Lift A Glass To Toast The Year Ahead

Un Brindis Por Los Que Vamos A Terminar El Año Escuchando Salsa.

Here's A Toast To A Bright New Year And A Fond Farewell To The Old. Lift A Glass With Me To Toast The Year Ahead. May Your Life Be Full of Love And Laughter.

Arriba Los Indios de Mayaguez

By winning last night's baseball game, my local team Mayaguez Indians advanced to the post season playoffs. Arriba los Indios!!!

The View From My Window Today

 Crash Boat Beach - Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

Foto Friday - Reserva Natural Caño Boquilla

I went to visit a childhood friend who lives near the Anasco River, in a town that bears the same name, Anasco.

To get to my friends house, I have to cross over a bridge in a neighborhood called Boquilla. Every time rain fall over an extended period of time, the Boquilla and Anasco rivers merge and causes both rivers to overflood their banks.

It is a mystery to me why anyone choses to live near any river. As you know, this is a tropical island and flash floods are a common occurrence every time it rains. Don't get me wrong, it is a beautiful and peaceful paradise location. But I rather live far away from a big body of water, if you know what I mean.

This picture was taken yesterday afternoon from the top of the bridge.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Nuestra familia les desea un año lleno de esperanza, mucha alegria y nuevos proyectos en tu vida.

Our family is wishing you a year filled with new hopes, new joys, and new beginnings.

Letters to Santa Claus

 Last night the grand-nephews wrote their personalized letters to Santa. Feliz Navidad! 

Behind The Scenes

This is a before and after picture of a photoshoot I did last year. It was taken near a restaurant bar in an area called El Mani in Mayaguez, where the tuna factories Bumble Bee and Stark Kist processing plants used to be.

As a general rule, I don't like to take pictures near busy establishments where people gather to drink alcoholic beverages. They ask too many questions, and most importantly, they get in the way of the photoshoot.

How do you deal with drunk people getting in the way of your shots? Sometimes I make them part of the shot, especially sunsets with some nice silhouettes. Or I take the picture and erase them in Photoshop. It's a public space, I have no right to ask them to move.

Winter League Baseball

The Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League is the main professional baseball league in Puerto Rico; it is colloquially referred to as the Puerto Rican Winter League.

Consisting of six teams as of the 2024–25 season, the league's champion participates in the Caribbean Series.

My hometown professional baseball team playing in the Puerto Rican Winter League, the Mayaguez Indians, is back in first place tonight after defeating the San Juan Senators team 5-3. Go Indians!

Vintage Cars - 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air - 1957 Ford Ranchero

Late yesterday afternoon, these two vintage cars drove by and parked in front of City Hall while I was eating ice cream and hanging out with a group of friends. 

We decided to kill some time before heading to the baseball game last night. Which by the way, my hometown team won again, but I digress.

If I am not mistaken, one car is a 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air, and the other one is a 1957 Ford Ranchero. The 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air reminded me of my father, it was his favorite car. I still have a picture of my sister and I, sitting on my father's car when we were little. That car was his pride and joy.

Drone Hysteria

Drone hysteria about the New Jersey nighttime visits from mysterious drones is making it difficult for legit drone users like myself.

I personally don't want to get hassled by the authorities. Last year I purchased a DJI Lightweight Mini SE Drone that weight less than 249g. It is almost as light as a Smartphone, which may exempt it from certain regulations.

I am afraid that what is going to happen with the apparent drone sightings in NJ and other states, is that law enforcement and the FAA are going to overregulate an already regulated drone industry. Count on it.

Lifeguard Observation Tower

I Went to Boqueron Beach in the town of Cabo Rojo yesterday, to photograph the golden hour. Sunsets take place at the end of the day.

This is my first time ever shooting this location. Surprisingly, the beach was completely deserted. Most locals don't visit the beach during this time, despite the tropical climate and warm water temperatures. The average temperature in Dec and Jan, is between 70 and 83 degrees Fahrenheit.

Instead of taking the usual sunset image, I decided to incorporate a lifeguard observation tower into it. Enjoy!

Cravings

Earlier today I was invited by some of my high school classmates, to have brunch at Antojos Restaurant in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. Antojos in Spanish means "cravings".

The high school class president decided to throw an impromptu get-together at this very popular outdoor restaurant to brainstorm about an upcoming Valentine's dance. It's not even Christmas yet, and they are already discussing next year's events.

It was a very productive get-together, while enjoying a fabulous meal. Good food, good friends, good times. You can check out their interactive digital menu by searching for Antojos Restaurant in your favorite browser. Enjoy! 😀

2024 Mayaguez Christmas Parade

Last night, my hometown, Mayaguez, held their annual Christmas parade starting at the post office and ending in front of city hall.

This year parade was dedicated to children, with themes related to Christmas. The kids encouraged by their parents seemed to have a lot of fun. Enjoy the pictures, they were extracted from a short video that I recorded last night! 

My Worst Photo Critic

A photo critique is an event where photographers gather to look at other attendees photos. It can be a valuable experience that helps you see your work in a new light.

In 2018, I was invited to a small "Photo Critique" meetup in Northern Liberties, to get input/feedback on our images. I was asked to bring five pictures, to hear people's opinion, reactions, hear new viewpoints and comments to my photos. The top picture shows participants of the "Photo Critique" meetup reviewing my five images.

This morning, my worst photo critic, offered positive feedback about the two pictures I took yesterday in Rincon, Puerto Rico. I was lucky to have beautiful weather, with the sun and clear clouds in the sky where you can watch surfing and windsurfing.

On a clear day like yesterday, you can see the outline of the Desecheo Island from Rincon. Desecheo Island is a prime destination for diving and snorkeling. My worst photo critic was pleased with the two Rincon images. I couldn't ask for better feedback!

Fiesta de Navidad 2024 - Escuela Superior Jose de Diego - Clase 1974

Our 1974 High School Class held their annual Christmas event last night. The school reunion and dance was a complete success. 

What brings people closer together, an excellent selection of traditional flokclore music and great food. The music group performed Bomba, Plena, Seis, Aguinaldos, Danza and Musica Jibara. A traditional form of folk music that originated in Puerto Rico.

This event exceeded all my expectations, and I am glad to have attended. Enjoy!

Christmas On The Town Square

In less than a week, my hometown Plaza de Colon town square is going to be filled with Christmas decorations.

Traditionally, they have a reputation of being one of the most festive towns in the entire island. No town lights up for the holidays like Mayaguez.

For a town with 500 years of history, and of only 73,000 people, is not an easy feat. During Christmas, people come from all over the island just to see the lights, watch the musical shows and enjoy the Christmas spirit.

During this holiday season I am going to try my best to show you what my town has to offer. Enjoy! 

Top picture was taken using my old trusty GoPro action camera.

Harley Davidson Electra Glide

Yesterday I was invited to attend the funeral service and memorial ride for a fellow motorcyclist in my hometown.

I usually don't like to participate in those type of events, but many of my friends were attending. We gathered for lunch at a local restaurant first, then headed to the funeral home.

You know the tradition for military funerals, where soldiers fire blank cartridges into the air three times. For motorcycle funerals bikers rev up their engines all at once, usually right before the procession leaves the service. Sometimes it's done graveside. There were tons of motorcyclists paying their respects. As expected, it was a very emotional gathering.

The only camera I had available with me was my old trusty action camera GoPro. I am not into Harley motorcycles, but I thought it would be interesting to capture a photo of this Harley Davidson Electra Glide. I thought the picture came out pretty decent. There you have it, my first photo of a Harley Davidson motorcycle using a GoPro camera.

Hold That Plane !!!!

We'll folks, it is time to spend the holidays with the family. My flight is leaving tonight, so you probably won't see me for a couple of days. I'll keep you updated on the water temperature at the beach this week.  Hasta la vista, baby.

Despedida del 2024 con Fuegos Artificiales

Hace un par de dias, una revista de New Jersey se comunico conmigo porque estaban interesados en dos fotos mias de fuegos artificiales que estan en mi cuenta de Flickr. Ellos pidieron permiso para poder utilizar mis fotos en su revista para promover la despedida de año en New Jersey. 

Pense que fue un buen gesto de ellos el pedir permiso para usar las fotos. Otros simplemente copian las fotos sin autorizacion; es algo bien comun en el internet. Si estas interesado/a en ver la pagina, este es el enlace. 

Throwback Thursday - 2012 NHRA Atco Raceway

Looking at this picture reminds me of those days when I ate, slept, rode, talk, breathe, dreamt, lived, and loved motorcycle racing.

Sometimes when I look at these old photos it transports me to a different time and place. They trigger great memories; my friends that were there that day, what we did, and even what we ate. Which is why I love scanning and digitizing old images. Time passes so quickly, to remember is to live again. 😀

The View From My Window

What do you do, when you enter the subway after leaving your favorite bank, and you are the only person on the platform?

With only the echoing sounds of the station, the distant rumble of an approaching train and the visual emptiness of the platform stretching out before you? You take out your cell phone out of your pocket and begin taking pictures, of course.

This may be one of those rare instances when you enter the subway, and the Philadelphia subway platform is empty. Since I am always looking for new opportunities to find objects to photograph, it was easy to notice the converging lines creating a perspective effect for my composition to add depth and interest to this particular image. I love it! 😀

La Isla de los Ratones

En estos dias encontre la imagen original de una foto que tome el verano pasado de la Isla de Los Ratones. Esta es la tercera vez que he tratado de editarla. Pienso es la mejor version que ha quedado de todas las que he publicado en el pasado. 

Recientemente compre un filtro de densidad neutral variable para lentes. El filtro es perfecto para tener control total sobre la exposicion y cantidad de luz que llega al lente. Pronto tendre oportunidad de ponerlo a prueba. 

Foto Friday

A day like today, November 1, 2015, this Brooklyn Bridge image was taken on top of the Brooklyn Bridge boardwalk. This is one of my first photos taken during a cold early morning sunrise using a DSLR camera. The Brooklyn Bridge is also less crowded during sunrise.

I quickly realized that I'd prefer to take pictures during sunset hour because of the soft, warm light and rich colors. It didn't take me long to learn that one hour before sunset is ideal, the light is less harsh than during the middle of the day. Enjoy!

The New Chef In Town

As a child I didn't like oatmeal, I hated it. My grandma would prepare oatmeal almost every morning.

Surprisingly, now as an adult, I am addicted to it for a very simple reason. I learned recently that some of my friends, people my age, are being treated for heart related issues. In fact, two close friends recently had open heart surgery due to clogged arteries.

A while back my doctor prescribed meds to improve my cholesterol levels. I decided it was the perfect time to change my diet. It was kind of a wake-up call for me to learn about my friend's health issues, so I decided to make serious changes on my eating habits.

Since I began including oatmeal to my new diet a month ago, I feel a lot better. Not interested in losing weight, but lower my blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Dance With Me

Music and dance was a big part of my everyday life when I was growing up. Both my parents loved listening to music and dancing. After they passed, my sister kept their old vinyl lp's.

Dancing is not only a great way to socialize, it is also a great way to stay in shape and an antidote to combat stress. Several years ago, I was too eager to become a better dancer, that I signed up for dance lessons. The problem was that I was too shy to dance in a studio in front of a group of strangers. To overcome my shyness and anxiety, before going to class I would drink a few beers. With the right amount of alcohol, I danced all night long.

I have great memories from the days I was living in New York, and going clubbing to Copacabana, The Palladium, Les Poulets Nightclub, and Club Broadway four nights a week. My former boss always inquired what was the point of going clubbing so much. Is like riding a motorcycle, I told him once. If I have to explain it, you wouldn't understand. 

Throwback Thursday

This picture is a throwback from my first year trying to learn photography quickly; basically going into photography full time. As you know, practice makes perfect. To reach my goal I traveled to New York City almost every other weekend to sharpen my learned skills. It's been a fascinating journey from which I hope to continue to grow and improve my photography.

Aging Like Fine Wine

Last Saturday, my Rock & Roll queen crush, Stevie Nicks was musical guest on Saturday Night Live, performing Edge of Seventeen.

She returned to SNL for the first time in 41 years. I almost couldn't believe it, SNL actually put a legend to perform. To be 77 years old, singing a 40 plus year old song and still rocking was amazing. The iconic Fleetwood Mac frontwoman performed flawlessly.

No need for auto tune, no crazy lighting, or lip syncing. Just pure live music with the voice being the focus. That woman is magic and an icon. I almost never watch SNL musical guests, but Stevie Nicks is a rock icon. Her music performance brought back lots of memories. Stevie Nicks and her music are aging like fine wine!

Nor'easter Travel Nightmare

Last night, I was watching the induction of the band Journey to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Arnel Pineda, the current lead singer of Journey is not Steve Perry, but does an outstanding job.

In April of 2007, I traveled to Cleveland, Ohio, to attend a friend's wedding. Later that weekend, visited the Rock's Hall Museum in downtown Cleveland with a small group of the wedding attendees. It's a museum established to honor and preserve the history of rock and roll music. Great exhibits and if you are into rock and roll like I do, you'll have loads of fun. The museum was awesome.

The thing that stuck out for me happened after I returned the car rental at the airport that afternoon and learned that all the flights to Philly, Washington DC and New York were cancelled.

As you know I don't watch TV, so I wasn't aware of a nor'easter storm that was affecting the eastern part of the United States. I got stranded at the airport in Cleveland the whole Sunday night after all the flights on the east coast were cancelled. I had to contact my supervisor to let her know I wasn't going to make it to the health center the next day.

I spent the next day in the air, after my flight was rerouted from Cleveland to St Louis, then back to Philadelphia. The whole ordeal was a nightmare.

A Funny Thing Happened At The Dentist Today

When your dentist greets you warmly and asks about your family or work, this is probably a good sign your dentist likes you.

I've written about my favorite dentist before, and the circumstances how I ended up getting my dental services with him almost 20 years ago. Before I met him, I've been scared of dentists since I was traumatized at the age of seven.

The reason I love to visit my dentist is twofold. I get my teeth cleaned; today got my second cleaning this year. Plus, I am updated in the latest MAGA conspiracy theories stories from my dentist secretary.

So you see, I get my excellent dental care service, plus I am entertained by the secretary fringe beliefs. Deep down, I think she is trying to persuade me into joining her party. I try not to laugh, but she is funny and the way she describes her conspiracy theories is hilarious.

New York Mets Eliminates Philly in Game 4 of NLDS

 Francisco Lindor’s grand slam sealed the Phillies fate as their offense recorded just four hits.

Mets Push Phillies to the Brink of Elimination with 7-2 Victory

The Story of Game 3 is the Story of the NLDS: The Mets Have Been Better Than the Phillies.

Let's Go Mets !!!

Phillies Rally To Beat Mets 7-6 Game 2 of NLDS

Philadelphia wins in dramatic fashion. Phillies bats come alive to even series. 

2024 - Phillies vs Mets : Phils Lose 6-2 in Game 1 of the NLDS

Heart-less Phillies collapse again in Game 1 of the NLDS vs. the Mets, like they did last year. Phillies’ bullpen and bats waste a "perfect" outing by Zack Wheeler in NLDS Game 1 loss to Mets.

Let's Go Mets !!!!

Why Pay A Monthly Subscription?

Last night I was reading a heated discussion on a photography forum (seven pages and hundreds of replies) about the pros and cons on why people pay for a subscription membership versus using a standalone photo program.

It is no secret that I edit/modify all photographs I take. In my opinion, it helps to bring my images to life. That is my preference and a different topic altogether.

Why are some people happy to spend money on a monthly subscription to edit the images they take? In the past it was simple, you paid for the standalone software once, and that was it. Nowadays, photography editing software is only available on a monthly subscription. You have to pay a monthly fee indefinitely.

I've been using Adobe Photoshop Elements since 2004, and currently have different versions of their standalone program just in case the time comes that my laptop has to be replaced. I am very happy with Photoshop so far, and the program is capable enough for my photography needs. It's unlikely I will ever go for any subscription monthly software.

Two Wheel Tuesdays

When I was shopping for my current motorcycle, a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14, that year model was color Persimmon Red. Red is my favorite color, but I had other plans.

I bought the bike and a few months later decided to change the fuel tank and all the side panels; and transformed my bike into a black model. This was my plan all along. The color change transformed the bike into a different animal.

While looking at some of my old pictures yesterday and talking to a friend about bikes, I realized that I've been riding motorcycles for a long time. This year marks my 50 years on a motorcycle. My friend asked how I plan to celebrate this milestone. Let me think about it and I'll get back to you, I said.