Friday, March 31, 2017

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Cambodian Baha'i Temple Progress


Cambodian Baha'i Temple progress.







H.E. Chan Sophal, Provincial governor of Battambang, visits the Temple site.




Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Spring Flower Bloom (Death Valley)






"Generally speaking, Death Valley has terrific spring wildflower displays if the conditions are right. That is, if there is plenty of rainfall in the winter months and then it warms up quickly in the spring. Notice how the flowers congregate in the channels on the alluvial fan".  From HERE
 




Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Monday, March 27, 2017

Paddling an Ice Floe


There are some adventurous people in Vladivostok.



















VOLUME WARNING!









Sunday, March 26, 2017

Drumming of the Flickers



 I was curious as to why the Flickers would drum on the old bird condo near the suet, and I discovered that the Northern Flicker is a woodpecker, and has some interesting habits. 

"Springtime brings the sound of a woodpecker - maybe one like this Northern Flicker - drumming on a hollow surface. Members of the woodpecker percussion band announce their territory and attract mates, as they pound away on metal roofs or gutters. Drilling holes in tree trunks calls for some specialized tools, and the North Flicker has them: big claws, two toes pointing forward and two backward, and a stiff tail to prop itself up".  Link









Saturday, March 25, 2017

Cat Collars



I had great affection for two cats.  Each wore a collar, and each collected a numbers of tags.

Here's Chloe's.  She was a great companion and traveler: Home to her was wherever I was.  I have wonderful memories and stories about her.




Here's Lucy's.  She lost 3 stars over the years.






Friday, March 24, 2017

Thursday, March 23, 2017

1950 Ford Custom



I found a great 1950 Ford Custom for sale in Oregon. 



































Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Роджер и дочь






Роджер и дочь






Monday, March 20, 2017

Happy Naw Ruz





Ruston Way



Naw-Rúz ('New Day') is the first day of the Bahá'í calendar year and one of nine holy days for adherents of the Bahá'í Faith. It occurs on the vernal equinox, on or near March 21.





Sunday, March 19, 2017

Tug



What's with cats and boxes?  Tug is comfortable in half of one.  He bites the cardboard, and spits out the pieces.  I've heard that it is a common behavior, but Tug is my only cat to do it.






As soon as I started taking pictures --that is, giving him attention--he wanted to play.





There's something about the fire that brings out the beast in him. I always make sure that instead of my hand, I let him roughhouse with 'the stick'. It's made from a rose cane and a leather boot lace.







Saturday, March 18, 2017

2016 Moto Guzzi Eldorado
































This video records the elegant styling of the El Dorado, and gives a ride-along without commentary (the review is in the description).









Friday, March 17, 2017

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

The Natural Effect of Excellence in Design and Voice



Terrace 9 and the Shrine of the Báb, Mt. Carmel



'It is natural for the heart and spirit to take pleasure and enjoyment in all things that show forth symmetry, harmony, and perfection. For instance: a beautiful house, a well designed garden, a symmetrical line, a graceful motion, a well written book, pleasing garments—in fact, all things that have in themselves grace or beauty are pleasing to the heart and spirit—therefore, it is most certain that a true voice causes deep pleasure'.       --‘Abdu’l-Bahá







Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Tug



Not sure why Tug was so curious about the fire tonight. 





Monday, March 13, 2017

The Vise



THE VISE


I recall watching a television program with my family when I was a boy of eight or nine called "The Vise". In 1956, I didn't completely understand the adult themes, but I remember the cynicism.



Trying to recall the opening graphics after sixty years, I drew this from memory.





In fact, it looked like this.



"This British production featured less known actors in filmed plays showing people caught in "the vise" of fate created by their own deeds".    IMDB








Sunday, March 12, 2017

Saturday, March 11, 2017

Friday, March 10, 2017

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Santa Cruz High School Big Red Band



Marching down Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz.

















A few years later, there was another boy marching with the band, and his instrument was the crash cymbals.











I left my boys in Santa Cruz one morning and flew to Port Angeles, Washington. Two days later I watched them march with the Big Red Band down Lawrence Street in Port Townsend.  The band had taken a bus from Santa Cruz, with the final destination being Victoria, British Columbia.  

Warming up.



A perfect Spring day to show Santa Cruz pride!





Three generations.





The pants on these band members seemed to have shortened overnight.