No Facilities

Random thoughts, life lessons, hopes and dreams.

On the Surface – CFFF

Dan Antion
1 minute
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According to Cee, the host of the aptly named Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge:

“This week our topic is Texture. Anything that that you would want to touch and feel the texture or in some cases not want to touch. Have fun.”

Let’s see what we can find:

Not a good time to try and rub MiMi’s belly.
These little guys hold steel studs together. They are as sharp as needles.
The ice was very heavy. Fortunately, I didn’t have to lift it once it was broken up.
I decided to just let the broken section be a feature of the bowl.
You can’t sand body putty with a woodworking palm sander. The little pneumatic sander works well, but it was slow-going.
This gull seems to be hunkering down in the sand.
Spreading the paver sand base.
This tree is loaded with pine cones.
This Pileated Woodpecker has opened a diner in this tree.
This is a small tree stump in our yard that was uncovered as I cleared space for the fence upgrade recently completed.
Pie, ice cream and whipped cream
I love this marking gauge from Veritas & Lee Valley. It helped me cope that last long board up to the siding
“Hmmm I like quince”
Unlike the flag on the other side, this one is not faded. I think it looks good in that colorful window.
Double-Cut Bacon (twice as thick) – it was very good.
“I didn’t give you permission to rub my belly.”
Books on Gateway Clipper

Knuckleheads — The Evil You Choose — When Evil Chooses You — Secrets held Against Evil

All five of my current books are now available in audio book form thanks to Amazon KDP’s Virtual Voice process. The voice is AI generated, but I can honestly say, it’s pretty darn good. The audio books are reasonably priced (all below $7 US) and, if you already own the Kindle version and want to add an audio version, you can do that for $1.99. There is a five-minute sample on the book page for each book. If you’re interested, click on any of the Dreamer’s Alliance book links below the image or on the link below for my latest book.

Bridge to Nowhere

83 responses to “On the Surface – CFFF”

  1. China Dream Avatar
    China Dream

    that is some assortment.. long time since I’ve stroked a cat… that would be a possible, I did like the woodpecker but chances of getting a wee hug there are slim… Have a good one.. cheers

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      We’ve had a couple cats who would let us rub their belly. The woodpecker is tearing into the texture of that tree – no hug there. I hope you have a nice week.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  2. Rivergirl Avatar
    Rivergirl

    Bunnies like to eat quince? Now I’m even more bereft at not having any…

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Murphy’s Law Avatar
      Murphy’s Law

      Rivergirl, send me your address and I’ll ship you all my Quince plants for your bunnies! Pretty shrub, but soooo invasive, not to mention thorny. 🤗
      Ginger

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. Dan Antion Avatar
        Dan Antion

        I was hoping I had a nice photo of the thorns, but when I saw the bunny, I thought I’d put it in for River.

        Like

        Reply
      2. Rivergirl Avatar
        Rivergirl

        No! I have the opposite problem. My quince is always out of control and needs herds of bunnies to trim it.
        🤣

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
    2. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      They do! I have to be careful not to prune the bottom branches before winter. If we get snow that covers the grass, they eat from the bottom of the bushes.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  3. Darlene Avatar
    Darlene

    Some great photos here. I particularly like the bowl with a chunk missing. I think it adds to the bowl. Although this bowl looks like a wooden one, my daughter, who is an accomplished potter says, “Everything eventually breaks, it may break tomorrow or in a thousand years, everything will break. So don’t get upset about it.” She would approve of displaying a bowl with a piece missing.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      That’s a really good thought, Darlene. The chunk was missing, and I would have had to turn a very shallow bowl to get beyond it. I liked the grain patterns I was seeing, so I decided to work around the chunk. It wasn’t easy, as it was off balance, but I like the result. Your daughter has a great attitude.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. Oddment Avatar
    Oddment

    I love the miscellany here, and the way it requires us to look at texture. Don’t tell MiMi, but I laughed out loud at that first photo; the look on her face most definitely did not invite a tummy rub. It will not surprise you that my favorite in this collection is the bacon, but the pine cone and woodpecker were close runners-up. Nice ones!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Don’t tell MiMi, but my favorite was the bacon, as well. She is a cutie, and she doesn’t like to be bothered. I could have filled the gallery with bacon photos, and it does have an interesting texture.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Oddment Avatar
        Oddment

        My lips are sealed; she’ll never hear it from me. Meanwhile, perhaps you should think about a post devoted to bacon. Bacon as door — there are definite possibilities there.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          Bacon as an art form. I need to give that some thought. Must conduct more research.

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
          1. Oddment Avatar
            Oddment

            An artist dedicated to his work is always a noble thing.

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply
  5. Kim Smyth Avatar
    Kim Smyth

    I love bacon like everyone else, but dealing with diverticulitis is no joke! Better watch that diet, Dan. I’d hate to see you in this spot!! (Said with love and concern) 🤗☺️

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thank you for your concern. I don’t overdo it with the bacon (at lease I don’t think so) or the beer for that matter. But pictures of my morning toast aren’t that interesting. I hope you’re feeling better.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Kim Smyth Avatar
        Kim Smyth

        Well…I can’t lecture, only advise ☺️ Who knows what causes this, I only know I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. I’m going to have to eliminate all my favorite “healthy” foods for a long time to get over it. I tried yogurt yesterday…still a no go on the dairy. Guess I’ll stick to the bland diet a bit longer. 🙄😉

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          I am sorry to hear that.

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
          1. Kim Smyth Avatar
            Kim Smyth

            It’s ok, I don’t go hungry. 😉

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply
  6. Murphy’s Law Avatar
    Murphy’s Law

    The look on MiMi’s face is priceless. Look at her front paws balled up ready to throw a punch!

    I love that you left the bowl broken instead of repairing it. It gives the bowl character and would be quite a conversation piece, and still very functional.

    I like the “diner in the tree” and the way MuMu is letting you know “hands off!” Dan, you’re not very popular with the ladies today. Lol!

    Old Glory is looking mighty good in that setting.

    But the one that really caught my eye and tastebuds is the pie, ice cream and whipped cream. Good grief, a heart attack on a plate, but what a way to go! 🤗

    Ginger

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      That bowl served for many years as a candy dish in my office. No one ever complained about the gash. Who knows, it might have been caused by a woodpecker.

      MiMi does have a way of sending a message. I laugh after I do pet her and she sits up and cleans herself where I was petting – way to make me feel good, MiMi.

      The Monday challenge is always finding a flag that fits the prompt. The pie is high on my list.

      Happy Monday, Ginger, I hope you have a good week.

      Like

      Reply
  7. tehachap Avatar
    tehachap

    The bark on that tree made me guess it was barnacles or clams on something in the sea. Strange that they could look so alike. Thanks for sharing!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Those things (I assume mushrooms) grew on that tree over the course of a few weeks. The tree was bare and then, boom, it was covered.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. lois Avatar
    lois

    The window photo with the flag is the winner for me. The sunlight on the glass is just beautiful. Yikes! The woodpecker has quite the diner there. I didn’t realize how deep they could ‘dig.’

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I like that flag photo, Lois. I’m guessing they’re using it to block the harsh sun, but I bet it looks good on the inside. The woodpeckers go deep in search of bugs. Kinda like getting to the back of the fridge.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. lois Avatar
        lois

        haha! ‘back of the fridge’ puts it all in perspective. Thanks, Dan.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  9. dweezer19 Avatar
    dweezer19

    I know why you saved that bacon for nearly last. Some folks might never get past it. 😍 And what kind of pie was buried under all that creamy goodness? All great and diverse textures, Dan. Happy Monday.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I didn’t think about the bacon until I was almost done. I don’t know, but pie for me is usually apple or blueberry, both of which go with ice cream and whipped cream. Could be pumpkin. I need to stop studying it, I’m getting hungry.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. dweezer19 Avatar
        dweezer19

        “And then you go and spoil it all by saying something stupid like ‘pumpkin’’.” 🫢😂😂

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          😂 I do like pumpkin pie. Nothing else pumpkin, but pie’s ok.

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
  10. circadianreflections Avatar
    circadianreflections

    A smell function would be great when talking bacon! The critters are great additions to this gallery. The rabbit and kitties look so soft, but I do love the contrast between the woodpecker’s feathers and the tree bark.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      The bunnies, especially when we see babies in the yard, look so soft. My wife recently cooked a few pounds of bacon (for cheeseburgers) for a picnic. The house smelled wonderful. She did cook some for us because there would be no way to resist.

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. circadianreflections Avatar
        circadianreflections

        😂 Yes, resistance would be hard!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  11. hilarymb Avatar
    hilarymb

    Hi Dan – I love your selections … good ones …. especially those fluffy put-cats (that’s what I call them at times – more polite than the other probably?!) … while the woodpecker is in full hole bludgeoning … cheers Hilary

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Hilary. That woodpecker was so focused on digging out his meal, he didn’t seem to notice me. The cats look like they want a belly-rub, but don’t take the bait.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  12. bikerchick57 Avatar
    bikerchick57

    Mimi! Who’s a good girl? Can I pet that belly or no?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I think you know better than to ask, Mary.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. bikerchick57 Avatar
        bikerchick57

        It never hurts to ask…lol

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          How’s Hoshi with belly rubs?

          Like

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          1. bikerchick57 Avatar
            bikerchick57

            Hoshi let’s me rub her belly when she is in the mood. Usually in the late afternoon or evening hours.

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply
            1. Dan Antion Avatar
              Dan Antion

              :-)

              Like

  13. Teagan Riordain Geneviene Avatar
    Teagan Riordain Geneviene

    LOL… I see you threw caution to the wind and tried to rub MiMi’s belly after all. LOL. Even the vet gave up on touching Crystal’s belly.
    That was an interesting challenge, Dan. You made a great gallery for it. Hugs on the wing.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Every now and then, I try, Teagan. It’s hard to resist. The hard part of these challenges is remembering how I might have tagged the photos. Sometimes, I guess it would be easier to go out and get new ones. OF course, I’m trying to give myself a break. Ha! That doesn’t always work.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Teagan Riordain Geneviene Avatar
        Teagan Riordain Geneviene

        LOL, I definitely know how that kind of “break” goes. :)

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          😏

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
  14. Judy@NewEnglandGardenAndThread Avatar
    Judy@NewEnglandGardenAndThread

    The bowl is beautiful just the way it is, and that bacon and whipped cream look pretty darn tasty.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks. Celebrating a defect is making more sense as I get older 😏 I could have filled this gallery with food.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  15. Cee Neuner Avatar
    Cee Neuner

    Dan, your textures are so fantastic this week. I love the screws. I can feel their sharpness. :D :D I’m glad you finally could pet your cat :D :D

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Sometimes I just force the issue with that cat. She swacks me sometimes but… Those screws are so sharp.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  16. Jan Sikes Avatar
    Jan Sikes

    That’s quite a variety of textures, Dan. Great photos. I love the broken bowl. It’s perfectly imperfect. :)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Jan. Normally I would use a woodworking project for ‘smooth’ but this one is a favorite snd but fit.

      Like

      Reply
  17. JT Twissel Avatar
    JT Twissel

    Our cat does not allow belly rubbing ever! Can’t beat the texture of those tree growths!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Haha – the bloody hand zone? I sneak up on her when she’s asleep.

      Like

      Reply
  18. rugby843 Avatar
    rugby843

    Great texture photos!

    >

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  19. Ally Bean Avatar
    Ally Bean

    A beautiful assortment of photos here. I want to touch the cat, should she allow it. And I don’t want to touch the tree stump you uncovered. Pretty to look at, though.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I try touching the cat but I’m with you on the tree. Photo for a safe distance is good enough.

      Like

      Reply
  20. GP Avatar
    GP

    You certainly fulfilled the challenge, Dan!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks GP 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  21. dweezer19 Avatar
    dweezer19

    👍🏻👍🏻😁

    Like

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  22. John W. Howell Avatar
    John W. Howell

    Amazing photos, Dan. I could almost smell that double-cut bacon.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      We definitely have to work on that smell-across-the-Internet thing, John. We used to get an array of appetizers at our meetings. None of that stuff was ever leftover.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. John W. Howell Avatar
        John W. Howell

        I can imagine.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  23. quiall Avatar
    quiall

    You certainly answered the brief! I will admit I did not recognize the pie and whip cream. Great photos.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Oh Pam. I think you might be suffering from a pie deficiency.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
    2. quiall Avatar
      quiall

      And I know the perfect cure…

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  24. Kirt D Tisdale Avatar
    Kirt D Tisdale

    I could feel the texture in each shot!!:)) Cracked up over rubbing MiMi’s belly….both of our cats love having their belly rubbed….they lay spread eagle just waiting for it. Might be a MainCoon thing…not sure, but because of their breed….they are big cats with very big bellies!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Our first cat was a Maine Coon, Kirt. He liked belly rubs, but when he’d had enough, he would grab me with those big front paws.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Kirt D Tisdale Avatar
        Kirt D Tisdale

        Lol….ours can’t get enough !!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  25. willowdot21 Avatar
    willowdot21

    Great photos Dan , started with the cat and end with her too? And everything
    in-between . The bacon looks really good💜

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I’m glad yo liked these, Willow. Cats and bacon go together. MiMi loves bacon, and will show up as soon as you unwrap a bit.

      Like

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      1. willowdot21 Avatar
        willowdot21

        Lol my cats loved bacon and cheese and my eldest had a cat that would steal pizza 😃😃

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          😮

          Like

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  26. olganm Avatar
    olganm

    I’d love to touch some of those (not all, mind you)! I watched a documentary about Jaume Plensa, a famous sculptor and artist from Barcelona, who’s worked everywhere (or almost) and he was talking about how he loves to touch and hug sculptures and says all those sculptures in museums, especially the ancient ones, miss being touched and get very dried up inside. He talks about his sculptures as if they were alive. Thanks for those great images, Dan.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      That’s interesting. I could imagine thinking like that of something I created.

      Like

      Reply
  27. Marsha Avatar
    Marsha

    My Moji is the same way. Sometimes a belly rub is fine. Sometimes you’d better be quicker with your hand than she is with her razor nails. Great choices for texture, Dan.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Ouch. They do keep them sharp.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Marsha Avatar
        Marsha

        :)

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  28. jessicasblog45 Avatar
    jessicasblog45

    Our ginger cat loves his tummy rubbed. He is so soft. But the other ones don’t like it. Although I rub it when two of them are standing. They don’t mind that. But one I haven’t tried it with him.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I can get away with it for a few seconds, but MiMi tires of it quickly.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  29. robertawrites235681907 Avatar
    robertawrites235681907

    Hi Dan, these are great pictures for the theme.

    Like

    Reply
  30. Jennie Avatar
    Jennie

    You are creative, Dan. Bacon, fungus, screws, and ice all work for the theme.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks – this was a hard one for me

      Like

      Reply

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