Beauty of nature

My brother is an amazing photographer and has captured so many beautiful images in nature. He lives on the coast in Northern California, so nature's abundance is rich in color and diversity. Enjoy.

Their reputation of 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

Can't help the cuteness

As those who follow my mutterings know, Nellie has a dog park boyfriend named Scotty whose greatest pleasure is chasing the ball. Nellie's greatest pleasure used to be chasing Scotty. That dynamic has changed somewhat as Nellie has decided that barking and herding every other dog she sees is much more to her taste. So while she's always very excited to see Scotty and chase after him occasionally, it's not the hot romance it was. Frankly, I don't understand how she can resist this wonderful hunk of burning love.

 

Now, on this coast we have big furry friends, and on the East Coast, there are two senior dogs who find that snuggling into their comfy beds a much better plan. Lenny and Jack live in New York and Florida (yes, they have two abodes). They are tucked for the long drive between houses. Lucky dogs. And they are adorably sweet.

Paradise in a backyard

Some people really know how to design gardens and Angel's Mom (Angel being the Labrador who just had her birthday) really knows what she's doing. She spends hours on her garden and you can tell. It is so peaceful and the plants are so beautifully curated, she puts the Huntington  Gardens and Golden Gate Park to shame. 

From a Japanese temple:

She's also an unabashed dog lover. The best kind.

As if that weren't enough, she has excellent taste in tea services. I gave her some brownies and dog biscuits on a plate that I hoped would go with her decor, and wonder of wonders, it did!

Dogs rule

Lest you think I am only interested in our neighborhood dogs, think again. A former colleague moved to Washington state and rescued a dog German Shepherd named Bailey. Bailey loves to go to the beach to romp and take long walks to wear her Mom out. Ordinarily she is not friendly with other dogs, so when she found this friend on one of her walks, it had to be shared. Apparently kissing in canine culture is acceptable. And adorable.

 

Spoiled children and then there's Angel

We all know those Moms who spoil their children to the detriment of their benefit to society. And then there's Angel. Angel is one deservedly spoiled child who has responded to that by being the sweetest, loveliest fur baby ever. Always a pleasure to meet and greet on a walk. And elegant to boot. Today is her birthday (she's getting up there in age) and we had to share. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANGEL.

  

Easter means one thing. OK - two things...

Easter means one thing for me and that is, how many Cadbury Creme Eggs can I get away with. Alas, the cost has skyrocketed since the good old days of two for 50¢, or a box of 4 for 75¢. Now a box of 4 is $6.50. The nerve of some places! Well, I found the secret to cashing in big time -- Grocery Outlet, where they sell a huge egg filled with 16 of the sinful treats for next to nothing. And I scored - twice! And to those of you who do not enjoy the pleasures of the creamy eggs I say, BAH HUMBUG!

Now my fixation on sugary delights does not keep me from enjoying colorful yard displays. I don't know when it became standard to go all out with Easter decorations, but this yard certainly has it down. Enjoy.

 

Repurposing with a purpose

Sometimes grand plans can go astray and it's actually for the better. Case in point was a raw silk quilt I started way back in the day. The design is inspired by Hokusai's Wave painting, though it in no way looks like his masterpiece. The waves are appliquéd onto the background and then I added sashiko embroidery to accent the piece. Let's not forget the French knots as well. So far so good, right? The next step was to add batting and do a sashiko quilting design to complete the piece. Well, as it does, life got in the way and the quilt top got put away for later. And later. Then the big move to our current abode with closets that had no doors. We dithered over getting sliding doors or bi-fold doors to cover the inevitable mess that closets are, and nixed both options. As we were unpacking boxes, inspiration struck. What about using a curtain? OK. Sounds good, but are there curtains out there that would fit or would I have to sew those? Then the lightening bolt. What about the quilt top? Would that work? Turns out, the answer was a resounding yes. It's as if it was custom made for the space. It fit the closet opening perfectly. Problem solved and I no longer had to think about endless hours of stitching to complete a quilt I didn't really need. Especially a raw silk quilt that dogs would mess up in a hot minute. Life can be surprisingly good sometimes.

Tagging a Little Free Library? Really?!?

Tagging under any circumstances is awful, but tagging a neighborhood library box is the worst sort of disrespect. Both the back and front sides of the box are tagged. The bench to the side is in honor of our well respected neighbor who died a few years ago. Parents sit with their kids to go through the books; the bench also provides respite for the multiple dog walkers in the area. To see something like this defaced is disheartening, especially in the aftermath of the fire tragedy we have just been through. 

A pensive dog with an interesting headdress

Today Nellie and I decided to tread where we have feared to because it is so sad to see burned out homes. While progress is being made in debris removal, it will be a long time before the neighborhood is back in full force. Therefore, one must take every opportunity to look for joy. I think this fits the bill. This beautiful dog, resting her head on her ball, has an addition that makes her look somewhat regal. I suspect a child decided to add the sparkly touch. It suits this pensive pup nicely.

 

What is it with critters and binoculars?

First the dogs with binoculars guarding their house with great alacrity. Now a chimpanzee hanging in a tree with binoculars?!? What is going on? Whatever it is, this is so delightful, it had to be shared. Enjoy.

 

Slowly but surely - maybe it'll get done

Progress, of a sort. More rocks added. ✅ Marble sink planted with aloe. ✅ Huge pot moved from wind damage area to the new spot (courtesy of K who is amazingly strong). ✅ Back sore from all the stooping and bending. ✅ Plans to keep the rocks free of pine needles. ✅ Great ideas for the back side of this area. Well....

Progress in the Bermuda Triangle of gardens

Some of my projects, especially in the yard, seem like black holes of effort with tenuous results. Dithering about what to do next, or how to proceed is my modus operandi. This time though, it may actually be coming together. The overgrown front triangle is being revamped to have what I hope is an artier flair. That means dismantling almost everything that was there for the new look. What couldn't be seen before was the wonderful marble sink. That issue will be solved this time around. It's been a bit of a slog, but I have hopes that in short order it'll be curated in such a fashion to attract positive attention. Right now, though, it's a hot mess. Progress is slow, but progress is happening. The dismantling is almost done. Rocks that used to provide a border but were so filled with pine needles and other debris are now torn out and ready to be repositioned. 

The front of the triangle is cleared enough so rocks that were hidden are now in view, along with the marble sink as the focal point. The red barrel rings will have plants placed in them, both to add life, and to stabilize them. Someday....

And last but not least, a pebble border for the sink was added to give it a neater look. Which will look a whole lot better once the pebbles and other rocks are artistically placed for maximum impact. At least, that's the hope.

Cleaning out and unexpected finds

 Yes, cleaning out closets is mind-numbing, but necessary. While doing so, I came across my insane collection of three ring binders (does anybody use those anymore?) and found one from a business I formed with a remarkable partner. It was called Kneaded Time and offered chair massage in a large mall. Mind you, we had many hoops to jump through because naturally local governments equated massage with naughty things. We had to convince the powers that be that having people sitting in a massage chair, fully clothed, in the middle of a busy mall was hardly conducive to hanky-panky. Fortunately, we were very persuasive and were allowed to operate one of the first chair massage businesses in the State. What does that have to do with notebooks you ask? Well, one had the logo we used on T-shirts and other items while we had the business. It brings back many good memories from times long ago.

Spring snow

It's been quite the year. 80º heat in what would be the dead of winter, but then snow on the mountains in what should be spring. Southern California is full of surprises. Just a dusting mind you, but we're supposed to get more this week, so we'll see. Considering these very mountains were on fire just two months ago, this is quite the turnaround. 

  

Creepy or amusing - you decide

As usual, when walking around the neighborhood, something will jump out as unique and interesting. In this case, a house that looks like it has giant eyes spying on the street. Looks to me like some kind of bird. See what you think. 

A bit dicey, but a way to meet good-looking men

I'm hardly a fragile flower, but every now and then my age and sheer stupidity match up. Out walking Nellie and at the intersection, as is my custom, I back up to signal to cars they can go before I try to cross the street. This time, things did not go as planned. I fell. Hard. On the sidewalk. 

Now's here an example of how people can be so wonderful. The car I stopped for immediately pulled over. Another man stopped his car and approached with kind words and strong arms to get me up. He was so kind and disappeared so quickly, I feel he didn't get enough in the way of thanks. As I stood, there appeared three firefighters who were grabbing my hat and cane off the sidewalk and checking to make sure I was not seriously injured. They were just passing by when they saw the drama. First question, of course, is did you hit your head. Answer: no, thank goodness. No concussion. They wanted me to take a few steps to make sure I could walk; asked if I wanted a ride home; checked I had a phone with me if I suddenly felt worse. All good.

The firefighter mystique is true. All of them were gorgeous. I swear it is a requirement for hire. Now, do NOT think that doing something as stupid and graceless as tripping on the sidewalk is a good way to meet strong, caring, good-looking guys. Especially since you aren't guaranteed they will be passing by at exactly the right moment. And, lovely as they were, the man who stopped immediately to jump out of his car and actually pulled me up is the true hero. 

Thank goodness for caring people. 

I spy with my BIG eyes

One of the perks of the retirement life is being able to go out to looooong lunches with friends. No need to hurry back to the office and whatever chores are waiting to be done can wait a little longer. Conversations can be in depth and people watching is fun. As is dog watching. Met a beautiful dog named Holly with her own license plate on her wheels for her back legs. Didn't get a picture of her, doggone it, but I assure you she was one of the sweetest cuddle bugs you'd ever want to meet. And her family is amazing because her legs are basically paralyzed and have been for five years. After numerous tests and scans, the vets were still puzzled by her infirmity and suggested she be euthanized. Fortunately for her, her family didn't listen and she is living the good life. 

On the way to the restaurant I was somewhat startled to see two dogs, one of which was staring through binoculars. I didn't know dogs could hold binoculars. Wonders never cease. If I were to guess, this might be a way to have a camera in place. Pretty clever. And very cute.

Headless or extinct -- take your pick

Given the devastation to so many areas of our neighborhood, Nellie chose to take a route we haven't taken for several months. She was fairly certain the neighborhood was intact so we went that way. Things were looking normal. A few roofs with tarps from the fierce winds blowing off shingles, but otherwise, looking good. Turns out, Nellie was spot on for knowing things that would bring a smile. Since the last three days dealing with the attic insulation drama have been taxing, she knew cheering up was in the cards. One of my favorite Little Libraries now has a resident pterodactyl. This yard is known for its T. Rex, so it's not surprising he has been joined by a friend.

A couple of steps farther down the same street, we ran across this sad/funny sight. Two statues greet visitors and one poor bloke has lost his head! Well, not lost exactly, as it is in pieces in front of him. Clearly this statue, though made to look as if stone or metal, is neither. Hope he gets appropriate medical care soon.

  

A heart for all seasons

While I pretty much try to avoid holidays, today I received this picture which made me smile so much, it would be stingy not to share. The location is a Florida beach and the message is quite clear. Those things that look are rocks are actually sea shells. Enjoy.

Serious new medical condition

Since the devastating fires in our area there has been an outbreak of a heretofore unknown malady. Now, I'm not a doctor, nor have I played one on TV, but in all humility, I am the first to diagnose this new condition. It has been observable in conversations on walks around the neighborhood and, of course, in our own household. It is fire brain. 

First observed when we would be doing something important, like packing to evacuate, and forgetting to take the most basic and obvious items with us. In M's case, we were already miles from home and he realized he forgot his wallet. Something he has NEVER forgotten EVER. And yes, he drove back through smoke and ash to retrieve it from home. In our haste, I forgot to pack our and our dogs' medications -- even though they were on the list prepared for just such an eventuality. Didn't discover that bit until we were safely ensconced in the shelter and were not going back home. OK, you're thinking, understandable, you were in a rush to leave and it happens. Others in the shelter had experienced the same thing. Alas, the syndrome doesn't end with returning home.

In our shock and realization of all the cleanup required, our determination to be better organized for future catastrophes, and trying to be grownups navigating the necessary hoops to get things repaired and done, we found our brains short circuiting regularly. Put something down and can't find it even though it is right in front of us. Make a to do list and forget to check it. Promise to finish something and get so distracted we don't even remember the promise. Fire brain in action. And lest you think we are old and that is simply a symptom, I assure you that we weren't THAT bad prior to the fire. Not only that, younger people in the area are complaining of the same symptoms. Needless to say, the symptoms should wear off as things return to semi-normal, but one can never tell with these new outbreaks of interesting conditions. May you never have to experience it.

Sweet Charlotte

As someone who is absolutely ga-ga over dogs, I have to share one of my favorites on our block. She's a rescue and is the sweetest girl ever. Her name is Charlotte and she does  demand a good head rub when she sees me, so naturally, her wish is my command. Here she's pulling to come over.

And here she's wondering why I'm not loving all over her, like, right now!!!! Who could ever resist that beautiful face?