If you’re out on the Byrne Creek trails in SE Burnaby, BC., look out for those damn tree huggers!
: – )
All posts by Paul Cipywnyk
Let’s Please Keep Religion Out of Covid
I was shocked to see a post on Facebook tonight along the lines of “If I get Covid, I’ll pass it along to all the atheists.”
That’s very Christian of you. Or whatever your religion is.
I’ve known lots of wonderful Christians, lots of wonderful Jews, lots of wonderful Muslims, and yes, lots of wonderful atheists.
I lived in Japan for 14 years where folks have an easygoing attitude. about religion. There’s a saying there that you’re born Shinto, marry Christian, and die Buddhist. (Not to mention that Buddhist sects there had religious wars. . . )
Anyway, in my on-the-ground experience, folks of all of the above persuasions have stepped up to volunteer in our Canadian communities, serving on volunteer boards, helping with neighbourhood cleanups. . .
To even imply anything other is shameful.
Here’s My First Get Out of Jail Free Card
When I find myself in social-distancing times of trouble… I open old boxes.
Down to the last one from my late Mom, though I still have a filing cabinet drawer of her papers, and publications, and stuff.
It’s taken over ten years for me to work my way through it all. Dunno if I’ve just been lazy, or if somewhere deep in my subconscious I didn’t want those boxes to end. . .
Here’s a find.
That must be me. . . Going home for my first time ever. . .
Honouring the love of mothers everywhere 💟
Photo Folders Cleanup Project While Social Distancing
Getting ready for some photo folders cleanup as we practice social distancing.
Step 1: Consolidated all my photo folders onto one 6TB HD
Step 2: What’s there?
3.86 TB
337,717 files in 3,910 folders
Step 3: Back up all photos to another 6TB HD
Step 4: Start chipping away at deleting shots. I figure I’ll likely be able to cut 10 – 20% if not more.
I trash all out of focus, motion blurred, hugely over- or underexposed shots following each shoot, but I suspect there’s still a lot there that can go.
This will not be a high priority project, but something to chew on slowly.
Coho Fry in Byrne Creek in SE Burnaby, BC
I’m thinking that with that bright white edge on the anal fin, that’s a coho salmon fry in Byrne Creek today.
Yay!
Reassured to see that everyone keeps a good social distance on the ravine trails!
Covid Distancing Walk in South Burnaby, BC
Covid distancing walk in south Burnaby along the Skytrain track between Edmonds and 22nd stations today. The urban trail is 2+ meters wide, and there were only a few other folks out and about.
Thank you wind and sky for putting on a great show!
That’s Yumi in the bottom left corner about to be transported 🙂 This is why a slightly dirty camera lens is not always a bad thing. . .
Excellent Hokusai Documentary on Knowledge Network
Just watched Old Man Crazy to Paint on Knowledge Network on the life of Hokusai.
Excellent documentary. Renowned artists and art historians are interviewed on the verge of tears in appreciation of his amazing artistic career, talent, and lifelong dedication.
He completed one of his most famous paintings at the age of 90 just months before he died.
Yumi and I have been fortunate to see some of his works in Tokyo and Washington, DC, and have a book of collected works, but this documentary also uses 8K super high-def video to reveal some his secrets and the incredible detail that makes up his best works.
Astounding.
Keep Yer Paws and Yer Spirits Up!
In this time of social distancing, I am grateful to have a loving pet. Sora the Cat keeps us on our toes while working from home!
From providing goofy breaks from the computer, to holding hands while napping, she’s a constant presence.
Keep yer paws and spirits up!
And get plenty of rest : – )
Healthy Social Media Habits in Times of Trouble
Lets be careful on social media. I spend a lot of time on Facebook and Twitter, and these days even more. While we should always be careful online, these days we need to be even more vigilant.
Please don’t reflexively repost anything without reading it first. Completely. And after you’ve read it, put some of your elementary school social studies skills to use, and ask some simple questions.
What is the source?
Are there other independent sources?
Do these sources have consistent, reliable track records?
When was it first published? Are you reposting something taken out of context from weeks or months or years ago?
What is the tone of the message? Is it overly negative or positive? Is there a hidden agenda?
I’m sure we can all slow down and think of other simple ways to test the messaging. I know I can get excited and start clicking my way down multiple rabbit holes.
Now is a good time to slow down and think more. . .
Social Distancing with Birds and Salmon Fry
We’re still doing Byrne Creek walks in SE Burnaby, being careful to give others a wide berth on the trails. Lots of wildlife out there to enjoy!
We spotted this Northern Flicker in Ron McLean Park checking out some real estate.
There were lots of Green-Winged Teal in the Byrne Creek overflow pond
A Hooded Merganser couple hanging out in a ditch near the Baraga Community Gardens in SE Burnaby
I like all the angles with this sparrow
This Golden-Crowned played hide and seek, but I finally got a few good shots
A Pileated Woodpecker at a backyard feeder
Looking for salmon fry. We spotted a few in the creek over a week ago, but had been skunked ever since. But today we saw a few more. Yay!
Yumi found this mayfly larva
This python nearly dropped on us from a tree in Byrne Creek Ravine Park. Keep an eye out, folks! 🙂