Bad Hair Day

Redlands Orange Groves

Redlands, CA -- The combination of weather, setting and inspiration forced me to pulled over for this shot. Unfortunately, it was taken during the 12-o'clock hour and the light was flat. Nevertheless, this is a classic California agricultural shot, typical of the early 20th century.

Redlands is located about 90-minutes east of downtown Los Angeles. The snow-capped mountain is Mt. San Gorgonio, one of the highest in Southern California at 11,503 feet (3506 m).

Hadley Fruit Orchards

Banning, CA -- Many who live in Southern California are familiar with Palm Springs. Those who visit Palm Springs regularly definitely know about Hadley's Fruit Orchard off Interstate 10.

The "Hadley" sign looms high above the highway linking LA and Palm Springs, tempting travelers of all ages. I go for the Banana Date Shakes. For less than $5, I can run in, grab a shake, ask the friendly staff of any recent celebrity visits, and be on my way.

While visiting, I met Tracy, Richard and Debra (pictured above). Together, they pointed out the a few movie stars who recently stopped by. Hadley's walls are lined with more than a hundred autographed 8 x 10 photos. Both of the fun-loving ladies say they are sometimes a little shy to ask, but they still manage to get some of the Hollywood stars to autograph their picture and hang it up in the store.

Dogs Best Friends

Best friends

Robin

Lake Arrowhead, CA -- A Robin red breast sings atop a roof hip on this cold morning. I took nearly 30 frames of the bird, trying to capture frost billowing from its beak with each chirp. It didn't work.

Snow Blankets Mountains

Second year in a row, Lake Arrowhead, near Los Angeles, received another dose of snow for the Thanksgiving weekend. Weather forecast calls for another possibility of snow tonight!

What Are You Thankful For?

What am I thankful for? I am thankful for my new family. This will be my first Thanksgiving with my new wife and 11-year-old son! How cool is that?

Happy Thanksgiving from Los Angeles, California!

Santa Fe Dam

Irwindale, CA -- I admit..., yes, I was driving while shooting. But when you see an opportunity for composition forming, you have to take advantage. I did, and two important settings on my camera body were wrong: white balance and focus points. Oh well. It made for an interesting shot anyway.

By the way, I was moving, but only about 2 mph, while waiting for the signal to turn green.

The man cycling is enjoying a cool, but sunny day on the rim of the Santa Fe Dam in Los Angeles.

Neighborhood Watch

Irwindale, CA -- A guardian of the liquor store parking lot walks his beat during the business doldrums.

Early Winter Hits L.A.

The foothills of Los Angeles had a nice sprinkling of snow this morning. Temperatures were below normal, yet still way above what most states and countries consider "cold."