Some pictures from a recent walk around with Nora.

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Rooftops and shadows.

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Trying to get more into photography and that means taking more photos, but also sharing them because what use are they sitting on an SSD.

Here’s some from this past weekend’s Fiesta Baltimore Fiesta and Parade.

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A couple weeks ago Nora had a mass removed. I figured it was a fatty tumor and we were just being safe, but the vet that did the removal was confident it was cancerous. Hearing that was a gut punch – worse thing to hear. Given the location of the mass, there was concern of whether they could fully extract it and the conversation quickly went to next steps – keeping an eye on the area for more growth, localized chemo, etc. I was a mess that night.

I just got the results and it couldn’t have gone better. “Margins” were excellent meaning they got it all. It was confirmed cancerous, but “low grade”. It may come back, but she is in the best spot she could be. No additional action needed. No chemo.

I’m beyond relieved and of course here’s a picture of the sweet girl.

Another quick photo from leaving the mountains. Coming down the mountain and stopping here for beans and a cup of coffee is one of my favorite parts of visiting Shenandoah. It’s ritual.

Took a weekend trip to Shenandoah National Park for my sister’s wedding. Most of the weekend was washed out by rain, but the woods mixed with the rain, lights around the lodge, and bright red chairs made for nice photos. I have a few hundred on the OM-3 I need to review, but I love this phone snap.

Catching the last bits of sunset while walking Nora a couple evenings ago.

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So much has already been talked and written about our Bully in Chief’s decision to change the name of Lake Ontario to Lake America, but I thought this article from the CBC was good.

Besides the wonderful quotes from Canadian officials, there’s this graphic:

And this fact on why it is named “Lake Ontario”:

The lake’s name comes from the Huron Indigenous people’s word “oniatarí:io,” which means “lake of shining waters.”
Carney said on social media that the name is more than 400 years old, and predates both Canada and the U.S. as countries.

When I started this blog I started it with the intention of it being a way for me to get my thoughts out of my head, to share moments and photos with primarily myself, and to be a diary of sorts. This is one of those posts.

Early last week Jacy and I had to help her cat, Archie, across the rainbow bridge. No matter how many pets you’ve had or home many times you’ve had to do it, it’s a terribly sad experience. I try to frame it in my head as the ultimate act of love for a pet – the erasure of pain and suffering – in exchange for ones own pain and heartache, but that doesn’t help it.

I only had the pleasure of knowing Archie for a couple years, but he was a perfect, sweet curmudgeon. When he jumped on the couch to lay next to me, it was not because I wanted it, it was because he allowed it. He had his own way of being affectionate and I appreciated that about him. Every morning while I was making coffee or in the evening making dinner, he was follow me into the kitchen and sit in the absolute worst spot possible. Forcing me to watch my step like he was playing the role as the worst sous chef in history, but it I enjoyed it.

The house is a little quieter now without his yells echoing down the stairs. My late night ice cream a little less exciting without having to dodge his – frankly aggressive – swipes at my spoon followed by the pleading and begging for the bowl. The house a little sadder. It’s been a little over a week and while easier it’s not easy. With time, the distance between the waves of sadness and grief will grow longer, the terrible memories will fade, and the happy times will shine, but right now we’re still in our cloud – and that’s ok.

RIP Archie

Been playing with the light leak filter on the Fujifilm X Half. I know there’s strong opinions on this little camera, but I’m thoroughly enjoying it.