Momma duck still has seven chicks and they're getting bigger. I'm hoping they'll be able to fly away soon as they seem to have taken over the swimming pool.
I was at a friend's today dropping off some items and found these in her cactus garden in the front yard. Spring in the desert offers lots of great flowers.
One of the beauties of living in the desert is the spectacle we get this time of year when the Palo Verde trees bloom. Spanish for "Green Stick", these unique trees adapt to drought conditions by dropping their small leaves and photosynthesising through the bark, which is green. A favorite of humming birds as well as honey bees, these trees add wild splashes of yellow across the desert when in bloom since the entire tree is usually covered with these tiny yellow blossoms.
Early morning light is a photographers dream. The colors are more intense and the longer shadows add drama to what could otherwise be a boring photo. This blooming crown of thorns didn't let me down.
I live in an area with a wide variety of agriculture. Dates, grapes, artichokes, strawberries, basil and other herbs, okra and lots of citrus. The development I live in is also loaded with lots of citrus trees, oranges, grapefruit, tangerines and lots of lemons. All free for the picking.
Even though it's 100 degrees today we still have spring blossoms. These Ocotillo buds were growing in a wash in the Anza-Borrego desert. In dry conditions these tall, spindly plants look like a bunch of dead sticks loaded with thorns. But when it rains they sprout little green leaves all over their branches and get these red-orange blossoms on the tips.
We've had problems with ducks claiming the community pool as their own. Everything has been tried to discourage them but to no avail. I was out of town for the weekend (I had no wifi so was unable to send the blog) and when I came home today I discovered that our duck population has grown by ten. They are so cute when little and I hope they'll fly north as soon as they're able.
I came upon this weaver wearing her back strap loom after lunch one day in Antigua, Guatemala. She and her mother were selling handmade items to support their family.
While taking a walking tour in Guadalajara, Mexico, I came upon this simple centerpiece at a local courtyard restaurant. I think it's the bright colors that attracted me. They are so happy and festive.
I found these at a local nursery and was intrigued by the name. This native of the Southeast is basically a water iris, these beardless members of the iris family are evergreen and do well in extremely wet soil (if you don't have a pond to plant them in).
These South American plants, that occur mostly in the Andes, have made it big time in North America. Used mostly in floral arrangements as filler flowers, they are actually quite beautiful and easy to grow.
Santa Claus is the King of Christmas celebrations known for his jolly nature and love for kids. It is often said that on christmas eve, Santa visits kids home and leave some gifts for children as the Christmas gift and even little children leave their hand-written letters of their love and wishes from Santa near the Christmas tree. To all our little kids, children and fans of Santa, we present our Santa Claus desktop wallpapers as advance gift of the Christmas season.
On my way home this evening I spotted these storm clouds sneaking into the valley. They were predicting rain and sure enough, I few drops fell on my newly washed car. It never fails!!
Old Puerto Rico is teaming with houses painted in bright and colorful patterns. I think that's what adds to the charm of this earliest of colonies in the Americas.
This patch of gazanias was a delight to the eye as I was driving down a local street. So much so that I had to stop and take pictures. I learned a long time ago to always carry my camera as I never know when a photo op will appear.
Spring at the Huntington Library and Gardens in San Marino offer so much for the visitor. These Chinese Magnolias are just some of the beauties putting on a show.
I'm having a luncheon tomorrow for the gals who are joining me at my watercolor workshop in France next month. A little meet and greet before we go and to talk over last minute details. Next month about this time I'll be able to post the real picture of Monet's Garden. I've gotten permission to paint there and really excited to walk in his footsteps.
This photo is actually at Butchart Gardens in Victoria, B.C.
While enjoying a pre-dinner drink at a local pub in Victoria, B.C., I noticed the late afternoon light was being reflected off the windows on the building across the street. The rays hit the flower on the table and created this unusual lighting.
Iceland poppies are a favorite of mine. I love the vibrant colors and the crinkled petals. They are extremely dramatic when the light hits them just right.