Acorn Woodpecker

For a long time, I did not see too many Acorn Woodpeckers around. Suddenly they become frequent visitors in flocks. Some people think they look like clowns while they remind me of the cardinal-bishop, the red cap, and the pleated (or ruched) gown, I think. A few weeks ago, I realized why they are namedContinue reading “Acorn Woodpecker”

Rain, Rain, Don’t go away

If you grow up in the tropical region where the rains come down no stop, you won’t like the rain. Or, if you happen to walk down the street of Milan, Italy as a traveler while it rains for consecutive three hours and you end up having to buy an umbrella, you don’t like itContinue reading “Rain, Rain, Don’t go away”

Cedar Waxwings

Never thought I would be so interested in birds, but they are interesting and inspiring creatures that are created for our pleasure. Each of them has a different ‘personality’ that reflects on our human beings I found fascinating. Cedar Waxwings are not uncommon and they often travel in flocks. I have taken many pictures andContinue reading “Cedar Waxwings”

Tundra Swans

For years in observing the Tundra Swans come to our area, I found them elegant, graceful, and peaceful. They usually come in large flocks, the view sight is often a spectacular white with elegant body gestures and graceful movement in the air. Never have I seen them so loud and furiously brawling. It’s entertaining andContinue reading “Tundra Swans”

Wallowa Mountains

Crater Lake is a popular landmark of Oregon. I wonder how many people out of state know about the ‘Swiss Alps’ of Oregon – Wallowa Mountains. On a cloudy day and a random drive-around, we ran into this large herd of sheep grazing in front of the mountain range, there was a shepherd boy andContinue reading “Wallowa Mountains”

A morning of Action

It appears to be a good fishing day…. wish I had my fast camera with me. The weather was chilly and a bit gloomy, but a few surprises have made me a wonderful morning. Egrets are not rare spices or uncommon birds, but snapping a fishing scene was my first. In less than one minute,Continue reading “A morning of Action”

Hazelnuts

This is not the first time I mentioned Hazelnuts. Willamette Vally In Oregon harvests 3.5% of the world’s crop, 99% of the U.S. I’ve tasted the crops from a dozen of farms and walked down endless rows of filbert trees, but I have never seen how the nuts grow on the trees. October is theContinue reading “Hazelnuts”

Memories from Travels – Ravello, Italy

Air travel without pressure and hassles is still a luxury. Road trips are not practical either when lodging and eat-out are required. Going through old travel pictures for home-bound days rekindles some sweet memories. Italy is charming wherever you go. We had the most enjoyable experience staying in one place in Tuscany and travel byContinue reading “Memories from Travels – Ravello, Italy”