Hot, Humid and Hazy At Gristmill Pond

Posted on July 22, 2013July 22, 2013 by Dusty Roads

One of the things that fell by the wayside as I made adjustments to my new life in Real Estate was my photography. I was so caught up in studying for my test and getting trained in my new duties that I stopped going out to shoot. After I passed my test I realized I hadn’t even had the camera in hand for a month! The last time was while I was in Seattle the beginning of June. That is unheard of for me! Since I bought the camera I have tried to take a least a few pictures every day.

I had a photo shoot scheduled to take senior pictures in Brewster Gardens in Plymouth July 8 so I dusted off the camera and lenses and headed to the Gristmill Pond in Plymouth to shake off the rust before the shoot.

When I got there it was sunny and the sky was blue, a beautiful day. The breeze off the ocean was keeping the temperatures down so I was expecting great light by the time of the appointment at 6 pm.

I pulled into the pond to see Mr & Mrs Majestic (your remember them, the swan couple) escorting one juvenile swan. I don’t know if they are still cygnets if they have their white feathers, but they were putting on a parade up and down the pond…a perfect photo op.

I hopped out of the air conditioned car, pulled out the camera and started taking pictures. It felt great to have the camera back in hand. I noticed the lenses kept fogging up. I expected that when I first stepped out of the car but after awhile the temps should have equalized. That’s when I noticed the blue sky was gone and the fog was rolling in off the ocean.

I wandered back to the car to remove the UV filter and of course the swans came swimming back again the minute I walked away.

I slammed the trunk of the car and ran back for more pictures when it hit me…where were my car keys?….I’d just had them. I used them to open the trunk.

I looked under the car. I checked my pockets. I looked in the car windows…nothing. Then it hit me. I must have dropped them in the trunk while I was rummaging in the camera bag!

Oh boy, I’m really stuck. I have AAA but my cell phone is also locked in the car. Where’s a thief when you need one. I started asking anyone in the area who had a truck if they had any wire or anything I could use to unlock the car. No luck or maybe no one was willing to admit they could break in.

Meanwhile the clock was ticking down to my appointment.

Finally I walked to the Old Grist Mill and begged a phone call. AAA agreed to send someone but gave an ETA of 6:30. I couldn’t even call my appointment to tell them I’d be late because the phone # was on my cell phone which was locked in the car!

I know I was looking like a crazy woman. I was sweating and red faced because of the humidity. If it’s one thing that makes me crazy , it’s being late!

Well as they saying goes, all is well that ends well. AAA arrived early and had me into the car and trunk in minutes. They were awesome. I made it to Brewster Gardens 10 minutes early and the photo shoot went off without a hitch.

This is an example of the beautiful results. 🙂

The soft light from the clouds and fog that rolled in gave me wonderful exposures and my client and I had a great laugh over my panic.

On Gristmill Pond

Posted on July 10, 2013July 10, 2013 by Dusty Roads

Not much to say and it’s Wednesday so how about a “Wordless Wednesday ” Post.

Cygnet Check

Posted on May 11, 2013May 11, 2013 by Dusty Roads

Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon Southeastern Mass was hit with high winds and heavy rains. Because of the nasty weather I didn’t get a chance to check on Mama and Papa Swan at Indian Grove Pond.

Friday was the last day before I leave for my trip so I was busy cleaning, packing and making sure all of the laundry was done. But the sun was shining and we hit 80+ degrees. Oh my, how the great outdoors was calling to me. Surely a few hours won’t set me that far behind.

I had to pick up a few things like band aids for the blisters I’m sure to get (I always do) and a new toothbrush. You know, just a few last-minute things. So when I finished that errand I just kept going! Yup had to do a “wellness check”.

Mama & Papa were both right there. Mama looked hot. She had her beak open and was actually drooling but Papa was right there too. He does take his turn on the nest so I’m sure if she was really that uncomfortable she’d take a break.

She did stand up so all of the eager watchers were able to see the eggs. All 6 were still there and no cracks yet. I guess there won’t be any cygnets before I leave but I bet there will be when I get back!

Springtime in New England

Posted on May 8, 2013May 8, 2013 by Dusty Roads

Flowers are blooming

The ponds are filled with ducks.

Mama Swan from Island Grove Pond counts her eggs.

All is well.

A chorus of Gulls

I can’t help it. I knew they looked familiar!

Mine! Mine! Mine! …If you saw “Finding Nemo” you understand. 🙂

A Sunny Day

Posted on May 6, 2013May 6, 2013 by Dusty Roads

The weather remains cool (50’s) but sunny. The local weatherman says we need rain and that we are running about 10 degrees below average in temperature. The Right Whales are feeding off Cape Cod and it seems every weekend there’s another benefit walk for something.

The cats continue to drive me crazy. Last night after I went to bed I was awakened by loud growls. As I ran to the living room to break up the fight, Smokey at my heels, Rocky bolted to a cardboard box and Buddy flopped onto his side next to it. They both looked at me like they were the most innocent creatures in the world. Clearly it was a “mock battle”.

Not so this morning at 6am when Buddy decided he wanted Smokey’s window seat. (Sigh) That was a real fight, if one-sided. Poor Smokey! I wish I knew who removed his claws! We could pull off a few fingernails and see how they like it.

What will happen when I’m away on vacation and not around to play referee?

But back to yesterday. Since it was a nice sunny day I headed out to take some pictures. I’ve been neglecting some of my favorite spots and it was time to see what was going on for spring.

Lake Rico was busy with families picnicking and kids fishing. Since I didn’t want to intrude I moved on to the Herring Run. I’d seen some great pictures from some of my friends but when I got there the only wildlife was a few grackles.