Green Beetle

This one looked so pretty sitting there in the morning sun that I just could not resist taking its picture. The license number has been blurred to protect the innocent.

McCain's VP Pick

Much as I have been trying stay away from political topics, I think Republican candidate John McCain's pick of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin to be his vice-presidential running mate will prove to be a really smart move. Last night's big show at the Democratic convention in Denver, fireworks and all, and Senator Obama's stirring speech, should quickly be eclipsed by what follows next week at the Republican convention. It will be an exciting couple of months ahead for this country.

A Touch of Consolation

On this hot afternoon here in the Bay Area, I thought the soothing melodies of Liszt's Consolation No.3 with Horowitz at the keyboard will provide a cool antidote.

Vila Nova de Gaia

A tranquil early morning scene scene on the Douro river, Portugal.
On the far bank are some of the famous name port wine houses located in the town of Vila Nova de Gaia.

Theme and Variations

The above is the original photograph, and below are three variations done with Photoshop Elements. The subject is a sylvan hillside in Contra Costa County. I think the middle one will make a good subject for a painting. Agree?

Hindsight

We must reach farther back
with each passing day
to seek out the vague shapes
of what were once
immediately
recognizable

Demo VEEP Choice

I try not to post political items on this blog (not because politics does not interest me, because it does), but because there are already so many blogs out there that offer nothing but politics.

Last night presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama picked Senator Joseph Biden to be his running mate. The party's convention takes place next week in the mile-high city, Denver. It promises to be interesting.

Then it will be Republican Senator John McCain's turn to announce his own running mate. That should be very interesting as well. As will the Republican convention next month. And the presidential and vice-presidential candidates' debates will follow.

As the election cycle heats up along with the political rhetoric, the weather here in northern California has cooled a bit with the fog creeping in "on little cat feet," in the words of the poet.

Shall I compare thee . . .

to a Summer's day

Easy Bookshelf

I stumbled across this do-it-yourself video demonstrating how to make a simple bookshelf. Suitable for a college dorm, maybe, if you're moderately handy with tools.

Glurge and Such

For some time I have been getting a large dose of what's known as 'glurge', enough to give any healthy person diabetes.

Here's the snopes.com definition of glurge

So, my friends, if you read this, do please give me a break.

Flowerbed, Evening Sky

The sky looked so beautiful that I just had to get some shots. The one with the hummingbird was most fortuitous.

Summer Fog

click to enlarge

Just south of San Francisco, the bedroom community of Daly City lies partly covered by a blanket of summer fog blown in from the Pacific. You can imagine what it must be like up ahead in The City itself for the unsuspecting tourists in tank tops and shorts, shivering as they wait at Powell and Market to board the cable car for Fisherman's Wharf.

Queima das Fitas, Coimbra

At graduation in the University of Coimbra in Portugal, the students sing their sad farewells.

SFMOMA

Visited the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art today to see the Frida Kahlo show, the Logan Collection of Chinese Contemporary Art, and the photographs of Lee Miller. They did not allow photographs inside, so I took some outside the galleries. Went with my wife and our granddaughters. Everyone enjoyed the art.

Ah, the Tango!

Sunlit Uplands

A Certain Slant of Light

I may make these the subject for my next painting.

One Foggy Morning