Red Fire Hydrant

by Posted in Landscapes Leave a comment
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I’m fascinated by this red fire hydrant. I think it interests me so much because it’s out in the middle of a field with no buildings anywhere near it and I don’t know why. This area once was the site of a magnificent old resort hotel called the Briarcliff Lodge, so I guess it’s probably something to do with that. In this picture I particularly like the contrast between the bright white of the snow and the vibrant red of the hydrant, highlighting the separation of the hydrant from its surroundings.

When I posted this to Facebook it was surprisingly popular.

Taken with a Sony A7IV and Sony FE 28-75 f3.5-5.6 OSS.

Stone Bridges

by Posted in Black & White, Buildings/Structures Leave a comment
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Stone bridges. We seem to have quite a lot of them. Mind you if you’ve ever had to dig a hole around here you’d know why – rocks everywhere!

The first two were taken directly across from my house. I’ve taken many pictures of the first, but one day as I was walking around again in that area I heard the sound of water falling over rocks and decided to go and check it out. The second, small bridge is what I found. It’s right across the road from the house I’ve lived in for over 20 years and I never knew it existed.

The next four were all taken at the Rockefeller State Park Preserve.

The final picture was taken where Caney Brook passes under Scarborough Road at its intersection with Sleepy Hollow Road – about a 10 minute walk from my house.

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Taken with Taken with a Sony A7IV and Sony FE 28-75 f3.5-5.6 OSS, Tamron Di III VXD A056SF 70-180mm f2.8., and Sony 24mm f2.8 G.

Bare Trees

by Posted in Around the Neighborhood, Landscapes, Woodland Leave a comment
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I love bare trees, which is just as well as there aren’t many with leaves this time of year. There’s something almost human about them, the way that the branches reach out. Some even look as if the branches have fingers. Above: Tree Trio.

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I’m fond of this old tree. Unlike the others, which are just bare in Winter, I think this one is dead. Still there’s something majestic about it.

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One of the few with leaves.

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Branches reaching out.

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Interesting grouping.

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This one reminded me of arms with fingers at the end reaching out

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KInd of gnarly

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Taken with a Sony A7IV and Tamron Di III VXD A056SF 70-180mm f2.8.

Memento Mori?

by Posted in Wildlife & Animals Leave a comment
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Dead Raccoon seen during one of my walks with the dog. In case you’re not familiar with the term:

Memento mori literally means “Remember you must die”. The early Puritan settlers were particularly aware of death and fearful of what it might mean, so a Puritan tombstone will often display a memento mori intended for the living. These death’s-heads or skulls may strike us as ghoulish, but they helped keep the living on the straight and narrow for fear of eternal punishment. In earlier centuries, an educated European might place an actual skull on his desk to keep the idea of death always present in his mind.

Note that I’m not suggesting that anyone should keep a dead raccoon on their desk although this picture might make a great alternative (prices are very reasonable). 😊😊😊

Taken with a Sony A7IV and Sony FE 28-75 f3.5-5.6 OSS.