There are an endless number of beautiful views in Sonoma County. I tend to gravitate toward the ocean and the coastline, which I’m sure comes as no surprise. This shot was taken from the beach along the Central Coast. We were on our way down to Avila, one of our favorite spots in California, and we came across a beach full of elephant seals. It was sunset, my favorite time to be out on the coast, and the weather was fantastic.
In celebration of Labor Day Terry, Casey and I visited the Flint Hills. Following the “America’s By-Ways” route from Callaway, Ks. to Council Grove, we spent a day surrounded by evidences of a simpler way of life: small towns, coffee shops and two lane highways.
The grasslands, rolling hills and unassuming waterways are lovely, if not dramatic.
Abandoned houses seem just a little bit more exotic in the Flint Hills than when we see them in our own community.
Death comes as surely as anywhere else.
It is a glorious season at Kauffman Gardens. The fall flowers are in full bloom or blooming. The air is cool.
It is a busy time of year in the garden. Not only are visitors spread throughout the garden, the insects are everywhere. they seem to thrive in the cooler weather. In their ways, the insects are as fascinating as the garden that attracts them.
Monarch butterflies are in abundance, with their brilliant orange and black wings and spotted bodies.
While incredibly destructive in large numbers, this grasshopper was all alone, enjoying the banquet that surrounded him.
This wings of this moth were so pale in color they seem to have disappeared from the page. However, the photograph reflects, its yellow body matched the flowers that surrounded it.
Not as vibrant as its neighbors, this moth is a sharp contrast to the colors of the vibrant pink and green.
The bees everywhere were busy as they darted from flower to flower. None of the insects paid the slightest attention to each other or the human visitors. All of them worked hard as though their own survival–and the beauty of the garden–depend on their work. Probably they do.
Hope you find a bit of nature to enjoy and explore. Happy weekend.
Observing life through Sophia’s 3-year-old perspective is quite an experience. This is one of my favorite pictures of her, because she seems so “in the moment” even though you can only see her feet. For those unfamiliar with the Nelson, the last photo of her clearly reveals her location!
Sophia loves to dance. Constantly in motion, she seemed inspired by the Rozelle Court fountain, as she did the fountains throughout the area.
Lovers of art themselves, mom and dad ensured that Sophia actually toured at least the Nelson’s main gallery area.
Here is Sophia standing beside–instead of hiding behind–the Nelson’s famous shuttlecock.
Our visit was soon over, but we hop Sophia treasures her memories of Kansas City and family as we treasure her.
I recently chatted with a friend about Morro Bay. He and his wife were there for a week last month, and it made me think back to our trip down last Thanksgiving. Jake and I went through Morro Bay on our way to Avila Beach, and it really was beautiful.
After parking near Morro Rock, we started walking along the beach. In the midst of the rocks and small waves inching up the sand, we saw a flock of seagulls dancing around. This particular bird didn’t seem to mind my presence, so naturally, I snapped a few shots.
This was one of my favorite sunset shoots. The clouds were beautiful, the sky crimson, and the plane flying towards the sun made for some artistic photographs.
I love graffiti. But nature has her own art. It’s superior to anything that human beings can create. Well, at least for now. This clematis covered most of the stone wall behind it.
About halfway between Avila Beach and Pismo Beach (well, the far north end of Pismo), there is a cave that goes through to the ocean and then drops off into the water. It’s beautiful. On a hot, sunny day, it’s a very tempting jump.
Hope it is a great day. Love ya, Mum
Branson at its most elegant-The Chateau at Table Rock Lake.
Shifting the Balance 