B/W 2024 #2

 

“More than anything she wanted the world to be uncomplicated, for right and wrong to be as easily divided as the black and white sections of an Oreo. But the world was not a cookie.” 

~Roshani Chokshi,

  Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes

 

The "8 Miles" sign is bright orange, with black edging and print. The "California 99" sign is green and white, the electrical box is grey, and the trees are autumn brown with the tiny leaves that remain. Quite fetching as a black and white photo I think, because it removes the assault on the eyes from the bright colors, and instead brings out the pertinent details of the scene, and to my delight is a single stand out quirk of the photo that might have been overlooked, unless you're like me, and see faces where no faces exist. But I can't help it. It was just there. An electrical box that seems to be emoting a little side eye. Perfectly understandable if you are familiar with this exist off Hwy 5, in Lodi.

 

 

Unnecessary

 

 

“You can’t listen for more than one minute.”

 

~Donald J. Trump

 

Full story via NYT

 

How rich is that quote? It was so unnecessary for Trump to accuse Judge Engoron of not listening to him, as he offered his own closing arguments in his New York fraud trial. Judge Engoron didn't even have to let Trump speak, but when has the word NO ever mattered to that loser? I would laugh, but it's just too damn pathetic. Sometimes,  however, I verge on feeling sorry for him. He is a train wreck in general, but he is more than anything else, a sad, demented, hollow man, and I dread the day Hollywood makes a movie about the era we are living through. I just hope, when the eventual movie is made, it will accurately reflect how Trump brought all his troubles on himself, by doing one unnecessary action after another. He is the most unnecessary man who has ever lived. When will I wake up from this dream? Umm... nightmare?

Necessary

 

 

 And then this happened...

Via New York Times

 Full transcript

Today, at my direction, U.S. military forces — together with the United Kingdom and with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands — successfully conducted strikes against a number of targets in Yemen used by Houthi rebels to endanger freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most vital waterways.

These strikes are in direct response to unprecedented Houthi attacks against international maritime vessels in the Red Sea — including the use of anti-ship ballistic missiles for the first time in history. These attacks have endangered U.S. personnel, civilian mariners and our partners, jeopardized trade and threatened freedom of navigation. More than 50 nations have been affected in 27 attacks on international commercial shipping. Crews from more than 20 countries have been threatened or taken hostage in acts of piracy. More than 2,000 ships have been forced to divert thousands of miles to avoid the Red Sea — which can cause weeks of delays in product shipping times. And on Jan. 9, Houthis launched their largest attack to date — directly targeting American ships.

The response of the international community to these reckless attacks has been united and resolute. Last month, the United States launched Operation Prosperity Guardian — a coalition of more than 20 nations committed to defending international shipping and deterring Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. We also joined more than 40 nations in condemning Houthi threats. Last week, together with 13 allies and partners, we issued an unequivocal warning that Houthi rebels would bear the consequences if their attacks did not cease. And yesterday, the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution demanding the Houthis end attacks on merchant and commercial vessels.

Today’s defensive action follows this extensive diplomatic campaign and Houthi rebels’ escalating attacks against commercial vessels. These targeted strikes are a clear message that the United States and our partners will not tolerate attacks on our personnel or allow hostile actors to imperil freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most critical commercial routes. I will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce as necessary.

Wait... Monetery?

 

“Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a

 new day with no mistakes in it yet?” 

 

~L.M. Montgomery 

 

Honestly, I should never blog when tired, drunk or sleepy. The other day I titled a blog post, A Winter's Day In Monterey, or so I thought. What I actually titled it was, A Winter's Day In Monetery. A simple slip up, but nonetheless embarrassing. I can provide tons of reasons for my error, and excuses too, but I know I just need to slow down and proofread before I hit the little publish button. It's what would be best for everybody. Unless there is such a place as Monetery, California. It definitely sounds like it could be a real place. Don't you think? Maybe it's just off Rodeo drive or something. In any case, I am thinking of running for mayor or princess of Monetery. Do I have your vote? 

 

 

B/W 2024 #1

“The most colorful thing in the world is black and white, it contains all colors and at the same time excludes all.”

 
~Vikrmn,

  10 Alone  

 

 I did almost no black and white photography last year, so I think this year I am going to try to do at least one b/w photo a week. This photo was taken last week, at the Stockton Rural Cemetery. I was there because cemeteries are excellent places to look for birds, and it was rainy and foggy and I was wanting to find an owl. I did not find an owl, but it was a perfect day for doing a little moody photography. This cemetery has inspired me many times, but the other day was really stunning. I promise my next black and white photo will be a little more uplifting. I wonder what it will be?

 

 

2024's Cedar Waxwing

 

“In order to see birds it is necessary to become a part of the silence.”

 
~Robert Lynd 

 

I quit X about 10 days ago, and what I have learned in that short amount of time is simple... I was ready to turn off the noise. Social media, overall, has been good for me. I have met amazing people, shared my photos, got to know celebrities I've admired and just generally felt more connected to fellow democrats and those who share my values. It has made me feel less alone. 2024 is a different beast. I will share my opinions, particularly as we move closer to November, and I am hoping to volunteer for my local political chapter, but when it comes to the sounds I want whispering in my ear, I am ready to just hear my birds, and not the head noise Donald Trump causes. Yesterday, as an example, I heard a small group of Cedar waxing land in a tree above me. I heard them, and knew what they were, without looking up! They make a cool little high-pitched sound. Sreeee or  seeeeew. It's fairly easy to miss if you aren't into birds, but if you are, their sound is unmistakable, as is their beauty. I think they are one of my absolute favorites at this point. And as I mentioned in a post last year, sometimes they fly around drunk, which is amusing to watch, bu I can't help buy also feel bad for the bird, like the time I watched one fly beak first into a drive. It wasn't harmed, it flew off dazed but determined to be on it's way. Like all of us I guess. We all walk around dazed these days, but in my case I am determined to be on my way. It's healthy.

#74 for 2024

A Winter's Day In Monterey

 

The Lone Cypress

17 Mile Drive

Monterey, California

January 8th 2024

“Monterey is a place, a grating noise, a quality of light,

 a tone, a habit, a nostalgia, a dream.”

 

~John Steinbeck,

  Cannery Row

 

 

Yesterday, in Monterey, it was as about as beautiful a day as it gets. It was clear, and the water blue and beautiful, as opposed to times when the it is almost gray and full of kelp and frankly... stinky. Don't get me wrong, I love Monterey any time of the year, and any time of day, and no matter how the water looks, but yesterday it was particularly beautiful, and dreamlike. It was hours not moments of Zen. It was cool outside, but not really cold, at least not until much later in the day. We spent the day bopping from spot to spot through Pacific Grove, and then along the 17 Mile Drive, which paid off, because we came home with 13 birds for the 2024 file. It was a very good day by the numbers, but we only saw one new species, the Black Turnstone. We smiled a lot too, especially while watching the Sanderling running toward the water to catch their lunch in the surf, and then darting back to the dry sand as the waves came in. It was a silly little dance, and I wouldn't have miss it for the world. This was dear hubby's birthday trip, and I am so glad he got to spend his day, in the sunshine, in one of the most amazing places in California!

 

Photographed By Hubby

Let's Try This Again...

 

“Birds know themselves not to be at the center of anything, but at the margins of everything. The end of the map. We only live where someone's horizon sweeps someone else's. We are only noticed on the edge of things; but on the edge of things, we notice much.” 

 

 ~Gregory Maguire

  Out of Oz

 

Last week, will doing some birding close to home, I spotted for the first time, a pair of White-tailed Kite, possibly nesting, in some cedar trees in Louis Park's Pixie Woods. It was really amazing, because I rarely see them south of Lodi, so to be right next door in the park gives me some hope that this year will be full of surprises. We are again planning to visit the Monterey coast later today, barring any unforeseen circumstances. The birds recently seen there makes it impossible for birders like us to not go and check out the possibilities. I can't wait to come home and tell you what I find, and of course, show off the photos of the beautiful birds! So, let's try this again...

 

 

This Girl Does Not Live By Monopoly Alone!

 

“...no one is born a great cook, one learns by doing.” 

 
~Julia Child

  My Life in France

 

I wasn't just playing Monopoly yesterday, I also made Chicken Cordon Bleu. It's so easy, and fun, and if I may say so myself, mine is delicious! There, I said it! I tooted my own horn, and that's okay! One should brag on things they do well, but before I go any further I will cop to the fact that all it took was being able to read 30 years ago! I couldn't boil water when I go married, my mother had no clue about what to cook, ever, so I was pretty much on my own. What I wanted from life was to be married, with the eventuality of children. I needed to learn to cook first, so that my babies would get off to a healthy beginning. Alas, we never had children but I did learn too cook. I have some specialties, which is really simply my spin on some basic dishes. My 30lb lasagna has some secrets to tell. My Chicken in Puff Pastry is definitely to our taste, and my Italian soup is really no big deal, mostly expected ingredients, but dear hubby looks forward to it! I am planning to make a, Sun-dried tomato and Kalamata olive Focaccia, one day soon. I miss using my breadmaker, but with Trump and the national election in full nonsense mode, I am sure it will get quite the workout.

Here is a pretty good Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe, and from a different site, a lovely accompanying sauce that raises taste of the dish to the next level. Experiment with it, and if you want to share, comeback and leave me a comment. I would love to hear about what you made!