PHOTOGRAPH INFO

Jakey was disking one of the fields on Wednesday in preparation for planting corn, and Jakey's sidekick Amber went along for the ride. She's nine months old and learning to be a good passenger. (She's secured to the tractor seat so she can't fall or jump off.)

When I took the photo, Amber had just heard a Spring Peeper (a little tree frog) calling from nearby.

Camera settings and post-processing: Shot with the Canon EOS 5D and the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L lens at 45mm, ISO 200, f/3.2, 1/200s. Curves adjustment, color balancing.

Thanks for visiting Durham Township!

--Kathleen

That's a good-lookin' dog. I want one!

This one is beyond words...actually, it's poetry.

Good composition.

So Amber works with Jakey and shows us how good life is now
With pay only a pet and bowl of Purina chow.
Over hill and valley on tractor they wend
Countless hours together, this farmer and "man's best friend."

Watching the corn grow. Nice poster/mural material in the WPA style with the tree so well used. Thank you.

Perfect framing, with the tree providing contrast behind Jakey as well as a nice burst of color.

Excellent pose from the dog! Love the detail and colours. Great work Kathleen.

Well Jakey,

One of my old farmer friends said that he used to sing songs, think about girls and pretend he was driving a tank when he was on his tractor. What's on your mind as you and Amber drive around the field today? Does it get harder each day to keep a positive attitude?

Are you thinking about growing more corn to be converted to ethanol yet feeling guilty about being accused of starving people in Africa? How about planting tomatoes if you can get the migrant workers and Burger King to compromise on the 1 cent difference in price per bushel basket? Are you hoping that President Bush's promised veto of the Farm Bill will be overridden by Congress so subsidies can continue to flow to even those who don't need them? Are you wondering what you'll be paying for diesel fuel with oil futures at $125.00 per barrel? Are you wishing that King Fahd of Saudi Arabia will produce more oil for his "friend" the United States and bring the price down?

Or, are you just thinking about the girls you have known, those you now know and those yet to be met? Will you have enough money to continue to drive your tank? Do you have a song in your head? Might I be so bold as to suggest an old Billy Preston tune "Will it go 'round in circles"?

Perfect timing for Amber.

Willow and anyone else who cares,

Most of the time when I am on the tractor I use the time to relax and think about the things that I need to get done. For me it is very peaceful. I don't usualy worry about things that are out of my control. So basically it is just gives me a chance to be with my dog and my thoughts and that is all I need. It's a happy time. No worries.

After reading Jakey's comments, I'm thinking, "I've got the dog, I just need the Farmall!"

(The Pen is back! {to the tune of BB's "The Thrill Is Gone."})

That Amber is a real beauty. What a great companion she must be. Beautiful composition.

I totally miss my chocolate lab now after seeing this frame

Hi Cous,
You're looking good and what a beautiful dog you have. Stay happy and healthy!
love from Alabama