Our friend Bailey, who is also going through a tough time with flooding and torrential rains far north of us, has not been happy with the situation at all. Definitely do not blame her. Fortunately, her Mom knows just what to do, and it being Christmas and all, it made sense. Snuggling on a comfy bed with a huge chewy is the best way to relax.
The rains in California have been in the news for a good reason. Flooding in large areas, and mudslides in the burn areas make for hazardous conditions. Fortunately, we are lucky to escape the worst of it all. Yes, rain barrels are overflowing, but so what? The house is still standing and we don't feel the need to go anywhere where cars are being swept off the streets. The big downside is my Critter Café cannot be replenished in pouring rain and it grieves me to not provide the food my patrons have come to expect. I also worry how they are coping with the deluge. We're seeing 50 year record rainfall and all of us are used to a more moderate climate. Well, we had two visitors who figured out a good place to dodge the downpour and we were delighted to see them. They camped out on the iron hangers on the porch post that normally hold decorative items (removed because of impending big wind gusts). Frankly, if they had thought about it a bit more, they could've gone under the eaves of the porch roof, but whatever.
First came the sparrow on the left side hanger (and you should click to get the big pictures and zoom in because they are hard to see):
I've been looking forward to Christmas Day all week, after I got the invitation to come for pie, ice cream, and great conversation in the afternoon. Not only would Nellie and I be having a delightful time with Nick and his Mom, but the addition of little Toots and her Mom would make the afternoon complete. As a Bah Humbug sort of person, being able to ditch the whole shop-til-you-drop mentality of Christmas, and replace it with a delicious dessert, just makes sense. Of course, that expectation just had to be dashed. I haven't had so much as a sniffle in three years, and even then it only lasted a day or too. Not this year. This year, out of nowhere, came the onset of a cough that just gets deeper. So with great reluctance, and consideration for my friends, I bowed out. It felt even more a betrayal by the gods when K mentioned she had even decorated for the occasion. Now you must understand that Nick's house is the epitome of beautiful minimalism. I always get a deep sense of space and peace whenever Nellie and I trek over to visit. It is such a wonderful contrast to our house, which, while we have beautiful items of the antique and collectible variety, is much too much. Not hoarder madness, but a lot of stuff to dust. And yes, I have been working on downsizing...well, that's getting us off track. Since I'm not able to be a participant in today's pie gathering, K kindly sent pictures of her decorations (at my demand), and they are truly imaginative and wonderful, made from recycled materials, and totally in keeping with her minimalist tradition. I LOVE them. And just to rub in what I'm missing, they kindly sent a picture of the goodies.
Knowing Nick is to appreciate his genius on so many levels. But even Nellie and I had no idea he was an aspiring artist. While he has certainly demonstrated his awesome spelling and writing skills in the past, painting was unexpected. Nellie and Rascal both feel he has such talent as to warrant a trip to Big Sur to study plein-air painting overlooking the beautiful vistas that area supplies. The way we discovered this new accomplishment was the Christmas card he made and which his Mom mailed to us. Please enjoy the new, upcoming artist for the new year and bask in the glow of his genius.
For those of us who grew up with the Peanuts comic strip in our local newspapers, you'll immediately recognize this Christmas motif. Charlie Brown with his stunted Christmas tree, and Snoopy happily hanging out on his house roof. Just a bit of cheer.
On a whim I phoned a friend and business partner from waaaay back in the day. I had checked out what she was up to online (as one does), and was far from surprised that she was thriving with her business and life. Her energy and sense of purpose gave me no doubt she would be successful in any path she chose. Our conversation was lengthy and lovely and at the end, she sent pictures of one of her former (sadly passed) office managers. Ruby Tuesday, a rescue, was given to her and she knew just how to integrate her into her busy schedule. Made her a greeter and supervisor. Now, those roles required professional attire which made her clients fall in love with her sweetness all the more. Buckle up for the Ruby effect.
The last post showed the most spare decorations for Christmas cheer anywhere. This shows how far some people are willing to go.
If you walk around any given neighborhood, you'll see packed yards with inflatable Santas on sleighs, cute penguins, angels, bright lights, wreaths, and other miscellaneous Christmas themed decorations. They are all fun to look at and I appreciate the work that went into creating such Christmas chaos -- especially since I didn't do any of the labor. While long-suffering partner loves to put up his tree and decorates the inside so nicely for the holiday, I take a more minimalist (that is to say very lazy) approach that is actually courtesy of a dear neighbor who provides me with the perfect ornaments. And in case you can't tell, she's a dog lover too.
The approach to the front door:
On August 31, I posted about the major issue around our large Chinese Elm and admitted to doing exactly what I have chastised others for doing. Well, after the great clean-up, that area is beginning to thrive the way it should. The lily-like plants have started their ritual of putting up tremendous leaves which will eventually send up the blossoms on long stalks as the leaves die back. In the meantime, they are guarding Don Quixote to make sure he tilts at no more windmills:
I've mentioned before that I'm more of a Bah Humbug! sort of a person, but even I can be enchanted by some of the more untraditional holiday decorations. Being a dog person, this house stood out. Yup. Puppies.
I should start charging the guests to the Critter Café. Business is booming and yet, though the squirrels have become very bold in demanding their walnuts, the crows and ravens are coming is large groups, and the Banded Pigeons have formed a formidable gang, not one has paid their bill or left a tip. Of course, the joy of seeing these beautiful animals enjoying themselves is really all the payment one can expect. With their native habitats destroyed and food supplies low, this is the least one can do.
The second the door opens, this little guy shows up. He's even been known to come straight in to demand walnuts. Of course, there is no point in resisting.
Quincy lives in Northern California, which is unfortunate (not for him - he's very happy where he is) for me, because he is the sweetest little guy and it would be so lovely to have him around. Alas, my brother is unwilling (understandably) to move closer to us just so I can have the opportunity to cuddle with such an adorable boy. Quincy enjoys his long walks on the beach and being the pampered young man he is. Just recently he had to go through a dental procedure, which his Mom and Dad have said makes him peppier and more alert than ever. To prove it, they sent these:
Though I am happily retired, it has been suggested that it might be time for a side hustle. After letting Nick's Mom know I was painting over some letter openers (that I want to just give away) which had my name and business info from 35 years ago, she mentioned a few ideas for businesses to add to them to advertise. Mind you, I value her for her brains, dry wit and wicked sense of humor. Decorative Asbestos Tile - hard nope. Bespoke Athletic Ascots - tempting, but nope. Conversion Therapy for Straight People - interesting, but again nope. And last but not least - Gourmet Seaweed Twinkies and Coffee - that has possibilities, but nope. Then inspired by her suggestions, we discovered that Nick was totally on board with one of my ideas. His Mom jumped in to help with a comprehensive business plan. Not to brag, but it is genius.
Our weekly trip to the dog park meant I was mobbed by every dog there (mostly Shepherds, Huskies, and one giant Great Dane). I'm beginning to think they even know what the car looks like because they gang up immediately at the gate for their treats. Some will even try to take the treat pouch off my belt -- but don't worry -- they are gentle about it and do understand the word NO. What was notable about today's adventure was Baron's interest in slobbering all over the sweet Huskies. And here's the thing -- they not only didn't mind, they went back for more. Given that Baron is the size of a small pony, you might think that would be a deterrent, but he is nothing if not a big slobbery gentleman. So everybody was a winner today.
This is Baron:
There is an adorable dog on our street who is sweet but still very shy in spite of best efforts to win her over. Her name is Sushi, and her little cinnamon roll tail helps with that illusion. Here she is in all her sweet glory. First, those big eyes:
The very definition of adorable.
Bailey apparently has decided to takeover the guest room in her home. The way we know it is definitely her room now is the presence of her favorite toy, on the bed, with her.... Yes, dogs rule.
Just to prove that I'm not all cranky and no sense of humor, when I came across this Halloween display, I couldn't help but laugh. It is a clever play on an American staple of a kid's lemonade stand. And so perfectly put together. Well done.
