Frankfurt

Frankfurt from the air.

Mind Over Matter, Ant Style

Ant pulling a piece of chocolate cake that is bigger than he is, Vernegues, France. This little ant has figured out that, if he tries hard enough and really sets his mind to it, life can truly be all sweets and chocolate. Ah, but the ants have no bread you say. They are hungry... "Let them eat cake." Chocolate cake, at that!

Charlotte Framboise

Charlotte Framboise in the display case at the bakery/patisserie in Lauris, France. Just in case you feel the urge to make one of these or some facsimile thereof, here's a recipe.

Fresh Cherries

Eating cherries right off the tree at a friend's place in Lamanon, France.

The Cannibalistic Cattle Egret

Cattle Egret, Bubulcus ibis, stealing a chick, Parc Ornithologique, France. I had the camera focused on a little patch of ground out of a blind when this egret dashed by with a chick, apparently dead, in his beak. Who would have thought Egrets were cannibalistic?

Speckled Wood Butterfly, Pararge aegeria

Speckled Wood Butterfly, Pararge aegeria, in Vernegues, France. The wing spots are apparently to cause predating birds to go after the edge of the wings, distracting them from the soft body within.

Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly, Aglais urticae

Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly, Aglais urticae, high on the slopes of Mont Ventoux, France. There were a lot of these beautiful Tortoiseshell butterflies; however,they would typically close their wings for better camoflage when they landed. I finally found one with his wings open, as shown in this shot.
This beautiful butterfly is found throughout Europe, Asia, Siberia, China, Mongolia, Korea and Japan. It's larvae apparently feed on stinging nettles in at least part of its range.

Green Scarab Beetle, Chiloloba acuta, in Vernegues, France

Green Scarab Beetle, Chiloloba acuta, munching on a fresh rose flower in Vernegues, France. I would check the roses every morning to see what new critters the floribunda roses had attracted for me to photograph! I was never disappointed! Ironically, it was just this one particular floribunda rose bush. Perhaps it was the fragrance that attracted the insects. In any case, the large-flowered hybrid tea roses did not get anywhere near as much insect traffic. Now for the really mind-boggling part. The amazing, glossy green color results, not from green pigment, but from the prismatic microstructure in layers of chitin in the beetles outer shell. The beetle is essentially a glossy green mirror. Thus, while normal organic pigments would fade over time and exposure to the sun, the prismatic green of the scarab beetles is remarkably durable.

Adonis Blue Butterfly, Lysandra bellargus

Adonis Blue Butterfly, Lysandra bellargus, on wildflowers high up in the hills above the source of the Vacluse spring waters, Vacluse, France.

Yellow form of California Poppy

California Poppy (yellow form), Eschscholzia californica aurea, blooming in a Vernegues garden. These plants faithfully open in the morning and then close for the evening. In milder climates, they are perrenial, coming back year after year. Most are a dark orange; however, this one, out of a seed mix in France, came out yellow.

Vernegues Goat Farm

Goats at the Verneques Goat Farm. These adorable and friendly little goats are the source of some of the most wonderful goat cheese. They come right up to the fence, extending their necks through the fence, for you to pet and rub them.

The Mighty Ragodin!

Ragodin (French), Coypu (native name in South America), or Myocastor coypus (Latin name) at the Parc Ornithologique at the Camague, France. These beaverlike rodents have become quite numerous in the Camague where they are becoming a bit of a pest, as they eat the native vegetation with abandon. They are easly detected by their large tunnels through the foliage and mud. They were originally brought to Europe for fur farming and have since naturalized into the Camague (as well as in Louisiana, apparently). Care to wear a Ragodin coat, my dear?

Wild Daffodils in France

Double Bloom on a Wild Daffodil, Narcissus poeticus, in a medium-sized colony growing in the middle of a meadow high up on Mont Ventoux, France. The same meadow is used as a ski run in the Winter while in summer it is covered in yellow buttercups (not shown).

Northern Gannet, Morus bassanus

Northern Gannets, Morus bassanus, with chick(s) (second not shown), at Carry le Rouet, France. While Northern Gannets range south to the Mediterranean, they normally nest far to the North, for example, on the rugged coasts of Britain, Ireland and Quebec. These chose to nest in a pile of old fishing rope near the dock in Carry le Rouet along the Mediterranean, a rare sight indeed.

Gordes, France and Apricot Ice Cream

Gordes, France, in the department of Vaucluse. We stopped by Gordes, a city high up on a cliff, on the way back from the Fontaine de Vaucluse, a huge natural spring. The the steep cobblestone streets criss cross the city through narrow alleyways with the occasional small car traversing them. The city is full of art museums, art shops, restaurants and various eateries (bakeries, ice cream shops, sandwich shops, etc.). Of course, we had to partake. Notably, there was a little ice cream shop in an alleyway that had the most flavorful apricot ice cream! Click here for an Apricot Ice Cream Recipe

Epipactis helleborine in Vernegues, France

Epipactis helleborine, growing alongside the road in Vernegues, France. I was literally lying along the side of the road to get this shot, hoping that nobody would roll me over (I was wearing blue after all). As it was a cloudy day, this was taken with a flash. These are one of the more common wild orchids in the Mediterranean region; however, they come in all sorts of variations. The color varies from green and white to nearly red. They also vary from quite cuppy to nearly flat. The leaves vary from heart shaped to more lanceolate. The blooming plants also vary in height from about 2 inches tall to about 2 feet tall. It's a lot of fun to see all the genetic variation and luckily for me, they bloom in late May. The ones closer to the road, i.e. those getting more sun, tend to bloom sooner.

Nostradamus' Tomb

Nostradamus' Tomb in the Church of the Cordeliers of Salon, Salon de Provence, France. A very nice lady gave us a tour of the Church including Nostradamus' Tomb. She noted that only some of Nostradamus' bones were in the tomb. Apparently, were moved twice, the first time by the mayor (to a larger more prominent crypt) and the second time, by soldiers in the revolution. She claimed that both the mayor and the soldiers died shortly after moving the body. She also claimed that superstitious peasants had stolens some of the remains and hidden the bones, fearing that Nostradamus was a sorcerer, thereby explaining why only some of the bones are in the tomb. A quick search of the internet came up with the following Nostradamus quote. In Century 9, Quatrain 7, Nostradamus predicted: The man who opens the tomb when it is found And who does not close it at once, Evil will come to him That no one will be able to prove. Notably, the tomb is now securely placed within the very thick stone walls of the church.

Centauree de Salonique, Centaurea salonitana

Centauree de Salonique, Centaurea salonitana, Vernegues, France. These little thistle-like plants remind me of a dandelion flower glued on top of a spiny artichoke. They have a unique charm with lots of texture to photograph. These were blooming in a nearby field and are native to the central Mediterranean region. I'm guessing they were named after Salon de Provence.

Chateau de Lourmarin

Chateau de Lourmarin, Lourmarin, France. This is on of the better preserved, large chateaus. Many of the older chateaus are now owned by the the government in France, who has both preserved the culture and history associated with them and also filled much of the space with a wonderful assortment of art shops, music schools and museums.

Maison Aubert

Maison Aubert in the town of Lauris, France. It is now home to les Terrasses du Chateau, including many art stores, the Jardin Conservatoire des plants tinctoriales,and the Joseph Francois Granier Ecole de Musique (Music School).

Wild Orchids! Anacamptis pyramidalis (formerly Orchis pyramidalis)

Anacamptis pyramidalis blooming along the path at the Parc Ornithologique in La Camargue, France. This orchid has evolved to be pollianted by butterflies and moths in the family Lepidoptera (scaled winged butterflies and moths). It is native to the Mediteranean region. On the same day, I saw another 6 A. pyramidalis blooming in a sunny, grassy meadow just off the path (at approx. sea level). The prior day, I saw one blooming in a mountain meadow under pines at about 1000 feet. It appears to be a fairly adaptable and widespread orchid.

White Stork, Circonia ciconia

White Stork, Ciconia ciconia, with chicks, La Camargue, Bouche de Rhone, France. These are native to Europe and Africa, with much of the Mediteranean population Wintering in Africa. Eggs typically hatch in about a month and fledglings leave the nest within another two months. This is the same stork that is portrayed carrying in new children in North America (where it ironically it is not native). It is considered good luck to have a stork nest on your roof by many.

Spider in the Garden, Vernegues, France

A spider in the garden in Vernegues, France. It's a tiny spider, about the size of your finger nail on your pinkie finger. The challenge is getting both the sunlight on the web and the detail on the spider at the same time. Tough shot; however, the model wasn't moving so there was time to experiment. How would you snap that shot?

Sausset-les-pins

Big homes along the ocean at Sausset-les-pins, France.

If You Can't Beat Them Join Them?

A full sized street sign on one of the traffic circles in Marignane, France, announcing that McDonald's was selling McBaguettes! In Hawaii they sell Saimin noodles so why not burgers on baguettes in France? Admittedly, it did not lure me in although it did trigger some curiosity.

Limenitis reducta, Southern White Admirial , or Le Sylvain Azure

Limenitis reducta, the Southern White Admirial or Le Sylvain azuré. Sometimes, if you wait, they will come. This butterfly started fluttering around me and then landed on my leg/sock, eventually moving onto my leg.

Veronica polita, Veronique luisante

Veronica polita, Grey Field Speedwell, (in French:) Veronique luisante. This was a volunteer brought in by the birds in the garden. Blue is such an uncommon color in nature that I could not resist snapping a picture. The whole area is awash in wildflowers, likely as a result of the Spring rains.— in Vernègues.

Marseilles, France

Marseilles, France, from the air on a beautiful, sunny day.

Hot Pink Epiphyllum

I purchased this one as Epiphyllum Clarence Wright; however, as Clarence Wright is yellow, it's just another gorgeous, hot pink Epi, here blooming for me for the first time (and what a sight it is!).

Annular Solar Eclipse, San Diego, May 20, 2012, 7:43pm

Annular Solar Eclipse, San Diego, California, May 20, 2012, 7:43pm. An annular solar eclipse is where the sun is only partly blocked by the moon, its light showing around the edges of the moon. This was shot with the 500mm lens and tripod. I'm thinking, in hindsight, that a polarizer would have been a nice touch...

Vibrant, Easy Growing Fun: Epiphyllum Telstar

Epiphyllum Telstar is a gorgeous orange with fuschia overtones! They don't get much better than this. A really good grower with HUGE flowers.

The Madagascan Ocotillo: One Spiny Beast!

Alluaudia procera, commonly called the Madagascar Ocotillo, looks, particularly when younger, like an Ocotillo (commonly found in Southwestern United States deserts). It is not, however, closely related to Ocotillo plants at all and is actually in the plant family Didiereaceae,consisting of just eleven species all found in the Southwestern part of Madagascar. They also appear to be related to the portulaca (Portulacaceae) family.

Snowy White Echinopsis

White Echinopsis species. Another easy grower and bloomer, forming nice clumps and blooming profusely in the Spring.

One of the Most Vibrant Epiphyllums!

Epiphyllum Cadet. This has long been one of my favorite Epiphyllums for it's brilliant, glossy, glowing flowers. It's a great bloomer and a beast of a grower. They don't get much better than this!

Epiphyllum Midnight: A Pinwheel of Color

Epiphyllum Midnight, blooming in the back yard. I really enjoy Epi. Midnight for it's vibrant, picotee petals that remind me of a pinwheel of color! It's a good grower and a reliable bloomer.

May is Prime Epiphyllum Season

Epiphyllum Soft Lights blooming in the back yard. The yard is full of Epiphyllym blooms at the moment in shades of vibrant red, purple, yellow, orange and peach! They put on quite the show every year around Mother's day. They're easy to care for, needing only filtered sun, moderate warmth (keep them above freezing) and occasional water and they reward you with the most vibrant, magnificent blooms! They also propagate by cutting, making them great for multiplying or for giving away as gifts.

Echinopsis Bloom Fest!

Echinopsis (oxygona?) in full bloom. My little Echinopsis had over 20 huge flowers this year! What a display. I must be doing something right.

Cymbidium Sweet Devon 'Arnie' AM/AOS

Cymbidium Sweet Devon 'Arnie' AM/AOS, Cymbidium suave x Cymbidium devonianum. This orchid, blooming now, is covered with over a thousand flowers on beautiful, pendant spikes.

Matilija Poppy, Romneya coulteri

Matilija Poppy, Romneya coulteri. These wonderful, HUGE poppys have flowers the size of platters. They are California natives but are not particularly common, probably because the seed pods have evolved to need fire to trigger them to burst open and disperse the seed. This one is blooming in the back yard.

Happy Mother's Day!

To my very special Mom and to all the other wonderful mom's out there, here's to wishing you the very best Mother's Day possible!

Bifrenaria harrisoniae 'Ruth' AM/AOS

Bifrenaria harrisoniae 'Ruth' AM/AOS. This fragrant beauty is native to Coastal Brazil and appreciates a drier Winter rest prior to blooming and putting out new growths in the Spring.

Stanhopea jenischiana

Stanhopea jenischiana, blooming in the backyard. These wonderful, waxy, fragrant orchids hail from Venezuela, Ecuador, Columbia and Peru and are fairly cool tolerant, growing outdoors in Southern California (although they prefer a nice warm greenhouse where they will grow into a specimen plant quite easily).

Epiphyllum Radiant Fire

Epiphyllum Radiant Fire with a little guest munching on pollen. This is one of my favorites.

Epiphyllum Grazie Bear (unreg)

Epiphyllum Grazie Bear (unreg.). This is the result of Wayne Grazio's experiment rubbing a yellow and a white Epiphyllum flower together. It's been a few years getting this to bloom but here it is in all its glory. Meanwhile, the back yard is awash in Epiphyllum flowers! Wow. More pictures later.

New White Sand for Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Sand Replenishment Barge. The Department of Land and Natural Resources was operating a barge off of Waikiki's Kuhio Beach to dredge deeper water sand deposits to replenish the sand along Kuhio/Waikiki Beach, eroded over the years, to 1985 levels. I will note, however, that the water was rather silty, even all the way down at Queen's Surf and it seemed to me anyhow, to be silting over the coral, causing coral death except in areas protected from the direct deposit of silt. I further suspect that the silty dredged sand will continue to release silt onto the coral for years to come, through ongoing wave action and erosion. It seems a bit sad to introduce a new source of silt just as the coral was starting to grow back after years of damaging runnoff. Thus, even though there is much less open site construction in Honolulu these days, leading to reduced levels of silt, the dredging may have more than compensated.

American Orchid Society San Diego May Judging Results

Galeopetalum Ink Spot ‘Feuerbach’ AM/AOS

Cattleya (Laelia) sincorana ‘Harald’ HCC/AOS

Paphiopedilum philippinense ’Tyrone’ HCC/AOS

Rodrumnia Orchidom Lovely Lady HCC/AOS

Phragmipedium Haraldeen Quintal ‘La Jolla’ HCC/AOS

Phal Lioulin Goldfinch HCC/AOS