Jerome G

My next door neighbor passed away a month ago. We weren’t close, but we greeted each other almost every day for two decades and I would help her carry her Costco purchases up the stairs. She would sometimes apologize for being old and grumpy and I would joke that there was plenty to be grumpy about. The area where we really connected was that as a teacher, she devoted her career to young people, and my work is with transitional-age youth. I would tell her that I had to keep my grumpiness hidden because I didn’t want the kids to see my attitude and give in to hopelessness. And she would say that we just do what we can. When my ballot arrived the other day, I thought of her and wished that she could still be here and maybe have something to celebrate in a few weeks. But even though she’s not, I’m still doing what I can. This is for you, Sylvia, from the Undercover Grump. Let’s turn this shit around.

It’s easy enough to accept that stuff like voting doesn’t matter because I’m just one person and can’t possibly go up against all the power and money that others possess, but it contradicts the experiences of people who came before us and at least tried. And there’s no way I can go outside and sit under the shade of a beautiful old tree and look into the eyes of a beautiful wise raven and still decide to do nothing. Other people might but I won’t.

My first few trips to SCI, I saw the Loggerhead shrikes from afar. It took awhile to get the hang of them. Eventually they would perch right in front of me with their judging expressions. I think they’d been there all along but I hadn’t noticed them before.

Western bluebirds

Why so serious?

Loggerhead shrike

Oh, so you like the pelicans? Well it’s your lucky day.

I shoot RAW and JPG but I have to admit that I almost never work on the RAW file. I don’t even really know how, and I forgot my login for the free Nikon software that lets you edit the NEF (RAW) files so I just gave up. I view and edit the JPG files in the Apple Photos app and that’s fine for me. It’s easier to see the photo, capture it, share it, and go look for the next one.

Katydid on cactus bloom

Big world

One of last year’s photos. Still a favorite.

My birthday is Sunday and I have Monday off for Labor Day, plus taking Tuesday off, hopefully to find some waders. We have hurricane swell conditions this weekend!

My best friend and his family came to have lunch and ice cream with my parents and me. It was fun. Last day of being 47.

I’ve got pelicans!

Giant swallowtail

Wi willet

Strawberry waffle with mom

Parents at the gym

My latest Warmoth with Gilmour-vibe. This one has a cool wenge neck with ebony fretboard. I had the body for awhile and was just waiting for the right neck to go along with it. It has a Fender 57/62 set with a master tone and a blender for the bridge or neck.