The Memorial

Scenes from the memorial event for retired Fire Chief Jeff Smith in Willits:

The Preparations

The procession ended at the Jeff Smith memorial event site, the former Little Lake Industries industrial warehouses and grounds.




The horses could rest, and a huge flag was raised over the entrance to the grounds. Community Emergency Response Team volunteers managed traffic directions, ensuring everyone got where they were supposed to be among the many participants.






Everywhere I looked, some serious photography was going on. A pro or two was hired to cover all the vantage points through town, as well as the indoor events. A representative from the California State Firefighters Association also photographed the event, and saw to the safekeeping of Jeff Smith's helmet as it journeyed on the antique steamer, and then in to the memorial event rooms for display.

The Procession

More images of the memorial procession for retired Fire Chief Jeff Smith of Willits, on Sunday, February 8th.

January Theme Day: Best Photo of the Year 2008

Some days at the farmer's market in the park could be especially good for the variety of light produced by the high tree canopy above. My camera adjusted its exposure rate for this bright spot of sunshine, giving rich shadows and color. (Yay, little Canon Powershot A550, yay!):


I love lichen anyway, and to see a Western Fence Lizard on a healthy patch was a stroke of luck. Another bonus was having prehistoric man-made incisions visible on the rock:


This was one of my first shots for the blog. It was going to be a simple wall composition, when serendipity struck as a woman walked into frame and situated herself perfectly, blue jeans blending with the paint:


This is among my favorite of the floral images, a western azalea in full bloom:


This image is looked at by more people on Google searches than any other on my blog. I'm sure they are looking for an indoor shot when they search "stained wood wall", but now one of the first images that comes up is this one. I personally like the shadow and color and simplicity of this wall, and I use it at work as my computer screen desktop background. Can you see where some graffiti has been washed away?

Tippy Toes

A Fourth of July celebrator:


A farmer's market shopper:


A Frontier Days Parader:


A Harvest Festival guardian:


A camouflaged coat wearing a camouflaged jacket:


A stiff-jointed sleeper:


Shepherds guarding their flock:


All dressed up for holiday laughs:

Steampunks