u/food-dood

Shot on the XT5 and Fuji 16-55 f2.8. I’ve been experimenting with Velvia with a fluorescent 3 white balance, +3 red +4 blue.

Shot on a Fuji XT, a vintage Kiron 105mm macro, with flash. Setup was tripod with manual focus set after watching their perching behavior for several days and hoping he moved into focus. ISO 125, 1/250”, f/16 on asp-c.

Zoom for detail. Used a Fuji XT-5 with a vintage macro.

Tan Jumping Spider

Found in Missouri

Shot last night in Missouri

I went with my friend to Kiyoshi Omakase in Overland Park, KS today and enjoyed the experience. The cuts were well done, but a little small. The fish was delicious with most of it coming from Tokyo. Rice was on the sweeter side, only a small touch of acidity. 14 courses, $98.

To compare to some coastal restaurants, I would say this is a little high in price, but in NYC I may pay $80 for this. Above a place like Sushi-M but slightly below Zen Sushi Omakase. A far cry from Yoshitomo in Omaha of all places, which could easily find themselves a star if they were rated.

Friendly staff and service, just a 2 person operation, one chef one host/server. Quiet 10-person environment, and chef was more than happy to allow me to take pictures.

Last night's eclipse.

I was birding on a friend's property the other day and found myself next to an Osage Orange tree that was definitely old and slightly decaying on the bottom branches. I remembered that it is supposed to be good for bows and found the straightest piece I could that was small enough for me to get off the tree with a rock.

Now, I have zero woodworking skills, but I really like learning by first principles, so without researching absolutely anything other than prior knowledge (next to nothing), I set out to build a bow because well, why not?

Tools used: Drawknife, hammer, clamps, ratchet strap, sandpaper, heat gun, handsaw,

Materials: Osage Orange branch, vegetable oil, nylon braided 40lb string.

I split the branch using a drawknife and hammer, trying to get rid of the rot and insect burrows that were primarily on one side. I then shaved it down to reveal the wood that was still doing ok, though I think this had been dead for quite some time. I used a heat gun over the course of several hours in conjunction with a ratchet strap and some clamps to bend the wood, periodically tightening and heating. I gained probably about 2" of curve from doing this, but was afraid if I went much further it would snap, though the core was pretty intact. Next I applied some vegetable oil and it really soaked it up quickly, so I did a second application after a few hours. I strung the bow by putting my leg over the front and using my leg as leverage because I remember seeing that somewhere, hah.

It has a slight S curve when viewed straight on, but it is equal on the top and bottom. The ridge where the "handle" is, is literally just a part that was more rotted out and had to be sanded down more. It shoots, and surprisingly well and with some oomph. I used a neighbor's arrow to test it out and I was able to get about 100ft in a nice arch.

So, obviously this is make-shift, but this was a lot of fun and now I'm thinking maybe I should start doing this for real...

Shot in central Missouri

Shot in central Missouri.