In Closing ...

19 Oct. 2018

The new owner of the world famous Judge Thieler Tree kindly sent me this photo.  In thanks and in closing this blog, here are links to the annual day-by-day slideshows of the tree's transformation that were posted on this blog during the years 2009 through 2015.

• 2015
• 2014
• 2013
• 2012
• 2011
• 2010
• 2009

19 Oct. 2018

Artists

At the risk of overdoing the tree, one more post. (If you want ongoing tree updates, go to the previous post where I will add to the slide show and the associated album every day or so.)

Photographers visit every day in early autumn to capture some photons; but Friday afternoon in addition, oil met canvas.

Artists Linda Blum in white and Norma Lewis wearing the hat.

Artist Sally Yost at work. (Click photos to enlarge.)

See more of her work on her website.

Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows

I lied about the lollipops - more like slushdrops.
But you can see that you could have a Ski Party above 4000 feet.

Sierra Spring

First Sunday in Spring.

It was in the high 60s two days ago; but by any measure, spring snow is a gillion times better than summer smoke.
P.S., as I post this, the sun has come out, the roads are clear, and the snow is melting.

Problem or Solution?

Maybe both.

Octo-Mom

Actually a nona-Mom. Unlike the octo-Mom in the news, this one appears to realize that she is in over her head.

Longboards

It is not unusual for those who live in urbanity to find something about their place reported in a nationwide publication from time to time. It is not so ordinary in Q-topia. The December issue of Forbes magazine has an article about the annual Longboard races at [what was once] the local ski hill. Yes, there have been other stories about this in the fluff sections of newspapers as far away as Denver and Dallas, but nothing nationwide that I know of.

This ski hill is where my wife learned to ski as a youngster and where she taught others when she was in High School. The ski bus would take the kids in town there every winter weekend and school holiday. The Ski Club was supported by her Mom and her mom's friends. When our sons were small, we skied there if there was snow during our Christmas visits to the grandparents. Sadly the area was closed in the '90s when maintenance became impossible. There is a local effort to revive the area, I hope it succeeds.

Here is a slideshow and below is video from the 2008 events.

Mural :-(

Update to Mural at risk. HELP!

Going.

Going.

Gone.
Note the remaining mural on the Drug Store.

H2G2

No doubt checking The Hitchhiker's Guide before proceeding.

X over Q

They say that just such a cloud formation inspired the saltire on the Scottish flag in honour of St. Andrew. But seriously, I doubt that there were jet-liners back then.

Also, note the "Q" on the hill for Q-topia.

Autumn in the Sierras

This is the weekend to see the colors in Q-topia. The photo is of the famous "Judge Thieler sugar maple".

You can see it on the right side of this panoramic taken by Mike N., proprietor of Ada's Place which is just across the street.