The world of technology is evolving every day and shows no signs of slowing down. I love technology and am always excited to test new devices and learn about the latest features and applications.
Recently, I received the new Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, Google's newest smartphone. Convenient to carry and easy to use, the Google Pixel has been my blog team's go-to phone for several years. This latest model offers even more impressive photo taking capabilities including a 5x telephoto lens with a 20x super resolution zoom, Camera Coach to assist users in taking and editing pictures, and an "auto best take" feature, which is an AI powered tool designed to enhance the quality of group photos.
We went out and tested the new Google Pixel 10 Pro XL camera, enjoy these images. #giftgromgoogle #googlepixel
My Chow Chow Han is always very photogenic. This image was taken with the new Google Pixel 10 Pro XL. The camera takes photos quickly to capture those special pet “moments” that don’t last long.
Here’s a photo looking between two fenced in pastures and the tall eastern white pines in the distance. The camera captures so much detail.
Over in the allée of pin oaks, this photo captures the afternoon shadows of my antique fencing.
And this is the lichen close up on the 100-year old fence rails.
The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL also takes crisp flower photos. Here’s a close up of a pink rose in my formal rose garden.
There was a gentle breeze at the time of this photo, but this late season Japanese anemone still looks very clear.
The dahlias are still blooming so beautifully and should continue producing an abundance of flowers until the first frost.
Here is a Japanese painted fern with its luminescent blue-green fronds and dark central ribs that fade to silver at the edges.
The quince fruits are developing excellently. The camera adjusts its focus quickly and accurately.
This photo of my Pomeranian geese was taken from outside the enclosure several feet away. The Google Pixel Pro 10 XL has more enhanced magnification, making subjects look great from a distance.
And look at the peafowl – this was also taken from more than 20-feet away.
The “move” feature allows subjects to be moved from one place to another. Here’s my handsome Friesian Hylke in the paddock, standing just in front of the edge of the tree pit under one of my lindens.
With just a few key strokes in edit mode, Hylke was moved a little to the left.
And then he came up right to the fence and said hello.
This sweet autumn clematis displays billowy masses of fragrant white flowers against bold colored green leaves.
This is a long distance photo in my back field of trees just starting to show their fall colors.
And my old corn crib in the late afternoon. These smartphone cameras are getting better and better with every generation.
If you’re looking for a smartphone to take great photos of your family, your pets, your gardens or the sights along your next trip, consider the Google Pixel 10. You’re sure to capture some great memories… and photos.
It will take time for my newest Friesian horses, Ulysses and Stewart, to fully acclimate to life at my farm, but so far these handsome steeds are doing excellently.
This bonded pair arrived last week from The Dorset Equine Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Vermont dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming at-risk horses. The two had a great first weekend - exploring their new surroundings, meeting new friends, and learning their new routines. They especially loved eating the hay from last week's big second-cut harvest in my run-in pasture.
Here are a few more photos, enjoy.
The new Friesians had a great weekend. They currently live in my run-in pasture. It is large with lots of room to roam.
This is Ulysses, a three year old male. It’s so wonderful to see him run and enjoy his new surroundings.
The Friesian is most often recognized by its bold black coat color. They have long, arched necks and well-chiseled, short-eared, “Spanish-type” heads. They also have powerful, sloping shoulders, compact, muscular bodies with strong hindquarters, and low-set tails.
A Friesian horse has a long, thick mane and tail, often wavy, and “feather” long, silky hair on the lower legs always left untrimmed. These two horses are still in recovery and will fill out more as time progresses.
Here they are this weekend – let’s see how they look in a couple months.
Both horses are strong eaters. Here they are grazing on what’s left over from the recent hay harvest.
They also enjoy their grains and supplements. Here is Stewart eating his first meal. Of course, both horses already have new personalized halters.
Ulysses prefers more personal service. This bonded pair will transition slowly from what they have been eating at DER to their new diet here at the farm. It is crucial to follow a gradual switch to minimize digestive upset.
Juan Londoño, who works in my stable, is excellent with all the horses. Here he is with Stewart – they will be fast friends.
The horses were shown their water source right away. Horses drink water by siphoning it through pursed lips, not by lapping it up like other animals. Stewart and Ulysses are good drinkers.
These horses are bonded, which means they have developed a strong connection to each other, due mostly to the time they’ve spent together.
Where one goes, the other will soon follow.
Friesians are loved for their excellent temperaments. They are gentle, affectionate, social, adaptable, and very eager to please. They are also highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods.
A Friesian can weigh anywhere from 1200 to 1500 pounds when full grown. They are also considered medium to large breed horses and can range in height from 15.3 to 17 hands tall.
I think Ulysses is getting accustomed to the camera. There have been lots of photos taken of the pair these last few days.
And then they’re off again…
Running from one end to the other. They seem quite happy.
Here they are at the edge of the field waiting for visitors.
This is a photo of Cesar with Ulysses taken by my longtime driver, Carlos “Uno” Villamil.
In the coming months, I will slowly introduce them to the rest of the herd, but for now, I am so glad these two are acclimating well. You’re going to love it here at Cantitoe Corners, Stewart and Ulysses!
My farm is now home to two more very sweet, handsome Friesian horses.
For some time, my horse manager, Helen Peparo, and I, have been following the progress of two horses under the care of The Dorset Equine Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in southwestern Vermont dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming at-risk horses. The now bonded pair, three-year old Ulysses and 10-year old Stewart, were removed from a neglectful facility at separate times and brought to DER where they could get the attention they needed. After months, and in Ulysses' case, two years, of recovery, the horses arrived at my farm yesterday and so far, they’re doing great - they're healthy, curious, and enjoying the time in my giant run-in pasture, their new home. Everyone here at the farm is thrilled to have them here.
Enjoy these photos and more of their story.
Ulysses and Stewart are now here at Cantitoe Corners, running through the field and exploring their new home. Welcome to my farm boys!
Founded in 2012, Dorset Equine Rescue has rescued and cared for more than 500 equids. Over the years, DER had been doing much of their work at their small facility and through various borrowed farms and foster homes. Last year, DER was able to purchase a 170-acre farm property where they could expand their services and meet the needs of their many equine residents. (Photo courtesy of Dorset Equine Rescue)
Ulysses was a timid, sick, and underweight yearling at the time of his rescue in 2023. Here he is getting loaded onto the trailer headed for the Dorset Equine Rescue facility. (Photo courtesy of Dorset Equine Rescue)
This is Ulysses being introduced to his first pasture mate at DER, both in the process of healing from their rough beginnings. (Photo courtesy of Dorset Equine Rescue)
Ulysses had some health issues to start and needed specialized diets for the duration of his recovery. (Photo courtesy of Dorset Equine Rescue)
This is Ulysses starting his training in the fall of 2024 – he looks so much better. And look at the weight he’s gained. (Photo courtesy of Dorset Equine Rescue)
At DER, Ulysses was well-socialized and loved by so many horses and humans. Socialization and enrichment are crucial in rehabilitation. (Photo courtesy of Dorset Equine Rescue)
Ulysses is now three-years old and doing very well. (Photo courtesy of Dorset Equine Rescue)
10-year old Stewart was also emaciated at the time of his rescue earlier this summer and had to stay in an equine hospital for some initial treatment. (Photo courtesy of Dorset Equine Rescue)
Here he is grazing at the hospital – very underweight and unable to eat properly due to dental neglect. (Photo courtesy of Dorset Equine Rescue)
After a month at DER, Stewart already looked so much better. Here he is in July. (Photo courtesy of Dorset Equine Rescue)
And here is Stewart getting a bath – I don’t think he minds the added attention at all. DER provides all the care these horses need until they are properly and carefully re-homed. (Photo courtesy of Dorset Equine Rescue)
Stewart received close care. In this photo, medicated cream is put on Stewart’s skin to help improve the condition of his coat. (Photo courtesy of Dorset Equine Rescue)
And here he is after weeks of recovery – Stewart is already looking more alert and healthy. (Photo courtesy of Dorset Equine Rescue)
Yesterday was the big day – both horses arrived on a sunny, mild afternoon. Here is the trailer as it pulled into my run-in pasture.
Ulysses was the first to come off with DER barn manager, Tiffany Vittum.
Here’s Helen with Stewart. Stewart is so curious.
Here I am offering the horses their very first treats at my farm. Both horses are now on regular diets and eating very well.
Right away, the two were eager to stretch their legs and explore the surroundings. We had just harvested 208 bales of hay the day before – the field smelled wonderful.
And here they are looking at all of us from the other side of the run-in shed – always together.
Such handsome boys – they’re sure to love it here at Cantitoe Corners.
Here I am with Helen, Tiffany, and executive director and president of Dorset Equine Rescue, Jen Straub. Thanks DER for all the care you give these needy equines. Please go to their web site for more information on how you can support this wonderful organization. More photos of the horses’ first weekend at my farm on my next blog.
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
