At times life can be a learning experience. I’m not happy with the fireworks pictures I took in Old Orchard Beach earlier this month.

I opted not to bring my camera with me on vacation. The phone I bought last fall is reputed to take great photos, and it isn’t as if I expected to be taking many pictures – I’ve been to Maine several dozen times before.

Looking at the results I realize I probably need to learn how to use the thing, because these shots, colorful as they are, don’t seem to me to be in focus. We’ll chalk this one up to operator error, and I’ve made a mental note to improve my fireworks-picture taking abilities before next year.

Fireworks by the Pier is a Thursday night tradition in the summertime. The Chamber of Commerce picks up the tab, and local businesses benefit from tourists keeping their kids up late.

The show is low-budget, but somehow pleasing. Probably because you can’t beat the location. Hopefully I will do better next year.