Summer Sightings

Greetings Dear Ones,
This year, it's not just summer that's turned us upside down (remember that song by The Cars?), the pandemic has turned everyone's lives upside down, spring, summer, and for months to come. In the midst of all that, I hope you are healthy, safe, and finding creative ways to stay entertained, curious, and at peace. May this email bring a bit of summer magic into your life. 
~Cathy

Last fall, after I sold a house, I bought myself a Canon mirrorless camera, and this summer I'm finally learning how to use it. I enrolled in Digital Camera Mastery, an online class, and am really enjoying experimenting with camera modes other than automatic and "glass through" scene mode (my favorite for photographing the wildlife outside my windows). Once I realized the NEOWISE comet was visible here on clear nights, I set up the tripod on our waterfront deck and played with manual mode and long exposures to capture the night sky. I've been really pleased with some of my comet shots, and even managed to catch a small portion of the Milky Way over our house on a few nights. 

Here's a minute video of my favorite snaps. 
 

"The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed..." I had the opportunity to deliver a message on this parable and several others yesterday at St. David of Wales Episcopal Church. Our priest, accompanist, and a parishioner who preaches, sings, and serves as a Eucharistic Minister have been live-streaming services on YouTube since March. A few weeks ago, as our County moved to "Phase 3" in terms of reopening, worship has begun to incorporate a few more people on a rotating basis. I invite you to experience yesterday's worship on YouTube. [My sermon begins about 28 minutes in.]