Their reputation is wisdom is spot on

I took a trip to Japan what seems like a thousand years ago now. It was three months after the Fukushima disaster and hardly any westerners were traveling there which made it very easy to get around and enjoy uncrowded sites. While on the trip, I started a blog to share with my colleagues where I worked -- mostly to make them very envious and also record the wonderful sights. While on our morning walk, Nellie commented that the neighborhood scenery was getting very old and nothing seemed interesting enough to share. Well, okay, Nellie only nodded when I mentioned it with a deep sigh, as she is, after all, a dog. As luck would have it, I was trying to clean up a couple of flash drives and came across a picture that always makes me smile -- both because owls are among my favorite creatures and because as a librarian, reading is a big deal. So, because we all need something to cheer us up in these dark times, two gigantic owls showing how wise they truly are:

If you are curious about the big trip and have absolutely nothing better to do, you can read all about it at https://japanatlast.blogspot.com/ . In fact, you don't have to read at all, and just enjoy the pictures of a magical land.

Protesting and then there's defacing property

Given the current state of affairs in the country, I would love to be able to protest and hope to bring constitutional order back as the norm. Since that isn't doable for me, I appreciate those who are willing and able to take a peaceful stand for what's right. This sort of thing, however, is both counterproductive and disgraceful (not to mention against the law). This is a friend's office building. Ugly in so many ways, and utterly meaningless for getting any kind of message across.

 

Two sweeties just chillin'

These two beauties used to live two doors away. Mira sounds just like our Nellie when she screams her displeasure at anyone walking on our sidewalk. Izzy is much more blasé about other dogs and people. They are both total sweeties and of course, as the local treat dealer in the neighborhood, have always been happy to see me out and about. They have temporarily moved since the big fire, not because of any damage to their home, but other things that prompted the move. Fortunately, the fire victims who moved in brought their own fur babies for me to ooh and ahh over (picture of little Hugo forthcoming). Nellie has been promised a zoomie session with her buds soon, so that will be a welcome delight.

Blooming like a bomb

Blooms are a blooming and this is one I've never seen before. I believe it is in the agave family, but don't quote me on that. Usually when one blooms, it is the death knell. I sincerely hope I'm wrong this time.

Sidewalk art is still art

Heading over to see my favorite little dog (Nick of course), and came upon this amazing chalk drawing. There are several people who use chalk on the sidewalks to liven them up or leave messages, but I've never seen one as artistic as this piece. The detail is stunning.

Sooo --you're telling me this is the reason for your trip? Awesome!

One of the things I miss about the Bay Area is the ocean views. Playing ball in Alta Plaza Park with the best of all dogs in the universe, Barney, overlooking the bay, was the highlight of my day. Walking along the beach in the Marina while Barney chased seagulls, volunteering at the Marine Mammal Center, or visiting the Presidio Yacht Club to go for a sail with my parents were uplifting experiences. To me, the ocean is magical, mysterious, and endlessly fascinating. Therefore, when a friend who lives in Washington state sent me pictures of her week away with her husband and best friend, I felt quite envious and nostalgic for the old days. Of course, when you know who her bestie is, and that she was the purpose for that particular destination, you will forgive her as quickly as I did.

This is the best friend - Bailey. And yes, she's gorgeous. Just look at those eyes.

OK--time for a biology lesson

People understandably look at me as if I have finally gone completely 'round the bend, but I believe that plants, trees in particular, actually have a kind of sentience. We might not understand it or even know what we're looking for (or at),  but the idea that plants have intelligence and feelings is now not so far-fetched as people think. More and more research is being done with minds open to the possibility probability. Findings are showing that mushrooms have more in common with humans and act as the neural network for trees. Let's face it, human beings have been rather ego-centric when it comes to life on the planet and science hasn't been kind even to our own. It wasn't until 1987 that the American Academy of Pediatrics FINALLY admitted that children under the age of six months felt pain. Performing procedures on infants without anesthesia was common, and if they wailed, well, that was something else going on. Blatant evidence right in front of their eyes and.... Don't get me started on how science has treated the mentally ill, certain racial groups, and, lest we forget, animals. To put it politely -- not well.

The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Holleben started me thinking even more deeply about my theory of sentience, and discussions with arborists, who didn't treat me like a nut job, kept the idea alive. Lately, BBC Wildlife Magazine has been putting out more articles that relate to the subject. If you can't follow the links to the articles, your local library probably has access to the magazines electronically. 

As a species, we need to do better. We need to realize that just because something doesn't look or move or sound like us, it doesn't mean there are no feelings. We just need to do better!

“A new layer of complexity”: scientists record bioelectrical tree communication during solar eclipse
A new study carried out in Italy's Dolomite Mountains provides further evidence that trees are capable of complex communication, say researchers. April 30, 2025 Cycles of light and dark impact almost all living things, and events such as eclipses can cause noticeable changes in how they act and function. While these impacts are well studied in animals, we still know very little about how plants respond to solar eclipses. Now, in a new study carried out in Italy's Dolomite Mountains, researchers

Read in BBC Wildlife Magazine: https://apple.news/AJ-JOouLsS1qASoNonay-Iw

Are plants clever? Just how do plants make decisions?
How do plants know what to do if they don't have a brain or a nervous system? We investigate April 28, 2025 Plants respond to gravity and the presence of water, light and chemicals - and even to touch. But how do they do this with no brain or nervous system? Botanists are not sure. Their best explanation is that they contain many of the same substances that in animal cells, such as nerves, signal changes in physical states, prompting a response. Why do flowers point up or down? Scientists

Read in BBC Wildlife Magazine: https://apple.news/AHE_3niGJSrmiev2qD-XWzw