Morning view out my porch window.

Oak Leaf Hydrangea (I like how they keep leaves and change colors.

While walking through a park in Chinatown I saw this building across the street so I took a photo.  I was surprised to learn that Buddha has a church because I thought Buddhist had temples.  Click here for information about this church. http://www.bucsf.com/

Had I been alone instead of with a group I would have visited the inside or taken a tour of the building.  If any of you know the difference in a Buddhist church and a temple please comment. 

I’ve not posted on the new Xanga.  Here is a photo to see if I understand how this works.

http://www.wine-searcher.com/wine-53957-0001-weingut-toni-jost-hahnenhof-bacharacher-hahn-riesling-grosses-gewachs-mittelrhein-germany

Bacharach is a town in the Mittelrhein area of Germany which is on the Rhine river.  This is one of the larger vineyards along the Rhine.  

Riesling is the major wine of this area. 

Photo of a small community along the river while cruising during the day. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heidelberg

. . . and a poem unrelated to the photo.

The Ramp 

Neighbors who walk our street 

notice that the ramp constructed 

with the bend toward the driveway, 

is gone after only three days.  

New planks of pine

screwed in place to welcome you

never greet the wheels 

that expected to transport you to familiarity, 

to warmth, to man’s best friend 

and to the peace of returning home.

Cars gathered around the ramp-less walkway 

like bees at blossoms drinking in bits of nectar.  

They want a taste of you that lasts. 

In anguish most rend their mental cloth 

at missing a clasp from your creased palm. 

Each offspring promulgates unfinished issues 

with your lingering spirit.

In life your skilled hands crafted love 

into objects made from sawlogs. 

Now in death you imprint endearment 

in the hearts of those you leave behind.

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-484522-heidelberg_vacations-i

View of River Neckar in Heidelberg, Germany.  

A view of Lucerne

A pleasant summer evening

Celebrating life

* wife Yvonne caught off guard by my camera.

It is easy to see why this town is called “little Venice”

http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/france/02colmar.htm

Rick Steves likes Colmar and while I liked it I was somewhat disappointed by the massive industrialization around this quaint and pretty community. Here are a couple of pics from our day there. 

I do like mirror photography.

IMO, one of the pretty parts of Colmar.  It is sometimes called “little Venice” and is located on the Lauch River.