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