A Photo's Worth

People Watching

Many of my images from my last couple of outings captured people.

In Yolo county once a month farmers invite artists to share in their landscape. Camera Totin’ Days takes advantage of this time. Every month is different. In May we went to Great Bear Vineyards in Davis. This painter is relaxing in the shade using oil paints. I found out that she was a retired teacher who picked up oil painting as a hobby.

Hangtown Kennel Club held a AKC Dog Show in Placerville at the end of May. I was interested in seeing the labrador retrievers, and cocker spaniels.

Discovered a new to me breed of dog. The Lagotto Romagnolo, an Italian water retriever also known as a truffle dog.

English Springer Spaniel ready to show off.

We sat by the window in a restaurant in Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf. From this vantage point I caught this couple trying to decide if they wanted to eat here.

Last week the temps here in Sacramento edged up to the 100 degrees. Camera Totin’ Days decided to head indoors. Headed to the Crocker Art Museum.

This couple was checking out the animals in the painting. I like the one above. Such a cute puppy!

Such a nice smile from a Crocker Art Museum security guard.

Two tourists converse with the Security Guard. He caught me in the act!

My husband finds an interesting book in the Museum Shop. I saw some interesting books, and unique gifts on display. A place to go for a future present.

Ben’s Barketplace put on a Dog Fashion Show, and since the temperature was reasonable for Citrus Heights I decided to bring my camera along. I do miss my puppy love, Libby.

This chihuahua had little problem show off her ensemble! Pet owner created her hat!

Dog’s face says it all! Why am I dressed like this?

I hope you enjoyed going along with my search for interesting subjects to photograph.

Pacific Grove here we come!

A couple of weeks ago we took the opportunity to head to Pacific Grove. Just a quick getaway for our 49th anniversary.

These two were engrossed in conversation. The light was right, and I took the shot.

Usually we stop near Gilroy to get some Bing Cherries. With the long rainy season the crop of Bings were delayed. All the end of season rain did not help with this crop.

Arrived in Monterey, and decided to explore Fisherman’s Wharf.

Interesting way to repurpose a parking meter.

Getting hungry. Tempted with clam chowder.

Life altering copping! We needed to see what this was all about.

Great lunch/dinner. Not sure how my life has been altered? But my tummy was satisfied!

Got so busy eating that I didn’t catch a photo of the cioppino.

Had to grab this sign at another eating establishment. A whole lot of NO!

More street photography from Fisherman’s Wharf.

Our lodging this time was near Asilomar Beach.

The next day we decided to spend in Pacific Grove. Our grab and go breakfast did not make the cut. We went looking for something to eat.

Kind of a running joke. Often we enter somewhere new and follow signs that promise “Information”. But we usually find this not a very helpful way to go.

Interesting sign tells everyone not to play with wind chimes. But where are they? A little late, or did they remove them for safe keeping.

Many buildings have found new purpose in Pacific Grove. The landmark store now is home to many businesses. This gas station has found a different kind of customer.

After walking along main street in Pacific Grove we head out to Lover’s Point. Sea Gulls and squirrels are unafraid of people.

Walking along I found some objects to capture my attention.

Got so close to these squirrels with my Fuji xt2 18-55mm lens.

No extra cropping necessary. We just watched each other.

Pretty soon another squirrel joined the party.

Watching season 2 of Big Little Lies. Looking for location shots.

Ready for an afternoon snack. Belgium Waffle ordered and eaten.

Caught a couple more images, and we head back to cottage to relax before dinner at The Fishwife.

Goodbye Pacific Grove. Time to drive home.

Driving next to us while we wait in traffic. Don’t want to end up like these cars.

Fun getaway. Guess I need to plan some more. Where do you like to go when you have a couple of days?

Another Birthday. Lots of good wishes, emotions and “70”

I’m probably not alone in being emotional when my birthday comes along. This year was an especially difficult one. Not sure if it was because it was the “Big 70”. When I think about my birthday the next day, it is just one more day! Did I have unrealistic expectations? I don’t think so. Or is it the fact that I feel I need to make some decisions, and I am not sure what I want. Do I want to travel? Really? And time marches on. Faster and faster.

Much can be attributed to the very real loss of my darling Libby. When it was apparent that Liberty would not be getting better the very tough decision was made. This has caused me so much sadness. My very first dog, and Libby was such a good girl. The sadness comes over me at different times of the day and night. We didn’t have enough time together. My wise granddaughter told me that Libby was there for me when I was going through the tough times over the past 9 years. And now the tough times will be followed by good times. Libby did her job! And she did it so well. But I do feel a big void coming into my house these days. It can’t be helped.

June is an interesting month to have a birthday. With the start of warm (often hot) weather there is a need to adjust wardrobe, and see what still works after another year. When still in school I can remember having to take finals on my birthday. As a teacher/librarian there was all the rush to conclude the year. Papers to grade, report cards and paperwork to complete, book returns, inventory and budgets. June was a time to end things.

June is also a time to change up the daily schedule. As a mother when June comes around, summer plans all of a sudden must be made. How to keep kids busy. This transition from very busy to leisure time throws me off.

As an adult June can be just another month. Five months into the year so the year 2019 isn’t new any more. Almost halfway through the year.

I noticed more of my contemporaries are talking about “Bucket Lists”. I’m not sure if I ever had one. What do I want to accomplish? Do I need a goal? I know myself, and I am better when I am busy, but not too busy to feel stressed. I think that I will have a plan to do at least one thing daily. This way I won’t let my emotions get the better of me when I have quiet down time to think. Think positive!

I retired in 2005. Fourteen years ago. My husband of 49 years retired in 2009. Ten years ago. I can hardly believe it. With both of us at home it was the right time to add a dog to our home. Best decision for us! Libby was my happy place. Always ready to show us a wag.

I know that I want to have a dog in my life. So I am already thinking about what puppy breed is in our future. I’m thinking of an English Lab (any color but black), Labradoodle, or Lagotto Romagnolo. If I can clarify this decision and find a reputable breeder I “may” be able to wait until spring.

Nature Refreshed

The long wet winter is nearing an end. I am out looking for signs of Spring. Close to my house is the Jensen Botanical Garden. In the fall I brought Libby here to walk along the path. Eucalyptus trees abound, but not much else. This totally changes in the Spring.

It was our first trip out with Libby since she developed a lame back leg. Hard to get her in and out of the car. I bought a set of steps to help, but when I tried tempting her in the house she said, “No way!” With her new Help Em Up harness I was able to get her into the car without picking her up. I was thrilled to be able to get out and about with my Libby. She also developed cabin fever and was happy to find a new place to sniff. Then that morning when she she needed to have her toe amputated. (Refer to previous post – Breakfast Interrupted). Now for the next few weeks we used the steps to get her in and out of the car to visit her Dr. Hart, Dr. Trip and Dr. Faith at Reagor Vet Hospital