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Paul Kozal chose the Sea Ranch Chapel as the location to photograph the conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter. He got this lovely photo of the event that hadn't been seen since the Middle Ages.

People started calling the conjunction the Christmas Star. It was amazing to see the two planets so close together, as least from our perspective.

Thanks to Paul for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Paul's nature photography, here is a link to his website: http://www.studio391.net/paul_kozal/paul_kozal.htm

We are graced with a sunny winter day today.

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Carol Kozal created this beautiful wreath from Fly Amanitas and her husband, Paul Kozal, photographed it.

It looks like forest fairies live in the opening in this Redwood Tree. The Fly Amanita Christmas wreath is a beautiful addition.

Thanks to Carol and Paul for allowing me to share this creation with you here.

Merry Christmas! We are having Christmas rain, a warm rain with some strong gusts. We have had over an inch of the wet stuff so far.

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Joy Park has taken her two children out foraging since they were very little. This year they learned how to identify Boletus edulis. They found two big ones growing right along Highway One. Here is a happy Kash Park.

And here is Sienna Park with her big find.

Hunting for edible mushrooms is a treasure hunt in the forest. Children love it! You just need to teach them all the markers for a particular edible mushroom. Then watch the joy.

Thanks to Joy for allowing me to share her photos with you here.

We had a little rain overnight. It's sunny and breezy and cool today, the first day of Winter, the Winter Solstice.

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From our Anchor Bay perch, this is what the sunset looked like last night.

Just lovely, sunsets are the gift that keeps on giving.

Yesterday, and again today, the weather has been spectacular...spectacular if you love sunny, wind-free days. We know it won't last, so let's enjoy it for now.

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The Pacific Ocean has been loud and mighty lately. Huge waves have crashed against sandy beaches and rocky cliffs. Janet Burch was out on the bluffs at The Sea Ranch when she saw this awesome sight.

Grace O'Malley photographed these waves called Rooster Tails off of Timber Cove.

And Bob Rutemoeller witnessed this roiled-up ocean off the Gualala Bluff Trail.

Shirley Mitchell photographed the action off of Gualala Point.

Such power and such beauty - we need to respect the Pacific Ocean and stay well back when she is flexing her awesome power.

Thanks to Janet, Grace, Bob and Shirley for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

Today it is raining - hooray! A half-inch so far but the bulk of the storm is due in a bit later.