"WOLF'S MILK SLIME"

 or LYCOGALA EPIDENDRUM to any students of botany or mycology out there.

When in Santa Cruz, I use the disposal station at New Brighton State Park in Aptos to relieve my tanks.  I found these little lovelies on a rotted, downed log near the fresh water spigot.  It was the tiny pink blobs that caught my eye.

These are actually considered a slime mold, not a fungus, and when opened, they ooze a toothpaste-like substance.  Ick!  As interesting as they presented, I chose to go no further and didn't poke any of them!!  For some really nice closeups, go to:

http://www.bio.brandeis.edu/fieldbio/Fungi_Miller_Stevens_Rumann/Pages/lycogala_epidendrum_page.html

and for images of the slime, go to:
http://wiseacre-gardens.com/wordpress/slime-mold-lycogala-epidendrum/

Who names this stuff anyway?!!

SAGITTARIANS

FIRE, ENERGY, WARMTH

 ...linked with the element of fire which represents outgoing, action-oriented energy that seeks spontaneous expression. ....the symbolic focus of the sign is connected to the principle of exploration and evolution....drawn toward travel ... and to enjoy social contacts, meeting new people and exploring other cultures. 

They are said to be tolerant in their views, mainly concerned with the "big picture" but with little patience for the details.  Like all fire signs, Sagittarius can be idealistic in vision but tactless in expression. 

 They are known for their bluntness and are often unaware of their ability to cause anguish in others.

Playing with fire

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL - 4.

Thank you President Obama, for ensuring at least SOME of our troops have been reunited with their families, loved ones and American soil.

Barnside art found at Classic Organic, Gaviota, CA

http://www.classicorganic.org/

MOTHER BUGS SON FOR FUN!!

 

ENOUGH ALREADY ... KNOCK IT OFF!

CAMERON reminds me:

Yesterday is history

Tomorrow is a mystery

Today is a gift

That's why we call it "the present."

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2011 BANISHED WORDS...

from Lake Superior State University, MI's tongue-in-cheek "Annual List of Words Banished from the Queen's English for Misuse, Overuse and General Uselessness"!

Nominations have been invited from across the globe since 1976, and there are now about 900 words in the university's archives.  This year the top of the list ("amazing") received 1500 nominations.  There's even a Facebook page called "Overuse of the Word Amazing"!  One person quoted in the article I read blamed it all on Martha Stewart, who thinks EVERYTHING'S amazing!!!

Here are 2011's winners:
amazing
occupy
baby bump
shared sacrifice
win the future
ginormous
man cave
the new normal
blowback
thank you in advance

Those words join last year's list, which included:
viral
fail
a-ha moment

However, usage of some words, like "viral," stubbornly continue to hang on to this day.

I'll wager *you've* got one or two or five idiotic, useless favorites, right?  Like, you know, the word "like"!?!!

SUZANNE GONZALEZ

12/18/47 - 12/24/11

You were a gift.

You brought joy to those around you.

And today, a Christmas gift for you dear Suzanne, "He opened for you, a bright eternity."

Love doesn't make the world go 'round.  Love is what makes the trip worthwhile.

Rest in peace dear cousin.

NAUGHTY? NICE?