Matillija Poppy...

…otherwise known as a fried egg poppy, although that is not so obvious from this angle. These amazing grey green plants can grow to 8 feet in height and the beautiful flowers, like a dancer's tutu are three or four inches in diameter. They are native to Mexico and Southern California, but we decided to plant one in our garden because the climate up there is growing more and more like Mexico. They have a reputation for being difficult to get started, but take off once they take hold. This one seems to be quite happy up there. The breeze was blowing today and I liked the way her skirts were blowing up, just like Marilyn Monroe standing over the sidewalk grating in her white dress.

I love the extra photos feature. I was downtown today getting a new battery for OilMan's watch and I liked the hot dog stand next to the park with its original art, numerous coolers and cheerful proprietor.