This dragon mural in the Haley corridor was impossible to miss. But it held a hidden corner easy to overlook. People had left a modest tribute of candles for some unfortunate fentanyl victim in the bottom left.
This dragon mural in the Haley corridor was impossible to miss. But it held a hidden corner easy to overlook. People had left a modest tribute of candles for some unfortunate fentanyl victim in the bottom left.
0 2025/06/08 21:15:47
Some pretentious Canadian photographer took this image in the waters of the marina.
Some pretentious Canadian photographer took this image in the waters of the marina.
0 2025/06/08 21:29:24
The unique ness continued. This was 'Ja K'iche' (Mayan 'home'), a fabric and acrylic creation on basswood panel that Guatemalan Estefania Ajcip made in 2023. She portrayed herself as a lonely child missing her daddy who worked for LA tailors for decades. Female Hispanic artists were featured in the 'Accretion' room.
The unique ness continued. This was 'Ja K'iche' (Mayan 'home'), a fabric and acrylic creation on basswood panel that Guatemalan Estefania Ajcip made in 2023. She portrayed herself as a lonely child missing her daddy who worked for LA tailors for decades. Female Hispanic artists were featured in the 'Accretion' room.
0 2025/06/08 21:30:24
Iconic California poppy mosaic.
Iconic California poppy mosaic.
0 2025/06/08 21:31:05
Casa del Herrero is like a museum and might just be the biggest surprise of any visit to Sta Barbara. It is a top-shelf visual feast in a town known for compelling visuals. Steedman led a moneys-no-object life as a collector. And we visitors are all the luckier for that. Thank his daughter Medora, who lived here til '93. She then transferred the property to become a non-profit.
Casa del Herrero is like a museum and might just be the biggest surprise of any visit to Sta Barbara. It is a top-shelf visual feast in a town known for compelling visuals. Steedman led a moneys-no-object life as a collector. And we visitors are all the luckier for that. Thank his daughter Medora, who lived here til '93. She then transferred the property to become a non-profit.
0 2025/06/07 20:57:07
We had ordered tickets ahead of time to see Rick Steves live presentation at the historic Arlington Theatre. He'd survived a recent battle with prostate cancer. Wisely, he began with an update that he was now recovered and doing fine. Btw, we once met his ex-wife's Swedish nursing colleague gal whilst on the same Greek ferry.
We had ordered tickets ahead of time to see Rick Steves live presentation at the historic Arlington Theatre. He'd survived a recent battle with prostate cancer. Wisely, he began with an update that he was now recovered and doing fine. Btw, we once met his ex-wife's Swedish nursing colleague gal whilst on the same Greek ferry.
0 2025/06/07 19:44:09
Colorful lamps spread throughout the property. It was a hectic atmosphere in the hour prior to showtime. We were surprised at the sheer volume of latecomers just strolling into the already-in-progress presentation. I was reminded of the Zappa song 'Flakes'. *Three nights later I went to see the new Led Zep doc at the same theatre and after the other attendee left halfway, had the entire theatre to myself (see 'air-drumming to Bonzo').
Colorful lamps spread throughout the property. It was a hectic atmosphere in the hour prior to showtime. We were surprised at the sheer volume of latecomers just strolling into the already-in-progress presentation. I was reminded of the Zappa song 'Flakes'. *Three nights later I went to see the new Led Zep doc at the same theatre and after the other attendee left halfway, had the entire theatre to myself (see 'air-drumming to Bonzo').
0 2025/06/07 19:44:42
Can you relate to Rick's above categories? Wish that he'd expanded his show to include more interactivity, some mention of his long-standing online forum, a memento or two from his travels, maybe some Top Ten lists on both walls. At times, the seasoned traveler attending that show felt a bit like having gone back to high school.
Can you relate to Rick's above categories? Wish that he'd expanded his show to include more interactivity, some mention of his long-standing online forum, a memento or two from his travels, maybe some Top Ten lists on both walls. At times, the seasoned traveler attending that show felt a bit like having gone back to high school.
0 2025/06/07 19:44:50
These four women represented three generations of the same family. We have included their shot here coz they were on vacation from Edmonds. They were neighbors of Rick Steves and one used to babysit his daughter (or was it vice-versa?). These women had seen me taking close-up shots of those shells above and had begun a friendly chat. We'd told them about our tickets to see our hero Rick that night.
These four women represented three generations of the same family. We have included their shot here coz they were on vacation from Edmonds. They were neighbors of Rick Steves and one used to babysit his daughter (or was it vice-versa?). These women had seen me taking close-up shots of those shells above and had begun a friendly chat. We'd told them about our tickets to see our hero Rick that night.
0 2025/06/07 19:44:58
Street mural in the Funk Zone.
Street mural in the Funk Zone.
0 2025/06/08 21:01:15
Glassware.
Glassware.
0 2025/06/08 21:01:25
This section will be about Art. Normally I run a mile upon hearing the words 'Arts Museum', but I'm glad that Mrs Z talked me into going with her to the SB Beaux Arts. Above is a unique piece, the refracted phosphorous light sculpture by Puerto Rico's Gisela Colon. Title: 'Skewed Square.' Loved it. By design, it appeared to slightly move from all angles! One young and insecure security guard confronted me about camera flashes even though my Nikon's flash was turned off. Shakes head...
This section will be about Art. Normally I run a mile upon hearing the words 'Arts Museum', but I'm glad that Mrs Z talked me into going with her to the SB Beaux Arts. Above is a unique piece, the refracted phosphorous light sculpture by Puerto Rico's Gisela Colon. Title: 'Skewed Square.' Loved it. By design, it appeared to slightly move from all angles! One young and insecure security guard confronted me about camera flashes even though my Nikon's flash was turned off. Shakes head...
0 2025/06/08 21:01:44
An additional 'something completely different' created by Randy Greif (real name?) in 2005. Title: 'No-one has a Monopoly over Sorrow'. He utilized soldier's wedding rings from a number of wars, plus finger bones coated in melted bullet lead. There were also snippets from bridal bouquets, mourning dresses plus actual hair from the Civil War. I like how he remembered the wives. Give him/her 10 points for originality amidst a social critique.
An additional 'something completely different' created by Randy Greif (real name?) in 2005. Title: 'No-one has a Monopoly over Sorrow'. He utilized soldier's wedding rings from a number of wars, plus finger bones coated in melted bullet lead. There were also snippets from bridal bouquets, mourning dresses plus actual hair from the Civil War. I like how he remembered the wives. Give him/her 10 points for originality amidst a social critique.
0 2025/06/08 21:02:04
Even some of the flooring stonework was nice.
Even some of the flooring stonework was nice.
0 2025/06/08 21:02:11
From a motel's facade.
From a motel's facade.
0 2025/06/08 21:27:51
A flower from the same mural.
A flower from the same mural.
0 2025/06/08 21:27:23
A most unique place signals the very far eastern edge of Summerland: sacred Space. This Asian-influenced shop is a veritable oasis.
A most unique place signals the very far eastern edge of Summerland: sacred Space. This Asian-influenced shop is a veritable oasis.
0 2025/06/11 18:01:25
No, this is Lady of Mount Carmel Church, found just a 6 minute walk down the road from Casa del Herero. A slightly Karen-ish woman approached us, then assertively informed us that she did not want us to take her photo, 'not even in the background!' I was a bit taken aback coz the thought had not even entered our heads--we wanted that sleek stone and adobe imagery without people. We also avoided the interior after hearing weeping from within. Someone was mourning. Next: our traditional Quiz
No, this is Lady of Mount Carmel Church, found just a 6 minute walk down the road from Casa del Herero. A slightly Karen-ish woman approached us, then assertively informed us that she did not want us to take her photo, 'not even in the background!' I was a bit taken aback coz the thought had not even entered our heads--we wanted that sleek stone and adobe imagery without people. We also avoided the interior after hearing weeping from within. Someone was mourning. Next: our traditional Quiz
0 2025/06/07 20:37:02
Where are we now, Taos?
Where are we now, Taos?
0 2025/06/07 20:36:45
Who was on the list of famed folks that Steedman and his wife once entertained here? Presidents? Kings? Movie stars?
Who was on the list of famed folks that Steedman and his wife once entertained here? Presidents? Kings? Movie stars?
0 2025/06/07 20:36:33
One of the Persian 'Star' fountains as seen from below the massive African baobab tree. The exquisite aesthetics throughout were very impressive. Clearly, Steedman had once brought in the best of the best designers and architects. He actually moved in on the same day as the historic earthquake that struck Sta Barbara exactly a century ago! A day that he surely never forgot.
One of the Persian 'Star' fountains as seen from below the massive African baobab tree. The exquisite aesthetics throughout were very impressive. Clearly, Steedman had once brought in the best of the best designers and architects. He actually moved in on the same day as the historic earthquake that struck Sta Barbara exactly a century ago! A day that he surely never forgot.
0 2025/06/07 20:36:22
We were pleasantly surprised to learn that the Casa had recently lifted its long ban on indoors photography. There was historic furniture, religious iconography, tiles, ceramics, paintings, sculptures, lamps and much more. Steedman was also a clever inventor-tinkerer. He created an early phonograph speaker box. His huge personal workshop would be the envy of any male who industrial-level works. His were the largest scissors that we'd ever seen!
We were pleasantly surprised to learn that the Casa had recently lifted its long ban on indoors photography. There was historic furniture, religious iconography, tiles, ceramics, paintings, sculptures, lamps and much more. Steedman was also a clever inventor-tinkerer. He created an early phonograph speaker box. His huge personal workshop would be the envy of any male who industrial-level works. His were the largest scissors that we'd ever seen!
0 2025/06/07 20:36:03
The grounds were stunning and green thumbs might want to visit for the gardens alone. Much like the evolution of Lotusland from private-to-public attraction, the Casa faced local opposition from Montecito residents who were not keen on tourists having easy access to visits. The tour could be fairly described as tightly controlled. *shutterbugs take note
The grounds were stunning and green thumbs might want to visit for the gardens alone. Much like the evolution of Lotusland from private-to-public attraction, the Casa faced local opposition from Montecito residents who were not keen on tourists having easy access to visits. The tour could be fairly described as tightly controlled. *shutterbugs take note
0 2025/06/07 20:35:50
Lovely Ainsley was the program manager. I'd teased her via the intercom upon our early arrival, "WE ARE THE DOGE COMMITTEE! MR. MUSK IS HERE WITH US AND WE REQUIRE IMMEDIATE ENTRY!!" She got the joke. Our actual tour guide was Rosie, accompanied by her assistant Kasha. Both had previously worked at Lotusland.
Lovely Ainsley was the program manager. I'd teased her via the intercom upon our early arrival, "WE ARE THE DOGE COMMITTEE! MR. MUSK IS HERE WITH US AND WE REQUIRE IMMEDIATE ENTRY!!" She got the joke. Our actual tour guide was Rosie, accompanied by her assistant Kasha. Both had previously worked at Lotusland.
0 2025/06/07 20:35:31
Casa del Herrero (house of blacksmith) is a time capsule that one must reserve for a guided tour ahead of time. The mansion of former WWI military contractor George Fox Steedman, this sprawling property is magnificent inside and out. It is one of the finest examples of Spanish Colonial revival architecture in the USA. A womens group had decorated the interior with floral arrangements. Steedman was a 1%er with a marked taste for European imports of every sort. Above: his personal centaur icon.
Casa del Herrero (house of blacksmith) is a time capsule that one must reserve for a guided tour ahead of time. The mansion of former WWI military contractor George Fox Steedman, this sprawling property is magnificent inside and out. It is one of the finest examples of Spanish Colonial revival architecture in the USA. A womens group had decorated the interior with floral arrangements. Steedman was a 1%er with a marked taste for European imports of every sort. Above: his personal centaur icon.
0 2025/06/07 20:35:05
This boy's mom seemed like a pro photographer. her gear looked muchos expensive.
This boy's mom seemed like a pro photographer. her gear looked muchos expensive.
0 2025/06/07 17:55:39
...the place where these families combined to enjoy themselves. Girl on left: "Mom, don't you want some ice cream? Can we go to Tondi's now?"
...the place where these families combined to enjoy themselves. Girl on left: "Mom, don't you want some ice cream? Can we go to Tondi's now?"
0 2025/06/07 17:55:29
The scene at the end of Mission Creek, which was...
The scene at the end of Mission Creek, which was...
0 2025/06/07 17:55:21
We bought some cookies from these Girl Guide scouts and their little sisters. The following week, I sought them out at that same marina spot to give them each a Canada flag pin. They were happy to receive the tiny gift.
We bought some cookies from these Girl Guide scouts and their little sisters. The following week, I sought them out at that same marina spot to give them each a Canada flag pin. They were happy to receive the tiny gift.
0 2025/06/08 12:19:28
That venue is worth a looksee, with its historic architecture and unique interior: the side walls are a remarkable 3D facsimile of old adobe buildings from yesteryear. Incidentally, we once spent Xmas 2008 in Costa Rica staying at the neighboring eco-lodge to the one where Rick and family were based.
That venue is worth a looksee, with its historic architecture and unique interior: the side walls are a remarkable 3D facsimile of old adobe buildings from yesteryear. Incidentally, we once spent Xmas 2008 in Costa Rica staying at the neighboring eco-lodge to the one where Rick and family were based.
0 2025/06/07 20:02:22
Oat Bakery was run by a group of women. They had a sense of humor.
Oat Bakery was run by a group of women. They had a sense of humor.
0 2025/06/08 12:15:58
A Butterfly beach beauty.
A Butterfly beach beauty.
0 2025/06/07 17:54:55
Each Saturday morn, a modest Fishermans Market occurs down in the marina. About seven stalls are set up offering freshness. We bantered with the youngest pair of fisherman there as they held the above spider crab. I advised them on a new advertising slogan for their oysters: 'MORE ZINC FOR YER DINK!'
Each Saturday morn, a modest Fishermans Market occurs down in the marina. About seven stalls are set up offering freshness. We bantered with the youngest pair of fisherman there as they held the above spider crab. I advised them on a new advertising slogan for their oysters: 'MORE ZINC FOR YER DINK!'
0 2025/06/08 12:13:41
Mrs Z and I were happy as a pair of jolly dolphins. Next: more music then Rick Steves.
Mrs Z and I were happy as a pair of jolly dolphins. Next: more music then Rick Steves.
0 2025/06/07 18:59:39
As I was photographing this young couple atop an outcrop, the boy's moccasin fell off. I then pretended to try to run away with it.
As I was photographing this young couple atop an outcrop, the boy's moccasin fell off. I then pretended to try to run away with it.
0 2025/06/07 17:54:22
As above, from a panel of four.
As above, from a panel of four.
0 2025/06/08 21:28:31
This seating area below a pergola seemed like it would be a great place to chill at night with candles and wine.
This seating area below a pergola seemed like it would be a great place to chill at night with candles and wine.
0 2025/06/09 22:20:57
Most of the decor was tasteful.
Most of the decor was tasteful.
0 2025/06/09 22:21:51
(From Lonely Planet) 'Sprawled across 78 hillside acres with panoramic coastal views, this is part garden and part hiking wonderland.' Above is the uber-modern Pritzlaff Conservation Center (washrooms), with its carefully-placed outdoor seating. Nearby were the first of many attractive boulders we'd see at such gardens: Mother Nature as art gallery. Note that there are occasion 'Free Seniors' days. That does not mean that you get to take an elderly woman home, rather it means there is no fee.
(From Lonely Planet) 'Sprawled across 78 hillside acres with panoramic coastal views, this is part garden and part hiking wonderland.' Above is the uber-modern Pritzlaff Conservation Center (washrooms), with its carefully-placed outdoor seating. Nearby were the first of many attractive boulders we'd see at such gardens: Mother Nature as art gallery. Note that there are occasion 'Free Seniors' days. That does not mean that you get to take an elderly woman home, rather it means there is no fee.
0 2025/06/10 11:33:30
The hushed Redwoods area had 30 GIANT Sequoias including the 50m General Sherman. They are currently suffering from a bark beetle infest (georgous harrisonicus). The massive rock outcrops nearby had names like Blakesly and Lassiter. The unique kids area had colorful art installations and laminated poetry among the open-air huts constructed from twigs and bark. A boy recently adopted from Mali delighted in showing us his colorful sparkle wand. A chess board was made atop a sawed-off trunk.
The hushed Redwoods area had 30 GIANT Sequoias including the 50m General Sherman. They are currently suffering from a bark beetle infest (georgous harrisonicus). The massive rock outcrops nearby had names like Blakesly and Lassiter. The unique kids area had colorful art installations and laminated poetry among the open-air huts constructed from twigs and bark. A boy recently adopted from Mali delighted in showing us his colorful sparkle wand. A chess board was made atop a sawed-off trunk.
0 2025/06/10 11:34:09
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