Charles Nocks (Dad) aged 17 in 1940
1945 - Dad's siblings - (l to r) Elmer L Nocks, Hazel L Nocks, Joe R Nocks
Cousin Emery Lee Nocks
Cousin Larry Nocks
Cousin Glenn E Nocks
Uncle Claude E Patrick
Uncle Howard Johnson at far right
Sunday, May 28, 2017
Saturday, May 27, 2017
Various Photos
1875 Miners camp, San Juan County, Colorado
Pikes Peak, Colorado 1911
Fishing couple and their catch Chincoteague Island, Virginia (1940s ?)
Main Street rainbow, Chincoteague Island May 2017
Yearling Chincoteague pony, Journey - by Courtney's Boy, out of Cinnamon Blaze
Three-year-old Chincoteague pony - by Chief Golden Eagle, out of Island Dream
Surfin' Chantal and her new foal, sired by Maverick
Bits And Pieces
Monday is our Memorial Day, when we are given a paid holiday to honor our War dead. Volunteers have been placing American flags in cemeteries, on graves of military veterans, all this past week. We, as a country, actively honor all people who served in our Armed Forces, offering their lives in protection of our beliefs of justice, freedom, and democracy. My Father was a career US Navy service member, my Uncle was a career US Army service member, and a brother-in-law was a career US Marines service member. Our family has served in the armed services back into the times of Roman Emperors. I am extremely proud of all of the men and women in my family who have ever served their country in times of need.
In horse racing, it has been decided that Always Dreaming will not run in the Belmont Stakes, the last leg of the Triple Crown. In today's 2,000 Guineas, Thunder Snow will be meeting Churchill...
On the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island, there have been 46 foals born so far... The latest, seen this morning was out of the mare Chickadee and sired by Ace. No photos yet. Considering that the ponies are "wild," having lost only two foals so far this year is very good. The first died from a massive infection that apparently entered through his umbilical cord; the second was lost to the thick marsh mud. We're having a very good foaling season, so far.
Then we come to the administration of the orange snowflake - His trip to the Middle East and beyond started out well. He was very obsequious to the Saudis and signed a deal for another $110 billion in armed support for their country. He then made a brief visit to Israel, where his performance was very uneven. Then he was an unwelcome visitor to the Pope in Vatican City. Francis looked extremely relieved and happy when the tangerine bigot left the premises. In Brussels and then back in Italy, he was a complete and total boor. He pushed the Prime Minister of Montenegro out of his way, so he could be at the front of a photo opportunity. He yelled at the other members of NATO, saying they hadn't paid enough for US protection (which is NOT what NATO is about); never spoke of the 5th NATO Clause that states if you attack one of us, you attack all of us (and the only time that has been used was for US protection after 9/11); and he called Angela Merkel's German government "very, very bad."
Now, with the Special Counsel appointed to look into any ties, connections, collusion, and monetary exchanges between the President and anyone remotely tied to his campaign, things are going to get very interesting. Especially since the President has now hired a personal lawyer. And then there's the new investigation into his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who reportedly asked for a "private channel of communication" to be set up between Putin and members of the new administration, which could not be "overheard" by US listening services. They are all idiots.
And, finally, the unprovoked attack on a British journalist who was asking a Republican running for a US Congressional seat... The reporter, Ben Jacobs, from The Guardian, was trying to get a comment from man about the CBO score on the Republicans new health care plan, which had been released that afternoon. Greg Gianforte, the candidate, grabbed the reporter by the neck, threw him to the ground, straddled his body, and began punching the reporter. He broke the reporter's glasses and injured his elbow. The candidate was charged with misdemeanor assault, and won the election, which took place the next day.
The venality and callousness of the Republican party, and the seemingly calm acceptance of this violence by the American public, is very disturbing to me.
In horse racing, it has been decided that Always Dreaming will not run in the Belmont Stakes, the last leg of the Triple Crown. In today's 2,000 Guineas, Thunder Snow will be meeting Churchill...
On the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island, there have been 46 foals born so far... The latest, seen this morning was out of the mare Chickadee and sired by Ace. No photos yet. Considering that the ponies are "wild," having lost only two foals so far this year is very good. The first died from a massive infection that apparently entered through his umbilical cord; the second was lost to the thick marsh mud. We're having a very good foaling season, so far.
Then we come to the administration of the orange snowflake - His trip to the Middle East and beyond started out well. He was very obsequious to the Saudis and signed a deal for another $110 billion in armed support for their country. He then made a brief visit to Israel, where his performance was very uneven. Then he was an unwelcome visitor to the Pope in Vatican City. Francis looked extremely relieved and happy when the tangerine bigot left the premises. In Brussels and then back in Italy, he was a complete and total boor. He pushed the Prime Minister of Montenegro out of his way, so he could be at the front of a photo opportunity. He yelled at the other members of NATO, saying they hadn't paid enough for US protection (which is NOT what NATO is about); never spoke of the 5th NATO Clause that states if you attack one of us, you attack all of us (and the only time that has been used was for US protection after 9/11); and he called Angela Merkel's German government "very, very bad."
Now, with the Special Counsel appointed to look into any ties, connections, collusion, and monetary exchanges between the President and anyone remotely tied to his campaign, things are going to get very interesting. Especially since the President has now hired a personal lawyer. And then there's the new investigation into his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who reportedly asked for a "private channel of communication" to be set up between Putin and members of the new administration, which could not be "overheard" by US listening services. They are all idiots.
And, finally, the unprovoked attack on a British journalist who was asking a Republican running for a US Congressional seat... The reporter, Ben Jacobs, from The Guardian, was trying to get a comment from man about the CBO score on the Republicans new health care plan, which had been released that afternoon. Greg Gianforte, the candidate, grabbed the reporter by the neck, threw him to the ground, straddled his body, and began punching the reporter. He broke the reporter's glasses and injured his elbow. The candidate was charged with misdemeanor assault, and won the election, which took place the next day.
The venality and callousness of the Republican party, and the seemingly calm acceptance of this violence by the American public, is very disturbing to me.
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Maryland's Assateague-Chincoteague Ponies - Photos
Charcoal
Dewey
Llama Boy
Ninka
Madeline Rose
Bright Star
Bayberry
Bodacious Bob and Joy
** Photo by Beached Paws Photography of Berlin, MD **
Step-dad Bodacious Bob playing with "Happy" - yearling
foal of Giggles, sired by Joy
(One photo out of a fantastic series of shots... )
Monday, May 22, 2017
Assorted Photos
Male black-chinned hummingbird
Female black-chinned hummingbird has tongue extended
Baby black-chinned hummingbirds
2017 filly - Sweet Jane is dam, Puzzle is sire
2017 filly - Secret Feather is dam, Riptide is sire
Stallions posturing - Puzzle on left, Neptune on right
My hero, Clint Watts
Bits and Pieces
We pulled our mail in Friday afternoon about 15 minutes after it was delivered. There was only one piece, addressed to me, and it was from the company we rent our apartment from. I opened the envelope, turned the oddly folded piece of letter-sized paper over, and my eyes were assaulted by the word "URGENT!" that covered the width of the paper. There was a letter under it, stating that the company had not received our paper-work to renew our lease and they were giving us a warning before we would have to pay a penalty fee. We received our letter inviting us to renew on May 6, and we filled out all 25 pages of information and signed and dated it that day. On Monday, May 8th, we took the paperwork directly to the office and turned it in to the receptionist at the main desk. She wanted me to fill out four more questions (yes/no answers) that I hadn't marked, because the questions began with, "If you are a student...", which I had marked No. I called and left several messages Friday afternoon, and Beatrice sent an e-mail. A few minutes ago, I called and got the lady who sent the letter, and for whom I left two messages on Friday. I stated my name and asked if they had found my paperwork, and she said, "Of course, it's here on my desk." I ten asked if she needed anything else. She said we need to give her copies of our 2017 forecast Social Security Statements. I have made copies of both and we will shortly be delivering them - and asking for a receipt from the reception desk.
Having listened to a certain man for the past few weeks, I have decided that my hero is now Clinton Watts. I like the way he moves, thinks before answering questions, and his snarky, sly sense of humor. Having seen him testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee, and hearing his opinions on multiple news shows, has shown me a man of erudition and thoughtfulness. I loved his, "Follow the trail of dead Russians" comment, and I also felt for his "Nobody has my back covered" statement. I would, and will, cover his back at any moment - even though I am not a trained agent....
The noose seems to be tightening around the 45th Administration's Russian collusionists... Mike Flynn looks to take a big fall; and having Steve Bannon and Reince Priebus return very early from the first international trip seems odd - of course, Steve Bannon looked as if he expected every Saudi citizen was going to try to kill him. And the two "top ladies" would not wear head scarves in honor of the Saudi's beliefs... And I can't believe the moron was upset that he couldn't land his helicopter on top of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Firing James Comey was one of the worst things the orange idiot could have done; let's see what Bob Mueller does to him. And the nut job just told an Israeli conference that he had "just returned from a trip to the Middle East"...... He really has NO brain.
Having listened to a certain man for the past few weeks, I have decided that my hero is now Clinton Watts. I like the way he moves, thinks before answering questions, and his snarky, sly sense of humor. Having seen him testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee, and hearing his opinions on multiple news shows, has shown me a man of erudition and thoughtfulness. I loved his, "Follow the trail of dead Russians" comment, and I also felt for his "Nobody has my back covered" statement. I would, and will, cover his back at any moment - even though I am not a trained agent....
The noose seems to be tightening around the 45th Administration's Russian collusionists... Mike Flynn looks to take a big fall; and having Steve Bannon and Reince Priebus return very early from the first international trip seems odd - of course, Steve Bannon looked as if he expected every Saudi citizen was going to try to kill him. And the two "top ladies" would not wear head scarves in honor of the Saudi's beliefs... And I can't believe the moron was upset that he couldn't land his helicopter on top of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Firing James Comey was one of the worst things the orange idiot could have done; let's see what Bob Mueller does to him. And the nut job just told an Israeli conference that he had "just returned from a trip to the Middle East"...... He really has NO brain.
Sunday, May 21, 2017
Cloud Computing Wins Preakness Stakes
The seven-to-five betting favorite, and winner of the Kentucky Derby, Always Dreaming, jumped out of the gate beside Classic Empire and the two colts led the field to the top of the stretch. Then Always Dreaming began to fade drastically, even though the time for the early Preakness furlongs was slower than the Derby. It looked like Classic Empire, the second betting choice, and last year's two-year-old champion, would win the race. Then Cloud Computing, who last raced six weeks ago, came charging up beside Classic Empire. The two colts battled the last sixteenth of a mile, but Cloud Computing managed to win by a head. Classic Empire was four and 3/4 lengths ahead of Senior Investment, who was a half-length ahead of Lookin At Lee. Always Dreaming faded to finish in eighth place.
A $2 win ticket on Cloud Computing paid $28.80; a $2 place ticket on Classic Empire paid $4.40; and a $2 show ticket on Senior Investment paid $10.20. A $2 exacta bet paid $98.40; a $2 trifecta bet paid $2,194.60; and a $2 superfecta bet paid $16,325.60.
The race was completed in 1 minute, 55.98 seconds. Here is the order of finish, with their Derby finish spots in parenthesis, if applicable:
1 Cloud Computing
2 Classic Empire (4)
3 Senior Investment
4 Lookin At Lee (2)
5 Gunnevera (7)
6 Multiplier
7 Conquest Mo Money
8 Always Dreaming (1)
9 Hence (11)
10 Term of Art
No Triple Crown Champion in 2017....
A $2 win ticket on Cloud Computing paid $28.80; a $2 place ticket on Classic Empire paid $4.40; and a $2 show ticket on Senior Investment paid $10.20. A $2 exacta bet paid $98.40; a $2 trifecta bet paid $2,194.60; and a $2 superfecta bet paid $16,325.60.
The race was completed in 1 minute, 55.98 seconds. Here is the order of finish, with their Derby finish spots in parenthesis, if applicable:
1 Cloud Computing
2 Classic Empire (4)
3 Senior Investment
4 Lookin At Lee (2)
5 Gunnevera (7)
6 Multiplier
7 Conquest Mo Money
8 Always Dreaming (1)
9 Hence (11)
10 Term of Art
No Triple Crown Champion in 2017....
Saturday, May 20, 2017
Assateague Island Photos
Sunrise on the beach
Bald Eagle on a duck blind
Twilight drink
Assateague Lighthouse
Poco Dot - filly by Riptide, out of Poco's Starry Night
Suede, who lost her foal in early March
Tuleta Star nursing her filly by Hoppy (aka Little Dolphin)
Black-chinned Hummingbirds
We had a late-May snow storm, here in Boulder, that began Wednesday night and lasted until late Thursday night. It began with rain and pea-sized hail, then turned to rain. At 6 in the morning, the precipitation turned into large fluffy snowflakes, but within an hour it was sleet. Our temperature throughout the day never rose above 31 degrees (F), and the clouds dropped a continuous fall of snow, sleet and rain. We ended up with a little over five inches of snow; Ward had 38 inches, and Nederland had 28 inches.
With the three bird feeders filled in the tree below us, and the small free-standing feeder we have on the balcony (besides the water bowl), we watched our feathered friends, along with the squirrels happily munch away all day. The usual visitors to our balcony are sparrows and finches - and we have pieces of sunflower seeds in their feeder. (The thistle feeder, and the nuts, berries and seed mixtures are used in the tree hanging feeders.) Also on the outer corners of the balcony are two solar-powered glass sculptures. A blue, green and clear glass owl (Wendell) is on the north side, and, in front of my desk window is Penny the penguin. Her body is blue,head black, face white - and she wears a red winter scarf and Santa hat.
At 5 p.m. in the midst of the snowstorm, with a temperature of 31 degrees, I was astounded to see a single hummingbird trying to feed from Penny's scarf and hat. I have always known there are hummingbirds in Colorado - as a matter of fact, there are 11 types that are usually found here in the summer. I have seen them in the suburbs, in neighborhoods where I house sit, and through open spaces and up in the mountains. In the two years I have lived in this apartment, I have not seen a hummingbird here. The hummer returned Friday morning, seeking nectar, again.
After taking clients to the Denver International Airport yesterday, I stopped and purchased a hummingbird feeder on the way home. I mixed up the sugar water, and hung the feeder, almost next to my window. By the time I had walked from the balcony to my bedroom, and sat down at my desk, a hummingbird had appeared and was eating. I was thrilled! I kept seeing a single hummingbird all afternoon, and up until 7:30 yesterday evening.
I was awakened at 5:25 this morning by Nedi, who was in the windowsill and chittering. The hummingbird spent almost five minutes sipping nectar. It has made multiple visits since then. Less than ten minutes ago, a male and female appeared and ate together... I looked them up in my birder's guide, and found that they are black-chinned hummingbirds.
Then, too this morning, Beatrice, my room mate, called me into her bedroom, where we could see three deer feeding on the hill behind the apartments. I took photos, but two had left by the time I returned. I am now sitting at my desk, awaiting the return of the hummers, so I can "capture" them with my camera....
And, don't forget - The Preakness Stakes will be run this afternoon at Pimlico Racetrack, outside of Baltimore, Maryland. Always Dreaming will be following his quest to become a Triple Crown Champion. There was a heavy rain early this morning on the track, so we will have to see what the footing is like this afternoon/evening...
With the three bird feeders filled in the tree below us, and the small free-standing feeder we have on the balcony (besides the water bowl), we watched our feathered friends, along with the squirrels happily munch away all day. The usual visitors to our balcony are sparrows and finches - and we have pieces of sunflower seeds in their feeder. (The thistle feeder, and the nuts, berries and seed mixtures are used in the tree hanging feeders.) Also on the outer corners of the balcony are two solar-powered glass sculptures. A blue, green and clear glass owl (Wendell) is on the north side, and, in front of my desk window is Penny the penguin. Her body is blue,head black, face white - and she wears a red winter scarf and Santa hat.
At 5 p.m. in the midst of the snowstorm, with a temperature of 31 degrees, I was astounded to see a single hummingbird trying to feed from Penny's scarf and hat. I have always known there are hummingbirds in Colorado - as a matter of fact, there are 11 types that are usually found here in the summer. I have seen them in the suburbs, in neighborhoods where I house sit, and through open spaces and up in the mountains. In the two years I have lived in this apartment, I have not seen a hummingbird here. The hummer returned Friday morning, seeking nectar, again.
After taking clients to the Denver International Airport yesterday, I stopped and purchased a hummingbird feeder on the way home. I mixed up the sugar water, and hung the feeder, almost next to my window. By the time I had walked from the balcony to my bedroom, and sat down at my desk, a hummingbird had appeared and was eating. I was thrilled! I kept seeing a single hummingbird all afternoon, and up until 7:30 yesterday evening.
I was awakened at 5:25 this morning by Nedi, who was in the windowsill and chittering. The hummingbird spent almost five minutes sipping nectar. It has made multiple visits since then. Less than ten minutes ago, a male and female appeared and ate together... I looked them up in my birder's guide, and found that they are black-chinned hummingbirds.
Then, too this morning, Beatrice, my room mate, called me into her bedroom, where we could see three deer feeding on the hill behind the apartments. I took photos, but two had left by the time I returned. I am now sitting at my desk, awaiting the return of the hummers, so I can "capture" them with my camera....
And, don't forget - The Preakness Stakes will be run this afternoon at Pimlico Racetrack, outside of Baltimore, Maryland. Always Dreaming will be following his quest to become a Triple Crown Champion. There was a heavy rain early this morning on the track, so we will have to see what the footing is like this afternoon/evening...
Thursday, May 18, 2017
New Chincoteague Pony Foals
Tuleta Star bay filly by Hoppy
Calceti'n bay colt by Maverick
Suzy's Sweetheart chestnut colt by Riptide
Marguerite of Assateague's foal with one blue eye by Maverick
Black Star's bay pinto colt by Wild Thing *
Thetis' pinto colt by Wild Thing *
White Saddle's buckskin pinto colt by Legacy *
* The three photos marked with the asterisk are copyrighted by
DSC Photography of Greenbackville, VA. *
Ten Vie For Black-Eyed Susans
There will be ten colts running in the Preakness Stakes on Saturday. Half of them ran in the Kentucky Derby, while the other half are "fresh." Nine of the ten colts were born in Kentucky, with Conquest Mo Money being a New York bred. Following are the post positions, name of the colt, (where he finished in the 20 horse Kentucky Derby field,) his morning line betting odds, and the name of his sire:
1 Multiplier 50 to 1 The Factor
2 Cloud Computing 12 to 1 Maclean's Music
3 Hence (11) 20 to 1 Street Boss
4 Always Dreaming (1) 4 to 5 Bodemeister
5 Classic Empire (4) 3 to 1 Pioneer of the Nile
6 Gunnevera (7) 15 to 1 Dialed In
7 Term Of Art 30 to 1 Tiznow
8 Senior Investment 30 to 1 Discreetly Mine
9 Lookin At Lee (2) 10 to 1 Lookin At Lucky
10 Conquest Mo Money 15 to 1 Uncle Mo
The post time for the Preakness is 6:48 (EDT); the purse is $1.5 million for the one and three-sixteenths mile race on the main dirt track.
1 Multiplier 50 to 1 The Factor
2 Cloud Computing 12 to 1 Maclean's Music
3 Hence (11) 20 to 1 Street Boss
4 Always Dreaming (1) 4 to 5 Bodemeister
5 Classic Empire (4) 3 to 1 Pioneer of the Nile
6 Gunnevera (7) 15 to 1 Dialed In
7 Term Of Art 30 to 1 Tiznow
8 Senior Investment 30 to 1 Discreetly Mine
9 Lookin At Lee (2) 10 to 1 Lookin At Lucky
10 Conquest Mo Money 15 to 1 Uncle Mo
The post time for the Preakness is 6:48 (EDT); the purse is $1.5 million for the one and three-sixteenths mile race on the main dirt track.
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Off For a While & The Preakness
The Preakness Stakes will be run Saturday at Old Hilltop, Pimilico Racecourse, outside of Baltimore, Maryland. Always Dreaming will be facing horses from the Kentucky Derby, as well as several new, and fresher, horses. I wish him well this Saturday.
I am just so completely amazed and disturbed by the actions of the current President of the United States that I feel the need for a break from my blog - otherwise, it would be full of angst. The way the elected leader of our country is acting is completely idiotic; he speaks without thinking of consequences and he lies out of both sides of his mouth. He makes me ill. I get up every day and wonder what the stupid bigoted child has done this time. I'm headed back to my psychiatrist and therapist, thanks to him and his administration.
I'll be back in a few days.....
I am just so completely amazed and disturbed by the actions of the current President of the United States that I feel the need for a break from my blog - otherwise, it would be full of angst. The way the elected leader of our country is acting is completely idiotic; he speaks without thinking of consequences and he lies out of both sides of his mouth. He makes me ill. I get up every day and wonder what the stupid bigoted child has done this time. I'm headed back to my psychiatrist and therapist, thanks to him and his administration.
I'll be back in a few days.....
Sunday, May 14, 2017
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