Feathers in My Beard

The bearded iris is an elegant flower.  It comes in many colors and combinations of colors. It's amazing when you find a white one trimmed in purple or a pale yellow iris with shades of rust painted on the petals.  But this is the first time I've noticed these strange "feathers" attached to the beard.  I don't know if it's an anomaly or bred into the flower.  Whatever the cause I think it's cool.

"Feathers in My Beard"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

Dinner on a Side Canal

Venice is one canal after another.  No streets, no cars, just canals as a means of moving about the city.  Most tourists stick to the main channels such as the Grand Canal.  But the treasures of the city can be found by taking a less traveled path down the smaller side canals.  I came across this restaurant on a "Ghost Tour" of Venice one evening.  It was fun and gave us a glimpse into another side of the city.

"Dinner on a Side Canal"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

Me and My Brother

On the patio outside my bedroom is a mourning dove's nest in the calliandra bushes.  I watched the nest being built and hoped that the gardeners wouldn't disturb it before the babies hatched and were safely on their way.  Luck was with us and last week they left the nest.  Thank goodness as the gardeners have given the bush a big trimming.  But the two young doves have stayed close to home along with their mother who still feeds them.  Some day soon they will be gone and I'll miss their beautiful cooing sounds.

"Me and My Brother"        © Kathy Dunham 2011

Easter Time

I hope everyone had an enjoyable Easter with lots of goodies and time spent with family and friends.

"Easter Time"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

White Rhododendrons

A great sign of spring......  blooming rhododendrons and azaleas.

" White Rhododendrons"     © Kathy Dunham 2011

The Empty Bench

A solitary bench in the early morning light.  Will someone sit and enjoy the view today?  Maybe relax and read a book?  What else are benches good for? 

"The Empty Bench"       © Kathy Dunham 2011

Italian Paint Job

What a taxi!!   I spotted this in downtown Florence, Italy.  If nothing else it should make you smile.  And there isn't a bare spot on this PT Cruiser.  

"Italian Paint Job"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

Curly Qs

I don't have a clue what this flower is but I was fascinated with all the curls as they unfurled. 

"Curly Qs"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

Chinese Magnolia #2

When I was young, my mother had a Chinese Magnolia tree in the front yard, just outside my bedroom window.  She loved it as it was an early harbinger of Spring as they opened their blossoms on naked tree branches.  So every time I see one of these magnificent trees in bloom I always think of Mom. 

"Chinese Magnolia #2"       © Kathy Dunham 2011

Don't Eat the Flowers!

It seems sheep enjoy the wildflowers as much as humans do, just a bit differently.  This field was covered with small yellow wildflowers and what seemed like as many sheep as well.  I'm sure they enjoyed their treat.

"Don't Eat the Wildflowers!"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

Not a Yellow Daffodil

It's amazing how many different color combinations daffodils come in.  They aren't all yellow anymore.

"Not a Yellow Dafffodil"       © Kathy Dunham 2011

On the Hunt

The bees are really busy this time of year.  Lots of pollen for them to spread around.  And thanks to them we get to enjoy the fruits of their work, no pun intended!.

"On the Hunt"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

Poppy Time

One of the beauties of living in California is getting to see large expanses of of our state flower in bloom this time of year.  But even if it's only a plant or two tucked in a small garden spot, the California Poppy is a cheery reminder of Spring. 

"Poppy Time"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

Drops on a Web

I"m not sure the spider that constructed this web was ready to turn it into an obstacle course, but he's going to be challenged getting from one end to the other.

"Drops on a Web"    © Kathy Dunham 2011

Spring, Spring, Spring

Nothing says Spring like a cherry tree in full bloom.  I've never seen the ones in Washington, D.C. but hear it's a spectacular sight.  This was the best I could in Southern California. 

"Spring, Spring, Spring"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

In the Pink

I love cactus blooms.  They come in so many different shapes, sizes and colors.  And here in Southern California it's easy to find them just about anywhere.  I found these outside the library at Pasadena City College.

"In the Pink"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

Lilac Season

There's a special section at the Descanso Gardens in La Canada that's devoted to lilacs.  Yes, a small forest of them.  All colors, sizes and shapes.  And they were all in bloom this weekend.  The aroma you smell walking among the young trees is overwhelming. 

"Lilac Season"     © Kathy Dunham 2011

Stop and Smell the Flowers

This cutie was having fun today enjoying the spring flowers at Descanso Gardens.  Tulips, daffodils, primroses, foxgloves and many more were in full bloom.  Definitely worth the trip this week.  Get there before they're gone.

"Stop and Smell the Flowers"       © Kathy Dunham 2011