Stella takes a ride.

I have kids of all ages in my neighborhood…And there are dogs of all assortments that go with them. But Stella…now Stella has a mind of her own…and the kids must come along with her. I happened to be drinking a glass of chocolate soy milk, at my kitchen window, when Stella (with her companion Sophia)…went gliding up the street. Stella sits very stoic at the front of the skateboard while Sophia kicks out one leg for speed and then hunkers down…both knees on the board. Stella never looks worried, always facing front as lookout, completely comfortable with her ride. I had to run outside to get them as they went by…Meet the kids and the incomparable Stella…

On my walk…

I saw amazing beauty…

9-11: re-lived

Yesterday, a very evil man’s life came to an abrupt and justified end and this normally docile woman is very content with his demise. I’m not a political person and I rarely watch the news but this event is important to me on a very personal level. In September 2001, I took a road trip across 38 US States, surpassed 9,000 miles and met some very inspirational Americans who’s lives were forever altered by tragedy.

After 10 years of determined pursuit, a great Nation has justice for 2,740 innocent American citizens who were at the wrong place at the wrong time.  I am so very proud of the US Military of Sea, Air and Land, the Black Hawk Pilots and those American Warriors whose sacrifice we will never know about. I am grateful to those that gave their lives in pursuit of something they believed important enough to protect and defend… and to the families who gave more than they should have had to. This American feels a certain sense of relief and satisfaction, but in the end, believes God decides all final justice for each of us.

To the children who were 5 years of age when they painted this and to the teacher who dreamed it up (A memorial for all who lost their lives or were left broken) You as teens now, may never know how much this helped people hold hope for the future…but I was one of them.

To those who lost their lives and those who left a token of love behind… I will always remember.

To those workers, who endured unbelievable obstacles, even to the detriment of their own lives… I will be forever grateful.

To the City that never wavered from her goal and to the people who love her, I will always be inspired.

And to those who protect us in the face of extreme danger, who allow us to be free, I will be forever proud to be American…and relieved we’re on the same side 😉

Cacti

Human

Many people out there are soul searching in these difficult times. I am one of them. I can’t put those feelings into words but this lovely song has done it for me. This is for all of you (and me too). Many Blessings 😉 H

Special thanks to Civil Twilight for the beautiful song “Human”, to Da Vinci, 109BC, The Voice, Media Watch, Szukalski, Tori, People’s Voice, The Telegraph, Humanity Healing, Klunavik. MNN

Sweed

HB Pier in Fog

The HB Pier (number 5) is 1,850 feet long and has been damaged or destroyed four times. (The last two I was standing on the night before). The pier (1988) is designed from concrete that has been re-inforced to withstand a 31-foot or a 7 magnitude earthquake. It uses increased space between piles to accommodate the many surfers shooting through.  The pier slopes gently up toward the seaward end in a straight line which alternates with three octagonal platforms and one rotated square. Not only is the pier structurally sound, it also retains a number of design elements from the original pier. (thanks to Wikipedia, I now know more than ever)

Pelicans and Friends

Local Survey

Hand in Hand

I have the utmost respect for the ocean. It’s beauty does not surpass it’s power. They go in hand.