Eats, Shoots, and Leafs
It was a lovely month for taking pictures, and we were fortunate enough to get not one, not two, but three different opportunities. I’m still shooting with my Sony A7C2, but as time goes on I’m more and more thinking about a switch to Fujifilm. At this point, I’m just waiting for them to announce their next camera generation.
We started the month visiting the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. If you’re into birds, this is the place to be. The hot dry summer had sapped a lot of color from the fields, but the trees and river had a lot to say on this September day.
We met up with the Pro Photo camera club at OHSU’s sky tram for a photowalk around the campus. Dreary skies couldn’t subdue the great views of downtown Portland or the unique architecture of the campus.
Finally, we took in the O-Tsukimi (Moonviewing) evening at the Portland Japanese Gardens. I didn’t take very many pictures this year, so you’ll have to forgive the lack of a moon-shot.
Book Time
We’re only two weeks away from Vampire Detective Agency: Double Date hitting your shelves on October 13th. I really enjoyed getting to continue the romantic saga of Veronica and Larry while introducing a few new characters. Per reader requests, there is more mystery, backstory, and thrills. If you haven’t already checked out the three preview chapters, do so now. Oh, and if you like them please pre-order. I’d love to hit 20 pre-orders before the book comes out. No reason other than it’s a personal goal. (Amazon doesn’t allow pre-ordering paperbacks, so if that’s your preferred way of reading you’ll have to wait till release day to order a copy)
Even for vampires, December is a time of many celebrations. Especially for those looking to spend their first holiday together. But, what does happily ever after look like when she’s a blood-thirsty vampire and he’s a plucky go luckless human whose EVERY bodily fluid burns like acid?
That’s a question Veronica and Larry hoped to navigate together while Europe’s most feared vampire enforcers, The Twins, chased down the remaining vampire hunters. But a series of attacks on vampire friendly bars sends the city’s undead running to their door.That’s a question Veronica and Larry hoped to navigate together while Europe’s most feared vampire enforcers, The Twins, chased down the remaining vampire hunters. But a series of attacks on vampire friendly bars sends the city’s undead running to their door.
Now it’s up to the Nite Time Investigators to figure out who’s howling for revenge on New York City’s vampires. Getting it done before they give up on making their relationship official is going to require pulling a Christmas miracle out of Santa’s bag.
Recommendations
Reacher (Season 4) Not the best. Not the worst. Some of the most intense fight scenes yet, but some of the weakest detective/mystery elements so far. Multiple setups felt like they were bending backwards to reuse sets, keep extras to a minimum, and put Reacher in a situation where only he could save the day by doing bad things to bad people. But, hey, that’s why we love the show. Big man punch problems.
Woman of Sorrow & Blood by Dianna Gunn. I’m putting a bit of an asterisk next to this book recommendation. It’s a unique gothic-fantasy take on vampires, centered on a sapphic romance, with a clever cult twist, but the ending really left a sour taste in my mouth. You may disagree completely, but either way it’s worth your time.
