Monday, August 6, 2018

Caterpillar (キャタピラ) and Some Ninja Stuff

World Leader Manufacturing Construction Equipment



The bright yellow CAT monsters are recognized around the globe as Caterpillar.

This one was spotted, early this morning, in a pit, about 20 feet below the road I walked on.



Caterpillar, construction, equipment, Okinawa


It was still dark outside as I passed this scene on the way to my office.

The photo would have to wait and be taken on the return trip after some weight training.

Today was going to be a rowing-machine-day with 30 kilos of weights.

A 9:30 AM dental appointment was reason enough for me to be in a hurry.



A Little Ninja Training




Construction sites are usually roped or fenced off, to keep outsiders from getting hurt.

Somewhere, I read, people over 40 years of age need to do things to stay in shape.

One of the exercises I like to do consists of walking on something requiring balance.

Picture someone on a balance beam or skillfully maneuvering along the distance of a log.

Well, I skillfully take about 200 steps on some objects in construction sites.

That's where Ninja Training comes in; I just made it up. I'm over 40; that's true.

The sun was shining by the time I finished my workout with weights.

Going home, I snapped the CAT photo at 6:38 and continued to another construction area.

There was no need to jump over the roped-off part. I just went around.

200 steps of balancing were done on the way to the office. I could double that going home.

It's a little tricky, balancing yourself when it's dark outside. In sunshine, it should be easy.

At night, streetlights and passing vehicles, tend to throw shadows.

It makes balancing a bit more difficult. I might slip and fall at 20 or 67 steps.

Early this morning, not a step went wrong. Swiftly and silently, I scampered across the beam.

On the return trip, I guess I became overconfident and added a few steps.

200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, whoops, off the balance beam I went!

The back and shoulders are a little sore from rowing exercises; that's to be expected.

The trip off of the blocks for balance wasn't all that far of a distance. Not a 4ft. wall.

The 4 inch wide blocks I was scampering along, only stand about 4 inches off the ground.

Still, I'm glad no one was out there watching. I landed belly up in a pile of dirt and stones.

Sorta like a turtle turned over on it's back, I laughed and struggled to get myself upright. 

The wife was awake when I got ready to leave in the morning.

 She knew I had a dental appointment. She makes sure I shower and smell good.

Now, she'll be wondering what possessed me to take another shower and change clothes.

My ass hurts but, I'll tell her, "Secret, it's Ninja Stuff we can't discuss."





Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Animation: Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Known as Suzume (スズメ) in Japan



Hot enough to keep sane persons indoors, I've been taking walks before sunrise lately.

Once that sun rises above the hillsides, everyone stays close to the air conditioners.

The backpack, camera and large lenses for moon photography are still in the house.

When things cool off, after sundown, I'll be taking everything back to the office.

Birds, munching on a roll the wife staked out on some rebar, gave me an idea.


birds, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Okinawa

With 420 MM of lens on the Pentax, I could pick off a subject easily and make a GIF.

The little sparrow had no idea I was shooting through the open kitchen door.

The woman of the house thinks these birds are endangered.

People catch them and keep them in cages as pets or sell them in stores.

But, I think she's mistaken. I run across these birds everywhere.

So, I did some research to check on their conservation status. They aren't endangered.

There is a tale in Japan about these birds, a kind old man and, a wicked woman.

Read about the Sparrow with the Cut-Tongue if, you like fairytales.

It makes me glad, my wife isn't greedy and, winds up rolling down off the mountain!



Saturday, July 28, 2018

July 2018 Full Moon and Blood Moon Over Okinawa

Just a Quick Peek


It was advertised as the "Longest Eclipse of the Century" so, I had to witness it.

The doctors can tell you, I probably won't be around for any eclipses next Century.

My physical condition is excellent. You should see the stuff I do while out with the camera.

Waiting for the moon can be boring soo, I get some exercises done while I'm out there.


astronomy, moon, Japan, Okinawa


Black clouds kept the moon out of sight early last night so, I came up with a plan.

Everything needed for the Blood Moon photography got loaded in a backpack.

Normally I don't take cameras and lenses home; they stay at the office.

The idea was to get some sleep because the eclipse would take place from  4 to 5 AM.

Just before turning in, I went outside and searched for the moon.

There it was, nice and bright, peeking between the clouds. At 9:23 this photo was taken.

By 10 PM I was off to sleep. I wanted to be hiking towards the moon at 3 AM.



animation, Blood Moon, Okinawa, July 2018


Earth Between Sun and Moon



The shadow moving across the moon was caused by our planet, blocking the sun.

Once we get centered between the sun and moon everything turns blood red.

If, you want a lesson on why that happens, go Google - Eclipse of the Moon.

Just as  I was about to shoot the totally blood red moon, it disappeared.

Thick clouds, fog, sea spray, you name it, came along and spoiled my fun.

Moonset and sunrise happened about the same time today so, I walked home.

Now, it's time for a hot shower, breakfast and some sleep.


Thursday, July 26, 2018

Night Before Blood Moon

astronomy, moon, Okinawa, photography


Actually 4:13 AM on July 27, 2018


The big event really takes place on the morning of the 28th in this part of the world.

What we're looking forward to, is the longest eclipse of the moon in the 21st Century.

They call it a blood moon because it will appear to be blood red.

That's if the weather cooperates and the moon is visible at the correct time.

According to Time and Date folks, we should look for the full moon at 0520 on the 28th.

My recommendation would be, get outside a little bit earlier. Like 4 AM.

Poke around on those links above and, you can find out all sorts of things.

Exact times for moonrise and moonset plus directions on the compass.

It's nice to know, which way to look for the moon. You could use an iPhone compass.

Or, do like me. I just go outside and look up at the sky!