Jimson Weed

Sometimes known as Datura or Loco Weed, this poisonous plant was a favorite of artist Georgia O'Keefe.  Several of her best known paintings feature Jimson Weed.  It's an early morning bloomer.  By noon it's already starting to fade.  But the white trumpet shaped flower makes a dramatic contrast against the blue green leaves. Just don't make a tea to drink as it can kill you.

"Jimson Weed"      © Kathy Dunham 2010

Anyone Home?

This was about the most colorful birdhouse I've ever seen.  I don't know if it's too bright for the birds or if they even use it but it was sure a vibrant spot in my friend Miriam's garden that she has dedicated to her sister Dale who passed away from cancer.  It's definitely a labor of love.

"Anyone Home?      © Kathy Dunham 2010

Soldier's Barracks

Talk about crowded accommodations!  They didn't even have separate bunks.  And no foot lockers, you got a shelf and a hook above your bed.  Of course this was over 500 years ago.  This fort, San Cristobal, is one of two forts in the old area of San Juan, Puerto Rico.  The other, El Moro, was built in 1493, 1 year after Columbus came to the New World.  This one followed shortly afterwards to aid in the protection of the Spanish Empire's newest acquisition.

"Soldier's Barracks"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

Pink Beauty

Now that winter is almost here, the early blooming camillias are beginning to pop out.  These elegant flowers are always a welcome sight in an otherwise drab season.

"Pink Beauty"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

Gazinias

Gazinias are used mainly for ground cover.  They spread well and are easy maintenance.  However, they are light sensitive, so don't plant them in areas that don't get a lot of sun or they won't open.  Amazing how some flowers fall into this category.  California poppies, cactus flowers and caliandria leaves. 

"Gazinias"      © Kathy Dunham 2010

Fall Tomatoes

Farmer's markets are making a come back.  Locally grown produce, hours from the fields, is appealing to more and more people.  The flavors and varieties are far better than what you can find in the mega martkets.  Check out your local farmer's markets and enjoy the fresh taste like never before.

"Fall Tomatoes"      © Kathy Dunham 2010

Fishing Fleet

I never actually saw anyone finishing in these boats but they are picture perfect and they were all in pristine condition.  These were some of the best kept boats I've seen in a long time.  Next time you're in Vernazza, Italy check to see if you can find any fishermen.

'Fishing Fleet"      © Kathy Dunham 2010

Full Moon Over the Desert

I was invited to a friend's house this evening to photograph the full moon rising over the desert floor.  The house is situated a way up from the desert floor giving us a good view.  The only problem was the cold wind.  It was really blowing from a storm front that was on it's way out of our valley.  We had fun trying different settings and on a whim I took one of the moon over the infinity pool in the yard.  I wasn't expecting to get the star like quality of the moon but I thought it made for an interesting shot.

"Full Moon Over the Desert"      © Kathy Dunham 2010

Blue Turban

Morocco is a land of exotic things.  The food, the landscape, the dress and the people.  I don't know where this gentleman was headed but he appeared to be on a mission.  But I love the argyle style socks he's wearing with his kaftan and slippers. 

"Blue Turban"      © Kathy Dunham 2010

Sanctuary Gate

The small town of Rancho de Chimayo, just north of Santa Fe, has been inhabited for hundreds of years by the Native Americans, Mexicans and Spaniards.  Nearby is a small church, Santuario de Chimayo, that is famous and known for it's healing "dirt".  Pilgrams walk for miles to be blessed and hopefully cured.  It's a peaceful site that has recently been expanding due to the numbers of pilgrams who visit. 

"Sanctuary Gate"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

Chama Hollyhocks

I love hollyhocks and they can be found all over the world.  I just keep forgetting to plant some in my yard.  So I take lots of pictures.  I found these in the railyard at Chama, New Mexico.  They've planted a nice garden just outside the ticket office with a few benches so everyone can enjoy the beauty of the flowers.

"Chama Hollyhocks"      © Kathy Dunham 2010

Through the Window

If you're ever in Taos, New Mexico you should stop at La Hacienda de los Martinez to get a feel of what life was like hundreds of years ago in the West.  This original adobe structure shows us how family life was back then. 

"Through the Window"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

Tlaquepaque

Sedona has a charming shopping area designed after the famous artisan town "Tlaquepaque" near Guadalajara, Mexico.  The Spanish architecture, bubbling fountains, mature trees creating the dappled light and lots of unique shops make it a pleasant place to spend the afternoon.

"Tlaquepaque"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

Happy Birthday

I love birthdays, especially when the "girls" go out to celebrate it together with a great lunch followed with some fun shopping together.  And what's not to like about a warm fresh peach and apple crisp topped with vanilla ice cream?

"Happy Birthday"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

More of Slot Canyon

If you ever get to Page, Arizona, make a point to visit the Antelope Canyons just outside town.  They're on Navajo land and are some of the most spectacular weathered formations I've seen.  Yes, so is the Grand Canyon, but these hidden "slot canyons" are almost impossible to find if you didn't know where they are and one of those unique pieces of the landscape that'll blow your mind.  The narrow canyons, carved into the earth, are sometimes only as wide as a person and upwards of 100 feet high.  Take the photography tour if you want to get some great shots.

"More of Slot Canyon"      © Kathy Dunham 2010

Inside the Cab

I love trains.  What kid doesn't?  Guess I'll never grow up.  I remember the train around the tree at Christmas time.  Well, I'm a big kid now and still love the sound of the whistle and the clickity clack of the wheels on the rails.  This summer I took a ride on the Cumbres - Toltec Railroad.  It's the highest, longest narrow gauge steam railroad in the U.S.   It runs from Chama, New Mexico to Antonito, Colorado.  Beautiful unspoiled country.  Before leaving several of us passengers were talking with the engineer and he invited us into the cab.  Oh boy!!!  What a treat.  I have never been close to seeing what it looks like inside the cab.  All those dials and gauges and the hot fire box loaded with coal to keep this big baby moving.  What a thrill.

"Inside the Cab"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

Evening Sky

Evenings along the Rio Grande River in New Mexico offers some awesome sunsets.  I spotted these clouds just outside Rio Rancho, a small community just north of Albuquerque.  Make sure you always have your camera with you when you're in the Land of Enchanment.

"Evening Sky"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

It's Almost Gone

My friend was faster than I was when this carrot cake was delivered to him today.  I mean, faster than my camera.  I didn't get a bite but it sure looked good, nice and moist with lots of frosting.  Yumm.

"It's Almost Gone"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

Searching

This bee was really intent on finding some pollen.  However, I don't see any on this flower but I'm sure there must be some or he wouldn't be searching for it.

"Searching"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

Gargoyles

Gargoyles make for more interesting waterspouts than the metal stuff we use.  These lovelies are all different, no two alike and their open mouths are where the water come out.  I bet it looks neat in a rain storm. 

"Gargoyles"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

Taking a Bath

It's fun watching pigeons, as long as they aren't in a tree about me.  They do enjoy taking a bath in whatever watering hole they can find. 

"Taking a Bath"       © Kathy Dunham 2010

Venetian Lights

Every morning I looked down from my hotel room on these hand blown lights, still on by the way.  They were part of a restaurant below my hotel in Venice and every night they took down the canopies and removed the tablecloths.  And every morning they replaced everything.  But the sun shining through the colored glass was beautiful.



"Venetian Lights"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

Lots of Toys

Seeing all these wooden toys brought back lots of memories.  There aren't many places where you can find these old fashioned toys anymore.  Kids want high end, expensive electronics.  What ever happened to using your imagination with simple toys?

"Lots of Toys"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

Chess Anyone?

I don't play chess but an always fascinated but unusual chess sets.  This one is of the large variety.  I'd say each piece was about 2-3 feet tall.  No one was playing but they presented a unique look on the walk next to the harbor in Portovenere, Italy.

"Chess Anyone?"     © Kathy Dunham 2010