Tapirgal's Daily Image

Garibaldi Train Station, Oregon Coast

2012-02-02T09:32:00.000-08:00

Garibaldi, Oregon ~ January 28, 2012

Today's post is a companion to yesterday's post showing the old steam engine on the left.

I especially like this engine which someone saw fit to paint like a Holstein cow. I wonder if it fools anyone?

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Number 90

2012-01-31T15:42:00.000-08:00

Garibaldi, Oregon ~ January 29, 2012

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The Bones of Trees

2012-01-29T09:50:00.000-08:00

Salishan, Siletz Bay, Oregon Coast ~ January 29, 2012

I took this shot from the highway facing toward the ocean. It makes an intriguing scene, and I wonder what the storm must have been like that brought the bones of these trees to the tidal flatlands, or were the trees standing here before the storm?

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

A Thing of the Past

2012-01-12T13:55:00.000-08:00

Belize City, Belize ~ January 30, 2005

United States Embassy

This was our first evening in Belize. We had just landed, found our hotel, and wanted to see the area. As we turned away from the Caribbean to wander the streets, I imagined we would find some local neighborhood color. I didn't imagine until I saw the sign that we would stumble on the U.S. Embassy, so unassuming and unannounced.

When I looked it up online for this post, I learned that the historic building was demolished in 2011. The Colonial-style edifice was originally constructed in New England in 1866, dismantled, and sent to Belize as ballast in the hold of a ship. It began as a private home before the U.S. government bought it in the mid 1930s, and before it was demolished it was the last U.S. Embassy building made of wood still standing in the world. Who knew as we sauntered past it in 2005?

I wish I had a better photo to post, but I took only one. We were at the beginning of a trip where I knew I'd be taking a lot of photos. Remember how conserving we had to be of expensive SD card storage space?

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Harvard Yard

2012-01-10T13:28:00.000-08:00

Harvard Yard, Cambridge, Massachusetts ~ May 5, 2006

Harvard Yard was lovely and peaceful on a pleasant day in May. It was also drenched in history. I wish I'd done more research before going. The town of Cambridge seemed small and quaint, just about perfect for a college town. There was so much history at every turn, much of it buried in the unknowable space beneath the sod, between blades of grass, and behind antique lintels. The yard, the buildings and the town were simply going about business as usual. For some reason I felt that X-ray vision into the past would serve me well here . . . if I had it, of course! In addition, any location made with so many red bricks is compelling to someone who grew up surrounded by ranch-style stucco.

If you are interested in the pros and cons of dusty, old museums, check out my post from yesterday on Tapirs: The Tapir Preservation Fund (TPF). The museum was only a couple of blocks from here.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Big Heads

2012-01-02T11:47:00.000-08:00

Houston, Texas ~ February 4, 2011

There's a factory here that specializes in big heads and occasionally whole bodies. The bewhiskered guy between Reagan and Obama is Martin Van Buren. The ones we saw were mostly U.S. Presidents, but some were not Presidents. The one on the left looks to me like Rock Hudson. Any ideas?

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

An Olive Tree at Monreale

2011-12-21T12:20:00.000-08:00

Monreale Cathedral and Cloisters ~ April 29, 2004

A peaceful olive tree today for Catherine.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

View from Ravello

2011-12-20T13:11:00.000-08:00

Ravello, Italy ~ April 20, 2011

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Christmas Yellow

2011-12-18T12:55:00.000-08:00

Near Tuscon, Arizona ~ December 29, 2004

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Just Because

2011-11-26T18:39:00.000-08:00

Bend, Oregon ~ December 29, 2009

It's been one of those days. I had a long list of things I was looking forward to doing this holiday, this weekend . . . today. But I ended up spending most of my time fiddling with the tools to do the things rather than doing the things. Most of what I picked up wasn't working right. So tonight I'm posting this picture. Every time I look at it I like it . . . "just because."

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Clever

2011-11-23T18:01:00.000-08:00

Chicago ~ April 21, 2005

I'd been trying to figure out why this says "Metra" instead of "Metro" or even "Metropolitain." Then I realized (duh) I could easily look it up. It turns out that Metra is the actual name of the commuter rail division of the Illinois Regional Transportation Authority. Thanks, Wikipedia!

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Christmas Season in the Desert

2011-11-22T17:46:00.000-08:00

Sabino Canyon, Arizona (near Tucson) ~ December 30, 2004

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Inside the Bell Tower at Monreale

2011-11-06T14:09:00.000-08:00

Monreale Cloisters, Sicily ~ April 29, 2004

Francisca, thanks for asking. Here's the bell tower. You can see more of Monreale here. I'll be posting more as time goes on. It was such a romantic place, and one I'd read about for years before seeing it. I only wish I'd had a better camera that trip and taken more photos!

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

On the Way to the Bell Tower

2011-11-05T14:08:00.000-07:00

Monreale Cloisters, Sicily ~ April 29, 2004

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Viewing the Ancient Roman Mosaics

2011-06-21T13:21:00.000-07:00

Villa Romana del Casale near Piazza Armerina, Sicily ~ April 28, 2004

This photo gives some idea of how visitors can view the murals and mosaics up close without damaging them. There appeared to be a thin layer of mud or dirt over most of the flooring, although the few of the images were in more intense colors. The tiger shown in this photo on my Animal Art Along the Way blog is not particularly bright, but the lifelike animal mosaics simply astounded me.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

The Dig at Piazza Armerina

2011-06-20T12:17:00.000-07:00

Villa Romana del Casale near Piazza Armerina, Sicily ~ April 28, 2004

A clear-ceilinged structure covers the most incredible mosaics, still in situ at the Villa Romana del Casale near the present-day hilltop town of Pizza Armerina.

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Big Ben in February

2011-06-16T14:34:00.000-07:00

London, England ~ Febrary 19, 2010

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Somewhere in Sicily

2011-06-02T13:25:00.000-07:00

Near Piazza Armerina, Sicily ~ April 28, 2011

I took this photo between leaving a romantic town at the top of a hill (Piazza Armerina) and our lunch stop at a small tavern in the country, where I had the best-tasting lamb I've ever experienced. I believe the tavern was associated with a town so small it had only one or two streets. I wish I knew the name. We were in Piazza Armerina for only a few hours, most of which were at night, and my photos are few and don't do the place justice. I'll post a few soon, and meanwhile, here it is in all its glory thanks to Google's photo search.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Crater Lake: Blue Water, Twin Trees

2011-05-16T16:23:00.000-07:00

Crater Lake, Oregon ~ May 7, 2005

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Language Lesson with Fruit

2011-05-15T17:44:00.000-07:00

Taormina, Sicily, Italy ~ April 27, 2004

As a magical evening fell, the artificial lighting over the narrow passageway heightened the colors on the left, but what charmed me was the unusual shapes of the lemons. I grew up in Southern California where my family produced citrus, but I'd never seen lemons like this. How do they do it? I loved the lumpy shapes that appeared so exotic. Fruit like this would never have passed muster in an industry where lemons were prized for uniform shapes and sizes so they could be packed and shipped as efficiently as possible. The image of this fruit still brings to me a sense of wonder. The signs in several languages were a bonus for the photo, although I wanted to do exactly what they asked me not to.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

A Street in Ravello

2011-04-17T13:17:00.000-07:00

Ravello, Italy ~ April 22, 2004

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Greeter at the University

2011-04-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

Tucson, Arizona ~ December 27, 2004

University of Arizona

This unusually-shaped cactus stands tall in front of one of the early administration buildings on the campus of the University of Arizona. I don't know the history of this building, but the university was started "in the middle of the desert" in 1885.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Ancient Eyes

2011-03-26T10:59:00.000-07:00

April 18, 2004 ~ Naples, Italy

Naples National Archaeological Museum

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Alligator Snapping Turtle

2011-03-16T13:44:00.000-07:00

Chicago ~ April 22, 2005

Shedd Aquarium

The alligator snapping turtle waits underwater looking like anything but a real animal. It's mouth is wide open, and its specialized tongue tries to make an unwary fish think there is something good to eat inside the jaws. I don't think so! But apparently the trick works. These turtles have been around for a very long time (about 40 million years). This is a small one. They get quite large.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Pretty Plants on Kauai

2011-03-12T13:22:00.000-08:00

Kauai, Hawaii ~ September 25, 2006

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Sacramento Victorian

2011-03-11T10:22:00.000-08:00

Sacramento, California ~ April 6, 2008

This is one of those drive-by captures that I always wish were better quality, but at the same time I'm glad I didn't miss it! Does anyone not love these flamboyant Sacramento Victorians?

For those who missed me, I traveled to California (farther south than this photo) at the end of February, and came back with the worst flu of my life. I'm coming back to "normal" after being down for two weeks, and I feel like blogging again. I missed you all and will be visiting soon!

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

In a Blue Dream

2011-02-18T14:46:00.000-08:00

Bend, Oregon ~ February 7, 2009

Drake Park

See more Weekend Reflections from aound the world.

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The Path to the Mound, Warwick Castle

2011-02-15T10:19:00.000-08:00

Warwick, England ~ February 17, 2010

Warwick Castle

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Leaving Portland: Mt. Hood

2011-02-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

Mt. Hood, Oregon ~ February 3, 2011

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Texas Medical Center from Houston Zoo

2011-02-13T11:04:00.000-08:00

Houston, Texas ~ February 6, 2011

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High Desert, Central Oregon

2011-02-12T00:05:00.000-08:00

Central Oregon ~ July 19, 2007

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The Beer Can House, Houston

2011-02-09T09:30:00.000-08:00

Houston, Texas ~ February 3, 2011

The Beer Can House, 222 Malone Street, Houston, Texas

Barbara took us around to see some of the unique sights of Houston. I had no idea we'd find such bizarre and amusing sights. If you have ever been to Houston and found it uninteresting, or if you've been told that it's boring with nothing to see, I guess you just need a good tour guide. By the way, the downtown area of the city itself is beautiful with fun things to do. The outskirts (miles of them) are just about like any other big city in the U.S.A. If we had seen only that, we might as well have gone to L.A., which is closer. Stay tuned for more pix of surprising Houston.

Detail of the construction. . . . Although many whole beer cans are used in the house, the "fringes" seem to be made of cut cans. You can read more about it on the official Beer Can House web site.

Who would do something like this, you ask? Check it out at http://www.beercanhouse.org/.

For more Houston, check out Houston Daily Photo.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Docks at Manaus Central Market

2011-01-28T16:26:00.000-08:00

Manaus, Brazil ~ April 25, 2007

I posted a photo of boats at the Manaus Central Market docks last year, but that was the "travel brochure" shot. In reality, the docks were fascinating and picturesque, but also hot and littered with garbage. The water is the Amazon River. Here at Manaus, the Rio Negro and the Solimoes join together to form the beginning of what we commonly think of as "The Amazon." The trees we see across the water may indicate the opposite bank, or they may be on a very long island marking part of the channel at this point. The width of the river changes vastly depending on the season, and what were once river banks become islands or are completely submerged. According to Wikipedia, "The width of the Amazon varies between 1.6 and 10 kilometres (0.99 and 6.2 mi) at low stage, but expands during the wet season to 48 kilometres (30 mi) or more." I expect that 30 miles is nearer the mouth of the river, but in any season the Amazon has fewer distinct banks than most rivers. I'll include a few more Amazon photos this weekend.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Monreale Cathedral Cloisters, Sicily

2011-01-26T12:45:00.000-08:00

Monreale, Sicily, Italy ~ April 29, 2004

Monreale Cathedral Cloisters

I seem to be having "Monreale Day" here in Tapirgal's blog world. Please visit two more blogs for more of marvelous Monreale. You can also follow this link to see other posts about Monreale on Tapirgal's Daily Image.

. Animal Art Along the Way

. On the Pavement

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Standing Up Tall

2011-01-25T16:59:00.000-08:00

Cambridge, Massachusetts ~ May 8, 2006

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Hello, Whale!

2011-01-24T12:13:00.000-08:00

Monterey, California ~ June 26, 2005

Monterey Bay Aquarium

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The Scene

2011-01-23T15:22:00.000-08:00

Chicago ~ April 22, 2005

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Caterpillars

2011-01-20T11:43:00.000-08:00

Tacoma, Washington ~ May 22, 2004

Point Defiance Park on Puget Sound

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One More Photo of a Grand Old Lady

2011-01-18T14:18:00.000-08:00

Paris ~ October 16, 2008

This may be one of my last photos in a series paying homage to the landmark building and company that is (or was) La Samaritaine on the bank of the Seine at Pont Neuf. Look at the wonderful detail of the medallions among the gold letters and the way the windows reflect various hues of the sky.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Captain Cook's Monument, Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii

2011-01-17T11:50:00.000-08:00

Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii ~ September 25, 2007

Captain James Cook's plaque can be seen along the far side of the lava rocks in the foreground. This is the stunningly beautiful and now-peaceful bay in which he met his end.

Sorry, I had this one the right way up, and Blogger turned it. I tried a second time and the same thing happened. So as not to be here all day, I'll let you read it sideways. There is also a tall, more imposing monment that I didn't get a photo of. You had to kayak over a ways from where we were. We liked our spot, and we headed back before going to the tall monument.

As the morning advanced, more snorkelers arrived in kayaks . . .

. . . and the tide covered the marker in the rocks beneath the trees.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Friendly Fish

2011-01-15T14:33:00.000-08:00

Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii ~ September 25, 2007

At Captain Cook's Monument

I was mesmerized by the fish at Captain Cook's Monument. We paddled over in kayaks; the water was clear, the setting idyllic, and the fish not as skittish as in some other places. Here's another fish from that day.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Foxglove and Scotch Broom

2011-01-13T19:21:00.000-08:00

Fort Stevens, Oregon ~ June 2, 2007
Coffenbury Lake

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Ancient History: Ruins of the Greek Theatre, Taormina

2011-01-12T12:25:00.000-08:00

Taormina, Sicily ~ April 25, 2004

We were not with the group, but we often found tour groups at locations such as this one. Most of them at this time of year were German groups. Lee would amble in close and learn something; however, not understanding more than a few words of German myself, I either read the book or wandered off to take photos.

If the clouds were not in the way and the picture showed a bit more of the distance, you would see the famous active volcano, Mt. Etna.

Any comments on the photo size? I just enlarged the format, but what I don't want is a blog that takes a long time to load. Let me know, OK? The old pix are the smaller size until I change them.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Woman with Accordion

2011-01-11T15:06:00.000-08:00

Paris ~ October 18, 2008

This goofy scene looks like something you would find inside an historic vaudeville show, not out on the street, but after all, it was Montmartre, and it seems all of Montmartre has become a circus. I didn't know that, because the last time I was there, it was gray, empty, and you could see across the square. I'm not saying it wasn't fun, but it wasn't the Montmartre I remember from previous visits. I think about these things a lot as more and more places become less real and more like Disneyland. But things change. When I was first there - finding something I wanted not to change - it wasn't the Montmartre of Picasso's time, either. In those days, Montmartre was a country village.

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Wailua Falls

2011-01-09T12:16:00.000-08:00

Kaua'i, Hawaii ~ September 21, 2005

Wailua Falls

What you can't see in this photo are the cool Kaua'i chickens that were strutting around on the lookout point. Fortunately, I have one for you in this post.

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Native American Stone Ruins at Tuzigoot

2011-01-07T15:25:00.000-08:00

Tuzigoot National Monument ~ April 2003

Near Clarkdale, Arizona

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Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris

2011-01-05T16:48:00.000-08:00

Paris ~ May 5, 2004

This is one of my excuses for not taking the staircase to the top.

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Greek Ruins at Paestum, Italy

2010-12-31T12:38:00.000-08:00

Paestum, Italy ~ April 23, 2004

I must seriously be dreaming of Italy, since the last three posts have come from an incredible trip taken to Italy and Sicily in 2004.

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Trellises and Stones in Ravello: Villa Rufolo

2010-12-26T20:43:00.000-08:00

Ravello, Italy ~ April 2, 2004

I discovered more information on this blog.

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Lion Fountain

2010-12-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

Rome ~ April 14, 2004

Piazza del Popolo

Fontana dell'Obelisco

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Suspended from School

2010-12-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

Cambridge, Massachusetts ~ May 6, 2006

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

I really don't know why this guy is suspended from the ceiling - or if it is a guy, or if he's real. I only remember that we were visiting my cousin, and since his kids were in the science fair being held at MIT, we met them all there. This was the expansive lobby we walked through to get to the science fair. Oddly, I have no recollection of what this bizarre scene was about!

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Lighthouse in the Trees

2010-12-19T13:07:00.000-08:00

Olympic Peninsula, Washington ~

January 18, 2003

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Sacramento: Breakfast on the Water

2010-12-17T15:18:00.000-08:00

Sacramento, California ~ April 6, 2008

We had brunch in the building with wrap-around windows just in front of the bridge pier. It was tasty, healthy food, good company, and an interesting view. A nice, lazy morning.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Ornate Tile in the Train Station

2010-12-15T23:10:00.000-08:00

San Diego, California ~ November 5, 2009

Sadly, this isn't a better photo, but it's the only one I took showing the ornate tile inside the Santa Fe Train Station in San Diego.

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An Old Church in Central Oxford

2010-12-14T21:34:00.000-08:00

Oxford, England ~ February 18, 2010

Parish Church of St. Mary Magdalen

This is a more typical view of the church I gave a glimpse of in this post. It was a delight to stumble across this Gothic relic (actually much used, but looking like a relic) after passing through streets of more modern shops and famous big buildings.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

A Treasure Trove of Ancient Art

2010-12-13T15:11:00.000-08:00

Naples, Italy ~ April 18, 2004

Naples National Archaeologicl Museum

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Welcome to a Park Called "Friendship"

2010-12-12T15:59:00.000-08:00

Panama ~ January 11, 2006

La Amistad International Park

La Amisad International Park is a World Heritage site, home to critiacally-endangered wildlife (including Baird's tapirs) and situated on the boundary between Costa Rica and Panama. We visited the Panamanian side and took an easy hiking trail through the magnificent rainforest. Animals were scarce here, but majestic and fascinating plants flavored our visit.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Portland: Pioneer Square

2010-12-11T19:37:00.000-08:00

Portland, Oregon ~ August 7, 2010

Pioneer Square

Only yards from the scene of a

November 2010 controversial terrorist bombing plot

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Portland: An Odd Monument

2010-12-08T23:50:00.000-08:00

Portland, Oregon ~ May 3, 2009

This odd and interesting stone sculpture can be found at Union Station in Portland. It doesn't really have a lamp sticking out of the top, but I couldn't find a good angle from this side.

It looks more integrated from this side. I don't know what the building is on the other side of the intersection, but the stonework, arches and trees make a nice backdrop. I like it, and I won't say what I think it looks like. I wonder if that's what was intended? (Aha! It was meant to be a cairn, so says the sculptor.)

After posting another photo of Portland two days ago and two of Gaeta, Italy here and here, I thought I might try some theme weeks on Tapirgal's Daily and see what happens. I don't know that they will really be weeks, but I think I'll post a few more pix of Portland over the next few days to give more than just one random image at a time. What do you think?

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

A Boring Shopping Center Made Pretty by Spring

2010-12-06T23:47:00.000-08:00

Portland, Oregon ~ April 7, 2005

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Reflections in the Vatican Garden

2010-12-05T11:10:00.000-08:00

Vatican City ~ April 15, 2004

See more Weekend Reflections

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Sunset on the Seine

2010-12-03T11:34:00.000-08:00

Paris ~ May 2, 2004

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Gaeta, Italy: A Window in Stone

2010-12-02T13:41:00.000-08:00

Gaeta, Italy ~ April 17, 2004

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Gaeta, Italy: Navigator's Monument

2010-11-28T12:15:00.000-08:00

Gaeta, Italy ~ April 17, 2004

We stopped in Gaeta, simply a promontory on the map, because we wanted to stretch our legs and we were hungry. As it turned out, we could hardly have chosen a more picturesque place. Above, you get a better view of the harbor. Below is a better exposure of the monument. Giovanni Cabota is known to the English-speaking world as John Cabot, and Gaeta is one of the two places that may have been his birthplace. The other candidate is Castiglione Chiavarese.

Click the photo to enlarge, then click again.

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Mural and Wrought Iron: La Samaritaine, Paris

2010-11-27T11:35:00.000-08:00

Paris ~ May 4, 2005

Art Nouveau design inside La Samaritaine department store

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Sabino Canyon after Rain

2010-11-26T13:14:00.000-08:00

Sabino Canyon, Arizona ~ December 30, 2004

Here is another photo from the same hike. It had rained hard all night, and the day was beautiful and perfect for hiking.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Garden and Fortress

2010-11-25T23:00:00.000-08:00

Vatican City ~ April 15, 2004

Gardens of the Vatican

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Segways in the Rain

2010-11-22T21:25:00.000-08:00

Chicago ~ April 22, 2005

Just outside Shedd Aquarium

I've just been talking to someone who took Segway tours in Paris and other cities in Europe this summer. He said that in Italy, they didn't take tours, but you could rent Segways in many towns. This may be fun when your feet get tired. I'd love to try it! I'm clearly behind the times, because this photo was taken in 2005. I've never been on one. Have you?

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Made for Reflecting

2010-11-21T11:51:00.000-08:00

Tacoma, Washington ~ May 22, 2005

Tacoma Art Museum

Weekend Reflections

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Ornate Doors in Paris

2010-11-18T10:27:00.000-08:00

Paris ~ May 5, 2004

West Doors of Notre Dame Cathedral

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South Junction Without the Train

2010-11-17T11:37:00.000-08:00

South Junction, Oregon ~ June 2, 2005

This is the railroad bed, site of two earlier posts (here) and (here) with the train. I love this wild landscape, I love trains, and there's a scenic river down the grade where people sometimes think they're going to catch a fish or two.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Snow on Bricks

2010-11-16T14:49:00.000-08:00

Bend, Oregon ~ December 28, 2009

No tweaking here - the colors of the day desaturated the photo.

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Charlie Musselwhite, Portland

2010-11-15T09:17:00.000-08:00

Portland, Oregon ~ July 1, 2005

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A Lion on the Door, Basilica of Sacre Coeur

2010-11-14T15:10:00.000-08:00

Paris ~ October 18, 2008

A door of the Basilica of Sacre Coeur

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Shaggy Cows

2010-11-13T11:06:00.000-08:00

Washington ~ January 25, 2010

Along the I-5 Corridor near Battle Ground

I got a nice close-up view of the bucolic scenery along I-5 when I had to walk to get a gas can while my passenger was hitching to the airport. Francisca may remember this. I was so embarrassed, but it was a pleasant walk on a sunny winter day. I'm glad it wasn't pouring rain, and a Good Samaritan not only got her there on time, but came back to make sure I was OK!

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

In the Meadow

2010-11-12T16:29:00.000-08:00

Near Crater Lake, Oregon ~ May 7, 2005

Weekend Reflections

When we found Crater Lake still packed with snow, we took a few photos and came down to lower ground. Here the walking was easier without snow gear, and the water was clear as crystal.

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Imposing

2010-11-11T14:18:00.000-08:00

Port Townsend, Washington ~ September 21, 2003

Jefferson County Courthouse

Looking more like something designed by Louis Sullivan for construction in Chicago, this imposing Romanesque building cannot help but catch one's attention as they pass by. When I looked it up online, I found Stan Rule's blog, which in turn links to a PDF file about the building's history. (Gotta love the Web, yes?) You might also enjoy Port Townsend Daily Photo.

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Whales in the Swimming Pool

2010-11-10T08:59:00.000-08:00

Maui, Hawaii ~ May 7, 2010

Outrigger Napili Shores Resort

This mosaic of mama humpback and her baby added a lot to the poolside effect for me. I didn't go in the pool, so this is as close as I got. I spent my time chasing fish with a camera in the ocean instead.

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Man and Nature

2010-11-09T13:39:00.000-08:00

New York ~ May 6, 2009

Central Park

Primordial glacially-scoured bedrock coexists in harmony with the designing hand of humans in and around Central Park. This, I think, is part of the fascination.

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The Best "Fall Colors House"

2010-11-08T12:21:00.000-08:00

Bend, Oregon ~ November 6, 2010

As Lee and I were driving to Starbucks, this gorgeous vision caught both of us by surprise. I drove around the block and walked alongside the house to various angles. This shot is the only one that even marginally captures the glowing brilliance of this yellow house in the glow of the golden leaves. At times like this you want to just ditch the camera and bathe yourself in the awesome perfection of the moment. There was even a comfy fall cat sitting on the porch wall.

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I Love Eels

2010-11-07T20:34:00.000-08:00

Chicago ~ April 22, 2005

Fire eels (Mastacembelus erythrotaenia) at the

Shedd Aquarium

As the title says, I love eels, and fire eels are among my favorite. I think of this species as small, because most of my experience with them has been in smaller home or pet store fish tanks. These two were probably between 12 and 18 inches long when I saw them at the Shedd Aquarium (maybe longer, it's hard to remember), but I've just learned that 3 feet is not an unusual size for a fire eel if your tank is big enough. The Aquatic Community web site says fire eels can be found in "floods and streams in India, Borneo, Malaysia, Sumatra, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Burma (Myanmar). The Fire eel has an elongated body that can reach a length of 100 centimeters (40 inches) in the wild." The ones in fish tanks tend to be shy and they don't bite. I wonder about the big ones. . . .

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Remembering Jimi Hendrix at the Woodland Park Zoo

2010-11-04T10:17:00.000-07:00

Seattle, Washington ~ May 5, 2008

It seems to me that zoos have become more and more eclectic over the years, and some of the fascinating things you find there are not only about animals in cages. Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle has this memorial to one of the world's most incredible and best-remembered guitar artists on an aggregate rock near some bird exhibits. Jimi Hendrix was born in Seattle. There's also a famous memorial to him there that I haven't visited.

I took this photo within the same minute as the picture above, so it has to be here, but I can't remember now exactly where the star is located. I seem to remember that the reason I didn't photograph it so it could be seen in situ is that the girl in pink pants may be sitting on it. I think it's nice that this memorial is integrated with the play and viewing area. You come upon it completely by accident, and think, "Oh yeah, Jimi Hendrix! Cool."

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Mt. Hood Dressed for October

2010-11-01T11:35:00.001-07:00

Mt. Hood, Oregon ~ October 14, 2004

I always like taking pictures of this mountain, and it's a challenge from a moving car. It pops into view for just a second or two and then it's gone. It pops up above the trees again and is gone again. You never get a protracted view with a good camera angle. So, if you don't stop, you often don't get the photo. Since this is the route we usually take between Astoria and Bend, it's a view I've seen many, many times. It's easy to forget to stop and enjoy it. This view is facing approximately east - going from Astoria/Portland over the pass and into the high desert. Early October is often the time with the least snow and the smallest glaciers. Already this year (2010; note that the photo is 2004) it's dumped snow at least once or twice, changing the face of the mountain, getting ready for winter and all those who come to play in the snow (ski, snowboard, hang out at the lodge). Click on the Mt. Hood link below for more pictures of this inactive volcano.

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Chicago School, 1893

2010-10-31T09:10:00.000-07:00

Chicago ~ April 22, 2005

Weekend Reflections

I don't know if it would be easier to learn in a school like this, but I'll bet it would be a more inspirational way to start the day than the ugly Bauhaus-looking school I attended in Southern California. I think I would imagine that it was a museum with all kinds of esoteric information inside rather than the characterless and forbidding facade of my school that made me want to run away and retrieve my sense of self.

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Bench Mysteries of Oxford

2010-10-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Oxford, England ~ February 18, 2010

I'm convinced that these modern-looking benches were made just to confuse people like me. Alternating with the ones that look like rolltop desks (above) are flat benches like the ones below. The curved benches were obviously quite wet, or I would have tried them to see if they're comfortable. Any clues?

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Pink Flowers at the Zoo

2010-10-28T09:38:00.000-07:00

Sorocaba, Brazil ~ April 18, 2007

Outside the Cafeteria

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Mountain Meadows and Lilly Pads

2010-10-27T10:59:00.000-07:00

Near Bend, Oregon ~ June 7, 2009

We had driven outside of Bend into the mountains, but I don't remember the name of this nearly-pristine location. The air was crisp and clear and whistled gently through the trees as it can only in forested meadows betweent the high peaks.

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Gryphons on a Stone Shield

2010-10-25T17:03:00.000-07:00

St-Denis, France ~ October 15, 2008

St-Denis Basilica

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Yellowtail Coris, Hawaii

2010-10-25T16:20:00.001-07:00

Hawaii ~ September 25, 2007

Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook's Monument)

Usually it's nice when the fish cooperates and gives you a fish-like profile, but in this photo I was happy get some of the brilliant blue spots and the flowerlike tail.

By the way, for any of you who enjoyed my "On the Pavement" blog, I merged it with "Tapirgal's Daily Image" last night. All of the photos and comments are here. I'll be including "pavement" photos among the other posts.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Purple and Gold Chihuly

2010-10-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

Tacoma, Washington ~ May 21, 2004

Dale Chihuly Art, Bridge of Glass

Weekend Reflections

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A Kitty at the Kite Festival

2010-10-23T05:30:00.000-07:00

Long Beach, Washington ~ August 24, 2003

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The Other Direction

2010-10-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

South Junction, Central Oregon ~ June 2, 2005

This picture is a companion to yesterday's photo. I was standing in just about the same spot, facing the other direction. I like the way the car blurred at the right of the photo.

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Displacement

2010-10-21T23:30:00.000-07:00

Astoria, Oregon ~ March 27, 2010

Outside the Flavel House on Duane Avenue

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Train at South Junction

2010-10-21T10:20:00.000-07:00

South Junction, Central Oregon ~ June 2, 2005

There's nothing like being right up close when they come rumbling and screeching through. In this case, you can't see the scenery, but the wild and daunting Deschutes River lies at the bottom of a slope on the right. This photo is also dedicated, and you know who you are.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.