the mikereport

January Birding: Grey Lodge

2012-02-02T02:00:00.000-08:00

Reeds & Water - Sacramento Valley 2012

Grey Lodge is a state wildlife refuge near Gridley, well-known for birding and hunting opportunities. We managed to make our way there just as the sun was starting to reach the horizon. The parking lot looked out upon a tranquil scene of reeds, water and the distant Sutter Buttes.

January Birding: Motel

2012-02-01T02:00:00.000-08:00

Motel - Gridley 2012

Dr. Parrott Billboard - Gridley 2012

We left Winters later than we had expected and drove directly to our motel in Gridley.

Whoa . . . it looked . . . just a little bit . . . ominous. As we arrived a chill breeze was blowing through the empty parking lot. A slightly sinister billboard for Dr. Parrott loomed overhead.

Actually, it turned out to be OK. The room next to ours housed a group of hunters and their labrador retrievers.

And, it was located fairly close to the railroad main line, a big plus for Mike.

January Birding: Putah Creek Cafe

2012-01-31T02:00:00.000-08:00

Putah Creek Exterior - Winters 2012

Putah Creek Counter - Winters 2012

Hali and Mike joined Barbara (and later, Dan) for one of their regularly scheduled birding expeditions in mid-January. They left Marin County and drove to Winters, home of the famous Putah Creek Cafe, and ate there for lunch both going and coming back.

Its popularity is a bit of an issue, though. On Sunday the travellers opted to eat outside in order to avoid the 30-40 minute wait, but that involved sitting in a bit of wind chill while they ate. Also, seemed to take quite a while for the orders to arrive.

On Monday they opted to eat at the counter in order to avoid, yes, the 30-40 minute wait.

Anyway, the burgers can certainly be heartily recommended. Yelp reviews are here.

Monday Gull Blogging

2012-01-30T02:00:00.000-08:00

Gull, Bay Bridge - San Francisco 2011

Gull seen on a post at the walkway outside the Ferry Building, most likely waiting for a handout.

Two More from the November Sierra Trip

2012-01-29T02:00:00.000-08:00

Alpine Lake - Alpine County 2011

Leaves - Calaveras County 2011

. . . that Mike took in November.

Top: Alpine Lake. The shallower parts of the lake were frozen over.

Bottom: Leaves just off the highway in Arnold, probably from a non-native tree.

Spring Mannequin

2012-01-28T02:00:00.000-08:00

Spring Mannequin (Nordstroms) - Marin County 2012

We will know that it's Spring when these cunning little hats start to appear.

Sausalito Pix

2012-01-27T02:00:00.000-08:00

Boat - Sausalito 2012

Mast - Sausalito 2012

Boats, some quite large. Often wondered about renting one for an overnight stay . . . what would that be like? (Assuming they're available . . . don't know.)

California Buckeye

2012-01-26T02:00:00.000-08:00

Buckeyes & Sky - Marin County 2012

Buckeyes - Marin County 2012

Leafless. Although leaves should start to appear very soon.

Same trees in June seen here.

San Rafael Sightems: Island Girl & Self-Portrait (Flare)

2012-01-25T02:00:00.000-08:00

Island Girl - San Rafael 2012

Self-Portrait (Flare) - San Rafael 2012

Walking from the auto repair shop to the gym, and back again.

Balloons

2012-01-24T02:00:00.000-08:00

Ballons 1 - San Anselmo 2012

Balloons 2 - San Anselmo 2012

Imagine each pix as a 4x6 foot print.

Whoa! Impactful!

iPhone pix.

Monday Horse Blogging

2012-01-23T02:00:00.000-08:00

White Horse - Marin County 2011

White Horse in Rearview Mirror - Marin County 2011

White horse seen as Mike rounded a corner in his truck . . . was very interested in Mike's camera.

Hi Dive

2012-01-22T02:00:00.000-08:00

Hi Dive - San Francisco 2005

Hi Dive - San Francisco 2012

Two views of the Hi Dive, a very photogenic bar, the top one taken in 2005 with the Olympus C-8080, the bottom one taken this month (on a blessedly smog-free day) using the Canon G12. Someday I must go in and have a beer.

San Francisco History

2012-01-21T02:00:00.000-08:00

Hearst Building - San Francisco 2012

John's Grill - San Francisco 2012

Two photos conjuring up the olden times. For the Hearst Building: Mark Twain, Ambrose Bierce, etc etc.

For John's Grill: jazz 'n steaks! Whoa! Timeless! Someday I must eat there.

Speaking of Ambrose Bierce, we will all recall that:

In October 1913, the septuagenarian Bierce departed Washington on a tour to revisit his old Civil War battlefields. . . . After a last letter to a close friend, sent from that city [Chihuahua] on December 26, 1913, he vanished without a trace, becoming one of the most famous disappearances in American literary history. Subsequent investigations to ascertain his fate were fruitless and, despite many decades of speculation, his disappearance remains a mystery.

In one of his last letters, Bierce wrote:

"Good-by — if you hear of my being stood up against a Mexican stone wall and shot to rags please know that I think that a pretty good way to depart this life. It beats old age, disease, or falling down the cellar stairs. To be a Gringo in Mexico — ah, that is euthanasia".

(Readeasily.com)

Musicians

2012-01-20T02:00:00.000-08:00

Saxophone Player - San Francisco 2003

Accordian Player - San Francisco 2012

Musicians playing down in the subterranean corridors of BART. Nice echos.

Sign, Tree

2012-01-19T02:00:00.000-08:00

Sign & Tree - San Francisco 2012

Seen on Market Street. Thematically similar to this 1973 shot.

Mannequins

2012-01-18T02:00:00.000-08:00

Mannequins #1 - San Francisco 2012

Mannequins #2 - San Francisco 2012

Seen during a recent lunch expedition to the city. Hm, Mike rarely sees these interesting styles in his various trips to here and there. In fact, Mike never sees these kinds of clothes.

But maybe there's not that much call for fashion in Arnold.

Trees

2012-01-17T02:00:00.000-08:00

Trees & Wall - San Francisco 2012

Tree & Buildings - San Francisco 2012

Trees in San Francisco.

Monday Crow Blogging

2012-01-16T02:00:00.000-08:00

Crow, Oak - Marin County 2011

Crow in oak, autumn colors in background.

Occupy Mindfulness

2012-01-15T02:00:00.001-08:00

Occupy Mindfulness - San Rafael 2012

Today. Alas, Mike won't be able to make it.

Sonoma County Sightems: Gingko Trees & Himalayan Restaurant

2012-01-14T02:00:00.000-08:00

Ginkos & Fence (Petaluma) - Sonoma County 2011

Himalayan Restaurant (Windsor) - Sonoma County 2011

Gingko trees outside Lorna's house in Petaluma, the restaurant found in Windsor.

Sausalito Art Festival

2012-01-13T02:00:00.001-08:00

Volunteer (Sausalito) - Marin County 2011

Mike's Friday the 13th post concerns the Sausalito Art Festival. He checked it out last year as an interested observer.

The fee for a 10x10 booth is $1200, and it goes up from there.

Mike will not be putting in for this particular festival.

"Atmospheric Haze" in Marin

2012-01-12T05:30:00.000-08:00

Mt. Tamalpais & "Haze" - Marin County 2012

Oak & "Haze" - Marin County 2011

. . . aka air pollution. This past fall, and now continuing into winter, has seen an outlandish number of "spare the air" days as stagnant air settles in over the entire bay area. (December had the second-lowest monthly rain total ever for Marin.) What's interesting is that crummy days get the same forecast as great days (sunny, highs in the 60's.)

Usually all the pollution that we generate is blown away from here . . . to San Jose, or Sacramento, or wherever. Somewhere else, anyway. How outrageous to have it stay right here!

Earlier annoyed smog report here.

Action Photography

2012-01-11T02:00:00.000-08:00

Track - Marin County 2011

One main rule for effective action photographs is . . . uh . . . well . . .

OK, I don't know what any of the rules are for effective action photographs.

San Rafael Sightems: Freeway Ramp, Orange Parka

2012-01-10T02:00:00.000-08:00

Orange Parka - Marin County 2011

Freeway Ramp - Marin County 2011

Both taken with the iPhone.

Monday Geese Blogging

2012-01-09T02:00:00.000-08:00

Geese - Marin County 2011

The geese were eyeballing the photographer as he was trying to fit them all into the viewfinder.

Baltimore geese here.

Three Bridges

2012-01-08T02:00:00.000-08:00

Richmond Bridge - Marin County 2011

Bay Bridge - San Francisco 2011

. . . taken from the Larkspur ferry on a recent trip into San Francisco.

Also, check out this cool Brooklyn Bridge shot.

Garbage Cans, Mt. Tamalpais

2012-01-07T02:00:00.000-08:00

Garbage Cans - Marin County 2011

Photos taken a month apart in the Trader Joe's auxiliary parking lot.

Booth Update

2012-01-06T05:20:00.000-08:00

Canopy, Booth - Marin County 2011

Kettle Corn Guy - Marin County 2011

I got a new canopy from Costco in time to use it once last year, in early December. Seemed to work quite well!

But attendence at the farmers market was very low . . . even the Kettle Corn guy had lots of free time.

Berkeley Sightems: Tanks, White Door

2012-01-05T02:00:00.000-08:00

Tanks - Berkeley 2011

White Door - Berkeley 2011

White door boosted quite a bit in Photoshop.

Berkeley Sightems: Space for Rent, Closed

2012-01-04T02:00:00.000-08:00

Space for Rent - Berkeley 2011

Closed - Berkeley 2011

Wandering around Berkeley. The west side of town has a narrow band of industrial neighborhoods . . . very interesting.

Mt. Tamalpais (2011 Picks)

2012-01-03T02:00:00.001-08:00

Mt. Tamalpais - Marin County 2011

One of many shots of Mt. Tam taken in 2011.

Happy New Year!

Monday Phoebe Blogging (2011 Picks)

2012-01-02T02:00:00.001-08:00

Phoebe - Marin County 2011

On our backyard fence.

New Year

2012-01-01T02:00:00.000-08:00

Tree Trunk - Marin County 2011

Rare current photo - taken yesterday when we went on a New Year's Eve hike through the redwoods.

Loma Alta (2011 Picks)

2011-12-31T02:00:00.000-08:00

Rock & Fence, Loma Alta - Marin County 2011

Grass & Clouds, Loma Alta - Marin County 2011

Mike hiked to the top of Loma Alta a few times this past year.

Alpenglow (2011 Picks)

2011-12-30T02:00:00.000-08:00

Alpenglow - Sierra Nevada 2011

Colorful shot taken at Mike's after-accident camp with the D90.

Yosemite Accident (2011 Picks)

2011-12-29T02:00:00.000-08:00

Hali, Ray, Helicopter - Sierra Nevada 2011

Hali & Tuffy - Marin County 2011

Very dramatic photojournalist pix: Hali in foreground, Ray the paramedic doing his thing with helicopter in background. Nice spot to have an accident, though, if you're thinking of needing helicopter support . . . lots of relatively flat granite.

Of course, glacier-polished granite was the cause of the accident in the first place.

In any event, Hali has now graduated to a cane . . . seen here in December leading Tuffy.

Mules (2011 Picks)

2011-12-28T02:00:00.000-08:00

Preparing Feed - Sierra Nevada 2011

Watering - Sierra Nevada 2011

. . . and also, Mark - the packer on our trip, first preparing the morning feed, then letting the mules drink at the Tuolumne River.

Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne (2011 Picks)

2011-12-27T02:00:00.000-08:00

Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne - Sierra Nevada 2011

Granite Wall, Tuolumne River - Sierra Nevada 2011

Top: Panoramic view of the canyon. Alas, Mike's only photo op was early in the morning, so he had to contend with extremely flat lighting.

Bottom: Late afternoon shot of the granite monolith seen in the top photo, but taken by the river's edge looking up.

Monday Maple Blogging (2011 Picks)

2011-12-26T02:00:00.000-08:00

Maple & Tuolumne River - Yosemite 2011

Maple, Pacific Coast Trail - Yosemite 2011

. . . Maple the horse, that is.

Santa Claus and Space Heater

2011-12-25T02:00:00.001-08:00

Santa Claus, Space Heater - Calaveras County 2010

Seen in Arnold last year when we went snowshoeing.

Santa, Self-Portrait

2011-12-24T02:00:00.000-08:00

Santa, Self-Portrait - Marin County 2011

. . . in San Anselmo the other day.

San Francisco (2011 Picks)

2011-12-23T02:00:00.000-08:00

Skyline - San Francisco 2011

Statues, Legion of Honor - San Francisco 2011

Top: SF skyline reflected in a relatively rare unruffled bay.

Bottom: Legion of Honor with Rodin statues.

Flowers (2011 Picks)

2011-12-22T02:00:00.000-08:00

Sweet Peas - Marin County 2011

Sunflowers - Marin County 2011

The first mikereport flower posting occured during the first month of the blog, in January, 2008. Since then I've tried to upgrade my still-life skills.

It's difficult. I'm trying to introduce some still-life flower pix into my booth inventory, but they have to compete with other, more flashier images.

Los Angeles, Black and White (2011 Picks)

2011-12-21T02:00:00.000-08:00

Photographer - Los Angeles 2011

Museum Guard - Los Angeles 2011

It's interesting . . . my earlier black and white photos, even though unprinted, still maintain a certain kind of presence in the world through the physical existence of all those Plus-X negatives.

The digital black and white photos on the blog, however, are almost certainly never going to be printed and exist solely in cyberspace.

It's interesting.

Monterey County (2011 Picks)

2011-12-20T02:00:00.000-08:00

Grass & Trees - Monterey County 2011

Oaks - Monterey County 2011

Both photos are merges: the sycamore and cottonwood shot combines two horizontal photos for a vertical image, and the oak photo represents three vertical photos merged for a horizontal image.

Top image made at Garland Ranch just off the Carmel Valley Road; bottom one made in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur.

Monday Hermit Thrush Blogging (2011 Picks)

2011-12-19T02:00:00.000-08:00

Hermit Thrush - Marin County 2011

In the swamp, in secluded recesses,

A shy and hidden bird is warbling a song.

Solitary, the thrush,

The hermit, withdrawn to himself, avoiding the settlements,

Sings by himself a song.

─From Walt Whitman's When Lilacs Last in the Door-Yard Bloom'd.

This thrush, however, was not withdrawn to himself at all, standing firmly athwart the gate, refusing me entry. By chance I had my Nikon D90 hanging around my neck, so I was able to slowly put down my grocery bags, bring up the Nikon and take several shots in the rain, gradually inching forward until the little bird got bored with the standoff. Taken in April, 2011.

Kids, Black and White (2011 Picks)

2011-12-18T02:00:00.000-08:00

Jumping (San Anselmo) - Marin County 2011

Paulina's Friend (Bolinas) - Marin County 2011

Both taken with the Canon G12.

San Rafael Sightems: An Oasis, Figures

2011-12-17T02:00:00.000-08:00

An Oasis - Marin County 2011

Figures - Marin County 2011

. . . across the street from Marelli Bros. shoe repair on Fourth St.

Ocean (2011 Picks)

2011-12-16T02:00:00.000-08:00

Highway 1 - Monterey County 2011

Limantour Beach - Marin County 2011

Highway 1: I stopped at one of the famed highway's outlooks. The famous Bixby Bridge can - just barely - be seen in the distance.

Limantour Beach photo taken in early morning.

Cabin

2011-12-15T02:00:00.000-08:00

Cabin (Arnold) - Calaveras County 2011

Oak Leaves - Calaveras County 2011

Mike got back to the cabin in time to go for a little walk, checking out the fall oak leaves and enjoying the chill November autumn evening.

Extremely pleasant to be able to come back and crank up the heat and turn on the lights . . . what a luxury!

Plus, a barbequed ribeye. Wow!

Ebbetts Pass Drive #6: Markleeville, Fritos & Beer

2011-12-14T02:00:00.000-08:00

Markleeville Store - Alpine County 2011

Fritos & Beer - Alpine County 2011

Mike's last visit to Markleeville was in . . . um . . . 1998.

But, the Markleeville Store is still in existence! And, unlike in 1998, Mike actually enters the store this time . . . in search of Fritos. Whoa . . . only the large Fritos bag is for sale. Oh well! Large size Fritos it is!

Returning to Arnold on highway 4, Mike pulls off at Hermit Valley for his requisite Sierra Fritos and beer.

Oh, can't help but highlight another interesting Fritos and beer photo op.

Ebbetts Pass Drive #5: Monitor Pass

2011-12-13T02:00:00.000-08:00

View West from Monitor Pass - Alpine County 2011

Driving up towards Monitor Pass the landscape opened up; mountain vistas presented themselves.

Monday Egret, Pelican, Gull, etc Blogging

2011-12-12T02:00:00.000-08:00

Birds, Various - Marin County 2011

Also ducks, cormorants and more. I don't know what was going on, but someone had obviously called an important mandatory meeting.

Ebbetts Pass Drive #4: Sage & Aspens

2011-12-11T02:00:00.000-08:00

Sage & Aspens - Alpine County 2011

Once over Ebbett Pass, the road winds down to eventually intersect with highway 89. Mike turned onto 89 and started up the road towards Monitor Pass, but before he got there he had to stop to admire the autumnal aspens turning color in the arid eastern Sierra landscape.

Occupy Berkeley

2011-12-10T02:00:00.000-08:00

Occupy Berkeley - Berkeley 2011

We Demand - Berkeley 2011

The park where Mike would normally show his photos in December has been unavailable due to the Occupy Berkeley movement.

Earlier Berkeley protest photo here.

Ebbetts Pass Drive #3: Aspens

2011-12-09T02:00:00.000-08:00

Aspens - Alpine County 2011

Aspens & Pines - Alpine County 2011

Once past Lake Alpine, the road narrows and the center yellow line disappears. Hairpin turns, blind corners, and aspens.

Ebbetts Pass Drive #2: Lake Alpine

2011-12-08T02:00:00.000-08:00

Lake Alpine - Alpine County 2011

Crossing over from Calaveras County to Alpine County one comes immediately upon Lake Alpine. Very nice in early November with nobody there.

Ebbetts Pass Drive #1: Boulders & Manzanita

2011-12-07T02:00:00.000-08:00

Boulders - Calaveras County 2011

Manzanita - Calaveras County 2011

Starting early, Mike drove east from Arnold on highway 4. Although not as spectacular as either the Sonora or Tioga Pass roads, the Ebbets Pass route is still very scenic, with some nice boulder and manzanita areas.

Big Trees

2011-12-06T02:00:00.000-08:00

Sequoia Trunk - Calaveras County 2011

Dogwood Leaves - Calaveras County 2011

The town of Arnold is very close to the state of California's Calaveras Big Trees State Park.

Mike has found that the sequoia trees found there are difficult to photograph. Hard to show their particular massive quality . . . pointing the camera up doesn't seem to help. We will have to think on this.

Nice dogwood leaves in the gathering dusk.

Monday Dog Blogging

2011-12-05T02:00:00.000-08:00

Dogs - Marin County 2011

. . . at the Starbucks in San Rafael near Staples.

Building, Highway 4

2011-12-04T02:00:00.000-08:00

Building (Farmington) - San Joaquin County 2011

Mike took a few days in early November to visit the mountains in the Arnold area. This building was sighted right off highway 4's rural central valley section, half-way to Angels Camp.

Recycle Center Truck

2011-12-03T02:00:00.000-08:00

Recycle Center Truck - San Rafael 2011

Mike took his D90 along with him to the dump. He was hunkered down with it inside the camper shell just as this truck came by and stopped right in front of him.

San Rafael Sightems: A.M. Buildings

2011-12-02T02:00:00.000-08:00

Building, Trees, Sunrise - San Rafael 2011

Brick Building, Sunrise - San Rafael 2011

Early morning sun.

Booth Issues

2011-12-01T02:00:00.000-08:00

Broken Canopy Struts - Alameda County 2011

Canopy at Recycle Center - Marin County 2011

As noted before, Mike's canopy was severely damaged during some high winds in San Anselmo.

Alas, replacing the damaged struts didn't work, since at two subsequent events even more struts got broken. (Probably some basic structural damage.) The latest problem came at the Oakland Farmers Market: not only did two struts completely snap, but others got bent, on their way to snapping.

So the old canopy had to be trashed, alas, dumped into the recycle center pit.

New one ordered from Costco, but not used yet.

San Rafael Sightems: Pipe & Pole

2011-11-30T02:00:00.000-08:00

Pipe (Jackson's) - San Rafael 2011

Pole (Trader Joe's) - San Rafael 2011

Pipe at Jackson's Hardware.

Pole at the auxiliary parking lot for Trader Joe's.

Olives

2011-11-29T02:00:00.000-08:00

Sorting Olives - Marin County 2011

Mexican Sage, Olive Tree in Background - Marin County 2011

At the start of the month, the olive crop appeared to be fairly disappointing, but as the days progressed, more and more started to appear.

So Mike harvested the olives in stages over a 10-day period, adding them to the same brine. His theory is that over time the longish stay in the brine will compensate for the olives being put in at different times. We'll see.

For a detailed look at the whole process, see here.

Monday Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake Blogging

2011-11-28T02:00:00.000-08:00

Rattlesnake (Academy of Sciences) - San Francisco 2011

In motion, seen at the Academy of Sciences.

Behind glass, so Mike could get a little closer than his previous rattlesnake viewing.

San Rafael Sightems: Acupuncture & Reflexology

2011-11-27T02:00:00.000-08:00

People's Acupuncture Clinic - San Rafael 2011

Foot Reflexology - San Rafael 2011

People's Acupuncture Clinic, from across the street at the Arco Station.

Foot Reflexology, next to the gym on Fourth St.

Pendulum

2011-11-26T02:00:00.000-08:00

Pendulum (Academy of Sciences) - San Francisco 2011

Very similar to the one seen before in Los Angeles.

At least this time Mike was able to snag a self-portrait on one of its swing-bys.

Night Sky

2011-11-25T02:00:00.000-08:00

Night Sky with Moon & Jupiter - San Francisco 2011

Mike made his way to the roof of the building where there were telescopes pointed at the moon and Jupiter.

Peeking through the lens at the planet one could see a small white marble against the dark with minute bright dots on either side (the moons).

No monolith sighted, however.

Jellyfish & Etc

2011-11-24T02:00:00.000-08:00

Jellyfish (Steinhart Aquarium) - San Francisco 2011

Jellyfish People (Academy of Sciences) - San Francisco 2011

Also seen: a circular tank containing a group of jellyfish. The overhead light changed color every now and then.

Then, also seen: a group of people parading around with jellyfish . . . puppets? Marionettes? Hm.

(Yes, yes. Should be one of my turkey pix. But really haven't seen that much of the turkeys this year. Hm.)

Fish, Descending

2011-11-23T02:00:00.000-08:00

Fish, Descending (Steinhart Aquarium) - San Francisco 2011

It was very dimly lit downstairs in the Steinhart Aquarium. Mike noticed a school of colorful fish pirouetting in unison in one exhibit. First he tried to track the fish. Didn't work, so he decided to go for the impressionistic blurred look.

Rain Forest

2011-11-22T02:00:00.000-08:00

Rain Forest - San Francisco 2011

Hali on Ramp - San Francisco 2011

Probably the neatest thing in the Academy is its recreated rain forest, self-contained and steamy. It seems larger than it actually is with birds and butterflies flitting about, all viewed by winding ramps threading through the heat.

Hali, having graduated from a walker to crutches to one crutch (seen here) negotiated the ramps with no difficulty.

Monday Tyrannosaurus Rex Blogging

2011-11-21T02:00:00.000-08:00

T Rex (Academy of Sciences) - San Francisco 2011

After viewing the De Young exhibits, Mike went to the Academy of Sciences weekly Thursday "Nightlife" event with Hali, Marsha and Franz.

Mr. T Rex seen at the entrance.

Across From the DeYoung

2011-11-20T02:00:00.000-08:00

Palm Tree, Sutro Tower, Academy of Sciences - San Francisco 2011

. . . is the California Academy of Sciences. Very cool, indeed. Pix starting tomorrow.

Seen at the DeYoung #2

2011-11-19T02:00:00.000-08:00

Ceramics - San Francisco 2011

Ceramics in the Museum Store.

Artist is from Sonoma County. Yes, I should have made a note of her name.

But I didn't.

Seen at the DeYoung #1

2011-11-18T05:30:00.000-08:00

Museum Gallery - San Francisco 2011

You'd think that by a clever use of Google one could find out the artist responsible for these shiny objects. But I couldn't (but maybe I wasn't clever enough.)

San Francisco Museums

2011-11-17T02:00:00.000-08:00

Masters of Venice - San Francisco 2011

DeYoung Cafe - San Francisco 2011

Mike was able to visit two SF museums recently: the DeYoung Museum (earlier shots here) and the Academy of Science (maybe technically not a museum), both found in Golden Gate Park.

Blockbuster exhibit at the DeYoung: "Masters of Venice." No photography allowed. Mike was - slightly - disappointed that there were no landscapes in the show. Mainly religious and mythological themes.

Afterwards, some coffee in the cafe, sitting outside with Franz and Marsha, who had taken me there as a treat for my birthday. Thanks!

Grass, Hills

2011-11-16T02:00:00.000-08:00

Fence, Grass, Trees - Marin County 2011

Taken from the San Geronimo Valley golfcourse parking lot, early morning.

Spider Web

2011-11-15T02:00:00.000-08:00

Spider Web (Rain) - Marin County 2011

. . . in the rain. Had to clone out some distracting blackberry stems.

Monday Frog Blogging

2011-11-14T02:00:00.001-08:00

Frog, Marin County 2011

Seen in our backyard; about the size of a postage stamp.

At last, I've finally gotten around to posting this.

Fall Rain

2011-11-13T02:00:00.000-08:00

Fence Post, Rain - Marin County 2011

As mentioned earlier, Marin had some early rain; Mike grasped the opportunity for some rain pix.

Hospital Corridor, 2 AM

2011-11-12T02:00:00.000-08:00

GE Medical Systems, Self-Portrait - Marin County 2011

Seen by Mike during certain recent medical issues: this odd piece of equipment standing by itself in an anonymous hospital corridor.

Bodie Self-Portraits 2006

2011-11-11T02:00:00.000-08:00

Self-Portraits (Bodie) - Mono County 2006

For today's numerologically significant date, Mike and Hali at Bodie.

Also, Veterans Day. And yes, as we know, Mike is a veteran.

Irises

2011-11-10T02:00:00.000-08:00

Irises (Bodie) - Mono County 2006

The wild irises seen in the meadows were also blooming in Bodie. I don't know how common they are, maybe it's no big deal, but I was amazed to see these flowers in the high desert.

I noticed these irises in the shade just as the sun was approaching; I got off two shots, one horizontal and one vertical.

Bodie Exteriors 2006

2011-11-09T02:00:00.000-08:00

Window (Bodie) - Mono County 2006

Stairs (Bodie) - Mono County 2006

Around the perimeter of Bodie there are piles of wood weathering in the sun and snow, getting that perfect patina that we photographers love.

Bodie Interior 2006

2011-11-08T02:00:00.000-08:00

Bureau & Chair (Bodie) - Mono County 2006

Chair (Bodie) - Mono County 2006

I remember resting the camera on one of the chairs in the room in order to steady it.

Monday Cow Blogging: Road to Bodie 2006

2011-11-07T02:00:00.001-08:00

Cows, Irises, Sawtooth Range - Mono County 2006

Mike and Hali drove from their campground at Leavitt Meadows following Highway 395 south to the Bodie turnoff. On the way they passed vast iris-dotted meadows stretching to the mountains.

Bodie Chapel 2006

2011-11-06T02:00:00.000-08:00

Chapel (Bodie) - Mono County 2006

Next up, some 2006 Bodie photos taken with the excellent Olympus C-8080, which produced great-looking jpgs.

Road to Bodie 2001

2011-11-05T02:00:00.000-07:00

Bodie Road - Mono County 2001

The road to Bodie, with the dramatic background of the Sierra crest, runs east from highway 395, between Bridgeport in the north and Lee Vining in the south.

Bodie Self-Portrait 2000

2011-11-04T02:00:00.000-07:00

Self-Portrait (Bodie) - Mono County 2000

Yes. A Minolta 7000i.

As we all know, Minolta was purchased by Sony in 2006.

Bodie 2000

2011-11-03T02:00:00.000-07:00

Blue, Red, White (Bodie) - Mono County 2000

Metal Window (Bodie) - Mono County 2000

Based on the photographic evidence, Mike's next visit to Bodie happened in 2000. This time he arrived with a Minolta 7000i and some Kodacolor film.

Hmmm. November 3rd. Wasn't there something about that date?

Oh, yes.

. . . from the archives #66: Post,Bodie 1992

2011-11-02T02:00:00.000-07:00

Post (Bodie) - Mono County, 1992

Bodie is an old gold-mining town in the eastern desert regions of California, crumbling and falling apart, kept in a state of "arrested decay" by the state.

This is the first photo I could find in my contact sheet binders taken in Bodie.

It was taken with a Mamiya twin-lens reflex camera which produced a square negative. As was typical back then, I limited my exposures in order to conserve my precious rolls of film. And most of the other shots were pretty tedious, alas: boring tripod-mounted photos.

Snack Stop

2011-11-01T02:00:00.000-07:00

Snack Stop, New York 2006

All these east coast pix have reminded me of the hot dog search.

We had been looking forward to New York "hot dog stand" hot dogs. So: this venue in front of the Met.

As I recall, the hot dog was OK, but nothing special.

Monday Black Cat Blogging

2011-10-31T02:00:00.001-07:00

Black Cat - Marin County 2011

Scary little black cat out at the stable.

Pond, Rhode Island

2011-10-30T02:00:00.000-07:00

Pond, Rhode Island 2006

Yellow Leaves, Pond, Rhode Island 2006

We came across this small pond in a park outside Providence. Very nice! Autumn colors,overcast sky, reflections . . .

All the correct ingredients.

In fact, one of my "Best Seller" photos was taken at this location.

(Not only that, but once again I'm astounded by the quality of the jpgs taken by the Olympus C-8080. Amazing. Also, how annoying to hear of Olympus' recent problems!)

Doughboys

2011-10-29T02:00:00.000-07:00

Iggy's Doughboys - Rhode Island 2006

Narragansett Bay - Rhode Island 2006

The doughboys were excellent!

The scenery was nice, too.

Leaves, Building

2011-10-28T02:00:00.000-07:00

Building, Leaves - Rhode Island 2006

Also in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island

2011-10-27T02:00:00.000-07:00

Trees, Rhode Island 2006

Leaves, Rhode Island 2006

Taken near Jim and Jose's residence. I'm pretty sure that I arranged the leaves at the bottom.

Mystic, CT

2011-10-26T02:00:00.002-07:00

Stream, Connecticut 2006

Trees, Connecticut 2006

More east coast autumn photos. Going from 1999 to 2006, from film to digital.

These two photos were taken in Mystic near the "Denison Pequotsepos" Nature Center. Don't know how that's pronounced.