Nature: Skyscapes..

The same sky can look dramatically different, depending on the weather conditions...two of my favorite shots..

Joy: Fun at Universal studio, Los Angeles...

In front of the famous globe........

The obligatory 'Terminator bike' ride...

Conversation with Shrek donkey...

A riot of colors created by the patch of blossoms in Universal Studios...was an absolute treat for the eyes..

An actor in Monroe costume in the Universal Studios, Hollywood...

The stunt setting.....

Steep escalator.....

A friendly-looking dinosaur......

The Jurassic fall........

Mummy mascot........

Observation: Fountains and streams......

An effort to capture the cascading stream of crystal-clear water in Tewinkle park.........

Perfect retreat....

A tranquil place to relax those frayed nerves...aromatic shade of pine grove, murmuring stream and handsome mallard couples..what more can you ask for?

A cascading falls in Universal Studios, Los Angeles.......

A lovely one in  Mission San Juan Capistrano courtyard...

A fountain at Old Town, San Diego.......

Pretty fountain at Balboa park.......

At flower field........

A fountain in Sea World.....

A cute water feature in the apartment garden....the continuity of water forming an inverted bowl fascinates me...

Plant: Tender leaves and scary thorns on silk floss.....blossoms and pods too.....

Spring leaves sprout on the silk floss tree...before we blink eyes, they will turn parrot-green..

On the other hand, the thorny trunk of the tree is a classic example of 'looks can be deceptive'. Who can believe that this tree with an armor of terrifying thorns, blooms the most fabulous flowers in autumn? The gorgeous canopy of  pink flowers just look bewitching. Some may not know, this tree produces smooth, soft cotton from which comfy fabrics are woven.

The trees are looking their best, studded with zillions of pink flowers...The floral canopy against the azure sky is too captivating to ignore..

The blooms in San Diego zoo.........

Under a  spectacular silk-floss tree in a local park.....how can you not be charmed!!  With the petals, strewn on the hedge plants and ground, I can't help but compare it with the fabulous sakura (cherry) blossoms in Japan..

September...it's the time for papaya-shaped  pods now.....hanging from the leafless branches of the thorny trees are certain to attract the attention of any nature-loving pedestrian strolling the sidewalks. 

Though they can't compare to the gorgeous beauty of the pink blossoms, soon someday these raw pods are expected to mature and split, revealing the fuzzy, snow-white cotton.

The cotton after the pod shell withers away......

I learned to my surprise that this giant tree belongs to Malvaceae family..to which hibiscus and okra belong to....even the pachycaul baobab belongs to this family!