The Egg on the Sidewalk

Not far from where I used to live (we just sold our house), there is an inviting manmade lake not far from the county’s sports complex.  A mile long sidewalk wraps around the lake.  Not only is it a great place to work up a sweat, it’s a great place to observe different types of birds, mostly Canada geese, ducks, and every so often, other water fowl.

One particular morning, as I was into my second mile, I spotted a round, white object on the walkway, up ahead.  As I got closer, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

My approach didn’t seem to disturb the few Canada geese and ducks that were nearby.  Some walked around the egg, as though they were shoppers in Wal-Mart, circumventing a pile of clothing that had fallen off nearby shelf. 

At first, I didn’t know what to make of it.  I joined their circle and stood, staring in silence with them.  Finally, I couldn’t keep my peace.

“Which one of you did this?” I sternly asked.  The birds just looked around.  One practiced a single leg stand, but not a single sound from any of them. 

Looking towards the domestic ducks, I asked,  “Is this yours?”  Since I’m not an expert enough to determine whether the egg was a domestic duck egg or a Canada goose egg, I thought it was best to interrogate both parties.

I repeated.  “Does this belong to any of you?” I was sure both sides would have been pointing a wing to the other group. 

Sadly, there was no one willing to claim the offense.  Not one honk on its behalf.

 I bent down and gently picked up the abandoned egg and placed it on the grass alongside the walk.

It deserved that much.

Rust in Peace

Photography is pretty simple stuff. You just react to what you see, and take many, many pictures.  (Elliott Erwitt)

I’m always game for a spur of the moment road trip because it interprets “photo op”.   When hubby agreed to spin off from a business trip, I couldn’t wait to see where we’d end up.  It happened that he chose to point our Honda Pilot in the direction of Carrabelle, Florida.  All I can say is I knew it would be an adventure.

The ride was uneventful.  I kept a close eye for some unusual or breathtaking site, but after miles of staying vigilant, I finally gave up.  All of a sudden, I could see something quite large ahead, but I couldn’t make it out.  As we got closer, I can only describe it as the most magnificent display of rust. “STOP!” exploded from my mouth.  There was a circular driveway, but the ruts were too deep to safely pull in, so hubby looked for a place to make a U-turn.  

I had found Mater’s family.

Your photography is a record of your living, for anyone who really sees. (Paul Strand)

Hubby pulled over as I fumbled with a lens. I swung the car door open, jumped out, and hurried towards the lineup.  One of them was holding a sign, “May You Rust in Peace” which made me grin all the more.  Mouth like grills and eye like windows stared back.  It was as if they were waiting for me to speak that one magic word that would bring them, once again, to life.

As I moved from one truck to another, clicking the shutter, I began to think about the people who were attached to these historic pieces.  Who were they?  Where did they drive these treasures?  What did they look like when they were first purchased?

I squatted down to change my perspective.  There didn’t seem to be a bad angle.  

No matter where I stood, I loved them all.  It was one of those times when I wanted to share my find with everyone.  It was a place that needed a guest book.

In the world of photography, you get to share a captured moment with other people. (James Wilson)

Those ten minutes were like eating the finest dark chocolate.  One or two or six just weren’t enough.  I wanted more and more and more.  I felt like an addict.  There’s no telling how many photographs I would have taken had I had more time.

During the remainder of our drive, there were the usual coastal views to photograph.  I took a few beach shots, and some around historic Apalachicola, Florida.  I missed an opportunity to get some Pelican shots, but that’s okay.   None compared to these gems.

On our way home, we passed Mater’s family and friends for the last time.  I felt a little sad and hoped others would stop to appreciate their beauty as I had.  

I wonder if Mater knows everyone is okay.

If you’d like to view more of Mater’s family, https://www.flickr.com/photos/29202967@N03/sets/72157653847300202