Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Welcome To Spring

 
“Clean air; bird song; fresh flowers;
 and the leaves unfurling on the twigs.”
~Pierre D'Alverne 
 
A little later today we say goodnight to winter. I am a bit blue about that fact because I enjoy the dark rainy day, I like when the wind blows so hard that it makes spooky noises in the house. I like watching old black and white monster movies, because being scared shouldn't be held to autumn exclusively. But as I sit here mourning winter, I realize that I also enjoy the warmer summer days. My arthritis really enjoys it! And I adore Jelly Belly Jelly Beans. Every single flavor! Which I tend to crave this time of year. In autumn, its candy corn, in winter, Ghiradelli chocolate. Summer finds me crazy for old fashioned candy, like Whoppers and Mounds bars. It's all good, but I just bought a 4lb bag of Jelly Belly for the season. It helps me deal with Trump bullshit, but I will save all that for another day.



Monday, March 18, 2024

Joey And His Shadow

 
“What greater gift than the love of a cat.”
 
~Charles Dickens 
 
I certainly agree with Dickens on that. I don't know any greater honor than to be loved, but cats constantly remind their owners that love isn't automatic, just because you feed them, and put a roof over their heads. The relationship builds over time, but once there is love, it's the most honest love you will ever have. I would be completely lost without my boys. I love them so much!
 

 

Friday, March 15, 2024

It's There's Blossoms And Birds, It Must Be...

 

“Springtime is the spirit of strength.”
~Lailah Gifty Akita 
 
Okay... fine... it's SPRING! I know spring doesn't officially begin until next Wednesday, the 19th, but I cannot fight it anymore, it's spring, and has been for a couple weeks! Oh well, hopefully summer will begin early also, and then we will arrive back at autumn, the most beautiful season of the year, faster! Usually the autumn light begins in August, towards the end of that month, but I will take it earlier than that! Yes, please! Now, lets address a different subject, why I capitalize the names of the seasons. I get that they are general nouns and therefore not subject to capitalization, but don't they look nicer when capitalized? So, I am perpetually wrong about that, but it's a hard habit to break! Oh well, I'll try. Okay... spring... there!

Hey, I just seemed to grow as a person,
 and I have Spring to thank for it! DOH!
 
👧



Thursday, March 14, 2024

Gotcha!

 
“What we find changes who we become.”
~Peter Morville 
 
 These, pheasant, are the hardest damn birds to find! I spent all of last year searching for one, to add to my bird album, and the only one I managed to see and photograph was on it's way, the HELL away from me. I got a blurry photo, with just enough detail to know it was a pheasant, but definitely nothing to brag about. But the other day, as we were speeding along Woodbridge road, there it was! A large male pheasant standing along the road, looking around, as if it was no big deal that I drive myself insane attempting to spot them! It's really difficult to not believe the birds openly mock me. Not really, I kid the birds, but one thing is for sure, it was a wonderful, exhilarating experience, and I am so pleased I got to see this beauty! Was it a late winter gift? Or was it an early spring gift? Either way, I smiled for a couple days just thinking about it!


Friday, March 08, 2024

Thank You, President Biden!

 
Desmond Road
Galt, California
March 2024
 
 
“The sure way of sustainable management of the ecosystem
 is to make human kind environmental stewards.” 

~Lailah Gifty Akita 
 

 

The beauty of Desmond road will become even more beautiful because of the money being put into the Cosumnes River Preserve and it's ecosystem, by Joe Biden and his administration. Maybe next year there will be more birds. Maybe a fish will not end up on the endangered species list. It is critical to save this precious part of the wetlands, as it is so important for the birds who return year after year on the Pacific Flyway. Among them, my beloved Greater White-fronted Geese, and the Sandhill crane. Last year I witnessed so much damage that had been done by the storms of early 2023 and an especially dry summer, so I have so much hope for life along the river. Even the Mexican Free-tailed bat has an interest! They have been eating on the mosquitoes and living under that nifty bridge for years, and soon they will be back and ready to feed. Sometimes the ecosystem makes me sad, it is what it is, but knowing life is working as it should helps me sleep better at night. This is the only wetlands we have, on the only planet we have! Thank you, President Biden, for working for America, and for the small souls that save us!

“May it fill your heart with joy to extend your family to include every insect, native plant or animal and fluffy bird
 that finds sanctuary there with you.” 

~Mary Reynolds
 
 




Tuesday, March 05, 2024

Yes

 “The Seven Social Sins are:

Wealth without work.
Pleasure without conscience.
Knowledge without character.
Commerce without morality.
Science without humanity.
Worship without sacrifice.
Politics without principle.


From a sermon given by Frederick Lewis Donaldson in Westminster Abbey, London, on March 20, 1925."
 
 ~ Frederick Lewis Donaldson 
 

 
Read The New York Times Article Here
 

 

Monday, March 04, 2024

14.3

 

"Fourteenth Amendment  Equal Protection and Other Rights

Section 3 Disqualification from Holding Office

No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability."
 
 
 
It's not unexpected that the Supreme Court ruled the way they did, but it seems that they handed him another win. You can read and download a PDF of the judgement here. Also be sure to see Judge Luttig's opinion of today's decision on Youtube (CNN)
 

 



 

Sunday, March 03, 2024

Body Language


 
“The measure of a man is what he does with power.” 

~Plato 
 
I am expecting the Supreme Court to rule that Donald Trump is allowed to be on the ballot. You know how I feel about things, but here is a link to the 14th Amendment of the Constitution Section 3. It's not a long read, it's one small paragraph, and that is kinda the joke, isn't it?
One small paragraph is standing between us, and the fall of democracy. The court issued a trigger warning for tomorrow, a rarity on a weekend, so I assume they want both sides to brace for impact. Well, I am doing just that.

I can't stop thinking about this clip of Trump saying something to Justice Kennedy, the night of his retirement announcement. Justice Kennedy seems genuinely taken aback about something. Who knows? Trump is such a goon it could have been anything I suppose, but it also could have been Trump bragging about his political power to do evil, and how the Supreme Court will now be young enough now to continue his agenda for years to come. He made them his bitch.


So what do you think? Was it a devil's handshake?

Read the article at the New York Times.


Friday, March 01, 2024

Prick!

 
“I know many of you are hurting.
 It happens every year. It's called the anniversary effect.” 

~Richie Norton 
 
I care so much about this, that I thought my Twitter anniversary happened sometime in in February! Calling it an "X anniversary" is stupid and nonsensical! I never joined X, it thrust upon us. I am so much happier on Threads! So why am I blogging about this, well, sigh, I got nothing else. I am just... ugh.
 
 Fuck Elon Musk! 
 

 


Thursday, February 29, 2024

Ho-Hum

 
“Au revoir, mon ami.” 

~Susan Kay,
 Phantom 
 
Okay, it's the last day of February and I have not yet lit a candle, but as I compose this post there are still about 6 hours left in the day so I am not finished with that. After dinner I will go to the new room and try my best. Ugh. It will happen. It will.
 

 

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

The Birds Of The Enchanted Forest

 

“Everything you can imagine is real.” 

~Pablo Picasso 
 
While birding in Louis Park/Pixie Woods, I spotted this wonderful sight! A gorgeous Great Egret perched amongst the art work at the volcano. Pixie Woods is a small amusement park, as called the Enchanted Woods, within Louis Park. It is a cute little place, but it is now mostly open in the summer months, however during the rest of the year it tends to fall into disarray. One thing that's nice about having a hobby like birding, is that I can use the park year round, but autumn is my favorite time to be there. It's a terrific resource, I have found some fascinating birds such as the magpies, mergansers, wood ducks and as you can see, the Great Egret. As of late, a pair of White-tailed kite are nesting there, its one of the most interesting finds, at least for Pixie Woods. I have been lucky to add the Red-breasted Sapsucker to my birding life list. The day I spotted it, was the first time I had ever seen a sapsucker of any kind. That was another really good day, and to think the park is just next door!
 
 Just a few birds from Louis Park/Pixie Woods
 
White-tailed Kite







 

Monday, February 26, 2024

Meanwhile...

 
“Have you ever noticed that neither cats nor dogs ever laugh? I used to think I was doing something wrong, that maybe I needed to start telling better jokes. But no, all I needed to do was get a different audience. That's when I discovered ducks.”
 
~Jarod Kintz,
 
February is not over, so don't think I have chickend out when it comes to meeting that goal, I haven't given up! I have been tired. I have been busy. I have been under the weather. But I will get to it, even if it is just before midnight on February 29th. Meanwhile, enjoy this photo of a female Hooded Merganser. I saw them floating in the pond at Pixie Woods. I love these little ducks, and they are only around for a brief time during the winter migration, so any time I get to enjoy photographing them is a day well spent!
 


By the way, it has been my experience that not only do ducks laugh, but they have a wild sense of humor! I won't go into it, but I know for a fact that they sometimes point and giggle! And I wouldn't have it any other way!
 

Sunday, February 25, 2024

Oh Shut Up... The Weekend Isn't Over!

 
“Never put off till tomorrow
 what may be done day after tomorrow just as well.”
~Mark Twain 
 
So... nope... I haven't tried my goal for February, which is using a lighter for the first time and lighting a candle. I also didn't make it to the February meeting of the Lodi Democrats, where we were going to become members, and I only saw one new bird at the Clifton Court Forebay on Saturday. But what a great bird, the Clark's Grebe is! So that was a nice moment in an otherwise shitty day! There is nothing like fighting with your spouse over stupid shit, gas, while you are late and you haven't eaten. Anyway, Saturday would have been a complete loss had it not been for the new grebe. It brings the total for the year to 83, but only our second for February. It's been a very busy month! We are in the middle of painting the condo, and the weather hasn't been cooperating. But forward I move, and a lot of good is waiting for me.



Friday, February 23, 2024

Bird On A Wire

 

 
 "I would like to paint the way a bird sings."

~Claude Monet
 
 
 
"The early bird gets the worm,
 but the late bird doesn't even get the late worms."

~Charles Schulz
 
Usually I just post one quote, but hey I today I found two that fit perfectly, so why not share both? Cutting to the chase, I need to improve my photography. So, I am going to look into some online courses in digital photography, so I can get more out of my photo jaunts. I hope by the end of the year, I have photographs so good, that I won't have to make any adjustments. I am going to start tonight, by lighting a candle for the first time ever. Yep, my adventure in growth for February, will be facing my fear of fire! I know I can do it, I have faced other fears before, however this will be a big one to conquer, but aren't all fears?
 
 And besides, I promised a mere 12 months of new opportunities to myself, and that seems appropriate so there should be no whining about how hard it will be to do. One should always keep the promises we make to ourselves. They weren't New year's resolutions or anything, more like a continuations of the new experiences I began doing last summer. I think it came on the heals of so much personal loss. It jarred me. Life is beginning to pass me by, so I want to experience new things, and create a lot of new memories because those loses drove home the point, with deep clarity, that life is nothing, if not short.

January... Attended a political meeting, containing real humans.
Done. 
Result... I had a positive experience.
 
Why did I choose the title of a Mel Gibson movie for the title of this post? Well, in the movie, Bird On A Wire, Mel Gibson was in the witness relocation program until he was accidentally outed by a former lover, so he had going on the run from bad guys thrust on him, so he was scared but there was no hiding from it, he had go into the open, and face the bad guys to be truly free. In the end, he faced it, and saw a bright future in front of him. You might not be able to tell, but it was actually a very funny film. Goldie Hawn was in it too. Anyhoo, I kind of feel that way about my fears,"...like a bird on a wire."
 
 
 
 The movie takes its name from the Leonard Cohen song whose lyrics include the words ''like a bird on a wire, like a drunk in a midnight choir, I've tried in my way to be free. ''
 
 

Wish me luck! I need to try new things, and be free of what holds me back. If I fail, I will have to find a new fear or experience to do, but I really hope to do this one. I will share the result in tomorrow's post! Hopefully there will photos to accompany the attempt! It will nice to work with low lighting!
 

 



Thursday, February 22, 2024

Secens From Woodbridge Road

 


 
“Farming is a profession of hope”
~Brian Brett 
 
 
 

 
I love my birds, but there are other beautiful scenes along Woodbridge road. The farm country has some gorgeous views of farms being farms, even just the farm equipment has a charm to it and the summer and autumn harvest's are my favorite time of year to see it all! But during the autumn and winter you can see absolutely breathtaking views of light and shadows, which look great to my photographer's eye, whether in color or black & white. Birds swimming in bodies of water created by the rain, are especially picturesque with the setting sun and the view of Mt. Diablo in the background. After the water recedes, comes the planting and the harvest that grows the plants that encourages the birds to visit the following year. I love that cycle, and now that I live here, I get to watch it renew year after year! 
 
It probably seems silly that all this intrigues me so much, after all that's how nature works, but when you have grown up in the city, as opposed to living where it is farmland all around you, you just get a different feeling of what beauty is. I see the amazing architecture of San Francisco and Berkeley and I never want to leave the city's, sounds and energy that living there generates, but when I spend an entire day, doing nothing more than listening to the sound of geese and ducks flying around, I reach such a zen-like state that I find myself sleeping better. There is an elderly man, in a blue vehicle, that I have seen napping in his car on many afternoons. He has noticed us diving by too, because of how frequently we visit, and we wave when we see each other now, like neighbors who love our neighborhood. We both understand what it feels like to be adjacent to so much beauty.
 
Of course visiting back home does that to me too, but back home is 90 miles away, and that is a long trip. I still visit Berkeley and San Francisco, I get deeply homesick, but it's down to only a couple times a year, as opposed to yearning for a trip every month. Oh well, I don't know, I guess in my old age I need to be in nature more than San Francisco. I sure never thought I would say that! I think of my former life almost daily! I think about the art, and the comedy clubs and restaurants we frequented, and long for it to the point it hurts, but now that spring is almost here, just wait until you see the barn and wildflowers of Desmond road. You'll smile.