This is what yesterday’s storm left us.
During the wind and rain, a branch from our neighbor’s eucalyptus tree snapped off and is suspended in one our oak trees, resulting in many broken oak branches.
Besides being very long, its girth is huge. Can’t image what this monster weighs.
Sunday, I needed an ocean fix. We stopped at the beach on our way home from an outing.
Arriving at low tide we witnessed a gentleman working on a piece of beach art.
His attention to detail was amazing. We continued walking the pier. Enjoying the ocean breeze, the sound of the waves, and watching surfers.
The sky was amazing that afternoon.
The tide was slowly returning and we too, decided to return on our way. There waiting for us at the base of the pier was the completed project.
Wow!
Imagine with me for a moment, how much pleasure one must get from spending an afternoon creating something like this while knowing that when the tides come in the slate will be wiped clean.
Sand, a rake, imagination, and time — that was what this took.
Thank you to who ever created such detail in the sand for others to enjoy.
Last night, or very early in the morning hours, I couldn’t sleep. My stomach was upset. So, I arose, came downstairs and got a glass of water, and sat for a few minutes. Before heading back upstairs, I looked out the living room window.
Wow! I was transported. There were stars aplenty in the sky, reminding me of how I loved night skies in Colorado. I went upstairs and then out onto the balcony so I could enjoy a panoramic view of the sky.
The tiniest sliver of a big moon hung in what would later become the morning sky. A thin layer like wisps of clouds hung in the navy sky as a veil, leaving a hint of lightness against the dark in places; and the stars punctuated that same darkness, leaving small bright dots of light. I smiled.
How I have always loved the night sky! And it has been some time since I’ve been able to enjoy it like this. Here in Southern California, it is common for cloud cover to hide the beauty of the night sky, leaving one to wonder what the stars are doing behind this veil.
I finally went back to my bed, where I fell asleep smiling.
Does it get any better than this?
Beauty to remind us to reflect on our blessings.
A new season is just around the corner. Hope you have time to relax and reflect on the positive things in your life.
I remembered blue skies and white puffy clouds as late September or October sights. But no. This shot was from an August trip to Door County.
It was amazingly beautiful!
…things such as this.
Living in Southern California, I can see how some of the plants inspired Dr Seuss. What do you see?
Growing up in the Midwest, listening to rock and roll, and watching various movies and television shows, I held the following thoughts about California:
It never rains in Southern California
FALSE
The rainy season starts late in the year and continues into February.
That is, if we are going to get rain.
The sun shines every day
FALSE
Below is a photo of a normal May morning, commonly referred to as “May Gray”,
to be followed by “June Gloom”, which is more of the same.
People run and play in the ocean regularly (in swimming suits)
NOT ALWAYS TRUE
The Pacific Ocean is known to be cold, so enter at your own risk.
I find it humorous how the media can affect our beliefs. How many fantasies do you have which were created by media?
The amaryllis season is coming to a close here.
Our white plants are late bloomers,
which allows us to enjoy their lingering beauty.
And, enjoy, we do!
While reviewing old photographs, I found a large collection of sunset shots.
Do I take these photos as a hobby, or has it become a habit?
I never set out to build such a collection, yet I have many. And still, I frequently stop to snap a quick shot at the day’s end, adding yet another.
I never tire of sunsets.
The day’s end
The gift of a sunset
Given the opportunity
It’s a time to stop
Appreciate beauty
Reflect on the day
Savor the quiet
Unwind
Relax
This luxury is all possible simply because the Earth
revolved one more time around the sun.
