On my right knee at the bottom of knee cap running along the outside of my knee are a series of bruises, ranging in size from pea to dime what happend?

Purpura: Assuming you didn't have an injury that would have caused this unusual pattern of bruising, you may have a condition known as Henoch Schonlein Purpura (HSP), an inflammation of the blood vessels. We don't know what triggers HSP and don't have a specific treatment for it. It usually goes away on its own without ill effects, but, to be safe, you should see a doctor. Best wishes.