Author: ruminator

Desert Peach

ruminator
The Desert Peach is in full bloom. Shot with Fuji X100vi using the in camera Velvia film simulation. I did some light post-processing using PhotoLab 7.

After a full day of work, yesterday, The Girl and I finally headed out for a hike at Silver Saddle Ranch about 1715h. This is late for us, but the Sun was really warm yesterday and I did not want The Girl to overheat. I noticed some heavy clouds to the south and paused at the rig to check the weather before we left. Light rain was forecast for the next hour.

“I guess we’ll get wet,” I said to The Girl.

Sure enough, as we drove to the upper staging area, the sprinkles started. I made her contain her excitement while I retrieved a packable puffy I keep in the back of the rig. It was not particularly cold, but I knew the light jacket would shed most of the rain.

Prepared, I got her out, grabbed my camera, and we headed out. We had the place to ourselves. No one else wanted to hike in the rain.

The Girl chuffed and sniffed (on lead, of course) as we walked south. I did not really expect any critters, but I simply do not trust her to stay out of trouble.

The rain came a little harder for a bit. She paused to shake now and again, but did not ask to return to the rig. Neither of us minded a little rain to close out the week. The jacket kept me mostly dry.

The Fuji X100vi is waterproof with a filter affixed to the lens. I have had a filter affixed to the lens since I got the camera. I often use a light diffusion filter at night or indoors, but use a UV filter during daylight hours. A diffusion filter can really drop contrast if the sun shines on the glass.

As we neared the end of the hike, the shower passed off to the north and a bit of Sun peeked through the clouds. That lit up the vegetation wonderfully. So, I took advantage of the serendipity (the moment, not The Girl) and paused for a few images. I think some of them are decent.

We then hiked the couple-hundred feet back to the rig and mounted up. I decided to go by DQ for a bite of supper (cheeseburger, fries, and small Blizzard), all of which were shared with The Girl. She was a little grabby with the fries, so I had to correct her.

We then headed back toward the house, with a stop at Costco to refuel the rig. It was a good day. I am grateful.

Life is good.

Remainders 26 April 2025

ruminator
I am unsure what the new sign will be, but they were working on it Friday morning. I will walk by there sometime soon and check it out. Shot with Fujifilm X100vi and Tri-X 400 film simulation.
  • I removed everything Microsoft from my MacBook Pro. This webpage provided the directions necessary to finalize the removal. This phase completed the removal of Office 365 from my Mac, which I thought I completed when I did the original uninstall a week ago. Apparently, the updater remained installed outside of the Applications directory. I got it, though.
  • I have been using my Yaesu FT-897D quite a lot in the field. It is a good radio. Hank thinks so, too.
  • The Sinn 104 series of watches look very practical for someone like me.
  • This YT video is so crazy and cute. They are very creative.
  • 1Password has a version for Linux. This will need to be installed on my Linux test box.

Purple

ruminator
While working my way over to the Re-Signed site, these purple flowers jumped out at me. Captured with the Fujifilm X100vi and the in-camera Velvia film simulation, with minor adjustments in post.

It was a very cloudy morning here in Carson City, Nevada. But, The Girl and I had to get out for morning walkies and I had a short break between morning meetings. So, we walked one of our local circuits so she (and me) could get a little exercise.

Along the path I came across this flowering tree. With the overcast, the colors really pop. The Velvia film simulation just increases the pop.

So, I paused and made the capture.

We then finished our walk and I made my next meeting. There is another new project for me to work on this year.

I am grateful. Life is so very good.

Remainders: 19 April 2025

ruminator
El Charro Avitia is my favorite Mexican restaurant in Carson at the moment. The food is authentic Mexican, best I can tell. The Margaritas are very, very good. Shot with Fuji X-T5 and Fujinon 18mm f/2 at f/8 using in-camera Kodachrome 64 film simulation.
  • SignalStuff is still a go-to for handie-talkie antennas and supporting parts.
  • Because tariffs are now a thing, I am monitoring them.
  • Lorier watches are a microbrand that are made in the U.S. based on a Japanese movement (at least some of them). They are worth a look if one is interested in mechanical watches.
  • Lochby recently posted an interesting look at journaling prompts that is definitely worth a look at.
  • I am a Flying Pig.
  • This list of 100 best SciFi movies was recommended to me. It is good.

Lorier Hyperion Series II

ruminator

Lorier is a watch microbrand that has a good reputation.
I recently learned of the Lorier microbrand from both my buddy Jimmy and from a couple of YT content creators. The Hyperion Series II is a GMT watch (two time zones with the second time zone indicated by a fourth hand) based on a Miyota 9075 caliber. Miyota is owned by Citizen but builds movements for other makers, including Lorier.

As I wrote before, I do not expect to have a large watch collection and plan to sell those that I do not wear. But, I like watches, always have, and the mechanical movements fascinate me.

There are many reviews of the Hyperion so I am not going to do that. The technical aspects of the watch as well as its aesthetics are described all over the Internet. I cannot add anything to that mix other than I like the look of the watch and it fits me. I will be tracking that over the next few months and we will see if it sticks.

A Lorier Hyperion Series II GMT on the wrist.

Remainders: 05 April 2025

ruminator
On my way out the the Delaware Town Access SCA, I stopped at Tony’s Place in Nixa, MO for breakfast. The breakfast burrito was good. Shot with the Fujifilm X100V at f/8 using Reggie’s Portra 400 film simulation and SOOC.

The image: Last year about this time I was in Missouri visiting family (and having the camper repaired after a serious blowout tore shit up). One morning The Girl and I headed out to activate a park and I stopped for breakfast at Tony’s Place in Nixa, Missouri. It was good. The activation got done, too. It was a good day.

Wrist Check 04 April 2025

ruminator
On my wrist today is a Cincinnati Watch Company Cincinnatus.

I have always had an affinity for wrist watches, but never acted on it. I turned my nose up at the Rolex brand because they always seemed a little proud of what they are. That is almost always a turn off for me.

I had a Timex I bought as a very young man and wore it until the case was so corroded by my skin that it started cutting my wrist. I guess that watch lasted me a couple of decades.

It was replaced with a Seiko Quartz chronometer that I wore for years, finally replacing the movement 20-years ago and mistakenly buying a Seiko Sportura that was far too big for my wrist. It has languished on a shelf all that time.

When Apple released the Apple Watch, I bought one and used several of them over the intervening period until late last year. The smartwatch has always irritated me a bit with its insistence on making itself known. And, after reading Cal Newport’s Digital Minimalism, I found myself wanting to be less connected and more present.

Last year I took up my love of mechanical cameras and realized just how good they are and that they have no need for batteries (which only run the meter).

And a gift from a friend reminded me that the same thing is true about mechanical watches. And, so I own a few.

This Cincinnatus from Cincinnati Watch Company arrived this morning. It needs a NATO strap and I am working on that. It is just a watch with no complications (unlike some of my other favorites). I think I will like it a lot. I will know more in a month or two.

Daily Image: Stacked

ruminator
Captured on walkies with The Girl. Shot with Fuji X-T5 and Fujinon 60mm f/2.4 at f/4, in-camera Velvia film simulation (factory) with light post.

I had The Girl out Sunday morning (as usual) for exercise. She is recovering and seems to be more like herself every day. I still give her a dose of Carprofen at night because she sometimes seems sore.

This stack of pallets caught my eye (hat tip to Wife) and so I paused to make an image. It being Sunday, there was no traffic at the business nor on the street in this industrial area.

Life is good.

Remainders: 29 March 2025

ruminator
On walkies, the Sun was shining on this sign. I like it. Shot with Fujifilm X-T5 and Fujinon 60mm f/2.4 at about f/4 with an in-camera Tri-X 400 film simulation, SOOC.

I have been so busy with work and caring for Sera that I have not recorded any of my Internet wanderings. However, there are a few sites from this week that are worth taking a minute to share.

  • My buddy recently sent me some history of chronometers. I thought I should share:
  • I have a surplus military mast in my inventory that I use for longer-term radio deployments. HamStop builds appliances for these masts that are specifically designed for antenna deployments.

Daily Image: Cherry Blossoms

ruminator
Spring is sprung… Shot with Fuji X-T5 and the Fujinon 60mm f/2.4 at about f/5.6 using an in-camera Kodachome 64 film simulation, SOOC.

Just a couple of days ago I noticed the cherry tree at the corner of the block had blossomed. The Girl and I were out on a beautiful Spring morning. I had the Fujifilm X-T5 with the 60mm f/2.4 macro affixed to the camera, just in case. Although the blossoms were bobbing in the breeze, I still managed a couple of nice captures. I like this one the most.

The 60mm lens is something interesting. Although it is a macro lens, it is also good for general photography. It also has character.

Image SOOC using the in-camera Kodachrome 64 film simulation with no post processing.