A Moment Out Of Yesterday

 

"Nobody has ever taken a photograph of something they want to forget. We can build a wall of happy Kodak moments around ourselves, a wall of our Christmases, birthdays, baby showers and weddings, but we can never forget that celluloid film is see through, that behind it, all the misery of life waits for our wall to collapse someday."

 

~Rebecca McNutt

 

On Thornton road, between the Woodbridge ecological Reserve, and the Cosumnes River Reserve, sits this picturesque old barn. I absolutely love it. I can think of about a hundred stories I could make up about it. Some spooky, some sweet and enduring, some that just make you scratch your head! The real history about this barn probably isn't all that profound. It's a barn, pure and simple. Most often barns are things of practicality... right? But every once in a while a truly wonderful story comes along that requires a barn as a co-star to it's main protagonist. Unfortunately, I am not a writer. I can barely write this blog. I am not sure what is wrong with my wiring, because I can write stuff in my head, but I have no talent for making it make sense of paper, or the pages of Ellipsis. As frustrating as that is, I am pleased to simply enjoy photographing cool structures like this barn, and let the bits of a 100 or so different stories bounce around my brain. Creatively, I am a visual person, but sometimes I wish I could write a story about a haunted barn, or a witch spending the night in an old barn because her broom was out of gas. Or maybe even something homespun, like The Waltons. You get the idea.

Mumpfh.

I wonder what the real story is about this gorgeous old barn?

 It's a really cool moment out of yesterday,

 and I'd like to know more about it!

Winter Orchard

~Carly

 

Hanging On By A Blue Egret

 

"As a species we're fundamentally insane. Put more than two of us in a room, we pick sides and start dreaming up reasons to kill one another. Why do you think we invented politics and religion?

 

~Stephen King

 

 

I was retired from political observation, right? Joe Biden being elected president would fix my need to drown myself in political scandal, intrigue, and tragedy... right? Okay, there would be the occasional hiccup, but that's to be expected. January 20th is the day I begin to heal from all I have feared the last 5 1/2 years. I will be able to sleep again. I'm going to take a six month nap, because the man who blew himself up on Christmas Day was a one-off. I will smile again. Sleep again. Eat without a pit in my stomach. No more feeling like I have to have MSNBC in every room that has a TV in it, because I am terrified that an idiot president might launch the nuclear codes.

 

What Was I thinking?

 

Yesterday, In The News

 

*As it turns out, if we haven't gotten our second stimulus check, we more than likely won't. We will have to apply for a credit on our tax return. That wasn't part of the deal. I mean, how exactly does that stimulate the economy? It was such a small amount that we were planning on using it to pay the taxes anyway, but it would have been nice to be able to at least put it in the safe in case something bad happens between now and April 15th. Thanks Mnuchin. And Trump.

 

*GOP leader Kevin McCarthy went to Florida for an audience with Donald Trump. A couple weeks ago, McCarthy said Trump was to blame for the attack on the Capitol.

 

*The Justice Department is warning of violence breaking out, before, during or after the upcoming Impeachment trial.

 

*This past week, Donald Trump created, "Office Of The Former President." Which is a new one. Ordinarily, former presidents simply go away and enjoy the rest of their lives. Not Cheeto-Jesus. He is apparently planning to insinuate himself into our lives for sometime to come.

 

*Not to be outdone, Melania Trump hired two assistants yesterday, to help her continue her work with her "Be Best" campaign. Again, most first ladies go quietly about their lives, in civilian life, and allow the incoming first lady to handle her new duties and platform without interruption or competition for attention. 

 

Donald Trump's supporters continue to believe that Joe Biden stole the election. He didn't, but that's not good enough for the cultists. They truly believe the lie. They believe their leader, because that's what unstable folks do. They believe the lie at all costs. Jobs, family, friends, neighbors, life in general ceases to matter, just their leader and achieving their ultimate goals. In this case, human life appears to matter very little to these folks. The goal must happen at all costs. See, Jonestown, The Branch Dividian Church, or Heaven's Gate cults. None of them ended without bloodshed. And a lot of devastated families. Life has repeated itself too many times, in my lifetime, to not notice the similarities with the Trump cult.

 

Sigh.

 

I want to be wrong, but I am terrified. All I want is a quiet life. For some rest from the lunacy of the last four years, and to have a little hope that societal and political tensions will calm. Politics will always be batshit, and it's never been for the faint of heart, but the level of stress and fear I have felt have had a detrimental affect on not just my mental health, but on my physical health as well. I am scared to death that I will never be able to live my life, without a Trump, somewhere, affecting every single day. I just want it to be over, now that it is over.

 

This past week I got to rest. I read a little from a new book I purchased. We watched some movies. I ate a little better. I did some photography, and listened to some music. I started a new playlist on Spotify. Encouraged a friend. All that sounds great, right? But little by little the fear has crept back in, as more unfolds about what all is happening in our American existence. America is a dark place to live, and it's getting darker. Trump, and some of his minions are off social media, so at least Twitter is a lot nicer place to be, but the batshit just never stops, and it is a concern of mine, that for it to stop, something tragic will have to take place. I am afraid we are going to see another day like 9/11, and the powers that be on the right, see it coming too, but don't care, because they are still scared to death of Donald Trump.

 

So, what's a more than causal observer of politics to do? I can care, or I can be the person who refuses see the unpleasantness so they can look away. Well, if those are my choices, you know where I fall. I have never been able to ignore politics. When I see the rise of fascism, the granting of credibility to conspiracy theories and attempted coups of America, how exactly do I look away? I can't. But I may try to find some balance. After all, Trump isn't in power... Biden is. I have my reading. My venting here. Autumn images. And I have my bird watching. All things I am currently enjoying. Although, bird watching is probably my favorite of the activities I mentioned. Sigh. The problem is, some days I feel like I am just barely hanging on by a blue egret. 

 

~Carly

Mockingbirds, Ghosts, Winter Storms And Dracula

"Listen to the night sky; the mockingbird

 always sings you my lullaby."

 

~Jmemo

 

The Northern Mockingbird is one of those birds that seem to be increasing in numbers, as the winter migration continues. They are such pretty birds, but they are difficult to photograph, they move really fast. I photographed this one at the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve in Lodi, California. I haven't seen one at my other haunt in Galt. And I haven't seen one in my neighborhood either, but one reason that might because we have some Scrub Jays, which seem a bit hostile and territorial, so I suppose that could be a reason. 

 

There is a big wind storm going on right now. I am in my office and it sounds like ghosts banging on the walls, and crying as they float through the house. It's not ghosts, but it's easy to imagine it could be. We have lived in our house going on six years, and I have never seen, or heard, a storm like the one that's happening right now. While it's kind of fun, I can only imagine the damage Stockton, and our yard in particular, will wake up to later today.

 

The night sky might have the sound of beautiful Mockingbirds, but tonight it carries the sounds of the an angry, powerful wind. Haunting and destructive. I hope all my bird friends are okay! The wind sounds like it would carry them away. It's spooky, which makes me very happy. It's almost like having autumn back! Maybe I will go watch a scary movie movie. I'm in the mood for Rosemary's Baby or perhaps, Halloween.

 

~Carly

 

Sandhill Cranes, Snow Geese And White Pelicans

 

"Birds were created to record everything.

 They were not designed to be beautiful jewels in the sky,

 but to serve as the eyes of heaven."

 

~Daphne du Maurier

The Birds And Other Short Stories

 

My love affair with discovering new birds continues. My latest set of photos, from my two favorite bird watching spots, Woodbridge Ecological Reserve, in Lodi, and the Cosumnes River Reserve, in Galt, have each provided me some exciting moments lately, in the pursuit of my newest hobby. Sandhill Cranes, which I never get tired of photographing, seem to be thinning out in numbers, but there is always a new opportunity to photograph a new bird I haven't seen before, as the cranes make their way south on their migratory path. My latest joy is in photographing the Snow Goose. A large flock of them finally stopped at the river in Galt. I had spotted them for the first time on January 10th, when Alan and I decided to explore birding possibilities in Rio Vista. I saw a large gathering on the side of the highway, but there was nowhere to stop and do a photo. The photos I did manage, out of a moving car no less, where okay, but they were definitely not up to my usual posting standards. You can imagine my delight when I found them in Galt, less than ten days later.

 

January 16th was a very good day for finding birds at the Cosumnes River Reserve. There were some of my favorites, like the Cinnamon Teal, and the Sanhill Crane, but the number of Snow Geese made it nearly impossible to not get some good photos. I got to see them up close and I was able to give the camera one hell of a workout doing some action photos as they landed. But as amazing as that opportunity was, I was ecstatic to see some, American White Pelicans, sunning themselves on a sandbar, in the middle of the  Snow Geese that were swimming in the river. It was an amazing find. I had no idea that pelicans came that far inland. I was under the impression that if I wanted to see one, it would require a trip to Bodega Bay, or perhaps Point Reyes. After doing a little research, it turns out they visit the delta every year, so I can now look forward to photographing them in the future. 

 

My mood is getting better. My depression is lifting. And dare I say it? I am happy! We are basically at the end of January, and I have counted 18 different birds species so far. I need to do some more editing and I need to do some yard photography, but I will be ending this month with a decent count of birds. I can't wait to see what birds I will discover in February. I need to check out some new places, and do some research into cities that have festivals in honor of birds, like Lodi does, around the Sandhill Crane, and the Snow Goose in Chico. I am pretty sure that, due to Covid-19, most festivals will be cancelled this year, just as they were in 2020, but visiting the web pages for festivals in prior years is a big help in planning for next year. The Snow Goose Festival of the Pacific Flyby, is giving me something to look forward to in January of 2022!

 

Snow Geese

January 16th 2021

Cosumnes River Reserve

Galt, California

 

American White Pelican

Cosumnes River Reserve

January 16th 2021

Galt, California

 

~Carly

 

January 20th 2021 Part Two

It's a slightly different format for this post. It was an unusual day, and it called for an unusual post on this blog.

 

First this happened

 "Power is okay, and stupidity is usually harmless.

 Stupidity and power together are dangerous."

~Patrick Rothfuss

The Name Of The Wind

As you might imagine, I didn't sleep very well during the overnight hours of January 20th 2021. I was sure it was over, and that he was going to leave, but there was the stomach churning feeling that he might still pull one last rabbit out of his hat. One last terrifying rabid rabbit, that would start a war, or perhaps nuclear war. Knowing him, both seemed a fairly reasonable possibility. If neither of those things happened, perhaps that recurring nightmare I told you about, could happen. But as of 8:17 AM Eastern Time, it was wheels up, and my camera was ready to take a photo, off the TV in our bedroom, as Trump was on his way to Joint Base Andrews, and ultimately Mara-Lago. Leaving behind his disgraced presidency, as the only president to be Impeached twice!

Next Came This...

Kamala Harris Took The Oath Of Office

Making History By Becoming The First Female

 Vice President Of The United States

At 11:42 AM ET

Finally...

Joseph R. Biden Became The 46th President Of The United States
 

And with that, I decided to get caught up with all the sleep I had missed the last 4 years. We (America) were safe again. Or at least for a while. Trump, and his death cult, will still be hovering like a dark cloud, especially during his second Impeachment trial, which will begin, by the way, on February 9th 2021. But in the moment I, and most of the world, sighed a deep sigh of relief because were were finally safe again. We did it! We survived it.

 

Here are the headlines from around the world...

Plenty happened later that day, but I decided to take a few days off, and let history handle it. There will be plenty to share on this blog, as I move forward with regaining my footing. I'll get there, but there is no way I am going to push it. I am retired from politics now, or at least for the time being. I love my country, so I will share my happiness, and heartache, from time to time, but right now I'd much rather talk about my photography, and the silly little mishaps I tend to get myself into. This blog schedule will be more consistent going forward. Adjusting for Alan's hours, I will be posting as stated below. And that's that! I am going to enjoy not having a pit in the bottom of my stomach. Of not living with that abusive relationship. Just life, my life, our life, lived to the fullest. At least until 2024, when the next national election takes place. With any luck at all, every single one of the Trump's, and their sycophants, will be behind bars. With the exception of Mary Trump. She can stay.

 

But One Thing At A Time. Lets Enjoy This For A While.

Everything In It's Time.

 

(Blog Schedule For 2021)

 

Tuesday Through Friday

 

~Carly

January 20th 2021 Part One

 

"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do mot just happen."

 

~Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

 

400,000 Americans have died from Covid-19. Many, if not most, could have probably been prevented, if not for all the misinformation, lies, conspiracy theories, of one man, Donald John Trump. As dreadful and depressing as it all is, I'm not thinking about him so much right now, because I am choosing to think of the souls lost to the virus, and the feeling of gratitude I feel deep down for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, and their efforts to bring us out of the darkness, before they have even assumed office. 

 

Last night they held a remembrance ceremony, at the Lincoln Memorial, as 400 lights were illuminated, along the sides of the reflecting pool, each representing 1,000 people lost to the disease since it was first diagnosed in America early last year. It was certainly a beautiful and profound event, but very surreal, because not only does my mind reel from the number of dead, but the number diagnosed... 23,839,868. But if that wasn't enough, there are armed guards surrounding the capitol, because of the very real possibility of violence from Trump supporters, later today, during the Inauguration. 

 

It's all out of my hands. None of us can control the future, but I can keep myself up to date on the virus, and what I need to do to stay healthy. As for the acts of domestic terrorists, I have no control over that either. Prayer won't even help. All I can do is hang on, and hope that folks will wake up to the fraud that Trump is before their bitterness is acted on, and someone gets hurt. Its all so out of control, but a little later today, we will be on our way to healing. At 12 noon ET, Joe Biden will be sworn in as the 46th president of the United States, and I will hang-up my job as an amateur political analyst. I just want to feel happy again.

 

Happiness is only a little under 12 hours away. 

 

"To heal we must remember. It's hard sometimes to remember. But that's how we heal. It's important to do that as a nation."

 

~Joe Biden

1/19/21

 

"We gather tonight, a nation in mourning, to pay tribute to the lives we lost. For many months, we grieved by ourselves. Tonight we grieve together."

 

~Kamala Harris

1/19/21

 

~Carly

Roadside America Attraction #2 The Lumberjack's Lumberjack

 

"Adventure, creativity, and novelty... is human nature

And I am a Human! Journey is it's fate. And I am traveling it." 

 

~Tahreem Rahat

 

 

This is my second post of, Roadside America, attractions, as I meander my way around the Central Valley, in search of all things of novelty. My first post came at the end of December, and featured the A&W Root-beer family, in Lodi, California. This time around we are a little closer to home. This cool lumberjack is from right in my own town, of Stockton! I am not sure if he carries the name of Paul Bunyon, like some similar statues do, but no doubt about it, he is a fitting mascot for a restaurant named Lumberjacks! I can't believe this is my second post, and I am doing one so similar as the last one. There is a lot to see in the world, and even right here in the San Joaquin Valley, but I really dig these statues. 

 

When I was a little girl, my parents would visit some friends in Hayward, California, and we would drive right by, Mike The Muffler Man, on Mission Boulevard. I was intrigued that my friend Mike was always there, like a great big protective friend. I'm not sure where I thought he'd go, but he made me smile, so I didn't really want to think about not seeing each other one day. Strange what a child's mind will attach to. That fascination, although to a much less degree, endured. Whenever I have been in Hayward, and anywhere near the corner of Mission Boulevard and A Street, I just had to pass my old pal Mike. Can you tell that I am wildly over sentimental?

 

 

~Carly

 

 

What Fog Hides In Itself

 

"If you want to see what hides in itself, don't wait for the fog to disperse! Instead of waiting for something to happen in this short life, do something immediately! Enter the fog,"

 

~Mehmet Murat ildan

 

Almost every day since the beginning of January has been foggy! It's the San Joaquin Delta, so sure it is! And that is good thing, because I haven't had a lot of experience with doing photography in the fog, but what I have done in previous years, I have enjoyed very much. I am hoping to do a lot of new stuff this year, not just with my photography, but with life in general, I am just starting with learning my way through the fog, in an effort to find my way. 

 

~Carly

Remember The Alamo!

 

 Cosumnes River Reserve

Lodi, California

January 10th, 2021

 

"Never say more than is necessary."

 

~Richard Brinsley Sheridan

 

 As of later today, Donald John Trump will officially go down in history as the only president, so far, to be Impeached twice. We are living through extraordinary times. I feel like someone should be knitting something, like when Betsy Ross knitted the flag. Is there such a thing as an Impeachment flag? Nah... probably not. But doesn't that seem about right? Like there should be some wildly artsy thing happening? I imagine there might be a hillbilly off somewhere writing a special song for the soon to be ex-president, or perhaps a poem. Shrug. I am thinking of making some Impeachment scones for the occasion, I mean days like this don't come along everyday, but oddly enough, they have come around three times in my lifetime. Rickard Nixon, William Jefferson Clinton and of course the overachiever, Donald Trump.

 

Richard Nixon, of course, never actually faced Impeachment because he was smart enough to shut up, write a simple resignation letter and accept a full pardon from Gerald Ford. Clinton learned what happens when you aren't even as smart as Richard Nixon. You run your mouth, lie to Congress, and you get Impeached. Luckily, he wasn't forced out of office by the Senate, but what a sad time that was for America. I was so disillusioned, but all these years later I realize that I probably wasn't so much disillusioned as just plan sad that such a man, who governed brilliantly, had fallen so far. It still makes me sad when I think about all the damage it caused. But Trump is a completely different story. It wasn't a shaded stretch of the truth or a lie to congress, no, it was inciting a coup against the government of the United States. Our country. 

 

It's unforgivable. And so is the fact that he continues to run his mouth to the masses, to incite Civil War, in a selfish attempt to hold off the inevitable... jail. As of right now, that might be the last thing he has to worry about, Hell at least jail would mean there will be a roof over his head and food in his stomach. Two things he could be missing soon, as his equity drops. As of right now he has been kicked off most social media platforms, lost his contract with the PGA, the ability to process credit card receipts through Stripe, a host of other partnerships and the biggest of them all, Deutsche Bank called it quits on him yesterday. I'm waiting for a Breaking News alert saying Melania has filed for divorce. I'm not actually waiting for that, but it wouldn't surprise me if it happens before we reach June.

 

Well, anyway, today is going to be a long day, so I will leave it here with a letter from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs from yesterday, vowing to do their job and keep their promise to do due diligence. The second letter is from Vice President Mike Pence. I'd like to think he isn't invoking the 25th Amendment because he doesn't want to kick a man when he's down, but I know he is just a milquetoast coward, so there's that. I do have to hope Pence writes a book one day, and hopefully he will share why Trump chose, The Alamo, as his last Batshit stand. LOL. Oh well, holy Hell, I always did say Trump was one Impeachment away from charging up San Juan Hill! CHARGGGGE!

 

Leaves... Strange In The Silence

"There is something strange in the silence of a winter view: Something seems to happen,

 but nothing happens,

 as if all reality is frozen."

 

~Mehmet Murat ildan

 

The bark, on the tree on the left, looks like a ghoul vomiting autumn out of it's soul, as if it is fed up with autumn's blissful intrusion into it's body. Last autumn was a little too hopeful it seems, it healed too much, and winter clearly resents that. Look at the pain of the last five days. We are barely into winter, January, and the new year, and we have already had unparalleled tragedy erase the joy of all those things, but look at the remnants of autumn and try to not smile... it's so impossible, it's so heartbreaking. Winter, is casting a deep fear stare on all of us. It's jealous eyes threaten more of it's cold burning rain and fog, but how does one accurately prepare for things that can't be fully known or imagined until they arrive? The fog of Covid-19 and the cold burning rain of insurrection strike all around but there is such refuge in strange silence of the last of the autumn leaves, or the sweet sound of a gaggle of Snow Geese, in mid-flight over a quiet San Joaquin Delta shoreline. For now. But winter is always watching, and it's beginning to burn with cold jealousy.The heart reels.

 

 

 ~Carly

Perp Walk The Fucking Horse Already!

 

"Reality is the leading cause of stress

 amongst those in touch with it."

 

~Jane Wagner

 

 

 Trump Time

 

So, what a year, am I right? Wow, the last 7 months of 2021 have been crazy! Wait... what's that? We are only on day 8? Nah... you joke! What's that? No? You're not kidding? It's only day 8 of 2021? But... when did Trump make that call to Georgia election officials, you know, when he tried to coerce them into finding votes that never existed? That was Sunday? That was last Sunday, and we found out it, gulp, last Monday? Monday of this week? We did? This week? So, that means that it's Friday, January 8th, 2021. Right?

 

Fucking KILL ME. 

 

All kidding aside, I know this shit will be over in time, if nothing else, Trump will HAVE TO LEAVE OFFICE ON JANUARY 20th WHETHER HE LIKES IT OR NOT. But the next 12 days hold the potential for a nothing but bullshit and tragedy. Who the fuck knows what he's capable of? He was kicked off Facebook for inciting violence, and he was in a 12 hour time out on Twitter, for similar reasons, although it seems he was forgiven, because he posted a hostage video last evening, where he faked sanity. Ordinarily I would link to it, but why? We all know they slipped him some anti-psychotics or something, and he will just spazz-out when they wear off, it's a long standing pattern will the Captain Psychotic. But boy, he sure does seem happy. Like he doesn't have a care in the world.

Most of us in the Resistance would kill to possess that kind of smug asshole-ish super ability. The ability to sleep at night with NO CONSCIENCE OR SENSE OF REALITY WHATSOEVER, to worry about! He no doubt tucks himself in at night, hugs his Big Mac, and drifts off to sleep plotting some wildly undemocratic, anti-American shitshow for the next day. It's his "thinking time". No waking with sweat pouring down his face. No night terror screaming, "HOLY SHIT WHO GAVE HIM A FOOTBALL?... while snoring. All we want is to be able to sleep too. Understand? See, I just want to sleep and not worry about the craven abilities and inclinations of a "horse loose in a hospital" or "toddler with a flamethrower."

12 more days until Biden Day.

 

What could happen regarding Captain Trumps?

25th Amendment? Gee, that sounds nifty.

Impeachment? For the second time? Yes please.

Arrest for launching a coup against the United States?

Is it my birthday? You don't have to ask me twice!

 

I mean he has to face some sort of consequences, right?

 

Look what he's done...

 

 

In case your wondering about my original photo at the top of this post, there is a small bird hiding in the tree. It saw me trying to take it's photo, and began teasing me. I am sure of it. It was fun. Birds get used to people with cameras in their hands. It was this past Sunday. I remember its like it was just yesterday. It was Alan, and me. We were at Woodbridge. There were a ton of small birds, of all kinds, flying in and out of trees, making a lot of noise, and playing, and I was happy. It was the beginning of the new year, and I was photographing new birds for my 2021 bird album. That pretty bird is the Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's Warbler). It is one of the first 10 birds to make it into my album, the next day I spotted, a few in my neighbors yard. I was really enjoying that challenge. They are fast little birds. But right now, I am scared and tired and I have a headache. I am unhappy. I want someone to make it stop. Fortunately, I trust Nancy Pelosi, so I know it will eventually stop. Someone will perp walk the horse out of the hospital. Right?

 

 

Enough Is Enough. Impeach The Motherfucker Already.

 

 ~Carly

January 5th And 6th Part Two

"America is the only country

 that went from barbarism to decadence

 without civilization in between."

 

~Oscar Wilde

 

25th Amendment Now 

"In America, anyone can become president.

 That's the problem."

 

~George Carlin

 

 

What fresh HELL will January 7th bring?