More Harbor Seals, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

It's another day with low tide in early afternoon and bright warm sunshine. That means that the bay below Manomet bluff will be populated by the fat little sausage-shaped bodies of harbor seals. I'm not sure why they pick such under-sized rocks to hang out upon but, that's what they do. Even this gull is perplexed by the seal behavior.



They look like they were dropped from the sky and landed on the rocks. And at low tide there are lots of rocks, mostly covered in algae, which make it easy to just slide right into the water when the tide rises.



Balancing on the peak of a rock doesn't look very comfortable to me. I think it's analogous to trying to take a nap in a straight-backed chair - it's just not comfortable.



Of course, if you pick the big rocks then you have to share with others.



Maybe that's it - these seals just don't like to share.

A Photography Lesson - Priscilla Beach Theatre, Priscilla Beach, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

As I drove by the Priscilla Beach Theatre recently, I was struck by the dramatic cloud-filled sky, and the ethereal light that sliced through the clouds to illuminate the scene. But, when I got home and reviewed my images I was deeply disappointed with the results. I know that the scene that I saw is not what came out of the camera pictured above. I am hoping what I saw is still hiding in the pixels - I just need to pull out my vision in post-processing.



The first edit revealed much of what I actually saw on location but, it still needs more finessing.

The final edit is stunning - pretty close to what my eyes experienced originally.

I did not use fancy expensive software that professionals prefer.  I used Adobe Photoshop Elements 14; many say it's the most popular software for the masses and it retails for well under $100. (Note: I am not affiliated with the manufacturer and do not receive any compensation - I have used the product for many years and I just like it).

The lesson? - I don't automatically reject a poor image out of camera - the scene I wanted might be hiding in plain sight and easily retrievable with a few minutes of effort and manipulation. Digital photography offers an incredible range of creative opportunity.

Harbor Seals Hanging Out, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

I often see harbor seals lounging below the Manomet bluff if a low tide has exposed the rocks.



Although the air temp is in the mid-twenties F (the water is low-forties F), the seals enjoy lounging in the bright sunshine on a nice day. Sometimes just one on a rock, sometimes many.



I wasn't very close but they were definitely aware of my presence. Their rather sausage-shaped bodies seem rather comical when perched on a rock that's maybe just a little too small for them.



What a face! Another of the species of "wild" animals that call Manomet home.

The Attic Walls - Neighborhood Home Renovation Project, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

The framing crew is preparing to erect the attic end panels.



They build it flat then stand it up into position.



It's looking more like a house with each passing day.



The view from the beach.

These are the three hearty, master craftsmen who have created this out of thin air. They give substance and life to pieces of wood - they fulfill a dream, they build a home that will stand for centuries. That's a pretty great skill.

After the Storm, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

The big storm has passed now, leaving only 5 to 6 inches of fresh white, heavy, wet snow in this area.

The retreating storm clouds begin to part. In just a few minutes, solid blue prevails.

After a storm like this, the small slope at the Manomet Elementary School is always a popular destination for young kids and parents.



The gentle slope is.......

... perfect for the young sliders coached by an attentive daddy.



It's hard to believe just twenty-four hours earlier the wind was howling and near-blizzard conditions made visibility almost zero.



Fresh footprints track across the untouched snow near the Priscilla Beach Theatre.

These winter storms may wreak havoc with our transportation systems but, they sure leave behind a beautiful gift.

Fresh Snowfall, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

Our recent snowfall was only an inch or two but the white blanket still adds another element of beauty to the already beautiful Manomet.



Even though the temperature is below freezing, the icicles steadily melt under the intense sun.



This room may look inviting but, it's below freezing in there, too.



On Manomet bluff, the curve of Cape Cod Bay is visible at left.



The second floor construction is nearing completion.







The sailboat Tinkerbelle told me she'd rather be bobbing on a warm bay near Virgin Gorda instead of exposed on the cold, windswept Manomet bluff.  I agree - so would I.

The Second Floor Walls - Neighborhood Home Renovation Project, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

The men created the second floor walls today.  It is fascinating to watch the progress of these craftsmen day to day as more house appears out of thin air.



Although cold and windy, the weather has been clear and conducive to progress.







This and subsequent images are the details of the second floor walls.























2x6 construction makes deeper walls for better insulation and more strength.



I am always amazed and impressed what master craftsmen can create with wood, nails, tools, skill, and experience. Their work will stand proudly into a distant future.

Walking the Dog, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

This morning dawned with a fresh two inches of snow. It's the first time this year I've had to use a snow shovel. That's pretty unusual since it is mid-January already.



There wasn't much of the white stuff but it stacked up nicely on the tree branches.



I don't have a dog so I took my red umbrella out for a walk.



He never strayed very far from me and would stop and look back waiting for me to catch up.

Well-behaved, he always stayed put when I gave the "stay"command.



He doesn't writhe around on dead, stinky things as a dog would.



But, I didn't like it much when he jumped up into the tree to chase a squirrel.

All in all, a red umbrella is nice but, I think I'd rather have a dog.