"Q" - HIS MAJESTY

I'm going to find that sucker if it's the last thing I do!

Le petit chat noir, Sambo

"Q" - RED RED DIRT

I'm still getting used to Blogger's new editing tools; one of them is the ability to select an "extra large" format for photos. I thought this road cut along Highway 3 in Northern California deserved some special treatment, so I formatted for an "extra large photo," but it didn't fit between Blogger's predetermined "margins." Huh?!! What a tease. Well, you can click on it to enlarge it to better see the color detail.

"Q" -- SEA HORSES DISCOVERED IN OREGON FOREST

Say whaaat?!!!

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Look closely. You'll see the tiny Spring pinnae emerging from the Sword Fern "fiddleheads." Native Americans included these tender shoots in their diet, and today they can occasionally still be found in salads and farmers' markets in Alaska.

(Silver Falls State Park, Oregon)

GETTING MY GROOVE BACK

Been doing a little traveling, visiting friends, visiting family, being adopted by another family, exploring all the Pacific states -- California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, working through the sudden, unexpected deaths of two loved ones, and planning the next chapter in my never-boring life. A BIG chapter!

Now, now - calm down. I'm just planning a move to a "home base." It's only a "big" chapter because I've been a free-wheeling, homeless, wandering gypsy for over seven years now. And not to worry: my tires will continue to gather no moss!

In the meantime, I hope you'll stay tuned as I regress into "QUOTIDIAN" mode. Remember? That assortment of miscellany I throw at you now and then to ward off boredom, keep you occupied, off the streets and out of trouble. Yup! That's my mission. So, here goes!

Weird, huh? Well, when you mess around, sometimes you get "weird." I was photographing the graceful branches of a pepper tree in broad daylight, and a sunspot splash appeared in the corner. Changing day for night, I turned the sunspot into a moon. Rather, the computer turned it into a moon.

Happy Monday!

JULIE GONZALEZ TROTT: 6/1948 - 6/2010

Dear dear Julie, our talented baby cousin, you were an imp as soon as you emerged from the womb! And then you kept us smiling and on our toes with your lively, pointed political zingers and in-your-face pragmatism -- your own sassy woman, and definitely your mother's daughter!

In 1951 with big sister Carlotita and Court, one of your big brothers -- always a ham.

Daddy's girl -- at the Coconut Grove, 1964

High School graduation from Marymount, Los Angeles, 1966.

Jim, another loved one taken suddenly and far too soon -- with Jesse and Courtney, on her first Christmas.

In 2003 with an all-grown-up Jesse...

and Courtney (no date on this one). Thank you for becoming "this" generation's historian and preserving and sharing "old" family photos.

Your life ended much too soon. I will miss my little spit-fire cousin SO VERY MUCH! And I can almost hear you say, "Such is life"!!

So many sweet memories of you will comfort us dear Julie (in 2007), and your light will burn brightly as you continue to live in our hearts.

MARCE YARROW: 9/1930 - 5/2010

"Nothing can make up for the absence of someone whom we love... ." Yet our hearts will be filled with lovely memories and remembered joys of the times we shared with you dear dear friend.

Steve found this in your desk. It sounds like you; we're sure you wanted us to find it!

To those I have loved and to those who loved me,

When I am gone release me, let me go.

I have so many things to see and do.

You must not tie yourself to me with tears,

Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love and you can only guess,

How much you gave to me in happiness.

I thank you for the love you each have shown,

But now it's time I travel on alone.

So grieve awhile for me if grieve you must.

Then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It's only for awhile that we must part,

So bless the memories within your heart.

I won't be far away, for life goes on,

So if you need me, call, and I will come.

Though you can't see nor touch me, I'll be near,

And if you listen within your heart you'll hear

All of my love around you soft and clear.

And then when you must come this way alone,

I'll greet you with a smile and welcome you home.

So many will miss you Marce dear ...

like Great Granddaughter MacKenzie,

Grandson, Nevan,

Son Steve and Daughter-in-law, Carol ...

And our little band of sisters just won't ever be quite the same without you.

May you rest in peace dear Marce.

CALYPSO ORCHID...

...has now been crossed off my bucket list. What a thrill to photograph this rare wildflower.

This is its neighbor, not quite fully opened yet. Notice the basal leaf at the bottom of its stem? That single leaf is its only source of nutrients. Also notice the needles on the forest floor. They should help you imagine how tiny this plant is -- most are no more than two inches high, difficult to see, easy to step on!

This is the Calypso Orchid habitat. See if you can find another one!