Summer Fruit

Did you know that strawberries are not berries at all?  What a shock this little known fact was to me!  It was even more of a shock when I found out that avocados and bananas are actually berries!  It’s true!  I read it on the Internet; therefore, it must be true!!!

Strawberries and raspberries aren’t really berries in the botanical sense. They are derived from a single flower with more than one ovary, making them an aggregate fruit. True berries are simple fruits stemming from one flower with one ovary and typically have several seeds.

Strawberries are not really berries, but watermelon, pumpkins, bananas, and avocados are. It’s ok. Take a few deep breaths.

On those cold dark December mornings when you don’t feel like getting out of bed or going into the garden to do some winter cultivating, just think about this picture and the result of tending the gardening, no matter the season.  There’s something that can be done every day.  So, if it’s raining or just too cold, then just head over to Totally Tomatoes and check out their seed collection.  Maybe you feel like planting a peach tree.  H & H Nursery, in Lakewood, has a fabulous collection of bare root trees and blueberry bushes and roses.

So, I’m trying to take things out of my life that aren’t bearing fruit.  I can waste so much time doing everything except what I need to, so this winter I plan to get my strawberry-growing apparatus built.  This little handful of “berries” just won’t do.  The sweet taste of a ripe juicy peach from your own tree is worth throwing the covers back, putting on the gardening tool belt and heading outside.

Queen Elizabeth ii comes to Long Beach

On its way to Puerta Villarta, the Queen Elizabeth ii made time to stop in the Long Beach Harbor to say hi to her sister ship, the Queen Mary.  The QEii is a newer version of the old ship, and is very much state-of-the-art.  At dusk, escorted by smaller boats, the Fire Boat, the Goodyear Blimp and a few helicopters, the beautiful luxury ocean liner headed bow first right into the harbor.  The Queen Mary gave a “hello” horn blow, and QE gave one in return.  She stood still for a few photo ops, and then turning on dime, she slowing came to a stop facing the Queen Mary.  They each blew customary horns at each other as the crowd on the Queen Mary cheered with excitement.  A few minutes of fireworks ended the celebration, and within minutes she was headed back out to sea.

I thought it was quite thrilling, as I stood on the shore taking pictures and visiting with other excited onlookers. There are so many events that we can be part of and witness while history is being made right in front of us.

“Bigger, faster and more powerful than her predecessor the ship Titanic, the RMS Queen Mary had a long career that included 1,001 successful Atlantic crossings. Built at the John Brown shipyard on the Clyde, Scotland in 1937, the Queen Mary held the record for the fastest-ever North Atlantic crossing, and for three years she carried the rich and famous across the Atlantic in great luxury. During World War II, she carried troops and afterward, she ferried war brides and children to the United States and Canada before returning to service as a transatlantic cruise ship.

In 1967, when her owner Cunard sold the Queen Mary for $3.45 million and she made her 516th and final voyage to Long Beach, California on December 9, 1967. her boilers were removed, she was permanently docked and has been here ever since.” About.com

Photo by Joan Day www.JoanDayImages.com

Downey Gateway

With gas prices sky rocketing, I can think of no better reason to hang out in Downey on a Friday evening. The latest addition to our beautiful city is the new Downey Gateway.  Taking up just a small portion of the Northwest corner of Firestone Blvd. and Downey Ave., the new eateries are plentiful.  With ample parking in the rear, you can enjoy the soon-to-be-opened WaBa Grill Teriyaki House, Pacific Fish Grill, Burger City Grill, Fresh Cutt Carving Grill, Round Table Pizza, Subway and of course Yogurtland.  Only Yogurtland is open as of today, but it won’t be long till hungry pedestrians make their way across the street from the movie theater, AAA and Porto’s Bakery to our new hangout.

More of Joan Day’s Images, please click www.JoanDayImages.com

Pinterest

I recently joined Pinterest.  I’m still trying to get the hang of it.  If you would like to join me and help me spread the joy of photography, please feel free to find me there.  I am JoanDayImages, of course.

Toy Box

Sometimes I have a vision in my head.  Where does it come from?  It might be just from asking someone a question, like, “What are you going to be for Halloween?” When an idea comes to my head, it stays there until I shoot it.  I can’t help it.  I just keep thinking about it until I do shoot it.

Marissa, a fellow photographer, was planning on being a doll for Halloween.  So, this idea came to my mind.  We had fun.  It was just for fun.  Fun, fun, fun!  Photography should be fun!  I love the creative process, though, right through till the end product.

Space Shuttle, Endeavour, Lands in Los Angeles

Not much time to write, but worth it to post.  Loved being able to witness a glorious event right in my own front yard…okay, I was in my neighbor’s yard, but it’s just two houses away. I never thought I would be able to see this event.  I was at the eye doctor with Granny, and the doctor was taking forever.  We dashed out, missed the first fly over, then came home.  I grabbed my camera and went to my neighbor’s.  I thought we weren’t going to get to see it, when, all of a sudden, she saw it.  “Joan, it’s over here!”  I new it was going to go between two trees, so I aimed my camera and waited until it came into view.  Wow!!! I was so excited.  I snapped two or three.  That’s all I got.  Then it was behind the tree.  What an exciting day!!!

German Shepherd for Patrick and Keri

Finding homes for dogs isn’t my specialty, but I love taking pictures of the animals that need homes for United Hope for Animals.  We post their pictures on our Downey Animal Care Facebook page for the LA County Shelter in Downey on Garfield.

Today, I stopped to chat with Patrick and Keri who were hoping to find their first dog as young married couple. Not exactly ready for children, the ideal first step is get a dog who will be a great running, biking, and Pilates partner.  Patrick is a fireman, and thinks it would be great for Keri to have a companion for the times that he is away at work.

They began their search almost a year ago, but after speaking with those who owned German Shepherds, they soon discovered how smart and gentle and protective they are.  So what are the chances they would find one so quickly?  Someone in the office at the Downey Shelter pointed them to the website, and wouldn’t you know there were two beautiful sisters under 6 months old, just waiting for a forever home. Their owners were moving, which meant they weren’t strays, and were probably taken care of well.

Oh, happy day!

I wanted them to name her Heidi, the name I gave my first dog, a German Shepherd/Lab mix that I got at this very shelter.  I sure loved her.

Pirates in Dana Point

Pirates are fun to shoot!  They are always willing to give a great pose or an “aarrrrrgggg.” This last weekend at the Dana Point Harbor there were plenty of pirates all decked out.  The actual event took place out on the open ocean.  As the sails were raised, they loaded their cannons and took aim on the enemy pirate ship.  Tickets could be purchased to sail on the ships, as well.  For more info on this Tall Ships Festival event click on the link.

For the Love of Dogs

What a great day it is when a lost animal finds a new and loving home!

Since volunteering at the Downey Animal Shelter as a photographer, I have come to appreciate all the hard work that goes in to finding homes for the animals who otherwise would be euthanized.  The volunteers at the Downey Shelter as well as the Baldwin Park Shelter work countless hours loving and caring for these animals.  When I’m there I want to capture great images, but they have the love in their eyes that I can see that shows me just how much they care.  I know if they could, they would all take each and every animal home with them.

This week I saw just how much Jana cared for this big lovable gal, Contessa.  She was one of the most loving dogs I’ve seen.  Of course, it didn’t help that Jana let her kiss her all over her face!

Happy Birthday, Jackson

Jackson’s mom and dad didn’t go to the pet store to buy a dog for their son’s birthday.  They went to the Downey Animal Shelter.  On this Sunday afternoon, I happened to arrive after one of the volunteers, Mary Lou, had found the perfect dog for Jackson.  How did she know who would be the one for him?  Well, she spends a lot of time getting to know the animals through different adoption programs.  Every other Saturday, many volunteers get together as organized by United Hope for Animals, and we take pictures for the Downey Shelter’s Facebook Page.  Baldwin Park Shelter has the same program.  They are uploaded to the page, along with a YouTube video showing just how great these animals are with people.  They concentrate on adoptable animals that would adapt to most situations.  Then, you know how Facebook is, you like the page, share the page with your friends, and before you know it, all the animals get adopted.  Well, that’s how it’s supposed to work.  I was shocked to find out that Downey has placed over 1,000 animals since January, and Baldwin Park 4,000 since they began.  I digress…

Sooooooo, Mary Lou spends time with the dogs while we are shooting pictures and gets to know them.  This particular Sunday, Jackson and his mom and dad show up to the shelter.  Mary Lou comments that she has just the dog for Jackson.  They spend time in the visiting area, and the dog goes home with them.

So, today is Jackson’s birthday…Happy Birthday, Jackson.  Lexi, the white Shepherd mix, is getting used to being part of the family.  She sleeps through the night on her bed.  When morning comes, Jackson lets Lexi and their Chihuahua, Mac, out and feeds them both.  Jackson loves lying on the floor, letting Lexi nuzzle and gently play with him.  Lexi already knows how to sit on command.  She’s quickly getting used being loved by her new family…thanks to Mary Lou.

There’s nothing like a boy and his dog(s).

To see more of my work, click on www.JoanDayImages.com