Saturday, December 30, 2017

Art and Nature in Community

Scotts Valley, California


Red, Gold, and Green Leaves Closeup

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.

Sunday, November 19, 2017

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.

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Life of a Gerbera Daisy

Santa Cruz Mountains


Reddish Gerbera Daisy in Full Bloom

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.

Sunday, September 24, 2017

Goodbye Begonia Festival

Capitola, California


sunset hue float with flower-skirted girls and rainbow and fkiwer of flowers

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.

Sunday, August 20, 2017

How I Spent my Summer Vacation

Olympic National Park


The rocky sea stacks and crazy wave patterns at Rialto beach

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.

Sunday, August 6, 2017

The Beach in August

Olympic National Park


Huge stacks of driftwood and big rocks at Ruby Beach

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

Sunday, July 16, 2017

Freedom in the Mountains

Olympic National Park


Hurricane Ridge looking towards Port Angeles

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.

Sunday, June 11, 2017

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.

Sunday, May 28, 2017

May Roses

Santa Cruz Mountains


Multi colored climbing roses on rustic arbor

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.

Sunday, April 23, 2017

Spring Snow = Summer Water

Lake Tahoe and Surrounds


Driving in to South Lake Tahoe from Sacramento

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?

Sunday, March 19, 2017

Daffodils, Icons of Spring

Santa Cruz Mountains

 

Bright Yellow Daffodil with Tiny Insect

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.

Sunday, February 26, 2017

Signs of Spring in Winter

Santa Cruz Mountains



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

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Winter Light Show: Lumination

Gilroy Gardens, California


Red and Gold Dragon Illuminated Sculpture

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.