Photo-A-Day Challenge

For The Dads

Especially Captain Argentina

I didn’t have the best relationship with my father, but I’ve been fortunate to know many wonderful dads in my life. This post is dedicated to the dads, the grandfathers, the uncles who fill in for dads, and to all the men who mentor kids who aren’t theirs. And, a special shout-out to my second son-in-law who has been a fabulous father to my grandchildren and who will soon be holding his first-born.

We had a wet and tropical week. Rained every day. Sometimes heavy. But, when you live on sandy earth, standing waters from torrential downpours disappear quickly.

I didn’t get out as much this week. Swelling in my feet, ankles, and legs limited my walks. I’m trying to be hopeful that recent tests will reveal the cause. Doctor-recommended treatments haven’t alleviated the swelling and discomfort, and it’s discouraging to have another health issue to worry about.

Ben has always been the cook in our house, but with my extreme dietary restrictions, I’ve taken over preparing most of my meals. I’m very rusty in the kitchen and cooking these limited-ingredient meals requires lots of creativity. It’s not easy making a good meal with so few options. Here is a bonus photo of a Quiche Lorraine that I made — my first — and it was quite tasty. Even Ben liked it!

The camphor tree, a species of cinnamon native to China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, symbolizes tolerance and generosity.

I found this tiny tree frog taking a nap in my Gerbera daisy!

I don’t know this cat. Although he was friendly to me, he was very suspicious of Syau!

On my walk I found this unfamiliar flower growing wild. My Picture This app identified it as a Maryland meadowbeauty. Never heard of it before. Which is one of the reasons for this Photo-A-Day challenge — get out, pay attention, see what you can find. I found this unfamiliar flower today. What did you find?

Last July, I started Photo-A-Day as a personal challenge. It was a way to erase the stress of the pandemic. A way to be in the moment, using my camera as a meditation tool. And, it got me outside in the fresh air where I could forget there was a virus trying to kill off humanity.

Others have joined the challenge. Some post regularly, some occasionally, some only once. I want to thank these photographers for joining me:

Erika Burkhalter / Eileen Vorbach Collins / Anne Bonfert / Sasha Meyer / Tracy Aston/ Lisa Bolin / Juan O. Aguilera / David Wade Chambers / June Nguyen / Mia Verita / Susan Alison / LensAfield / Barbara Radisavljevic / Diana Lotti / Barbara Dalton / Kim Zuch

It’s easy. One photo for each day or no more than 10 for a week. Short narratives. I give a one-word descriptor for each shot but it’s not a requirement. Have fun. This isn’t a contest; it’s not about the best photos or the best photographers; it’s about noticing your world and sharing it with us.

© Dennett 2021