Vetrans Day

Please remember to thank our Vetrans for your Freedom ... today, November 11th.

Veterans Day is meant to be a celebration of peace. It is a celebration of the heroism of those who fought and those who lost their lives serving this nation.

The Kapok Tree

Located on Whitehead St. in Key West this impressive tree comes with a lot of written history.

VERY Grand ... this tree makes its presence unforgettable.

A Walk along the Pier in Black and White

Birds, Birds, Birds!!!

You are NEVER alone, they are Always near ... birds of Key West.

I'm not a big fan of birds ...

However, every time I'm in Key West I become more curious about them ...

Bye, Bye ... Birdie!

Farewell - Liberty Clipper

You USE to be able to sail aboard the Liberty Clipper in Key West and enjoy an amazing sunset up close ... as of May '09 that ended.

... a beautiful vessel.

... the owner has decided to spend more time with family. Article here ...

Winds of the Atlantic

These images were taken at Clarance Higgs Memorial Beach Pier - Key West.

Winds were high this day and the sail boats were taken full advantage of it ...

Just another PERFECT day in Key West, FL. (Atlantic Side)

Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort

On my way to Monaco traveling along the French Riviera.
Very Narrow lanes weave you up and down the steep mountain side ... throughout the city ... as long as there isn't a bus winding its way the same time you're attempting to drive, you'll be fine.


The street lights were interesting posted just along side the road and there were two sets of lights. One up high for motorists and one set down low for cyclists. A lot of motorcycles in Europe, A LOT!

View from the steps of the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort looking towards the mountains.

Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort – 40, avenue Princesse Grace - MC 98000 Principality of Monaco. Absolutely Breathtaking!

I went in to tour the casino: no photos were allowed, the actual casino room required an entrance fee, dress code was enforced, and a few other peculiar rules were posted. So, I can tell you my 'tour' was quick. It made for a unique casino experience .... this I can tell you is NOT what is required here in Las Vegas Casinos - come as you are, no fee required, just leave all your money here before you leave.

There (in Monaco) you're surrounded by WEALTH .... here (Las Vegas) .... well, it's a bit different!!! Read this AP New Story: Quality of Casino Guests

When VERY old, (the structure up on the hill) shares space with new, (the tenant buildings street level).

The prestigious setting of Monaco and Monte-Carlo was unforgettable.

BSU Bronco's

Where the magic happens ... out on the Blue Field.

Wells Fargo building ... Boise, ID.

Las Vegas ---
Pine Needles ... winter is on its way. (for some, its already arrived ... )

Outback and 'Lights'

After a lovely evening out - I decided to play with the settings of my camera ...

Aperture ...

Exposure ...

Shutter Speed ...

Passing cars ...

Dragging lights ...

Sunset at the River Seine

This was taken while on a river cruise on the Seine ... beautiful moment!

Landing at Lake Mead - NV

Walking along the shore at Lake Mead last April I wasn't alone. A lot of seagulls where in flight - this guy had a wonderful wing span upon landing. Truthfully, I think he was showing OFF!

This is My Kind of Town - Chicago

April, 2005 ...

Downtown Chicago - The Magnificent Mile...

The Water Tower...

The Chicago River ...

The Pullman Historic District is a unique community, built in 1880-84 as a planned model industrial town for the Pullman's Palace Car Company.

Pullman did not become the ideal utopian community which its founder envisioned. Strikes and worker dissatisfaction forced Pullman to call in the National Guard; he also failed to appreciate the intricacies of Chicago and Illinois politics. Pullman - like so much of America - is a story of failure at least as much as success.

The Greenstone Church is an interesting local landmark. Steeple in the distance…

... back downtown Chicago.

All the downtown Chicago shots were taken while I was leaning out the passenger side window. My driver escorted me through a Very Fast version of 'this is my town show-n-tell'. So, I am very happy with the results.

Charity Starts at Home

When traveling I often fall in the habit of buying hats representing the region I’m visiting.

This weekend I took on the project of ‘purging’ closets and drawers ... we will call it re-organizing 101.

Anything I haven’t worn (touched) in a year was on its way to Goodwill. When the collectables were gathering I realized these hats would be on their way out the door. Finally, I’m ready to let them go – I’ll never wear them.

Wait! Take a picture – I really like the hat design, so this is my documentary of some really nice memorable hats.

Goal Accomplished – 5 hours later, but it's all DONE!

"Giraffe," the "World's greatest lamppost," or the "Iron monster"

Can you guess where these images are taken?

Tour Eiffel - Yep, you guessed it!

Doors of Dublin, Ireland

Irish Landmarks, unmistakable doors ...

Some would have you believe the people of Dublin were told to paint their doors all the same color in preparation for a royal visit. In a show of defiance, all the colors of the rainbow were used instead.

Another story I've heard is that the color of the doors, and the surroundings helped drunken home-owners find their way home after a hard night on the sauce ... before houses had numbers. So instead of remembering that your house was number 14, you'd remember that you're looking for a bright red door with a triangular top.

Irish Doors ... recognizable anywhere.

I really enjoyed photographing these unique entryways ... Ireland, I will see you again!

Hurricane Noel - October 2007

Vacationing in the Caribbean late October in 2007, (it's Oct. again but I'm not in the Caribbean - oh the memories!).

Night or Day this place was a dream-like experience ...

The following pictures depict the lush grounds this resort offered.

Hurricane Noel was in the midst, there was no mistaking its hovering presence.

The rainfall in the evenings was blinding...

... running around the resort --- along the ocean shore --- IN a lot of rain, what FUN! A LOT of laughter was had and a few slips and falls were unavoidable...

Never let a hurricane damper a Caribbean vacation, I didn’t!

Shadowing Statue - York, England

This is located on the grounds at Floors Castle - Home of The Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe.

Grandma's Hands

I love my Grandma.

I love her hands ... A peek into the personality of my Grandma ... is revealed with a quick look upon her hands. I love the jewelry she wears every piece has a story on how it came into her possession. The stories change from time to time but each time the story is told it’s wonderful to listen to.

My Grandma is priceless, I most enjoy holding her hands just before we say goodnight. I can feel the warmth of her hands now, even though I’m thousands of miles away.

Grandma this photo is for you thank you for your loving hands. With Love, Ronda.

"In Flight"

For great tasting Conch Fritters and delicious Mojitos a visit to the “Parrotdise Waterfront" is a must. (Little Torch Key – Key West, FL)

We decided to sit outside on the balcony during our time at the restaurant.

While outdoors the brown Pelicans above gave us quite a show.

The Fabulous Outdoors

This photo was taken at 6:45 am ...

There is nothing like looking in the rear view mirror and seeing the city of Las Vegas shrinking in the distance - a new photographic opportunity awaits.

This time the photographic location was the Valley of Fire, just north of Las Vegas. We started our day way before sunrise (4:45 am), we were in the park 'during' sunrise; just as planned. Being surrounded by deafening silence and tremendous amounts of natures beauty was well worth the early rise.

This shot is in the 'White Sands' area of the park.

Max posed for a couple of shots as he rested during our first hike of the day.

... a 'Reason' Curve.

... from a Very LOW vantage point.

... down on the ground again.

... rolling hills.

Reason Photography Gallery - ADDED - Valley of Fire, Nevada.