Verna and Bob's Weblog – Page 529

Alaska Flashback

A couple of years ago, we took a trip to visit Alaska. We flew to Anchorage and spent a day exploring around. The next day, we took the train to Denali National Park, where we stayed overnight before going to Fairbanks the next afternoon.

I took this picture of our Alaskan Railroad Locomotive as it pulled into Denali Station as we prepared to depart to Fairbanks. It looks like it’s raining like crazy, because it was. We were prepared for it, however, since we know that the weather in Denali is extremely variable — changes in weather occur without warning and you can expect sun, wind, rain, and clouds — all on the same day.

And we loved the train rides – we highly recommend taking the train through the Alaskan interior. As usual, click on the small image to see it full-sized.

March 8, 2007 by Bob Photography Vacation

Spring Chrysanthemums

The chrysanthemum is the floral emblem of the imperial family of Japan. Known to have been cultivated in China as far back as the 1400s BC, it first made its way to Japan sometime in the 900s, and was adopted as the emperor’s official seal. Crown Prince Akihito assumed the Chrysanthemum Throne, the world’s oldest monarchy, after the death of his father, Hirohito, on January 7, 1989.

These mums are now showing on our patio. I just LOVE springtime! Click the image to enlarge.

March 7, 2007 by Verna California Home & Garden Photography

Sunburst

sun-planter Artwork depicting the sun is very common worldwide. For agricultural people, the warming rays of the sun held great importance. Petroglyphs of the sunburst have often been found wherever ancient peoples lived. The Chumash and Yokut tribes here in California are no exception with petroglyph sites dotting the map.

In recent times the sunburst has often been used to decorate clocks and weather instruments. Sculptures of the sunburst have been around from ancient times to the present as it continues to be a popular subject for artists.

Over the weekend I mounted this nice sunburst replica over a planter on a fence in the patio.

March 6, 2007 by Verna California Photography

Yellow Moth Orchid

Don’t let its delicate appearance fool you. This exotic, graceful orchid is among the most hardy of houseplants. Phalaenopsis orchids are commonly referred to as “Moth Orchids” and are considered among the easiest of the orchid family to care for as well as the most recognizable. The long-lasting flowers bloom perfectly for up to three months. The flowering intervals vary with each plant, and you may be treated to a bloom as often as twice a year. Phalaenopsis have become one of the most popular variety of orchids because of their low maintenance and delicate balance of poise and elegance.

We picked up this beauty yesterday at our local garden center. There are three blooms and more on the way. Click the picture for a larger view.

March 5, 2007 by Verna California Home & Garden Photography

A Panoramic View of Catalina Island

I took this photo (actually five photos stitched together) from Del Cerro Park, one of the highest points on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Southern California. The panorama sweeps from the Southeast (San Pedro Hill is the high point on the left) across the horizon where Catalina Island can be seen below the clouds in the distance. The sweep continues to the West-Southwest toward Santa Barbara Island which can only be seen on an exceptionally clear day. Somewhere near the center, you can see Verna taking photos of Portuguese Bend. Click on the image for a larger version.