Palm Springs After Dark

Taliesin West, Scottsdale, Arizona

A recent trip to Phoenix provided an opportunity for an excursion to the nearby town of Scottsdale, where Frank Lloyd Wright's winter residence, Taliesin West, is located.  Because the 1937 structure is made of local stone, it's difficult to tell from a distance exactly where the desert ends and the structure begins.  The low-slung buildings seem to emerge from out of the surrounding desert.     

New York Subway

Late August at a New York City subway station, 5th Avenue and 53rd Street.  

Jordan Winery, Sonoma County

The Jordan winery is unusual in that it limit its tastings to 12 people at a time.  With just two day's advance notice, we were lucky to obtain a reservation for a Saturday afternoon.  This Alexander Valley winery is wonderfully focused in its offering:  one Chardonnay and several vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon.   We began the tasting in a reception room with the Chardonnay, paired with  a stack of ahi, caviar, and cheese on toasted bread.  From there we proceeded to the tasting room, where we each sat in front of an individual plate arrayed with a variety of cheeses, estate olive oil, bread and crackers.  We worked our way through  the 2003, 2005, and 2008 Cabernet Sauvignons.  It was a pleasure to enjoy a leisurely-paced vertical tasting in such an intimate setting.  

Forever Marilyn

Seward Johnson's 26 foot tall sculpture has arrived in Palm Springs.

Palm Springs, Monday Afternoon

Mid-Century Tableau, Palm Springs Style

Somehow a few quintessential Palm Springs icons managed to converge, a mid-century modern butterfly house, a 1968 Mercury Montclair, and a few palm trees.  

Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles

Los Angeles suddenly made more sense when I had a chance to view it from a higher perspective.  Griffith Observatory provided an unmatched vantage point for seeing the city in its entirety.    

Mid-Century Modern, Beverly Hills

I was captivated by the graphic nature of this early 60s building, located at 9720 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills.   The entry plaza continues the geometric theme with large white circles scattered over a darker surface.  

The Spaceship Has Landed

For about two years this retro futuristic spaceship has been located on San Francisco's waterfront, just south of the Ferry Building.

Napa Valley in Winter: Yountville Mustard Field

While driving to Yountville, for lunch at Bistro Jeanty, we passed a field of brilliant yellow mustard. We did a u-turn to go back and have a closer look. The field attracted a number of people, nearly all of whom were busy taking photographs.

After lunch we walked along Washington Street to see The French Laundry. Across the street we noticed the vegetable garden that the restaurant cultivates. Surprisingly, it's completely open, without any fencing or barrier.

The Last Sunset of 2011, Palm Springs

When I glanced toward the San Jacinto Mountains I realized I was watching the last sunset of 2011. I'm reminded of the question, "What's the best camera?" The usual response is "The one you have with you." In this case, I'm happy I had a phone with a camera.

Between Storms

The combination of setting sun and dark background clouds gave the city an other-wordly look.

Late Fall in Sonoma County

Came across this scene while wine tasting at the Stuhlmuller winery in Sonoma's beautiful Alexander Valley.  Oak barrels are temporarily outside to dry after workers finished cleaning them.  

Arizona Biltmore

For a recent trip to Phoenix I thought the Arizona Biltmore would provide a pleasant place to stay, primarily for its good architecture and striking natural setting.  

Although the hotel bears a strong resemblance to the works of Frank Lloyd Wright, it's not one of his buildings.  The architect was Albert McArthur, who worked at one time as a draftsman for Wright.  

The original portion of the hotel opened in 1929, with many consecutive additions over the years.  I stayed in the newest addition, the Ocatilla building.  There were a few kinks with the room, but overall the Biltmore served as a comfortable refuge for the few days I was in Phoenix.