f-stop steve

fireworks flower

2010-07-09T19:57:00.004-04:00

I was sitting on the roof of my RV photographing the Canada Day fireworks display. I think this shot is the best of the "bunch".

Oh, How Time Flies!

2009-12-04T20:23:00.005-05:00

Yesterday, December 3, was a major milestone in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) history in Ontario.

Two friends of mine, Dave Mokedanz and Ed McDiarmid, (along with yours truly) became the first Paramedics in the history of Ontario to have been certified as Advanced Care Paramedics for 30 years.

One other person, another friend of mine named John Wultchyn, has been certified as an Advanced Care Paramedic and as a Critical Care Flight Paramedic for an equally long time.

I counted the number of certificates on my wall the other day and came to a total of 43. This does not include the "lesser" mandatory certificates.

I have been with EMS for over 35 years now (yes, I still love it) and I am very proud of the people I work with and for.

In the posted photo (taken in 1980): right to left (Dave Mokedanz, Ed McDiarmid, Jon Newman and the cute one on the left is me) Dave Ed and I are still working and Jon moved on to get into some serious medical research.

The blue & white truck on top is just like the one I started in.

How times flies.
Good times.

Stop the evil jack o'lanterns!

2008-11-03T11:39:00.003-05:00

Every year for as long as I can remember, on the 1st day of November (All Saints Day), there is abundant evidence that jack o'lanterns have been taken over by evil spirits.
Normally pumpkins are pretty docile. They stay passive and tame in their fields and some even sacrifice themselves to make delicious pies.
However, whenever Halloween rolls around and people start carving horrible, scary, fiendish faces in the pumpkins, something evil happens to them and they become quite aggressive. They begin to attack humans. Not just randomly either! They have learned to pick their targets and they never attack just one person at a time, they attack very specific groups.
The groups that are most at risk at are groups of teenagers. Mainly (through my very un-scientfic study) teenage boys in groups of 2 - 4.
How the evil pumpkins control these groups of unsuspecting innocent victims (probably on their home from helping at the shelters or soup kitchens or rehearsal for the church play or other worth-while efforts) and are able to draw them close enough for the evil pumpkins to attack is still a mystery.
Although I can find no evidence of human blood, torn clothing or human limbs left over, these stupid pumpkins must not realize they are no match for these groups of innocents, and yet, the lawns and porches are always littered with broken, shattered and smashed remnants of the pumpkin's fiendish attacks.
The fights must be horrible causing these young victims to fight for their lives with sticks and bats and boots, stomping and kicking these evil gourds to the death.
Several mornings have I witnessed the remains of pumpkins that have been thrown to their demise from bridges onto railroad tracks and highways.
I always wonder what kind of mental trauma is created in the minds of these young children. What can their dreams be like after vegetables attack? Does this cause them to recoil in fear at the sight of cauliflower or asparagus, brussel sprouts or broccoli? Is this why children hate all vegetables?
It's time to take action!! We can stand silent no longer!
In the U.S. call your Senator and demand an official government inquiry into these attacks before your children are injured or killed. Call Obama - Call McCain and see where they stand on the vital issue. It's not too late to make this an election issue - the safety of children is at risk.
In Canada, call your MP and demand a Royal Commission be started to protect the children. (If that fails, write a strongly worded letter to the editor of your local paper (or start a petition).

Stop the madness! Take up the fight! Protect the children! Kill the pumpkins!
Remember......keep watching those pumpkin patches.

See Steve sit.

2008-07-21T10:41:00.000-04:00

See Steve. See Steve sit. See Steve sit in the rain. Laugh Steve Laugh. Oh Oh, Steve is not laughing. Why Steve? Why?
See Steve. See Steve sit. See Steve sit in the rain. See Steve think. Think Steve Think.
What could Steve be thinking of?
How much of his fence will he have to tear down to make a boat.
Boat Steve, boat.
Float Steve, float.

Just in case you think I have gone mad(der), there is a reason why I am sitting by the pool enjoying the liquid sunshine (while on my summer vacation) and that is because I am waiting for the pump to drain the excess water from the pool so it won't flood my neighbour's yard.
Excess water you say? Yes. More than 4 inches of excess water. This is the second day in a row that I have pumped off excess water from the pool so it won't flood my neighbour's yard.
What a good neighbour.
What a soggy vacation.
Laugh Steve, Laugh.
If I look darker than normal it's not a tan. It's rust.
Laugh Steve, Laugh.

Highway of Heros

2008-07-14T13:21:00.003-04:00

Whenever a Canadian soldier is killed in Afghanistan, his remains are flown to Canadian Forces Base Trenton (in Ontario). Once there, an Honour Guard, including the Governor-General of Canada and the Chief of Defense Staff meet the plane and speak with the family expressing the sympathies of not only themselves, but of Canadians in general. Then the family and the soldier take an amazing ride to Toronto and the Forensic Science Centre along a stretch of highway officially designated as "The Highway of Heroes". The Ontario Provincial Police, Military Police and Regional Police services along the way provide escorts for the convoy.
The ride is amazing for several reasons. First, every overpass on the highway (almost 100 miles) is lined with paramedic vehicles, police cars, fire trucks and ordinary people waving Canadian flags, saluting the fallen and thanking the families for their sacrifice.
The second amazing thing is that the families of the fallen are frequently seen leaning out the car windows waving to the people on the bridge.
Finally, this is Canada. The land of mediocrity and "grey faced" people known around the world as a polite but subdued people.
British newspapers recently criticised their citizens (and their police) for an appalling lack of respect towards their fallen soldiers and they used Canada as an example of how to do it properly.
It brings a tear to my eye each and every time I stand with my fellow Canadians to show some patriotism and respect for our fallen soldiers. I try not to miss any of them.
You may not agree with the war, you may not support the war, but you can always support the people who fight it for us. From any nation or any overpass.

Look who else is on vacation!

2008-05-24T20:01:00.003-04:00

I was sitting in a restaurant at Disney World when what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a little old guy minus all his reindeer.
His eyes, how they twinkled when he looked right at me,
and me being an idiot, I jumped on his knee. His name is "Nick" and he is a Santa in Michigan and lives 30 miles from the Official Santa Training School.
He told me that he normally trims back the beard in January but with so many service men & women coming home who missed Christmas, he keeps it and shares their Christmases with them in his "uniform".
I told him that was a wonderful story and then I said, "By the way, my name is Steve". He said (and I quote), "I know." Then he and Mrs. Claus left. And they left us all with the nicest feeling of the year.
If you happen to be a service man or woman comng home from the war, from my house to yours, "MERRY CHRISTMAS!"
Welcome home.

Our Provincial Flower

2008-05-11T10:55:00.002-04:00

This is a trillium. The "Official Flower" of the Province of Ontario. They don't last long so when you see them, grab a camera.
They come in two colours, the white variety and a reddish/purple colour.

Angle Parking - a new perspective

2008-05-03T21:16:00.003-04:00

" Hello, Boss? It's Joe. I've got good news and bad news. The good news is that something got hoisted up pretty high and pretty quick on this last job. The bad news is that it was the crane and not the tree. "

A combination of really wet ground, a heavier than expected tree trunk and just bad luck lead to this incident in Beaverton, Ontario today.

No-one was injured but, as you might expect, the profit-margin for this job is lower than anticipated.

Officials on-scene felt that it would take two more cranes of equal size to safely lower this one to the ground .

Keeping things in perspective - How was your day at work?

Christmas traditions

2007-12-25T21:25:00.001-05:00

Well, another festive season has come upon us. A time for families to get together, exchange gifts, enjoy a great meal and play games.
One of our family's favorite festive games is shown here being played by two of my relatives.
It's called "Close your eyes, count to ten and then guess where I hid my gum".

The picture kinda gives it away doesn't it?

Bet you can't wait to see what we do for New Year's Eve, can you?

Oh well,
from our family to yours - have a safe and Merry Christmas.

Take care of each other,

fstopsteve & family

Where have I been?

2007-12-19T15:42:00.001-05:00

It seems I am the only person on earth with a diagnosis of midas-ocularis. This is a strange phenomenon in which the afflicted person's eyes take on a golden hue, bulge sightly from their orbits and which decreases the visilibilty of said victim.
I have not been able to take many photos since I came down with this.......
I can't go on with this farce. The "eyes" are actually the containers from a Toffifee box cut to fit my stupid head.
I did this with the grandkids last Hallow'een and told them I was really an alien.
Sometimes - I think they have doubts about me.
Have a nice day......and keep watching the skies!

I'm Speechless!

2007-10-22T17:25:00.000-04:00

I just don't know what to say. I saw the ensemble sitting by the side of the road and it asked more questions than it answered.
For instance:
- is it a package deal?
- is one an option?
- if so, which one?
- can the casket be carried on the bike or do I need a trailer?
- where can I contact the owner? Is he, you know?
- why are there "racing stripes" on a full sized casket?
- why is there rust on the handes? Was it used?
I'm sure you have your own questions.

A promise of a pleasant day

2007-10-18T10:19:00.000-04:00

As the rising sun burns off the morning fog it brings with it the promise of a pleasant day.

Sorry to bug you

2007-10-05T22:02:00.001-04:00

Here is a photograph of a butterfly catching some rays at the Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory.
How they can teach these things to play music is beyond me.
But I did hear one that sounded like he had a kazoo.

Burning Tree

2007-09-19T11:33:00.000-04:00

I saw this from a long way off and was pleasantly surprised to see that the image waited for me to get the camera from my car.
There are few benefits of working night shifts, but the early morning views are some of them.

Evening sky

2007-08-27T10:42:00.000-04:00

In the coming months I may not post many photographs, but I will try to post quality photogrpahs.

Overcast day in Scotland

2007-08-17T11:34:00.000-04:00

I have been so busy recently that I haven't posted anything. The weather wasn't the only thing moody on this day. You will notice however, that the sun is trying to break through.

The Truth Is Out

2007-07-18T11:03:00.001-04:00

This is a statue of Falstaff from Shakespeare's plays Henry IV part one; Henry IV part two; and The Merry Wives of Windsor.
Based on the previous photograph I took of the statue (where he appeared to be picking his nose), I can only presume that there is no truth - only perspective. Kinda deep Huh?

Rose, boots and flag

2007-07-15T15:04:00.000-04:00

I took this photograph a number of years ago at the Viet Nam Memorial in Washington. The plastic bag contains a note to the fallen soldier.
I went looking for it after seeing a pair of boots in a sidebar on Shalee's blog.
I am posting it as a tribute not only to the Americans, but to all soldiers who paid the ultimate price so that we can live in freedom.
"Thank you" doesn't seem to be enough.

How rude!

2007-07-15T11:21:00.000-04:00

"You can pick your friends and you can pick your nose, but you can't wipe your friends on the couch." (1950's kid's expression)
I loved the angle on this shot. It looks more rude than it is. To be fair, I will publish the other side tomorrow.

WHAT A GYP!

2007-07-10T21:30:00.000-04:00

(Cue background music from a famous children's sing-song)
London bridge is fall....... Hey, wait a minute!
That stoopid bridge looks pretty stable to me. Gee, what a rip-off.

Trump, Gump or Tucker?

2007-07-09T21:30:00.001-04:00

While looking at this photo I was reminded of the old saying, "you can't see the tower? for the trees?".
Then I said to myself, "Self", I said ('cause that's what I call me when I'm alone) what is that expression?
Is it "Can't see the Forrest for the trees?" Then I thought, "Is it Tucker or Gump?". Then I thought "Tower for the trees?" - "Trump" rhymes with "Gump". What about the Trump Tower?
Then I said (and this applies to you as well) - "we have wasted enough time on this already."
Move on to something else, Please.
Thank you.
Today's blog is brought to you by the letter "S" and the number 301.

It was okay

2007-07-08T18:17:00.001-04:00

Things change with time. In 1503, this may have been great but now it's just okay.
I'm kidding of course. If anything can stand for 504 years, it must be great.
Where do you find tradesmen like that these days?

By the way - this is my 300th post.

Hoist one with me to celebrate.

Okay - I chickened out

2007-07-05T13:35:00.001-04:00

I know, I know. I said I was going to buy a Saturn Sky two-door roadster. I did take one out for a spin (several times) and it is a beautiful car, but it just is not practical for us. We can't take the kiddos with us, we can't go grocery shopping and it is hard (when as you're as old as I am) to get in and out.
So, I bought the Saturn Aura (North America's car of the year, ya know). It is beautiful.
We can go shopping, take the kiddos (they have wireless headphones and their own music in the back) and it is easy to get in and out.
Did I mention it has bucket seats, dual exhausts, a six speed paddle shifter and 260 horsepower? And the colour- Hi Yo, Silver!
I may be old, but I'm not that old!

Photo Shocks Scientific World!

2007-07-02T12:21:00.000-04:00

This grainy, out-of-focus photograph is reportedly the first color photograph of the legendary Loch Ness Monster.
A bid from scientific journals for the photograph has not yet taken place, but the photographer, who has chosen to remain anonymous (even though we know it's F-stop Steve) expects a ferocious bidding war to begin any day.
If you would like to own this amazing piece of history - Call today! Operators are standing by. (One photograph per family - batteries not included)

Look what they've done to the floor!

2007-06-26T08:51:00.000-04:00

This is a floor at the ancient Roman spa in Bath, England. Imagine how many people had to walk aross this floor to get it so smooth. It must have taken what? - a couple of months?

Dr. A. Ross Tilley OBE, OC, MD, FRCS

2007-06-22T16:42:00.000-04:00

This photo is of a plaque dedicated to a hero of mine. It sits in the entrance to the "Canadian Wing" of the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, Sussex.
I never met Dr. Tilley, but I have met his lovely widow and some of his amazing patients and I have read and watched everything I could find about this amazing man.
He was born in Bowmanville, Ontario (my adopted hometown) and I had the honour of leading a campaign to have a school named for him.
I did it because I was told I couldn't do it. I did it because this man deserved it and I did it so his patients (World War II fighter pilots) could get the recognition they deserved as well.
Wednesday last, the town had a funeral for another Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan. He was number 57. On the day of Trooper Caswell's funeral, Canada lost numbers 58, 59, and 60.
I am taking on another campaign - I am going to see what can be done to recognize the sacrifices of the Canadians who fight and die in Afghanistan. Fight and die for our freedom. If you are interested in helping (or starting your own campaign in your own town) let me know.
This world needs more heroes. I know where to find them.

Scotland's Bonnie Wee Heather

2007-06-19T11:17:00.000-04:00

(Read with a Scots accent if you please - it makes the writing better)

Goood Day from Scotland! It's a fine day here as the soon is trying to peek it's wee eyes throo the cloods. The bonnie wee Heather is lovely shade of purple but you can't see it for this yellow stuff. Scotland's Bonnie Wee Heather (the tour guide on my left) said the name for this plant but I can't recall it.

We arrrrrre joost a few feet from the spot known as "Arthur's Seat" where legend has the Great King Arthur of Camelot fame sat and made some monumental decisions. Scotland's Bonnie Wee Heather (the tour guide on my left) said what they were but I can't recall them.

Oh, and they have a wee drink here called "single malt scotch". No bloody wonder I can't recall anything.

Now - away we ye!

A different career choice

2007-06-16T19:02:00.000-04:00

The gentleman in silver is a "living statue". He makes his living by pretending to be made of metal and standing very still.
The problem was - it was very hot outside when this photograph was taken. About 85F to be exact. He had on a leather coat, boots and gloves and a turtleneck sweater. In addition to all this, he was painted with silver paint and had grease in his hair.
If you look closely at the photo and focus in on his neck, you will see how the paint has washed away with his perspiration.
A tough job but he did it professionally.
I have no idea who the stiff on his right is.

Melrose Abbey - Scotland

2007-06-16T16:12:00.000-04:00

The history of the British Isles is so inter-weaved it is unbelievable. I have been reading the history of the Knights Templar and their connection with Rosslyn Chapel. They (and Rosslyn Chapel) are connected with Melrose Abbey. The legend says that the heart of Robert the Bruce, a one time King of Scotland is buried in this abbey. It was buried here after being returned to Scotland from the crusades where it was carried by a Knight Templar whose family built Rosslyn Chapel. England is connected to Scotland; melrose to Rosslyn; Knights Templar to Robert the Bruce and finally the 100 aker wood to Winnie the Pooh (who was Canadian by the way- "Winnie" is short for "Winnipeg").

Amazing isn't it?

Westminster Abbey Part 1

2007-06-14T22:02:00.000-04:00

This is the main entrance to Westminster Abbey. Of all the carvings of people over the door, the only one I knew was the man in the middle of the photo with the child at his feet.

If you don't recognize him it's Dr. Martin Luther King.

Kinda cool.

I wonder who they will replace with my statue?

The Shambles

2007-06-13T20:38:00.000-04:00

This is the area known as "The Shambles". It may have been called that because of the building standards.

An interesting side note to these buildings is the origin of the terms "upper, middle and lower classes". It seemed that when you emptied your chamber pot into the street (as was the custom), if you were the "upper" class you didn't see any substances flow (float) past your window. If you were the "middle' class, you only saw it once, but if you were the "lower" class, you saw stuff from both other "classes. Check it out.

Anniversary of the flood

2007-06-12T21:18:00.000-04:00

Each year the town of Cambridge remembers the great flood of 1867 by filling this scale model full of water.
The expression "It's a shambles" comes from Cambridge and I will show you a photo of it tomorrow.

Oh God, I'm witty!

2007-06-11T21:23:00.001-04:00

The lesser known little brother. Yes, I know the difference because I'm a "roads scholar".
hahahahahahahaha

Dude - Where's my bike?

2007-06-11T21:03:00.000-04:00

Cambridge students are not permitted access to cars. How ever do they get around??

Fascinating Tombstone

2007-06-10T14:08:00.000-04:00

The inscription says "King of terrors", a 7th Century Guild Stone. I wonder who that was.

OOPS, America Your Top Fell Down

2007-06-09T15:39:00.000-04:00

It`s hard to believe but this building was designed and constructed during the Victorian era. I always thought they were more prudish than this.

If you look closely at her face and the top moulding you can see the damage caused by the coal smoke used to heat the homes in London. They tried to sandblast and steam clean some of the buildings but found they were doing more damage than the smoke did.

Rosslyn Chapel

2007-06-08T10:11:00.000-04:00

This photograph was taken in the (now more) famous Rosslyn Chapel that was in Dan Brown's novel "The Da Vinci Code". It is in a small town about seven miles south of Edinburgh Scotland.

The Gravity Bridge - Cambridge

2007-06-07T18:12:00.000-04:00

According to local legend, this bridge was originally built without the aid of nails, nuts or bolts. Because the design was so close to perfection, gravity was the only force that held it together .

However, a group of students (with more ego than skill) took the bridge apart and, like the story of Humpty Dumpty, could not put it together again. It had to be rebuilt with nails, nuts and bolts.

There is a lesson here.

The things I do for you people.

2007-06-06T17:30:00.000-04:00

Just to put a stop to all the emails asking for this, I have offered this photograph. Imagine you are on the stage of the "Phantom of the Opera" - now at a certain part in the performance, you look up and see this.
I just saved you a bunch of money and probably even your life.
You're welcome.

The Deadliest Tree in the World

2007-06-05T16:42:00.001-04:00

The notice is correct. "Beware this tree!" for this is the Mistletoe tree and if you ever kiss anyone under the mistletoe branch, you can't stop and by the time you finish all the branches......you will be dead! From either starvation or dehydration.
Pucker up at your peril! You have been warned!

Stirling abbey

2007-06-05T16:35:00.001-04:00

It was like this when I got there so don't be blaming me.

Wires

2007-06-04T08:39:00.001-04:00

Sometimes it pays to keep your head up.

The Church of the Dome - Les invalides

2007-06-01T21:15:00.000-04:00

Emperor Napoleon's Tomb - incredible surroundings!
(Please note the lady with the light saber in the bottom centre)

Don't look at this until June 1st because I have to work

2007-05-31T16:58:00.000-04:00

My Welsh is rusty but I think this toy store's sign reads "We call ourselves toys R us and there's nothing you can do about it because you're not in Llangollen". I could be wrong though so don't quote me.

Like fstopsteve, like allergictoapples

2007-05-31T15:46:00.001-04:00

Yes, I know you've seen one like this before but I didn't take that one.

It speaks for itself

2007-05-30T21:36:00.000-04:00

This is the Albert Memorial in London. It sits across the street from Albert Hall. Albert was the royal Consort of Queen Victoria. He was apparently well liked by one and all. However......

Roget's New Millennium™ Thesaurus

Main Entry: ostentatious
Part of Speech: adjective
Definition: flashy
Synonyms:
boastful, chichi*, classy, conspicuous, crass*, dashing, duded up, egotistic, exhibitionistic, extravagant, flamboyant, flatulent, flaunted, fussy, garish, gaudy, gay, glittery, grandiose, highfalutin', jaunty, loud, obtrusive, peacocky, pompous, pretentious, showy, spectacular, splashy, splurgy, sporty, swank, swanky*, theatrical, tinsel*, tony*, uptown*, vain, vulgar

But then again, maybe it's just me.

These guys are good!

2007-05-30T09:25:00.001-04:00

I really wanted to see this exhibit but I couldn't find it.

Serenity Landscape (a portrait view)

2007-05-29T07:16:00.000-04:00

A landscape should be in a landscape view (more wide than high) but I have always rebelled against the staus quo so this landscape is in the portrait view.

Greyfriars Bobby

2007-05-27T09:59:00.000-04:00

In Edinburgh Scotland is a monument to loyalty. It is the monument/statue of a Skye terrier who, from 1858 until his own death in 1872, lay on the grave of his master, John Grey, every single day for fourteen years, leaving only for food.
It is reported that a daily occurrence of people from all walks of life would stand at the entrance of the Kirkyard (cemetary) waiting for the one o'clock gun and the appearance of Bobby leaving the grave for his midday meal.
There is a quotation on the headstone of the dog, (the only animal allowed to be buried just inside the cemetary gate) - "Let his loyalty and devotion be a lesson to us all".
Visiting this little dog's grave is a humbling experience - as it should be.

Somedays it just works out right

2007-05-23T16:14:00.000-04:00

Every once in a while it just turns out right.

You are in the right spot, at the right time, with the right camera.

The subject is right, the lighting is right, the exposure is right.

The background is right, the timing is right and the photograph comes out - well, right.

Am I right?

In the eye of the London eye

2007-05-22T17:14:00.000-04:00

This is London. This is one of the pods on the "London Eye". The world's tallest, slowest ferris wheel. There are 32 pods and each one holds 25 people (unless you're special - like us). The wheel revolves at .85 feet per second and it takes more than 30 minutes to go around once.

It takes you more than 440 in the air, and when the weather's nice, you can see 25 miles.

Today the weather was nice. I am too so I posted two photos for you.

We are staying in the hotel at the base of the wheel. Around the back - in the basement - off the kitchen - near the laundry room dryer - in a closet - standing up to sleep - and go outside to change our mind.

I'm kidding. We have a nice room on the second floor. We only have to stay here one more night and then it's off to Paris.

Oh I forgot to ask - How's work going?

I know. I'll pay for that one.

Rosslyn Chapel - Not starring Tom Hanks

2007-05-17T17:12:00.000-04:00

This photograph is of the ceiling of Rosslyn Chapel (Yes, that Rosslyn Chapel) in Rosslyn, Scotland. Strange things happened here. Money that was safely ensconced in my pocket simply disappeared without a trace. I heard voices ("Don't touch that, Sir"), I saw things (other people) and had a great time. But the weirdest thing was that I shot this in colour and it was orange in the light.
Oh, that and the 3 knights Templar that walked through the wall in the crypt. With the Grail, but that's another story for another time.
Hoot mon. See you.

Window shopper

2007-05-14T16:13:00.000-04:00

This photo was taken today in Cambridge, England. I took it just after leaving King's College and the reunion with my fellow graduates. Okay, I'm lying.

I never graduated from King's College. I dropped out.

Okay, I'm still lying.

I took the photograph today in Cambridge, England. And that's the truth.

Do you think he was looking at the clogs?

Barbara Standley 1926 - 2007

2007-05-01T09:26:00.000-04:00

My Mother died last week. Mom died quietly and peacefully, without pain and she did not die alone. My brother Tim was with her and we were just minutes behind. We had run home for some food and were heading back to the hospital when Tim called to say "It's over." Just like that - it's over.

My wife Carol was my mother's best friend. They had known each other before we got married and remained best friends until Mom died. Carol did more for my mother that I ever did and certainly more than my brothers. I regret that I didn't do more. I didn't neglect Mom - don't get me wrong - but I could have done more.

I called her several times a week to see how she was feeling and the answer was always the same, "I'm in a Nursing Home - I watch TV and I look out the window."

Mom was 80 when she died. She had a better life after she remarried.

My father was a mean drunk that hit his kids and his wife and Mom always defended us. She raised four boys on her own for several years.

Her second husband was a really nice man and they had 20 great years together until he passed away. I was glad for Mom. I thought she deserved a nice life.

At her funeral the Minister spoke to our Grandchildren about the stages of life. He said that Mom had changed to another stage of existence very much like a caterpillar changes to a butterfly. He asked them if they would like to put a butterfly sticker on the casket, which they did. He then asked if anyone else would like to put one on as well and, to my surprise, a number of people did. I will never look at butterflies the same from now on.

The photo I posted is Mom and my grandchildren. It is one of my favourites. We went through dozens of photographs of my mother recently and we could not find a photograph where Mom wasn't smiling. I think that's kind of neat. Mom was always smiling.

Mom loved to hug people. She said that it takes 4 hugs a day to survive, 6 hugs a day to maintain and 8 hugs a day to grow.

So, in honour of my Mom, please hug some people you love today. 8 times please.

Good bye Mom. I love you.

It's my friend's fault

2007-04-19T16:22:00.000-04:00

I have this friend (I've never even met her but she IS my friend) and I don't want to say her name but she lives someplace where Dorothy & Toto came from (you remember the Wizard of Oz?).
I posted a photo the other day of a glass full of water (I'm an eternal optimist). She suggested I exchange the water for wine (which I did) but she never said how much wine to use and so I just kept filling the glass when it got empty until I ran out of wine.
Look what happened to the wine glass. It's all her fault. If she is going to give me direction (and she knows I always do as I'm told) then she has to set limits. So, it's not my fault.
I am broken up about the whole thing. Really, I mean - I am fractured; shattered in fact.
On the other hand, maybe it is my fault and I don't remember - I was smashed at the time.

Parts of a car

2007-04-19T16:13:00.000-04:00

TV through the wine glass

2007-04-16T21:13:00.000-04:00

This bizarre shot is my tv through my wine glass. It's water not wine.

Photo Quiz!

2007-03-31T16:24:00.000-04:00

What is wrong with this photograph?

One of the coolest places on earth!

2007-03-27T13:57:00.000-04:00

If the opportunity ever presents itself when you come to Toronto, visit the Ontario Science Centre. It has been around for years and the geniuses that run the place are amazing! There is always something to see, do, touch, spin, listen, watch and wonder. Kids (of all ages) love the place. We recently went there with our kids and grandkids and we had a blast.
Now - for an explanation of the photograph. You sit in front of a computer camera and it takes your photo in black and white. It then transfers your image to another computer that controls this 40 foot high bubble machine. When it sees a white pixel in the image, it produces a bubble. When it detects a black pixel it produces nothing. By matching the bubbles to the white pixels, it reproduces the image from the first camera shot.
If you look closely, you will be able to make out the image of someone very close to me. My Sweetie.
Both the machine and the person represented have similarities - they are both amazing.

Bad Mood Rising

2007-03-25T11:04:00.000-04:00

Okay. I know this looks bad at first glance, but I am just kidding. I made this photograph using a mirror and a quartz-halogen light. The slightly off focus when mixed with the graininess of the photo makes for a practically unrecognizable subject.
The good news? There are very few people in the world who have actually witnessed this look for real.

Things are not what they seem

2007-03-05T16:17:00.000-05:00

I made a photograph of what I thought was a nicely lighted industrial chimney. The chimney has several coloured spotlights that change and the colours range from blue to a royal purple.

It wasn't until I up-loaded the photo into the computer that I noticed the three aliens looking down at me. Look closely at the photo and you will see two of them crouching down behind the railing and the third one boldly glaring at me with his red burning eyes.

My wife says they are merely aircraft warning lights so I know they've already gotten to her.

I'm writing this as she is at a secret meeting with them so I have to type fast.

Don't let her know that I've told you and remember.....keep watching the skies!

Another winter wonder(if it will ever end)land

2007-02-25T14:39:00.000-05:00

Things certainly have changed

2007-02-21T22:03:00.000-05:00

When I was a little kid (lo, these many moons ago) I used to have child-like dreams. Dreams of dragons and monsters and sometimes, dreams of little fairies and other imaginary beings with magical powers.
But then I grew up and my dreams matured with me. I still dream of dragons and monsters and such (like the taxman) but my dreams of the little ferries have changed.
Such is life.

It's getting warmer!

2007-02-16T15:34:00.000-05:00

Oh my. Spring is in the air. The sky is turning from black to a lovely shade of greyish-blue, the lake is starting to thaw and the temperature is begining to edge upwards towards the freezing point. The winds have shifted away from due north and the North pole and soon the sun will make its annual appearance and then the snow will begin to melt and disappear for several months.

February in Canada.

Oh yes, the other highlight? Spring training starts in less than two weeks. Soon it will be time to shovel drifts away from the barbeque and start the begining of Summer.

What an optimist!

Writing on a borrowed computer - by Fstop Steve

2007-02-10T08:01:00.000-05:00

Once upon a midnight dreary
While I pondered weak and weary
Over many a quaint and curious volume
Of some "Google" lore

While I nodded (nearly napping)
Suddenly there came a tapping
As if some thing was gently rapping
Gently rapping on the hardwood floor
"‘Tis a termite there" I muttered
"Merely this and nothing more"

Suddenly there came a whine
From a computer (is it mine?!)
A subtle snap - a little pop
A wisp of smoke rose from the top

The monitor was dark and dead
My body filled with instant dread
I shook it; slapped it; twisted knobs
The room soon filled with wracking sobs

My hopes of playing now were dashed
My computer system - it had crashed!
I raced it to the shop in town
“The thingy’s stopped – my system’s down!”

The tech approached with steady gaze
“I’ll have a look, but it might be days
before you have your system back"
(And get your meaningless life on track)

So home I slogged, dejected and
depressed past words, my thoughts still ran
of pixels, keyboards, ROM and RAM
I'm part computer - that's what I am!

And so I came back to my room
and thought of picking up a broom
to sweep the floor of dusty bunnies
buy a paper; read the funnies

But it's not the same, this paper thing
I miss my games, that electric zing
that keeps my eyes and brain in motion
while flying jets across an ocean

And it's on the computer I've been told,
and living in my little world,
that Sweetie says that I'm the best
(which means, I 'spose, I'm not a pest)

And so I sit here, drinking beer here
My heart so full of sorrow
“Sorry Sir, not fixed just yet;
But call again tomorrow”

(with apologies to Edgar Allen Poe)

Church in the moonlight

2007-02-05T21:43:00.000-05:00

While not a particularly stunning photo, it is unique nonetheless. It is a 30 second exposure using nothing more to light the scene that a cold winter's night and the light of the full moon.

Well Doctor, the last thing I remember

2007-02-04T17:13:00.000-05:00

after putting the screwdriver in the light socket was a flash of light.
Then I guess I took a nap and only woke up when the tingling in my arm got worse.
Do I have any side effects, you ask?
My memory seems a little off.
My memory seems a litlle off.
Did I mention my memory seems a little off?

I'm getting my eyes checked.

2007-01-31T18:27:00.000-05:00

Canada is the second coldest country in the world. I believe it. Especially this week.
I was standing in the bitter cold trying to get a shot of the full moon. I took what I thought was a good shot (it was so cold that as soon as the shutter went "click" I knew it was a good shot because I wasn't taking another one, so it had to be good). I downloaded the photo onto (into?) the computer and was surprised to see the snowflake reflections.
I did not see the snow falling while I was outside, probably due to the fact that the vitreous humour (the liquid in your eyes) may have been frozen solid!
Anyway, the moon shot came out okay and I am almost positive it is the second (or third) from the left near the top of the photograph.
At least I think it's the moon. With my eyes it could be a space ship.

Tenacity

2007-01-30T18:33:00.000-05:00

tenacity n. determined, dogged, persistent, pertinacious, resolute, singleminded, steadfast, unswerving.
I left the garden lights out in the fall and did not expect this result. These two little solar-powered lights were covered with snow, frozen into the ground and still they continue to shine in the night. There is a lesson here for us humans. Suck it up. Hang on. Never give up.
Hang in there lights! Spring is less than fifty days away!

It's Official! We're closing the pool for the winter now.

2007-01-26T21:03:00.000-05:00

I put a sign on the pool today. "Closed for the season - Reason? Freezin'!"
The interesting phenomenon in the center of the photo is called "sea smoke". It happens when the air is significantly colder than the water. I have witnessed this on the ocean in Halifax and on Lake Ontario.
It usually occurs when a gentle breeze waifs down from the North Pole at about a thousand miles an hour, and stays for several months.
An interesting side note - for those of you who may not know this; there are two season in Canada: winter and construction.
By the way - we are both fine and thanks for asking.

Photoshop skills

2007-01-10T22:04:00.000-05:00

I have been practicing my photoshop skills and this is the end result. I found this old photo of some kid in a box in the attic, scanned it and performed some digital magic on it.
I enlarged the ears, added big buck teeth and a brylcreem hair tonic lustre to the kid's head. Then I added some freckles to the little guy's nose and pasted on a flannel shirt to add some class.
Then, I realized that I didn't save my work so I posted a picture of me when I was eight.
Somehow it still came out the same. Go figger.

13,000 consecutive days

2006-12-30T11:00:00.000-05:00

Today, December 30, 2006, is the 13,000th day that Sweetie and I have been married. We have actually known (and loved) each other for 14, 813 days, but I was away in the service and although those days are important too, we don't count them for the marriage.
Without sounding too sappy, this lady that I love is my rudder and my keel and the sails of my soul. She keeps me on course and stable and moving forward.
In return, she says I make her laugh.

So, what's our secret? There are a few.
Always remember that you liked the person before you loved them.
Expect hard times and move past them.
Hug each other. It takes 4 hugs a day to survive, 6 hugs a day to maintain and 8 hugs a day to grow.
Never grow tired of saying "I love you".
Once a day, try to make the person you love laugh.

One more thing - figure out this code and say it to the people you love every night (even if it's over the telephone).
GN ILY SYITM PD GB

Make it a nice day or, better yet, 13,000 nice days.

The rabbit vs beaver conflict

2006-12-23T15:20:00.000-05:00

At first glance, it looks okay but I think I may have used too much whitener.
Either that or I am auditioning to be the new Canadian beaver mascot.
Either that that or Elmer Fudd is hunting for me and being vewy vewy quiet.
Either that or I have too many Altoids in my mouth at one time.

Winter-like sunset

2006-12-18T11:43:00.000-05:00

Winter doesn't arrive until the 21st, but when I took this (at 5:30PM), it sure looked and felt like it. It's going to be a long season.

The story of Sweetie

2006-12-12T21:44:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time there was a really young man named F-stop Steve (although he didn't go by F-stop at the time). He somehow instinctively knew what his future wife would look like. In fact, he was able to describe her in very minute detail.
He is on record in the family archive as having described her as follows: "She is 5' 2' tall, has dark hair and the biggest and deepest brown eyes in the world. She has a beautiful smile and when she looks at me, her eyes light up and my heart dances."
F-stop's brothers thought he was crazy. How could he know what his future wife would look like?
One beautiful day in June 1966, a lovely young lady (that worked in the same place as F-stop's mother) mentioned that she was moving to a new apartment on the weekend. F-stop's mother said, "Stop by my place, I have three boys that can help you move."
So the lovely young lady pulled up in front of F-stop's house. Just as she got out the car, F-stop and his brother were looking out the front window.
As she looked up from the car towards the window, F-stop punched his brother's arm and said, "That's her."
His brother asked "That's who?" "That's my wife" said F-stop. "You're crazy! You don't even know her name!" said his brother. "Doesn't matter" said F-stop. "That's my wife."

On December 30, 2006, F-stop and Sweetie will be married for 13,000 days. Exactly. I was right all along.

A different point of view

2006-12-09T15:10:00.000-05:00

This image is far more powerful than the one I was going to post.

Is it just me?

2006-12-01T15:57:00.000-05:00

While I admire and appreciate the sentiment, I think it's odd to see those bumper stickers on a Lexus.

The corner of my eye

2006-11-23T07:54:00.000-05:00

It's not often I take a photograph of our bathroom, but today as I was walking by, out of the corner of my eye, (what a great idea for a title) I saw that the morning sun was casting such a beautiful light on Sweetie's birdhouses that I thought I should keep the image for posterity. Or for my blog at least.

The Election is over!

2006-11-16T21:11:00.000-05:00

Well it's a done deal.
I didn't get elected.
But that's okay because I didn't come last.
When you consider all the conditions, I did okay and here's why:
Approx 38% turnout of voters (Yes, I know it's a poor showing but what can you do?)
I had almost 500 hits on my election blog.
Almost 16,000 people saw my name on the ballot.
Several of my campaign planks have been "considered" by other candidates.
I had a small team that worked very hard. (Thank you all again)
I had a minscule budget.
I worked 3 jobs (one involved shift work)
AND
my biggest and most impressive condition?
I did it without election signs!
I refuse to use elections signs. I took an idea from Howard Dean and used the internet for a lot of contacts.
Election signs are very expensive, scenery-blocking, potential litter-making, eye pollution. I drove less than a 1/2 mile and counted almost 300 signs. Some of the ones I didn't count were on the road, lying on the grass, and had been knocked down, kicked down or pushed over.
No other business or individual could get away with advertising signs like that, so why do we allow it during elections?
I know this may read like sour grapes, but believe me when I say it's not.
I made a statement and took a stand and I will do it again in 4 years.
One person asked me what I would do if I didn't win and I said, "Keep a close eye on the guy that does."
So take this as fair warning, I'm watching.

White Fuzzy Stuff

2006-11-04T10:24:00.002-05:00

I am always amazed at the complexity of Mother Nature. When the variety of her elements runs from the Rocky Mountains to the soft unbelievably delicate white fuzzy things as posted in the photo, it makes me realize that we don't own this planet, we are just borrowing it for a while. I hope that we will soon wake up to the fact that we are lousy tenants.

To do your part, clean up your part.

To paraphrase a friend of mine - it's not easy being green, but it is beneficial.

Enniskillen showoff

2006-11-04T10:24:00.000-05:00

It never fails. Everyone is melding together nicely, the pattern is being completed, the group is getting comfortable with each other and then the showoff comes into the picture. Always has to be different, always has to be the one that has the brightest coat or flashiest outfit. It never fails.

Hawaiian lily pads

2006-10-19T19:12:00.001-04:00

Hawaiian lily pads
Originally uploaded by fstopsteve.

Decisions, decisions

2006-10-06T20:52:00.000-04:00

I know what you're thinking. It's his mid-life crisis.
It is NOT a mid-life crisis because if I had known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself.
Sweetie and I have always had "fun" cars (like the PT Cruiser) and since both the kids are grown and gone, we are looking at the new Saturn Sky. It comes in red, white, yellow, black and silver.
I had the wonderful opportunity to drive a 2007 before they made it to the showrooms (I know some people)
and I like the car very much. We are keeping the PT Cruiser for moving the grandkids and such, but we want a new "fun" car to drive.
5 speed overdrive with a turbo. Oh Yeah!
So, back the begining - if you are having fun... how can it be a crisis?
The only problem is this. Which one should we get? The black or the silver?

Why the system works.

2006-09-20T20:50:00.000-04:00

Meet my sombrero. It is covered in red velvet with silver and white accoutrements. It is 3 feet wide. I was walking through the airport with the stupid thing on my head. I went through security without a single problem or even getting a passing glance from the security staff. Now I am not trained in airport secuity, but if some dork walking through an airport was the only human being in the entire airport with a three foot wide hat on covered in red velvet with silver and white accoutrements, I'd take a second look at the guy. Just for the heck of it. At the very least, I would ask him to remove it to see how pointed his head really was.
Did they do that? Nope.
They checked the lovely lady that was walking behind me. The one NOT wearing a three foot wide hat made of red velvet with silver and white accoutrements. Were they right to ignore the doofus in the hat and check the lovely lady behind him? Was she an obvious threat to the safety and secuirty of the aircraft unlike the dork in the hat? Apparently. They found (after some time looking) a pair of plastic tipped tweezers.
Good thing I was there to vouch for her. Lord only knows how much time she may have been given.
Good thing I'm a pillar of the community (even in a three foot wide hat made of red velvet with silver and white accoutrements.)
If you're wondering, No, I don't wear it on the campaign trail. I save it for the pool.

Driving Miss Daisy? Driving me crazy!

2006-09-12T13:34:00.000-04:00

We took the kids to the local country fair last Sunday. With the attitude Jake expressed in the bumper cars, there are two chances he will ever drive my PT Cruiser. Fat and slim.

Employer / Employee problems on Florida Golf Courses

2006-08-27T22:08:00.000-04:00

You're the caddy- you get the ball.
It's your ball, you get it.

What the moon might look like if Ronald ran things.

2006-08-24T21:07:00.000-04:00

My humour is full.
It is not waning in the least. In fact it is on the rise.
It cannot be eclipsed.
These jokes are new. They are not blue.
You may harvest them if you wish.

Catalina Sea Plane

2006-08-24T10:31:00.000-04:00

This venerable aircraft was a most welcome sight to downed Allied airmen in the Pacific theatre during WWII.

Looking for trouble

2006-08-23T08:58:00.000-04:00

This is the business end of a CF/A-18 Hornet.

National Air & Space Museum, Washington D.C.

2006-08-22T10:04:00.000-04:00

There have been several times in my life where I have walked around in a daze, mouth open and drool dripping looking more like a dork than usual. Times like Victoria's Secret shows, that once coming home from a bar (at least I walked), but the longest time I did it was at the National Air & Space Museum, Washington D.C. Amazing doesn't cover it. To see things like the "real" Spirit of St. Louis, Glamorous Glennis (first to break the sound barrier) the Wright Brother's Flyer.
Amazing just doesn't cover it.
If you ever go to D.C., put it high on your list of places to go. You can trust me, I'm a photographer.

Snoopy faces a new threat

2006-08-21T01:29:00.000-04:00

Here is the WWI flying ace.....not really, but if it has wings, I'll go on it.
Our hero is seen in a 1947 Waco UPF-7.
The real pilot is sitting behind me eating a sandwich.

Lycoming radial engine

2006-08-20T10:27:00.000-04:00

There can be beauty in form and function.

It just looks like concrete

2006-08-19T19:19:00.000-04:00

Another shot of a totem now residing at the University of British Cloumbia.

Where I plan to retire and live on my pension

2006-08-18T21:19:00.000-04:00

I received my retirement fund update the other day and this is what I will be able to afford.
You can't see it in the photo, but it's a small lean-to behind the luxurious cabin.
It's either live here or sponge off my family and friends.

It happened the same way with baby alligators

2006-08-17T17:45:00.000-04:00

When will people learn that if you flush your pet baby orca, it will wind up in the water system and the next thing you know, you've filled your pool and people start disappearing. Don't say I din't warn you.

Once upon a time in the Caribbean

2006-08-16T16:18:00.000-04:00

A few years ago Sweetie and I took a cruise to the Caribbean. One of the excursions offered was a day of snorkling. We jumped at the chance to see some tropical fishes. I love fishes ('cause they're so delicious). One problem that came up was my moustache. It caused water to leak around my mask. I borrowed a huge floating bar the instructors had with them and, laying across it, I took off my mask to dump out the water, and that was when I heard that horrible cry, "Shark!".
My first instinct was to find Sweetie. I couldn't see her for the crowd. The crowd, by the way, was heading away from me. I figured one of two things was going on.
One, the shark was where all the people were swimming TO.
Two, the shark was behind me and all the people were swimming FROM.
Either way, I felt there was safety in numbers and started swimming towards the crowd all the while being encumbered by the huge floating bar.
It was then something brushed the back of my left leg.
Off I went, at a speed that small children would have been able to stay up on water skis had they a rope on me.
I made straight for the beach and was pulling in the floating bar when I saw it.
The ten foot rope attached to the floating bar.
The shark, a non-man eating, harmless four foot lemon shark was over a hundred feet away from where I was adjusting my mask.
The water, by the way, was still safe to swim in, but it was close. Very close.

How the moon might look if Disney ran things

2006-08-15T21:27:00.000-04:00

Sailing along on Moonlight Bay

2006-08-08T22:11:00.000-04:00

Lake Ontario, a full moon, a sailboat. Put them all together and you get magic.

A Yul Brynner I ain't.

2006-08-06T18:19:00.000-04:00

I was looking through my files and found a shot taken a couple of years ago when I had my head shaved for "Cops For Cancer". When the hair started growing back, it was actually painful to rub my head. But, when compared with the people who lost (or lose) their hair through chemo and radiation treatments, it was pretty insignificant.

Water Thrashing

2006-08-04T09:52:00.000-04:00

I like the way the camera froze the water in this shot.