What's with white trees?

On those occasions when I actually get in the car and go somewhere, I pass this tree which makes me wonder what's up. It looks like a real tree that's been painted completely white, but I'm at a loss as to how that was done and what that means. Any guesses?

Dine and dash

You'd think a cat would be grateful for being fed (now twice) every day. You might think a cat who comes to the front door to tell you to take care of her dietary needs would let you pet her. Or maybe not hiss at you. Or just maybe would stick around after licking the bowl clean to have a chat or leave a tip. Welp. Misty not only doesn't pay for her meals or leave a tip for excellent service, she scarpers right after eating for parts as yet unknown. And somehow I'm totally okay with that. 

The basket to the right of the picture is set up for her to snuggle in if she so desires. Has she used it? Why no. Thinking of building a little house over it so when the rains finally do show up, she'll have a snug place to settle. It's under a table, so that will provide some added protection from the elements.

Cuddles

Super quick update on Paco the Pug - who now goes by Taco or Ding Dong depending on the person and the situation at the moment. This sweet pic is Paco happily snoozing on - not a pillow as you might expect - but his Dad's chest. Dad had settled down to watch TV and Paco decided to join him in the sweetest way. Awwwww. Bonding complete.

 

Unexpected encounters and treats

Walking dogs in the neighborhood is always eye-opening and definitely is a treat. Today Nellie and I had three lovely encounters with neighbors we don't get to see often enough. 

The first was with a young man who was shoveling gravel in his driveway. Being the witty person I am, I called to him and said it looked like he was working too hard (it's hot again). He smiled, looked a bit puzzled, and then said he didn't speak much English, but was working hard at learning. I asked what language he spoke and he said Portuguese, but then immediately asked if I spoke Spanish. Two words, was the reply. Bueno and gracias. He laughed at that and we parted smiling at the brief, but happy exchange. 

The second encounter was with an art professor at one of our local colleges. Upon being asked how it was to return to in-person teaching after the pandemic, she regaled me with the horrifying reality of schools today. Apparently AI is truly taking over. Out of over 100 students applying for her class, only 14 actually submitted their own work, including artwork and an essay on an art piece. The rest were written by AI and plagiarized; the artwork was clearly digitally modified images off the internet; and  more than one student didn't know that Leonardo Da Vinci didn't paint Van Gogh's Sunflowers. But, but, it must be right -- the robot told me sooooo. She was shaking her head and I was bemused, but alas, not surprised. We parted with rueful smiles.

The last encounter was by all accounts the absolute highlight of the morning walk. A car rounded the corner and then pulled ahead to the curb and stopped. I don't pay much attention to cars (except with great alacrity when crossing a street) and was surprised to see a small face stuck out the back window and calling my name. She also called Nellie, who recognized her before I did and pulled me over to say hi. Sure enough, it was a neighbor child coming back from Japanese school (she's all of 6), and waving an origami creature. Pulling out the Japanese I learned before visiting there, I greeted her with Konnichiwa, much to her Dad's astonishment. From there she showed me the origami she learned and offered me one. I believe she was responding to the origami crane that adorned the container of brownies her family received a few weeks ago. Of course I wasn't going to turn down such cuteness and responded with arigatō goziamashita. It now has a home over the mail slot on the porch.

The view from the steps and a closeup:

And while we're on the porch, the god Pan has had a place forever keeping an eye on things. And no, this doesn't count as a Halloween decoration as it is up year round.

Predictions for the planet coming true

While sorting through the books in the history room of the library one day, I came across a children's book. The cover was intriguing so I decided to give it a quick perusal. I couldn't put it down. It starts off with an idyllic picture of a planet in harmony - Wump World - and one would think how nice it is to see cute creatures enjoying their peaceful surroundings. It quickly takes a turn as a spaceship lands and creatures that look awfully similar to humans disembark. From there is gets very dark indeed. The invaders, aptly from the planet Pollutus, annihilate this utopia and then make a hasty retreat after finding a new planet to repeat their clueless evil elsewhere. Lest you think this is far too dark a story for children, there is a bright moment at the end. When all appears gone and lost, the Wumps reappear to find their planet almost completely decimated except for small areas of hope. While the implication is that they will survive and heal, their planet will never be the same because of the Pollutians. BTW - you guessed it -- the Pollutians are us. Human beings who refuse to respect and care for the planet they live on. Now here's the part where prophecy comes into play. The book was published in 1970. Dr. Seuss's book with a very similar theme, The Lorax, was published the following year. These books were a wake up call that is yet to be heeded.

 

Last one - promise - but couldn't resist this house

Of course my fingers were crossed when the promise of the last Halloween house being posted was made, but this is probably it. This house outdoes the entire neighborhood every year with Halloween and Christmas decorations. This year is a pirate and dinosaur (?!?) theme. OK - whatever works. 

Don't know what kind of dog that pirate found, but he's HUGE. Even a great Dane isn't that big - or is it?

Apparently dinosaurs are now part of spooky decor....

And last, but definitely not least, are the two witches. I just wish they had asked my permission before using my likeness. My face is copyrighted until at least the year 2050, and yet I see it everywhere at Halloween. Do I need to lawyer up?

  

 

Remember to click on the photo if you wish to get a better view. Though my face may haunt you for the rest of your life, so be careful.

Going with the spooky flow

Okay, I bow to the consensus that holidays now start months before they are actually on the calendar. It's not even October yet, and our neighborhood is going all out on the spooky decorations. One gripe is the use of fake spider webbing, which catches bees, butterflies, and birds -- BAD. Other than that, the decorations are really good. Of course I don't understand what's spooky about spiders and snakes, but I'm told by trusted friends they are creepy. Enjoy....