Shuttle Endeavor, T-38's, and Scenery. I had the honor of taking photographs of the first shuttle when it was shown to the public in 1975 and of the last shuttle as it was being taken to its final resting place. [link]

on Spooner Lake. It took me about 2 hours to leisurely walk around this lake. Some runners made several laps around it during that time. Plenty of geese, ducks, and other birds decorated the shores. [link] More Photos

Monsoon Sunset. When I first looked out of my house window, the entire sky looked like it was on fire. However, by the time I got the camera set up, 75 percent of the red had already gone away. This little amount you see is what was left over!! [link]

on The Great Wall of Kyoto. I avoid taking tour buses anywhere I travel. Walking is the best way to find hidden treasures and meet people. [link]

on Geisha and Matsumoto Shrine. I liked how the kimono and shrine colors harmonized. [link]

on Leave Your Shoes Outside. Genkan are traditional Japanese entryway areas for a house, apartment, or building—something of a combination of a porch and a doormat. The primary function of genkan is for the removal of shoes before entering the main part of the house or building. Genkan are often recessed into the floor, to contain any dirt that is tracked in from the outside (as in a mud room). The tiled or concrete genkan floor is called tataki. Upon entry, shoes are usually turned to face the door so they can be slipped on easily when leaving or placed into a getabako. After removing shoes, one must avoid stepping in the genkan in socks or with bare feet, to avoid bringing dirt into the house. Once inside, generally one will change into slippers, or shoes intended for indoor wear (Uwabaki). [link]

on Meiji Jingu Park in Shibuya. This park is next to the train station where people congregate to show off their Harajuku outfits. The one thing missing, which is overpowering when you enter the park, is the roar of the cicada chirping by the millions. [link]