Category Archives: Pictures and photo galleries

picture-posts, photo-dumps, and other galleries of images that I figure people will enjoy

A lovely Wilsonville Sunset

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Monday, 15-Jan-2024

It’s been a long time since I’ve posted up a simple sunset picture from my work.

That one tree – my dear readers probably know exactly which tree I’m talking about – is always so perfectly framed by a good sunset. Now that snow’s come to Wilsonville, it adds just a little bit of extra beauty to the view.

So please – enjoy. Enjoy the quiet of a snowy evening, when everyone’s stayed home. The cold air, the foggy breath, and the clear sky as the sun dips down.

Elite: Dangerous – Or, “Ben explores the galaxy via a video game”

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General life outside of adventures – from 2019 ’till present

When I’m not out in the wood adventuring, or at the gym, or at work, or just reading by the couch… I love flying around in spaceships. Not real spaceships, of course, because that’s not a thing. Video game ones – there’s a few games I play, but the one that gives the prettiest views (and thus, the best to share on here) would be Elite Dangerous, the game that got me into spaceflight simulators.

I started playing back in 2019, when I was really in need of a universe to escape into. I’d grown up with Star Trek, so the thought of being able to take the helm of my own starship, literally flying away from earth into the unknown void, was exactly what my soul was searching for. I started with a keyboard and mouse, then got flight controllers, then a better monitor… nothing crazy, and nothing particularly expensive… but solidly servicable equipment. 

It gave me that escape that I needed – I don’t play nearly as much as I did back then, but then again I don’t need to escape quite as much anymore… instead of it being a second world I dive into, it’s more like visiting an old friend. Spending a few hours catching up every so often.

And I’m sure you’ll agree, dear readers, that it’s a rather pretty visit.

The little things – I saw a Newt!

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Wednesday, 27-Dec-2023


Sticking to the theme of appreciating the little things, and letting myself get excited again over small and fun things…

I saw a newt in the park! I was on a walk, stretching my legs and appreciating the cold sunshine, and nearly smooshed this cool dude who was (inadvisedly) hanging out in the middle of the gravel pathway, blending in beautifully with the rocks.

I repositioned him onto a leaf near the side of the path, apologized for the trouble, and took a quick picture for my own memory. And now, the blog’s memory!

Link to an article about the exact type of newt (I think) this guy is/was:
https://myodfw.com/wildlife-viewing/species/rough-skinned-newt