…
Texas winters are more stressful than the evening weather reports suggest. They are not severe by most (any) standards. However, they do seem to drag on long after the novelty has worn off.
This year is no exception. The typical wintery day includes daylong gray skies. The wind blows from the north to add to our discomfort. Temperatures hover in the thirties at dawn and climb into the weak fifties in the afternoon. Occasional misty rain thickens the sense of gloom. It would lead one to believe the great outdoors had vanished, only to be replaced with a soggy, cold copy of Mordor.
The trees are in on it to. On a recent trip to the store for provisions, I noticed the line of trees standing along the roadside. Leafless, they appeared to be auditioning for a scary movie. Johnny Depp could play the lead…
So, when the sun burst upon a clear sky last Friday, it was Katy-bar-the-door to be the first one outdoors. I did not fully appreciate how haggard I had become over the weeks of gloom. A check in the mirror revealed a Sméagol Golem looking chap. Clearly, he was a tortured soul.
I was determined to rejoin the human race, at least while the sun shone and the air was warm. I called my daughter and we organized an afternoon in the park for four. My neighborhood park has dozens of playthings for swinging, climbing and running amok. My daughter and I joined in the g'children’s games, keeping watch in case they became stuck halfway up a tower or something. Later, we sat in the sun and chatted about our ordinary lives – still keeping watch over our charges.
It was the best day of 2011, so far.
Then Saturday showed up. It was yet another golden day. Warm air, sunny skies and light breezes, taken for granted by some, painted broad smiles on many faces, including mine.
Around noon, I collected my son's set of grandchildren and we were off once more. We hit the park, ate lunch at Mickey D's, played with trains, took a nap (my personal favorite) and still managed to return to their parents place just before bedtime.
I cannot recall a better night’s sleep.
Today is more of the same. Children and adults are outdoors reestablishing their grip on sanity even as I type. I would be out there, too, except I am trying to cut back.
Tomorrow, the forecast calls for the mild weather to end. We are looking at four or five days of colder, wetter weather. Again.
Nevertheless, I am extremely grateful for the three-day respite. The long journey through winter’s gloom passed through a great oasis, and just in time.
…
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Life’s Lessons: Going to the Dogs
…
The big day arrived right on time. At 0830, the back door swung open and my granddaughter and her mom swarmed in from the morning chill. My daughter had an early meeting at her office and all the good childcare people in her life had suddenly moved out of state. I was all she had left.
My daughter flung Sophia’s backpack onto the hearth, blurted out a lifetime of child rearing instructions, hugged and kissed everyone several times and “Poof!” She was gone.
I wasted no time implementing my cunning plan.
Step 1 was breakfast of cereal and fruit. At the end of the day, Sophia reported to mommy “we had breakfast with dessert.” I can live with that.
Step 2 began as a surprise ride in Grandfather’s truck. We went directly to the largest store with the largest toy department in the area, Super Target. I put the little girl in the basket seat and off we went. After travelling about twenty feet, she spotted a display of “Stickers.” With Valentine’s Day almost upon us, I could not resist her request to “pull over!” After considering her choices, she picked out some princess stickers for herself and a batch of care bear stickers for her big brother. “Aw, how thoughtful,” I reflected.
Step 3 involved slowly making our way along every aisle in the toy department. Most of the “toys” currently for sale would give nightmares to a combat Marine. It took quite a bit of searching before we discovered a box of puzzles with a princess motif for my granddaughter. Not wanting to be left out, I added a deluxe Wiffle Ball set to the basket. We have needed one of these for several years, y’know.
Step 4 was lunch. I was really in the mood for Bar-B-Que, so I headed for “Memphis Red Hot ‘n Blue.” (MRH&B) I was sure we could find something for Sophia, too.
We did. She slurped her milk and snacked on cheese fries until her creamy macaroni and cheese arrived with a side of, you guessed it, more French fries. I will not even attempt to describe my meal. If you have even been to MRH&B, you can imagine. If not, you would never understand. [urp.]
Step 5 should have been a nap, but it was not. Instead, we visited Remus the dog at my son’s house. It was a stroke of luck that Sophia’s boy cousins, August and Joshua, had just awakened from their naps when we arrived. The two boys and the two girls, Sophia and Remus, played at full throttle for the next two hours. The entire mansion shook in their gleeful swath of destruction. My son and I sat in the den, watching TV and dozing as peacefully as we could under the circumstances. After about two hours, I captured my charge and ruined their fun. After lots of hugging and waving, we pulled out of the driveway and headed home.
Step 6 began when we reached my dwelling on the edge of the forest. We were both showing signs of fatigue. I prepared cookies and milk for my girl and set about picking up some debris in the den.
A small voice said “Grandfather, I frew up.”
“Huh?” I said, looking around.
“I frew up.”
Then, I looked down. “What happened?”
“I frew up, Grandfather.”
She was drooling and her little eyes were watery. Clearly, she did not feel well.
“Uh Oh. Where did you throw up, sweetie?”
“Right there,” she said indicating the floor between us.
Well, it was not my office, so she got credit there. It was only the carpet in the den. As I considered my next move, Sophia stuck her delicate finger down her throat and began again.
“NOOOOOooooo!” I said as soothingly as I could.
The big day arrived right on time. At 0830, the back door swung open and my granddaughter and her mom swarmed in from the morning chill. My daughter had an early meeting at her office and all the good childcare people in her life had suddenly moved out of state. I was all she had left.
My daughter flung Sophia’s backpack onto the hearth, blurted out a lifetime of child rearing instructions, hugged and kissed everyone several times and “Poof!” She was gone.
I wasted no time implementing my cunning plan.
Step 1 was breakfast of cereal and fruit. At the end of the day, Sophia reported to mommy “we had breakfast with dessert.” I can live with that.
Step 2 began as a surprise ride in Grandfather’s truck. We went directly to the largest store with the largest toy department in the area, Super Target. I put the little girl in the basket seat and off we went. After travelling about twenty feet, she spotted a display of “Stickers.” With Valentine’s Day almost upon us, I could not resist her request to “pull over!” After considering her choices, she picked out some princess stickers for herself and a batch of care bear stickers for her big brother. “Aw, how thoughtful,” I reflected.
Step 3 involved slowly making our way along every aisle in the toy department. Most of the “toys” currently for sale would give nightmares to a combat Marine. It took quite a bit of searching before we discovered a box of puzzles with a princess motif for my granddaughter. Not wanting to be left out, I added a deluxe Wiffle Ball set to the basket. We have needed one of these for several years, y’know.
Step 4 was lunch. I was really in the mood for Bar-B-Que, so I headed for “Memphis Red Hot ‘n Blue.” (MRH&B) I was sure we could find something for Sophia, too.
We did. She slurped her milk and snacked on cheese fries until her creamy macaroni and cheese arrived with a side of, you guessed it, more French fries. I will not even attempt to describe my meal. If you have even been to MRH&B, you can imagine. If not, you would never understand. [urp.]
Step 5 should have been a nap, but it was not. Instead, we visited Remus the dog at my son’s house. It was a stroke of luck that Sophia’s boy cousins, August and Joshua, had just awakened from their naps when we arrived. The two boys and the two girls, Sophia and Remus, played at full throttle for the next two hours. The entire mansion shook in their gleeful swath of destruction. My son and I sat in the den, watching TV and dozing as peacefully as we could under the circumstances. After about two hours, I captured my charge and ruined their fun. After lots of hugging and waving, we pulled out of the driveway and headed home.
Step 6 began when we reached my dwelling on the edge of the forest. We were both showing signs of fatigue. I prepared cookies and milk for my girl and set about picking up some debris in the den.
A small voice said “Grandfather, I frew up.”
“Huh?” I said, looking around.
“I frew up.”
Then, I looked down. “What happened?”
“I frew up, Grandfather.”
She was drooling and her little eyes were watery. Clearly, she did not feel well.
“Uh Oh. Where did you throw up, sweetie?”
“Right there,” she said indicating the floor between us.
Well, it was not my office, so she got credit there. It was only the carpet in the den. As I considered my next move, Sophia stuck her delicate finger down her throat and began again.
“NOOOOOooooo!” I said as soothingly as I could.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Life's Lessons Applied
...
First, I am not doing any more hilarious news stories. Apparently, my readership does not fully appreciate my gifts in this area. Okay, maybe in the far, distant future I might attempt it, if someone begs me. Most of you will probably feel relief instead of the guilt you deserve. Harumpf!
As many of you know, I recently hosted my son’s dog, Remus, for two action-packed weeks. In the past, Remus seemed disappointed and depressed when abandoned in my care. This time was different. All I had to do was spend my every waking moment doing stuff to entertain a dog. Outdoor exploration was her second favorite. Pooping in my office was third. I believe first place was playing with her cousins from my daughter’s family. When Remus is happy, everyone can tell by her wagging tail and her broad smile.
Tomorrow, I face a similar test. This time, Sophia, my 3-5/6 year-old granddaughter will spend the day with me. Normally, I would fret over entertainments, treats and activities. This time, I believe I have a sure-fire plan. Some may recognize a few elements I picked up from my time with Remus. Here it is:
First, we will breakfast on Rice Chex. My pantry is the only place in our family where this treat exists.
Next, weather permitting; we shall pay outdoors for a while. I will let her have plenty of time to sniff about among the trees and shrubs. Since Santa brought her a new baseball glove for Christmas, I will remind my daughter to bring it with her. This is the equivalent of fetching a stick with Remus. Sophia probably cannot catch a ball yet, but then Remus just looks at me as if I stepped off a flying saucer when I throw the stick for her. Still, I think they both enjoy it.
If the weather is inclement, I believe we can substitute shopping at a large toy store for the outdoor part. Same thrill. Different species.
At lunch, we will dine out. Mickey D’s is a possibility. “Memphis Red Hot ‘n Blue Bar-B-Q” is another. Either way, at least one of us will get a “Happy Meal.”
Then, for the grand finally, we shall travel to my son’s house to visit Remus. I know the girl and the dog will be more than happy to see each other. We will play there until our welcome has worn out or somebody needs a nap. That will be me, most likely.
I reserved the later afternoon for coloring, watching educational TV or possibly taking in a matinee, time and movie fare permitting.
The best part is this: Sophia is fully potty trained. There is less than a 1% chance that anyone will poop in my office!
I shall let you know how it turns out.
…
First, I am not doing any more hilarious news stories. Apparently, my readership does not fully appreciate my gifts in this area. Okay, maybe in the far, distant future I might attempt it, if someone begs me. Most of you will probably feel relief instead of the guilt you deserve. Harumpf!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
As many of you know, I recently hosted my son’s dog, Remus, for two action-packed weeks. In the past, Remus seemed disappointed and depressed when abandoned in my care. This time was different. All I had to do was spend my every waking moment doing stuff to entertain a dog. Outdoor exploration was her second favorite. Pooping in my office was third. I believe first place was playing with her cousins from my daughter’s family. When Remus is happy, everyone can tell by her wagging tail and her broad smile.
Tomorrow, I face a similar test. This time, Sophia, my 3-5/6 year-old granddaughter will spend the day with me. Normally, I would fret over entertainments, treats and activities. This time, I believe I have a sure-fire plan. Some may recognize a few elements I picked up from my time with Remus. Here it is:
First, we will breakfast on Rice Chex. My pantry is the only place in our family where this treat exists.
Next, weather permitting; we shall pay outdoors for a while. I will let her have plenty of time to sniff about among the trees and shrubs. Since Santa brought her a new baseball glove for Christmas, I will remind my daughter to bring it with her. This is the equivalent of fetching a stick with Remus. Sophia probably cannot catch a ball yet, but then Remus just looks at me as if I stepped off a flying saucer when I throw the stick for her. Still, I think they both enjoy it.
If the weather is inclement, I believe we can substitute shopping at a large toy store for the outdoor part. Same thrill. Different species.
At lunch, we will dine out. Mickey D’s is a possibility. “Memphis Red Hot ‘n Blue Bar-B-Q” is another. Either way, at least one of us will get a “Happy Meal.”
Then, for the grand finally, we shall travel to my son’s house to visit Remus. I know the girl and the dog will be more than happy to see each other. We will play there until our welcome has worn out or somebody needs a nap. That will be me, most likely.
I reserved the later afternoon for coloring, watching educational TV or possibly taking in a matinee, time and movie fare permitting.
The best part is this: Sophia is fully potty trained. There is less than a 1% chance that anyone will poop in my office!
I shall let you know how it turns out.
…
Friday, January 21, 2011
News Stories We May Never See
...
With apologies to the brave souls at the Onion, I believe they overlooked these stories from the IP Wire Service*.
Miracle Cure Discovered
Scientists announced today that they discovered a cure for virtually every known disease affecting human beings. Made from potato peels and seawater, the drug will cost less than a penny a dose and will not require a prescription. It is said to have no side effects. Dr. Lee Roy Snert, project leader, said today that "the cure needs no further study and should be on store shelves by tomorrow.. "
In an unrelated story, stock prices for the major pharmaceutical and medical equipment companies joined health insurance companies in a plunge to zero, starting a global medical and financial panic. For the first time in more than 70 years, witnesses saw Wall Street executives plunging from their office windows like lemmings.
Paleontologists Find Missing Link
A group of government-funded paleontologists announced they have discovered an ancient bone fragment containing human DNA. The fragment is over ten million years old. “This just about wraps up our research. The DNA in this bone proves that human beings have been on earth a long time, even longer than monkeys and apes.”
When this reporter asked if the arrival of humans before the so-called lower life forms might indicate evolution is headed back toward the jungle, the representative turned ashen and hurried back to his lab, locking the door behind him.
Physicists Identify Rarest Particle
Physicists working at the Large Hadron Collider in Cern, Switzerland announced the discovery of the ultimate sub-atomic particle today. “This particle is so rare, it makes the Higgs Boson look as common as beach sand,” said one scientist. During the hastily called press conference, a young scientist in a white lab coat pointed out the image of the particle, which was one among hundreds on the screen displaying test results. As he aimed his laser pointer at the new discovery, a draft in the room lifted the speck from the screen and it drifted like a snowflake onto the floor. It seems the “new particle” was a grain of sugar from a carelessly placed donut in the lab. As the conference ended, scientists were engaged in a heated debate about who could be responsible for such a blunder. A subsequent inspection of the scientists’ fingers revealed donut sugar particles contaminated fully half the staff’s fingers. No further conferences are scheduled.
Prophet Says “Everything Will Be Alright”
Today, a world-renowned prophet with a successful record of future predictions shocked the world press with his latest forecast for humanity. Mr. Irving C. Fingers of the Global Prophets' Association announced he has seen the future “as clearly as if it were yesterday.”
“I can tell you with absolute certainty that the human race has nothing at all to worry about,” he began. “Almost everything is going to work out better than anyone suspects and the few events that won’t are barely noticeable.”
Upon hearing the announcement, millions of people poured into the streets around the world in a celebration of joy, fellowship and forgiveness.
On another topic, it was during the ecstatic celebration that astronomers working at Kit Peak in Hawaii noticed a 100-mile wide ball of nickel and iron emerging from behind the moon. The scientists are quoted as saying “We will know if Mr. Fingers is correct, or not, in about eight hours.”
It a related story, the space rock appears covered in a layer of disease germs that are immune to the recently announced miracle cure.
Film at eleven.
* IP = Imaginary Press.
It should not be too hard to top these. If you want to send along your own imaginary news items, I'll publish as many as I can. You'll get credit, or blame, as appropriate. (Not too long, pornographic or believable, please.) Also, if you would like to be added to my notification list when new publications are available, let me know at: hank.burden@Gmail.com
...
With apologies to the brave souls at the Onion, I believe they overlooked these stories from the IP Wire Service*.
Miracle Cure Discovered
Scientists announced today that they discovered a cure for virtually every known disease affecting human beings. Made from potato peels and seawater, the drug will cost less than a penny a dose and will not require a prescription. It is said to have no side effects. Dr. Lee Roy Snert, project leader, said today that "the cure needs no further study and should be on store shelves by tomorrow.. "
In an unrelated story, stock prices for the major pharmaceutical and medical equipment companies joined health insurance companies in a plunge to zero, starting a global medical and financial panic. For the first time in more than 70 years, witnesses saw Wall Street executives plunging from their office windows like lemmings.
Paleontologists Find Missing Link
A group of government-funded paleontologists announced they have discovered an ancient bone fragment containing human DNA. The fragment is over ten million years old. “This just about wraps up our research. The DNA in this bone proves that human beings have been on earth a long time, even longer than monkeys and apes.”
When this reporter asked if the arrival of humans before the so-called lower life forms might indicate evolution is headed back toward the jungle, the representative turned ashen and hurried back to his lab, locking the door behind him.
Physicists Identify Rarest Particle
Physicists working at the Large Hadron Collider in Cern, Switzerland announced the discovery of the ultimate sub-atomic particle today. “This particle is so rare, it makes the Higgs Boson look as common as beach sand,” said one scientist. During the hastily called press conference, a young scientist in a white lab coat pointed out the image of the particle, which was one among hundreds on the screen displaying test results. As he aimed his laser pointer at the new discovery, a draft in the room lifted the speck from the screen and it drifted like a snowflake onto the floor. It seems the “new particle” was a grain of sugar from a carelessly placed donut in the lab. As the conference ended, scientists were engaged in a heated debate about who could be responsible for such a blunder. A subsequent inspection of the scientists’ fingers revealed donut sugar particles contaminated fully half the staff’s fingers. No further conferences are scheduled.
Prophet Says “Everything Will Be Alright”
Today, a world-renowned prophet with a successful record of future predictions shocked the world press with his latest forecast for humanity. Mr. Irving C. Fingers of the Global Prophets' Association announced he has seen the future “as clearly as if it were yesterday.”
“I can tell you with absolute certainty that the human race has nothing at all to worry about,” he began. “Almost everything is going to work out better than anyone suspects and the few events that won’t are barely noticeable.”
Upon hearing the announcement, millions of people poured into the streets around the world in a celebration of joy, fellowship and forgiveness.
On another topic, it was during the ecstatic celebration that astronomers working at Kit Peak in Hawaii noticed a 100-mile wide ball of nickel and iron emerging from behind the moon. The scientists are quoted as saying “We will know if Mr. Fingers is correct, or not, in about eight hours.”
It a related story, the space rock appears covered in a layer of disease germs that are immune to the recently announced miracle cure.
Film at eleven.
* IP = Imaginary Press.
It should not be too hard to top these. If you want to send along your own imaginary news items, I'll publish as many as I can. You'll get credit, or blame, as appropriate. (Not too long, pornographic or believable, please.) Also, if you would like to be added to my notification list when new publications are available, let me know at: hank.burden@Gmail.com
...
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Remus and Me
…
From time to time, it is my privilege to board my son’s family dog, Remus, aka “Remus the Depressed.” And so it was for the past two weeks. Remus arrived complete with her travel kennel and a few pounds of kibble. As soon as I erected the kennel, she crept inside and lay down with an audible sigh. My expectations for the coming two weeks were low.
Remus is a large dog. Her parents were Great Pyrenees and Border Collie. I am sure they were both from good families. Her disposition is even and she tolerates children very well. That is a good thing, too. The two boys in her household do not show her much respect. They are not mean or hurtful, but they are young boys, filled with curiosity.
They raise her jowls and observe her substantial tooth collection. They eat her food, just to see who is getting the better deal. Remus tolerates it without complaint.
I decided to do more to entertain my guest. Perhaps a more active “vacation” would appeal to her and lift her gloomy mood. So I did.
First, I let her out into the backyard to tend any necessary business she might have. Then, I let her remain outdoors for a while to enjoy the mild winter air. She took full advantage of the opportunity.
She even trotted next door to investigate the dog scent coming from my neighbor’s yard. In a few seconds, all Hell broke loose. I heard the Mastiff pup woofing up a storm followed by a light brown blur speeding to my backdoor.
Seems it will take a while for the two to become friends. Remus never went back for a second meeting, demonstrating good judgment and a will to live.
Next, my daughter dropped her two wild Indians at my place. They are sweet grandchildren, but they have different opinions of dogs. My granddaughter was convinced Remus was smooching her. My grandson saw the same lick as more of a tasting prior to devouring him. The entire affair left him a little nervous and cranky. Remus truly enjoyed their company and was all smiles the rest of the day.
I added a few minutes of combing to her evening routine. She is good for about ten minutes of having her under coat ripped out with a comb, and then the session is over.
She also enjoyed following me about on my daily rounds. She followed me to retrieve the mail. We collected the morning newspaper together. At odd moments, we headed off into the “back 40” for some wide area sniffing and exploring.
I rather enjoyed it, too.
The only dark moments came when I entered my office only to be greeted by large poops. Older and wiser now, I shovelled the mess out the door and scrubbed the floor with bleach. I was irritated, but I held no grudge.
Yesterday, my daughter-in-law, Tam, came to retrieve her pet. Remus was as excited to see her as she was when I handed her a giant ham bone earlier in the week. In ten minutes, they were gone.
Now, here I sit, with no one to play with. Rats.
Maybe I will buy another dog.
…
From time to time, it is my privilege to board my son’s family dog, Remus, aka “Remus the Depressed.” And so it was for the past two weeks. Remus arrived complete with her travel kennel and a few pounds of kibble. As soon as I erected the kennel, she crept inside and lay down with an audible sigh. My expectations for the coming two weeks were low.
Remus is a large dog. Her parents were Great Pyrenees and Border Collie. I am sure they were both from good families. Her disposition is even and she tolerates children very well. That is a good thing, too. The two boys in her household do not show her much respect. They are not mean or hurtful, but they are young boys, filled with curiosity.
They raise her jowls and observe her substantial tooth collection. They eat her food, just to see who is getting the better deal. Remus tolerates it without complaint.
I decided to do more to entertain my guest. Perhaps a more active “vacation” would appeal to her and lift her gloomy mood. So I did.
First, I let her out into the backyard to tend any necessary business she might have. Then, I let her remain outdoors for a while to enjoy the mild winter air. She took full advantage of the opportunity.
She even trotted next door to investigate the dog scent coming from my neighbor’s yard. In a few seconds, all Hell broke loose. I heard the Mastiff pup woofing up a storm followed by a light brown blur speeding to my backdoor.
Seems it will take a while for the two to become friends. Remus never went back for a second meeting, demonstrating good judgment and a will to live.
Next, my daughter dropped her two wild Indians at my place. They are sweet grandchildren, but they have different opinions of dogs. My granddaughter was convinced Remus was smooching her. My grandson saw the same lick as more of a tasting prior to devouring him. The entire affair left him a little nervous and cranky. Remus truly enjoyed their company and was all smiles the rest of the day.
I added a few minutes of combing to her evening routine. She is good for about ten minutes of having her under coat ripped out with a comb, and then the session is over.
She also enjoyed following me about on my daily rounds. She followed me to retrieve the mail. We collected the morning newspaper together. At odd moments, we headed off into the “back 40” for some wide area sniffing and exploring.
I rather enjoyed it, too.
The only dark moments came when I entered my office only to be greeted by large poops. Older and wiser now, I shovelled the mess out the door and scrubbed the floor with bleach. I was irritated, but I held no grudge.
Yesterday, my daughter-in-law, Tam, came to retrieve her pet. Remus was as excited to see her as she was when I handed her a giant ham bone earlier in the week. In ten minutes, they were gone.
Now, here I sit, with no one to play with. Rats.
Maybe I will buy another dog.
…
Thursday, January 6, 2011
A Few Final Pictures
I was rummaging about in my wild west photo safari collection over the weekend and thought I might publish a few more pics, just to see how I (and others) received them. Sometimes, ya just have to step back and look at a picture from a distance - in space and time. So, here goes:
The tiny cabin with windmill floats on an ocean of west Texas prairie. There are no other structures in sight. Ageless, there's no telling when it was built, but I estimate it is pushing a century of years. On the good side, the nearest roadway is half a mile away, so the kids could play outdoors without fear of traffic. On the downside, the nearest rattlesnake was probably under the house.
Ssssssssssssssssssss!
These twin peaks are located somewhere in Arizona. I think they can be seen from western New Mexico since they have little competition in altitude and uniqueness. It is nigh impossible to get a good picture of a mountain. The massive scale is often lost in translation. Still I make the effort. Maybe one day...
The cabin at right won the "Most Hopeless" award for nothern California. I would be surprised if it survived the heavy rain and snow that showed up right after I left. (Darn!) This one was on 101/1 before reaching the Shoreline Highway, I think.
This picture is representative of the winding forest highway inland from the coast. Note the absence of shoulders on the road. Note the blur of scenery as I shot through the windshield. Sigh. I still like it, but it may never be sold. Maybe I can find a show for folks with naturally blurry vision?
 |
| Cabin on the high plains |
Ssssssssssssssssssss!
 |
| Twin Peaks, AZ |
These twin peaks are located somewhere in Arizona. I think they can be seen from western New Mexico since they have little competition in altitude and uniqueness. It is nigh impossible to get a good picture of a mountain. The massive scale is often lost in translation. Still I make the effort. Maybe one day...
 |
| Derelict Cabin |
 |
| Twisty Highway in the Forest |
This picture is representative of the winding forest highway inland from the coast. Note the absence of shoulders on the road. Note the blur of scenery as I shot through the windshield. Sigh. I still like it, but it may never be sold. Maybe I can find a show for folks with naturally blurry vision?
Remembering NoCal
...
It took awhile for me to notice, but there is a thriving agrarian culture in the most unlikely place on earth. Yes, on the strip of highway running through the heavily forested mountains, I began to notice people walking along the side of the road carrying gardening tools and sometimes wearing a backpack.
I bet there is not more than a quarter acre of tillable land in the whole county, but these dedicated gardeners trudge to their remote little plots to tend their vegetables.
Once, I passed a tall, lanky man standing beside his pickup truck holding a hoe. (The garden tool.) He eyed me carefully as I passed and remained stock still until I reached the next curve – about 200 feet away. I had time to see him take one-step to cross the road in the uphill direction of the mountain. Most of the foot traffic responded in similar ways. If I did not know better, I would have sworn they were running a still.
Overall, I expect a vegetable garden of small to moderate size could easily feed a family. The soil seems fertile enough and water is plentiful. Sunlight might be an issue. The ambitious gardener would have to find a clearing or at least a thin spot in the canopy to have a chance to set fruit on a tomato vine, for example.
I kept my eyes open, but I never noticed the kind of roadside stands associated with this much gardening. You know, someone selling beets and artichokes from the back of their antique pickup truck. Odder still, these gardeners seemed to prefer Lexus sedans to trucks.
The next time I pass that way, I will stop and strike up a conversation with some of the farmers. They seemed shy at first, but I bet they are proud of their gardens and eager to show them off to an interested stranger. Maybe I can score, er uh, purchase some fresh veggies or herbs, wholesale.
California! What a wonderful country.
…
It took awhile for me to notice, but there is a thriving agrarian culture in the most unlikely place on earth. Yes, on the strip of highway running through the heavily forested mountains, I began to notice people walking along the side of the road carrying gardening tools and sometimes wearing a backpack.
I bet there is not more than a quarter acre of tillable land in the whole county, but these dedicated gardeners trudge to their remote little plots to tend their vegetables.
Once, I passed a tall, lanky man standing beside his pickup truck holding a hoe. (The garden tool.) He eyed me carefully as I passed and remained stock still until I reached the next curve – about 200 feet away. I had time to see him take one-step to cross the road in the uphill direction of the mountain. Most of the foot traffic responded in similar ways. If I did not know better, I would have sworn they were running a still.
Overall, I expect a vegetable garden of small to moderate size could easily feed a family. The soil seems fertile enough and water is plentiful. Sunlight might be an issue. The ambitious gardener would have to find a clearing or at least a thin spot in the canopy to have a chance to set fruit on a tomato vine, for example.
I kept my eyes open, but I never noticed the kind of roadside stands associated with this much gardening. You know, someone selling beets and artichokes from the back of their antique pickup truck. Odder still, these gardeners seemed to prefer Lexus sedans to trucks.
The next time I pass that way, I will stop and strike up a conversation with some of the farmers. They seemed shy at first, but I bet they are proud of their gardens and eager to show them off to an interested stranger. Maybe I can score, er uh, purchase some fresh veggies or herbs, wholesale.
California! What a wonderful country.
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Saturday, January 1, 2011
Photos of Northern California
...
In response to a flood of requests, I will publish more photos from The northern most point of my recent photo safari. Have mercy. It was rainy, cloudy and cold the whole time. Since I left, I hear it's only gotten worse - or better - depending on your outlook. You may click on the photos up to 2 times for larger images.
The conifer forest stood all around me. I was surrounded by Ents, for all I knew. I tried to appear respectful and unequipped with an axe. Easy enough. I felt a sense of awe looking up at these giants appearing out of the mist and I had no axe. [Whew]
The cabin at left seemed uninviting as well as unoccupied. The posters on the gate posts proclaim "No Trespassing, Dag Nabbit!"
Okay, I paraphrased a little, but you get the idea.
The clouds hung low over the earth. The mountains are considerable, meeting the mists half way between earth and sky.
It is impossible to determine the age of these places. A few years of cool rain and heavy shade help moss establish a foothold on slow pedestrians. I bet this place has seen 50 winters, at least. I try to imagine how it might appear with warm light in the windows and snow falling outdoors. It must have been a happy place at least once.
The highway runs alongside the stream below. You can follow the water, but you'll never catch it. It has a 10,000 year head start.
It was past sundown when I arrived in Fortuna, CA. The local motel, a Best Western, did a good job of providing me a hot shower and good bed for the night. I also got to do laundry. Finally, a little glamour in the trip!
Once I reached the Shoreline Highway, aka CA-1, aka "The Twisted Highway of Death" I had an uninterrupted view of the vast pacific. The sky was gray as was the water. Winds were calm. A light mist or rain fell here and there. It was a romantic setting, but not so easy for photographs, except maybe black and white...
The tree is probably 120 feet tall. It has a great view of the sea and I found it therapeutic to simply stare at it for awhile. It seems far too frail to withstand the storms that pass this way. Yet, there it is, gracing the hillside like one of those elegant Japanese silk paintings.
I hope you enjoyed the pics. I am sorry to be slow getting these out, but the holidays... Well, you know.
Happy 2011!
In response to a flood of requests, I will publish more photos from The northern most point of my recent photo safari. Have mercy. It was rainy, cloudy and cold the whole time. Since I left, I hear it's only gotten worse - or better - depending on your outlook. You may click on the photos up to 2 times for larger images.
The conifer forest stood all around me. I was surrounded by Ents, for all I knew. I tried to appear respectful and unequipped with an axe. Easy enough. I felt a sense of awe looking up at these giants appearing out of the mist and I had no axe. [Whew]
The cabin at left seemed uninviting as well as unoccupied. The posters on the gate posts proclaim "No Trespassing, Dag Nabbit!"
Okay, I paraphrased a little, but you get the idea.
The clouds hung low over the earth. The mountains are considerable, meeting the mists half way between earth and sky.
It is impossible to determine the age of these places. A few years of cool rain and heavy shade help moss establish a foothold on slow pedestrians. I bet this place has seen 50 winters, at least. I try to imagine how it might appear with warm light in the windows and snow falling outdoors. It must have been a happy place at least once.
 |
| Mountain Stream |
The highway runs alongside the stream below. You can follow the water, but you'll never catch it. It has a 10,000 year head start.
It was past sundown when I arrived in Fortuna, CA. The local motel, a Best Western, did a good job of providing me a hot shower and good bed for the night. I also got to do laundry. Finally, a little glamour in the trip!
Once I reached the Shoreline Highway, aka CA-1, aka "The Twisted Highway of Death" I had an uninterrupted view of the vast pacific. The sky was gray as was the water. Winds were calm. A light mist or rain fell here and there. It was a romantic setting, but not so easy for photographs, except maybe black and white...
The tree is probably 120 feet tall. It has a great view of the sea and I found it therapeutic to simply stare at it for awhile. It seems far too frail to withstand the storms that pass this way. Yet, there it is, gracing the hillside like one of those elegant Japanese silk paintings.
I hope you enjoyed the pics. I am sorry to be slow getting these out, but the holidays... Well, you know.
Happy 2011!
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