Grass Valley Street Scenes

I do not photograph a lot of architecture, but when in Grass Valley the subject presents itself. At first I wanted to capture the building itself. Flag flying, columns, an official seal. But without specialized lenses the buildings are leaning in all kinds of directions. I don’t know what is happening with the building on the right!

Nevada County Bank

The only information I could find about this building is that in 2015 this building was up for sale. The architecture’s classic style really shows through in this second photo.

I love the dome!

This Grass Valley Public Library has a classic look. At first I took a photograph eliminating parked cars, but with the cars the library feels used. After leaving Rough and Ready I didn’t want a ghost town feel for this library.

Grass Valley Public Library

This Art Deco theatre continues to serve as a theatre since 1940. Not sure which photo does it justice. Cars or traffic? In this case I may have opted for no traffic. What do you think?

Del Oro Theatre

This is another view of the theatre. Now imagine the scene with cars from the 1940’s?

Couldn’t resist taking a picture of the very mellow dog.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Some eye candy I found in a little shop on Mill Street

Cute onesie in a shop window. Note the CAPITAL letters!

A perfect bench fit for some ice cream

Less than 5 minutes away is the North Star Mining Museum. Visiting at the end of the day does not do this museum justice. This is a small museum packed with history about gold mining. I taught 4th grade for many years and in the spring the main focus was the California Gold Rush. I’m sorry that I did not know about this place. The friendly volunteers are very knowledgeable. And there is so much to take in that I know I will be back, and stop here earlier in the day.

Wolf Creek runs along the museum, and I took some time to photograph the running water with a slow shutter speed. I like the way the sun plays upon the water, creating colors. I see a face peeking out on the right. Do you?

Wolf Creek

Wonder about this stone sculpture in Wolf Creek. Looks like a whale on top to me.

This is just a tiny sample of this museum. This assay office and its importance to gold mining was explained in detail.

Assay Office

30 foot Pelton Wheel is an original working machine. This museum was built around this wheel. It is amazing to see in person. All types of mining equipment is found at the museum, along with the effect of mining on the environment, economy and the people of the region.

30 foot Pelton Wheel

Humble beginnings.

Just liked the patterns

I will be back to see more of this little North Star Mining Museum. Yes siree!!!

Summer is here, looking for chill in Petaluma

Camera Totin’ Tuesday folks are looking to get out of the Sacramento heat. Petaluma is located south west of Sacramento, and less than 2 hours away. The day we visited the weather did not disappoint.

Founded in 1858 Petaluma makes an effort to maintain a mid-19th century charm. Located on the Petaluma River and close to the Bay area, Petaluma provided locally grown food to San Francisco and Oakland starting during the Gold Rush. Today, it can serve as a jumping off spot in Sonoma County. Close to the coast of Point Reyes, 30 minutes outside of the Bay Area, and near Napa and there is plenty to photograph is this town.

The Petaluma River provided easy access to transport goods to the coast. Today, it serves as a focal point for the town’s center.

Bridge over the Petaluma River

Decaying pier no longer supports train tracks.

The Free Public Library building is filled with such classic details. This library built in 1904 with money donated by Andrew Carnegie is one of over 1600 library buildings constructed in the United States between 1886-1919. The town had to come up with money for books, salaries, and maintenance. Born poor, Carnegie was denied use of a public library because he couldn’t afford the $2.00 library card. He proclaimed “Free Public Library” on the front of this building to show that all could make use of the facility. Carnegie understood that access to information improves a person’s ability to better oneself.

Petaluma Historical Library & Museum

Philanthropist Andrew Carnegie gave away 90% of his wealth.”The man who dies rich dies in disgrace,” Carnegie said. In bestowing charity the main consideration should be to help those who help themselves,” he wrote.

The buildings are impressive. I photographed this one in Eureka, California. Many serve another purpose now such as museums, and community centers. As a retired librarian, I hope that these buildings continue to serve the public need for information.

Eureka Springs Carnegie Library

The McNears were part of Petaluma history

Brick wall with window capture my attention

Time out for a tune!

Small town main street today

Green Tower Clock

Display Window of a music store

Lunch was enjoyed at The New Yorker Pizza & Restaurant. I’m always on the lookout for “New York Pizza”. Though this time I enjoyed the meatball hero. Afterward we wondered into the Shutterbug Camera Store. Money was safely tucked away. This time.

Faded sign on side of building

Spider makes a home

One of many Victorian Era houses

Arch and picket fence detail draws me in

Always looking for signs. So polite!

Bee sure is enjoying a drink

Bee has moved on. What is this flower called? Be Gone!

Soft purple frilly flower. Do you know the name?

Love the lighting on this pretty coral rose. I do know the general name.

He loves me. He loves me not? He loves me!

There are many churches in Petaluma. Taking a walking tour we came across a church on nearly every block.

Stain Glass found in St. Vincent de Paul Church

Abstract lines

A friendly, portable tripod

We ended our walk around town. Taking in the architecture, nature, and friendly spirit of my photo buddies. Good bye Petaluma. May be back again.

The Getty Center: Art, Architecture and Gardens Oh My!

Much to my surprise I found a “real” attraction in Los Angeles that doesn’t require a bank account to enjoy. Nothing intentionally fake, or glitzy. Solid entertainment.

While living in Southern California about 35 years ago I visited the Getty Museum, now called The Getty Villa. This second campus, The Getty Center opened in 1997, and I spent a day taking in some of the art, architecture, gardens, and wonderful views.

Parking is the only expense to enjoy this venue. After parking I took a tram up the mountain to the entrance.

Tram run from parking facility to the entrance

One of many outdoor sculptures

Having some fun

Visiting with my brother

Barbara Hepworth’s Figure for Landscape

That Profile by Martin Puryear

The only way to describe this place is VAST! The architecture is large.

The garden area seems to be part architecture in nature.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

With the diverse nature of the flowers, I imagine that the look of the garden changes continuously.

Combination water sculpture, garden area, and wishing well

The architectural details astound from the inside. Looking down.

Or looking up.

The building frames the view of Los Angeles

View of Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean

Another view looking out on the Getty Center and another garden

There is a research center on this campus

The day is over, and the tram is ready to take us back to the parking garage

Even the tram line pays attention to architecture and gardens

Thinking about the beach, and so I sampled from the artist.

The art work inside included all genres, and from all time periods. Exhibits are constantly changing. To find out what is new there is a very complete website. Should I find myself in the area I will make a return trip.

Exploring San Francisco

It’s been a while since my husband and I got away. So when my grandson was off on a Tuesday we headed out. First we voted. David got to the voting place and was first on line. All seemed in order, except there were no ballots. Straightened out quickly, and off we went.

Heading west, we made our usual stop at the Vallejo Rest Stop.

Then the GPS guided us to the Lands End Lookout. This is the site of the Sutro Baths. The Visitor Center is worth seeing. As a photographer, the old images were amazing. The building is designed for good viewing. I found out that the climate is usually very different from other parts of the city. It is windy, cloudy and misty. Sacramento hit the 100 degree mark a couple of times this past week. What a change, and to think we just traveled two hours.

Land’s End Visitor Center

Ruins of the Sutro Baths

I love how the colors cling to the cliff

Next time I will follow the path down to the Baths and explore the caves.

This image was taken with my new Panasonic LUMIX zs50

More flowers leading to the Sutro Baths

This trip I used some lighter gear. I brought my 4/3 mirrorless Olympus OMD-E5. I mainly used my 12-50mm lens, and my 75mm 1.8 lens. I also brought along my newest toy, the Panasonic Lumix ZS50. I purchased this super zoom point & shoot from Costco. Light and easy to use, and I wanted to see what kind of images I could get on mainly auto/ aperture and program modes.

SOme depth of field seen here Not bad at all.

The box says it is a compact travel camera. I want to be able to hand the camera to someone so that I can get in the picture, sometimes. Also, this was a getaway, and not a photoshoot with my photo buddies.

Parking was super easy, and free. Much to my surprise. We headed to the Cliff House for a different view of the Sutro Baths. There are a couple of eateries that take advantage of the great views, but we didn’t partake.

Historic Cliff House

Home of Camera Obscura

Interesting, but it was closed this Tuesday. Next time!

Ocean Beach with no sun bathers

Just a lonely fisherman.

Captured this image with my super zoom

We were getting hungry so we headed to our next destination, Pier 23 Cafe off the Embarcadero. Diners, Drive Ins and Dives visited this place and David wanted to try it, though he could not remember what Guy ate. The clam chowder was tasty. We ordered the SF Crab and Shrimp sandwich to share. Did I say we were hungry? Sandwich was good, but the crab and shrimp could have been more flavorful.

Just H2O. Dined outside, in the shade.

This place is Dog Friendly.

VIsiting pooch

Rested, we walked up to Pier 39 to hang out at Fisherman’s Wharf. Lots to see. Lots to photograph.

Good name for this eatery

Pier 39 Fisherman’s Wharf

Imagine a whole shop for Left-Handed people

I found a shop called Bow Wow and had to check it out. LOoked hard, and even found Schnoodle Wear!

Cartoonist trying to capture this family

Scene from Forest Gump

Ahh! Huddling together.

I’m impressed with this new camera.

Now that is one hungry person!

I prefer Ben & Jerry’s. We indulged.

Walking along the Embarcadero we were entertained.

Spray paint artist creates scene of San Francisco

Musician plays a melodic tune

Walked a lot. Now tired, our day away was over. Unfortunately, we should have paid more attention to the time, and avoid getting stuck in traffic. CAught some images while stuck in rush hour traffic.

1968 Plymouth

Amusing License Plate and no tail fins!

David came prepared with 3 discs full of surf music. So we surfed on home to Sacramento. Fun day!

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A Photo's Worth

Words & Images by marlene frankel

Architecture

Grass Valley Street Scenes

Summer is here, looking for chill in Petaluma

The Getty Center: Art, Architecture and Gardens Oh My!

Exploring San Francisco