Central California

     We drive Interstate Highway 5 (I 5) from the Center of California to Oregon many times a year.  Nearly every time I drive it, the surroundings look different. The change of season, the amount of water, the way the light falls - each changes the look of the valley.  This is the most productive valley in the world.  The photo above was taken last week as we drove north. The almond trees are in bloom. In bloom too are the red-bud and thousands of daffodils planted along the freeway. With a little more sun, the California poppies will be out. Then, with the heat, the grasses along the road will go from green to gold. Photo with my cell phone in a car doing 70 mph.

Florence, Italy -Leather goods workshop

      At one of the cathedrals in Florence, there is a workshop and training area for leather workers. The goods are for sale and money goes to the apprentices and craftsmen. It is a surprise visit and an interesting one in  city known for its leather. The photo above is taken from a breezeway between the cathedral and the shop. It is a pretty courtyard, like many in Florence. But, you can see that it gets warm for the leather workers. Note the air conditioners placed in the old wall. I thought about buying a wallet, but they were expensive and real Florentine. Wallets marked "Florence" at the street vendors, which may in fact be crafted in India or China, are much cheaper.

St. Martin in the Fields, London

     We nearly always go to church on our trips. It is not only a way to worship, it allows us to meet other people with which we have something in common. One place to which we have returned is St. Martin in the Fields on Trafalgar Square in the London. Great people and good music and a place for lunch in the crypt  downstairs.

La Mancha, Spain

A favorite photo. La Mancha in the fall. 

Clonmacnoise: Remembering Ireland

Clonmacnoise is an ancient monastic site near Shannonbridge, County Offaly.

Our visit was part of driving along the Shannon River toward Trim from Galway. 

This is ancient Ireland at its best. If you come for beer stay in Dublin.

Cahir Castle: Remembering Ireland

     Cahir Castle is one of Ireland's largest and best preserved castles and a surprise, at least for me, as I had only read a little about it.  South of the Rock of Cashel on the way to Lismore it is a great visit. Maybe due to the lack of publicity, it is not crowded and gives visitors room to roam in and outside. This may be one of my favorite "ahas" in Ireland.

Almost St. Patrick's Day: View from the Rock of Cashel

There are plenty of new buildings in Ireland, but for many of us from the United States

where our history is only two hundred years, the old buildings and ancient

ruins are most fascinating.  This is the view looking from the Rock of Cashel.