tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916070973490056532024-03-28T10:30:31.535-07:00Dodging the BulletsLife in Oakland,
CaliforniaJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08448761429086187421noreply@blogger.comBlogger325125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291607097349005653.post-30551761670449780212024-03-28T10:30:00.002-07:002024-03-28T10:30:00.144-07:00The End of an Era<p>It's been the powerhouse, the workhorse of the kitchen here for nearly forty years. Banana smoothies for me - no prob. Mixing massive amounts of basil for pesto for the freezer - easy peasy. More, more, and yet more of velvety smooth <a href="https://dodgingthebulletsinoakland.blogspot.com/2024/02/the-last-squash.html">squash soup</a> - kids' stuff.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7NAUUbFoaPATk3E-9AiI4_2kuLcFXXcAnEWLzPQ7OUWmcV9q47wKCvUJ8HfdnLVowXc50dfW3sGom36u-4qaIh61FGmvDEZ6gml2Dj5LYTsNbSkqdI7XLpRbIQyovkVENtvqFYyLYEssQbBMcHy4tUWhMrYB7cY5TyZKNV1zJ80cOC6GmPJDPw7buwI/s640/IMG_5251.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7NAUUbFoaPATk3E-9AiI4_2kuLcFXXcAnEWLzPQ7OUWmcV9q47wKCvUJ8HfdnLVowXc50dfW3sGom36u-4qaIh61FGmvDEZ6gml2Dj5LYTsNbSkqdI7XLpRbIQyovkVENtvqFYyLYEssQbBMcHy4tUWhMrYB7cY5TyZKNV1zJ80cOC6GmPJDPw7buwI/w400-h300/IMG_5251.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And before that, who knows? It belonged to my best guy's Mom before it came to us, and she passed in 1986. And then, one day (last Sunday, actually), it met up with the sink faucet...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thankfully, there are replacement units. One is now on order, and we are all hoping that it arrives very soon and in perfect working order. Because those bananas are becoming seriously ripe. </div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08448761429086187421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291607097349005653.post-60408991352404404662024-02-29T15:00:00.001-08:002024-02-29T15:00:00.131-08:00The Last Squash<p>Promise. We ate or gave away all the other ones. And most definitely, the last post about squash for a very looong time. Promise.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpmRSMs8TurQp9X4NySRFy2FC5_Zr46SdMX0Y1uwQDhboC58EmIZ-rF8qWFlmJUBgZjuk-GOHv8LEgNfFpl_dQjEyhvIVCohnLG8Vl4AHDNxPl1nivP8_UWdPc2Y8ZLdf-75vmX37R7mK_LuXKGR23-Yywern_U49qtgbFYINTtPrYHjsipN5ULCVlTI/s640/IMG_5218.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="290" data-original-width="640" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpmRSMs8TurQp9X4NySRFy2FC5_Zr46SdMX0Y1uwQDhboC58EmIZ-rF8qWFlmJUBgZjuk-GOHv8LEgNfFpl_dQjEyhvIVCohnLG8Vl4AHDNxPl1nivP8_UWdPc2Y8ZLdf-75vmX37R7mK_LuXKGR23-Yywern_U49qtgbFYINTtPrYHjsipN5ULCVlTI/w640-h292/IMG_5218.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">But you have to admit, it's a beauty at 12.5 lbs. (although other people have said things like, "hilarious" and "gonna be a lot of soup"). All true, but not very nice to say out loud. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">(Banana for scale)</div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08448761429086187421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291607097349005653.post-8394521036775532582024-01-29T16:30:00.001-08:002024-01-29T16:42:04.332-08:00The Beach<p>It's been raining, and it's supposed to rain again. What better time to head out to <a href="https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/tennessee_valley.htm">Tennessee Valley</a> for a hike. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguyyiC6XWPBFG2q7_C49IUHK6OUP_edlOQOXS8XL-unI_Oy46BgGYGsP3u51XXVvAE5k5x24Lxf3s1nq3PU5N_VrpfrCj9bB20x2iOoS-vFB5LQKAr9aEzmS2SEFOiCU3tXTPknac7M1pEaJDCRnGLi6SlVbf2KlPMUsvF4v7-QvaOACMYwIDuTBGSAyI/s640/IMG_4027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguyyiC6XWPBFG2q7_C49IUHK6OUP_edlOQOXS8XL-unI_Oy46BgGYGsP3u51XXVvAE5k5x24Lxf3s1nq3PU5N_VrpfrCj9bB20x2iOoS-vFB5LQKAr9aEzmS2SEFOiCU3tXTPknac7M1pEaJDCRnGLi6SlVbf2KlPMUsvF4v7-QvaOACMYwIDuTBGSAyI/w400-h302/IMG_4027.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6Tkqo47w-1DyE1yQzxCnRGo7AcCmM8SI0w-8E1AL-AhoiUGdhDysYXcxhhfVnwUegXlyptxugZcJ-olWT5df_yewbVO5rM66AjJ-q2eHde8jVXdsjmHm4XPiCRVnNruxwUJxZXqpE7Od3HzkmgZoLSChrABVZK9EPcP5RmJDw6JTz8EMxF-uMqr7hOE/s640/IMG_4029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6Tkqo47w-1DyE1yQzxCnRGo7AcCmM8SI0w-8E1AL-AhoiUGdhDysYXcxhhfVnwUegXlyptxugZcJ-olWT5df_yewbVO5rM66AjJ-q2eHde8jVXdsjmHm4XPiCRVnNruxwUJxZXqpE7Od3HzkmgZoLSChrABVZK9EPcP5RmJDw6JTz8EMxF-uMqr7hOE/w400-h300/IMG_4029.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlgtLqvyiro8xNiyyV3H0kQ-UB-DzAF4zYsUk0ilcS0U6u2Gn0WdE8ZX1x9wh2Owba6KRVhG_PjJYRLFGDZzuNCmPYUnBscXq9fwIBTUQDDGYl-uxYRG7c-F3dlYr2LUZMetN6nj4OepV1lNJn1ZAHQKrZqQHKG4yeOoGEaVh-1h0KoAfhmdvE27ifWU0/s640/IMG_4030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlgtLqvyiro8xNiyyV3H0kQ-UB-DzAF4zYsUk0ilcS0U6u2Gn0WdE8ZX1x9wh2Owba6KRVhG_PjJYRLFGDZzuNCmPYUnBscXq9fwIBTUQDDGYl-uxYRG7c-F3dlYr2LUZMetN6nj4OepV1lNJn1ZAHQKrZqQHKG4yeOoGEaVh-1h0KoAfhmdvE27ifWU0/w400-h300/IMG_4030.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><p><br /></p>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08448761429086187421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291607097349005653.post-88165165286488758272023-12-27T15:00:00.001-08:002023-12-27T15:00:00.146-08:00Sisters<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2oN8y3vmNAT_QVTEYCnfaCLxg_3MBnebCVIzd-r8rrgMFnqSw3x5LR2eqEkG5EAIma_CBwRIJRS5VNX-iniTJ55E-eqIn3CPaqrR5mCPliBkA2_m2eEOiZFf1G0Ik46iqvihiWOCNGtsXMYAMQj2wsINgXuaD0c6E4z1hmlGiQw4A33CJf6GPbKFHsA/s640/IMG_4982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2oN8y3vmNAT_QVTEYCnfaCLxg_3MBnebCVIzd-r8rrgMFnqSw3x5LR2eqEkG5EAIma_CBwRIJRS5VNX-iniTJ55E-eqIn3CPaqrR5mCPliBkA2_m2eEOiZFf1G0Ik46iqvihiWOCNGtsXMYAMQj2wsINgXuaD0c6E4z1hmlGiQw4A33CJf6GPbKFHsA/s320/IMG_4982.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Back in the days, as in, last year, when the <a href="https://dodgingthebulletsinoakland.blogspot.com/2021/04/theyre-back.html">wrens</a> happily nested in their gourd house, life was good. But this year, it became all too obvious that the birdhouse was becoming a rickety tear-down. Something needed to be done.<p></p><p>A packet of seeds, a pile of compost and a long growing season later, we got some new housing stock. Potentially. All related, and all still connected. (Since then, they have been cut off the vine and moved onto the porch for shelter.)</p><p>I'm not yet hopeful, perhaps just wishful, that they will cure properly (or at least some small number of them won't rot out completely) and become new homes for the next generations of wrens. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuEKFAjRjYzn1bEiwtA-ENeQw3LKu1cC2TQnRylQVEduSRe_ea2eK8sXzEiSHw8cIyPqqWhDO4FH5GTQ121Rb3JIZ4yNp9xWedySklClRx3uaIXm9sy0puOGH4StmE_rH1qQShmunBKSqisZvkjfjiShVbGzxgMzF93VLiSpG9W8CUzETLH7X9B60fsc/s640/IMG_5163.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuEKFAjRjYzn1bEiwtA-ENeQw3LKu1cC2TQnRylQVEduSRe_ea2eK8sXzEiSHw8cIyPqqWhDO4FH5GTQ121Rb3JIZ4yNp9xWedySklClRx3uaIXm9sy0puOGH4StmE_rH1qQShmunBKSqisZvkjfjiShVbGzxgMzF93VLiSpG9W8CUzETLH7X9B60fsc/w640-h480/IMG_5163.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08448761429086187421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291607097349005653.post-17968386864611550062023-12-01T11:00:00.001-08:002023-12-01T11:00:00.138-08:00CharlotteI was getting very worried, and even commented on it to a few people who wouldn't think that I was getting (even more) odd. <div><br /></div><div>But it's been years, literally years, since I have noticed <a href="https://www.wildlifeheritage.org/orb-weaver-spider/">orb weaver spiders</a> hanging out in their (her, actually) large, round webs in the front yard. The last time I remember seeing them was probably in 2018; definitely since before the pandemic. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSS5pu_a9aW115xLO_69K9ovyzej4eSmvRHBdPtJ5BC402J82F7grqGQucXgYkT6X_5riq0V34atQVtszgJw2r4WwHjOqAv-_BA_zJYlgxsT_mp4AysmQT7e8lKhnwN0tjUZmkbZT_l_6Sw7tQm0J45UrYnfl3zdGma5_OLnArxjJtWi4Mf5SkThiT020/s640/IMG_5071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSS5pu_a9aW115xLO_69K9ovyzej4eSmvRHBdPtJ5BC402J82F7grqGQucXgYkT6X_5riq0V34atQVtszgJw2r4WwHjOqAv-_BA_zJYlgxsT_mp4AysmQT7e8lKhnwN0tjUZmkbZT_l_6Sw7tQm0J45UrYnfl3zdGma5_OLnArxjJtWi4Mf5SkThiT020/w480-h640/IMG_5071.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlotte</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>But this year, perhaps because of all the rains this past winter, or for other reasons unknown to me, the spiders are back! </div><div><br /></div><div>My neighbor named her Charlotte (bless you, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte%27s_Web">E. B. White</a>) because she appeared while we were away on holiday and watched over Luna in our absence. And, no, she did not write, "Some Cat" in her web, but I'm sure she could have...</div><div><br /></div><div>For a few months we dodged her web each morning, sometimes rearranging it for her in ways that probably didn't make her happy. She finally figured out the problem and positioned the support line from the top on the porch pillar and not at the middle. Brilliant!</div><div><br /></div><div>I haven't seen Charlotte in a few weeks, so I'm assuming that she has moved on. I'm also hoping that at least a few of her babies will appear here next year. </div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08448761429086187421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291607097349005653.post-31032446313286721502023-11-19T10:00:00.001-08:002023-11-19T10:00:00.139-08:00A New Fashion?<p>You can wear it:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIImwAWD1VGW75ndXxW0trNe3bbPkFbCwoPRvUDPRmGEkjvxMXiXSuh33JIElaoHyC3m33sLLUOYdx8qFwRiZqbWF4QFvQrHHO7r2UQWVyK6ydf9o2zR4xLe-RU8fWRRe_9IxjrKZDSXRz4YhqHN_Zd3UC6YGRLpbkgIjl7021gcYP_Oaf5F1_IXS4us/s640/IMG_5129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIImwAWD1VGW75ndXxW0trNe3bbPkFbCwoPRvUDPRmGEkjvxMXiXSuh33JIElaoHyC3m33sLLUOYdx8qFwRiZqbWF4QFvQrHHO7r2UQWVyK6ydf9o2zR4xLe-RU8fWRRe_9IxjrKZDSXRz4YhqHN_Zd3UC6YGRLpbkgIjl7021gcYP_Oaf5F1_IXS4us/w480-h640/IMG_5129.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Or sleep in it:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKE_ObYP4-vDn-8RhO70pZiYwg9Bu35SzzKUcHcZWzxYalPCsKCaZ9wAADvuM2HrWXZg6W4AqBBNozN6MkRjnQRm1cBWWGJGztQXYAJxY2NrxMt_FtAgueok_F-jbAxIRbLY2YD_r1Xo21g9abMDIHAeDrliNq-xR4zuNecUG6vXWeua6SuJ10P9_9ObY/s640/IMG_5151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="640" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKE_ObYP4-vDn-8RhO70pZiYwg9Bu35SzzKUcHcZWzxYalPCsKCaZ9wAADvuM2HrWXZg6W4AqBBNozN6MkRjnQRm1cBWWGJGztQXYAJxY2NrxMt_FtAgueok_F-jbAxIRbLY2YD_r1Xo21g9abMDIHAeDrliNq-xR4zuNecUG6vXWeua6SuJ10P9_9ObY/w640-h430/IMG_5151.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Or??? </div><p></p>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08448761429086187421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291607097349005653.post-73525768857275976082023-10-30T12:00:00.001-07:002023-10-30T12:00:00.145-07:00Oddly (Ab)Normal<p>I know that they are tromboncino squash. I know this, but still my eyes have to blink a few times rather quickly to avoid a freakout. </p><p>Because they are definitely weird-looking. Like the fossilized internal organs from a long-extinct ruminant. Or some giant invertebrates who only appear out of the ground on every third Harvest Moon during prime numbered years. Or even as a friend commented, "I have to say, that photo is strangely anatomical, I'm almost blushing."</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCXthIg3ttcAGRHE7-ZRb3FWgHNGNsPhqNf51QyWNT2mEmkUZfXmYl_E20PyMeilw6H5ZL9X7WxA50IHZwTxJRwj2jWb6GUFmYdVvy6n6x3aGegJXAUzObZH_dPbLW4RWARCziLOhdAWHzA4DVRcbkR8cXtHViOWp_tXVFn6KS4p9NKaoDOHoiZ__2nTA/s640/IMG_5112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCXthIg3ttcAGRHE7-ZRb3FWgHNGNsPhqNf51QyWNT2mEmkUZfXmYl_E20PyMeilw6H5ZL9X7WxA50IHZwTxJRwj2jWb6GUFmYdVvy6n6x3aGegJXAUzObZH_dPbLW4RWARCziLOhdAWHzA4DVRcbkR8cXtHViOWp_tXVFn6KS4p9NKaoDOHoiZ__2nTA/w480-h640/IMG_5112.jpg" width="480" /></a></p>Good soup, though, and <u>lots</u> of it.Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08448761429086187421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291607097349005653.post-23195924742338133692023-10-10T10:30:00.003-07:002023-10-10T10:31:27.445-07:00Better Late Than Never, Right?<p> Mid-October, and the <a href="https://dodgingthebulletsinoakland.blogspot.com/2016/09/californias-five-seasons.html">San Marzano tomatoes</a> are coming into their own. But since they're all ripening up at once, they're having different futures: some are for roasting now and the rest are for sauce for this winter. And for me - it's back to the kitchen!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSfcyL9stC7P8GqEx12yomhISU_HdbkNlL4p0u_Nh2ACntwSQEq7uhemj9q1uIn00ZqPCzj2n6Ehb-YLiTJ9XLrEbdgf6RQ6hR1p8qr0CLaMx6uEbC6FiQ5gfbCfsBOtNJ9FZqnuHcnyn3HYnZ4B2ATSvmOTDKleBcrzoZiG_mnzoOn8rjcIxcUUNHfA/s640/IMG_5069.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="640" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSfcyL9stC7P8GqEx12yomhISU_HdbkNlL4p0u_Nh2ACntwSQEq7uhemj9q1uIn00ZqPCzj2n6Ehb-YLiTJ9XLrEbdgf6RQ6hR1p8qr0CLaMx6uEbC6FiQ5gfbCfsBOtNJ9FZqnuHcnyn3HYnZ4B2ATSvmOTDKleBcrzoZiG_mnzoOn8rjcIxcUUNHfA/w640-h536/IMG_5069.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08448761429086187421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291607097349005653.post-67680708952664104752023-09-29T13:30:00.002-07:002023-09-29T13:33:08.151-07:00Ferry Around the Bay<p>It's summer once again, that little splash of rain notwithstanding, and the new crop of "summer" visitors should be arriving soon. Now we all know how difficult it can be to find new things for them to do and see. So why not try the ferry?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2S-PWp11fqapCuicQnilrAlCtZrExGGgthJ7tmyQ-D2xcLisQdgXKh-KbDpReLwfIQJgb1aIXtmpGbvNUIU1BjCJE6fI4OeQ6RynjWevpsDZd7BrhxOmdbTUCdfZcPSp6y6oYBnopq24Y3-XvIn08ljPrTun-mEQYsa6tI2PClX9xjfNEkVhGT7Ix9k/s560/IMG_3512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="560" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2S-PWp11fqapCuicQnilrAlCtZrExGGgthJ7tmyQ-D2xcLisQdgXKh-KbDpReLwfIQJgb1aIXtmpGbvNUIU1BjCJE6fI4OeQ6RynjWevpsDZd7BrhxOmdbTUCdfZcPSp6y6oYBnopq24Y3-XvIn08ljPrTun-mEQYsa6tI2PClX9xjfNEkVhGT7Ix9k/w640-h480/IMG_3512.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Our dear friend <a href="https://www.kqed.org/perspectives/201601143519/helen-doyle-enjoy-the-nature-around-you">Helen Doyle</a> recently wrote a comprehensive guide to ferrying around the bay in <a href="https://baynature.org/2023/03/16/explore-the-bay-by-ferry/">Bay Nature</a> magazine. It spurred us to take the ferry from Richmond (easy parking) to San Francisco, and then straight back again. <p></p><p>So why not stay a bit longer in SF? Well, we had to make it back for happy hour at <a href="http://www.armisticebrewing.com">Armistice</a>...</p>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08448761429086187421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291607097349005653.post-22959901494017235162023-09-02T11:30:00.002-07:002023-09-02T11:30:00.147-07:00Garden Lanterns<p>It took forever, absolutely forever to complete these. But finally, finally, finally, I hit upon a way to keep them upright, not sinking away into the ground and stable. Whew!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Daytime</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQ5neBVKqbReAzS6q3bUa40RiR4di2R0TAUmf0MkCxUXfY-0QyecMtc45kf3bBU7n4uaxegngbtg_t510w7LKmaAPRHTsa-L7yPNuQuGdZxi4-lnYcdRjZbKYO_TbQ32cwaCfgrsbi-5RWCStIGV8xBpt7GUS4F05Xj0UvyYhQLNs4cHeJxo5_7eovpw/s640/Lanterns-2023.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQ5neBVKqbReAzS6q3bUa40RiR4di2R0TAUmf0MkCxUXfY-0QyecMtc45kf3bBU7n4uaxegngbtg_t510w7LKmaAPRHTsa-L7yPNuQuGdZxi4-lnYcdRjZbKYO_TbQ32cwaCfgrsbi-5RWCStIGV8xBpt7GUS4F05Xj0UvyYhQLNs4cHeJxo5_7eovpw/w400-h640/Lanterns-2023.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">Nighttime</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkLhOSsBLmNnGLqpRCX-EsrytpYMNicqHgRT1_vB1yTZ93fS-HCxUHSBUI9rfRS0Lg3emo_5uF1lz5EV2dJTQ2z6xdA5kklXb5jua0oECNNG99fCEF2EsNjvmyoyuugSgtUYAma47dXFyWDUo3M_ZOdiJuFk43s_W9GeB-gQoawRbZn7gJFuVefzTiYU/s3000/-Nighttime2023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="1710" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkLhOSsBLmNnGLqpRCX-EsrytpYMNicqHgRT1_vB1yTZ93fS-HCxUHSBUI9rfRS0Lg3emo_5uF1lz5EV2dJTQ2z6xdA5kklXb5jua0oECNNG99fCEF2EsNjvmyoyuugSgtUYAma47dXFyWDUo3M_ZOdiJuFk43s_W9GeB-gQoawRbZn7gJFuVefzTiYU/w364-h640/-Nighttime2023.jpg" width="364" /></a></div><p></p>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08448761429086187421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291607097349005653.post-37713675658552105952023-08-21T11:30:00.001-07:002023-08-21T11:30:00.148-07:00Once More, It's Spring in the Desert<p>In fact, it's a mini "Super Bloom" for the <a href="https://mountaincrestgardens.com/echinopsis-subdenudata-dominos-large-limited/">Echinopsis subdenudata 'Dominos'</a>. Since early spring, it has been blooming, but only one or two blossoms at a time. But today, well today, is a good day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzCmIoLCfFjKc5LRKep_9ahumYNyfeBRdESdNFpUNWK6FPCKrMw0KaNJAKvIcYxO8pg5uizS18s1vmuwXii7ffJbgppdq9Y4Ws-WUSZggS0Uc-CQroTkm-jInKoWRQSqZr5ymwjyGSsGWWGSemwYbE063a14sp_b3sExDG2jXT7m5zvtSi1DlSEnGmt4/s640/IMG_4990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzCmIoLCfFjKc5LRKep_9ahumYNyfeBRdESdNFpUNWK6FPCKrMw0KaNJAKvIcYxO8pg5uizS18s1vmuwXii7ffJbgppdq9Y4Ws-WUSZggS0Uc-CQroTkm-jInKoWRQSqZr5ymwjyGSsGWWGSemwYbE063a14sp_b3sExDG2jXT7m5zvtSi1DlSEnGmt4/w640-h480/IMG_4990.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Even the honeybees seem to agree - </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicVjpoSdHzsbwW5Q4Hd9JFEqz3BpOOjGbQlKH_6oq7FOEbwrC_X3JWa8gVpxWqB2enBJDuacN4vTNzrZSg4Yu3CqsHaY9orYUoq4j-zAgfQ1n7kXFBF-ESWMYKS1fVQ0uh6Pr3Hu2O5rtdfxn63WnqajF0WGbm3QGBNM8cI9xm2gZMFxR6gPpwgvKtMg/s640/IMG_4996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="640" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicVjpoSdHzsbwW5Q4Hd9JFEqz3BpOOjGbQlKH_6oq7FOEbwrC_X3JWa8gVpxWqB2enBJDuacN4vTNzrZSg4Yu3CqsHaY9orYUoq4j-zAgfQ1n7kXFBF-ESWMYKS1fVQ0uh6Pr3Hu2O5rtdfxn63WnqajF0WGbm3QGBNM8cI9xm2gZMFxR6gPpwgvKtMg/w640-h530/IMG_4996.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08448761429086187421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291607097349005653.post-44347490221612563972023-07-17T11:30:00.003-07:002023-07-17T11:30:00.134-07:00No Complaints<p> Well, it's looking to be a really crappy year in the vegetable patch, but there are compensations: </p><p style="text-align: center;">LILIES GALORE</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBp0XTJp_MXsa3hW-YUIuZvlgzQEbyddjglNpaUBatgtUEGvkUk0siPfNUA9Bt2NxpO1ePFVBLkqtOsvlpBh2TEDoSqjNrA07v65gls5lMQmr2W9KaG-owlAM-NCMB1UI7H6GliGyu-Dmmev4p9AOz-3RLBPNXe-mhg9vOjuSQutAEnrbZScHcsd6OmfM/s640/IMG_4920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBp0XTJp_MXsa3hW-YUIuZvlgzQEbyddjglNpaUBatgtUEGvkUk0siPfNUA9Bt2NxpO1ePFVBLkqtOsvlpBh2TEDoSqjNrA07v65gls5lMQmr2W9KaG-owlAM-NCMB1UI7H6GliGyu-Dmmev4p9AOz-3RLBPNXe-mhg9vOjuSQutAEnrbZScHcsd6OmfM/w640-h480/IMG_4920.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">No, you can't eat them - poisonous to you, me, cats, dogs, most everyone - but a feast for the eyes!</span></p>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08448761429086187421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291607097349005653.post-36555190255970866492023-06-18T11:00:00.001-07:002023-06-18T11:00:00.131-07:00The BoxIt's 9" by 12", wood, probably pine, and became a favorite snoozing spot starting in September, 2021:<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nC3MSEqnWyPmlb4LORqEcFXJqS5o_-9GVUmtayY06SQelL9iTfkxb-TpPSjZ5knZfq2_zMIK8728xML0TJjDYe0-P3tKuv2W4elFXphNyn0BRA3EzTovu1kwZG8gM89caoCx5hvNt3dGdcqkbTANYprwb31hZ1aGiTNAht2tRk1PyGsfSlmOlhnJ/s411/P1070325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="411" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nC3MSEqnWyPmlb4LORqEcFXJqS5o_-9GVUmtayY06SQelL9iTfkxb-TpPSjZ5knZfq2_zMIK8728xML0TJjDYe0-P3tKuv2W4elFXphNyn0BRA3EzTovu1kwZG8gM89caoCx5hvNt3dGdcqkbTANYprwb31hZ1aGiTNAht2tRk1PyGsfSlmOlhnJ/w640-h480/P1070325.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>It's still is a favorite spot, even though the fit is a bit tight:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7wV6prByNeto_UacgEQxHUrNWgUu0yYOisiffoHYI2DU1DP1_leYPOVUFAAZpvlY-pM-c-E-PYTGLGmBOVN4HgDyJGOZ1Ew-5QWE1AhVShdDq5dIjcAbBrZi0bbZFk5S_bTj_sHxE8AYuqA0a1py-I8IxiH1fWPYjQFmnVqEZdklhhTYiSUi-BJB/s640/IMG_4836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7wV6prByNeto_UacgEQxHUrNWgUu0yYOisiffoHYI2DU1DP1_leYPOVUFAAZpvlY-pM-c-E-PYTGLGmBOVN4HgDyJGOZ1Ew-5QWE1AhVShdDq5dIjcAbBrZi0bbZFk5S_bTj_sHxE8AYuqA0a1py-I8IxiH1fWPYjQFmnVqEZdklhhTYiSUi-BJB/w480-h640/IMG_4836.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08448761429086187421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291607097349005653.post-7575245508102695672023-06-01T10:00:00.004-07:002023-06-01T10:00:00.134-07:00Spotless<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkKwhRDgAmut2LvqL6IPzAC3g78CZW1BtGLamdUVhM-9XaupA_ONHBLTqd8KWT3uptxzSBv_1WOcTM4UaI3WUFDl9S3cCMjSs061SE_jJkU8cb45qk4oPFM-X0py9KEaWO5GQRL9rsuitGvUclZ6oi8uviWdv45Gr0ZTKyhd-TPsH9VyhVJmiAjkIV/s671/IMG_4890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="671" data-original-width="503" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkKwhRDgAmut2LvqL6IPzAC3g78CZW1BtGLamdUVhM-9XaupA_ONHBLTqd8KWT3uptxzSBv_1WOcTM4UaI3WUFDl9S3cCMjSs061SE_jJkU8cb45qk4oPFM-X0py9KEaWO5GQRL9rsuitGvUclZ6oi8uviWdv45Gr0ZTKyhd-TPsH9VyhVJmiAjkIV/w480-h640/IMG_4890.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>It sure looked like a ladybug, except it was the wrong color, no spots, and was sitting on this extremely weird bug-esque thing. The sort of thing that you would swat away and then step on, even with our smack-in-your-face <a href="https://xerces.org/blog/insect-apocalypse-what-is-really-happening-why-it-matters-and-how-we-all-can-help">insect apocalypse</a>. <p></p><p>And then it clicked: it's a newly hatching ladybug. Pristine, shiny and still developing.</p><p><br /></p><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQWjxDei7kGRWC6ahCWc6Sps90kDHYYfEUA574srJ-1X6nFHb3YFizYzUSwMsnoWTg1qwYvk_pP3AQdhzNgiCLAaNZ_E6H0Mrxw7fTFl1trScGCWhbIXtV2Ms9CmwcsBenVKHq7aAgfFztH-hxUVyFAOKtYUc4gADStCr7E3x9RDXMD1MTB14QIYr/s291/Ladybug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="291" data-original-width="204" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQWjxDei7kGRWC6ahCWc6Sps90kDHYYfEUA574srJ-1X6nFHb3YFizYzUSwMsnoWTg1qwYvk_pP3AQdhzNgiCLAaNZ_E6H0Mrxw7fTFl1trScGCWhbIXtV2Ms9CmwcsBenVKHq7aAgfFztH-hxUVyFAOKtYUc4gADStCr7E3x9RDXMD1MTB14QIYr/w281-h400/Ladybug.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">So I watched it for a bit, got bored and went back to planting stuff. Then I remembered to go and take another look. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A newly minted Seven-Spotted Ladybug (coccinella septempunctata)!</div></span></div><p> </p>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08448761429086187421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291607097349005653.post-35809507453044721402023-05-23T13:00:00.006-07:002023-05-23T13:00:00.156-07:00The Sweet Season<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutscyRdQAG5CYFuY_iXZzcbEo0vxIxzCx0liCB9q-zyG0eNuYEl6HLVh0weACOVHJZeJDEuPpPi7Lfs0yYV0S2ebV7xs3IyHXVDIUS_gRn6hjRUP6Be9bjsifCm8hn15sxtV7wIXGBOMoJgwhakHMJd8HfGwCWDjO432_WUIAovhJ7VO8uVUrNtKm/s640/IMG_4878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="563" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutscyRdQAG5CYFuY_iXZzcbEo0vxIxzCx0liCB9q-zyG0eNuYEl6HLVh0weACOVHJZeJDEuPpPi7Lfs0yYV0S2ebV7xs3IyHXVDIUS_gRn6hjRUP6Be9bjsifCm8hn15sxtV7wIXGBOMoJgwhakHMJd8HfGwCWDjO432_WUIAovhJ7VO8uVUrNtKm/w564-h640/IMG_4878.jpg" width="564" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Peas (Lathyrus odoratus) Hi-Scent</td></tr></tbody></table>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08448761429086187421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291607097349005653.post-2812247072883514602023-04-25T13:00:00.003-07:002023-04-25T13:00:00.134-07:00Green, Greener, Greenest<br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXECThSH7Wsl605IdTe3p2B3FDfWYwe4F5JNxQNzB5bPhMn_GaT4SZuA1KSFiRfZVx9Jmg9S-HLAB4XxgjqkULzi_WUVHmYO4p-kef5AxiUoH3ma6exydwWSEmMt29FDzMZXyLbqQZcIfW5JeusTB2bUlRRJko9vUubuHMhipoMcVQciAObrgiZONv/s640/IMG_3479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXECThSH7Wsl605IdTe3p2B3FDfWYwe4F5JNxQNzB5bPhMn_GaT4SZuA1KSFiRfZVx9Jmg9S-HLAB4XxgjqkULzi_WUVHmYO4p-kef5AxiUoH3ma6exydwWSEmMt29FDzMZXyLbqQZcIfW5JeusTB2bUlRRJko9vUubuHMhipoMcVQciAObrgiZONv/w480-h640/IMG_3479.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Not exactly the <a href="https://www.kqed.org/science/1981882/where-to-see-wildflowers-near-you-in-the-bay-area-plus-the-science-behind-the-super-bloom">super bloom</a> along the <a href="https://ridgetrail.org/mount-tamalpais-pan-toll-to-bolinas-fairfax-road/">Bolinas Ridge Trail</a> on Mt. Tam, but a wonderful hike, regardless.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have no doubt that in a few short weeks, the lupines will be fully in bloom. Then you will need to stand back and keep your sunglasses on. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJHLtYgJ1TIZ8FO9Qe6eDLGnYhVDsRYjBIcmFYcsK0eez0w4bYEbeq5YwWOS8u9sQNsZwVkligAMcTJCTLfcTDfXbXNY9rrMfqQX39uL-YYgNbuIdy-4Y8AwsvV5jgw5AjXKj_U3iI7xYAM9XiW3vyDMWAZs2jZCSeCcnCHvv1KC5NwpaBgafWRnE/s640/IMG_3483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJHLtYgJ1TIZ8FO9Qe6eDLGnYhVDsRYjBIcmFYcsK0eez0w4bYEbeq5YwWOS8u9sQNsZwVkligAMcTJCTLfcTDfXbXNY9rrMfqQX39uL-YYgNbuIdy-4Y8AwsvV5jgw5AjXKj_U3iI7xYAM9XiW3vyDMWAZs2jZCSeCcnCHvv1KC5NwpaBgafWRnE/w640-h480/IMG_3483.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08448761429086187421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291607097349005653.post-75248930812287335492023-03-31T12:00:00.001-07:002023-03-31T12:00:00.172-07:00Springtime!<p> Maybe? Fingers crossed...</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dwFnjGiwChMxZ8Fmk4_CQk_z4-IRpz8akMNKB8l4Gaz-DqBkqBI3FrgKAcIPdswokLtu1l6u2-eJrIO3y-fQIK-zTRhGN5p2E2kwKKLZ6NbbPrz9EpI2dNIqGZSyCF0kjUQglkD1EcimA1qkeY1bPEsoGhBnzGGT-46pYQqYgVz6ExgOBvSe1rLl/s640/IMG_4803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dwFnjGiwChMxZ8Fmk4_CQk_z4-IRpz8akMNKB8l4Gaz-DqBkqBI3FrgKAcIPdswokLtu1l6u2-eJrIO3y-fQIK-zTRhGN5p2E2kwKKLZ6NbbPrz9EpI2dNIqGZSyCF0kjUQglkD1EcimA1qkeY1bPEsoGhBnzGGT-46pYQqYgVz6ExgOBvSe1rLl/w640-h400/IMG_4803.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calendulas</td></tr></tbody></table></p>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08448761429086187421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291607097349005653.post-44158909844053818822023-03-17T10:51:00.005-07:002023-03-17T10:53:48.763-07:00Laundry Day<div style="text-align: center;">Who knew that a kitchen cloth that had been rinsed in bleach could be so much fun...</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyANwto9jdDnXvFgQckG8vZyXQfYOBlHgMoyGH4kN20o0KsmQgZMRkPAN7yY5FyELgbnNsjc1rHF0LPIUe2-Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08448761429086187421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291607097349005653.post-14660057672420609692023-02-23T15:30:00.005-08:002023-02-23T15:30:00.171-08:00Una Abundanza (An Abundance)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapyP0VC6_JwO1QXsqsiMPq9BzQmOvrLJAavp6rhExhu-zJtNpuMTxFtFM0VnYEh4QgBty0REg98441DfLoJjGjgJ0oPQDOFRAet9ckAKj4VsgjxKVcCBwvgXkI8mbZ9El6in2O2QrbWeBcQjcmCwcC9ntsTbTwCfR4LKa5nQrJZyR1KuvK0Aw_tCK/s640/IMG_4614.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="640" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapyP0VC6_JwO1QXsqsiMPq9BzQmOvrLJAavp6rhExhu-zJtNpuMTxFtFM0VnYEh4QgBty0REg98441DfLoJjGjgJ0oPQDOFRAet9ckAKj4VsgjxKVcCBwvgXkI8mbZ9El6in2O2QrbWeBcQjcmCwcC9ntsTbTwCfR4LKa5nQrJZyR1KuvK0Aw_tCK/w400-h270/IMG_4614.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>So the <a href="https://dodgingthebulletsinoakland.blogspot.com/2020/07/a-small-disappointment.html">tromboncino squash</a> didn't do poo-poo this past summer, but the other guy sharing the turf did just fine: two 10+ pound <a href="https://www.rareseeds.com/marina-di-chioggia-pumpkin">Marina di Chioggia</a> squashes (Cucurbita maxima). <div><br /></div><div>Green-gray on the outside, orange on the inside, it's considered one of the premier winter squashes. Sad fact is that I don't really like winter squash very much. Soup is fine, ravioli is tasty, but that's about my limit. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><p><br /></p><p>Now you may wonder why I would grow something that I don't really like. Well, we were given a squash, which was turned into a delicious soup. So I saved some seeds, thinking that it would be my chance to see whether, with one of the best squash varieties in town, grown under ideal conditions (tee-hee), my narrow, judgmental mind could be persuaded. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDzBiOzMRl11fvYlXGFtnwsQ0gjrqQ_Cqy0WygKqGECI2lMXQfoSIMG4JaEb47YDeopI87kuQH4CLRMzG3CAyg6ciisIdGcpgYTGorqIgB7oCtHGyI0iIjYwnqaf2x05dB3wUsNToiKN8E1PlnA2TpTBnFTT9LzS8AFzHZ-9nBp93X55HTfKBaiRK/s640/IMG_4759.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDzBiOzMRl11fvYlXGFtnwsQ0gjrqQ_Cqy0WygKqGECI2lMXQfoSIMG4JaEb47YDeopI87kuQH4CLRMzG3CAyg6ciisIdGcpgYTGorqIgB7oCtHGyI0iIjYwnqaf2x05dB3wUsNToiKN8E1PlnA2TpTBnFTT9LzS8AFzHZ-9nBp93X55HTfKBaiRK/w400-h300/IMG_4759.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;">And the answer? A big fat "maybe". I looked at a ton of recipes for roasted squash - considered to be the best technique for enhancing the flavor - and (mostly) followed the instructions. Tasted it, and decided that it was simply, wonderfully, just okay. Excellent for your health, pretty on the plate, far superior to anything you could get in the market, easy to grow and very productive, but... just okay. </p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkeu0-SYJ0bEDHtn0EkNoCZTLc1pPIEVM2zu5TWuz7GMoQjqEYyvs4t6BBZpyjLX6MT56O33j1nfRxzcAHnAK6qXjF90PJK08ry4MiNRBvCNF6gnRw7XsI5JJmcYezpm9moTaa1ksQYN8z4u07uYZ9CcSN1JWT3wZ98nlOYdhYuYDBKMuH3MiqG7t2/s640/IMG_4762.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkeu0-SYJ0bEDHtn0EkNoCZTLc1pPIEVM2zu5TWuz7GMoQjqEYyvs4t6BBZpyjLX6MT56O33j1nfRxzcAHnAK6qXjF90PJK08ry4MiNRBvCNF6gnRw7XsI5JJmcYezpm9moTaa1ksQYN8z4u07uYZ9CcSN1JWT3wZ98nlOYdhYuYDBKMuH3MiqG7t2/w640-h480/IMG_4762.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Having said that, and having even done the required homework, I can now honestly recommend Marina di Chioggia squash. Especially if you like that kind of thing. </p></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08448761429086187421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291607097349005653.post-53782613462292344322023-01-30T14:00:00.001-08:002023-01-30T14:00:00.192-08:00Housing is for the Birds <p>Way back in 2017, I got involved in a silly experiment - <a href="https://dodgingthebulletsinoakland.blogspot.com/2017/03/gourds-in-driveway.html">gourd growing</a>. The vines took over the entire driveway and produced four very large, and, if I may say so, beautiful offspring. These gourds were always in the state of going-to-be: a lidded pot; a decorative bowl; a something that needed time and attention. And an empty space on some table or shelf somewhere. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjOVvrT6D4s_2EDHgZQInOvIVHX42EPcjiw4IxLSWZc8vD4K_ItCg8hgrz8MT_oRacSNQLLeUv4a1RVxX4dip88fZ0InrMSt6XFSzLzcDKqXSJZN3FI1oYkjzv1Y9LlG2gZX7RZ29L6whSRuqUm2XZVc0I3eHIlXmsEYqPlFNcbb2lG6eMyepSUnT/s640/IMG_4542.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjOVvrT6D4s_2EDHgZQInOvIVHX42EPcjiw4IxLSWZc8vD4K_ItCg8hgrz8MT_oRacSNQLLeUv4a1RVxX4dip88fZ0InrMSt6XFSzLzcDKqXSJZN3FI1oYkjzv1Y9LlG2gZX7RZ29L6whSRuqUm2XZVc0I3eHIlXmsEYqPlFNcbb2lG6eMyepSUnT/w640-h480/IMG_4542.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Instead, they sat on a very high shelf in the garage, looked down on me with contempt and impatience, and collected dust. Until yesterday, when I noticed that the early wren bird was once again exploring the birdhouse in the backyard. It was an aha moment - those lazy, languishing gourds could be someone's new family home.</p><p>A trip to the Oakland Tool Lending Library, a little bit of fiddling (to get the cord through those small holes) and filing (to smooth out the drill holes) and, ta-da!, a new home for a wren, chickadee or titmouse family. </p><p>Now because all of these little birdie types are aggressively territorial, these new gourd-homes had to be located in someone else's yard - one to the neighbors across the street, and the others far, far away in other neighborhoods. Fingers crossed that the new avian residents use them in good health and happiness.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkO9wtAri_AV98vqn_JXH_gCHBXEAnKFJWIPKRYeGcJuc700YlMXZfEMhkoLGTvhS8mNzOmax3WwMN2Wxnsp9XekhwkYciomhNYP1tFY_kl15FgRQZjtiac4Qs0fM_uDJsJiDF5MnuynPbtFnSmqAqXVVhABTHMHKwuflG0Nr0vZkYBieihPwzxJlz/s640/IMG_4720.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkO9wtAri_AV98vqn_JXH_gCHBXEAnKFJWIPKRYeGcJuc700YlMXZfEMhkoLGTvhS8mNzOmax3WwMN2Wxnsp9XekhwkYciomhNYP1tFY_kl15FgRQZjtiac4Qs0fM_uDJsJiDF5MnuynPbtFnSmqAqXVVhABTHMHKwuflG0Nr0vZkYBieihPwzxJlz/w480-h640/IMG_4720.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08448761429086187421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291607097349005653.post-89843119917189704432022-12-15T15:00:00.007-08:002023-04-25T12:15:41.557-07:00Just Another Wednesday in the Garage<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBd2jdNqOzP-ySIgk-oG7tt3SrOE4PjsFIalXBOCcS2msvgWh-FdJNhhkRI5Fj9hvHPCBCNZCDjuiGPImd07Blj1eM1PgcPaksFbafmVTTPXK7RHJh0Ti3YrwVch78Fc7x2N07j9NURZfsV8TN_pNMLQN_vORJPNx_CWxjnvNEJ7MSHcBDdxIrSgLk/s640/IMG_4606.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBd2jdNqOzP-ySIgk-oG7tt3SrOE4PjsFIalXBOCcS2msvgWh-FdJNhhkRI5Fj9hvHPCBCNZCDjuiGPImd07Blj1eM1PgcPaksFbafmVTTPXK7RHJh0Ti3YrwVch78Fc7x2N07j9NURZfsV8TN_pNMLQN_vORJPNx_CWxjnvNEJ7MSHcBDdxIrSgLk/w150-h200/IMG_4606.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before Grouting</td></tr></tbody></table>So while <a href="https://dodgingthebulletsinoakland.blogspot.com/2022/11/wednesday-is-best-day.html">Hilda</a> was working away on her gorgeous planter, I was poking around with mosaicking a small birdbath/pollinator watering hole for the backyard. Completing this little piece also contributed to the on-going and everlasting Clean-Out-The-Garage project by clearing off a small shelf. Win-win for me, and maybe even for the local wildlife. <p></p><p>So far though, <a href="https://dodgingthebulletsinoakland.blogspot.com/2022/04/captured.html">Luna</a> is the only one who I've observed drinking from it. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKM17lPWr1lxoM3miNoUrco_Bvo92ch7cH03z_VnYrvpvayxP55qbaMlXNnYYTyTUEhSJig5zOyVCgIUhk8nvoWLSkoJzZeYikWZK-TUI6Uzh3PgNRvFAQtjY14uM94qbhX2PoW7_JTmHYXacAwaD6LIqvB4gmtptYx9BISwi_Tw_nitz5mxV3T47/s640/IMG_4671.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="499" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKM17lPWr1lxoM3miNoUrco_Bvo92ch7cH03z_VnYrvpvayxP55qbaMlXNnYYTyTUEhSJig5zOyVCgIUhk8nvoWLSkoJzZeYikWZK-TUI6Uzh3PgNRvFAQtjY14uM94qbhX2PoW7_JTmHYXacAwaD6LIqvB4gmtptYx9BISwi_Tw_nitz5mxV3T47/w501-h640/IMG_4671.jpg" width="501" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08448761429086187421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291607097349005653.post-23268067627984408602022-11-18T11:00:00.002-08:002022-11-18T11:00:00.179-08:00Wednesday is the Best Day<p>Not because the work week is almost over. But because it's <span style="color: #b45f06;">Do Mosaics in the Garage Day</span>, which means that every week has a holiday smack dab in the middle. </p><p>And my friend Hilda is quite the adept. She only started in with mosaics a little more than a year ago, and now look:</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieed83oF-GGKbUYtIT_1G8HFC_UvVq25HT1_qCZ3D9N0CS9b_SuMMzjL8QI8Na_fIDinHOtYf8kws4GnYdaQ9FTB4YV5ADbBPoNaZ7iUA3sxNzNrkgvCGppF9dxV5HVV636_tcAVergRJoMvSkA3Mt_zuXolG-Y_Vknc9jftwtG1ycILe1kgNY_pcm" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieed83oF-GGKbUYtIT_1G8HFC_UvVq25HT1_qCZ3D9N0CS9b_SuMMzjL8QI8Na_fIDinHOtYf8kws4GnYdaQ9FTB4YV5ADbBPoNaZ7iUA3sxNzNrkgvCGppF9dxV5HVV636_tcAVergRJoMvSkA3Mt_zuXolG-Y_Vknc9jftwtG1ycILe1kgNY_pcm=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of Hilda West</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>I can't claim that my garage is the most comfortable or attractive "studio" (nope, I'm not sharing photos of that workspace) but somehow we manage to create beautiful things there. Especially Hilda.</p>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08448761429086187421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291607097349005653.post-18068402519875877362022-10-26T11:30:00.001-07:002022-10-26T11:30:00.175-07:00Once Again, That Votey-Changey ThingYou know what to do, and by when to do it. And I'm pretty sure that at least some of you have been doing this for long enough to not be reminded. And reminded, and reminded yet once more (that texting stuff is only useful for making the texter feel good about "being involved" and zip for the ones receiving the dopey upbeat messages from strangers, or so I think).<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdLQj6H_EzDCQtKfN17CA0g5YQaocIUi0ZF3ZkpeycxTtU0Ta7t-DhVR6AlDdaIqJYIMXRrzj-qELUyQY9eZgim5Ufuk9SVw3s9HNzthkWPzBmJJFXIz4gl1VkPHmhSDYKDagv6nFXR_tQBbrPMaohoqFnr4ZW-RyAQNRpz1VqifYV1AMu4WWITUg/s640/IMG_4637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdLQj6H_EzDCQtKfN17CA0g5YQaocIUi0ZF3ZkpeycxTtU0Ta7t-DhVR6AlDdaIqJYIMXRrzj-qELUyQY9eZgim5Ufuk9SVw3s9HNzthkWPzBmJJFXIz4gl1VkPHmhSDYKDagv6nFXR_tQBbrPMaohoqFnr4ZW-RyAQNRpz1VqifYV1AMu4WWITUg/w640-h480/IMG_4637.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>But I'm not so sure I know what to do this time in Oakland. Ten candidates for mayor, all pretty much no-names, all mouthing the same words about the same on-going issues, and I'm supposed to rank my preferences? Or up to five of my choices, when I can barely decide upon one? I know that I will figure something out, but along with so many other things, it's kinda depressing. </div><div><br /></div><div>And is anyone else really, really, completely really tired of <a href="https://www.kcra.com/article/proposition-29-explained-kidney-dialysis-clinics/41397495#">dialysis in California</a>? Yes, it's an important concern, but does it actually belong on the ballot, year after year? </div><div><br /></div><div>Okay, okay, enough of the grumpy whining - I will do my part in voting, and I hope that you will do yours as well.</div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08448761429086187421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291607097349005653.post-3253576523879672172022-09-27T11:00:00.001-07:002022-09-27T11:00:00.164-07:00Brag, Brag, Brag #8: Michael Reardon<p> So we got out of town. Yup, hard to believe, but we left Luna in the world's most capable and loving hands and headed to Sta. Barbara for an art show. An art show at the <a href="http://www.thomasreynolds.com/home.html">Thomas Reynolds Gallery</a> featuring, ta-da!, Michael Reardon. And a bunch of architects who also can paint pretty darn well. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBD9NT5s-1t1YbrvtywefaLVCowQUvy52-ZkkOm1Y-Ql31QG4MSerXecU5rHAAhRqlNwlU1KA5ctMkLiH899VAiogVY2jYcO1WjmMh61RBRRBSmXotLKleXjalFcek_xh-j_QsGIbrhizHrp3LYbpR7unnC_9Qej9j-DRg-rY2Y9Cnc7gk3rXY0zw2/s4032/Reardon-Sta-Barbara2022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBD9NT5s-1t1YbrvtywefaLVCowQUvy52-ZkkOm1Y-Ql31QG4MSerXecU5rHAAhRqlNwlU1KA5ctMkLiH899VAiogVY2jYcO1WjmMh61RBRRBSmXotLKleXjalFcek_xh-j_QsGIbrhizHrp3LYbpR7unnC_9Qej9j-DRg-rY2Y9Cnc7gk3rXY0zw2/w640-h480/Reardon-Sta-Barbara2022.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> We saw family and friends, caught rain and dodged tumbleweeds on the drive, and generally had a wonderful time. The shows up until the end of October, so if you happen to be in the vicinity of Sta. Barbara, I recommend stopping by. <p></p>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08448761429086187421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-291607097349005653.post-19432516632415767392022-09-12T10:00:00.003-07:002022-09-12T10:18:40.491-07:00Desert Blooms<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicxZvYXK-EkQooaud6q1YsOt4g6I6XiimfKX1uG6SsaC0Ddv-qA2rX6IPWXMMGOXfrXnLPcI8_ihWPERtXIdyvnyTAWiNSb8tFl3GpOKfZYT1KFwDrFS-akaUbpyFGGVPmBkluh5cjzhiP1DHn3m_WFMX4S1rXot7tE12cwbI3eWskrLEPFZDcS3I/s320/IMG_4451.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicxZvYXK-EkQooaud6q1YsOt4g6I6XiimfKX1uG6SsaC0Ddv-qA2rX6IPWXMMGOXfrXnLPcI8_ihWPERtXIdyvnyTAWiNSb8tFl3GpOKfZYT1KFwDrFS-akaUbpyFGGVPmBkluh5cjzhiP1DHn3m_WFMX4S1rXot7tE12cwbI3eWskrLEPFZDcS3I/w240-h320/IMG_4451.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WgpT_q5tWuHKmt41Of87pDiU3nfUGkN9xECnZDwSWmvBeRSD8nfv6_MIs3pThzgz1pSBqbaU-rFDHZxfxRVFlcMISVYa9f59gxLct5DtXjyMgtNnE62GC6flzhX9rgcgEyjctNriT8yhTyYGJwVIp9Q7SCNNg8WWjNxMqJ4wTXcX0fGg4r2RDAJ6/s320/IMG_4330.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="239" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WgpT_q5tWuHKmt41Of87pDiU3nfUGkN9xECnZDwSWmvBeRSD8nfv6_MIs3pThzgz1pSBqbaU-rFDHZxfxRVFlcMISVYa9f59gxLct5DtXjyMgtNnE62GC6flzhX9rgcgEyjctNriT8yhTyYGJwVIp9Q7SCNNg8WWjNxMqJ4wTXcX0fGg4r2RDAJ6/w238-h320/IMG_4330.jpg" width="238" /></a><div><br /></div><div>The little cacti in the side yard have been very busy this summer, pumping out blooms and providing a wonderful habitat for many spiders (no, I do not dust the outdoor plants. That is most definitely someone else's job).</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-VlNRx7_xll4UEejeAw2tiGDr7xaBh2um73RSeNeTvbA-FuBfugQz3rf58il1Q_AyxOdLLTZVmEofMuiplz_o_Dj-rqGc7xkBVdk_6GFlRIfA-hQHj4pVWf-rL89u07w543eDr2tR9KEiVKpjjwhx8O5qGUiYjpztuYo9955u7QdXC3by0m85Atl/s320/IMG_4444.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-VlNRx7_xll4UEejeAw2tiGDr7xaBh2um73RSeNeTvbA-FuBfugQz3rf58il1Q_AyxOdLLTZVmEofMuiplz_o_Dj-rqGc7xkBVdk_6GFlRIfA-hQHj4pVWf-rL89u07w543eDr2tR9KEiVKpjjwhx8O5qGUiYjpztuYo9955u7QdXC3by0m85Atl/w240-h320/IMG_4444.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dHoFUgEa4ojQiy0_lBhtuGfvg43jyBPvsb0yt1CoJ1kyqK-d2z7PcIXoISBxJ8uQo4VVuMpkZadVxX4KJbNWHEk2W95yXTDQVzpvL21E8U8-ZKqAWf9giIVtTi75mqSbx_84rfbjKBHbZAPFKxf7axAlwGYvMCa_81g3QhpJUov1OAIp6YTNxvN8/s320/IMG_4447.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dHoFUgEa4ojQiy0_lBhtuGfvg43jyBPvsb0yt1CoJ1kyqK-d2z7PcIXoISBxJ8uQo4VVuMpkZadVxX4KJbNWHEk2W95yXTDQVzpvL21E8U8-ZKqAWf9giIVtTi75mqSbx_84rfbjKBHbZAPFKxf7axAlwGYvMCa_81g3QhpJUov1OAIp6YTNxvN8/w240-h320/IMG_4447.jpg" width="240" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-VlNRx7_xll4UEejeAw2tiGDr7xaBh2um73RSeNeTvbA-FuBfugQz3rf58il1Q_AyxOdLLTZVmEofMuiplz_o_Dj-rqGc7xkBVdk_6GFlRIfA-hQHj4pVWf-rL89u07w543eDr2tR9KEiVKpjjwhx8O5qGUiYjpztuYo9955u7QdXC3by0m85Atl/s320/IMG_4444.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dHoFUgEa4ojQiy0_lBhtuGfvg43jyBPvsb0yt1CoJ1kyqK-d2z7PcIXoISBxJ8uQo4VVuMpkZadVxX4KJbNWHEk2W95yXTDQVzpvL21E8U8-ZKqAWf9giIVtTi75mqSbx_84rfbjKBHbZAPFKxf7axAlwGYvMCa_81g3QhpJUov1OAIp6YTNxvN8/s320/IMG_4447.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The most unexpected bloomer was the Tiger Jaws (<a href="https://mountaincrestgardens.com/faucaria-felina-tiger-jaws/">Faucaria felina</a>) from South Africa, technically not a cactus, but amazing in its own way. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">T<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLOwLECHF8_H7LumMwcFTwaDOuVXwPhNb3J68VUkz5tdopW-t6fyJaX_ixg8UPH2E0fMykgf7na84gmZEHaEEf8w9w_qgcthJ19ajukEk1fxE-1rgxpe1F7TS1Qdfjs_4mJZEbjQjAxjVlayNpliP68cwWu8rjnIs0Vr9HQ9wpnacIqu63MFtbyw8/s320/IMG_4575.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLOwLECHF8_H7LumMwcFTwaDOuVXwPhNb3J68VUkz5tdopW-t6fyJaX_ixg8UPH2E0fMykgf7na84gmZEHaEEf8w9w_qgcthJ19ajukEk1fxE-1rgxpe1F7TS1Qdfjs_4mJZEbjQjAxjVlayNpliP68cwWu8rjnIs0Vr9HQ9wpnacIqu63MFtbyw8/w480-h640/IMG_4575.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WgpT_q5tWuHKmt41Of87pDiU3nfUGkN9xECnZDwSWmvBeRSD8nfv6_MIs3pThzgz1pSBqbaU-rFDHZxfxRVFlcMISVYa9f59gxLct5DtXjyMgtNnE62GC6flzhX9rgcgEyjctNriT8yhTyYGJwVIp9Q7SCNNg8WWjNxMqJ4wTXcX0fGg4r2RDAJ6/s320/IMG_4330.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><p></p></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08448761429086187421noreply@blogger.com0