Aloha Oukou

June 26, 2012 • Leave a Comment


Ko Olina ~ Place of Joy

Our short term assignment on O'ahu certainly balances out the assignment in Turkmenistan from years ago. Although each experience has enriched our lives, Hawaii has a visual, sensual beauty that captures your attention on so many levels.
Our apartment is located on the dry leeward side of the island, yet only 1/2 mile from the beach area called Ko Olina. The resort community is built around four spectacular lagoons connected by a walking path and park environment where local families and tourists mingle on sandy beaches. King Kamehameha's favorite wife, Queen Ka'ahumanu, is said to have enjoyed bathing in the natural coves along the shoreline.
Although I've only just arrived, we have had time to explore the island, mostly just scratching the surface. I am enraptured to discover the rest.


One of the legendary North Shore beaches, where the winter waves draw surfers from around the world


Hau"Ula Church 1843


Ko Olina Lagoon


Hanauma Bay

Plumeria have to be the most beautiful flowers in the world!


They are certainly the most aromatic

Longwood Gardens

June 13, 2012 • Leave a Comment

"The love of gardening is a seed once sown that never dies." -- Gertrude Jekyll

I recently spent a morning with some dear photography friends, including my brother, at Longwood Gardens nestled in the historic Brandywine Valley. From a Quaker Meeting House, to a role in the Underground Railroad, to a weekend residence of Pierre du Pont, Longwood Gardens now is one of the great gardens of the world, with a 4 acre Conservatory to over one thousand acres of beautiful outdoor gardens and fountains. Although the gardens receive more than 70 MILLION! visitors a year it is still a place to lose yourself in nature.

All of these images were taken and processed using my iPhone.

Return to Delmarva

June 11, 2012 • Leave a Comment


Fields of Gold

A few days spent along the Carolina low country before heading north again to our home in Delaware. After crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, a 23-mile link crossing the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, we officially arrived on the peninsula. The fragrant sea air and rural home-towny feel reminding us again that our choice for a summer home was spot-on here on Delmarva. The crab shacks along Route 13 an added bonus. Life seems unhurried; it's good to be back.


Sunset on Mispillion


Low tide at Prime Hook


Majestic Great Blue Heron

A day in paradise

April 27, 2012 • Leave a Comment

Since moving our homestead to Florida, Chuck and I have attempted to spend at least one day a week exploring our new environs, most typically in our car. This past week we threw caution to the wind and rented a boat for the afternoon then headed straight west into the Gulf of Mexico. Such daredevils we!

Approximately 3 miles off the coast of Tarpon Springs Florida lies Anclote Keys Preserve, a state park accessible only by private boat. If you are looking for a deserted island paradise this is your ticket. Beautiful blue green waters lapping onto white sandy beaches with not a T-shirt stand, nor fast food restaurant to be found. The perfect get-away. We packed a picnic, sunscreen and water. Camera in hand we walked and shelled three of the islands, keeping clear of the bird nesting areas. I don't claim to be clairvoyant, but I know a return trip is in our future.

A weekend in Southwestern Florida

March 01, 2012 • Leave a Comment

A quick weekend away visiting family brought us to the south western reaches of Florida; Marco Island, Naples and Port Everglades. I continue to be amazed by the beauty of this state once you venture off the beaten paths. Florida is not just all grey hairs heading off to early bird dinners!

There is a restaurant on the Isles of Capri where our table was perfectly positioned on the beach to witness this amazing sunset.

An airboat ride through the mangroves of Everglades National Park was exhilarating. Yes, alligators, racoons, pelicans riding on the boat and jumping mullet entertained us, but the peaceful nature of the surrounding beauty is what remains with me.

Although the beautiful powdery white sandy beaches of Naples require residence permits for parking, these American Oystercatchers and the single "determined to go against the grain" Caspian Tern defy authority. This is their territory.