On this Halloween, the spooks and spirits are reaching far into space. This whimsical presentation of the Cassini Saturn mission, with ghost, pumpkin and black cat demonstrates a lighter side of NASA for the Halloween holiday.

In February of 2006, we had a very cold spell where the overnight temperatures dipped below freezing. I went out one morning and read the thermometer at 31° - very unusually cold for this part of California. After that freeze, this Umbrella Plant turned yellow, all the branches fell off and nothing was left but a skinny stump sticking out of the ground. I don’t have a photographic record of that, but it was pathetic.

In the spring of that year, the stump sprouted some new growth, so we decided to let it grow. And grow it did! Now, just 30 months later, the shrub is full and seems to want to take over its little corner of the yard. Verna took this shot today in the back yard. Click the image to enlarge.

Wow! Bear just got this deluxe doggie-reception device for the Animal Planet channel!

Actually, she has a ‘hot-spot’ on her skin that we’re medicating and she’s not allowed to munch on it while it’s healing. We installed this ‘Elizabethan Collar’ last night.

These are more California Brown Pelicans floating along the updrafts near Point Vicente. I am compelled to post these images in spite of having shown several of them in the past. The experience of seeing these birds silently gliding past the point has always made me feel calm and relaxed. Click to see the large image.

I sure am glad to be back in the Manhattan Beach office. I can take my noontime walks to a couple of scenic places like this one of the little golf course behind the Marriott Hotel.

Click on the image for the big 180° panoramic view.