National Train Day

May 8th is National Train Day.  I know this isn't your idea of a great train picture, even the wheels are missing, but I love the statement painted on the side.  Being an artist, I found it quite profound.

"National Train Day"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

View of the Louvre

If you like art then you've gotta love Paris.  Museums, museums, museums.  And they house some of the most famous and spectacular art in the world.  This is a view of the Louvre from the roof of the Musee D'Orsay, separated by the River Seine.

"View of the Louvre"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

Missing - One Dome

Mission San Zavier just south of Tucson, Arizona never had both domes.  And they decided to leave it that way.  Built between 1783-97, this Franciscan mission is called the "White Dove of the Desert" and is an impressive example of Spanish mission architecture which distinighuishes it from other missions.

"Missing - One Dome"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

Shingles and Stone

The old town area of Sarlat, France is very typical medieval from the 100 year war era.  Note the English wattle and daub style on the turret on the left of the house.  In this part of France you'll see this combination of architectural styles since the English and French fought over this territory for so long.  Guess they figured if they combined styles they'd please both.

"Shingles and Stone"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

Trees of Gold

This time of year the desert is alive with trees of gold. The Palo Verde trees are all in bloom and we have a lot of them.  The flowers are small, about 1/2" in diameter, but can completey cover a tree when in bloom.  The rest of the year they are green.  Green leaves and green bark.  And in real dry conditions they lose their leaves and can photosynthesize through the green bark to stay alive.  It's an amazing tree.

"Trees of Gold"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

Bagno Vignone

These thermal baths were a popular stop on the road to Rome in centuries past.  They're still in use today with small boutique hotels for tourists.  What a great way to relax.

"Bagno Vignone"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

Lilacs

Nothing says Spring like the smell of lilacs.  And for some reason, every time I look at this picture I can smell them.  Talk about the power of suggestion!! 

"Lilacs"    © Kathy Dunham 2010