Category: Living

Photo by Joe WilcoxJun 9, 20239:44 pm

The Cats of University Heights: Mickey

While walking together today, my wife and I came upon Mr. Frankie, enjoying some sun with his owner. But they weren’t alone! Housemate Mickey was outside with them. She is two years old and joined the family at four months. By the way, Mr. Frankie just celebrated his fourth birthday.

I used Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra to capture the Featured Image and companion. Vitals: f/4.9, ISO 64, 1/120 sec, 230mm (film equivalent); 3:46 p.m. PDT. Second shot: f/2.4, ISO 50, 1/2900 sec, 70mm (film equivalent); 3:45 p.m.

Photo by Joe WilcoxJun 8, 20239:17 pm

The Cats of University Heights: Mouser

The problem with black pusses is identification. Is this shorthair Noire, who has consistently appeared in a nearby property? In more than a year of walking this stretch of Mississippi Street, I have never seen any kitty on these premises—until this May 1, 2023 sighting.

I used Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra‘s 10x optical zoom to capture the Featured Image. Vitals: f/4.9, ISO 50, 1/250 sec, 230mm (film equivalent); 4:39 p.m. PDT. Does this cat look like a mouser to you? The beastie does to me—hence the nickname.

Photo by Joe WilcoxJun 7, 202310:10 pm

Volkswagen Wagon

Let’s recap: On June 2, 2023, I walked along Adams Avenue from San Diego neighborhood University Heights to Normal Heights. At 2:46 p.m. PDT, I stopped before the clock near Boundary Street. Four minutes later, I stood on the bridge overlooking I-805 traffic. Locals say the 805—and they put the article before all major roads (e.g. “the 163”). I am an East Coaster and writer who detests the. (You hadn’t noticed that I often omit “the” like someone speaking English as a second language?)

At 2:55 p.m., I delighted in the colorful car wash sign. Continuing along, I approached my destination around 3:06 p.m. How could I resist a classic Volkswagen wagon parked outside the Vons supermarket? Out of my pocket came Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and into my photo library went the Featured Image and companion.

Photo by Joe WilcoxJun 6, 20239:45 pm

Wash `n Drive

The prominent decoration in San Diego during June are rainbow flags. I don’t love them. There are so many, meaning is pointless. Besides, I see more cultural, political, and societal division because of them than the inclusion the colors supposedly represent.

Continuing along Adams Avenue from the clock, you will pass the self-serve car wash. The Featured Image, from Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, is a refreshing blast of colors compared to the tired and overly displayed rainbow. Hence, my stopping for a shot, on June 2, 2023. Vitals: f/1.7, ISO 10, 1/1400 sec, 23mm (film equivalent); 2:55 p.m. PDT.

Photo by Joe WilcoxJun 3, 20239:33 pm

Runny Bunny

Walking home from Trader Joe’s this afternoon, I passed a rabbit hanging out on the lawn where Kitty used to go. (One of the “Cats of University Heights“, the tuxedo vanished in September 2021.) The bunny seemed quite content until I reached for Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra; he hoped off and stopped behind the gate leading into the backyard.

The smartphone may not produce the sharpest photos, but they’re good enough, particularly considering the benefit: Massive 10x optical zoom in a device carried in my pocket; no bulky, costly expensive camera gear required.

Photo by Joe WilcoxJun 1, 20238:06 pm

Sybil and Friend

So why does one dog get let outside but not the other? Who is the second fido, anyway? I had no idea that Sybil, whom you met in August 2021, had a housemate. The Featured […]

Photo by Joe WilcoxMay 30, 202310:20 pm

You Fill Up My Senses

For a seeming paradise environment, San Diego air fills with bad smells: chemical (mostly from pesticides); exhaust (mostly from construction machinery and vehicles); rotting food (from compost and garbage containers); skunky stink (from pot smokers); and urine (from the homeless), among many others. (Got an hour to read? I can give a fuller list.)

So it was a surprise, and relief, when my wife and I hit a sweet smelling zone while walking on May 26, 2023. The Featured Image shows why: Hedge of Honeysuckle. Thank you, neighbor, whomever you are! At a time when more residences erect fortress fences around their properties, someone else chooses a natural barrier that delights the senses—eyes along with the nose.

Photo by Joe WilcoxMay 29, 202310:49 pm

Bruce is Missing!

Last night, Sunday, one of my neighbors rang the doorbell, and as I rushed to the door she pulled back the leash on her dog Apple, asking: “Have you seen Bruce?” Visibly anguished, she explained that the cat disappeared on Friday night. She, as I suddenly recalled, had gone away for Memorial Day weekend, trusting his care—and that of housemates Guido and Little—to friends.

Bruce is quite independent, and he is known in the neighborhood for his lion trim and for walking with his owner when she takes out Apple. Seems like everyone knows Bruce, which must explain the outpouring of support to find him. Neighbors are out searching and calling his name. Another made and posted lost cat signs. This handsome tabby has quite the following, and he really should have his own Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube.

Photo by Joe WilcoxMay 28, 20239:48 pm

The Devil’s Doors

Well, the Featured Image is sure to offend somebody. Others might cheer the implications. The doors stand outside one of the churches in San Diego neighborhood Hillcrest. By no coincidence, the institution flies rainbow flag.

I can’t resist. In Matt. 7:13, Jesus said: “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it” (NASB). My question for you: Are six doors of inclusion a “narrow gate?”

Photo by Joe WilcoxMay 27, 202310:07 pm

‘Feed Me! Please?’

The fine family that owns ginger cat Daniel Tiger also keeps three chickens. Typically, a jar of feed is placed in a caddy on the fence so that neighbors can greet and treat the birds. But, today, when my wife and I walked by, the glass wasn’t half full, so to speak, but empty. We had nothing to share, and, oh, did the hens want some.

When we slipped out of the apartment between loads of washed and drying laundry, I left behind Leica Q2. To capture the moment, I relied on Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, choosing the Portrait mode that creates bokeh—or the illusion of blurred background.

Photo by Joe WilcoxMay 26, 20238:43 pm

Urban Husky Revisited

The “Urban Husky” residence is no longer a construction site. I had wondered if the mural would be a casualty of the renovation, although the artwork might be because of it. During an impulsive change of direction while walking today, my wife and I passed by the property.

I couldn’t go on without grabbing a fresh capture. The Featured Image comes from Leica Q2. Vitals, aperture manually set: f/4, ISO 100, 1/1250 sec,, 28mm; 2:01 p.m. PDT.

Photo by Joe WilcoxMay 25, 202310:48 pm

Regarding Leica Q3

German camera company Leica today announced the Q3, which is now available for preorder. While being tempted to trade in Q2 and upgrade, I am overly enamored with my existing equipment, which more than achieves the “good enough” threshold.

I obtained Leica Q2 on the last day of 2019—and wrote a review two years later (do read it). For sure the new thing tempts, but I must resist—and for another reason that will be explained below.