I've been back in My hometown, Buffalo, NY the past couple weeks..wonderful seeing family and friends..some pics of my beautiful grandkids:

"Poodle Parade" French festival 7/13



This was my fav. dog at the Oak park Poodle parade. Look at that face! So sweet and devoted.

The MC did a good job..with a sense of humor and wit. 



My neighbor, Nina with her dog Cha Cha (who I "baby sit" occationally):

Solstice Parade, SB

Such a creative event in Santa Barbara.  People go all out in their costumes and floats. They spend months putting it together.  My friend Dave Brown's float:

Great Blue Heron SB harbour 6-13

I came across this rather tame heron at the harbour the other day. I shot him at close range for about 20 min. till I got tired! He never did fly away!  Love these beautiful creatures.

S.B. Jacaranda trees in full Bloom..6/5/13

Lovely clouds of purple at every turn.  I love the purple blooms cascading onto the ground as much as I love the blossoms in the trees:

5/25/3

Back home in Santa Barbara again..recovering from jet lag from a great vacation. I finally made it to Europe.  Italy and France were beautiful..a great experience, but it's great to be home too. Nice to be back with loved ones, and back in touch by phone, able to read the signs, talk the language and get around in familiar teritory. The weather has been beautiful here, sunny in the low 70's and the blue Jacaranda trees are in full bloom.

One of my favorite images I was able to capture myself in Paris. It was quite a thrill to see it for the 1st time in person: