The Olive Branch

Here's a tiny bouquet that decorated the table where my mom and I sat last time we visited the Olive Branch on Tejon Street downtown. We love to eat there. The food is wonderful! They serve breakfast anytime (and it's a great place to go on a Sunday morning or afternoon to enjoy just that), and the entrees are healthy and delicious. My favorite thing to order is the California omelet and fresh-squeezed orange juice, and my mom likes the house salad. I also loooooooooooove the famous Olive Branch lemon bread. They serve a warm slice of it with every meal. Such a nice touch -- like the flowers.

A "unique retail concept"

Suppose you're in dire need of a vacuum cleaner belt, and at the same time you're shopping for a suit of armor for that special someone. Or perhaps the latest Dyson model has tickled your fancy, and your husband is needing a longsword to complete his collection of medieval weaponry. Well it's one-stop shopping at Vacuums and Dragons on North Academy Boulevard! That's right: vacuums and dragons. Huh?

The first time I drove by it I thought I was seeing things. Then last week I was getting my eyebrows waxed at my favorite salon's new location, and I noticed the sign again. I had to get a picture. I did a little research, and I assure you that you can take this store's name quite literally; they really do sell and service vacuum cleaners, while at the same time they're fully stocked with goodies for the Dungeons and Dragons/World of Warcraft set. Wow! As far as I know, it's got to be the only place on the planet where you can buy a HEPA filter and a claymore at the same time. I love it!

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Last of my Vail photos... this is Gore Creek, which runs through Vail Village. I love the twilight.

Who is this bronzed man?

I thought I was finished with my Vail pictures, then I realized that I had a couple from another camera. This is a sculpture I found in Vail Village. I thought it was Mark Twain and my assistant Allison thought it was Albert Einstein. Who's right?

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The late afternoon sun backlights some seedpods at Piney River Ranch, in the mountains just above Vail.

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Some Aspen trees at Piney River Ranch near Vail, Colorado last weekend. In just three or four weeks, their leaves will be golden. I wish I could go back just to capture that, but I think my poor car would completely reject the idea! (Note to those who are thinking of visiting this place: you're gonna want four wheel drive.)

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Another view of the lake at Piney River Ranch near Vail (see yesterday's post -- I was there to shoot a wedding). Wouldn't you love to be there right now?

Piney River Ranch in Vail, Colorado

I spent last weekend in beautiful Vail, shooting a wedding*. The ceremony took place at Piney River Ranch, in the mountains above Vail. I took a few scenic pictures just for you :^) Here's the lake and the surrounding mountains. Isn't it amazing? I love my job!

*If you'd like to see some of my favorite images from that wedding, please click here: http://click-photography.blogspot.com/2010/09/kate-and-marks-vail-wedding.html

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I found this beauty downtown last week. She kept quite still for me and posed for a portrait before flitting away.

A new restaurant!

How would you like to try this restaurant? It's called OPB&J and it serves only peanut butter and jelly sandwiches! It recently opened in the space on Bijou vacated by Zeezo's, which moved around the block onto Tejon Street. Apparently they have every possible flavor of jelly, and a huge variety of peanut butter. And it's organic! I can't wait to try it out!

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A weathered brick wall and a swath of Virginia creeper in the alleyway behind the Old Chicago restaurant downtown last weekend. I love coming across little vignettes like this to photograph.

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Today is Friday the 13th! For me, the number 13 has no negative connotations at all. I was born on the 13th! Speaking of numbers, I came across this one while location scouting for a shoot the other day.

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Tuesday was Primary day in Colorado. Did you remember to vote?

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Another night shot on the CC campus. This is the Cornerstone Arts Center, viewed looking eastward from the corner of Cache la Poudre Street and Cascade Avenue.

The Schlessman Natatorium at CC

It's been a few days since I've had the pleasure of blogging. Wedding season has swamped me! I hope to be able to indulge in my daily photo blog a little more consistently now, since weddings are easing up for the moment.

Here's a cool photo that Pat took of the indoor swimming pool at the Colorado College a few nights ago. We were just sort of driving around at random on the campus, and the natatorium was empty and fully lit. It looked alluringly desolate in the darkness. Pat couldn't resist getting a shot of it. I think it's a very cool picture.

August 2010 Theme Day: Bright Colors

It's the first of the month, and that means Theme Day! It's been ages since I've participated. I just happened to have the perfect image for this month's theme, bright colors. This is the storefront of a groovy little boutique in Manitou Springs called Safron. I've never been in there until last week, when I checked it out with my niece Rhea who was visiting from out of town. I think I could buy everything in there!

To see other City Daily Photo theme day photos from all over the world, click here to view thumbnails for all participants.