Garden design with an artistic flair

As gardens are being revamped after the big fire, the landscaping is becoming more native friendly and a bit less bushy than in the past. Today's example is the coming trend. The only downside is that people are still using landscaping cloth (BAD) as the underlayment for mulch or stones. On the plus side, they put some thought into how it plays out.

Street art made

As promised, the sidewalk artists hard at work. I'm guessing the age range is not on the adult level. 

Street art in the making

Gotta say we have a very vibrant artistic community. Walking down one of our favorite streets tonight, we came across this enticing invitation to create sidewalk art in the frames helpfully provided. If I could draw a stick figure that would even remotely resemble a person or other creature, I'd be picking up a piece of chalk and getting the ball rolling. Alas, my artistic skills are confined to swirls, loops, and geometric shapes, so no go. As things get added to the gallery, pictures will be forthcoming.

And now, to finish off the day, Bailey with the biggest grin showing just how happy she is with her life.

Trees are so amazing

Whew! You're avoiding my diatribe on how trees might have intelligence and feelings. Lucky you. This time it's about the amazing growths and patterns trees have. I'm sure a botanist could explain all these things, but all I can do is wonder at how magnificent they are. There are two trees next to each other that are displaying the same bumps. How does this happen? Inquiring minds want to know (well not enough to actually look it up and try to understand the science).

Then there's this tree trunk with the most fascinating spirals. Nature is flat out amazing.

Again with front door obstacles

Scratching my head again why someone would put an obstacle right in the middle of the path to the house's front door. What is the purpose other than to discourage visitors and mail carriers? Ideas?

 

An arty village just keeps growing

The same house that built the amazing little library (June 3 post), has now created an amazing little art scene that is inventive and charming. It certainly brings a smile to my face every time Nellie and I pass by (which is almost every day on our morning walk). I can hardly wait for their next addition.

Dragons clearly like books as much as retired librarians.

I've put in two pictures of Snoopy because he apparently been very busy on his book and he needs appreciation for his efforts.

So, you invite someone over only to give them the finger?!?

There are a couple of houses on our daily walks that confuse me no end. Imagine for a moment that you are invited to this house. The path to the front door is up a dirt slope on uneven ground and the steps are uneven sizes. The driveway side is blocked off with a concrete wall. Makes you wonder whether they have any friends who have mobility issues. I'm willing to bet the family only uses a back door.

 Then there's this obstacle course. At first it looks like an interesting swale to make the garden pretty. 

Upon further inspection, you realize this is the path to the front door. Yup. And no way from the driveway either. So, anyone who is not very dexterous or balanced (like those who might need a cane or walker), have no safe path to travel. Again - what were they thinking? Or were they thinking?

My suspicion is, they are simply telling the world what this trimmed tree is so eloquently showing:

Now -- to demonstrate adequate front door etiquette, this front door entry that is actually inviting:

Frank BetaMax saga continues

The good news is that Frank BetaMax is being fed - confirmed by a neighbor who has been looking out for him for some time. The more interesting news is that Frank has not accepted the new terms at Nick's house. Nick's Mom explicitly told Frank he is feline non grata at their home, that his behavior (swatting at a wobbly dog) is unacceptable, and he is not welcome in these parts. Frank's response:

 Flopping down on the porch at the front door. The NERVE.

Cats in sticky situations

Frank Betamax has returned to put up his regal nose at the food offering. We're guessing he's receiving better fare elsewhere, though that doesn't explain his slim to skinny physique.

He apparently drops by just to hang out and make people feel guilty that they haven't figured out what he wants from us other than pets and attention (albeit briefly). However, on his last visit, he made a HUGE mistake. He took a swipe at Nick, who is now called Mr. Wobbles because he's none too steady on his four paws. Nick fell over, traumatized his Mom, and is now officially banned - that is, until he can apologize profusely and charm his way back.

On another sad note, a friend in Washington state sent this picture of a neighbor's beautiful cat who is now in search of a home along with other siblings. The tragedy of the death of a family member is too often compounded when the fur friends are then left without a planned family to take them. Fortunately my friend goes over and makes sure all is well while looking for another home for this gorgeous creature. Let's hope she's successful soon.

Now this nuttiness I can get behind

We have multiple Little Libraries in our neighborhood, and as has been posted before, some have wonderful decorations. This new one is quite the eye-popper and clearly the person responsible likes squirrels as much as I do (even though they are destructive little creatures, they do steal your heart with their cuteness). As an avid reader, and one who has had a career in encouraging reading, it's always good to see this type of community engagement.

Butterflies work too.

 

Our Vet has a very special greeter

I can't say enough good things about the veterinarian Nellie and Rascal have the privilege to visit. They receive excellent care from everyone associated with the practice. More importantly, however, is the proper and joyful greeting they get when they visit. Meet Dolly:

Frankly, I find excuses to visit just to see her. 💗

BetaMax to the max

While Nellie and I have made a cat friend on our walks, it's a bit unusual for cats to warm up to people with dogs by their side. Yesterday was a bit different. A cat came up to Nick's Mom, K, meowing and running between her ankles. He not only allowed himself to be stroked, but insisted upon it. OK - right there - a bit odd. He looked thin, so K and I were worried and discussed how we could help him. Being dog folks, we had no ready cat food or treats at hand. We were a bit relieved to learn that other people in the neighborhood did put out food for the roaming cats, but no one could point to a guardian. No collar, so K immediately named him BetaMax. Sounded good to me. 

After securing Nellie to the fence, I walked over to this beautiful boy and he happily allowed me to stroke and scratch him. Worried about him roaming in a coyote friendly neighborhood, K and I discussed having me take him home. Long suffering partner is actually a cat person. The whole rescuing dogs thing was foisted on to him by me. Not that cats aren't wonderful, but allergies to them are no fun. Our worry for taking him in is the road by our house we call killer alley. Let's just say that drivers have not improved their habits. In fact, it's gotten worse. 

In spite of her better judgment, K found some food later and put it out for BetaMax. He was so appreciative, he flopped down outside her door and stared in. Alas, that sent poor Nick into peeing on the floor mode and so BetaMax had to be left to his own devices. But don't worry, both K and I will be keeping an eye out, and will make sure he's doing well.

 

The never-ending chore

Don't misunderstand, I love my trees. They provide shade in our hot summers, nesting areas, food for wild critters, and are just beautiful to have around. BUT, (and you knew that was coming), there can be too much of a good thing. Our Carob trees this year are going insane. We sweep faithfully every evening, only to wake up to what looks like the same mess. We could stand out with a broom 24/7, and not keep up with the deluge. Sometimes it's squirrels or parrots creating havoc by landing in the trees and trying to snack. Other times it's a hefty breeze. And other times it just seems like the tree is performing willful mischief. Whatever it is, it keeps us busy with the debris we've never had in this amount before. My worry is that the tree is sending off as many babies as possible because it is dying - slowly over a period of years, but not feeling well. On the flip side, the tree may just be feeling very chipper and fruitful. Let's hope for that. But behold our daily task. And this is just a preview of the usual mess:

Clearing the sidewalk is the primary objective, though eventually we'll be raking the parkway and under the tree too.

In the meantime, the pile is getting bigger because the Carobs are so heavy, we can't fill the bins too full or the truck won't be able to lift it come trash day. As it is, it's hard to wheel the yard waste bin to the curb. Yup, you gotta love nature.

Storybook and what the hey?!?

Hidden behind at tall hedge is a charming storybook house. It's along a stretch of the street we rarely go because the sidewalk ends and there's a busy street to cross with zero pedestrian consideration. I suspect it was built in the 1920s because that's when the neighborhood started thriving, but I would love to know the history - not just what Zillow and the like have to offer. That round turret has a story to tell....

Just two houses down, this dwelling is in the process of remodeling. I suspect they decided on a more fireproof facade, and perhaps were going for something arty, but this doesn't do it for me. Not that they asked for my opinion of course.

Today could've started better but there were three rays of sunshine

Waking up with a pounding heart and feeling like you're about to pass out if you try to stand is not the most peaceful way to start any day. But yup, that's what happened. Long suffering partner tried to convince me to call 911 but of course I was just gonna ride it out. Then he did convince me to call Nick's Mom and dear friend K, who is very good at convincing (bullying) stubborn old ladies to do what's good for them. So, off in the ambulance I go. It was a little scary that we bypassed three other gurneys waiting in the entrance to be ensconced in a room ASAP. Next came all the wires and drips and other things to make your day very interesting in a scary sort of way. K showed up while long suffering partner stayed home to deal with our dogs. To keep my mind off any impending doom, K provided great companionship and kept the conversation riveting while constantly monitoring all the monitoring going on. It was the perfect setup. Then, it got even more perfect. K spotted a therapy dog in the hallway and went out to see if she would be allowed in the emergency room. The answer was a heartwarming yes, and in walked Maisie. Maisie is a 13 year old Goldendoodle who can bring anyone's blood pressure down just with a glance. She's beautiful, calm, and so cuddly. She came right up to the bed, put her head next to me, and allowed pets and scratches. Maggie, her handler (and Mom) was just as delightful without the petting and scratches of course. The good news is, that after Maisie's magic, I am safely home. Meet Maisie for yourself and see her healing power energy.

This is her story:

So to sum up: the three rays of sunshine were long suffering partner, Nick's Mom K, and Maisie the wonder dog.

 

One bundle of cuteness after another

Yesterday's post featured Toots being all cute and fancy. Today, she has competition. This adorable Samoyed puppy (still waiting to inform his folks of his name), has come to enchant the neighborhood. My vote for his name is Cloud (because yes, petting him is like petting a cloud), or, if they want to create intrigue, the Japanese word for cloud, Kumo. No matter what his name ultimately turns out to be, he will always be Sweetie.

Ahhh. Spa day

There's nothing better than a day at the spa. Or at least a bath, a good clip and brush out, and then putting on the fancy bow. Life's good when you're a pampered pup. Toots LilMaMa is the size of a tiny bunny, and oh so cute. That's not a puppy beside her.... Just sayin'.

  And now looking very fancy:

Finally a place that welcomes people like me

As a seriously lazy person, I felt so welcomed, I very nearly just walked up and knocked on the door. But better sense prevailed.