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.