Windy Day Kiteboarding

The wind was blowing hard down at the beach, but the kiteboarders were having a blast.

This guy got caught up with one of his friends...

And this kite was in the surf...

But nothing slowed them down until the sun was setting and the wind calmed down.

Trio of Grosbeaks

The Grosbeaks have been all over the place. They love the same mix of seeds that the Scrub Jays and Acorn Woodpeckers are so fond of, so there has been lots of competition. Today the Grosbeaks were holding their own, and I got a shot of three at once. But, not to worry, the Woodpeckers and Jays got their share too.

Time to buy more bird seed!

Herbs and Grandkids

The herb bed up by the house has been a big win. Long ago when the grand kids were little, Grandpa made them a sand box right off the back patio. That was at least ten years ago. As the grand kids grew up, the sand box was useless but I couldn't make myself tear it out as there were so many memories of them playing there. Finally, I decided to just leave it where it was but fill it up with soil and plant herbs.

It was a good decision. It's so close that I can run out there when I am cooking and pick fresh herbs. But, best of all, I can still almost see the kids playing in the sand... and that makes me so happy.

Hauling Truck

I would sure like to know the story behind this rig.

Does he haul this buggy with him and when he is close to the beach he drops his trailer somewhere and comes down to play in the sand? He has ramps to take that dune buggy off of there. I would sure like to see that happen. It might be even scarier to see him put it back. Wish I had had the guts to flag him down and get the real story.

Against All Odds

They have stayed... against all odds. Every time the garage door goes up the adults fly out of the nest, land about ten feed away and scold us.

Heaven On Earth

The Rhododendrons are blooming their hearts out this year. They love our brisk early spring weather. We cut this plant back drastically last year and look at the way it came back. So don't be afraid to trim.

Their fragrance is amazing. Sometimes I go and stand beside the bush just to take in the smell. It's just heavenly.

Black Gold