Icy Night

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 35mm, f/2.8, 1/105 sec, ISO5000
“Poor Branch” Cedar Park, 2023

At about 2 am this morning, the icy tree branches started breaking off like crazy around the neighborhood. Our house backs up to a greenbelt, so there are a lot of trees close to us, and I could hear the wood cracking. Lani was also barking and whining, poor girl. I know she just wants to protect us and chase the animals that are making the sounds away, but I couldn’t let her out because it was so dangerous.

I surveyed the damage after it got light and the damage around our yard wasn’t too bad. But while Lani and I were outside, a large branch came down and scared both of us. Thank goodness Lani was at the other end of the yard!

Soonthe temperature rose to above freezing and the ice started to melt. I made a little time-lapse of the trees returning to their normal shape. Enjoy!

Here Comes the Ice

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 35mm, f/2.5, 1/600 sec, ISO320
“Icicles” Cedar Park, 2023

Well, the icy weather has come to Austin! Schools are closed and the city is urging people to stay off the roads. All the trees in the neighborhood are straining under the weight of the frozen stuff, and many branches have already broken and are lying on the ground. So far we’ve been fortunate to only have a couple of small branches come down in your yard.

Unfortunately, the worst is yet to come, so we’re expecting more damage overnight… We’re crossing our fingers that it’s not too bad!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 35mm, f/6.4, 1/105 sec, ISO1000
“Icy Trees” Cedar Park, 2023

Homemade Udon Nabe

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 35mm, f/2, 1/110 sec, ISO320
“Nabe” Cedar Park, 2023

We’re in for a big freeze here in Austin, but to stave off the cold, Mariko made an amazing nabe with homemade udon noodles, shrimp, and a creamy uni broth. It was amazing!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/60 sec, ISO200
“Homemade Udon” Cedar Park, 2023

Large Gathering

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 19.6mm, f/3.2, 1/100 sec, ISO4000
“Event” Austin, 2023

Today I attended a large company gathering at a hotel in town. It was the first in-person event of this size that my company has had in several years, and it was fun! I was helping out with the photography. A long time ago, I was the main photographer for our events, and then I did less and less of it, but with changes in personnel, I helped out behind the lens again. I guess this might signal that things are “back to normal”? I still wore my KN-95 mask, though.