More Chihuly

OK, that's a good showing of the glass sculptures for now...If I get back there and get some really good shots, then I will post some more. There are a few I didn't feel came out so great. There were also a few I missed. Anyhow, you have to admit this is quite the show, even if glass isn't your idea of art.

The entry sculpture (for the third time!)

Almost other-worldly effect on this...

and this

and this

The agave sculpture (also previously shown) all lit up.

Ships & Glass

I finally went to the Gardens in the evening and got some pictures of the Chihuly glass sculptures lit up. I think this is quite clever. Boats full of glass - in the desert. I don't know if these were done just for this exhibit or a part of the travelling exhibit.

Looks like a boat full of marbles. Some of these glass spheres are huge and must have been incredibly heavy to lift and blow.

Close up look at the 'marbles.' One looks like a bowl but is just clear glass on top.

I thought this one to be pretty cool. Partly from the color of the glass, partly from the shapes with the agave beside it.

Chihuly Bowls

OK, I thought I knew a thing or two about color, but I was pretty amazed when I saw this. The same bowl is shown without flash first, then with. If there weren't the other bowls and the exact same shape you might think they were two totally different bowls! Two more:

There was a video showing how they make these bowls and some of the odd shapes and textures. I am almost positive I had seen a cable special on this once a few years ago, as some techniques I am certain I had seen before. Never worked in glass before, but as cool as all this is, I think I would like it.

Chihuly Glass Art

Well, the Desert Botanical Gardens has opened its exhibit on the glass art of Dale Chihuly, and I managed to look at a few pieces today. I still have to go back and see the other works, and also check them out all lit up at night. These first two pieces were ones I took the other week, but they didn't turn out that well (I posted them anyhow).

A close up of this one called 'The Sun'

And this one (I don't know the names of others):

Cool shapes and textures make for a lot of variety. This one has a gourd look to it. Really cool all bunched up and hanging all the way to the ground...

Some very interesting shapes and colors!

Santa Claus Visit

Jake's school had Santa come visit with the kids...It was a nice set up; they pretty much did a quick sit on the lap - smile for the camera - here's your candy cane - NEXT! But I didn't hear anybody complaining. Lines moved quickly and everybody who wanted got to get their picture with Santa.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like...

Christmas is near when the cul de sac down the way lights up their houses and yards. It is a favorite to visit. The cul de sac

The boys hamming it up with a candycane lightpole

A couple of houses on the round-about

Almost makes me feel like I'm back in WI (without the cold).

These pictures are without the benefit of a tripod...so next posts will be better.

Dessert Bread

Many thanks to Matt for the recipe for this almond twist bread. Looks fantastic, tastes great. We will definitely be making this one again (and again). Oh, and if you're not in the know, it's pronounced am'-uhnd, not all' muhnd, seeing how Matt & Gail & Anna are from CA almond country, Ripon (and relocated to Grand Rapids, MI).