I took this photo of Annika earlier this week. We were experiencing a thunder storm and she was frightened. Continue reading
No Rain Today
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Tag Archives: California
A Fun Vacation in Chula Vista and San Diego
We arrived home yesterday from our four day trip to Chula Vista, California, where I took the above photo of this gorgeous Petunia blossom during a morning walk. Continue reading
Digital Camera Closeups
Today was my day to practice close up settings on my digital camera. I started out by taking this close up of a pink hibiscus flower.
Next I photographed this rose that is well past its youth, yet still beautiful. I then began to wonder if I could use the close up setting in combination with my zoom lens, while photographing the wild birds that visit to our backyard fountains daily. Below you’ll see some of the results.
There is a flock of blue birds that visit us often, and I’ve photographed them before, but never in such detail.
This pair was certainly enjoying the cool water.
Here they are thoroughly enjoying their bath. I could have watched these happy birds all day, but they only stay for a few minutes before heading on their way.
This last photo amazed me. I wish I’d been able to see more of his tail feathers in this shot, but still wanted to post it because I love seeing the details of his feathers and his bright eyes.
This was my third day of learning more about my digital camera, and each day has been more exciting than the last. I really can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.
Candy and Kites in Bodega Bay
While staying in Napa, California, and planning a visit to Bodega Bay, friends emailed to tell us about a store there owned by long time friends of theirs. Second Wind specializes in kites, toys, sweets, and fun. Above is a bowl filled with sweet salt water taffy we bought there. We’d never seen so many flavors and we wanted to try them all. The shop was also filled with every sort of kite imaginable. We met Elaine, a very welcoming lady and one of the two owners. She took the photo below of me and my husband and our dog Annika in front of the store. We had a great time looking at the games, puzzles, wind socks, ground spinners and too many other items to mention. If you would like to learn more about this delightful store, take a look at their web site, www.secondwind.com.
On our way back to Napa, we drove through the town of Bodega, where we stopped at the old school house where Alfred Hitchcock filmed The Birds. You can see the building in the two photos below.
It was a busy day with lots of exploring. I wonder where we will be off to tomorrow. Right now I’m going to enjoy a piece of that yummy salt water taffy.
A Visit to the Los Rios Historic District
This morning I rode my can-am spyder motorcycle to the library, and afterwards decided it was too lovely a day to go directly home, so continued south into San Juan Capistrano. Above you see one of the charming little coffee houses in the Los Rios Historic District, which is a special part of the unique city. Los Rios Street is an example of neighborhood life at the turn of the century. It’s not only the oldest neighborhood in San Juan Capistrano, but the oldest in the state of California. We’re so very fortunate to live close to this charming part of California. There are about 40 homes and they vary in age from 50 to 204 years. Most homes are private and can only be viewed from the street, but several are now gift shops, museums, or tea and coffee houses. The street is lined with lovely flowers, and below is a gorgeous example.
Above, another coffee house, and below, the beautiful Hummingbird Cafe.
I took many more photos, but the ones I’ve posted should give you an idea of why I love to visit Los Rios Street, and always make sure to have my camera. You can park in a free parking building on Verdugo Street in San Juan, next to the Am Track station, and walk to Los Rios Street. If you’ve never seen the Los Rios Historic District, and are in or near Orange County, please go and see it for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.