Clam to Clam: "Don't Make Me Put My Foot Down!" or "Bivalve, Will Travel"

          Part of today's True North map looked like an open clamshell:

          [Maizie and I have been putting in extra semi-circular walks gearing up for watching a friend's energetic dog over Solstice-Christmas.]

          And then, just like that, the tide and other things nautical, such as puns, came in: "Don't make me put my foot down!" 

           These molluscs were likely quite similar to the clams which first appeared 510 million years ago during the Cambrian period.

            Some clams were opalized (or replaced with hydrated silica), as in these particularly magnificent Australian specimens:

   

                 The gemmy clams and other molluscs are full of fire, 

though, lately, I've been thinking of having a few of these ON the fire:

 
          Hmmmm, an ocean trip with some clammy companions?! That's my idea of steamy ;-). Would enjoy your clam tales of any sort. I am putting my foot down about putting my feet up. . .

Clamming up now (it's almost Wednesday here),

Steph