June 29, 2019

The Quick and the Dead

These ancient Bristlecone pines are among the oldest living things on earth. I took this photo at almost 12,000-foot elevation, in an extremely harsh hiking environment with thin air and dolomite scree. It is in a national forest in a western US state. No country for an old man, which I certainly am.

This place is not easy to reach. It requires effort. But the beauty is overwhelming. On my short bucket list are two night visits to this grove: a pitch-dark star-filled night and a full-moon night (with snow would be perfect!). I would be happy with either; ecstactic with both.

June 24, 2019

Need a Greek translation ..

The most un-ambiguous bad-dog sign I have ever seen, and it is in Greek! Bought two of these signs in downtown Athens in around 1997. Intuitively, I know exactly what it means. Those teeth tell the story. But what is the exact translation of the Greek? Beware of dog?

I had these on the various gates to my backyards: Sirius' and Nick's playgrounds in Dallas (TX) and Greenville (SC). They would have laughed their doggie asses off if they knew what it meant. Could not be further from the truth, pertaining to sweet Sirius and Nick-Nick.

BTW: I scanned one of those the metal signs and restored the image in Photoshop. I plan to make a couple of new metal versions this week.