kind of happy.  No, I guess we should be happy in a grateful sort of "Thank goodness there were people willing to do this so we can be free, and there are people now willing to give the ultimate so we still can be." sort of happy.  Does that make sense?  We should celebrate, but we should also remember those who died for our country and maybe be a little solemn as we recognize their ultimate sacrifice.  Have a great weekend, but please remember those who gave all to keep us happy.

The photo below is from a trip we took to Washington DC 11 years ago.  We took a tour of Arlington National Memorial Cemetery and this marker stood out for obvious reasons.  From https://www.cia.gov/legacy/museum/artifact/william-j-donovans-medal-of-honor/:

General Donovan was the most highly decorated American officer of World War I.  He received our nation’s top four medals, including this Medal of Honor for action in France in 1918.  Donovan, who was a lieutenant colonel at the time, stood in front of his men with his rank showing and shouted, “Men – If they can’t hit me, they can’t hit you!”  With that, Donovan led his men to take the German position. He was eventually wounded in the leg but refused to be evacuated from the battlefield until his men and their position were secure.

I hope you enjoy the photo and thanks for dropping by!

William J DonovanMedal of Honor recipient interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Wash DC.

To purchase a print or digital copy of these images, click the image above and go to the "VISIT SHOP" button.  For any other, please contact me or visit my on-line gallery.