A Nice Sunset

I was thinking about going to Detroit Metro Airport to catch some planes in the nice sunset but I got out of work a little later than I anticipated.  Also, I needed to get gas so I decided to stop at the Speedway Station at the corner of State and Ellsworth.  I figured I might have a chance to catch a Cessna.

 While I was pumping gas, I decided to get a picture of the flag at the Belle Tire across the street.  I liked the way the light was hitting it.

 Then I decided to get a shot of the half moon.

 After I pumped my gas, I moved my car to an out of the way spot as I saw a plane starting to circle around.  I was able to catch it as it came in for a landing.  I didn't realize that I could get a head shot at the gas station.

And one more shot of the Cessna as it passed by.  I didn't see any other planes flying around and it was pretty cold tonight.  I wouldn't make it to Metro in time either, so I went home.

Other Things on Belle Isle

Just some of the other things I saw today.

 I kind of liked the way the flag was fluttering in the breeze.  It was a nice enough day.

 After boatwatching, I was hoping to do some planespotting.  This is one of the Delta Airbus A330's that comes from Europe.  I think it is the one from Amsterdam but I'm not sure.  As I saw this plane flying over Belle Isle, I realized I probably wasn't going to catch the other heavies as they all come at about the same time.

 A closer shot of the flag.

 As I was getting ready to leave, I saw this crane.

 I was hoping that he was looking for lunch but I didn't stay long enough for that.

One more shot of the flag.

Happy Canada Day

Because of the proximity of Canada to Michigan, I end up taking pictures of many Canadian related things.

Today is Canada Day and is celebrated all over in Canada.  It marks the formation of Canada as a single nation.  On July 1, 1867, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and the Province of Canada were joined to form the Dominion of Canada.  This entity was divided into four provinces.  Over the years, the provincial structure would become what we know today.  It also marked the day that Canada would start it's march towards independence from the British.

So in celebration, here are some Canadian things....

 The Maple Leaf.

 The Snowbirds in a fairly impressive formation.

 A Canadian paratrooper.

 I like this picture because it shows how closely aligned the United States and Canada are.  I think its amazing that we still have one of the longest undefended borders after all of these years.

 Air Canada.

 A Canadian freighter.

 Another picture that shows the cooperation of two nations.  When the Lakes were frozen over, Canada was able to provide icebreakers to help break that mess up.

A Canadian frigate passes Detroit.

Flag Day 2016

Normally for Flag Day, I would take a picture of a flag flying somewhere.  Sadly, it wasn't particularly windy this morning and I'm not a fan of flags just sort of draping down.  So instead, I leave you with a flag inspired design on an E-2 Hawkeye.  Or least the model of a Hawkeye.

Flag Day is celebrated on June 14 and commemorates the official adoption of the flag of the United States.  It happened on this day in 1777 by a resolution by the 2nd Continental Congress (during the Revolution).  Today also happens to be the birthday of the US Army.  Flag Day didn't officially become established until a proclamation by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916.

The U.S. Flag at Sunset

As I was putting gas in my car after work, I looked at the Belle Tire across the street and saw the flag flying.  I liked the way the sun was hitting it, so I took a picture.

Enjoy the rest of your Leap Day.

Happy Fourth of July Everyone

Despite the efforts of some of our misguided Senators, the US flag still flies proudly behind American ships.  I think it is important that we retain control of our Merchant Marine even if it means paying a little more for that privilege.

I was looking to get a picture of a flag behind a ship and the Herbert C. Jackson gave me that opportunity.  It's twice as nice when you can get the flag across the river in the picture.

At any rate, we as a nation still have quite a bit to celebrate this Fourth of July.  So enjoy your barbecues, baseball and fireworks but do so safely.

Random Randomness on the River

Just pictures of stuff that I can't otherwise classify on the river.

 I saw this guy weaving around on the river.  It was a pretty windy day.  I didn't see too many jumps though.

 This is a pair of flags that are almost directly across from a pair flags in Port Huron.  I'm glad that we have the relationship with our northern neighbor that we do.

 Sort of a shot of the Canadian flag.  Sadly, I couldn't quite get the timing down.

 Unlike the timing for the US flag.  It is almost straight out.

 The Hollyhock at rest.

 the Huron lightship at more of a rest.

This is a Canadian Survey boat.

One of Those Days

Today as I got to the office in Troy, it was snowing briefly.  Unfortunately, there wasn't anyplace I could take a picture where the snow would show well.  But still, it is close to the end of April...there shouldn't be anymore snow.

As I was leaving, I wanted to show the flag almost straight out with gray skies.  I guess it's October again...but only briefly I hear.

Seemingly Unrelated Things

Just some pictures I couldn't otherwise categorize.

 The American Flag flying over centerfield at Oestrike Stadium.

 The moon that Americans visited flying over everything.

An plane that is not wearing American Airlines livery because it is owned by Delta.  I think it is an MD-80.

A Snowy Wintery Day

I didn't think I would have too many opportunities to get my picture for today.  Then I saw that it was snowing outside, so I headed outside to get pictures of our birch trees.

 One of our birch tree stands.  This was about the only angle where I could get them without getting our building in the background.

 Another shot.  I kind of like the weeds.

 A closeup of the trunk.

 Some of the snow against the flag.

I kind of liked this tree with the snow draped on it.

Remember Today is Election Day

I know I have a few readers that live in other countries but it seems like the bulk of my readers come from the United States.  As such, remember that today is Election Day in the United States.  Please remember to go vote.

I realize that with all the money that flows into politics, you feel like your voice is not heard.  Well, this is one way for your voice to be heard.  Voting the bums out sends a pretty strong message.

Back to Winter

Even though I don't particularly care for winter, it does make for nice pictures.

 The temperature climbed up to 0 today but the wind made it feel colder.  I don't think it was cold as they were saying it was going to be but it was still pretty cold.

 So I went back to my favorite birch trees.  I liked the way the shadows hit the ground.

 There were little bits of snow stuck to the trees.

 The stand of grass in the snow.

 More birch trees.

 In case you did not believe me how cold it was.

 I really liked the way the shadows were playing on the ground.  I think I would have liked this picture more without the cars in the background.

 A nice peaceful winter scene.  Taken from indoors.

 Then I started looking at the drifts in the back.

 I kind of liked the shadows and curves.

One more winter shot.

Shots From Around the Convocation Center

I went to the Eastern Michigan basketball game today, so I got some shots from around the Convocation Center.

 Rynearson Stadium lies dormant in the snow.  I'm not sure if you can tell that we got a bunch of snow in the past couple days.  If the weatherfolks are to be believed, we are going to get a bunch more in the next couple of days.  All totaled, we are looking at over a foot of snow, I think.  But still, despite the cold appearance of this picture, spring is around the corner.

 As I was leaving the game, I noticed that the flags were almost straight out.  So we have the Eastern flag flying proudly in the wind.

 Same with the Stars and Stripes.

And I had to get a picture of the Michigan flag as well.