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The Patient Osprey

The Patient Osprey

Marty’s photo of the day #5027: I just missed photographing this osprey as it tried to grab a fish off the surface of the water. After that, I watched and shot photos as it sat on this branch, waiting for another opportunity. Alas, the bird had more patience waiting for another fish to surface than […]

Under a Porcupine

Under a Porcupine

Marty’s photo of the day #5026: Deb, Nellie, and I visited the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge last night—enjoying pizza and beer by one of the big ponds and then heading over to the area where dogs are allowed. After Nellie enjoyed her walk and swim in the shallows at the edge of the Bitterroot […]

The Nighttime Moose

The Nighttime Moose

This moose has been hanging out at the Essen Wildlife Refuge for at least three days. Last night, I took our dog, Nellie, outside for a final pee before going to bed. While she did that, I went into the garage to look for some gloves for my wife. I was in the garage for […]

Oodles of Snow Geese

Oodles of Snow Geese

Marty’s photo of the day #4993: Deb, Nellie, and I just returned from an overnight adventure. Yesterday, we drove 200 miles north to Great Falls, Montana, where we stayed in a hotel. Then, this morning, we got up before sunrise and drove another 45 miles to Freezeout Lake. Twice before, I’d made the Freezeout Lake […]

Walking on Water

Walking on Water

Marty’s photo of the day #4874: I named Nellie after the “Holy Smokin’ Hot Nellie,” in my first novel, Time Is Irreverent. The real Nellie was so excited about playing in the Bitterroot River yesterday that she outdid the fictional Nellie. She walked on water! And look at those stunning fall colors.

Dogs and Superman, Pt 2

Dogs and Superman, Pt 2

Marty’s photo of the day #4843-B: I lost interest in superhero movies years ago, but when I heard that right-wingers hated the new Superman, I had to have a Liberal Superman Watch Party. So last night, Deb and I had some friends and their dogs over for dinner, conversation, and the movie. We had four […]

Dogs and Superman, Pt 1

Dogs and Superman, Pt 1

Marty’s photo of the day #4843-A: I lost interest in superhero movies years ago, but when I heard that right-wingers hated the new Superman, I had to have a Liberal Superman Watch Party. So last night, Deb and I had some friends and their dogs over for dinner, conversation, and the movie. We had four […]

Golden Retriever vs Dingo

Golden Retriever vs Dingo

Marty’s photo of the day #4827: Nellie is an amalgam of conflicting breeds. The golden retriever in her loves the water, and the dingo in her would rather stay dry. The result is a compromise: she enjoys playing in the water as long as her feet touch the bottom. Earlier this week, however, Deb and […]

Full Belly

Full Belly

Marty’s photo of the day #4824: Deb, Nellie, and I were enjoying a picnic dinner yesterday along the Bitterroot River when this garter snake swam by. Based on the large lump in the snake’s belly, it too had enjoyed a picnic dinner! (Photographed in Montana)

A Rude Awakening

A Rude Awakening

Marty’s photo of the day #4807: She’s so cute and fuzzy and . . . dusty! Yesterday, I used my battery-powered leaf blower to clean off the side porch. When I aimed at all the balls Nellie (the dog) stores in a corner, I startled a bat that was sleeping among them. The bat wasn’t […]

The Once-In-A-Lifetime Dog

The Once-In-A-Lifetime Dog

On August 3, 2020, Deb and I adopted Nellie from the Bitter Root Humane Association. The moment I saw Nellie there, I knew she was the one. And for some reason, the woman who assisted us did everything she could to keep us from adopting her (I think she wanted to adopt Nellie too). But […]

Photographing a Nighthawk

Photographing a Nighthawk

Marty’s photo of the day #4791: This has been the “Year of the Bird” at the Essen Wildlife Refuge. I’ve known for years that we have nighthawks here, but since they’re active at dusk and dawn, I’d only hear their calls and glimpse them zooming through the dark forest. Until yesterday, I’d never had the […]

Pure Joy

Pure Joy

Marty’s photo of the day #4787: I call this photo “Pure Joy.” Deb, Nellie, and I had a picnic last night on the Bitterroot River. Activities included lots of stick keep-away, Nellie’s favorite game. When my wife and I adopted Nellie from the animal shelter nearly five years ago, the dingo in her didn’t like […]

Creativity Via Dog

Creativity Via Dog

Marty’s photo of the day #4757: I only occasionally talk about cameras on social media, because when someone says, “That’s a great picture! You must have a great camera,” it’s kind of like saying to a chef, “This tastes wonderful! You must have great pots.” Nevertheless, I have fallen in love with my new Olympus […]

The New Ball

The New Ball

One of the reasons we humans love our dogs so much is that they retain adorable, childlike qualities throughout their lives. A few years ago, I got Nellie a soccer ball with handles. Even though she bit a hole in the ball long ago, she doesn’t care and still loves to play with it. That […]