portraits

tomato tomato

Tomato Tomato, Shiny Hamakua Pair

This shiny pair of Hamakua-grown tomatoes was too perfect to eat without first documenting... and here's the result. It's wonderful to have local farmers growing vine-ripened Lycopersicon esculentum, saving us the disappointment of a tasteless wonder shipped from thousands of miles away. If you're wanting some fun history on this special fruit/vegetable see these links: http://www.tomato-cages.com/tomato-history.html http://plantanswers.tamu.edu/publications/vegetabletravelers/tomato.html

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swim faster!

Menpachi for dinner

This Menpachi unfortunately did not escape my brother's spear. Here it's poised and ready to be scaled for dinner. One of my favorite reef fish, the white flesh is juicy, soft, and flavorful. For amazing underwater shots/taxonomy of this beautiful fish, see Keoki Stender's site: http://www.marinelifephotography.com/fishes/squirrelfishes/squirrelfishe...

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blue duet

 Dark Agapanthus blossoms float on a white background.

Today, Agapanthus have their own Family, Agapanthaceae, but for the last 220 years they were moved around from group to group, until it was concluded that they were distinct enough to warrant a new category.  This almost-black Agapanthus hybrid variety was purchased so long ago, I cannot recall its name.  The rich color seduced me, and my wallet was considerably lighter after that nursery outing.  Well worth it, though, as my mother has at least quadrupled the original rhizomes.   http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantab/agapanthcod.htm

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pololu pack mule

A handsome mule if I ever saw one.

During the annual Pololu Valley Cleanup, mules and horses are a big help in hauling out the detritus that volunteers collect.  Mules like this one are a perfect choice for the precarious trails that climb the valley walls, due to their combination of strength and an even-tempered nature.

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Tomato Tomato, Shiny Hamakua Pair
Menpachi for dinner
 Dark Agapanthus blossoms float on a white background.
A handsome mule if I ever saw one.