Is this the way we finally get out of this?

Got up on Sunday morning, had breakfast, the usual. Then it was a car ride down the freeway to the hospital. Or rather , a tent in the hospital parking lot. It was overcast and chilly. I was wearing a short sleeved shirt for easy access to my upper arm. Should have worn a warmer jacket. The line wasn't long, even with social distancing. Credentials were verified and then the wait in the numbered, socially distanced chairs. This picture was taken in the after-jab tent. I amused myself by imagining one of the side effects being the sprouting of antlers. Alas, the guy in front of me remained antler-free. After fifteen minutes, we were allowed to go.  It's been about a year exactly since the lockdown became serious around here.  The date floated out  for return to normal is July 4. (Sounds political :-)

Found in late November


I don't know what these trees are.  Being California, it's either a fruit or a nut.  And I can't explain why they are so green and fluffy in late November.  I'm ashamed to admit that before the lock downs, I didn't pay much attention to what was going on beyond the city limits, unless it involved a trip to nearby towns and cities. Agriculture around here is more industrial than bucolic. 

Late summer corn field revisited


After putting them aside for a few months, I have picked up my film cameras again. Compared to digital, they seem expensive and impractical. But I love the experience of using them. And while the result can seem rougher, I feel it also looks more authentic.

This is my current favorite, a Minolta X570 with a 45mm f/2 Rokkor on front.
The camera cost me US$ 70 for the body and I think another 70 for the lens, I could have gotten the lens for less but I was looking for one in really good shape mechanically.

Aaaaand the fire smoke is back.


I went to a nearby park yesterday afteroon. Our AQI was at 102. (Unhealthy) I guess most were inside, hoping for better air. My housemate and I were arguing over whether this was from the fires up north or from the Napa Valley which is west of here. It was a bit hot out too, not what we were hoping for on October 1.  But October is always an iffy month. I remember one October night when we were sitting in the parking lot beneath Coit Tower in San Francisco. There was an orange moon rising above the Berkeley hills to the east.  It was around 9  PM and 80F. Everyone there agreed is was rather magical.