Fetal

My allergies are in full force today and I really did not feel like going out to take pictures. Especially since the wind was also in full force. But I decided to find a place that would be an easy walk and would have a variety of things to photograph. I chose Canyon Road. One of the first things I encountered was this statue of a guy in a fetal position. It kind of spoke to me - I was feeling like I wanted to be home in bed in a fetal position until my allergies cleared.

Hyde Park Road

Today I took a drive up Hyde Park Road. I drove up to the Ski Basin and walked around a little. Then I started driving back down. I stopped along the way and took pictures of the views and aspens. I really liked this view. It is from a pullout with an observation deck around mile marker 15. You should check it out.

My Second Amaryllis Blooms

I have been watching my Amaryllis plants as they bud and bloom. A few days ago I posted a picture of one of my plants in full bloom. Today I have a picture of the second one just starting to flower. I loved the intensity of the red.

California Poppy

Walking around the yard today I stumbled on this California Poppy in full bloom. It is the only one blooming - I know we planted more than just one so I hope to see more blooms soon.

Lilacs

Our garden is coming to life slowly. We still have some cold nights but the flowers are making their way into the world. Today I spent time smelling the lilacs that are in full bloom. It's a beautiful thing!

Cherry Blossoms

We have two cherry trees in our yard. We went on a five day trip and when we returned home we found both trees in full bloom - what a beautiful site.

Amaryllis

I purchased two amaryllis bulbs about five years ago at a discount store. I planted them and had them blooming for Christmas. Once the flowers died I kept the plants because I liked the leaves. I had heard that it was hard to get the plant to bloom again - I had read some instructions that just seemed too much to do. So I just kept watering the plants and enjoying the foliage. To my surprise both plants have bloomed every year since.

Raging Fire!

Thomas and I drove from Austin to Santa Fe today. On the way we passed this raging fire. I decided to pull over and see if I could get some pictures. I hope no one was hurt, I'm not even sure if it was a house or just some structure.

Peacock Feathers

Today while out letterboxing I stopped at a park and there were peacocks wandering all over the place. It was a beautiful site - there were even peacocks up in the trees. One of the males stood still long enough for me to get a photo of his beautiful plumage.

Bug on a Flower

While out hiking today I encountered this little bug on this flower. Was he eating it or helping it? I made me wonder about all the interactions between bugs and flowers.

Waterfall

While hiking in Austin we encountered quite a few waterfalls at different areas. This one was especially nice in an incredible area. The waterfall wasn't especially big but it was so relaxing.

Bull Creek Greenbelt

Today was spent letterboxing with Vicki and Tom in Austin. We did some hiking in the Bull Creek Greenbelt - Upper and Lower. It was a lovely spot and we enjoyed being near the water.

Bluebonnets

Today we drove from Santa Fe to Austin. I was wondering if we would see bluebonnets on our way. I thought it might be too late for them but much to my surprise we saw them quite a bit during our trip. So naturally I kept stopping to take pictures. It was a beautiful thing to see these wonderful flowers.

Pear Blossom

It was a very strange weather day today. It was cloudy and cold when I woke up and soon afterward it started to snow. Later it rained a little and then the sun came out. I took pictures of the pear tree in bloom. I love when when the tree is full of pear blossoms.

Vincire - "to bind, fetter"

Our garden is blooming more and more each day. Today I spotted this vinca growing among the rocks. I am glad it was there and I was able to get a good picture - the wind has been really bad today and going out to take pictures in the wind was not a pleasant thought.

Cholla Skeleton

Today I took a walk at the Santa Fe Nature Preserve. It is still very dry and dead. Not much has bloomed or budded. I looked at some chollas and noticed that they will have flowers soon, until then I took some pictures of the skeletons of some of them.

Sun Going Down

I had a busy day and didn't get a chance to take pictures. So this evening when the sun started to set I took a walk. I got this photo and Elton John's song Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me came to mind. Needless to say it is still playing in my head.

The Oldest Church Structure in the US

I took a Sunday stroll downtown in Santa Fe today. I made my way to San Miguel Mission. It was a beautiful afternoon, so I sat outside and took pictures. I enjoyed the weather and the clear blue sky.

Buzzing Around

All day today we have had bees buzzing around the porch. I kept going outside and taking pictures. I was lucky enough to capture one in flight.

Just When You Think Winter is Over . . .

This morning I took a drive along Hyde Park Road. Yesterday and this morning we have had a Spring snowfall. I thought it would be nice to enjoy one of the last snows of the season. I have to say the drive was spectacular. Everything covered in white, so pristine and dream-like.

The Raven

I took a little time today and walked around the sculptures at Santa Fe Ghost Ranch. I really like Peter Woytuk's work. He has pieces all over the city of Santa Fe.

Just Peachy!

I had a busy day and wasn't able to get anywhere to take pictures. When I arrived home it was raining. The last few days have produced plenty of blooms around the yard. So I opted to take pictures of our peach trees in bloom.

Contemporary Glass Art

As I took my walk this afternoon I found some art pieces outside of Coady Contemporary Art Gallery. These glass pieces caught my eye as they sparkled in the sun.

The Birds

I spent an hour today at the Randall Davey Audubon Center on Upper Canyon Road. There wasn't a whole lot of flowers blooming or anything special going on. So I found a spot on the ground to sit near a bird feeder and watched the birds come and go. I also just took picture after picture. I love the movement of this one.

Apricot Blossoms

I took a walk around the "Round House" this afternoon. A nice quiet Sunday afternoon. There were very few people around and it was quite peaceful. I happened upon a group of apricot trees that were full of blossoms. A beautiful site on a beautiful afternoon.

Cholla Sunset

Another evening walk on the property netted us a beautiful sunset. As it was setting I noticed this cholla cactus silhouetted by the setting sun. The spines looking very imposing!

Tetilla Peak Sunset

Tetilla Peak is a well known and easily recognized landmark in the Santa Fe area. When I was taking my evening walk I watched the sun set behind the Peak. An incredible sight.

Blue-Eyed Grass

Thomas and I are starting to think about the garden. Last year Thomas planted quite a few things including some native grasses and bulbs. Today I went to the nursery and started looking at more plants. I came across this beautiful little flower - Blue-Eyed Grass and thought it would be a great addition to our garden as well as my picture of the day.

Tulip

Canyon Road is always a festival of color with all the incredible artwork. But today as I strolled along the road I concentrated on the colorful gardens that are beginning to bloom. This tulip caught my eye.

Grape Hyacinths

Walking around our garden today I spotted these tiny grape hyacinths blooming. They were tucked in with some of the daffodils. Spring seems to be coming fast. Now only if this wind would go away.