Everything Is Going Fine, Thanks For Asking

 

"Donald Trump is a practical joke that got out of hand."

~George Conway

So much has gone wrong so fast that it makes my head spin some times. The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting pool being turned green by the algae growth Trump was told would happen, but that's the least of it, the scary as shit Iran deal is the big bad, but I can't think about it right now. Perhaps in the coming days I will come to terms with what he's done. But for right now, I am thinking in pictures, comics, and headlines.

Trump At The G7 Summit

France 2026

John F. Kennedy got the last laugh...

New York Times

Some good things are happening today. The Knicks ticker tape parade in Manhattan, and the opening of the Obama Presidential Center. So I have hope for this day, it seems to be the respite we all need.

Trump has no value, and doesn't matter today.

The Dear Only Knows

A rose is a rose,

And was always a rose.

But now the theory goes,

That the apple's a rose, 

And the pear is, and so's the plum I suppose.

The dear only knows,

What will next prove a rose,

You, of course, are a rose,

But were always a rose.

~Robert Frost

Something pretty and calm to begin another week on the calendar.

Just breathe.

The Kindest Of All Birds

 

"Be like the bluebird who is never blue,

 for he knows from his upbringing what singing can do."

~Cole Porter

We did a little birding the other day, just the usual places, and while we didn't find a lot new in the way of birds, we did find out two pieces of information that made us smile. First, the small bridge on Franklin Blvd has now been fully repaired and is now open for traffic! It has been closed since, January 1st, 2023, and was supposed to reopen in October of 23, but for whatever reason, repairs got pushed back! It's a fairly short bridge, but quite necessary. It provides traffic with a straight shot, to Thornton road, as opposed to having to travel through the middle of the Cosumnes River Preserve! The additional traffic Desmond road had on it, always seemed dangerous to me. Bruceville/Desmond is a fairly narrow road, with a dangerous elbow turn. The speed limit is only 35 mph, but I have seen folks traveling the road at over 50 mph. It's safer for the birds, and it's safer for the birders! So, YAY! 

The second piece of information involves that pretty little Western Bluebird. I spotted it, just inside the entrance to the Cosumnes River Preserve. It stunned me. It was sitting on a very thin branch, not making a sound. I was lucky I spotted it! They are such tiny birds, that sometimes you have to seek them out. It's a quiet little bird too. I have always got the impression that it was the kindest of all birds. It just give out that vibe to me. According to Google AI, the Western Bluebird symbolizes, joy, hope and the arrival of spring. And hey, it's not just me who finds them so ethereal, Neltje Blanchan described their disposition as, particularly angelic! So, Spring is here, finely, and I got a few photos, so it's a happy start of things to come! Last Sunday was a very good day!

The Painted Lady Butterfly

 

"Be like a butterfly and a flower... beautiful and sought after, yet unassuming and gentle."

~Jarod Kintz

Despite all the depressing stuff going on, it's not like there isn't beauty in the world. While on Woodbridge road the other day, I spotted the first of two unique types of butterflies for 2026, floating along the wildflowers along the road! This particular one is the Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) which is one of my favorites, and seeing it reminds me that there is a lot to focus on, beyond politics. Why do I and should I, let the stupid stuff steal my joy? I wish I could answer that question! Today, for example, my body hurts head to toe, all because I tensed up yesterday, in anticipation of nuclear annihilation of Iran, and the very real possibility of World War III. I should have known Trump would Taco at the last minute, but I wasn't sure he would! Oh well, that was Tuesday, and today is today, and we all got here one moment at a time, so going forward I am trying that! One moment at a time.

Wish me luck!

I will have more new photos this week, so come back for that!

Bird House Days

 

"An hour in nature, prevents a year in the hospital."

~Abhijit Naskar, 

Yarasistan: My Wounds, My Crown

Hubby and I got in the car, pointed it toward the Cosumnes River Preserve wetlands walk, and took a long walk around, just looking at all the birds in the tress and birdhouses, and it was glorious! Just a couple hours of listening to the sound of about 40 different birds, or so, was enough to make my achy body feel better. I unclenched my fists, and concentrated on different angles with my camera, and depth of field shots. This one is not perfect, by any stretch, it just made me happy to try to feel better. Little forward steps. But boy oh boy is that first step forward a difficult one. Depression sucks, but I know with some effort I can move past it toward light and hope. Like with this photograph, I will get perfect this shot as the year moves on, and that's a good thing to look forward to, but if I don't strive for the perfect shot, this scene with remain forever in mediocrity. Who wants that?

Fear Should NOT Be An Option

 
The Next No Kings Rally Is March 28th 2026

Find One Near You!

"I guess"

~Donald Trump

When asked if Americans should be worried about terrorist threats.

Will you be going to the next, NO KINGS, rally? I hope to be, but as of right now, I am still thinking it over. On the one hand, it's the most important march of my lifetime! We are now living under fascism, but there is still time to pushback against it, and take control of our future, by winning in the mid-term elections. But first we have to make our voices heard. But on the other hand, I am deeply concerned about sleeper cells within the United States, considering Trump has been taking such a cavalier attitude toward possible terrorist threats within the America. Look at all the damage that has been done, both geographically and diplomatically in the middle east, not to mention the continued disrespect of our European allies. You can't be too vigilant, and that can lead to feeling paralyzed. Well, if you're like me anyway. I hate that Donald Trump has made fear an option. And I hate that I feel so vulnerable in my wheelchair.

The Plantain (via Instagram)

MS. Magazine has a collection of signs, from recent rallies,

 that they felt hits the bullseye on messaging. They creativity is awesome!

A Rainbow On The Day You Buy A Car

"What you see is what you get.

 It's not just black and white.

 It's a rainbow of fucked up colors too."

~Dana Husseini

RIP Basil

Wednesday, February 11th, 2026

So this squishy little rainbow appeared in the sky, as we drove to Sacramento to trade in our car. I hope that's a good omen, hopefully meaning that our old car would make it's way to someone who really needs it! Alas, I have a feeling that our Basil has gone on to it's glory. I am very sad about that. We had a lot of good times together. It truly had our back. But hey, 15 years isn't bad for a car. And it still got amazingly good gas mileage! But I digress. The point is, I am hopeful for the future, as soon as we learn to drive the new electric vehicle to get the most mileage. One thing is for sure, we will be saving a lot of money, and it's so much better for the natural world we enjoy so much! That's life in 2026!

One a side note... Donald Trump Can Kiss My Ass!

Read About it here.

Meet My New Ride!

 

"If everything seems out of control, you're just not going fast enough."

~Mario Andretti

Okay, so our lovely Basil is no more. He was 14 years old, and had well over 120,000 miles on the odometer, so he lead a good long life and served us well! As happy as I am, its bittersweet saying goodbye to a car. We share a lot with our rides. The best memories with Basil, were the times we went birding, and that's what I am thinking about. Getting to know our new friend, who does not have a name yet, will have some new challenges, like getting used to what it's like owning an EV for the first time! I miss the olden days, where when you bought a car, it had a steering wheel, four tires, and if you were lucky, air-conditioning, but time does move on, and while somethings have gotten exceedingly easier, somethings come with built in complications. But time will shake it all out. No worries, but I do need a day of an emotionless state of being, and for that, I need a pillow, a cat, and a Sibley guide to plan my next day in nature.

If you dream it, it will come. Right now, I'm dreaming of a stress free day.

More to come...

My Smooth Jazz Black Cat With Pink Ears

 

"It's difficult to catch a black cat in a dark room especially, if it isn't there."

~Chinese Proverb

Black cats are sometimes considered bad luck. Sometimes they are thought to be witches in disguise. And incantations of evil. No. That's just wrong on so many levels, but humans being humans, just have to have something blame their failures on. Superstitions like that, endanger these amazing animals, every year around Halloween. Cosplay dipshits like to capture black cats, and harm them as a sacrifice to appease whoever or whatever "god" they worship. I know it to be true, because my veterinarian's nurse described what has been seen. One day, last summer, she found a litter of kittens in her yard, so she brought them to the doctor's office, to hopefully find them good homes. She loved my Tyler in particular, and gave him as much attention as possible. She worried he wouldn't find a loving home, before Halloween, but I took one look at this funny, gorgeous, very loving little cat, and it was all over, I loved him. He had me at hello. So, we took 24 hours to consider it, and by the time we got home, we knew we had a new son.

He has pink ears. How funny is that? PINK EARS! In certain lighting they appear almost opalescent! Tyler has a lot of the same qualities of my last black cat, Hendrix. Tyler loves music, especially smooth jazz. He loves deeply, and when he wants a hug, he pushes his whole body into mine with all the weight in his body! He grooms my hubby, he checks on his brothers if anything is wrong. He loves stuffed animals and he can make a toy out of anything. Now what can be wrong with that! He has white ears in the front, and two bald spots over his eyes. He's also wily. He is quite the magpie. He steals things. LOL. But he also finds things that I thought I had lost forever! He is unique, and I am so lucky that he chose to love me. Cat's don't have to love you, and they will remind you of that from time to time! I think of my sweet Hendrix a lot, but Tyler was never meant to take his place, which is good, because I love getting to know Tyler for who he is, while remember the love I had with Hendrix.

So that's my Tyler. We have owned him since late August of 2025,

 and the future with him seems like the brightest of light, in all the worldly darkness.

January Moments... So far

 

"Without rivers there would be no oceans. Without mountains, there would be no valleys. Without summers, there would be no winters. Everything happens for a reason, and each element plays a crucial role in the grand scheme of things."

~Gift Gugu Mona

Coming To Grips With The Mountains And Valleys of The World

The Belted Kingsher On This Side Of The Road

"Knowing birds is like being fluent in a foreign language, or adept with a musical instrument."

~Katheen Jamie Findings

Another slightly blurry photo of a bird, but for some reason, I really like it. It's a little vague in mood, and it's cold, but it appeals to the attempted artist in me. It was just beginning to get dark, so working with the lighting was a little difficult. The light on this side of the road was waning, the opposite side was blinding white, due to the small fields that were flooded for winter visitors like geese and certain migrating ducks. Belted Kingfishers are not known for their patience, so I had to decide fairly quickly, if the shot was worth the moment. In the end, my love for these birds decided for me! I got better shots, and I was happy with the other ones, so it all made for a good day!

Inspiration

"One shouldn't be fooled by how quickly they startle. Bluebirds just like open spaces, that's all. Open fields where they are free. And when they find a place, they come in hoards, and they keep coming. They're faithful little settlers. They know when they have found a place of beauty."

~Ashley Clark

Paint And Nectar

Just a splash of color, on a cold, dark, rainy day. I hope to see a lot of more, Western Bluebirds, through this spring. They are one of the most beautiful perching birds in the valley. I count on them for inspiration. 

Look Deep Within The Big Picture

 

"May you soar on Eagle's wings, high above the madness of the world."

~ Jonathon Lockwood Hule

Okay, so on the surface, things may seem scary as shit, but deep down, below all the muck, there remains the magic of life. There is a lot to look forward to, and Trump can't steal it. Take for example, the picture you see above. I took it on Friday, on Desmond road, at the Cosumnes River Preserve. I was looking for a Cinnamon Teal, we had captured one the day before, but I wanted another one that showed ducks beautiful orange eyes a little better. The photo came out hopelessly blurry, due to fog and misty rain, but if you look carefully in the background, you will see the magic! A Bald Eagle, sitting in the water, having a meal! I didn't see it when I took the picture! It was only on closer observation of the details of the photo that saw it. You can't even imagine how happy I was!

I saw an eagle, fly over the same space in the spring of 2022, and managed a photo of the bird in flight, but never saw one there again, until last Friday. I was treated in 2022, to seeing it soar low to the water of the preserve, it was so majestic it took my breath away, and I never saw it on, or over Desmond road again. I thought perhaps it was a one off! Then the next time I saw one, was when one flew over the bay, in Bodega Bay. I got a fairly good photo of it sitting in a Eucalyptus tree. That was a wonderful experience too, and just like the other day, for a little while the world was fine on it's own, I didn't have to drown in the muck.

It's Monday, so back to reality everything goes, but I will be okay. I plan to chase down a Common Yellow-throat, that hubby said he saw, at Stone Lakes Preserve. It's a beautiful bird, but quite fast and quite wily. It loves to hide on the ground. So wish me luck. Who knows, maybe I will go looking for the yellowthroat, and find an Osprey, or a Merlin. I would love a Merlin, I have been searching for one for years, and have just never been in the right place at the right time. I also need a Red-bellied Sapsucker. There are so many birds left to find. I am currently on bird number 55, so much more to discover. 

So, the lesson is, don't believe what's on the surface of the big picture, look deeper into it. We will be out from under all this stress, one day. But in the meantime, don't ignore what's right in front of you! We have the right, at least for now, to be as happy as possible, and I intend to choose happiness!

MAGIC!

1, 43, 26

"Every bird, every tree, every flower reminds me

 what a blessing and privilege it is just to be alive."

~Marty Rubin

Yesterday was day 1 of our birding year. Yep, we begin on January 1st, and it's perfect, because we encounter more birders, then the annoying, rude, downright nasty and dangerous who speed right by us, as we enjoy the birds. You might think I am being nasty myself, but it gets a little old when you are standing on a narrow road, which also serves as a narrow street that runs through the preserve, and some guy in a truck whizzes by doing 60, when the posted speed limit is 35! 

aqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqwwwww.

By the way, the above sentence isn't me speaking in obscenities, it is, however, Tyler's take on things. Naughty kitty got on Mommies desk. Naughty Mommy forgot to turn her keyboard off before leaving to do errands.  LOL. We are having a good time in 2026, so far, and I am thinking more positive then ever, so to heck with speeding drivers, more naughty kittens is what we all need. And encountering birders on our travels. I have 43 new birds in my 2026 folder, and I am adding more tomorrow. My new favorite numbers are, 1, 43, and 26, so perhaps I should play the Lottery!

Just A Couple Of Cats On An Autumn Day

"Autumn paints in colors, fall has never seen."

~Unknown

Nothing to see here folk, just two cats in a tree, discussing the stupid orders people request at a drive-thru. Like my order, A Venti 7 pump iced Chai, a Bacon Egg, and Bacon sandwich, hold the bacon, a Sugar Plum Cheese Danish. I was hungry. I can't prove it photos, but I swear these cats were laughing at me, and all the cars in line behind me. Sigh. I'm being mocked by cats.

Ho, Ho, Ho!