Views from the Bench

Locals had positive reviews of the Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont, CA so I decided to see for myself.
This is the same park with the butterfly garden I posted previously.
One can see San Francisco Bay and the golden-colored algae ( I believe) that make up the salt ponds in the area.

From what I read, back in 1901, the California Salt Company built salt ponds in the area for salt production and by 1917, there was 6,000 acres of the stuff.
When I fly into San Francisco International Airport, I can see these ponds clearly overhead, but I have never seen these up close until now.

- Karen

Are You a Butterfly?

Are you a butterfly in my garden?
No, I am a Scrub-Jay bird resting on a butterfly bench.

Are you butterfly?
No, I am a patient Hummingbird resting inside a butterfly garden.

You have no wings, you are definitely not a butterfly.
I know, but I do like flowers like a butterfly.

Have a nice weekend!

- Karen

Wordless Wednesday

Visit other Wordless Wednesday participants here.

- Karen

On the Edge

If you suffer from acrophobia (afraid of heights), do not go onto the roof of this building.

I keep looking for a railing to hang onto, but there isn't one!

- Karen

Apricot Farm

I had a chance to tour a local apricot farm a few weeks ago that I didn't even know existed if someone did not tell me.
Well, the farm has been there for almost 60 years. Shows how much I know.
During apricot season, only 3 weeks long, volunteers were seen here cutting and pitting the fruit to get it ready for drying.
Yes, there is a high demand for dried apricot. In fact, my friend, commented to me that they are sold out so fast each year that she had to put in her order in advance.

After adding sugar and sulfur to the cut apricots, they are then cooked for 4-5 hours. Here are some that are just done.
See the tracks at the bottom.

Kelly, in the white t-shirt, is the owner of the Silva Ranch which he took over from his parents.
The tracks make it easier for workers to bring the apricots to the cooker and then roll them back down for the drying process.


Each tray is then carried from the tracks.

And, placed in the open air for drying for 4 to 5 days.
No, I didn't order any dried apricots, but I did buy some fresh ones and they were delicious!

Have a nice weekend!

- Karen

Wordless Wednesday

A peek into a doctor's office.
Visit other Wordless Wednesday posts here.

- Karen

Packed In

An urban hike onto the hills of San Francisco, one can see how packed the houses are in the city.
Each one is unique in color, shape, or decorations.
Your neighbors can hear you and you can hear your neighbors.
That is life in the big city.

- Karen

Welcome Home

I was walking in San Francisco last weekend and came across this beautiful brick mansion with a nice garden.

I don't know who lives here.
If you live here, please welcome me in so I can have a look inside.

Have a nice weekend,
Karen

Wordless Wednesday

Long Distance Conversations

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- Karen

Big Dog Vineyards

Last weekend, the Milpitas Historical Society organized a tour to a family winery way up on the hills of the city. For non-locals, this is approximately 50 miles south of San Francisco.
Upon driving up, you can see its vineyards growing on the hillside.
I believe the owners live in this house and the wine business is just their "hobby" as they have regular full-time jobs.

The vineyard is called the Big Dog Vineyards and appropriately with a dog weather vane on top of their garage with the weather vane at the very top.
I asked about their dog who seemed to be in many of their pictures on their website, but unfortunately, was told Cab, their big beloved St. Bernard, passed away only a few days ago before my visit.

The front view of the beautiful garage area with the weather vane way on top.

A beautiful display of their wines.
They offer wine tasting on the first weekend of each month from April through September.

This is the breathtaking view from the winery.

- Karen

Sitting Around

Rarely do I see round benches, but within two weeks I spotted two different styles at two different locations.
This one appears a bit neglected wrapped underneath a tree. I wonder how they got it around the tree trunk.

These are located at the local train station. A little deserted on the weekend and they don't look very comfortable. Hopefully, the train doesn't come late very often.

- Karen

Wordless Wednesday

Hope everyone who celebrated the 4th of July had a great time!
It's Wordless Wednesday again!
To view or participate, click here.

- Karen

Smiley

I think I would like one of these statues by my house so every time I leave the house, I remember to smile.
Or, cheer up passers-by if they had a bad day.

With a light post, I can even remember to smile at night.

Have a great 4th of July holiday to everyone who celebrates it!


- Karen

Dumpster Diving

I walked by this trash can and heard a loud rustling noise emanating from the INSIDE.
It startled me momentarily because no one was around. Then I thought, it must have been my imagination until I looked back and saw the squirrel.

He must have been dumpster diving inside and was startled by the rustling noise coming from the OUTSIDE of the trash can and came out to investigate.
It took no time at all before he wandered back inside.
He probably noticed I was just a harmless photographer.

- Karen