Fryday Photo

Night Life

2009-05-30T18:30:00.001-07:00

Today we have a special treat- a guest blogger. My daughter took these pictures for her photo final and I'm so proud so I'm sharing them with you.

Life is Rosie

2009-05-17T19:24:00.000-07:00

It's spring time and the roses are in full bloom. Is there any more beautiful flower?

Can it be?

2009-03-22T20:59:00.000-07:00

How can it be that there is a beautiful blooming spring tree with a snow covered moutain in the background? OK, I cheated - the tree is real but the mountain is the Matterhorn at Disneyland!

In the Eye

2009-03-15T21:05:00.001-07:00

Beauty as they say is in the eye of the beholder. I find this decaying wagon wheel to be a piece of art while others? Maybe not.

Can it be?

2009-03-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

Can it be that a dead tree is beautiful? I think it can. When we where in Tahoe we saw many of these natural works of art. From the color of the bark to the interesting twists of its skelatal limbs this tree was gorgeous.

Lake Taco

2009-02-24T22:18:00.000-08:00

Many years ago when a friend was visiting from New Zealand he told us that he had been to Lake Taco before coming to see us. WHERE? Turns out he couldn't remember the name of Lake Tahoe (or Sausalito for that matter - he called it Sasquash). How could one forget the name of one of the most beautiful places on earth? We got to spend some time in south shore last weekend and I had the chance to take some photos of the snowy lake. It was so beautiful I tried to soak it all in.

The Sky Above

2009-02-19T07:24:00.000-08:00

We drove down to Ojai last weekend which is a small town near Ventura, California. When we arrived the sun was just starting to set and it made the sky the most glorious pink. This photo doesn't do it justice but at least it gives you the idea.

California Dreaming

2009-01-16T06:30:00.000-08:00

Growing up in California I probably take palm trees for granted but they are truly a beautiful sight. The entrance to Stanford University is a long, palm lined drive. I can only imagine what students must feel when they arrive there for the first time. It is truly a royal welcome. I have never "owned" a palm tree before but they seem like a lot of work. The fronds die as the tree grows and to keep them looking good the dead fronds must be cut off. As the tree grows taller and taller that becomes quite a feat. Luckily I can enjoy them without all the work.

Snowy Equines

2009-01-08T20:43:00.000-08:00

When we were in Oregon for New Year's we stopped by the barn to visit the horses. They were so beautiful set against the snow. They didn't seem the least bit cold but I sure was!

Winter Wonderland

2008-12-30T15:34:00.000-08:00

For many I'm sure the snow is a major irritation. Walks to be shoveled. An endless need to find dry clothing for children. Lost mittens. Frozen limbs and generally unsafe driving conditions. But for those of us that don't get to experience it that often it is pure bliss. A fairyland of white. A place to run and play. We are enjoying a few glorious days in the Oregon snow. I am enthralled by the branches in the snow and my son finds the icicles irresistible.

Holiday Flowers

2008-12-19T22:53:00.000-08:00

I love these red flowers. The seem like a great way to enjoy the holidays with something that makes me think of warmer weather. Hope your holidays are wonderful.

In the Eye of the Beholder

2008-11-23T14:37:00.000-08:00

I saw this purse sitting on some bleachers and I thought the colors were just gorgeous and I loved the way the sun was shining on it. Some people might think it was just a pile of fabric. I think beauty for the eyes.

Searching for Fall in the Western World

2008-11-13T22:07:00.000-08:00

I live in California where we don't really have seasons. I've always wanted to go on a color tour of the East Coast in the Fall. I'm sure it must be gorgeous. But unfortunately I have not had the opportunity to take such a trip. So I went out this weekend and looked for fall in California. We don't have a lot of trees turning colors, mostly evergreens that are - well - ever green! But the japanese maple trees and the liquid ambers do not disappoint.

To Be

2008-11-08T09:15:00.000-08:00

To be willing to wear bright pink plaid boots.

To wear shorts on a cold day.

To be a teenager in the rain.

Juxtaposition

2008-11-02T06:50:00.000-08:00

Why a photo of an old truck? I love the contrast between this fancy new house and the old beat up truck.

Delectable Jewels

2008-10-22T06:58:00.000-07:00

Vegetables as Art? I wouldn't normally think so but Sunday I drove by the vegetable stand and just had to stop for some photos. The folks there buying veggies probably thought I was nuts but it wouldn't be the first time. Look at these awesome onions! They were huge (bigger than my fist). The color was so rich and the paper thin skin was so crinkly. And the tomatoes looked like bright jewels. I just wanted to eat them all.

Cool Jellies

2008-08-24T00:19:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I love it there. One of my favorite parts is the Jellies. They are just gorgeous and Monterey Bay has done such a wonderful job of displaying them. They are backlit and in the "Jellies as Art" display, the tanks are framed so they look like paintings. I could stare at them for hours. I just found out that the display will go away on September 15th to make way for a seahorse exhibit. While I look forward to the new exhibit I will really miss the jellies. I'm so glad I got to see them once last time.

Boat on the Water

2008-08-15T07:33:00.000-07:00

Why is it that boats and water are such a beautiful combination? We were recently in Oregon and I stopped by the Marina in the morning before the boats had gone out. The sun was just right casting reflections and I must have snapped 50 photos. It was so peaceful and gorgeous.

Budding Beauty

2008-08-01T07:32:00.000-07:00

There is an incredible flower garden in my neighbor's yard and I go there often to take photos. Usually I photograph all of the beautiful flowers but this last time I became focused on all of the flower buds. I never really noticed them before but they are now grabbing my attention. How can it be that an incredible flower is packed inside this tight little bud just waiting to spring free. It doesn't seem possible.

One Door Opens

2008-07-25T06:58:00.000-07:00

You know the saying, "as one door shuts, another door opens?" When I was young I really didn't think that was true but as I've gathered more life experience I think it probably is. A closed door is full of endless possibilities. On our trip we saw so many beautiful doors and I thought I'd share this one with you. What do you think is on the other side?

Behind the Mask

2008-07-17T14:03:00.000-07:00

We have been in Venice and seen the most amazing sights. One thing that truly sticks with you is all of the amazing masks in Venice. Some are colorful, some are stark white, some have feathers, or jewels or metal. Some of them are haunting as these are.

WIndow Boxes

2008-07-11T09:46:00.001-07:00

Everywhere I've gone in Italy and Croatia they have the most beautiful window boxes. Rather than pick just one for you I have created several. Click on the photo to make it bigger if you want.

The Colosseum

2008-07-05T09:58:00.000-07:00

The Colosseum in Rome. No further words are needed. It is awe inspiring.

Summer Flowers

2008-06-27T07:20:00.000-07:00

The summer flowers have begin to bloom. One of my favorites parts of summer are the flowers that are planted on my block by an organic gardener. You can expect to see many more over the summer.

SUMMER!

2008-06-19T22:05:00.000-07:00

Friday June 20th is officially the first day of summer. It took me a minute to figure it out - I always thought June 21st was the first day of summer. Turns out in a leap year it's a day early. I learn something every day.

Pink Lemonade

2008-06-13T21:04:00.000-07:00

For some reason when I look at these flowers they make me think of a nice cool glass of pink lemonade. The perfect drink on a hot June day. This is Quince from my neighbor's yard. It is a stick most of the year, gorgeous for a short while and then just sort of a green bush. I'm glad I caught it in the gorgeous stage.

You Just Have to Look

2008-06-06T07:45:00.000-07:00

I've been seeing bushes with these goregous pink flowers all over town. I'm sure they've been there in the past but for some reason I've never noticed them. I wonder why that is? Why do you suddenly notice something and then you see it all over town? I'm glad I noticed them this year though - they are gorgeous.

The Long and Winding Road

2008-05-16T06:41:00.000-07:00

This is a photo from the gorgeous Alisal Ranch near Santa Barbara California. I t is so beautiful and peaceful. I wish I was hanging there right now.

By Any Other Name

2008-05-12T06:59:00.001-07:00

As they say - "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet." My roses are in bloom and they are so gorgeous. I'm very excited as they haven't done so well in past years. I hope you will enjoy them as well.

What's wrong with being crabby?

2008-05-04T15:45:00.000-07:00

I think this crab is pretty gorgeous so maybe being crabby isn't so bad! This little guy was at the Pillar Point tide pools when I chaperoned my daughter's class trip. It was so a gorgeous day and I'm glad we got to see this crustacean.

Weeds of the Sea

2008-04-24T06:28:00.000-07:00

Just to prove that anything can be beautiful in the right light here's some sea weed from San Diego. I like it - how about you?

Carousel

2008-04-17T17:55:00.001-07:00

I love carousels. I would love to do a whole photo study on them. I like the modern ones, I like the antique ones. They are just so gorgeous. This cutie is from the one at California Adventure. It is a sea horse.

Lazy Daisy

2008-04-12T08:34:00.000-07:00

In general I'm not a big fan of daisies with the exception of Gerber Daisies. I'm not sure why they are called that but I think they are gorgeous. They are so big and bright. I went to the nursery last weekend and bought several for my front porch. They are the perfect welcome to spring.

Grrrrr!

2008-04-03T22:57:00.000-07:00

Thinking about our plans for this summer has made me think about how much fun we had last summer in Alaska. Here's a photo of a Pine Martin we saw in Skagway. He was a cute litte guy. Not something you see often.

Life's a Beach

2008-03-30T16:24:00.000-07:00

We live fairly close to the ocean (maybe 30 miles as the crow flies) but rarely make it out to the beach. Whenever I do I'm remined how truly awe inspiring it is. Recently we went to a beach just north of Monterey and enjoyed a stroll. It was a very windy day but the beach was fairly sheltered so it was not so bad on the beach. However there were lots of kites in the sky which was beautiful to watch.

So Here's my question - is anybody out there? I know my Mom reads this blog but anyone else? I'm thinking of discontinuing it as I already get to see these photos. Let me know if you are lurking.

I'm so proud!

2008-03-08T15:32:00.000-08:00

I am so proud that my cymbidiam (sp?) orchid is blooming again! I have such a hard time getting orchids to bloom and when I saw the buds on this little guy I was just thrilled. Aren't they gorgeous?!

Spring Blooms Again

2008-03-01T16:28:00.000-08:00

Spring blooms again and again these days. Everywhere I turn there are gorgeous blossoms on the trees. It is so odd to me that many of these will simply becomes leaves of no interest. I think Spring is truly one of the most magical times of year.

Flower Safari

2008-02-21T07:07:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I went around out town looking for spring flowers to photograph. I drove around and as soon as I saw a pretty flower I jumped out of my car and snapped a photo. I'm sure more than one person thought I was nuts. But then a few days later we were driving down the road and there was a woman standing in the middle of the divider snapping photos of some iceland poppies. "Look Mom - she's just like you," yelled my kids. Yes, I said, yes she is! Thanks to Mom for identifying last weeks photo - it is called a Tulip Magnolia tree.

Pink Magnolia

2008-02-15T06:51:00.000-08:00

I've heard of Steele Magnolias but pink magnolias? Is that what this tree is? Does anyone know? At first I thought they were called crepe myrtles but I looked those up on the internet and that is a different tree (which I also love). There are several of them around where I work and they are just gorgeous. I love the fact they are one of the first trees to give us flowers and color as the winter nears its end.

Memories

2008-02-09T07:16:00.000-08:00

It has been very cold and rainy around here lately so I've decided to dwell on summer memories. This is a photo of the vegetable stand that exists every summer by our house. It is such a beautiful sight and always brings a smile to my face.

The Joy of Water

2008-01-24T21:59:00.000-08:00

What is it about the beauty of a fountain? The sound of rushing water? The sweet smell of falling drops? I love fountains and this weekend when we went to Southern California our hotel did not disappoint. They had beautiful grounds and several fountains. This little beauty was in the courtyard below our balcony and I really enjoyed watching it and listening to it's peaceful sounds.

Proud as a Peacock

2008-01-18T06:52:00.000-08:00

We took a trip to the now imfamous San Francisco Zoo last weekend and had a wonderful time. It was a bright sunny day, the zoo was not very crowded and there were many beautiful animals to be seen. They have peacocks just wandering around and this little guy was clearly proud to strut his stuff for us.

A Single Moment

2008-01-10T06:58:00.000-08:00

I don't know what kind of flower this is but I love how it is so simple yet exquisite. The color, the veins, the simplicity of it all. I have seen these flowers in red but not sure if they come in other colors. I'll have to keep my eyes open.

Don't be a Pansy

2008-01-05T07:52:00.000-08:00

So what's with that saying any way? "Don't be a Pansy?" Why not? As far as I can see pansies are pretty darn special. They are so beautiful, so perfect and most of them have multiple layers of color that make them really interesting. I think I'd be happy to be a pansy!

Fryday Flowers

2007-12-28T22:08:00.000-08:00

A beautiful flower to prepare us for the New Year. Hope yours is wondeful and filled with beauty.

Simplicity

2007-12-22T23:12:00.000-08:00

In this hustle and bustle that has become the holiday season take a moment to appreciate that something very simple can be beautiful and take your breath away. Remember to stop and smell the roses (or poinsettas - just don't eat them!) HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Singapore

2007-12-13T22:44:00.000-08:00

Sorry for no photo last week but I had to go to Singapore unexpectedly for work. I took my camera with me but unfortunately I was mainly in meetings in the business district so there was not much to take photos of. However I did get a few minutes to go to China Town where I saw this gorgeous building in my favorite color! I just had to share it with you.

You Never Know What You'll Find

2007-11-30T22:01:00.000-08:00

While we were up in Oregon playing in the snow I came across some mushrooms on the ground. The color was beautiful and they were surrounded by fallen leaves and dried grass. Who would have thought that mushrooms could be so beautiful!

Snow Day

2007-11-23T17:26:00.001-08:00

We are spending Thanksgiving in Oregon and today we went skiing at Mt. Bachelor. The snow was not great but the weather was amazing. I tried very hard to show the intense blue sky and the sparkle of the snow but the photos just don't live up to the beautiful reality. However, to give you an idea of what it looked like, here is a photo of Mt. Bachelor through the trees.

Hubbard Glacier

2007-11-16T06:30:00.000-08:00

This summer we took a cruise to Alaska to celebrate my Mom's 70th birthday. We had a fabulous time and the scenery is just breath taking. One of the days we sailed in to the Hubbard Glacier. It is nothing short of awesome. The temperature on deck as we got closer to the Glacier got colder and colder. We were looking at a sheer wall of ice that was the most beautiful turquoise blue. Every now and again you would hear a cracking sound and a large piece would go crashing in to the ocean. The Glacier looked like a frozen mountain from the highest reaches of Antarctica yet to the sides of the glacier were green grassy hills! It was an amazing experience and I'm glad we got to see it. I find it very sad that our Glaciers are receding very quickly.

Can't Let Go

2007-11-11T09:06:00.000-08:00

I'm finding it hard to let go of the flowers of summer. I realize it is now mid-November - truly in to Fall - but I find myself hunting for the flowers that remain. I found these beauties at the Stanford mall and had to park, jump out and start clicking away. I think the shoppers thought I was insane. I managed to escape before the men in the white jackets showed up!

Hello Mama

2007-11-02T07:25:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday we got a behind the scenes tour of the San Francisco Zoo. It was a ton of fun and we saw some amazing sights. This is a mother Giraffe about to give birth any day. Her belly was so perfectly smooth and it's hard to imagine that a baby giraffe, with it's long neck and wobbly legs fits in that little belly. I wish we could go back and see her again once the baby is born.

Horsin' Around

2007-10-26T08:01:00.001-07:00

For some reason I find it very hard to get a good photo of a horse. They are such beautiful animals but their beauty and sheer power are hard to capture on "film." This weekend my daughter had a horse show. All of a sudden all of the horses who were still in their stalls in the barn (in other words - they weren't participating in the show) stuck their heads out their windows and started making a ton of noise. It was as if they were saying, "why can't we join in the fun?" It was an awesome sight.

Time keeps on Slipping

2007-10-21T07:26:00.000-07:00

Here it is only my third post and I'm already slipping behind! Sorry no Friday photo - here's a Sunday photo and we can just pretend we're in a time warp. This photo is from last December when we were fortunate enough to go to San Jose del Cabo, Mexico for New Year's. We had a wonderful time and of course I took a lot of photos. The ocean is just gorgeous there and there is no shortage of beautiful photos to be taken. I particularly like this one as it combines my love of flowers with my love of the ocean.

Right in Front of my Face

2007-10-12T05:59:00.000-07:00

I have lived in my town for over 9 years now and only recently notice the tower of a local church. For many years I have driven by it unaware of its stunning beauty. Then one day I supposed the sun was shining just right and I noticed it. After that I couldn't miss it. Every day when I drove by I would marvel at how beautiful it was. Finally one day I pulled over and took some photos. It's funny actually. When you travel you are constantly visiting and photographing the churches of your destination but why is it that we often fail to notice the awe of the churches at home? I realize that most US churches are not as amazing as their European breathern but there are many amazing churches in the US and I'm am merely sharing the beauty of one of them with you today.

Welcome!

2007-10-05T12:15:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Photo Fryday my new photo blog. I started in the blogoshpere a little over a year ago with my knitting blog and it has been a lot of fun and I have met many wonderful people. I also love photography and have been enjoying the opportunity to share my photos in combination with my knitting. But I find I have more photos than I can reasonably post on Res Ipsa and many of them don't relate to knitting at all. So please join me every Friday for a new photo on Photo Fryday. If this works out - maybe I'll see you on other days as well. Feel free to leave me comments as I love to hear from you.

This photo is of the trunk of my neighbor's redwood tree. I love the way the bark is so unique and there are so many different colors at play. I heard that redwood trees have to exist in groves as their roots are very short and so if there are several trees the roots intertwine and the trees support one another and remain stable. If there aren't other trees for them to connect with, a redwood tree is very much at danger of falling down. I think it is so amazing that these enormous beauties rely on one another for support.