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.

Steamer's Lane from inside looking toward Middle Peak and the Slot which is up against the far cliff. Another picture of Catherine looking outside with the view of the Santa Cruz Pier behind her.

My blogging efforts have been sorely left behind in my life's journey. I keep promising myself that I will not let this go to seed but I have not been pushing myself to keep up the work. I have been working on about five new paintings. I am also working on a book that I had started a lifetime ago. This book would be so meaningful for me to complete at this time in my life. I am well into the process. The only thing to do is to keep plugging away.

There is a picture of my wife Catherine at Steamer's Lane in Santa Cruz. We were checking out the surf. We live on the beach on the opposite side of town but love to come over to the "Lane" and check out the surf. It was very overcast and smoky from the Lockheed fire. The amazing thing was the absence of people in the water. The waves were small but were well formed and fast. A most unusual site for this surfing spot.