Crossing Contrails in Conejo Valley Today

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The kids and I were at Lang Ranch Community Park this afternoon when I looked up and saw these pretty spectacular contrails in the sky. It was a beautiful, sunny day but the air was fairly cool. I've read contrails last longer when there's higher moisture in the air, which at 66% humidity today was definitely the case (and apparently we finally have a cold and windy winter storm coming on Monday).

This contrail cross was seen in the direction of Cal Lutheran University. Perhaps someone was trying to make a statement. Others thought perhaps this was an X, marking the Conejo Valley as "the spot" that we all enjoy living at.

Twilight Surf by Camarillo Artist Chuck Trunks Inspired by Surfers in Ventura

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This piece by Camarillo artist Chuck Trunks really pops out of the screen. He was inspired by the surfers in Ventura between the Ventura Pier and the Ventura River around sunset. If you like this colorful piece, you can purchase it on mugs, shirts and other items at www.printfection.com/attractiveabstracts.

Looking for things to do in Ventura? CLICK HERE

Or some upcoming events in Ventura HERE.

Spectacular Sunset Last Night in Malibu

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Did you miss the spectacular fire-red sunset last night in Southern California!? Among the dozens and dozens of photos posted to Facebook, this one, posted by the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, really stood out! It was taken from the Chart House restaurant in Malibu on PCH by Christopher C. Webb. Thanks for sharing! Learn more about Four Seasons Westlake Village at www.fourseasons.com/westlakevillage or call 818.575.3000. Locals...think about a relaxing weekend staycation at Four Seasons Westlake Village!

Speaking of Malibu...here are some things to do there.

Little Red Riding Hood Run Towards Boney Mountain in Rancho Sierra Vista

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Dianne Avery of local Dianne Avery Photography captured this photo of "Little Red Riding Hood" running in the direction of Boney Mountain from Rancho Sierra Vista section of the Santa Monica Mountains in Newbury Park.

While Little Red Riding Hood has issues with Big Bad Wolf in the fairy tale, it is mostly coyotes she has to deal with back there, and most of them are too busy chasing rabbits to mess with her. Love the juxtaposition of the red cape with the natural colored surrounds. Thanks for sharing, Dianne!

Incredible Color Photos from 1939 to 1943 From the Library of Congress

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Bound for Glory: America in Color was a 2006 exhibit of little known color images taken by photographers of the Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information. The exhibit included 70 prints made from color transparencies taken from 1939 to 1943, capturing post-Depresssion and pre-World War II America. These are downright incredible shots. I've selected 3 of my favorites from the bunch below. View them all at myloc.gov/Exhibitions/boundforglory. Thanks to the Library of Congress for making these available.

Russell Lee Shepherd with his horse and dog on Gravelly Range Madison County, Montana, August 1942. Reproduction from color slide. LC-USW36-847B. LC-DIG-fsac-1a35022. FSA/OWI Collection. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress (2)

John Vachon. Grand Grocery Company. Lincoln, Nebraska, 1942. Reproduction from color slide. LC-USF351-268. LC-DIG-fsac-1a34273. FSA/OWI Collection. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress (5)Jack Delano. Connecticut town on the sea. Stonington, Connecticut, November 1940. Reproduction from color slide. LC-USF351-31. LC-DIG-fsac-1a33831. FSA/OWI Collection. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress (40)

Today Was Just Another Typical Mid-Winter Day in Southern California

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OK not quite mid-winter yet but we're several weeks into it. But we've seen nothing but clear, sunny skies most of this winter 2011-2012 so far. Just another sunny, perfect day in Southern California. We enjoyed outdoor activities all around town this weekend, culminating at the beach adjacent to the Mugu Rock. As we hiked and played around the rocks and beach, I'm thinking, did winter decide to take a break this year?

I was impressed by the two fishermen shown above. They were in the same spot on the beach for several hours. I never saw them move, nor did I see them catch a fish in the time we were there. And they were still there when we left. Patience is a virtue.