MATTERS OF LIGHT

LIGHT PLAY

A variety of topography, weather, micro climates

and the sun's arc combine to provide

a continual show of light and color here on the
Central California Coast.

Here the Santa Lucia peaks "float" on a sea of fog.

Breaking through the heavy marine layer the sun

finds a reflecting companion on the sand.

Wish I could control the exposure as the sun blasts

heat and light aloft and on the water.

Subtle shadows.

The last triumph of the day.

Looking west from about 1,800 feet in the Santa Lucia range.

UPDATE FROM BOB

Friends,

New chemo protocol is having the desired effect. Well tolerated. Am no 

longer anemic. Immune system strengthening, although still suppressed, 

so I wear a mask in public. (Little kids get wide eyed when I bend over 

and say to them, "Luke, I am your father."  This latest chemo is a 

maintenance mode. It will eventually lose effectiveness like the others. 

The goal is still getting to transplant in early 2012. Feel great!

Anticipating a normal holiday. Been studying for my Radio Amateur Extra 

Class license. Taking the test Saturday. Can't keep my hands off equipment.

Foster

Bob is a long time friend and former on air colleague back in the glory days of radio.

See you down the trail.

SPRING ON THE BLUFFS

EYE CANDY

       Our sympathy goes to those of you in the mid section of the country, suffering  the aftermath of Sunday's deadly storms. And our best thoughts to those facing  flooding. Perhaps this post will bring some light into your day. The western edge of the continental US is decked out in spring color.

 the bird seemed to be posing

 interesting shadow play
UPDATE NOTE FROM BOB
Friends,

A colleague and friend called me, "You said you would like to go fishing in the Volga River before going into the hospital. If it would put Mrs. Foster's mind at ease, even though you prefer fishing alone, I'd go with you." Monte is a fly fisherman. They understand space and solitude, so I agreed. We waded that little river all day. More to my disappointment than his, Monte caught one little creek chub. I caught a couple of small mouthed bass and a rainbow trout. The water was too cold for much fish activity. We literally wore ourselves out wading, climbing up and down river banks and stumbling through the woods. We saw limestone bluffs, fossil formations, eagles, orioles, finches, deer, a ground hog, muskrat and lavender wildflowers. The woods were freshly greened. The afternoon sun brought the colors alive. We heard rippling water. At the end of the day, Monte turned to me, smiled and said, "Foster, this is the second best fishing day of my life. The best was when I caught a 19" trout in Montana. This is close."

Huh? One little creek chub. 10 hours of work? A good day?  It was unspoken between us. He had taken a cancer patient fishing. His gift was giving me the chance to enjoy one of my favorite activities for the only time I can in 2011.

We have vowed to return in June 2012. The water will be warmer. However, sometimes the number of fish simply doesn't matter. 

Foster 

See you down the trail.

TAX CUTS-CIVIL WAR MEMORIES-SOCIAL BOTS-AND NATURAL BEAUTY

SHADOWS OVER THE GLOBE

       150 years after our own awful history, civil war rages in north Africa and the middle east.  We can't know the implication of regime change in these strategic regions, but we know there will be legacy affects.

        The opening salvo of our conflict will be remembered today with somber music, and an explosive re-enactment of the Confederate bombardment of Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor.

        Remembering history is crucial to a republic and while reenactment helps demonstrate and can bring maps and moments of military battle to life, nothing can approximate the extraordinary pain in the loss of 600 thousand lives over the course of our 4 year struggle.  Nor can it heal.  With our memories comes residual resentment. Shadows still.

      The nonpartisan Tax Policy Center has analyzed the House Republican budget proposal

and reports the plan to cut corporate taxes and to lower the rates on high earners will result in a revenue loss of $ 2.9 Trillion.  By the way, if the GOP plan succeeds the tax rate on the wealthiest Americans will be the lowest since 1931. Is this how to recover from a recession that was created by the greed of wealthy investment bankers and corporations who pay little or no taxes already?  Sorry-this all seems like foggy logic.

ARE YOUR "FRIENDS" REAL?

INTO SOCIAL NETWORKS? DO YOU HAVE "CURIOUS' FOLLOWERS OR FRIENDS? THEY MAY BE MORE CURIOUS THAN YOU HAVE IMAGINED. LINK HERE FOR AN EYE OPENER FROM THE ATLANTIC

DAY BOOK

ECHIUM AND FRIENDS

 See you down the trail.