tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14902412664366380962024-02-06T18:54:50.036-08:00Eric Lovelin PhotographyExperience the world through photography. Eric Lovelin is a portrait and fine art photographer located in Seattle, Washington. He offers photography to help decorate your favorite space or capture a timeless moment.Eric Lovelinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03551580052781585026noreply@blogger.comBlogger382125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490241266436638096.post-26725592520016003912013-08-20T06:00:00.000-07:002013-08-20T06:00:00.681-07:00Finishing Palm SpringsYou know when life gets ahead of you and it seems difficult to choose one priority over another? Yeah, I'm there, and have been all summer. With beautiful weather making for a picture-perfect Seattle summer, it's been tough to plant in front of the computer to work on photos, let alone compose with words for blog posts. Nevertheless, I'm compelled to share the remaining photos from my work trip to <b>Palm Springs</b> (which was <i>way</i> back in May).
<p>I hope you enjoy a bit of the <b>Riviera Resort</b> and some sights from <b>Downtown Palm Springs</b>, including <i>Marilyn</i>.
<center><p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/eric___palm_springs_60.jpg">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/eric___palm_springs_59.jpg" width="700">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/eric___palm_springs_62.jpg" width="740">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/eric___palm_springs_66.jpg">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/eric___palm_springs_67.jpg" width="750">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/eric___palm_springs_69.jpg" height="500">    <img src="http://ericlovelin.com/eric___palm_springs_68.jpg" height="500">
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</center>Eric Lovelinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03551580052781585026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490241266436638096.post-7967486496495495172013-07-02T07:01:00.000-07:002013-07-02T07:01:47.991-07:00Up and AwayI'm usually not one for heights. I'm not sure if it's the fear of falling to certain injury or worse, but I shy away from activities that put a great (or even small) distance between me and solid ground. But I'm working on this, and on my recent trip to Palm Springs, I tackled the <b>Palm Springs Aerial Tramway</b>.
<p>This tram is by far one of the best vertical experiences I've had. Climb in a large tram car with a rotating floor (so you can really get those 360-degree views) and spend 10 minutes traveling from the hot Palm Springs floor up the cliffs of Chino Canyon nearly 6,000 feet to the summit, typically 30 degrees cooler but with all the brilliant sun the area has to offer. Once at the top, the hiking opportunities and views are spectacular. I've captured a few of these below, including my co-worker Bethany smelling a Jeffrey Pine tree, whose bark hints of vanilla and butterscotch. Enjoy!
<p><center><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/eric___palm_springs_54.jpg">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/eric___palm_springs_30.jpg" width="740">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/eric___palm_springs_32.jpg" width="700">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/eric___palm_springs_39.jpg" height="500"> <img src="http://ericlovelin.com/eric___palm_springs_44.jpg" height="500">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/eric___palm_springs_41.jpg">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/eric___palm_springs_46.jpg" width="750">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/eric___palm_springs_49.jpg" width="720">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/eric___palm_springs_36.jpg" width="750">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/eric___palm_springs_52.jpg">
</center>Eric Lovelinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03551580052781585026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490241266436638096.post-18715688338024185042013-06-14T07:00:00.000-07:002013-06-14T07:00:03.087-07:00Airplanes and Painted Ladies GaloreOne thing that was remarkable to me about the Palm Springs Air Museum--besides the generous pours of wine and the friendly and knowledgeable guides--were the beautifully preserved planes, most in working condition and almost all with a certain feminine decoration.
<p>Painting beautiful women and colorful cartoons on the drab painted aircraft brought smiles, beauty, humor, hope, and life back into the lives of the men at war. It wasn't done to make war pretty or palatable; rather, it gave the bomber crews pride and a unity amongst them. This nose art, with "pin-up" women and names from standard to scintillating, is beautiful and a kind of psychological protection against the stresses of war and the probability of death.
<p>Below you'll find some of these lovely ladies, as well as other markings on the vintage war planes I found mesmerizing and artistic in their own right.
<p><center><img src="http://www.ericlovelin.com/eric___palm_springs_5.jpg">
<p><img src="http://www.ericlovelin.com/eric___palm_springs_10.jpg" width="750">
<p><img src="http://www.ericlovelin.com/eric___palm_springs_11.jpg" width="700">
<p><img src="http://www.ericlovelin.com/eric___palm_springs_12.jpg">
<p><img src="http://www.ericlovelin.com/eric___palm_springs_14.jpg" width="725">
<p><img src="http://www.ericlovelin.com/eric___palm_springs_13.jpg" width="300"> <img src="http://www.ericlovelin.com/eric___palm_springs_21.jpg" height="300">
<p><img src="http://www.ericlovelin.com/eric___palm_springs_23.jpg" width="750">
<p><img src="http://www.ericlovelin.com/eric___palm_springs_26.jpg">
</center>
Eric Lovelinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03551580052781585026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490241266436638096.post-61902806617350654912013-06-12T07:00:00.000-07:002013-06-12T07:00:03.020-07:00Welcome to Palm SpringsA little over a month ago, as the calendar shifted to May, my team at work took a short trip to Palm Springs. It was perfect timing: before work picked up again for the summer, when weather was cooling off again in Seattle, and when going offline could not have come sooner. And of course Palm Springs welcomed us with open arms, wide 98-degree warm arms.
<p>Our work trips are celebratory, for much of the reasons above. We work long hours and many days and take some time in late Spring to appreciate our efforts and spend time together. When we arrived in Palm Springs, we began our time together with a party at the <b>Palm Springs Air Museum</b>, with vintage war planes, drinks, friends, air tours, and more.
<p>Let me paint the picture with my images...
<p><center><img src="http://www.ericlovelin.com/eric___palm_springs_1.jpg" width="725">
<p><img src="http://www.ericlovelin.com/eric___palm_springs_2.jpg">
<p><img src="http://www.ericlovelin.com/eric___palm_springs_3.jpg" width="750">
<p><img src="http://www.ericlovelin.com/eric___palm_springs_4.jpg">
<p><img src="http://www.ericlovelin.com/eric___palm_springs_8.jpg" width="725">
<p><img src="http://www.ericlovelin.com/eric___palm_springs_15.jpg" width="700">
<p><img src="http://www.ericlovelin.com/eric___palm_springs_18.jpg" width="780">
</center>Eric Lovelinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03551580052781585026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490241266436638096.post-18852046088368526162013-05-31T07:00:00.000-07:002013-05-31T07:00:03.753-07:00At The PointWe love to walk along the Kirkland waterfront. Numerous parks, great people watching, and an opportunity to take in some of Seattle's best views across Lake Washington toward downtown. If you haven't stopped by this area of the eastside of Seattle, you're missing out. Perhaps start at <b>Marsh Park</b> (captured below at sunset) or even at <b>Carillon Point</b>, home to the Woodmark Hotel, a gastropub, bistro, and bar, and great dock at which you can arrive by boat for a delicious meal or relaxing glass of wine.
<p>In Spring, Carillon Point also hosts gorgeous magnolia blossoms and unparalleled views of the sun setting behind the Olympic Mountains across Lake Washington.
<center><p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/spring_blooms_16.jpg">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/spring_blooms_13.jpg" width="720">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/spring_blooms_14.jpg" width="745">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/spring_blooms_12.jpg" width="720">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/spring_blooms_20.jpg">
</center>Eric Lovelinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03551580052781585026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490241266436638096.post-63697013096851930722013-05-30T07:00:00.000-07:002013-05-30T07:00:07.794-07:00Lakeview BlossomsOn a (somewhat) recent photowalk with Molly and the dog, it was fun to capture not only the beautiful blossoms of Spring, but to set them against some of the more interesting visuals in the Lakeview neighborhood of Kirkland. Sure, it's hard to beat stunning white blossoms against a deep blue sky, but it was fun to challenge myself to look for other photo components to share with these blossoms and plants.
<center><p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/spring_blooms_11.jpg">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/spring_blooms_7.jpg" height="565"> <img src="http://ericlovelin.com/spring_blooms_9.jpg" height="565">
</center>Eric Lovelinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03551580052781585026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490241266436638096.post-61723254953134413072013-05-29T07:00:00.000-07:002013-05-29T07:00:08.107-07:00Signs of SpringThe markers are different across the country, but most people know when Winter is gone and Spring is arriving. When we lived in Wisconsin, it was the early blooms from under the last snowfall's melt. California is perhaps the return of 70- and 80-degree days with a touch of rain. And here in Seattle it's the burst of colors on trees and grounds and the more unexpected weather patterns that plague us in spring.
<p>Get outside and enjoy the blooms, but only after you've made sense of non-committal meteorological phrases like <I>scattered showers</I>, <I>increasing chances of rain</I>, <I>showery</I>, <I>partly cloudy</I>, and <I>convergence zone</I>. When you see all of this in a short span of time during a forecast or on a weather map, it simply means "We're not sure how much or when it will rain, so brace yourself."
<p>But when the skies clear, the temperatures pick up, and Spring shouts with joy, it's time for me to capture a bit of this season and time for all Pacific Northwest residents to pour out into the streets, with dogs, jogging gear, watercrafts, and more.
<p><center><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/spring_blooms_6.jpg">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/spring_blooms_5.jpg" width="725">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/spring_blooms_8.jpg">
</center>Eric Lovelinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03551580052781585026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490241266436638096.post-13785171484533765822013-05-27T07:00:00.000-07:002013-05-27T15:14:40.051-07:00In BloomAs many of us savor the beauty of a three-day weekend for Memorial Day, I'd love to share a bit of the beautiful Spring we had here in the Seattle area. We're about ready to transition to summer--though the rain and gray skies might signal otherwise--so this is the perfect opportunity to look back on my neighborhood's climb out of winter.
<p>In a relatively short period of time, trees near my apartment shift from barren to blooming, bursting forth with buds and petals in vibrant colors. And sometimes, it's the color white that stands out the most, especially against the stark contrast of a brilliantly blue sky. Marsh Park, conveniently located nearby for Drifter's outings and kayak launches, features many of these flowering cherry trees. I chose to capture them there rather than fight the crowds at the University of Washington's campus.
<center><p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/spring_blooms_3.jpg">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/spring_blooms_2.jpg" width="740">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/spring_blooms_10.jpg">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/spring_blooms_4.jpg" width="750">
</center>Eric Lovelinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03551580052781585026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490241266436638096.post-26521286460302428682013-04-25T07:00:00.000-07:002013-04-25T07:00:07.419-07:00Enjoy a Bit of NatureOne of the best parts of hiking is having no agenda. Stop - Go. Speed up - Slow down. Whatever you do, take some time to enjoy the nature around you. Sights, scents, textures. Views far and near. Share them with a partner, or perhaps a pet. Capture them on film to remember in weeks and years to come.
Here are a few final moments of nature from our time on Bainbridge Island.
<p><center><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/bainbridge_trip_26.jpg" width="725"></center>
<p><br>Look - a stick!<center>
<img src="http://ericlovelin.com/bainbridge_trip_27.jpg">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/bainbridge_trip_28.jpg" width="700">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/bainbridge_trip_29.jpg">
</center>Eric Lovelinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03551580052781585026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490241266436638096.post-58937981172824760972013-04-24T07:00:00.000-07:002013-04-24T07:00:14.296-07:00A Tale of Two Water TowersThough we had read about these in our hiking guidebook, it was still a surprise to come along two water towers straddling the trail a couple miles into our trip. I was anticipating dilapidated metal, something rusted and shabby. And one water tower certainly lived up to that expectation. But the other had become a source of art and design from passersby, some with quite a vision.
<p><center><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/bainbridge_trip_16.jpg">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/bainbridge_trip_17.jpg" width="725">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/bainbridge_trip_18.jpg" height="550"> <img src="http://ericlovelin.com/bainbridge_trip_19.jpg" height="550">
</center><p><br>Panda Joy & Bugdozer Special...
<p><center><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/bainbridge_trip_20.jpg"></center>Eric Lovelinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03551580052781585026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490241266436638096.post-30065129434589247392013-04-23T07:00:00.000-07:002013-04-23T07:00:07.154-07:00Hiking Gazzam LakeSo in case you were wondering, we didn't just ride the ferry to and from Bainbridge to feel the wind in our hair and the sun on our faces. We actually planned a hike on the <b>Gazzam Lake trail</b> on the west side of Bainbridge. It begins as a beautifully-forested walk and then traverses down toward the water, where a rocky beach sits between you and a stunning view of Mount Rainier. We brought Drifter and he enjoyed poking around on the beach and taking in the vast array of smells.
<p>Our one regret from the hike was not bringing a method of payment, as a café near the beach was serving delicious food and cold beer on its patio. I'll share a few photos here today, but stay tuned for one of the trail's landmarks tomorrow.
<p><center><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/bainbridge_trip_12.jpg">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/bainbridge_trip_13.jpg" width="725">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/bainbridge_trip_15.jpg">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/bainbridge_trip_25.jpg" height="500">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/bainbridge_trip_24.jpg" width="700">
</center>Eric Lovelinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03551580052781585026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490241266436638096.post-54331278194967026102013-04-22T07:00:00.000-07:002013-04-22T07:00:10.749-07:00On the Good Ship... Tacoma?If you don't get the reference in the title of this blog entry, you didn't see enough Shirley Temple movies as a child. No lollipop references here, just some words and images about our ferry rides to and from Bainbridge Island.
<p>By now, you've already seen the <a href="http://ericlovelin.blogspot.com/2013/04/view-from-top.html">photos I captured</a> of Seattle from the water. But the ferry ride itself is quite an experience. The vehicles are loaded on to the two floors of the ship with a certain precision; and they're packed in quite tightly, in neat lines with little spacing bumper to bumper. We were fortunate enough to take Drifter up to the upper deck for some stellar views, a bit of sunshine, and fresh sea breeze. Some choose instead to sit indoors to capture the view, or stop on the café floor for a bite to eat and something delicious to drink.
<p>Enjoy our experience through these photos, but get out on a Puget Sound ferry next time you have the chance.
<p><center><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/bainbridge_trip_10.jpg">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/bainbridge_trip_8.jpg" width="740">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/bainbridge_trip_11.jpg">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/bainbridge_trip_30.jpg" width="700">
</center>Eric Lovelinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03551580052781585026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490241266436638096.post-40334782175085379732013-04-16T07:00:00.000-07:002013-04-16T07:00:08.855-07:00View from the TopThough we were recently in Downtown Seattle, this post has nothing to do with the views from the top of the Space Needle or Seattle's Great Wheel. Instead, I want to share some more images with you of this city from the <i>top</i> deck of our ferry to and from Bainbridge Island. If you've never been on a ferry before or if you're just looking for an amazing view of Seattle, I can't recommend the trip to Bainbridge Island enough! You depart from the heart of Downtown, head a bit north and west with views of all of the major attractions of Seattle.
<p>These photos will just give you a glimpse of the sights, as well as some of the visitors that follow along the ferry on its journey.
<p><center><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/bainbridge_trip_1.jpg">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/bainbridge_trip_5.jpg" width="700">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/bainbridge_trip_4.jpg">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/bainbridge_trip_3.jpg" width="725">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/bainbridge_trip_32.jpg"></center>Eric Lovelinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03551580052781585026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490241266436638096.post-11048248479526207232013-04-15T07:24:00.001-07:002013-04-15T07:24:28.212-07:00Wind in your Face?As Spring rolls through the Seattle area and we get our first glimpses of glorious sunshine and warmer weather, I see an increasing number of convertibles. I always wonder about the practicality of a purchase like that in a region where that car's true potential seems wasted much of the time. But then you cruise down the freeway on a sunny afternoon with the wind in your hair and all seems right with the world. Well that's how I imagine it anyway.
<p>On a recent trip to Bainbridge Island for a hike with Molly and our dog Drifter, we took our canine child on his first ferry ride. He's not much of a <i>stick-your-head-out-the-window</i> dog when we're driving, but he thoroughly enjoyed the deck of the ferry as we crossed to and from Bainbridge. Those vessels move at a good pace and it was a breezy day, which meant a fair amount of wind blowing straight into our dog's face. He drew some odd looks as he positioned his face toward the wind and lived in the moment. A few passengers stopped to take in the sight and chuckle. But Drifter could care less - he was having the time of his life and thoroughly loving it.
<p><center><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/bainbridge_trip_31.jpg">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/bainbridge_trip_6.jpg" height="650">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/bainbridge_trip_7.jpg" width="700"></center>Eric Lovelinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03551580052781585026noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490241266436638096.post-19830803330022817692013-04-10T07:00:00.000-07:002013-04-10T07:00:37.580-07:00Out for a HikeMolly and I recently purchased a book that encourages the physical exploration of the Greater Seattle Area: <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/60-Hikes-Within-Miles-Including/dp/0897326954/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365601501&sr=8-1&keywords=60+hikes+within+60+miles+seattle">60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Seattle</a></i>. While there are lots of hiking books, especially in a place as outdoorsy as the Northwest, I like this one for not only the hard data it provides about each hike (elevation gain, length, GPS locations, etc.) and the cross-referencing by purpose of the hike (see a waterfall, take in a view, hike through wildflowers...), but also for the narratives the authors have included about each hike. It's not enough for them to simply tell you how to get to the trailhead, show you a map, and suggest how long it might take you to complete the out-and-back or loop hike you're planning to finish. Instead, they include a few pages with each hike that "walk" you through the experience you're about to have, things not to miss, helpful tips for staying on the path, and a bit of information about what makes that particular hike worthy of being in this book. Excellent addition.
<p>Molly and I recently hiked the Anti-Aircraft loop out at Cougar Mountain just east of Bellevue. Apparently the military once had a missile launch and missile-command radar station atop this peak. While we didn't see that on our hike, we did experience a clay pit, Lost Beagle Trail, an open shaft for mining ventilation, and a beautiful day in the Pacific Northwest. And Drifter thoroughly enjoyed the change of scene as well.
<p><center><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/cougar_mountain_hike_2.jpg">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/cougar_mountain_hike_1.jpg" width="725">
</center><p><br>Drifter rolling in the sand at the clay pit.<center><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/cougar_mountain_hike_4.jpg" width="700">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/cougar_mountain_hike_5.jpg" width="775"></center>Eric Lovelinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03551580052781585026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490241266436638096.post-34191568787939902212013-03-26T07:53:00.000-07:002013-03-26T07:53:44.522-07:00A Snack<p>Sometimes you just need a good snack before dinner. Maybe it's been a long day at work and you're not ready to cook yet. Or perhaps you've just opened a bottle of white wine or a craft beer and need something to accompany it. Or maybe you need no reason at all to delight in a little morsel or two. Personally, I could fall into any of these categories. Don't judge me.
<p><center><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/cheese_plate_1.jpg"></center>
<p>What's your favorite snack? Do you go for popcorn or nuts? Do you sneak into an empty room and down a handful of chocolate chips? Or potato chips?
<p>I can never resist a good cheese plate: a nice flatbread cracker, freshly sliced charcuterie, and a hunk of cheese, which is exactly what you see above. I suppose the one thing missing might be a nice mixture of olives or jar of pickled asparagus. But you can't have everything right?
<p><center><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/cheese_plate_2.jpg" width="750"></center><p>Le Châtelain French Brie, Italian Salame, Freshly-baked flatbread crackerEric Lovelinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03551580052781585026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490241266436638096.post-67399675989063939502013-03-14T07:51:00.000-07:002013-03-14T07:51:11.722-07:00See Spot RunTo be fair, the title of this blog post is only partially true. It does include photos of dogs running, but neither of them are named Spot. In fact, they're Birdy and Georgie, an unlikely pair.
<p>One is classically lovable, faithful, and obedient. The other is Georgie.
<p>One listens, fetches, sits, and seems to mind. The other is Georgie.
<p>And you'll see one sprinting to catch the ball time after time in these photos. The other simply chases her, nipping at her back.
<p><i>You get the picture.</i>
<p><br>I captured these photos over Winter Break in Chico, on a sunny afternoon when all the dogs could stand to do was be outside. We happily obliged.
<p><center><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/dogs_fetching_5.jpg">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/dogs_fetching_1.jpg" width="700">
<p></center><i>Georgie<center></i><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/dogs_fetching_4.jpg">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/dogs_fetching_6.jpg" width="725">
<p></center>Drifter hung out and watched the show, most likely wondering why these dogs were running if they didn't <i>have to</i>.<center><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/dogs_fetching_7.jpg" width="765"></center>
Eric Lovelinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03551580052781585026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490241266436638096.post-44875901723034228812013-03-12T07:00:00.000-07:002013-03-12T07:00:05.421-07:00Homemade SconesSometimes you wake up on a lazy Sunday morning and want to do nothing more than curl up on the couch with some bad television (e.g. shopping networks, chick flicks, and the endless news cycle) and a cup of hot, delicious coffee. And then there are the days when you follow that with a bit of baking, because sometimes you just can't leave to pick up fresh pastries, so why not make them from scratch?
<p>The above perfectly describes a recent weekend here in Kirkland. Sleep in, lay around, and then whip up some <b>Strawberry Almond Scones</b> from scratch. Certainly in the summer you could use fresh strawberries, but all I had on hand were individually quick frozen ones from last summer. After a quick rinse, I was ready to tackle this recipe. Breakfast naturally turned into brunch as we waited for them to bake, but what a Sunday meal!
<p><center><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/strawberry_almond_scones.jpg"></center>
<p><i><b>Strawberry Almond Scones</b></i>
<p><u>Scones</u>
<br>1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
<br>1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
<br>1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
<br>1 tablespoon baking powder
<br>1/2 teaspoon baking soda
<br>1/2 teaspoon salt
<br>1 stick cold unsalted butter, cubed
<br>1 1/4 cups buttermilk, plus more for brushing
<br>1 1/2 cups sliced strawberries
<br>2 tablespoons turbinado sugar (also called Sugar in the Raw)
<p><u>Glaze Topping</u>
<br>1/2 cup sliced almonds
<br>2 cups confectioners' sugar
<br>3 tablespoons buttermilk
<br>1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
<br>Pinch of salt
<p>1. Preheat the oven to 400° and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose and whole wheat pastry flours with the granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Using a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in the 1 1/4 cups of buttermilk and carefully fold in the sliced strawberries.
<p>2. Using an ice cream scoop or a spoon, scoop the dough into 16 mounds on the prepared baking sheets. Brush the scones with buttermilk and sprinkle with the turbinado sugar. Bake in the upper and lower thirds of the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the scones are golden and cooked through; shift the pans from front to back and top to bottom halfway through baking. Let the scones cool on a rack for 30 minutes.
<p>3. Lower the oven temperature to 350°. Spread the almonds in a pie plate and toast for about 8 minutes, until golden. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the confectioners' sugar with the buttermilk, almond extract and salt. Cover and let stand at room temperature.
<p>4. Drizzle the scones with the glaze, then top with the almonds, pressing to help them adhere. Let dry for 10 minutes, then serve.
<p>
<center><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/scone_breakfast.jpg" width="725"></center>
Eric Lovelinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03551580052781585026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490241266436638096.post-36104954996754653422013-03-08T07:00:00.000-08:002013-03-08T07:00:07.852-08:00California's First CityOn our way home from our honeymoon in Carmel, we had to stop to see the sights in Monterey. Located at the Southern edge of Monterey Bay, this city was actually California's first! Monterey was the capital when California belonged to Spain and Mexico from 1777 to 1846 and was the only port. When California was claimed for the United States, it was done by raising the US flag over the Customs House in Monterey. The city also had California's first theatre, public building, public library, publicly funded school, printing press, and newspaper.
<p>We didn't really get to experience many of these historical sights on our brief stop. We walked past the aquarium, stopped for lunch overlooking the bay, walked past the pier, into some shops, and passed the time as tourists. Below are a few of the images from Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, and more!
<p><center><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_84.jpg">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_85.jpg" width="700">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_86.jpg" width="740">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_83.jpg">
</center>
<br>
<br>
And this certainly reminded us of Molly's <a href="http://www.zucchiniandvine.com/">family's store</a> in Downtown Chico...
<center><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_87.jpg" width="750"></center>Eric Lovelinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03551580052781585026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490241266436638096.post-38842317636228706932013-03-06T07:00:00.000-08:002013-03-06T07:00:12.535-08:00A Walk to RememberFirst, I must apologize for the horrific blog post title today. I had played around with different ways to tease this entry, but opted for the most obvious and most accurate. And since I'll truly never forget the afternoon we spent on <b>Carmel Beach</b> shortly before our honeymoon ended, I thought I'd let the title stick!
<p>Molly and I both have fond memories of the Pacific Coast as children, though from fairly different geographic locales. I used to frequent the Oregon Coast, go clamming, sit inside on the rainy afternoons and read or play board games, and occasionally dip my toes in the water. Molly's memories involve a more temperate climate, so she spent a great deal more time in the water and in the sand than I might have as a child. Nevertheless, we're now married and get to create our own memories for what the beach will be <i>for us</i>.
<p> This particular afternoon at the beach in Carmel was sunny and a bit windy, but altogether enjoyable. We walked together, commented on the sights and sounds of the beach, and made and captured a few memories to preserve the moment. I hope you enjoy a window into our afternoon walk and will share with me your favorite memories from the beach!
<p><center><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_73.jpg">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_74.jpg" width="700">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_77.jpg" height="500"> <img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_79.jpg" height="500">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_75.jpg" width="740">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_76.jpg">
</center>Eric Lovelinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03551580052781585026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490241266436638096.post-11433881632002667422013-03-04T07:00:00.000-08:002013-03-04T07:00:13.249-08:00Not Just 17 MilesIt's hard to believe that it's been a little over 6 months since Molly and I were married. Time certainly flies! After our wedding in Chico, Molly and I escaped for the week to Carmel for rest, relaxation, sightseeing, and lots of delicious eating. And while there, we certainly couldn't pass up <b>17-Mile Drive</b>.
<p>With an entrance near Downtown Carmel, Molly and I grabbed some snacks provided to us by her family in a little honeymoon basket and began the trek through the Monterey Peninsula. 17-Mile Drive is scenic, passing through Carmel, Pebble Beach, and Pacific Grove. It hugs the Pacific coastline, meanders through famous golf courses and stunning mansions, and is pebbled with small parking lots and turnouts for those looking to capture the scenery.
<p>I hope you enjoy a little photo diary of some of the sights of 17-Mile Drive. I've already shared with you (<i>way back in December</i>) the <a href="http://ericlovelin.blogspot.com/2012/12/squirrels-love-affair.html">squirrel love story</a> I captured while at one of the beach turnouts on this scenic drive. Take some time below to peruse the other animals, plants, and beautiful terrain of this portion of the peninsula.
<center><p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_60.jpg">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_72.jpg" width="700">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_57.jpg">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_71.jpg" width="725">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_61.jpg">
</center>Eric Lovelinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03551580052781585026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490241266436638096.post-3079301753654394562012-12-10T06:58:00.001-08:002012-12-10T06:58:39.537-08:00Squirrels: a love affairI'll get back to sharing a bit more of Carmel soon. But first, I had to take a quick detour to focus on something we saw while out on 17-Mile Drive near Pebble Beach. Along this drive, Molly and I stopped at Bird Rock, a fairly sizable landmark rising out of the Pacific Ocean and home to many different birds and sea lions, each of whom seemed extremely loud and active. But the most active and curious creatures at Bird Rock that afternoon were the ground squirrels.
<p>Now I've been many places where squirrels are far from shy. I even had one climb up my leg while on a hike in Eastern Oregon. But there was something different about these little guys (and gals). They were not only extremely interested in the humans who cycled through this stop on 17-Mile Drive, but they were genuinely curious about each other, and playful in their interactions. Several of them even appeared to be engaged in a bit of flirting and courtship: <i>Squirrels, a Love Story</i>.
<p><center><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_63.jpg">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_62.jpg" width="750">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_64.jpg" width="725">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_65.jpg">
<p>
<p></center>And here are a few other curious squirrels, one clearly taking advantage of the tourists and the other a bit too interested in me.
<p><center><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_67.jpg" width="700">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_69.jpg">
</center>Eric Lovelinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03551580052781585026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490241266436638096.post-6032231785357303892012-12-05T06:47:00.000-08:002012-12-05T06:47:42.015-08:00Carmel Up CloseI've mentioned this before, but I find that when you're in tourist mode--wandering aimlessly through a place and trying to find ways to preserve the experience on film (digital or otherwise)--it's often best to focus on small details or pictures of the scene. Unless you're there at the <i>right</i> time with the <i>right</i> equipment, it can be difficult to capture a magazine-worthy landscape of the scene. Much the same can be said for photowalks with friends or strangers.
<p>But if you focus instead on "small landscapes" or details of the scene, it can often trigger an even better memory of the place by igniting your imagination to fill in what you <i>can't</i> see.
<p>Here is one such take on <b>Downtown Carmel</b>.
<p><center><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_29.jpg" width="700">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_28.jpg">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_36.jpg" width="375"> <img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_37.jpg" width="375">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_31.jpg" width="700">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_38.jpg"></center>Eric Lovelinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03551580052781585026noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490241266436638096.post-19233591143370752062012-12-03T07:03:00.000-08:002012-12-03T07:03:21.795-08:00The DoorsFor those of you who have followed this blog for some time, you'll remember my series of door images from San Miguel de Allende in Mexico, January 2009. In cities where much of the architecture looks the same, especially colonial and European cities, the front door can be an opportunity for personality, uniqueness. In San Miguel, it was a bright and bold color choice or a distinct door knocker.
<p>I didn't particularly notice a trend with doors in Carmel. The housing is a bit more varied in design, but there were a few remarkable doors and entryways worth capturing during our stay there. I think the best part of a great door is letting your imagination wonder what must be behind it...
<p><center><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_19.jpg" width="390"> <img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_16.jpg" width="390">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_33.jpg">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_41.jpg" height="900"></center>Eric Lovelinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03551580052781585026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490241266436638096.post-58849696842052663212012-11-27T07:13:00.001-08:002012-11-27T07:13:57.339-08:00Pick a CarSo Carmel is perhaps famously known not just for once having Clint Eastwood as a mayor (pre-empty chair speech days), but also for its <i>Concours d'Elegance</i>, a week-long car show in August. Since we were busy getting married and lodging can be hard to come by at that time, we simply showed up right after the car show was over and enjoyed a much emptier town.
<p>Nevertheless, there were plenty of beautiful cars and people to be seen around Carmel while we were there. I'll share a bit of the former here.
<p><center><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_13.jpg">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_44.jpg" width="700">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_43.jpg">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_50.jpg" width="650">
<p><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_49.jpg"></center>
<p>And then there was this one quirky European vehicle!
<p><center><img src="http://ericlovelin.com/carmel_honeymoon_30.jpg" width="725"></center>Eric Lovelinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03551580052781585026noreply@blogger.com0