Featured Galleries

Fall Photo Challenge : This is my contribution for Tom's chosen theme this time round: Fall. It's probably my favorite season; all my shots were taken between September 2011 and today, December 4, 2011.

Fall Photo Challenge

This is my contribution for Tom's chosen theme this time round: Fall. ...

Updated: Dec 05, 2011 12:51am PST

Lilli & Brody's birthdays-SD Canyon 7-20-11 :

Lilli & Brody's birthdays-SD Canyon 7-20-11

Updated: Sep 25, 2011 9:00am PST

Chloe's Skate Party : Mom and Dad rented a skating rink for Chloe's 10th birthday... everyone had fun and exercise!

Chloe's Skate Party

Mom and Dad rented a skating rink for Chloe's 10th birthday... everyon ...

Updated: Mar 10, 2011 5:50pm PST

Galleries

Melissa & Steve's baby Saiorse :

Melissa & Steve's baby Saiorse

Updated: Mar 17, 2013 4:44pm PST

228 Hall Bath : These photos are mostly variations of the tile design we liked best. The first three have a "liner" (a long, thin tile above and below the blue tile), though you'd want the same liner. The 3rd pic uses the smaller blue tiles; # 4 is just an idea I had, as is #5. (BTW, Pic #1 was photoshopped to create the feeling of a larger area of tile.) The last three are the tiles we saw at Daltile–the blue square tile and the blue spiral, ropey tiles are the colors and styles we liked, the other color tiles are also available in the blue. Really beautiful, though I haven't a clue what they cost.) Both types of blue tiles are glass; the mosaic tile in photo 5 is marble and I liked a lot after I tore off the plastic, as it's shiny like the subway tile. More to come!

228 Hall Bath

These photos are mostly variations of the tile design we liked best. T ...

Updated: Jan 06, 2013 10:12am PST

My Smug Mug :

My Smug Mug

Updated: Dec 16, 2012 9:54pm PST

Camera Awesome Photos :

Camera Awesome Photos

Updated: Jun 27, 2012 3:21pm PST

Our many "road trips" to Utah : This "road trip" gallery contains some "virtual copies" of photos that are included on other galleries here. The rest are from our travel–about three times a year–to Parowan and Salt Lake to visit my mom.

Our many "road trips" to Utah

This "road trip" gallery contains some "virtual copies" of photos that ...

Updated: May 24, 2012 12:22am PST

Utah Road Trip (the I-15 from SoCal to SLC and Back) : This "road trip" gallery contains "virtual copies" of photos that are included on two other of my galleries here, one public and one private (unlisted). All were taken in January 2009 on our trip to Salt Lake City for my mother's funeral. Later that day, she was buried in her hometown in southern Utah; the following day we left for home, stopping in Zion National park before continuing to LA.

Utah Road Trip (the I-15 from SoCal to SLC and Back)

This "road trip" gallery contains "virtual copies" of photos that are ...

Updated: May 23, 2012 3:43pm PST

empty gallery

Garden 2012

Updated: Mar 21, 2012 2:00pm PST

Fall Photo Challenge : This is my contribution for Tom's chosen theme this time round: Fall. It's probably my favorite season; all my shots were taken between September 2011 and today, December 4, 2011.

Fall Photo Challenge

This is my contribution for Tom's chosen theme this time round: Fall. ...

Updated: Dec 05, 2011 12:51am PST

What is it? : Our current Photo Challenge theme is "What is it?" It was my turn to pick the theme and I hope everyone found it fun! I intended to mostly use my macro lens (three of which are included) but found–as I often do–that opportunities abound when all I have is my iPhone 4 camera; a number of those are posted as well.

What is it?

Our current Photo Challenge theme is "What is it?" It was my turn to p ...

Updated: Oct 14, 2011 1:47pm PST

Black & White Challenge : Well, I am once again, the last one in our group to post. But at least it's still September 3rd! (Maybe not in Colorado or in France, but here in California, I've got one hour to go! I love working in black and white and think I will do more of it.

Black & White Challenge

Well, I am once again, the last one in our group to post. But at least ...

Updated: Sep 03, 2011 10:34pm PST

Suspended objects : This is my very late entry for our Photo Challenge Group's latest theme challenge, Suspended Objects. It was chosen by Helen and we were given a pretty free interpretation of it. Thanks for a thought-provoking idea, Helen! My only wish was that I had been able to give it some extra attention, but life proved really hectic! I felt it was better to interpret it as best I could within some personal time constraints and submit what I have, rather than do nothing. I look forward to looking through everyone's submissions over the next week.

Suspended objects

This is my very late entry for our Photo Challenge Group's latest them ...

Updated: Jul 28, 2011 8:01am PST

Around the House : It was Deb's turn to pick our theme this month... which seemed easy. Maybe too easy? After all, I take more shots at home than anywhere else, since we aren't out and about much. So, I tried to look at things–or at least, some of them–from a different perspective. It was a lot of fun.

Around the House

It was Deb's turn to pick our theme this month... which seemed easy. M ...

Updated: Jun 09, 2011 12:16am PST

Tiburon Clubhouse Renovation/Repair Project 2009-10 : The repair and renovation of our homeowner association's clubhouse facility finally got underway in October 2009, following months of meetings, discussions and planning. The facility is about 35 years old, and although it has been maintained well for the most part, it became clear over the last couple of years that there was some significant exterior wood repair needed due to the effects of dry rot and termite infestation that had to be repaired. This damage affected all of the doors as well as siding and much of the trim. The first group of photos marked "before," are for reference; some of the "before" shots were taken as long ago as the spring of 2008. The Clubhouse structures were fumigated in July 2007. Subsequent inspections–in the fall of 2008, the spring of 2009 and two this November–showed no convincing evidence of active termite infestations. In addition to the doors, we replaced all the exterior damaged wood, and removed the trellis structure between the clubhouse two buildings, which was extensively damaged. This work included replacing siding and trim around the shower areas, pool pump room and a separate utility building. In addition, we did some needed roof repair work, including reconstruction of a drain to divert water away from siding and doors. Following the above repairs, we painted the interiors of both Clubhouse buildings as well as the adjoining bathrooms, which were later updated. Photos of the restroom renovations are in a separate gallery.

Tiburon Clubhouse Renovation/Repair Project 2009-10

The repair and renovation of our homeowner association's clubhouse fa ...

Updated: May 15, 2011 11:35am PST

Reflections Photo Challenge : Tom chose "Reflections" as the theme of this Photo Challenge. We all took a bit longer in finishing, though much of this was due to personal/work/family obligations and distractions. Which is understandable! Tom stressed that we were free to interpret this as we saw fit. Though most of my shots contain different types of reflected images, a few were a stretch, yet seemed to fit the bill.

Reflections Photo Challenge

Tom chose "Reflections" as the theme of this Photo Challenge. We all t ...

Updated: Apr 30, 2011 2:07pm PST

2011 Knollwood restroom renovation : This has included: painting, new lighting, plumbing fixtures, a new counter for the sink, new dispensers and a good cleaning of the tile. Ironically, the "before" shots look better than the rooms do in person, probably because the camera has adjusted for very dim lighting. The photos are in chronological order, with the most recent photos at the end. Exact dates are included in the info for each photo.

2011 Knollwood restroom renovation

This has included: painting, new lighting, plumbing fixtures, a new co ...

Updated: Apr 22, 2011 2:37pm PST

2011 Tanglewood Bathroom renovation : The Tanglewood bathrooms, which are part of our Tanglewood pool recreation area, which includes two clubhouse buildings, were built about 35 years ago. the only significant changes that have been made were the replacement of the women's room vanity and floor, apparently due to a leak perhaps. They had cramped stalls, the women's vanity was falling apart, and the lighting was very dim. We pulled out the stalls and converted them to single use bathrooms, installed new plumbing fixtures, new and added light fixtures, dispensers, etc. A lot of tile repair was required. The photos begin with some before shots and continue chronologically through to the finish. We then began work on the Knollwood pool bathrooms.

2011 Tanglewood Bathroom renovation

The Tanglewood bathrooms, which are part of our Tanglewood pool recrea ...

Updated: Apr 08, 2011 2:02am PST

Closeups and Still Life Photo Challenge : This month's challenge was Closeups and Still Lifes. I've just begun to learn how to use my new macro lens and have lots to learn–some shots were taken with it and others with my regular lens. So much to learn... so little time! All but one shot was taken at home.

Closeups and Still Life Photo Challenge

2010 Photo Exhibit : My contribution (finally) to our 2010 Photo Challenge Exhibition. Some of my photos were taken before 2010, others are ones that I did not have an opportunity to post to the group's Challenges. So, now it's on to February!

2010 Photo Exhibit

My contribution (finally) to our 2010 Photo Challenge Exhibition. Some ...

Updated: Feb 27, 2011 11:57pm PST

Signage : Quirky or funny signs...

Signage

Quirky or funny signs...

Updated: Dec 01, 2010 12:43pm PST

Miscellaneous fun shots : Fun or interesting shots

Miscellaneous fun shots

Fun or interesting shots

Updated: Dec 01, 2010 12:37pm PST

T Street Beach Dreams :

T Street Beach Dreams

People Photo Challenge : It was April's turn to pick the theme for this challenge, which was "People." It could be anything from a portrait, part of a body or any photo with people (or a person in it). I usually take every opportunity to shoot my grandkids, which made my choice of subjects easy, given my surprisingly busy life! A couple of updates: 1) Maribel has joined SmugMug (yeah!); I hope to have her on our group page soon! 2) I took the liberty of adding a couple extra photos :-) and also changed a few captions... Good thing nothing in life is–or should be–written in stone!

People Photo Challenge

It was April's turn to pick the theme for this challenge, which was "P ...

Updated: Nov 03, 2010 2:51pm PST

Photographers Night at the Aquarium of the Pacific : Favorites from an exciting evening that tested my photographic abilities... (some are also in my "What's the Story?" photo challenge gallery).

Photographers Night at the Aquarium of the Pacific

Favorites from an exciting evening that tested my photographic abiliti ...

Updated: Sep 27, 2010 10:40pm PST

What's the Story? Photo Challenge : Hmmm... what kind of story, I wondered? Then a plum fell into my lap! I got an email a couple of weeks ago from my photographer friend, Maribel, about an upcoming event, "Photographers Night at the Aquarium of the Pacific," in Long Beach, CA, on Sunday evening, September 12, 2010. Of course I jumped at the chance! It was a great experience and a whole lot of fun. All the photos were taken with available light.

What's the Story? Photo Challenge

Hmmm... what kind of story, I wondered? Then a plum fell into my lap! ...

Updated: Sep 21, 2010 12:05am PST

Road Trip to Rainbow (everyone) :

Road Trip to Rainbow (everyone)

Updated: Sep 17, 2010 12:24am PST

Texture & Design Photo Challenge : My entry for our August Photo Challenge theme, "Texture and Design." It was, I think, the most challenging of our exercises! Texture is the easier of the two and present almost everywhere if you look close enough. Design is also "everywhere," but people don't usually think of design in that way. I kept meaning to put together some well thought out props and arrange them in various interesting ways, but never did do that. Instead I did my best to "see" the design (intentional or not) in the things that surround me every day. All but two of these photographs were taken in my house, my back yard, or of a part of the landscaped area directly in front of my front door (reliably maintained by our HOA's landscaping contractor, who keeps things a bit too well watered and far too clipped and formal for my taste. The two exceptions (in regard to location) are the twisted tree (#&) and my very bored feet (#9). I was waiting for my husband who was at a doctor visit very late in the day. This photo was taken with my iPhone 3G's camera, then tweaked a bit using some fun iPhone apps, then tweaked a bit more in Photoshop. All fun, and I hope you enjoy them!

Texture & Design Photo Challenge

My entry for our August Photo Challenge theme, "Texture and Design." ...

Updated: Aug 18, 2010 8:50pm PST

Food & Drink Photo Challenge : This is my entry for our fourth Photo Challenge; the theme was "Food & Drink," which was a lot of fun for me, since I cook a LOT and also grow almost all my own herbs, as well as peppers and tomatoes. This year I've planted 11 tomato plants, a record number for us; I am hoping to have a bumper crop of Romas to can when they ripen. I also got Grandma Lizzie's recipe for the Chili Sauce my folks (and the rest of the Whicker clan) used to make and will be doing that this week. I won't make it quite as hot as my dad liked (it was a killer!) and I'm using some farmer's market tomatoes that I got for a good price! (April, you'll have to ask Ward about this Chili Sauce; I'm sure he'll remember it, unless mom & dad started making it after he left home.) It was a fun theme! Thanks, Deb.

Food & Drink Photo Challenge

This is my entry for our fourth Photo Challenge; the theme was "Food & ...

Updated: Jul 13, 2010 12:12am PST

Two Colors Photo Challenge : This is our third photo challenge, this time with a theme of "Two Colors." I hope it is fairly obvious what my choice was! I am not the first one to post my photos, and wanted to wait until I saw everyone else's photos, so I'm eager to see their choice of color! The 2 color theme had me a bit flummoxed for about half a day. I then made a mental note of the two most common colors where I live, which made it easy: green and gold. California's nickname is the "Golden State," for more reasons than the discovery of gold! Our spring grasses, green from the winter rains soon turn various shades of gold (to, ahem, brown), and my most enduring mental picture of this state, where I was born and have lived most of my life, is composed of golden hills dotted with Coast Live oak trees (quercus agrifolia). I had a great time, although it was more of a "challenge" in ways I couldn't have imagined! I've got comments about this under my individual photos.

Two Colors Photo Challenge

This is our third photo challenge, this time with a theme of "Two Colo ...

Updated: Jun 08, 2010 11:11am PST

Spring Photo Challenge : My sister in law both love photography. She suggested a "Spring Photo Challenge" for the two of us, just for fun–anything that says spring to us. One photo per day, taken on that day for one week. This is my submission. It was a LOT of fun!

Spring Photo Challenge

My sister in law both love photography. She suggested a "Spring Photo ...

Updated: May 24, 2010 1:12am PST

Parks Photo Challenge : My sister in law and I decided to do another Photo Challenge, this time inviting a few friends. The theme for this challenge was "Parks." Everyone who participated took their pictures between May 1 and May 7, and will be sharing the seven they have chosen to submit with others in the group. This Challenge idea is intended to be fun, but also something to stretch our own abilities as photographers. And have fun while doing it! It is NOT a contest. Photo #2 and #3 were taken at Kuns Park in the City of La Verne, just east of San Dimas. It's a lovely old city park that takes up an entire block and has many mature trees, paths, benches, a picnic and barbecue area and a great playground. Photos #4 through #7 were taken at Los Angeles County's Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park, which includes Puddingstone Reservoir. The entire area is an important area for migrating birds and has its own varied wildlife, and offers many recreation opportunities.

Parks Photo Challenge

My sister in law and I decided to do another Photo Challenge, this tim ...

Updated: May 09, 2010 1:17pm PST

Beef & Cabbage soup : Mmmmmm, cabbage soup, one of my favorites. It's got a sweet and sour type of taste and is a combination of a long standing recipe from a friend, as well as some elements from a recipe in the LA Times a few years back. It's great with toasty rye bread. If you're interested, just ask me for the pseudo recipe. Really. We each had a big bowl for dinner. Because there was so much leftover, I decided to can most of it, which IS an experiment, at least in terms of taste. So we'll see.

Beef & Cabbage soup

Mmmmmm, cabbage soup, one of my favorites. It's got a sweet and sour t ...

Updated: Apr 08, 2010 12:39pm PST

Canning-general : I have little storage space in my small townhouse, and none in my kitchen for food I've "put up," to use a very old phrase. I started with the pumpkin in November, but by the time I got to the next batch (which was my first try at pickled asparagus), I cleared out this old bookcase I have in the garage. It will have to do for now. Come summer, I'll probably want to move them all indoors as it gets pretty hot in the garage. But where!? The dates photos were taken are underneath each shot. I want to devise some protective cover for the front just in case... of an earthquake or whatever.

Canning-general

I have little storage space in my small townhouse, and none in my kitc ...

Updated: Mar 09, 2010 10:40pm PST

Pickled Beets & Onions : Beets were on sale at Sprouts... so I had to! Pickle them, that is.

Pickled Beets & Onions

Beets were on sale at Sprouts... so I had to! Pickle them, that is.

Updated: Mar 09, 2010 1:41pm PST

Tiburon's trees : A community's great greenery, which even here in southern California, sometimes turns great colors late in the fall (depending on the species). Photos included here were taken over the last few years.

Tiburon's trees

A community's great greenery, which even here in southern California, ...

Updated: Mar 09, 2010 1:26pm PST

San Dimas sunsets & rainbows : This gallery has photos I've taken of great sky views in Tiburon–from sunsets and clouds to rainbows–over the last few years. See photo info for date taken. Sky and/or landscape photos shot elsewhere are in specific galleries.

San Dimas sunsets & rainbows

This gallery has photos I've taken of great sky views in Tiburon–from ...

Updated: Mar 09, 2010 1:25pm PST

Palm Springs road trip, 7-14-09 : My son and I took a road trip to Palm Springs and back. It was a blistering hot day, about 115 or so. We stopped at a little Mexican place to eat lunch and headed home. He was testing his mileage after making some changes to his car. So many photos were ruined by the splatters of insects and reflections on the windshield! It was a fun day.

Palm Springs road trip, 7-14-09

My son and I took a road trip to Palm Springs and back. It was a blist ...

Updated: Mar 02, 2010 11:12pm PST

Sal's garden : Gardening on a postage stamp. My tiny backyard is 22 ft x 25 ft, which is actually larger than most townhouse yards. Then again, some people have kitchens that size and call them small! The yard is on the north/northwest facing back of the house; I have direct sun on it only at the height of summer, but not all day. During the winter, it's mostly plunged in shade. It may surprise some folks to see that I grow tomatoes every summer! I grow tons of herbs and some ornamentals, but there is nothing like eating homegrown tomatoes. Some years are better than others, however. 2009 was OK, but not the best in terms of yield. They were all wonderfully flavorful, however. I have just now planted peas. It's January, and I always meant to try them but usually got the timing wrong. I will let you know how it goes and post some photos.

Sal's garden

Gardening on a postage stamp. My tiny backyard is 22 ft x 25 ft, which ...

Updated: Mar 02, 2010 4:57pm PST

From my garden :

From my garden

Updated: Mar 02, 2010 4:38pm PST

Winter Garden in San Dimas :

Winter Garden in San Dimas

Updated: Mar 02, 2010 3:15pm PST

Dishes from my kitchen : I cook a lot, though that doesn't mean I'm one to put my nose up at leftovers! The dishes below were just everyday meals, though I often cook simpler things.

Dishes from my kitchen

I cook a lot, though that doesn't mean I'm one to put my nose up at le ...

Updated: Feb 16, 2010 1:28am PST

Canning white beans (toot-toot) : Canning pints of small white beans; lots cheaper and less salt than storebought!

Canning white beans (toot-toot)

Canning pints of small white beans; lots cheaper and less salt than st ...

Updated: Feb 16, 2010 1:18am PST

Mustard pickles, first try :

Mustard pickles, first try

Updated: Feb 16, 2010 12:04am PST

Asparagus pickles #1 : I only recently had some pickled asparagus, and was smitten. They are my favorite vegetable. Following my mother's funeral and graveside service (after a very long drive in the cold of January), a cousin of hers and other ladies from church graciously put out an impressive and much appreciated spread. I will NEVER forget the relish tray, starring pickled asparagus.

Asparagus pickles #1

I only recently had some pickled asparagus, and was smitten. They are ...

Updated: Feb 16, 2010 12:00am PST

Beef & Barley Soup : Beef and barley soup is one of my husband's favorites, so I thought I'd give it a try. I could not find any recipes intended for canning it. I worried a bit that the barley might swell up and break the jars, so I made it in two batches. I also made sure the barley was cooked enough! It came out very good, though I did need to add some liquid just as I do when it's been in the fridge.

Beef & Barley Soup

Beef and barley soup is one of my husband's favorites, so I thought I' ...

Updated: Feb 15, 2010 5:49pm PST

Bonelli Park and Puddingstone Reservoir - November 2008 : This is another part of Bonelli Park, the southern section of Puddingstone reservoir. There are many places here to fish and picnic. Many of the photos are looking north, toward the San Gabriel mountains.

Bonelli Park and Puddingstone Reservoir - November 2008

This is another part of Bonelli Park, the southern section of Puddings ...

Updated: Feb 13, 2010 12:27am PST

Pickled Asparagus (#2) : I pickled some asparagus a couple of months ago; it was my first try. It came out very tasty, but I had added sugar and more dill than I liked (it was in the recipe I used). It also used the hot pack method which I found very difficult when trying to pack the spears nice and straight. This time I used a raw pack recipe with no sugar.There was also a bit of serendipity, because my local Sprouts store had fresh asparagus on sale for $1.29/lb. It was the freshest and most delicious asparagus I have found in a long time. I bought about 10 lbs! It made two batches (7 pints each) because I used the bottom of the asparagus except for the very end. I cut those in lengths of about 1 1/2". I'll try them in about a week! I did notice that using the raw pack method meant that there's less vegetable and more liquid than with the hot pack.

Pickled Asparagus (#2)

I pickled some asparagus a couple of months ago; it was my first try. ...

Updated: Feb 05, 2010 4:54pm PST

Bonelli Park & Puddingstone - February 2009 : I took these photos following a few days of rain at Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park in San Dimas, CA. It is part of LA County's Regional park system. It's a great local resource! If you look closely, you will see some small private planes in the sky; Brackett Field is just east of the park.

Bonelli Park & Puddingstone - February 2009

I took these photos following a few days of rain at Frank G. Bonelli R ...

Updated: Feb 05, 2010 12:35pm PST

Spencer in the garden : My cat loves our tiny garden, but like most cats, he thinks it belongs to him.

Spencer in the garden

My cat loves our tiny garden, but like most cats, he thinks it belongs ...

Updated: Feb 02, 2010 1:22pm PST

Rocky Racoon : We live near Bonelli Regional Park as well as a ravine. Both are home to a lot of local wildlife and birds. This racoon is but one of many to visit us over the years. He climbs over the garage and into the back yard even though we are in the middle of a row of townhouses. I don't appreciate his/her efforts to tear up my garden, however!

Rocky Racoon

We live near Bonelli Regional Park as well as a ravine. Both are home ...

Updated: Jan 31, 2010 4:53pm PST

Pumpkins Galore - CalPoly Pomona : This is a yearly event, though it was the first time I went. Nice photo opportunity, and when it was over, they gave away free pumpkins that hadn't found a buyer. Two found their way to my house, thanks to my daughter in law. I canned one of them, but my husband threw one out before I could get my hands on it.

Pumpkins Galore - CalPoly Pomona

This is a yearly event, though it was the first time I went. Nice pho ...

Updated: Jan 30, 2010 2:49pm PST

Brighton, Utah-Seasonal views : From my many trips to SLC-these are of Brighton, the ski resort, in different seasons. The winter shots were taken in 2006, when I went with my kids and their families for a ski/snowboard trip; we stayed in a wonderful cabin. I've lots of photos posted in an unlisted gallery. If you know me, contact me and I'll send you the link. Photos from other seasons were taken while visiting my mom and other family members in the SLC area.

Brighton, Utah-Seasonal views

From my many trips to SLC-these are of Brighton, the ski resort, in di ...

Updated: Jan 27, 2010 12:33pm PST

Canning pumpkin : I used one of the two pumpkins I got at Cal Poly's Pumpkin Patch. It was my first foray into canning again in 20 years. I'd have done both, but my husband threw the second one out before I knew it. I used one of the bottles to make a wonderful pumpkin dessert recipe (also many years old). The pumpkin was so superior to store bought, I will definitely can some more next year. I also roasted the seeds for an extra treat!

Canning pumpkin

I used one of the two pumpkins I got at Cal Poly's Pumpkin Patch. It w ...

Updated: Jan 24, 2010 2:27pm PST

Fire, smoke... meat! : It was 4th of July weekend; we spent it quietly in a very American way: barbecueing our dinner in our little backyard. I loved the rays of light filtered by the smoke and the hydrangeas, which were a year old and still gorgeous.

Fire, smoke... meat!

It was 4th of July weekend; we spent it quietly in a very American way ...

Updated: Jan 24, 2010 10:31am PST

Huntington Beach - surf & shore : I had just gotten my new camera and ventured into the difficulties of shooting at the beach. My very young grandson, who was in a surfing competition with other "groms" was a great reason to go, though there was a lot of other great subjects. (All closeup photos of family are in unlisted galleries.) The light was a challenge for me... as it was already afternoon, which put the sun behind the surfers, though had some other benefits vis-a-vis highlights and contrast. I learned that I REALLY need a to bring a tripod or monopod with me for this type of setting, especially when using a long lens.

Huntington Beach - surf & shore

I had just gotten my new camera and ventured into the difficulties of ...

Updated: Jan 24, 2010 10:01am PST

Zion National Park in winter : These photos were taken in early January 2009. I have been to Zion many times, but never before in winter. The contrast between the color and texture of the landscape and the snow unusually striking and a joy to photograph. I could hardly put down my camera. A surprising side benefit of visiting in the winter was there were so few people, compared to the summer months, when it is packed with tourists.

Zion National Park in winter

These photos were taken in early January 2009. I have been to Zion man ...

Updated: Jan 24, 2010 6:51am PST

Sunset and smoke 9-09 : Southern California sunset as filtered by smoke from the wildfires. We live about 20 miles from the Station Fire, about 8 miles from the earlier and smaller Morris fire...

Sunset and smoke 9-09

Southern California sunset as filtered by smoke from the wildfires. We ...

Updated: Jan 23, 2010 3:22pm PST

Tree down in Tanglewood Pool! : On January 21, 2010, the series of storms in California brought down a beautiful large Silver Dollar eucalyptus tree that for years had provided some welcome shade at our Tanglewood pool recreation area. The fourth day of heavy rains had saturated the ground; however, it may not have been the prime reason the tree fell. There was a report from a homeowner that an arriving guest witnessed a lightning strike to the tree, causing it to fall. It also took down a small part of the fence.

Tree down in Tanglewood Pool!

On January 21, 2010, the series of storms in California brought down a ...

Updated: Jan 22, 2010 4:40pm PST

Your Bio

I'm a retired graphic artist.

My favorite subjects are usually close to home: my cat, my family, my tiny garden and my community which includes a number of parks, equestrian trails, a rodeo arena, a water theme park, a regional airport and the LA County fairgrounds, a facility known as Fairplex.

I often enjoy doing close-ups, and as I use my new camera, hope to experiment with these some more. For a number of reasons, I don't travel much, but when I do I make sure I have my camera with me!

I am currently using a Canon Digital Rebel Xsi and am building a modest collection of lenses, filters, tripods, etc. However, I have always placed the importance of composition ahead of added photographic equipment and gadgets to "get the shot." This is partly because I need to "travel light," but I also am of the opinion that the best technical skills cannot make up for poor composition.


NOTE REGARDING PUBLIC AND UNLISTED GALLERIES:
Anyone can enjoy my public galleries, which generally contain photos of landscapes, wildlife, city/community places and events, closeups, still lifes and my cat Spencer. These are available to everyone to view, but not to download or to purchase prints, cards, etc. My galleries that contain photos of family and friends (and which often have identifying captions) are unlisted (ie., private); most are included in my Friends & Family Sharegroup.

If I have sent you a link for an unlisted gallery, that is the only way to access it. If you think you may want to access it later, please save the link or email me for another.

If I've sent you a link for my "Friends and Family" sharegroup, then you can access all of the galleries in that sharegroup.

None of my galleries or their photos–whether public or unlisted–are to be used for any commercial or other similar purpose without my permission. Friends or family members who I have invited to view unlisted galleries may download, order prints or merchandise, or share photos with other family members and friends, but only with the understanding that none are to be posted online, sold or otherwise used without my permission.

If you know me personally and happen upon my public galleries here, please contact me if you'd like to see more.

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