So many images parade past my eyes lately – sunset at the beach at Aptos Thanksgiving Day (I took some video!), just now, a rainbow over my head along East Washington as I looked toward Golden Eagle Shopping Center with a seagull swooping down in front of the colors. So much to be grateful for even in the midst of economic mush/struggle/downturn. Lots of dis-ease, even downright fear – but met always with smiles through the sunshine and a warm attitude all around.

Most vivid sky in years; you just have to imagine. We escaped to McClure Beach one perfect day lately, walking barefoot on the tidepools (sorry, barnicles!) and rocks and sand – how is it this challenging painful walking makes my feet happy? Leaving the beach, that sweet uphill climb back to the ride, driving just a tad up the shoreline to where we pulled over for a last look back and a swig of juice. Amazing scapes! Sunset over the ocean infront of me, one of those brilliant red-orange views with a band cutting the sun into two unequal pieces, the smaller line disappearing first before the bigger. Then, looking over my right shoulder, the ripe full amber moon skimming the blue hills and mountains behind it. More amazing still, the 6point Tule Elk buck striding with deliberation straight toward us, bellowing to his mate or mates. We’d just seen a sign warning not to engage with elk in rut. Certainly, this buck was that! That wonderful scary moment wondering if we’d be finished with our little business on that hill before the buck reached us! But more – just thanks for the view, powers that be!