Neighborhood Llama

I see you. Do you see me? This llama and a few others live just a few blocks from my house.

Bloody Bug

It's official name is Boisea Trivittata - and although it carries the Boise namesake, we call them box elder bugs. This is the first time I've seen them in my backyard, so the maple tree must be playing host. Supposedly, they're not a danger to the tree, and don't squish them - they're bloody messy.

Gangsta Birds

Male brown-headed cowbirds holding a posturing contest. Girls must have been nearby. Cowbirds are called "brood parasitics" because they lay their eggs in the nests of other birds to trick those birds into raising the young.

Yard Sale Treasure

Yard sale season is well underway. Here's my 9-year-old's "top find" so far. What treasures have you found?

A Peter Pan Scene

The school season is winding down. I'll guess that these kids celebrated with a "pajama day."

Pinball Wizards

Always fun to find one tucked away at a restaurant. There's a long row at the Boise Airport, but they're past security, so you can only play when you have a flight.

Record Exchange

Part of the mural on the Record Exchange - a music store in Downtown Boise. And yes, I remember when vinyl used to be among the main merchandise. And yes, vinyl is cool again. Good coffee and a fascinating gift shop inside, too.

I Can't Explain This

And...this is my kiddo laying on the driveway with her Nintendo DS.

Garage Mystery Solved

I thought mice had chewed into the bag of cat food...it turned out to be a bigger critter. This is the neighbor's cat, Damon, helping himself to a snacker-pooker.

State Street Number of the Day

I'm sure the "44 Club" sign looks better at night. Right? This long-time bar is on State Street.

Saturday Caturday

Sweetie Kitty didn't think this was a funny photo opportunity. It disrupted her nap.

The Lizard Says...

I *think* that's a lizard.

The Latest Coating of Snow

This was the view a couple of days ago...and yes, while some of it melted, we still have plenty of snow in view. Valley tradition says if you still see snow in the mountains, it's too early to plant tomatoes and other tenders. I'm still holding off.

Breaking the Rules

I didn't even *think* of taking a picture until I saw this sign :)

Different View of the Idanha

The top-view of the Idanha historic hotel, downtown Boise.

Under Construction

Look at that tree 'palace' in progress. Did you have a tree house when you were a kiddo?

Peregrine Falcon Nesting Box

See that little box on the ledge? That's where our city's resident peregrine falcons have laid their eggs. There's a live camera in the box, and the eggs will be hatching any day now. See it all close-up by clicking here. Update: Two chicks hatched today.

Saturday Caturday

Jazzy Kitty moves in.

Fair Warning

Yes sir! I mean, sirs!

Top of the Hoff

The "Top of the Hoff" - the Hoff Building, Downtown Boise. Zoom in to see the art deco themes.

Pretty in Pink

The City of Trees is putting on its spring show :)

Give Me an A

My favorite letter, because it's the first letter of my daughter's name: Aviana. You can see this tile mosaic on the side of the Modern Hotel.

Weight Loss Sass

You may need to "click to enlarge" to get the serving of sass.

"M" is for Mom

That's how I'm calling it. This monogram is near the roof line of a building downtown. Happy Mother's Day!

Exclusive Poker Club

An outdoor poker party...with antlers. It's the Antler Club Casino at The Modern Hotel.

Flash Dance Mob

The Flash Dance Mob at The Modern Hotel last night. Everybody dance!

Happy Cinco de Mayo

A day we celebrate by....eating. Salsa and guacamole on the menu and high temps of 75 degrees.

Ghost Sign

The sign may say "open," but the place has been abandoned. Robbie's was on Fairview near Orchard, and hosted classic car shows on the weekend.

Boise Airport Birds

A couple of the resident house sparrows inside the Boise Airport. Airport folks say the birds sneak in and live a luxurious life of snacking on food crumbs, enjoying even temperatures, and obviously, drinking fresh water. The Boise Airport isn't the only attractive home for sparrows - we saw them at Phoenix Sky Harbor when we were there last month. (thanks to our friend Ben Bullock for sharing this photo)

Capital City Public Market

Several streets are lined like this each Saturday. The season just got underway. Food, gifts, arts - all locally produced.

Mailbox: City Daily Photo Theme Day

The first day of the month is Theme Day for City Daily Photo bloggers. This month, the photo assignment is "mailbox." See mailboxes from all over the world by clicking here.