Thursday, October 24, 2013

After we spent about a week in the San Diego area we drove up to Monterey Bay in California.  We have been there before but it has been years.  There is so much natural beauty in the town of Monterey and surrounding area including the rocky beaches and wildlife.  We took a lot of pictures and here are just a few.

People Enjoying the Walkways of Monterey Bay


Sail Boats on Monterey Bay


Colorful Grass and Rocks on Monterey Bay


Beautiful Trees and Colorful Grass by the Shores of Monterey Bay


Bird on the Shores of Monterey Bay


Me by Monterey Bay


Bob on Monterey Bay


Colorful Rocks on Beach of Monterey Bay and Wildllife


Rocks on the Shores of Monterey Bay


Rocks and Waves on the Shores of Monterey Bay.


Deer in the Town of Monterey

These deer ran out in front of us as we were driving through the town of Monterey Cl.

Monterey Bay Aquarium


Monterey Canning Co.


By the Shores of Monterey Ca.


Tuesday, October 22, 2013

I am pausing from the pictures of our month long road trip to see what has been happening on the home front.  As always, there is a lot going on.

Austin Celebrated His 15th Birthday


Peyton Went to Homecoming with Jordan


Brooke Went to HomeComing

Texas has a tradition of wearing Mums for homecoming.  I think Joy made these.  Since then Brooke has a new boyfriend so I am just showing part of the picture as to display the mums.  

Angie and Brent Celebrated their 12th Anniversary in October


Our Son-in-Law Bennie Had a Birthday in September

I won't say his age but it was one of those birthdays where they get out the black balloons.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Balboa Park, full of beautiful gardens and Spanish style buildings has many museums of all types.  We visited four art museums.  One would need to spend several days touring that area.  I would have loved to have had more time.  If I lived there it would be a place I would frequent.  It was lovely and fascinating. Enjoy just a few images below.

Gardens in Balboa Park in San Diego

Sculpture in Museum in Balboa Park, San Diego


Fun Animal Sculptures at Museum in Balboa Park in San Diego

Glass Birds in Balboa Park Art Museum


Artful Animals in Balboa Park Art Museum


Glass Art in Balboa Park Art Museum


Fountains at Balboa Park in San Diego


Beautiful Building in Balboa Park, in San Diego


Friday, October 11, 2013

The day after we went to the San Diego Safari we visited the San Diego Zoo.  It is an amazing zoo.  There is only one warning to those who have never been there but plan to go sometime.  That is, if you have any issues walking it is a tough terrain. There are very steep hills all over the park. There is a buss but you still have to walk far to get to it in various areas.

Below are just a few of my favorite photos.

Koala Bear at the San Diego Zoo

Bird at San Diego Zoo

I Can't remember the name of this bird but I was struck by the colors and texture in the eye area.  It almost does not look real.

Panda at the San Diego Zoo


Panda from the San Diego Zoo (head shot)


Pink Flamingos in the San Diego Zoo


"Let Me Think About It" Urangatang From the San Diego Zoo


Urangatang from the San Diego Zoo

This guy has such unique colors that I am thinking he might make a cool subject for a painting.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

We spent a day at the San Diego Safari which is about 20 miles north of the city.  All animals in their natural settings can be  seen on a train ride through the park.  Our guide was very informative.  They have a huge breeding program. I was so impressed with the work they do there.

Cheetah in the San Diego Safari, my second to favorite animal.


My favorite animal in the San Diego Safari


Giraffes at San Diego Safari


Rhinoceros at San Diego Safari


Zebras at San Diego Safari


Elephants at San Diego Safari

Flamingos on a pond at San Diego Safari

The reason flamingos are pink is because of what they eat.  The pink usually comes from their diet of algae and crustaceans that contain pigments called carotenoids. I am not sure what these flamingos have been  eating but they are not very pink.

Flamingos at the San Diego Safari