Subway Art

When they cleaned up the NY subways they did a great job of incorporating art into the subterranean tunnels.  Most of it is mosaics, which is easy to clean.  These little critters remind you that it's the stop for the zoo in Central Park.


"Subway Art "      © Kathy Dunham 2011

Yellow Dahlias

What could be more heartwarming than a bouquet of bright yellow dahlias?  OK, a good glass of wine maybe.  I wish it was possible to grow theses beauties here in the desert but alas, it just gets too hot.  And with temps around 112 this time of year they wouldn't survive very long.  But a quick drive to the Getty Museum in LA and I can get my fill of a wide variety of dahlias.

"Yellow Dahlias"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

Strange Perch

This young barn owl found a new place to rest on the sign of a veterinary hospital.  Strange choice, maybe he was injured and needed a doctor. Who knows.  He wasn't afraid of us and made no attempt to leave. 

"Strange Perch"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

Shafts of Light

I've seen may pictures of the slot canyons in northern Arizona but when I experienced them for the first time I was awestruck.  A definite big WOW.  The way the light bounced off the walls and when shafts of light drifted down through the narrow slots you couldn't help but have your breath taken away.  A truly spectacular sight.

"Shafts of Light"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

Snow Ladies

The botanical garden in Spokan is beautiful in the summer.  Full of blooming plants, I'm sure you'd find a couple of favorites.  These dwarf Shasa Daisies are aptly named "Snow Lady".  So I guess a bunch of them would be considered "Ladies"

"Snow Ladies"     © Kathy Dunham 2011

Doge's Palace

Venice is my favorite city in the world.  The history, the architecture, the art and everything else that's unique to Venice.  These columns on the Doge's Palace show a definite Moorish influence.  Several decades ago they were black with soot and grime.  Today, thanks to modern technology, they have been restored to their glistening white beauty.

"Doge's Palace"     © Kathy Dunham 2011

Taking a Break - Boboli Gardens

After having climbed more stairs than I thought possible, I understood why this couple was taking a break.  No one told me that Boboli Gardens was built on a hillside but if it was good enough for the Medici's it was good enough for me.  I can't believe they climbed all those stairs very often.  But there was a great view of Florence from the top.  I guess all good things come at a price.

"Taking a Break - Boboli Gardens"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

Cascading Clematis

In the small village town of Tremolat, France is a gorgeous four star hotel.  Loaded with charm and ambiance, a great restaurant and a garden with beautiful plants and flowers.  Never before or since have I seen so many spectacular clematis in bloom as I have at this hidden treasure.

"Cascading Clematis"     © Kathy Dunham 2011

Pink Peony

For one short week in June I can find peonies in my local floral shop.  It's too hot to grow them where I live and it gets too expensive to travel to France where I first experienced this beautiful flower.  I enjoy its faint hint of a fragrance and of course, the bountiful cluster of petals that make this flower look like a cheerleader's pom pom.

"Pink Peony"       © Kathy Dunham 2011

Iris in Lily Pond

The sun wasn't out when we visited Monet's Garden but that didn't stop me from taking a ton of pictures.  This one was a little different.  Dutch Iris aren't as spectacular as the bearded iris but in this setting they make a classy statement.

"Iris in Lily Pond"     © Kathy Dunham 2011

No. 15

Italian house signs can be plain or fancy.  But the blue on white ceramic numbers was something I found all over Italy.  The spray painted version isn't as attractive but does serve a purpose.  The flowering vine adds an artistic touch.

"No. 15"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

Anazasi Ruins

Canyon de Chelly, Arizona was once the home of the ancient Anazasi.  Nestled on the canyon walls, these cliff dwellings provided shelter and protection from invaders.  No one knows when or why they left the area but thank goodness it's now a National Monument under the protection of both the Federal Government and the Navajo Nation.

"Anazasi Ruins"     © Kathy Dunham 2011

Birdhouse

I've never seen a birdhouse with a door knob.  But this on is pretty fancy

"Birdhouse"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

Through the Looking Glass

Or should I say "Looking Through the Rain Drop"?  I was visiting my brother in Central California this weekend when we got hit by a couple of rain storms.  But when the sun was out in the morning, how the world looked different when looking through rain drops.

"Through the Looking Glass"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

Sunset Rose

The hour before sunset is always a pleasant time of the day and today was no exception.  I happened to be at the Empire Polo Grounds in Indio, CA and spent some time enjoying the roses in the beautiful maintained rose garden next to the polo fields.  I find that the late afternoon sun makes the colors of the petals come alive.

"Sunset Rose"       © Kathy Dunham 2011