As I See It 2008

An Angel to End the Year

2008-12-31T23:09:00.002-07:00

Today we took a walk around the Plaza and stopped in to the La Fonda Hotel. I found this angel in a display window just inside the hotel. An angel to end the year.

A Snow Dog

2008-12-30T22:12:00.004-07:00

Today Daisy played out in the yard for most of the day. I noticed that she really loved running around in the snow that is still hanging around. I finally got a picture when she took a break to scratch an itch.

"El Portal"

2008-12-29T21:45:00.000-07:00

I took a walk downtown today and spent most of my time around the Plaza. I got this shot of the Portal in front of the Palace of the Governors. The Native American Vendors Program has been around for 63 years.

Not One But Two

2008-12-28T21:09:00.002-07:00

I usually get one coyote to visit my house each day but today I was blessed with two Canis latrans. Don't they look so healthy and beautiful.

Sangre de Cristos in Their Winter Coat

2008-12-27T20:54:00.001-07:00

The past two weeks we have had snow off and on. It has been wonderful and has given a winter coat to the Sangre de Cristos. I am sure that Ski Santa Fe is thrilled.

Pressed Glass Chicken

2008-12-26T20:37:00.000-07:00

I was at a loss for taking pictures today so I decided to search the house and see what I could find. I found this old pressed glass chicken - I'm not sure how old it is but it is older than I am.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T13:42:00.002-07:00

Best wishes to all for a very Merry Christmas!

Farolitos

2008-12-24T23:15:00.003-07:00

Tonight we walked Canyon Road and enjoyed all the farolitos and luminarias. It was a beautiful night with snow on the ground and the wonderful smell of pinon in the air.

Madrid, NM

2008-12-23T20:49:00.002-07:00

Tonight we took a drive to Madrid, NM. Every year they decorate the town and during the weekends leading up to Christmas they have open houses at the local businesses. Tonight was very quiet and peaceful.

A Cup of Joe

2008-12-22T17:26:00.002-07:00

Today I was out running errands. The temperatures were in the high 20's and there was a little wind. I decided to take a break and warm up with a nice cup of hot coffee. I thought the pattern on the top was nice so I took a picture.

Holiday Present

2008-12-21T15:02:00.002-07:00

Today I took pictures around the house and decided to try photographing some of the wrapped presents. I liked the way this one came out.

Flamingo

2008-12-20T18:55:00.001-07:00

Today we spent the morning with Thomas' cousins, Ruth and Chris at the Rio Grande Zoo in Albuquerque. They had a Holiday Enrichment for the Animals event. We really enjoyed watching all the animals open their presents and I especially love the flamingos - you can see more photos at Holiday Enrichment at the Zoo.

Carved Wooden Angels

2008-12-19T13:01:00.001-07:00

I took a walk around the Plaza today and enjoyed the Christmas decorations. I passed by Susan's Christmas Shop and took this picture of a basket of carved wooden angels.

Snow at Black Canyon

2008-12-18T17:04:00.002-07:00

This morning I took a drive up into the mountains. I stopped at the Black Canyon Campground to take some pictures. It was really snowing hard and it was extremely beautiful.

Frozen Cattails

2008-12-18T17:01:00.001-07:00

This is a picture of frozen cattails in our pond. We got quite a bit of snow the past two days and it is still piled up in our yard.

This Morning's Sunrise

2008-12-18T16:57:00.002-07:00

When I woke up this morning I rolled over and looked out the window to find this spectacular sunrise performing in the east. What a great way to wake up.

Snowflakes That Stay On My Nose And Eyelashes

2008-12-15T22:56:00.001-07:00

It snowed again today and Daisy seems to love playing out in it. I took this picture and it reminded me of the song "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music.

A Snowy Sunday

2008-12-14T12:04:00.003-07:00

This morning we woke up to a blowing wind and a lovely snowfall. The landscape was beautiful covered in white. There should be mountains visible behind this tree but the clouds are so thick they are obscured.

Hi, My Name is Daisy

2008-12-13T23:55:00.003-07:00

We got a new puppy a few days ago. Her name is Daisy. She is part Blue Heeler and Red Heeler and she is wonderful. So far she has been very good and she seems to be learning fast.

Christmas Wreath

2008-12-12T19:03:00.003-07:00

This is a picture of my Christmas Wreath that I have hanging outside on our lamp post. I really love the way this picture came out.

Mesa in Romeroville

2008-12-11T19:00:00.003-07:00

We took a drive to Romeroville today and we came across this mesa. I love how the grass in front is golden while the mesa is green.

Charlie Brown's Christmas Tree

2008-12-10T17:39:00.002-07:00

This afternoon I took a drive along Hyde Park Road. I found a pull-out and took a little walk. I came across this little pine tree covered with snow. I thought it would make a great Charlie Brown Christmas Tree - don't you?!?!?

Dusted with Snow

2008-12-09T17:32:00.002-07:00

Yesterday, last night, and this morning we had some snow in the Santa Fe area. The Sangre de Cristos got quite a dusting. This is a view of the mountains from my house this afternoon after the snow clouds lifted.

Christmas Begins on Canyon

2008-12-08T22:59:00.001-07:00

Today I was running errands and I decided to take a break and so a little walking along Canyon Road. I am glad I did - the galleries are starting to decorate for Christmas and it was just beautiful.

Stark Aspens

2008-12-07T22:55:00.002-07:00

I have been stuck at home following my eye surgery and I am going stir crazy. So today we took a drive up the mountains just to get out of the house. We stopped at a pull off just before the ski basin and I was lucky enough to get this beautiful shot of some very stark aspens.

Persistent Poppy

2008-12-06T22:51:00.002-07:00

While out looking for things to photograph today I noticed this California Poppy still in full bloom. Doesn't it know that it is winter here. It was nice to see this little bit of color when everything else is brown.

A Perfect Christmas Tree

2008-12-05T22:46:00.002-07:00

Today I took a drive into the mountains and was happy to see lots of snow already sticking. I took a short hike up the Windsor Trail and found this tree - I think it would make a perfect Christmas Tree.

Crystals of Ice

2008-12-04T22:30:00.003-07:00

Yesterday we watered some of the trees around the property since we haven't had much moisture. I was surprised this morning to find ice crystals formed over pine needles that were at the base of one of the trees.

Sunset of Gold

2008-12-03T22:29:00.001-07:00

I know I put a lot of sunset pictures on this blog but I can't help it. Almost every evening the New Mexico skies put on a terrific show. I just love the colors of this sunset.

I Want A Hippopatamus For Christmas

2008-12-02T21:26:00.004-07:00

A Friend introduced me to this song. He had been talking about for years and I never heard it. He called me up one day and made me listen to it via his cell phone. So now everytime I hear I Want A Hippopatamus for Christmas I think of Eddie.

A Sunset, A Crescent Moon and a Planet?

2008-12-01T17:21:00.003-07:00

Tonight while out photographing this beautiful sunset I noticed the crescent moon and a couple of stars near the moon. The picture only shows one star. I came in and looked online and I think that it is a three-way conjunction of Jupiter, Venus and the Crescent Moon.

Carved Angel

2008-11-30T17:15:00.002-07:00

This is an old carved wooden angel plaque at the neighbors house. I love the weathered patina.

Hope for Ski Santa Fe

2008-11-29T17:12:00.000-07:00

Today the clouds have mostly cleared and you can see the snow a little better covering the mountain tops. I hope this means that Ski Santa Fe will be able to open soon.

Snow Covered Sangre de Cristos

2008-11-28T17:08:00.001-07:00

Well the clouds lifted a bit off the mountains from yesterday and revealed the Snow Topped Sangre de Cristos. Isn't it a beautiful site.

Snow Storm Over the Sangre de Cristos

2008-11-27T17:00:00.000-07:00

I woke up Thanksgiving morning to these misty clouds hovering over the Sangre de Cristos. I was hoping that it was a major snow storm just piling the mountain with the white stuff.

Silhouetted Sunset

2008-11-26T22:36:00.002-07:00

I was sitting on the porch this evening enjoying a cool end to the day. I was able to watch and photograph this incredible sunset as it appeared behind this tree.

Porcelain Girl

2008-11-25T22:33:00.001-07:00

Another day where I wasn't feeling like I could do much with my eye surgery. So I again did some searching around the house and came across this beautiful porcelain girl.

Pink Geraniums

2008-11-24T22:30:00.002-07:00

We have a bunch of geraniums blooming in the porch. It is like a little greenhouse. All the plants there are looking fantastic.

Feathery Clouds

2008-11-23T22:26:00.002-07:00

The clouds today were just beautiful. I got this picture of feathery clouds a little before sunset. I just love the formation.

Silk Roses

2008-11-22T22:21:00.002-07:00

I had eye surgery recently and I am not able to get out as much to take pictures. I looked around the house and found these silk roses. I know it isn't the greatest picture - but I think it came out okay.

Beautiful Mexican Jay

2008-11-21T22:17:00.002-07:00

We have had lots of birds visiting our ponds. I got this picture of a Mexican Jay - he looks like he is the sentry for all the other birds hanging out at the pond.

Scintillating Sunset

2008-11-20T22:12:00.002-07:00

Here is another of those spectacular New Mexican sunsets. I could just photograph the New Mexico sky and never run out of photo opportunities.

Lilac Buds

2008-11-19T16:18:00.003-07:00

Today I noticed a few buds on the Lilac bushes. I thought that winter was here and had killed everything but I guess I was wrong. The last few days have been more spring like.

Mint Leaves

2008-11-18T16:13:00.001-07:00

It seems that winter has pretty much arrived in New Mexico. Everything in our yard is dead except the Mint. It seems that this mint can't be killed or at least put dormant during the winter.

Sunset Through the Trees

2008-11-17T16:09:00.001-07:00

I was sitting on the porch watching the sun set when I noticed the Sunset behind these trees. I just loved the silhouette that was produced.

Winter Aspens

2008-11-16T16:04:00.001-07:00

I was walking on the property today and noticed these sparse Aspens against the brilliant blue of the New Mexico sky. I just loved it.

Christmas Cactus

2008-11-15T15:57:00.001-07:00

Our Christmas Cactus has started to bloom. I always love to see these beautiful flowers on this cactus plant. I am looking forward to the next few weeks of these blooms.

Roadrunner! I'll Get You Yet!

2008-11-14T23:27:00.003-07:00

This morning before work I was sitting in the living room drinking coffee and I looked out the window to find this early morning visitor. This absolutely beautiful coyote was just outside my living room window. The look just says "Roadrunner! I'll Get You Yet!

Watercolor Sunset

2008-11-13T20:26:00.003-07:00

Tonight I took a walk and waited for the sun to set. It was absolutely wonderful - it looked just like a watercolor painting - that's why I called this post Watercolor Sunset.

Just a Little Birdie

2008-11-12T20:17:00.001-07:00

This afternoon I was sitting on the porch enjoying the day and this little bird was sitting on the portal just watching me. I thought I was suppose to do the bird watching.

Veteran's Day

2008-11-11T18:59:00.003-07:00

Since today was Veteran's Day I thought I would go to the National Cemetery and take some pictures. I was fully expecting the place to be full of flags. Much to my disappointment there were not any. I found a few lone flags at a few gravesites but that was it. But I still enjoyed my walk through the cemetery.

It Snowed!

2008-11-10T18:48:00.002-07:00

This morning I woke up to a beautiful snowfall. The flakes were huge and they just floated down to the ground. It didn't snow very much or for very long but it did blanket the ground in white and was a beautiful way to start the day.

Storm Over the Sandias

2008-11-09T23:50:00.003-07:00

This evening I noticed these huge clouds moving over the Sandia Mountains in Albuquerque. I got the camera and got a few photos before the sun set.

Glass Paperweight

2008-11-08T23:46:00.001-07:00

I was taking pictures around the house again today. I found this paperweight on a shelf and I liked the colors and design. So I placed it on a table with a little sun shining on it. This is what I got.

Warehouse 21 Artwork

2008-11-07T23:40:00.001-07:00

I took this picture while walking around the Santa Fe Railyard area. This mural is on the side of Warehouse 21. I really like the optical illusion feel it has to it.

Kachina

2008-11-06T20:36:00.003-07:00

I had a very long and busy day at work today and I didn't much feel like going anywhere to take pictures. So when I got home I started looking for things around the house that I could photograph. I found this Kachina and took it outside in the late afternoon sun. I like the way it turned out.

Old Wooden Cross

2008-11-05T20:53:00.003-07:00

I took a drive today and stopped in an old cemetery. I walked around and read tombstones. But this one caught my eye. No writing, no marble, no fancy carvings - just an Old Wooden Cross. I have noticed while exploring different cemeteries that there are a lot of symbols on or near graves - I have always wondered what these cemetery symbols stand for.

National Cemetery

2008-11-04T20:38:00.001-07:00

After voting today I had to run errands in town. I was passing the National Cemetery and I decided to stop. The way the markers are precisely lined up always makes a good picture. As I was taking pictures I wondered what all of these people who have served their country would feel about today's election.

Indian Paintbrush

2008-11-03T20:16:00.003-07:00

I did a little walking on the property this afternoon and was a little worried that I might not have a picture for today. Then I went around a few junipers and I saw this little spot of color. I was surprised to find this lone Indian Paintbrus h in full bloom.

A Little Fall Color at Cerrillos Hills

2008-11-02T22:03:00.001-07:00

I took a hike today at Cerrillos Hills Historic Park. It was a great day for a leisurely hike. I came across this view while on the Elkins Canyon Trail - what wonderful fall color.

Perfect Fall Flower

2008-11-01T23:57:00.001-06:00

During my afternoon walk today I passed a wooden planter filled with these beautiful yellow and red flowers. I thought they were the perfect flowers to see on a wonderful fall day. I think they are some sort of mum but I am not sure.

Happy Halloween!!!

2008-10-31T22:40:00.001-06:00

Well it's Halloween! I can't say that I'm that much into it at this point in my life. But there was a time I like dressing up and celebrating. I still like seeing Jack-o-lanterns and I like seeing the creative costumes that people come up with but that is about it. We did have a little Halloween celebration at work today and this picture is one of the pumpkins entered into the carving contest. And I do hope everyone had a Happy Halloween!

Scarecrow and Pumpkins

2008-10-30T20:29:00.003-06:00

Every year one of the churches in Santa Fe sells pumpkins around Halloween. I drove by this morning and took a few pictures. I liked this scarecrow guarding his pumpkins.

The Changing Oak

2008-10-29T21:52:00.003-06:00

I took a walk today after work to find something to photograph. I encountered this beautiful Oak Tree full of color. I love the changing of the seasons and I particularly love when Fall arrives and brings its beautiful colors.

Our Little Orb Weaver

2008-10-28T21:46:00.001-06:00

I posted a picture before of this cat-faced spider. It has been hanging around our porch for months now. Today when I got home it was sitting on the wall right near the door. It belongs to the broader family of spiders known as Orb Weavers.

Trimerotropis pallidipennis

2008-10-27T20:48:00.003-06:00

Today I was out in the yard watching all the birds and this large grasshopper jumped right onto my leg . My immediate reaction was to push it off. And once it was on the ground I started taking pictures. I loved the way it looked like it was wearing camouflagued clothes. After some research I found that it is a pallidwinged grasshopper or Trimerotropis pallidipennis.

Colorful Throws

2008-10-26T20:31:00.001-06:00

Today I did a little walk around the Plaza in Santa Fe. About of block off the Plaza at Washington and Water Streets there are some vendors selling all sorts of things. These colorful throws caught my eye and I thought they would make a great picture.

Mexican Jay

2008-10-25T20:21:00.001-06:00

Lately my yard has been full of birds and most of them are these beautiful blue Mexican Jays (aka Gray-breasted Jays). I am not sure if they are just having a stop over on their way to warmer places or if they are here for the winter - but I love having them here.

Fat Little Birdie

2008-10-24T15:36:00.002-06:00

I took this picture this morning while I was sitting on the porch having my coffee. This little bird is so fat I just had to wonder if he was storing fat for winter or was he going to fly off somewhere a little warmer - it made me think what do most birds do in winter - stay put or head south?

Illuminated Old Glory

2008-10-23T19:25:00.001-06:00

This afternoon I was walking around the property and taking pictures but nothing that stood out. When I got back to the house I was standing in a spot that made the American Flag look like it was being illuminated by the sun.

My Little Boo

2008-10-22T23:19:00.001-06:00

I was outside today and Boudreaux kept following me around. I think he missed me when I was gone. Boudreaux is my 12 year old English Bulldog.

A View From Above

2008-10-21T20:56:00.001-06:00

Today we flew home from Connecticut. We spent most of the day in the airport or in planes. I took a few photos when in the airport but none of them seem good enough. I did manage to get a few good shots from the plane. I got this shot from above Chicago.

Fall Color

2008-10-20T20:11:00.003-06:00

We have been in Connecticut for the past week. I think we may have missed the best of the fall colors. But I managed to find a few patches of color during out hikes. I really loved the mottled red and yellow of this leaf.

Northwest Park

2008-10-19T20:39:00.002-06:00

Today I spent the day with friends at Northwest Park in Windsor, CT. We had a great time walking the trails and talking. It was a great park with its red barns and fall colors.

Old State House

2008-10-18T20:32:00.001-06:00

This morning I took a little walk a few blocks from the hotel in downtown Hartford, CT. One of the first buildings I passed was the Old State House. I really liked the top part of the building with the clock tower the most.

Covered Bridge at Oak Grove

2008-10-17T18:58:00.003-06:00

Today I spent the afternoon hiking in Oak Grove Nature Center. It was absolutely beautiful. The trail crosses a stream via this covered bridge. I had an incredible time in this park.

Connecticut State Capitol as Seen from Bushnell Park

2008-10-16T23:31:00.003-06:00

Today I visited Bushnell Park and enjoyed the sculptures and fountain. When I was walking around the fountain I got a glimpse of the Capitol. And as I pulled back a little I got this terrific photo of both of them.

Soldiers and Sailors Memorial

2008-10-15T19:42:00.004-06:00

We are in Hartford, CT and went for dinner tonight in the downtown area. After dinner we took a walk and ended up near Bushnell Park and the State Capitol. On the was there we walked through this Arch. I thought it was incredible.

Another Spectacular Sunset

2008-10-14T20:57:00.003-06:00

After a day of continuous rain the sun decided to come out from behind the clouds just in time for sunset. And what a spectacular sunset it was - golden and bright - the perfect end to a rainy day.

Hey There, Doll Face

2008-10-13T19:52:00.001-06:00

Thomas' Mom had a nice collection of dolls that Thomas is now deciding what to do with. They will probably go to his nieces but we aren't sure yet. Anyway he got them down off the shelves to clean and I was able to get a few pictures.

What a View!

2008-10-12T15:47:00.003-06:00

This morning I went on a short hike off of Hwy 285 in Santa Fe. the hike took us up about 500 feet to the top of a hill and provided us with this view. I just love Hiking in Santa Fe.

Balloon Flame

2008-10-11T20:07:00.003-06:00

This morning we got up early to attend the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. We got there, parked and made our way to the field. Then the announcement came that it was too windy for the balloons to go up. I did get this picture of one of the balloons prepping to go up before the cancellation.

Brilliant Clouds

2008-10-10T20:04:00.003-06:00

Tonight the sky was covered in clouds and the sunset just radiated color onto the bottoms of the clouds. It was a brilliant show of light and color.

Western Fence Lizard

2008-10-09T19:55:00.001-06:00

Today I noticed lots of lizards running around the yard. I caught this one as he was emerging from under this flagstone. I think it is a Western Fence Lizard but I had a little difficulty making a positive ID.

Calliopsis

2008-10-08T22:34:00.002-06:00

This little flower bloomed in our yard during the past week. We returned from a vacation to find the yard sprinkled with this beautiful yellow and red Calliopsis.

Aspens in Fall Color

2008-10-07T15:37:00.003-06:00

I took a drive this morning up Hyde Park Road. The Aspens are changing into their Fall colors. The drive was spectacular - I may have to go up there again this weekend.

Back in the Land of Enchantment

2008-10-06T22:03:00.002-06:00

We arrived back in New Mexico from our trip to the South. We stopped at the new Welcome Center on I40 as you enter New Mexico from Texas. The wind was really blowing and I got a snapshot of the flags really waving and welcoming us back into The Land of Enchantment.

Monarch Butterflies

2008-10-05T20:54:00.003-06:00

Today I was out at White Rock Lake in Dallas, TX. There were all these Monarch Butterflies around. I was lucky enough to catch two of them at the same time.

Saint John Cemetery

2008-10-04T22:11:00.004-06:00

This morning I visited St. John Cathedral and took a walk in the Saint John Cathedral Cemetery. I just love the raised graves.

Acadian Village

2008-10-03T21:54:00.001-06:00

I am in Lafayette LA for my Dad's wedding. Today I went to Acadian Village. I love this place - it is beautiful, relaxing and educational. This is a picture of the church just across a pond.

Odocoileus virginianus

2008-10-02T18:45:00.004-06:00

Today I was in a small park in a small town and two deer came out of tall grasses just outside the park. I started taking pictures and the deer didn't seem to be worried. They eventually came closer and I was able to get a really great shot.

Spanish Moss

2008-10-01T18:47:00.003-06:00

We took a walk through an old cemetery this morning. There were quite a few Oak trees and all of them were covered in Spanish Moss. It was a really beautiful setting.

Jackson Square

2008-09-30T22:56:00.004-06:00

Today we were in New Orleans and I always love to have beignets and café au lait at Café du Monde. I walked up to Washington Artillery Park and was able to get a great picture of Jackson Square.

Sun Setting Over the Swamp

2008-09-29T19:16:00.003-06:00

As I was making my way into New Orleans this evening I looked over and saw this beautiful view of the swamp. I pulled over and snapped this picture without getting out of the car. I surprised myself that it looked so good.

Crystal Shrine Grotto

2008-09-28T21:30:00.003-06:00

In Memphis, TN if you visit Memorial Park Cemetery you will also be able to see the Crystal Shrine Grotto. I found the link to this on Roadside America and just had to visit. This picture is taken just outside the Grotto. I was taken aback by the serenity of the entire park.

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

2008-09-27T21:20:00.004-06:00

Today I visited the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. Even though it 13 years have passed since this tragedy took place, I was able to stand at this reflecting pool and remember exactly what I was doing when I heard the news.

Aspen Leaves

2008-09-26T20:51:00.001-06:00

I took a short hike this morning at the Black Canyon Campground. There was definitely the signs of fall in the air and in the changing leaves. I got this picture of some aspen leaves holding on to the remnants of summer.

I'm Ready for My Close-Up . . . Mr. Dandelion

2008-09-25T22:58:00.001-06:00

I took a walk this afternoon and came upon this large dandelion. The flower was as big as both of my fists put together. At first I took pictures of the entire flower and then I zoomed in - I liked the close-up better.

Phlox 'David'

2008-09-24T22:12:00.001-06:00

I saw this beautiful white cluster of flowers in a garden today as I took my afternoon walk. It took me a while but finally figured out that it was Phlox 'David'. I thought it was a good looking flower.

Chestnuts

2008-09-23T20:07:00.003-06:00

Took a very leisurely walk today to gather my thoughts. Along the walk I encountered all these chestnuts on the sidewalk. The tree they came from was huge and very full of nuts. I really love the way they have a woodgrain pattern to them.