Merry Christmas: 2020

In spite of all that has happened, I desire that all people can relax, find comfort and joy, and peace, at this time of year.

Working with a Model

I rarely get to work with a model.  Most of the time I get a quick interaction with a random person with whom I cross paths.  Lighting and timing can vary greatly.  And my interaction is often less than 3 minutes.

But, on a visit to Nashville, I was able to do a few photos of a model that was gracious enough to spend time with me, and a photographer friend.  I had met Sarah a few times before.  She is always gracious, kind, and professional. 

Thank you Sarah!   You are lovely, as always.

 

 

My Apologies for being Absent

 I have been a bit busy, and recovering from, some radiation treatments.  That is the beast.   My last treatment was Nov 19th.   I am still dealing with significant side effects.   But, I am hoping to be back in the proverbial saddle, soon.

 

 I have nothing but respect for the doctors and nurses who addressed my cancer and provided excellent care.  

I hope to be back soon.

 

Veterans Day: 2020

The image below is of a hat pin, given to me by a friend who understands my desire, and passion, to be respectful of those who sacrificed so much for freedom.

 This pin is a memorial to Vimy Ridge.  It memorializes Canadian military, fighting with the British, French, and US soldiers, against Germany in WWI.

Wikipedia does a nice job summarizing it:

The Battle of Vimy Ridge was part of the Battle of Arras, in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France, during the First World War. The main combatants were the four divisions of the Canadian Corps in the First Army, against three divisions of the German 6th Army. The battle took place from 9 to 12 April 1917 at the beginning of the Battle of Arras, the first attack of the Nivelle Offensive, which was intended to attract German reserves from the French, before their attempt at a decisive offensive on the Aisne and the Chemin des Dames ridge further south.

The Canadian Corps were to capture the German-held high ground of Vimy Ridge, an escarpment on the northern flank of the Arras front. This would protect the First Army and the Third Army farther south from German enfilade fire. Supported by a creeping barrage, the Canadian Corps captured most of the ridge during the first day of the attack. The village of Thélus fell during the second day, as did the crest of the ridge, once the Canadian Corps overran a salient against considerable German resistance. The final objective, a fortified knoll located outside the village of Givenchy-en-Gohelle, fell to the Canadians on 12 April. The 6th Army then retreated to the Oppy–Méricourt line.

The battle was the first occasion when the four divisions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force fought together and it was made a symbol of Canadian national achievement and sacrifice. A 100-hectare (250-acre) portion of the former battleground serves as a memorial park and site of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial.^[5]

I didn't have a poppy to photograph given Covid and my current state.  However, if I had, I would have included an image of that to remember the US troops.  I believe it is important to not forget our allies.  They lost so many as well in our global cause supporting us.

I wear this pin on my dress hat with pride.   Those men were incredibly brave.  So were our US troops.  

President Trump has been the first president in decades that has not had a war to fight. He was bringing soldiers home.

For the families of military men and women.....for the citizens of the US....and Canada, please remember those who have given so much for freedom.   And NEVER, let it go.  For once it is gone, it takes blood to recover.

 

The LAST of the Polar Bear Plunge Photos! And a brave group of young people!

I did not see their mother's pushing them in!

Yup....its COLD!  

 

 

 

Polar Bear Plunge Continues!

 And another costumed team/group!

I rather like the crossed legs approach!

 

More from the Polar Bear Plunge

 There really aren't many more.....I PROMISE .   I have no idea what the F represents!

I rather liked the timing of this one.   And I still don't get holding your nose.  It's going to be cold whether or not you hold your nose!

 

 

The Polar Bear Plunge Continues. But there aren't many more photos, I promise

 Flying sharks!!  I didn't think 2020 could get worse! 

 

 

The Polar Bear Plunge Continues.

 I don't get the tutu.   I seriously don't.  And, what are the designs in the front of the t-shirts? 

At this point, the cold is just starting to hit the gentleman.  His eyes have changed!

 Yup.  That's cold!

Polar Bear Plunge Continues. AGAIN

 I chuckled with the approach and water entry with the gentleman on the left.  I hadn't seen the "stiff as a board" entry before!

I am guessing he didn't like the cold much.   But, I don't think anyone did!

 

Polar Bear Plunge: Continues

And, another group!  Given that I didn't know Covid was going to hit and that a lot of the things I attend to get photos for the blog would be cancelled.  I am rather glad I shot a LOT at the 2020 Polar Bear Plunge.

 

And, a good time was had by at least one participant!

 

 

Polar Bear Plunge Continues

 I am sensing some uncertainty in the young ones!!

Oh yes.   Time to get out of the water....NOW!!

 

The Polare Bear Plunge: Continues!

 Clearly the gentleman on the right of the image is the life of the party!

 

 Sadly, I missed the last frame when he hit the water!

 

The Polar Bear Plunge

I give this team a lot of credit.  They maintained the hand-holding all the way into the water!