Just purchased Luminar 2018 to assist in photo editing.

Taken in Markleeville, California
I processed the photograph to give it a more vintage look.
Just purchased Luminar 2018 to assist in photo editing.
Taken in Markleeville, California
I processed the photograph to give it a more vintage look.
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?
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!!!
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.
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.
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.
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
The only way to describe this place is VAST! The architecture is large.
The garden area seems to be part architecture in nature.
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.