I’m amazed at how green everything is here. For five years I was at Sheppard and August is the hotter-than-hell season. In Redding, where my family is, the season is just as dry and sweltering. Foliage struggles to survive and water can be just as detrimental to your grass and plants as none at all.

Nature is so vibrant here!

I think I’m getting used to the climate. In a couple of months I have a few hikes/tours on the books. They’re the kind of hikes I like…we take you, we pick you up, everything else is all on your own. LOL. One takes us through crumbling castles on a rocky cliff. Another takes me into the historical mecca of Adana. Later in the year I’ll be wondering through a cave in what’s called the Heaven and Hell walk. It’s Heaven walking down but Hell walking back up. That’s the hike I’m preparing for, btw (for those tracking my workouts on Facebook). I don’t want to miss anything.

I hope these pictures give you a little taste of what I see here.

In the morning there are hundreds of these birds in one tree outside my door. My alarm clock.

I was told there are a lot of birds in Turkey. In the time I’ve been here, I’ve seen over 60 different species of birds. And all of them decide to roost in the tree just outside my room. All of them are camera-shy (of course), but this one decided to strike a pose for me.

Beautiful contrast.

I love this image. It was a practice in colors. Yes, it’s not perfect, but I’m getting there, I think. Right now I’m up before dawn and trying to keep myself from going stir crazy. I got a lot done yesterday and even more the day before. Today movers come. YAY. And I’ll get out and take more pics this weekend. I promise. Have a good day, guys. I love and miss you.

I am amazed by the color of nature around here. Splashes of yellow, red and purple surprise you on walks through the streets.

This is the beautiful flower without all the fuzzy dream-like effects. I started this blog for several reasons (and no, flowers aren’t it). 1. My family could see things the way I see them as I travel this culturally diverse part of the world. 2. It forces me to leave my dorm room, otherwise I might try to force myself into a coma until I go home (bad for all of us). 3. It gives me something useful to do.

My husband also has a blog he keeps updated daily, showing each other how we’re doing. It’s something we do together that allows us to be completely unique. And for that, I’m thankful. The idea of a photo blog came from the wonderful Lynn Viehl, whose images on her own phot blog, PBWindow, kept me entranced for almost an entire year. I hope she’ll continue the journey, but if not, I just wanted her to know she inspired this idea.

I love the dreamlike look of this image.

This is one of those serendipity pics. I hope you enjoy it. And I’m sending lots of healing thoughts to Erik, the little daredevil. See you all tomorrow!

Perfect shot on a beautiful morning

It was a balmy morning and I was waiting for a building to open for the morning briefing. While it’s not the melting roses from my home in Cali, it is an absolutely beautiful image to capture. I’m becoming rather proud of my macro skills…on auto, that is! I hope you enjoy. I miss you guys.

Image taken from outside my room.

I am amazed by the beauty of this place. It’s not overwhelming or even obvious. The beauty in Turkey is subtle. I hope to get more flowers and animals up for you soon. Food pics will be forthcoming as soon as I can make it happen.

Melting Roses, Redding, CA

I find roses fascinating for reasons unknown. I’m allergic to them, to be honest. Today marks the beginning of the From Turkey With Love blog. In the time I’m gone, I’ve promised to document every day with at least one image post. This is for my family and no others. If you happen upon this blog, you’re welcome to travel with me.