Super Women

Each magnificent in her own way, these three sometimes include other seniors in their Friday breakfast gatherings at Ardella's Diner. They call themselves The Shirley Temples, and they always look like they are up to some mischief - secrets and giggles and knowing looks.

Spring Rain

A full week of rain lies ahead, even as the vernal equinox coaxed forth the flowers of a new season. All is well.

Not a Pretty Picture

I don't know much about it, but I think this happens every year. Middle schoolers gather for a long walk down to the far end of Commercial Street, near the city ball fields and the rodeo grounds, to witness a grim scene. They find an overturned vehicle with injured, or worse off, occupants. Emergency vehicles begin to respond; fire, police, even a helicopter flies in eventually to retrieve possible survivors. The rumor is that the driver was drunk. It brings tears to my eyes every time. It makes an impression on me, and I hope it makes an impression on these kids, well before they can get behind the wheel. It is staged, of course, but I weep to see the dedicated responders rushing to the scene, sirens blaring, and the pulsing of the medivac helicopter on its somber approach. The seriousness these professionals devote to caring that these young people stay smart, and stay alive, brings tears even now. Whatever it takes.

Motel Window Made Modern

I never see new construction using this narrow clapboard style. I hope they don't re-paint it for a while yet.

Springtime for Acorn Woodpeckers

Recently fledged acorn woodpeckers gathered on a power pole on a sunny late afternoon. There were about four of them, and the telltale of their youth was the flapping wing action of babies when mom was still perched there. I couldn't get all of them in one shot.

Plum Blosssoms in Morning Light

Winter Farmer's Market Duet

Living Explosion

This profusion of dandelions on an unmowed yard reminded me that what some call weeds are really delightful wildflowers.

Blue Wall Diagonal