Art and Nature in Community

Scotts Valley, California

What a lovely Community Center the town of Scotts Valley has. In late autumn the border of trees outside the parking lot turns brilliant red, and the leaves stay bright through January.

November Leaves

Santa Cruz Mountains, California

It’s been said that California has no discernible seasons, but our dogwood tree thinks otherwise. Its festive springtime blossoms become ripe seeds as its bronze foliage suddenly turns multicolored.

Life of a Gerbera Daisy

Santa Cruz Mountains

Gerbera daisies are the most elegant kind, though I love all varieties of daisies. Brightly colored and many-petaled, these warm weather harbingers add a color pop to the yard throughout the summer.

Goodbye Begonia Festival

Capitola, California

The last Capitola Begonia Festival! This float, “Sun Setting on Begonias,” is made up of huge amounts of begonias, like those of the other Boat Parade contestants. After 65 years of fun, these floats are the last in this tradition.

How I Spent my Summer Vacation

Olympic National Park

After my last blog post, I couldn’t resist adding a more personal view of the Washington coast. While framing this sea stack shot at Rialto beach, a wave drenched my “water resistant” shoes.

The Beach in August

Olympic National Park

One of the happiest American traditions is a trip to the beach in summertime. However, not all beaches are good for swimming and sunbathing.

Freedom in the Mountains

Olympic National Park

A day in the mountains in summer is the antidote to world-weariness. In the morning, the sun shines brightly, burning off low foggy clouds.

Love-in-a-Mist Magic

Santa Cruz Mountains

Magic, Miracle, or simply Mother Nature brings Nigella, or Love-in-a-Mist, back to the garden every spring. Very lucky years bring surprising hybrids.

May Roses

Santa Cruz Mountains

May in a rose garden is magical. Though I longed to visit UC Botanical Gardens' heirloom rose bed, my work schedule kept me at home in my own rather unkempt garden.

Spring Snow = Summer Water

Lake Tahoe and Surrounds

After six years of drought and sadly deficient Sierra snow pack, who would have dreamed we’d see fresh snow in the mountains in April?

Daffodils, Icons of Spring

Santa Cruz Mountains

 

During the last weeks of winter, the daffodil seems to pop up from nowhere. A sunny spot in the bleak and chilly landscape, it foretells of spring.

Signs of Spring in Winter

Santa Cruz Mountains

After weeks of winter rains, plum blossoms burst into being. Thus begins a new annual cycle.

Winter Light Show: Lumination

Gilroy Gardens, California

Lumination: Chinese Culture Celebrated in a Whole New Light. A breathtaking if chilly lighted outdoor exhibition. These photos honor Chinese New Year (Rooster), January 28, 2017.