So, we are done . . . an this is the promised recap of all that was offered since Post No. 156.5. 

HOWEVER . . . MANY, MANY, PHOTOS . . . GO GET A COFFEE WHILE IT LOADS. OR TEA. OR WHATEVER YOU DRINK WHILE WAITING AROUND FOR STUFF TO HAPPEN.

Here are the photos (presented in random order):

No post linked today since this is the last post of Project 313. Three-hundred-thirteen posts . . . Three-hundred-thirteen photos . . . Three-hundred-thirteen cartoons . . . Three-hundred-fourteen doodles.

I understand a lot of people got bored with the whole concept and the effort; rest assured I don’t mind as I’m prone to similar reactions to various projects. To those who stuck with it, kudos on your fortitude and thank you for putting up with all the silliness, tediousness, and other nesses that currently escape me. 

And now, the photo:

I hope this captures the spirit of this last post. Thank you for reading along with me and thank you for all the likes and comments. 

The penultimate post . . . a touch of relief and a touch of sadness . . . and a link to THIS post. 

Make of it what you will.

And now, the photo:

If you’re having a problem figuring out what that is, step back a few paces and it should become clear . . . 

You know, I often look back at times when I could knock out a short story with little to no effort. It’s something I hope to do again . . . soon.

Meanwhile, perhaps people will enjoy THIS bit of drama and pathos. 

And now, the photo:

Sometimes, one has to dabble into the world of dramatic expression.

How did I do?

Normally, this being Sunday, I’d have a quick post and a link to something few will mind missing . . . but, if you like B&W photography, you might want to look at THIS post.

Lots of B&W goodness, if I do say so myself.

And now, the photo:

Pretty bold, if I do say so myself . . . which I often have to. 

A part of me can’t wait for the opportunity to cultivate colorful flowers once we settle down. Another part of me remembers how much work they are.  I guess the part I’ll feed will win out.

If you (dear reader) are a car person, then THIS post is for you. If you are not a car person, the post is still for you . . . you can find out what the fuss is all about.

For the record, I’m not a car person . . . but they do make great subjects for my photography. 

And now, the photo:

I struggled a bit with this shot of fireworks . . . but, ultimately, I think I done did it justice. 

Wow . . . closer and closer; only five posts left . . . well, six if you include this one. I think I should ramp it up for these last few posts. But . . . how!? I suppose I could link the best post ever. No. People need to find it on their own.

Instead, I’ll link THIS lofty post . . . still pretty good, I think. 

And now, the photo:

I’m not sure if this is considered “stepping up” . . . I mean, it feels like it but readers might not agree.

If you want to get bugged about something, read THIS post.

I used to photograph a lot of bugs. Had me veritable bug safaris, I did. Not sure why I stopped. Perhaps I’ll pick that up again. 

And now, the photo:

As far as I know, this Model B is still sitting there, where I left it about 31 months ago. At least, I hope so. 

Flamingoes are colorful birds . . . that also look good in B&W. 

Yes, I’m revisiting a lot of my B&W posts. I get like that once in a while. 

And now, the photo:

That’s the Sand Point Lighthouse . . . electrified!

Well, if you liked the previously linked post of B&W photos, you’re in for a treat with THIS post. Not only a crap-load of B&W photos but I also interview myself and wax poetic about life’s fortunes and misfortunes . . . actually, I wasn’t paying attention so I don’t know what I wrote about but I can guarantee it was amusing (at least, it was amusing to me). 

It’s actually worth a peak just for the photos; the brilliant writing is just gravy atop a gourmet offering.

And now, the photo:

I seldom do landscapes in these treatments but Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak make a fine pair for an artistic offering.

Today — in contrast to the photo — I link THIS post which is full of Black and White photos.

I do like B&W photos . . . and I like color photos. I’m ambichromatic.

And now, the photo:

. . . I could have titled that “When Volcanoes Dress Up For A Date”.

. . . but I didn’t.

The classic countdown has begun . . . ten posts to the end of the project.  

Today’s retro-look offers up something different . . . it’s not often I do nudity but I dabbled in it HERE.

And now, the photo:

That’s an impressive flower without any treatment so it’s difficult making it more impressive. I might not have succeeded but I gave it the ole college retired guy try.

In the last Project 313 post, I linked a Mount Baker post . . . so today I link a Mount Rainier post (HERE).

I like mountains . . . but those are active volcanoes. If you live in the area, don’t read THIS.

And now, the photo:

I know I say this often so it loses its impact . . . but I really like this treatment. That’s one of my favorite frog photos (taken in Illinois in 2006).

I think that particular treatment and framing both suits it and enhances the photo.

WordPress continues to “tweak” its interface and making it more difficult to smoothly produce posts without having to jump through hoops. That means that every day and every change increases the likelihood this blog might migrate to another platform or cease to function altogether.  

Honestly, I don’t understand it. Who is WordPress listening to? No user I know is asking for these changes and no one I know is happy with the direction they’re taking. 

Most companies start going downhill once they stop listening to their customers and, instead, start telling their customers “how things should be”. 

I’m hoping (and I’m on the lookout) for a new blogging platform to crop up and feed the multitude of disgruntled WordPress users. And, it says something when a fairly loyal user (me) is actually considering stopping the blog as a viable alternative to the continued aggravation. 

I soldier on . . . frustrated, pissed off, irritated, and generally displeased, but I soldier on. Soon, I’ll start looking at alternatives but, for now, I offer THIS blog post from a happier and more carefree time. The post reviews a strip we took to Mt. Baker, WA. Specifically, it discusses how the post-processing tools improved over the years and salvaged photos that had been deemed unusable. I should do another post using the latest tools (much better than four years ago).

And now, the photo:

That’s a Western Bluebird (female, I think) in (appropriately) a field of blue. 

Wow . . . 300 . . . I’m getting close to completing this thing, ain’t I?

There’s a bit of relief and a bit of sadness in contemplating the end of Project 313. I admit cursing to myself soon after I started the project. I mean, what the heck had I gotten myself into? 85% of one year dedicated to a silly idea actualized by an impulsive act of hubris.

My regular posting suffered as I dedicated significant effort to Project 313. I used to be clever, innovative, different, annoying, and even bold in the offerings adorning these pages. Instead, now, the same thing on a page every day for 313 days.

Well, it’s almost over . . .  

And, now, the photo:

Honest, if you could see how bland the original photo presents itself, you’d be amazed at the transformation. HERE, look. 

. . . but, whatever it is, I wouldn’t want it chasing me.