For those who've lived in California for a long time, it's easy to overlook so much. This is our family's fifth year in the state, and with fresh perspectives it is still spring for us.

I find the California Poppy provides the pop in the analogous color palette of green, blue and gold California is know for. These 'color friends' create a sense of calmness and peace. I can use more of that.

And of course they cover the hillsides from late winter through summer from Washington State all the way to Baja California.

Anywhere the wind blown seeds can find soil and water, the Poppy will thrive. They grow in the cracks in sidewalks, highway gutters and medians, in gardens both formal and rustic. You see them in planters outside upscale hotels and flourishing around the dumpsters in the hotel's service area.

Dancing in the never ending wind, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators it is abundant, drought-resistant, hardy, self sowing without being aggressively invasive, the California Poppy is resilient.

I won't have to go far to gather wildflowers this May Day, but of course, I'll do it with my camera. I love the California Poppy that is everywhere. It is the perfect state flower for California.

Living in central California, I won't have to go far to gather wildflowers this May Day, but of course, I'll do it with my camera. I love the California Poppy that is everywhere. It is the perfect state flower for California.

Did you put work aside today to explore favorite or new found places?

Carmel River Beach, to the south of Carmel is always changing. Often loaded with stones and polished sea glass, but even if the Pacific surf has left the beach sandy there are trails to explore and constant flights of pelicans and other seabirds traveling to and from Point Lobos.

Sobering way to start the week and the new year. Appreciate your coverage.

Good! Even with your filling in on Deadline White House, its been a weirdly long week.

Best way to wind up this year and launch a new one. Interesting times!