Watertown, MA. October, 2016

My friend Donna was closing her garden for the season and arrived at my door with this gift pepper. When I asked her if it was hot, she said, "I think so." Looks dangerous to me. Trick or treat.

Dover, MA. October, 2016

My friends Mike and Brian run a horse farm in nearby Dover, and every season they throw a party in their chock-full greenhouse. It even has a koi pool. A highlight of the evening is always a chance to stroll by the pens to see the horses in residence. Like this one. So big, so gentle-looking.

Watertown, MA. October, 2016

My friend and neighbor, the artist Cat Bennett, currently has a show up at the nearby Arsenal Center for the Arts. Called "How to Be Friends," and featuring the work of Maggie Stern along with Cat's, it does what I love most about art: displays both a serious skill and technique, and also clearly indicates that the artist is having fun. Here, a shelf of small (~3-4" high) decorated busts that Cat has lined up to stare down the viewer.

Watertown, MA. October, 2016

More stars in the autumn garden. This time, the Witch Hazel, which (get it?) I've only seen bloom in late winter, has suddenly sent forth a starburst of flowers, sparkling against the blue morning sky.

Watertown, MA. October, 2016

Don't let the stars get in your eyes.... Suddenly the autumn foliage seems to suggest stardust. I'm not complaining. Here, a chance glance toward the sidewalk surprised with a constellation of fallen leaves.

Istanbul. June, 2007

The Bosphorus as seen from Topkapi Palace. So not only did the sultan and his family get to live in palatial splendor, they also had this beautiful view. Seems unfair.

Istanbul. June, 2007

Long before there was refrigeration, there was pickling. A tradition that continues in earnest to this day. Here, a small sampling of the rich roster of pickles offered at Petek Turşulari, the city's most popular pickle shop.