[SkyWatch] Sunset Silhouettes

Time for SkyWatch Friday, so I share with you a golden sunset I saw in Ilocos Norte. In the first photo are a pair of local boys walking along the beach; and in the second we get a magnificent pose by the daughter of a friend.

 Ilocos Norte, 2010

M is for Metal Monster

Some call it junk art.

 Guangzhou, 2010

What do you say? 

These metal monsters were modeled in front of one of the many massive exhibition buildings that in totality is loosely referred to as the Guangzhou Trade Fair... or, much to my mounting dismay, the old colonial term, Canton Fair. I've attended it as buyer, or in more recent years as seller, since 1985. This Jinhan Fair holds a multitude of exhibitors on five floors marketing their giftware and home decor.

There were lots of mesmerized local onlookers.

M is the letter at Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday, and there you will find links to many other posts on subjects starting with M.

Y is for Yakow

A yakow, you might guess, is a hybrid between the long-haired yak of the Himalayas and a domestic cow; a bovid hybrid also called dzo. The hybrid is larger and stronger than either the yak or the cow and is considered to be more productive in producing milk or meat.

I've seen these scruffy looking beasts on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau in the outskirts of Xiahe in Gansu as well as in Mongolia. Today I share with you a few of my China photos. [Click to enlarge.]

Gansu, 2007

And this post is linked to the team at ABC Wednesday where you'll find many interesting posts on subjects with the letter Y.

[MyWorld] Bringing in the Catch

In my [personal] world it is a rare occasion that I get up early; I am a confirmed night owl and subjected to a fair amount of [deserved] teasing about it from my friends.

But when I do get up at the crack of dawn, if it's not to catch an early plane, it's typically for something exciting. On our trip to Mindoro some months ago, I was roused from bed to go see the fishermen come in with their catches of the day. I'm so very glad I did.  Here is some of what I saw (all images can be enlarged).

Mindoro, 2010

I am linking to My World Tuesday and Ruby Tuesday.

Tropical Foliage

The deep mottled hues and varied shapes of the tropical croton plant appeal to me. Its colorful glossy leaves brighten up any garden.

Quezon, 2010

Linking with Today's Flower, where I hope my pretty leaves are accepted as decoratives, as well as the blogging communities at Mellow Yellow Monday and Mosaic Monday.

Bridge Over Sand

A little bridge over sand in Ilocos Norte, the northernmost province of the Philippines, for Louis la Vache's Sunday Bridges. I can only guess that water flows under when it rains; we were fortunate not to see a drop of it last week on our mini-vacation.

Love Is All We Need

We brought in the New Year with precious friends... and I share the sentiments around their pool.

Manila, 2010-2011

May the New Year bring you all your heart's desires, and then some.

Linking with James' Weekend Reflections.