Happy Christmas, Hannukah , Kwanzaa, and any other Solstice related event I don't know about.

Happy December to all of my Friends and Followers.

Thank you for joining me again. As always, a small observation about my life and experiences taking pictures. Also my successes and (many) failures. I have concentrated on the beauty of our natural world for the last few years, but I photograph many other subjects as well. At this holiday time I am very grateful today for all the good things in my life. I have been blessed with good health, a lovely relationship and reasonable employment. I have much to be thankful for, but for some reason this month I need to vent. I believe that many of us are losing touch with the great outdoors and that is sad. I think people are becoming less social. I have noticed more and more of the strange behavior of young and old alike staring at and interacting with tiny screens, ignoring those that surround them. Less and less do I see people walking, ice skating or tubing on the big hill in town. A sleigh ride? What is that? The things we did outdoors when I was a child have been replaced by cell phones, video games, expensive chain store parties and an insatiable appetite for consuming electronics. How did anyone get along without a smart phone?  I know that this is not entirely true, because many people do maintain an outdoor connection. Of course, others are in the gym this time of year. What is really bugging me is that I see so much more obesity every day, much more uncivilized behavior, more tailgating, more foul language and less respect for others. As the pace of technology seems to move faster and faster, people are becoming less social, not more. Social networks are an oxymoron. Personally, I have found it necessary to hit the power button, leave the phone, get the dog and walk in the woods. Every day. It is good for me, my girl, the dog, everybody. I interact personally with others that are regulars in the forest we trek. We don't look at tiny little screens. We look each other in the eyes and make a true connection. We don 't miss the beauty of all that is around us. We take pictures. Of the dog, each other, of great sunsets, and great snow storms, beaver lodges bigger than cars. This is good for us. I am lobbying any of you feeling the stress of the season to get outside as much as you can, especially during the day light hours. (Vitamin D) Bring the kids, ask your neighbor, really meet with friends. Without some electronic device.You just might meet someone new, or see something that you have never seen before. Breathe in the fresh air and think about what a magnificent creation our bodies are. Get out in the woods. I know it is something I have to do. Maybe it could benefit you, too.

Peace to All this Holiday Season
Bob