Bellevue Washington

A stroll through the streets of Bellevue on a crystal clear winter Sunday afternoon. In the past decade or so, and particularly over the last couple of years, many new buildings have been and are being built. The skyline resembles the future as imagined and illustrated 50 years ago: clean lines, reflective surfaces, bright blue sky. The low-angle winter sun at this latitude brightly illuminates some buildings which reflect in the mirrored windows of others. Sharp angles scatter the view. Secondary and sometimes tertiary reflections make for an interesting scene.

The Japanese Garden

Behind the Sepulveda Dam in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles lies the Japanese Garden. On a recent weekend, I finally had a chance to visit and photograph this beautiful garden.


The central lake reflects the various garden features. At left can be seen the Tea House [click the image for a larger version]. To the right is the face of the adjacent sewage treatment and water reclamation plant. Fortunately the prevailing wind is usually blowing from the west or the north. A breeze from the east can be an ill wind indeed.


Rock garden stepping stones lead to a trellis-covered patio with benches.


Many birds call the gardens home; others sojourn there seasonally.


Rocks reflect off the surface of the water. In the distance a traditional Japanese stone lantern graces the path.


A different style stone lantern perched above a boulder.


Looking across the lake from inside the Tea House. [HDR]


Fish in the lake just outside the Tea House.


Aerial view of the Japanese Garden.


Stereogram of the Aerial view (click to enlarge; cross eyes to converge the two images).

Miami in LA?

This interestingly styled building is used for exterior location shots as the headquarters facility in the popular television show CSI Miami. It currently houses the FAA First Federal Credit Union.


It has also been used as the headquarters of "The Newport Group" in the television series "The O. C."

Holiday Lights

Whether you celebrate the season for its inherent beauty, or you project on it some religious significance, winter is indeed a special time of year. Festive decorations adorn many a house. At night, with snow blanketing eveything and reflecting the colored lights, this takes on a magical quality.

Jet Show

Thunderbird #5.


Intercepting the bogie business jet.


One down, climbing back to altitude...


Scramble the Warthog!


Warthog is off.


UAE has an airforce?


Jet moon.


Taxi home.


Ever wonder where little jets come from?


Governator to the rescue.


Power to spare.


Yes, these are scale models. Well, except for the business jet - that one's real.

Compare this model to the real Thunderbird #5.

Moon, Jupiter, Venus

Early this evening, the three brightest objects in the night sky, the Moon, Jupiter, and Venus appeared unusually close together.
Click the image for larger view.