Log Cabin on Whidbey

The view from the dining roomCabin and Swing Front of Cabin

Looking back at the cabin from the duck pond. We'll be back!

Christmas Decor - Simpler this Year

I decided to go for a simpler look this year, especially on the fireplace mantel.

Of course some things never change. Why is that kitties love wreaths and garland so much?

Speaking of garland, we can't forgo that, even for a simpler Christmas. Growing up in a single story house, I always dreamed of a house with a bannister to festoon with lighted garland. I have it on a timer so that it greets me when I get up in the morning as well as in the evening and it always puts a smile on my face.

Star Raising

Thanks to great friends and neighbors, we had another successful star-raising party. This year, thanks to Del's reinforcements, there was much less drama. No folding back on itself or splintering apart. Here's a picture of the star at twilight . . . And at night . . . And here's the back patio (and probably all of Dublin and Livermore) aglow by the light of the "Dublin Star" . . .

Backyard Flower Close-ups

Simple backyard flowers can be even more beautiful close-up!

Paper White

Raindrops on Rose Petal

Center cone of an Echinacea blossom

Shasta Daisy

Tomato plant leaves

Bougainvillea

Potato Vine Blossom

Pause and look closely next time you're in a garden. It's another universe!

This Morning's Walk

I love this moment when sunrise happens. I try and witness as many of these as possible.

On the way back I met two "Westies" (West Highland Terriers). One is named Oliver and I didn't catch the name of the other one. They are father and son, out for a morning walk.

Next I met a really cute Corgy with a regal Japanese-sounding name that I can't remember.

<- I don't generally appreciate Halloween Decorations, but I must admit, this was so tastefully spooky and the right scale for the house that I really like it.

Happy Halloween everyone!!

Huntington Beach Birdwatching

Birdwatching at sunrise in Huntington Beach California.

A Willet and a Marbled Godwit digging for food with their long bills in between waves.

Surf City USA (a.k.a. Huntington Beach, CA)

I made the most of my recent business offsite to Huntington Beach. The ocean is such a magical place to lose oneself in the immensity of it all, especially early in the morning . . .

Last installment of Hawaii Pictures - Flying Home

^ Taking off from Honolulu.

^ Nice view of Waikiki

^ View inside of Diamond Head

Aloha beloved Hawaii. I'll be back yet again.

Sunset along the horizon.

Almost dark. G'night.

I love birds and I find all Hawaiian birds exotic.

Here's a great example. Is this cool or what? It's like a cardinal that you'd find in the Eastern US as all red, but it was introduced from Brazil and is called a red-crested cardinal. (BTW, these pics are not mine. I saw these birds but didn't photograph them. This is courtesy of this website:http://www.explorebiodiversity.com/Hawaii/BIRDS/Birds/Rock%20Dove.htm

I love these little guys . . . Java Sparrows. From Indonesia. So cute!

Myna birds. Noisey great songs. Might get annoying after awhile if I lived in Hawaii, but I don't, so I love 'em!

Zebra dove. Even the pigeon-like birds in Hawaii are exotic!

The Vented Bulbul. Very cool. Saw some of these on the hike to Diamond Head. Love the rocker hairdo.

Spotted dove. Another exotic pigeon!

The Rock Dove. OK, these I had personal experiences with . . .

This one was on my balcony, 31 stories high.

Checking me out.

And then there were two . . .

A long way down

Hey! Wait a minute! How come you closed the door on me? I was just getting used to having Cheerios for breakfast with you!!