One of my favorite flowers

My dtr-in-law, Barb, lets me pick the calla lilies in her garden.  I brought three home today and did some photography (rather than cleaning out the garage).  Tomorrow, I promise, I'll work in the garage.   Meanwhile, I'm posting three calla photos.  And thanks, Barb, it's been a great day!

A few more "abandoned" photos

Horseshoe didn't bring them much luck!   

 

I had  a few minutes tonight to look at more of the photos taken at the abandoned cafe on Hwy 395.  So sad that someone had put so much work, and special touches on these buildings and no one left to use the building.  

Abandoned

South of Lone Pine on
Hwy 395 are many abandoned buildings. If I stopped at all of them, I'd never make it home. I did take time this trip to stop at one. A house, cafe and a few outbuildings. I'm always curious about the story untold -- who built the house, what kind of food was served in the cafe, who put all the creative touches on the buildings. Maybe one day I'll find out, meanwhile I can enjoy the photos.

Reno sunset

My last night in Reno I enjoyed this beautiful sunset.

Butterflies ...

Change of pace from Maui to butterflies.  My grandson, Cole, came for a "sleep-over" at Grandma's house.  We went to the San Diego Zoo Safari Parkthe next morning and saw the terrific Butterfly Exhibit.  I didn't go last year, so this was my first exposure.  I plan on going every year they have this -- an  incredible experience.  Here's a photo of Cole taking a photo of one of the butterflies, then several of my photos of just a few of the different butterflies we saw there.  (All photos taken with iPhone 4s)




If you are near San Diego or even close, this is worthwhile seeing.  Just be sure to get there when the park opens, then go directly to the first stop that gives away the tickets for entry.  It is worth it for sure!  If you are interested, you can see more information regarding the  butterfly exhibit  here.

Wood pile in Hana

Believe it or not, there was a wood pile in the backyard of the house we stayed in in Hana, Maui.  A house without a fireplace, in Hana with a wood pile?   Obviously it hadn't been touched in years.  It was the textures and colors that drew me closer in spite of spider webs & spiders!   

Later that day, we did a history walk about Hana, led by Martha Yacht and Ward Mardfin.  Both are long-time residents in Hana and involved in the Cultural Center.  Ward is writing a book about the history of Hana.  As we were walking through the town we came to a park area with a cooking pit.  They explained about the traditional  pig roasts at celebrations.  I mentioned the wood pile at our house & wondered if it might have been part of that tradition.  They knew the house and original owner and felt that it was a likely explanation.

I like to think this represents a bit of history of Hana.     I like the textures and colors too.

Makena area .. more Maui photographs

We were staying at the Makena Beach & Golf Resort, a lovely hotel right on the beach.  The first photo posted was taken from our breakfast table -- notice I said "from" the table, not of the table.  You would all probably be horrified at the piles of bacon & eggs (well also a lot of fruit, hopefully to balance out the meal).   There was an incredible breakfast buffet available every morning -- an incredible way to start the day.  Special guests included many species of birds, including cardinals.  I left the table one morning to get more fruit & came back to a bird at my spot   ;-)  it was just checking for crumbs.  

The church was just walking distance away.  Services are still held in Hawaiian and English.   Keawala'i Congregational Church was founded in 1832.