The challenges of light

Light can be a challenge to a photographer. Our eyes and brain can take in the details of both the brightest sunlit objects and those in shadow, at the same time. The typical camera doesn't do that, resulting in those disappointing pictures you get where you think, "That's not how I remember it." Fortunately, we can adjust those pictures (in the old days in the dark room and now on the computer), bringing out the details until the finished image, in this case Half Dome in Yosemite, matches the image that we remember.

We've been in Yosemite this long weekend, where we've had some pretty spotty internet access. Thanks for waiting for us, while we catch up now that we're back home again.

The light of knowledge

Earlier this week I posted a picture of a match. That match was a symbol of how we each have a light in us that we can share with others and make that light explode.

Now, I'd like to share a picture of the Downey City Library. It is here that you can grow your light of knowledge. Choose a subject and take advantage of the free books. Bring the whole family and make an evening of it. Be sure to encourage everyone to share what they learned from the books.

The power of one small light

Even though this single match puts out a small amount of light, it still sheds light on its surroundings.



And that single match has enough energy to ignite the gas to make a warm and bright fire.

The comfort of light

As I walk down the street, it is dark, cold, and lonely. But, then I see the porch of a house warmly lit up on my right and all of a sudden there is a sense of welcome. It was another example of  how important light is to us and how it changes how we perceive the world around.

"Give light, and the darkness will disappear of itself." 
~ Desiderius Erasmus

An afternoon in the park

Light. It's the basic foundation of photography. It shows itself in so many ways, from beautiful sunrises to "I hate driving home with the sun in my eyes!", from harsh city lights to soft candlelight.

This week's focus is light, and today's picture shows the lake at Wilderness Park bathed in the afternoon glow of the sun. It's one of my favorite times of the day.

It's all about the food

I was walking through Downey Gateway as I waited for my to-go order from Bluewave Fish Grill and spotted one of my favorite places—Porto's. Here a little less than 7 years, it has become a Downey icon. I have to admit, just looking at it makes me crave a potato ball!

By the way, I ordered the tilapia with grilled veggies—it was yummy!

"One can not think well, love well, sleep well if one has not dined well." 
~ Virginia Woolf

How to choose?

When you hear Yogurtland, you think of yogurt, right? Well, no longer is Yogurtland strictly a yogurt-selling business. Recently, they also started serving ice cream. (Is this influenced by Creamistry just across the street?)

This Tuesday (Feb. 6, from 4-7pm), you can have your choice of yogurt or ice cream on International Frozen Yogurt Day. You can choose between two new flavors: chocolate wafer bar frozen yogurt made with KitKats or chocolate malt ball ice cream made with Whoppers.

I might have to try both.

New kid on the block

Almost every weekday I ride my bike through the large parking lot just north of the Kaiser Hospital. Early in January, I saw workmen adding a new store name to the billboard out front on Lakewood Blvd. The name of the new company is Five Below. The "o" is shaped like the degree sign. I've never heard of them, so I started imagining what they could be selling. Was it outdoor clothing for the snow or ice cream?

Well, today on the way home from work I decided I would find the store and see what they are all about. I found the above building being constructed, so not occupied yet. But I did follow their instructions and looked them up on the web. You can find them here. They sell items that are $5 or less.