I've been on vacation for over a week. It was strange, but I only took a handful of photographs during this time off. I was playing a game I've played since I was a little kid and just didn't want to be worrying about my camera the whole time while I was concentrating on my game. When I got back today I decided it was something I should do, at least pick up my camera and snap a photograph or two--if nothing else--to get the feel of the camera back in my hand. The Rose of Sharon are in full bloom in my yard and they became my easy subject matter to snap a few pictures. I also took a picture of my happy looking guy, Java(truth is he's probably more hot than happy!). These aren't great photographs, but they are important--for me--and for my need to take photographs. 9 days without snapping a single photograph is a long time for a photographer who needs to make images. So even though these won't end up in a portfolio(though Java might end up in a more important spot--on my fridge!) they are important because my finger pushed a button after what seemed like a very very long time. Photographs by Richard Sayer