Flower and Bee GIF - Plus Hydrangea Report #1 for 2017

At Yohena Garden Today

Up north, went to check the hydrangea (ajisai for Japanese) blossoms.

Things were looking sort of grim. The parking area was empty; our first clue.

When we walked to the booth, where you pay to enter, it was abandoned, too.

Going up the hill, there were a few scraggly-looking flowers, partially blooming.

There's no sense, driving all that way, with cameras and lenses, to come home empty handed.

So, a decision was made, to go all the way to the top of the hill, to visit Mrs. Yohena.

If, my calculations are correct, she'll be 100 years old, this year.

Up at the little cafe, I met her son. He remembers me from years gone by.

Doc Graff and I, chatted with him and found out the real deal. Flowers are late this year.

He says, full bloom for hydrangeas will be around the middle of next month.

The gardens will be crawling with flower fanatics from June 1st until the 15th or 20th.

Bee and Yellow Flower

They seemed like worthwhile subjects so, I flipped the Pentax on to rapid fire.

The name of the blossom, escapes me at the moment but, I'll get it later.

Climbing that hill, gets old dudes tired. I went all the way up, almost.

Some gals from Hong Kong were the only other visitors and, they were taking pictures, too.

Neither Doc nor, I speak Chinese but, some of those girls spoke English.

So, you can probably guess, what I did. Got permission and, shot them, too.

It's a good idea if, you're shy (like me) to just start talking to strangers.

Lots of people get scared, when they see me coming but, I know what to do.

Especially girls, just blow them kisses, wave or say, "Merry Christmas."

That's what I do. And usually if, they don't run away, it's easy to talk to them.

Bees and flowers well, occasionally I get caught, talking to them, too.

 End of Report


Yohena Gardens May 17, 2015

10 Photos - An Unforgettable Sakura Hunt

Shortly After 10 AM

We arrived at Mt. Yaedake to see how the cherry blossoms (sakura) were doing.

The festival (matsuri) officially ended this past weekend.

Flowers, don't always blossom in accordance with the festival calendar.

It's been sort of a scattered blooming season, island-wide this year.

A sakura sign, at the entrance, indicated 70% bloom, at the top of the mountain.

Things, weren't looking too shabby, halfway up the hill so, we stopped for awhile.

It's always best, to ask tourists for permission, before taking photos.

Some, are happy having their picture taken. Others, are too shy. Like me, for example.

The blossoms were kind of sparse, unless the lens was zoomed in on them. 

The weather was nice, not too windy but, a little bit cloudy.

When things are calm, it's fun composing close-up images of the flowers.

No glaring sun and strong breezes shake the blossoms and, you get awesome colors.

Just about the time, I decided to shoot these gals, doing selfies, they quit doing it.

"Hey. Could you do that one more time so, I can take a picture?"

They didn't understand my Japanese. We got it done with hand signals.

They were sweethearts. I would have bought them ice cream but, didn't know where it was.

About ten-thirty, it was time to head to the top of the mountain and, check things out.

Ideally, there would be a couple of trees, loaded with those pink and red flowers.

This photo was taken from above, to show the winding road and scattered blossoms.

During peak Sakura Season, it would be a breathtaking scene.

There's no sense, cursing about the situation. Dang it Things won't get any better. 

Shortly before 11 AM, a big rain storm, blew across the mountain.

The professor and I, had to wait under shelter, before we could get back to our ride.

We've lived on island for many years and, know these things happen sometimes.

Ten minutes later, we were back on the road again, headed downhill.

There weren't many tourists left so, I concentrated on cherry blossoms again.

A few stops were made, to snap images, as we meandered off the mountain.

Then, we decided to hop over to another island and, eat some pizza.

That's a story, I'll save until, it gets a Google Map review.  Think vegetarian !

Girls Who Know How to Have Fun

2016 End of Year Party

It's New Year's Eve and, I have to get out of the office early for social obligations.

Two of my sweetheart granddaughters took this selfie last night.

They have some app on the smartphone, which composes these things.

Grandpa can download the gadget, too. The girls said, they could hook me up.

"No thanks," I told them. The stuff made me laugh so much, I couldn't see where I was going.

Happy New Year Everybody !

Silly Sign Will Make You Think Twice

Warning: This May Be Serious

Having done Sunday's Silly Signs for about a year, I decided to terminate the project.

This one caught my attention, when it was spotted in a pastry shop.

Of course, I asked the lady behind the counter, for permission to photograph it.

These days, it might not be politically correct. Maybe, it's an antique.

Just in case somebody, can't read, I'll tell you what it says.

"No Trespassing Girls Only Violators Will Be Slapped"

MORE SILLY SIGNS IN THE DOOZIES

12 Images of Okinawa's Sailing Sabani Boats

Itoman City Mayor's Cup Race

The event took place NOV 13th at Bibi Beach in Itoman, Okinawa, Japan.

Ryukyu Life dictates, I must spend a few days getting a feel for things.

Two days and nights of, having too much fun, can wear a cameraman out.  I loved it !

In no particular order other than, how they came out of the camera, here are some of the boats.

One of the things, I enjoy most, about the Ryukyu Islands is November weather.

This scene, depicts the rugged working conditions, I never complain about.

Two cameras and three lenses, accompanied me on this trip, along with a sturdy tripod.

Wide angle shots were planned, for catching many boats in scenes.

But, I wanted the ability, to photograph, Ken Uehara, during the races, also.

He is sort of a living legend and, over the years, has become a good friend of mine.

Five years, my senior, Ken stands out on the jetty, to wave a red flag, starting each race.

And, he makes me sit next to him, as an honored guest, during evening celebrations.

At times, sabani boats move faster, with the sail lowered, using paddle power.

Offered a ride on a safety/escort boat, I declined. I'm not that crazy.

A tripod, works much better, when your feet are on the ground.

It took some maneuvering around but, I could capture photos, in the light I liked best.

An escort boat's mission, is primarily for the safety of the boat teams.

Riding aboard one of them, would often require, shooting towards the sun.

For me, catching some of the boat crew's faces, was more important.

Off in the distance, the Kerama Islands, can be seen on the horizon.

The orange buoy marks the finish of the races.

Over the course of two days and nights, I must have taken 2,000 photos.

Hopefully, each team got their photos taken and, I can give them some pictures.

Now, I'm sort of an old guy and, got stuck, shooting a team of girls. Yuk.

But, when I do an event like this, I try to get all the teams.

Well, in the photo at the top of this page, those girls came in 1st place.

The little darlings.... Now, I love them all !

Best Burger in Town -- Kin Para (きん ぱーらー) I Found Out Today

Things Just Happen to Me

The past week I've been busy shooting nightlife attractions, until the wee hours.

From this weekend on, I'll be more busy, doing festival photography.

Bar scenes, supermoons, gals prancing, in what looks like underwear, can wear a guy out.

So, I've been getting to the office, a bit later than normal and, skipping  breakfast.

Iced coffee keeps me going for awhile and, I forget about lunch, I'm so busy catching-up.

Around 2:30 this afternoon, I decided to go to town and find something to eat.

Chef Making a Kin Burger

Kin Para, is a fairly new restaurant and, I had never eaten here.

There were no customers waiting so, the guy let me shoot in the kitchen.

There are some small tables and chairs, to sit at but, I wanted a takeout order.

It's blazing hot, for October. I hurried back, walking on the shady side of the street.

Sitting outside in the shade, looking at the rock garden, was where I wanted to be.

It's like 3:30 by now and the smell of that hamburger, got me drooling.

I decided to put the camera away. Noticing a cat watching me, the burger had to go, too.

They don't think nothing of stealing a starving man's lunch. Animals.

The few little, non-absorbent napkins, they give you around here, wouldn't work, for me.

So, I sat at my desk, where there's a box of tissues, that's supposed to be handy.

Japanese folks can eat a hamburger, out of that wax paper wrapping and, not make a mess.

Not me. I'd have cow drippings, splattering all over the room.

Well, I grab the hamburger and, started devouring it. It was terrific. Delicious !

Nobody else, around this town, makes hamburgers like that one.

Munching away, I hardly noticed the cholesterol, sliding down to my elbows. 

When, I was finished the desk looked kind of oily so, I wiped it clean with those tissues.

For now, I'm designating the Kin Burger the best in Kin Town.

Where Is this Place?

Well, I'm trying to get it on Google Maps but, it's so new, it ain't there, yet.

Late afternoon wasn't a good time to photograph, the sign outside the establishment.

So, I might go back over tomorrow morning, to get a better shot of it.

By then, it may be on the map, as well and, I'll do a review.

Meanwhile Check These Places Out

Seventailz is a Gentleman's Club.

And the Zone is a place famous for spicy BBQ chicken and hot women !

Time to go now. I think, I just heard a cold beer calling me !

Tuxedo and the Hunt for Pretty Girls

Things Can Get Hectic

The blog hit 2 million views and it's time to arrange the photo giveaway.

When I told the wife, it would be a good idea to get the tux ready she smiled.

She said, "Honey, speaking of tuxedos, I want you to do something for me."

She dug out my tux and, gave me this photo she wants enlarged. That will come later.

The past few evenings, I've been busy preparing for my photo giveaway.

This gal's fiance is like a giant, way over six feet tall and, has humongous shoulders.

The wife, placed my tuxedo, neatly folded, on the kitchen table.

It's been raining a lot and, I didn't want it to get wet so, I rolled it up and stuffed it in a bag.

Here I am, barhopping and carrying my camera and tux in a canvas sack.

The outfit got wrinkles all over the place and, I need it stretched. I don't have an iron.

The thing wouldn't fit the giant so, I asked the lady, to wear it for awhile.

And, I promised to give them this photo, for assisting me.

She got the wrinkles out for me and, this time I folded the thing neatly so, I should be alright.

How to Enlarge a Photo

Look what the wife gave me, to be enlarged.

It's a freakin' Polaroid snapshot, no larger than a pack of my smokes!

Carefully, I rolled up a piece of Scotch Tape and, stuck the picture on the wall.

Not sure if this would work, I decided to experiment just to keep the missus happy.

The Pentax K1 was mounted on a tripod and, I shot as close as I could get with the lens.

Full frame images, come out of the camera at 7360 x 4912 pixels.

A few photos were taken using different lenses and exposure settings.

When I got the photo cropped, large enough for printing, more work needed to be done.

The beauty wearing a kimono is Mrs. Ryukyu Mike; she still hangs out with me.

A long time ago, the cleaners lost my tuxedo bowtie.

Rather than make a big deal out of it, I just quit trimming the beard.

Before saving the image at high resolution, for printing, I cleared away some of the junk.

The little lady will be happy, to get her enlarged photograph, tonight.

Next, I'll probably get orders to buy her a picture frame and, an iron!

Down the Red Hallway

A New My Place Opened in Town

 

 

They had a grand opening, I missed out on last weekend and, I felt sort of bad.

So, when I heard they were open last night, I had to check it out.

It's probably been over fifteen years since the last time I've entered this building.

It's been remodeled and, is a bit smaller than, I remember it being back in the old days.

A cooperative staff, customers and, an assistant cameraman, helped make this video.

How many people remember the original My Place ?

Flowers and Girls Online: They Got Everything !

It All Started Trying to Identify a Plant

 

 

Things were sorta iffy in the sky this morning so, I figured, "Don't wander too far."

A block down from the office, I took a photo of this plant in front of a restaurant.

Along with me, were some books, overdue by a few months, to take back to the library.

The Kin Town Library, treats me like royalty for some strange reason.

The books I checkout aren't in big demand so, they allow me, to keep being tardy.

When one gal, couldn't find an ID for this flower, the whole library staff , jumped in to help.

After awhile, I told them, "Maybe this plant is from a foreign country. I'll check online."

Leaving the library, a gal chased me down to tell me something.

She said she'd write the name down if, they found an identification and have it sent to me.

Next, I walked to a flower shop, to see if they could ID the plant, viewed on my camera.

No luck there so, I would have to rely on the good old internet search.  Groan

On Facebook, I have a contact, who's usually the expert, at these sort of things.

He said, it was a tough one but, maybe if, I tried leguminous plants, I could find it.

Wiki Dude tells me Leguminosae or Fabaceae, covers thousands of plants.

And, I looked at 1,377 thumbnails of flowers, just on one website.  Ouch

How Did Hot Chicks Get in There ?

 

After I started throwing Latin names into my searches, things seemed easier.

Some Flickr-looking site had, much larger thumbnail photos, to look at.

This plant, for now will be called a Desmodium laxum or something like that.

It also, looks like some sort of Lotus australis or a hybrid of one.

At the bottom of every page containing flower photos, were the girls.

They were humongous ads, larger than the flower photos and, said stuff like:

The Most Dazzling Singles Are Waiting for You !

This Bombshell Wants a New Boyfriend

Russian Ladies Won't Let You Get Bored

We'll Help You Find the Girl You Saw in Your Dreams

Chat with Gorgeous Slavic Matches 24/7

 Are You Looking for a New Girlfriend ?

These Flirty Russians Are Looking for a Man Like You

Looking for an Easy Way to Meet a Gorgeous Lady ?

These Asian Girls Are Like Exotic Candies !

These Flirty Russians Will Seduce You in an Instant

 Well, I tell ya, it was crazy, trying to identify this flower, there were so many.

Before you know it, I'm on page 49 or 50 of that site.

And, I picked some names for this plant, way back on page 41 or something like that.

Now, I'm wondering if, all those gals could see me online.

It's been so long since I dated a gal like that, my hyphen's growing back !

If you have nothing better to do, visit THIS SITE and, see it all.

The Search for Kin Town's Saga Spring

The Traditional Okinawa Rooftop

 

 

Twice, on this beautiful November day, I went in some long walks with the camera.

The mission was to find Saga Spring, an important cultural asset. 

This morning, I returned with some photos of springs but, none of the one, I was looking for.

This afternoon, I went out again and, things weren't getting any better so, I shot this house.

If you don't see any wires, telephone poles or, satellite dishes, you know you're in the country.

 About five minutes before arriving at this location, I stopped for a break.

There was some sort of spring, farmers were washing mud off their tractors at.

At the right moment, I pulled a map out of my pocket and asked where the spring might be.

A farmer, sitting on his tractor, pointed it out to me. It was just across the road.

He laughed, when I told him, I had been searching for this spring all day.

To prove, it's the real deal, I shot the sign and, will see if it can be translated, soon.

The spring happens to be part of an article, I'm working on and, it is very important.

According to local folklore, one of these springs, had a nasty snake living nearby.

And, he captured young girls, took them to a cave and, ate them.

Some of the legend, is backed up by history and, some of it, may be myth.

Wondering what might be up those stairs, I decided to investigate at a later date.

Next time, I'll swap the flip-flops out for some boots and, carry a bush knife.

Don't you think, that would be a good idea ?

Sesoko Beach Images Taken at 420mm -- Animated GIFs

Waiting for Birds of Prey

 

 

These are some scenes created while standing on Sesoko Island, near the bridge.

With a big lens, that won't zoom or, retract some imagination had to be used.

The Pentax K3 and 300mm lens + a 1.4 rear converter, gave a focal length of 420mm.

 It was warm but, a bit windy so some action of the waves, splashing was photographed.

 Young girls jumping for camera selfies, entertained me, for awhile.

It's important, to know the light conditions in the sea and sky, when I'm out shooting.

If a fish hawk came along and dove out of the sky, into the water, I would have to be ready.

 This gal wasn't as active as the others but, was posed in great light.

And the wind action, made it an interesting scene.

 Most beaches have these jetskies, pulling what's called a banana boat.

In the past, they were always colored yellow.

 Nowadays, I guess, they have to give the green bananas equal opportunity !

The banana boat ride, returned without the passengers.

My guess: They used it as a taxi to go to some rock outcropping and, would return later.

 It was unbelievably warm for the month of October so, I moved into the shade by the bridge.

Looking back towards Motobu, a boat named Gusuku, came into the harbor.

This scene shows was photographed, just before it passed under the Sesoko Island bridge.

Even though, no fish hawks made an apperance, I had my fill of fun in the sun.

And, a local fisherman, told me we wouldn't have to worry about any typhoon.

So, I was assured that more great weather would be coming for the weekend.

Now, you have an idea what some of the activities are available at this beach.

And, you can see how I keep myself occupied, while waiting for birds.

A man has to do something, to keep his eyes away from all the gals in bikinis !