secretary mabus

During his remarks about my friend, he made several references to Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone. He was also awarded the Navy Cross...after being awarded a Congressional Medal of Honor.

Here. Go read his Wikipedia page. Impressed? You should be.

(ISO 100, f/5.0, 1/500s, 200mm)

eighth and i

The Marine Barracks at Eighth & I Sts. Southeast is the oldest post in the Corps. I was told on Tuesday night that out of respect for these Marines that the British did not harm their barracks on their way to burn down the White House. Today, they have been charged with protecting the Capital were it to be attacked. In their spare time, they have one hell of a drill squad.

(ISO 100, f/5.0, 1/320s, 200mm)

three stars

On Tuesday, I was able to attend an award ceremony for my best friend in high school. Aside from family, I was one of very few civilians there as he was awarded the Navy Cross. This three star general wasn't even the highest ranking officer in attendance. Pretty awesome.

(ISO 100, f/5.0, 1/320s, 200mm)

sixteen and a quarter

Think yesterday's bonsai was impressive at a century? Give it a couple more, and see what it becomes. This Japanese white pine is nearly 400 years old.

(ISO 200, f/7.1, 1/125s)

bonsai

I want to learn how to train bonsai. Toringo crabapple. In training since 1905.

(ISO 400, f/10.0, 1/200s)

protested zen

"Why are you taking pictures of rocks at the Arboretum?" she asks.

(ISO 400, f/10.0, 1/80s)

little. yellow. different.

The histogram for this seemingly simple shot looks like the Hindu Kush in central Asia.

(ISO 800, f/10.0, 1/50s)

the others

We went for a walk on the azalea-lined path. Few of those shots came out. I was much more pleased with the random ones I showed some lens love to. This one would've fit nicely with all my out-of-focus Monet-inspired shots from last summer.

(ISO 800, f/7.1, 1/100s)

old dominion

"Janie, the dogwood is a tree. It's not a flower."
"Actually, it's a tree and a flower."


(ISO 800, f/10.0, 1/200s)

up trunk

Interesting leading lines or textures can really make a shot like this. I love the contrast of the green ivy and the rough bark on this one. The bokeh bonus didn't hurt either.

(ISO 800, f/10.0, 1/15s)

verdant

The result of all the spring rainshowers is a bright injection of green into our flora. It's going to be a vibrant summer!

(ISO 200, f/13.0, 1/500s)

capitol columns

At the National Arboretum, there are columns from the Capitol building before they expanded the east wing. I've always wanted to check them out behind the lens. I finally got my chance on Sunday. I even brought my fully-functioning 35mm and shot some film. Being judicious with those shots, I have to finish the roll first. That may take a while!

(ISO 200, f/13.0, 1/160s)