katydid...visit Florida.

Over Veteran's Day weekend hubz & I went down to visit my 'rents. The weather was perfect and it was a nice mini-break. Here's a collection of random snap shots of our trip

katydid...vote.

I totally rocked the vote Nov. 4th. Here's proof!

katydid...see fall colors.

I've been lazy (big surprise, right?) and haven't gotten around to uploading photos like I should. Shame on me! Well, ladiez & gents, hold on to you hats b/c you're going to get 3 posts in ONE night! Try to contain yourself.

This is from 3 weeks ago when the hubz & I went to the National Arboretum. I believe it was "peak color" for the DC area. This year we had nice color since the weather was consistant. Last year, everything just turned brown & fell off. blech.

katydid...use her Meadowlark Annual Pass.

Gotta make it worth it, right?

This plant facinated me. We got there in the morning, shortly after they opened, so many things were still covered in dew. With the dew and the sun, this little guy looked like it had been Bedazzled.

And, of course, you know I *love* messing around with filters in black & white & applying a slight tint...

katydid...go hiking.

Yesterday we indulged in a lovely fall day: hiking, picnic'ing AND apple picking.

Of course we got "lost" hiking. We suck at sticking to our intended trail; we always seem to veer off to another one! It was still a beautiful day and Shenandoah National Park is lovely. Since it's not quite peak, there weren't many fellow hikers. The scenery made me fall in love all over again with my wide angle lens (shout out to Tokina 11-16mm).

I can't decide whether I like this one in color or (tinted) black & white:

katydid...fall under the spell of the Alhambra.

I am now in search of Washington Irving's Tales from the Alhambra. It's a stunning place, both the palace and generalife gardens are just majestic. You can't help imaging a different time and royal intrigues, romances, and events that have taken place there, despite the throngs of tourists.


Everyone should see it before they die. For some history: See this article.

Sadly, when we went the lion fountain was under constuction, but the article gives you photos. My photos totally don't do the place justice. The Alhambra is a place you really need to experience for yourself!











View from the Generalife gardens:

katydid...love Seville (Spain).

We went to Spain for our anniversary: Madrid, Seville, & Granada. Seville was our favorite, hands down and I therefore highly recommend everyone to visit. The city is a beautiful mix of Islamic and Baroque-looking (to me) architecture, delicious tapas, tinto de verano (red wine with sprite...just as refreshing as sangria, but cheaper!) and so many things to see and do. I actually didn't find, despite the exchange rate, Spainish food or sightseeing to be radically different than the States. You could get a beer for less than $3, a serrano ham & manchego cheese sandwich on baguette for $4.50-$5, and a meal of tapas for about $15-$20pp (which is about what we would pay at Jaleo)

Cathedral

I'm fairly certain this was built on the site of a mosque after the Christians re-conquered Andalucia. It's stunning, both inside & out. We climbed up the tower and saw a great view of the city.



And, the cathedral had the remains of what is believed to be Christopher Columbus. And, I saw a recent Discovery Channel (or was it History Channel?!) show that DNA tested the remains against his brother's bones & the remains in the cathedral were related to Diego Columbus!



Alcazar
It seemed to me that each main city had it's own Alcazar. It was part palace, part fort. And, in Andalucia, these palace-forts had strong Islamic-influences. I've never been in such beautiful buildings before. I've been inside lux Danish castles with gold everywhere and the detailed carving and thoughtful architecture of the Alcazar & the Alhambra (wait for another blog post!) were far more breath-taking. Seriously. You walk through and can't help but imagine a more romantic time.



Italica

Just outside of Seville are ruins of the Roman city of Italica. It's amazing. And, for an entry of 1.80E (so, about $3), it was a total bargain. Bonus points was that it was practically empty...so it was like we had the whole city to ourselves.

katydid...also practice her TTV skillz.

I *think* I'm getting better with that too!

katydid...work more on macro photography

I'm getting better. At least, I think I am. And my yard is proving to be a very convient location to practice!

katydid...have a lovely garden.

Things are growing well in the garden & I'm happy to finally be able to grow something. And even happier that, after 2 months, they are still alive! :)

First, the flowers:

I wonder if this is one of the bees that have burrowed into our front yard.

Out of focused, but pretty cool, I think.

Dahlias. As you could probably tell by the header on the blog, I am in love with dahlias. They were in my wedding bouquet and they are just so strong, yet feminine, and graphic.

Another dahlia. In real life, these are a pinky orange. My favorite!

Photo illustration made with Photoshop's sketch filter. I really love the graphic look of this...if only I could turn this print into pillows for the couch!

And now, the tomatoes!

From above. I love how furry the tomato plants are.

Baby tomato + Mama orange tomato!