The new seawall that is being built at Pleasure Point is almost done at the west end. This was shot at sunset when I was walking the boys. The lights on the right upper side of the frame were the work lights of the crew working on the new seawall that has been completed in that area. This view is looking at Sewer Peak, First Peak, Second Peak coming down toward the bottom of the picture is Inside Pleasure finally coming into 38 Avenue. The tide was one of the spectacular low tides of the winter months. This is the last month when the "Men in the Grey Suits" are usually seen in the water as they head toward the open ocean in the month of January for breeding. But one must always be aware that we are always in their ocean.

This is a picture of an annual get together at my friend's (John the guy on the extreme right of the picture - best friend, shooting partner, and Navy retired Captain) house in Atherton. We started calling this the annual "clam bake" fifteen years ago and it is still going strong. This is our 2009 calm bake. The guy on the left is another best friend who I worked with for fifteen years at MacArthur Park in Palo Alto. We were the senior bartenders and are like brothers. The lady in the picture is my wife Catherine. This is an event we look forward to all year round. You cannot see them but Charlie and Pablo are under our feet at the moment. They love coming over to John's place because it is quite large and they go crazy running around the yard. It is friends and times like this that make life worth the effort. We have had many themes for the party but now it is more just easy food, good wine and good conversation. We were doing a blind tasting for Sauvignon Blancs this year. It started off the warm summer night on the right note!

The boys of Pleasure Point - Charlie (the little red guy) and his brother Pablo. They guard the apartment and supply endless love and devotion to my wife and I. They are formally registered as Charles Darwin Fernandez, and Pablo Picasso Fernandez. They came into our lives five years ago at eight weeks old. This is the only home that they have known. They are known on the beach as "the punks of the Point"! Charlie is a fierce little dog who does not know how small he really is at any one time. He is the hunter and main guard dog. He has surprised many red faced owners as they watch their stout pit bulls cower behind them when he gets into his fighting stance. Pablo is so mellow but he has that dachshund temperament. They have been together since they were puppies. Born from the same litter with a mom who looks likes Pablo and a father who is a long haired dachshund with coloring that is black and tan. These guys are our children. A couple of the many advantages are we do not have to pay for college and their teenage years were a breeze! Oh, and they never asked for anything! If you want a breed of dog who will keep you laughing dachshunds are for you! These guys are the mini end of the breed.

I have often taken pictures off of the television. I love the dream like exposure. This one was about Eva Braun and Adolph Hitler. This was Eva waking up in the morning coming out on to the balcony of the Berghof located at Berchtesgaden where Hitler had his retreat. "Moloch" the title of the film a fictional biographcial film portraying Adolph Hitler as a humanistic figure. The character of Hitler was not convincing as a humanistic figure, but the photography was very interesting. The Russian actress Yelena Rufanova who played Eva was very good! She had the character of Eva down to the small details. It is always good to have my camera ready when watching a film!

The first page of my new notebook. It was a special present from my wife. It is a fine leather book from Hermes. I made a couple of collages that were inspired by my birthday which was October 28th. I like women who can handle guns. I am a gun collector and a proud life member of the NRA. That might surprise people - artist, guns, NRA no it all fits into the unusual package of a free thinking human being. I hate ideologies with a passion. They imply a "lock step mentality". I enjoy reading, hearing all different points of view. Yes, I have my views of the world but they would confuse most people. I am not a person you can put into a box and say: "oh yes, he is this kind of person". I find that people who are "so sure to be correct" get up my back. Most of the time they are just mimics of a point of view that they have never really examined nor have they given much thought to the idea in all it's forms. It is bold and refreshing to be a true thinker and not give a damn what the pack thinks. And above all never, never become politically correct!

I am posting a photo that I did with my IPhone one night while I was reading on the couch. I was playing with all the different options to color, contrast etc. I like to take advantage of thoughts and ideas that happen in the moment. Just good play time for the brain and soul.

Well, it has been sometime since I have taken the time to update this blog. I have made it a priority to make sure that I keep this up to date.

I am including a picture taken with my IPhone of the construction of the new sea wall at Pleasure Point where I live. It was late in November when this was taken, the tide was low and the sun was warming the autumn sky. I think this is one of the most beautiful times of the year in Santa Cruz. The tourists have left for the season and all the locals are out and enjoying the uncrowded beaches.