Spring, 2008: How Green is the Valley !

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"The Sun is at its lowest path in the sky on the Winter Solstice. After that day the Sun follows a higher and higher path through the sky each day until it is in the sky for exactly 12 hours. On the Spring Equinox the Sun rises exactly in the east travels through the sky for 12 hours and sets exactly in the west. On the Equinox this is the motion of the Sun through the sky for everyone on earth. Every place on earth experiences a 12 hours day twice a year on the Spring and Fall Equinox." © Montana State University

Spring has arrived. Here in San Mateo (California), the temperature is still rather cool. But sunny days and blue skies are going to stay with us, and the coolness will keep the valley green longer. The late rains would probably mean good display of wild flowers in another month or so.

Easter is a few days away. On the fifth anniversary of the war in Iraq the president, who took us there, bragged about what he did. Death toll for soldiers 3992. The cost in dollars? Mind-boggling.

Looking west from Lower Crystal Spring Reservoir