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With the early minus tides this past weekend, cars lined Highway One as abalone divers came to the Mendonoma Coast with abalone on their minds. Local diver, Jack Likins, has told me conditions so far this season have not been good due to the wind and strong currents. Jack has had some fabulous days hunting red treasure. He once got three ten inch abalones in one day. Many divers would give their left fin for one ten inch ab. Jack graciously has allowed me to share the photo commemorating his feat.

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Wild Azaleas are blooming on the Mendonoma Coast, joining the pink wild Rhododendrons. I took this photo on our neighbor's property. Thanks, Frank and Nan! They even have a delicate fragrance. Mother Nature is putting on quite a show right now.

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Yesterday was the annual Soroptimists Architectural House Tour. It's always held the Saturday before Mother's Day and a lovely day it was. Rick and I always enjoy touring the houses. One of the houses was at the end of Black Point Beach. We walked out on the bluff behind the house and I took these two pictures of the fabulous views and wildflowers. Wildflowers are peaking now - they are breathtaking!

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Harbor Seal moms haul out on secluded beaches to give birth at this time of year. One place where they come year after year is Tide Pool at The Sea Ranch. Professional photographer Craig Tooley took these two pictures this week and has given me permission to share them with you. You can see more of Craig's work at http://web.me.com/theruffians1/RufImage. Harbor Seals are among the most photogenic of Mother Nature's creatures!

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On this morning's walk Rick and I noticed these two wildflowers blooming in a shaft of sunlight. The yellow one is a Redwood Violet. It is also called an Evergreen Violet. The purple one is Redwood Sorrel. The Native Americans ate the leaves of this plant but sparingly because they contain oxalic acid, hence their Latin name - Oxalis oregana. Two lovely wildflowers - the very essence of spring!

And the promised laugh. There is a Brush Rabbit living in bushes off our driveway. I have been trying to get a picture of this small rabbit to show you. Yesterday there he/she was, sitting in the sun. I got the camera ready, focused and got a picture of Huckleberry's behind. The rabbit was long gone. There was nothing to fear from this Golden Retriever.

Happy Spring, everyone! Jeanne Jackson, Gualala