The Daily Joe

  Mist amongst the trees This photo seems to really encapsulate my feelings during the past year.  There were some very pretty and colorful spots and some straight lines - but there was an awful lot of fog, mystery, and downright "unknown".  I am hoping for a clearer and brighter 2022. Best wishes everyone.

  Trees reflecting by the quiet snowy creek While out riding around on our "week off" for the holiday, we came across a scene on a back road.  I probably could not find it again but it was worth the stop. The peaceful, serene feel of the moment - there was not a sound, light snow, misty fields and hills. It was just wonderful.

  Old sheds in a misty snowy backyard While out doing some needed shopping over break, my wife volunteered to drive while I "looked around" for photos.  She is VERY understanding.  We actually had to loop back to get this shot, but I think it was worth it. 

A girl and her cat, napping. On Christmas break, I was at my computer when I caught my daugher-in-law napping with her cat, Stigfried. They were both so peaceful and serene.  I had to capture the moment.  And it especially goes with the quote of the day, which I chose over 6 months ago....

  Quiet sky after the sunset On my way home, I chanced across this view.  The home and trees across the field with the quiet sunset sky just made for a peaceful scene. I hope your holidays are as peaceful in your heart as this.

  Trail into the unknown on a warm winter day Christmas is over and it was a warm one, not a record breaker but definitely a warm day. I didn't get a chance to hike - you know, the holiday is too busy with family, friends and celebrating - but here's a shot from a few weeks ago that shows what the trails look like.  I hope all who read this had a blessed Christmas!

  You DID get me a present, didn’t you? What more needs to be said.  A puppy on the floor at Christmas tree. In reality, he was on my chest - he rolled me over and "won".  He is so darned cute.  He always makes me smile - my dog, Merlin.  Merry Christmas to everyone!

  Cold blue clear afternoon at the lake  Out on a hike - I looked up the towards the north end of our local lake and the blues just popped.  I had to get this photo before my fingers went numb...

  Cold misty morning at the lake just before dawn I started out on my way to work after scraping my car due to the mist that came up just in the nick of time to make frost.  The sky and the mist made me wonder what it would be like down at our local lake.  This was the scene that presented itself. Another gorgeous (but cold) morning.

  Just past the edge of sunset I almost missed this sunset sky last evening.  I was late getting out of work and from my window, it was very gray. However, I saw color as I was driving.  I was fortunate to pull into a parking lot and caught the last colors across the fields.

  Fallen tree along the trail Another trail photo. I really liked the sunlight coming from "around the bend" with the fallen tree just along the trail. It was a quite (and cold) afternoon on the trail.

  Cold place to sit at the lake I took a long hike yesterday to clear my head. I love the lake, even when the cold winds blow.  This day there were very few people besides myself.  I saw a couple walking briskly and one lone biker. Otherwise, I had this scene to myself. What a beautiful, but COLD, day.

  Old fence and an old field  I saw this old fence without its gate.  I've driven past this field numerous times and have seen nothing planted in it, except perhaps hay. Each year, in the fall, it looks like an overgrown, untended field.  The fence made t he photo for me, it gave it a really "country" look.

  Just before dawn across the valley This photo is from the past.  Sometimes, I keep photos in hopes that someday they'll be "the right one".  This is one of those shots. Life's been a bit stressful lately so I took some time for me to look at older photos and found this gem, re-edited it to my liking and here it is.

  Clear, cold day at the lake On one of my frequent walks at the lake, it was cold, but a clear (mostly) sky.  The reflections in the weeds in the water made for a beautiful picture.

  A wary visitor at the lake Last month, on one of my jaunts at the lake, I was rounding a curve in the trail and saw this waterbird.  It was just looking at me - I'm not sure if it was just resting or looking for food. It didn't move as I got as close as I could to take this photo.  I moved on and it just shifted to keep an eye on me.  When I returned from my hike - it was gone.  Thanks for the visit!

  Wispy sunset clouds through the trees I thought I saw on the news that yesterday was the earliest sunset of the year - 4:44pm.  From here on it gets later.  However, when I looked at when the Winter Solstice was, it does not occur for a few days.  Right or wrong, I saw the brilliant colors in the sky and had to stop and try to capture some of it.

  Crimson sunrise clouds by the barn I saw this sky on the way to work.  The sky in front of me was clear and the air cold - but when I looked in the rear-view mirror, there was this red cloud.  The sun lit it up for sunrise and I had to pull onto a side-road to capture it. Enjoy each day!

  Sunrise through the clouds This shot was just caught as I tried to get a different shot, and one you've likely seen earlier - of an old abandoned barn in the rising of the sun.  This show was a few moments later as the sun rose through the clouds and was just as beautiful, but different.  It posed the beauty of a new day.

  Grasses, trees and clouds This was a frustrating day - I loved the clouds and the trees but the grasses kept blowing in the wind.  So, after a couple of failed attempts, I went with the flow and tried combining them and this photo is the best.  In the end, I like it.

  Dark cold misty trail through the woods This photo was taken almost 2 years ago.  It was a very dark, dreary day - much like this morning.  It also matches my internal mood, as of late.  That is why I picked this photo. Despite the dark mood, it is still beautiful.

  Tree reaching into the sunset sky  Found along the road on one of our afternoon jaunts, this tree just caught my attention.  It wasn't a large tree and the bare branches just seemed to be reaching into the sunset sky.

  One last look down an autumn road  This is one of the last pockets of autumn color I've seen.  It's December and there have already been snow flurries.  To see a last little bit of fall color is a blessing. Here comes winter...

  Old barn, old tree, and a sunset sky  While out on a drive - I saw this scene - just an old barn, old, leafless trees, and a sunset sky - oh and a cold breeze.  Late autumn - what more could one ask?

  Blue hills and a red sky  Another drive by sky, that I could not just drive by.  I had to stop.  I wonder, sometimes, what people think when I pull into their driveway, jump out with my camera or my phone, take a few photos, and then speed off.  Oh well, that's life. The color were just too much to pass up.

  Lone tree with wispy clouds While out one of my weekend walks, it was late afternoon and I saw the clouds seem to stream out behind this lone tree.  This tree features in many of my photos because it stands in the middle of my neighbor's field, by itself, providing shade for the animals - and a good subject for me.

  Old abandoned house after sunset On our way to our Karate School Christmas party last evening the sunset sky was gorgeous. While admiring it - we passed this old, abandoned farmhouse.  I had to go back and get a few photos.  This is my favorite.

  Dawn breaking over the pond  I hadn't driven this particular road to work in quite some time, as a bridge was under construction.  The bridge was open and I drove down this road.  I was greeted by the sun just breaking over the far hills over a farm pond.  The colors were fleeting and it was cold - but so worth it.

  Just before dawn at the farm  I was heading out to my car when I saw the colors of the clouds though the trees.  I took a (very) brief walk to the road in front of our home and this view greeted me.  The sun hadn't come up yet, but colors in the sky were outstanding.  God's paintbrush and palette are just amazing.

  Wispy sunset clouds over the trees While waiting for a friend after work, I was patiently waling around the parking lot. I happened to glance in front of my building and saw the sky after the sunset and marveled at the pastel colors despite the cold. It was very pretty.

  Fiery sunrise behind the old shed I drive past this old abandoned shed every day. I try to catch the sunrise but usually, my timing is not there.  This day, I got the timing right but not the sun's position.  The sun couldn't be seen, but the clouds were very well lit and beautiful.