- CEDAR WAXWINGS -

1. 
   
2. The cedar waxwing is a member of the family Bombycillidae or waxwing family of passerine birds. It is a medium sized, mostly brown, gray, and yellow bird named for its wax-like wing tips. Wikipedia
4. Scientific name: Bombycilla cedrorum
5. Higher classification: Waxwing
6. Rank: Species

I copied the above from Google images since I was very unsuccessful in capturing a photo of these birds from the high distance at the top of the Sycamore Tree next door.
                                                                                               The Cedar Waxwing birds have now left our area after eating all of the berries on Chris' bush.  They were here for almost a month.  The interesting thing I noticed of these handsome birds is how they always faced the sun when they perched on the huge Sycamore tree in between their feeding feast in the berry bush. 

They always seemed to be in groups and took turns feeding on the berries.  Chris did have to move her car from under the tree due to the droppings.  It was quite a mess.  Things are back to normal for parking, though sad to say,  these lovely birds have moved on.  

The good news is that I still have the gold finches, towhee's and sparrows as everyday visitors.  The mocking bird shows up frequently sharing the new songs it has learned.  It apparently has dropped his version of the wood pecker for now.  I think a good thing.  The Eurasian Collared Dove have made a new nest so we will be expecting soon.  I also saw a pair of mourning dove a few days ago.  As dense as the olive tree is I imagine there is enough room at the "Inn" for all of them.

The car!    Well, the beginning of this tale goes back to December, 2014.  Things were moving along nicely with negotiations and everything else agreed upon and settled.  The vehicle had been checked by a mechanic and the seller and I agreed on a sale price to cover the estimated repairs.  Then we began the complicated process of determining and acquiring the required documents for DMV.  We finally got that nailed down and forwarded the documents to the seller for signatures.  And then, no response from the seller.

In order to avoid compromising the issue, let's just say it may be another month before I actually take custody of the vehicle.  Lots of paperwork, some mechanic work to be done, smog check and additional DMV involvement must be accomplished before all is said and done.  I am holding good thoughts for the end of March. 

We had some good rain a bit ago and a little recently, which is keeping our lovely hills green, though now we may be back to a short dry spell.  We also had some unusually beautiful weather for this time of year.  Fog showed up a few days ago and I had almost forgotten how that feels.  Good for the skin though can be challenging for the spirits.  The sun is back out today along with a breeze and I am loving it!  




I am continuing to celebrate my birthday.  I read somewhere that we truly can celebrate for 30 days before and 30 days after the actual event.  I am testing it out and it feels as though it is a good thing to do.  I seem to be able to celebrate any time, birthday or not.  So, feel free to join me whenever you wish.  I know where all the great goodies and ice cream places are in town.  Thank you to all who have and will share it with me...




It is amazing to realize that I have been back here in Morro Bay for a little over a year now.  And I have been in my sweet little space for eleven months.  At times it feels as though I have been here all of my life, and yet at other times it feels as though I have just arrived and there is so much to explore.  

I still have the excitement of actually being here.  I continue to be grateful every day I awake and realize where I am.  And I love how everything changes every day here and each venture out brings new people to chat with and new creatures to observe.  Sometimes it is revisiting old friends and critters.  I am beyond blessed!!!



I am able to notice that the sun is moving more north in the sky now.  I have more sunshine on my south facing deck and the flowers are benefiting.  I also have a clear round prism hanging in my south facing door window that is now generating beautiful rainbow spots all over my living space.

They are on the walls, floor, ceiling and the spaces in between.  The colors are so vibrant (may be because the glass is clean?) and bring me smiles having them all around.  One of my simple pleasures in life.  Loving it all.  

Jacaranda Tree  -   Google image  

 Many planted in landscaping in San Luis Obispo. 

On my recent walks through the older neighborhoods of San Luis Obispo, I have come across the pods these amazing trees produce.  Good ole Google Search helped me learn which tree generated the pods.  And, so here you have it.  A most beautiful tree in bloom offering the most amazing pods.  I feel very fortunate to have stumbled across these treasures and will keep a few as a reminder of these spectacular trees.  I will plant a few seeds to see if I can grow one of these beautiful trees.  That would be awesome!!!  I also hope to be in San Luis when they all bloom.  

To All Those Celebrating,

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday,

Megan!

Roger!

Jackie!

Sharon!

YOU MUST BE THE CHANGE

YOU WISH TO SEE IN THE WORLD!

-Mahatma Gandhi

Enjoy your change!

- MORE SUNRISES AND SUNSETS -

Reflections, even though it is cloudy!

Sunrises    It is impossible for me to get my fill of sunrises.  Each one is so very different.  Any sort of cloud or cloud cover can generate amazing colors.  Fog can do the same making things appear rather eerie.  I love seeing the sun as it rises and reflects on the waters in the harbor.  There is this whole magical thing that happens, as far as I am concerned.  

There is this opening in a plant at the waterfront!

Sunsets     Sunsets are just as varied depending on all kinds of conditions.  Mostly clouds and fog.  It is fun to find different places to be for picture taking.  Obviously, I have found that taking pictures through plants can produce some interesting results.    Some are so serene and others can be so dramatic.

Notice Morro Rock in the background!

Christmas leftovers    Thankfully a few residents left their Christmas light decorations on until New Years.  I actually convinced one owner to put them on so I could take pictures.  His Cypress tree is lovely and he carefully decorates it, expanding his work each year.  He hand crafts the light balls and says he has some surprises in store for next year.  I am looking forward to that.  Only ten months to go.



Found    Christmas tags after I bought some.  There is this whole thing about what I packed and forgot I had when I started my Adventure.  I only had limited space in my motor home so I was very selective about what I brought with me.  Some things have been a surprise and others, well, let's just say I thought I brought them, only to not find them anywhere.  Oh joy!  Oh frustration!  It all makes me laugh.



 http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/  Check us out!  

Adopt a Seal

Help our patients get a second chance at life.

ADOPT!

New Volunteer      I am now a new volunteer with The Marine Mammal Center.  The main Center is located in Sausalito, California and we have a satellite triage center here in Morro Bay.  I have completed the training for handling and capturing stranded marine mammals and animal husbandry.  Huge amounts to learn and this feels it will be a good fit for me with getting involved with the community.  (Animals, that is!)  So if you see some wild woman with a net running down the beach, it could be me!

I anticipate working with Northern Elephant Seals, Harbor Seals, Northern Fur Seals and California Sea Lions.  There is a lot of work with the rescuing and and rehabilitation efforts involved, so I will be getting continuous training as I help them out.  Truly excited about this next opportunity of my Adventure.  

I will discuss the whole car thing in my next writing.  This has been one of those experiences that has brought patience to a whole new level.  And lots of laughing.

Until then, take care of yourself!  Someone loves you!!!

This incredible adorable little rose grows in a rather neglected flower bed near the grocery store! 

To All of Those Celebrating,

Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday,

Chris!

Rhonda!

Susan!

Tim!

Leslie!

Jean!

Chris!

Loren!

"The best way to predict your future

is to create it."

Zig Ziglar

Enjoy your Nature!!!

- GIFTS OF THE UNIVERSE -

I love the reflections and colors!!!

found   There are those wonderful days when everything just seems to sail along smoothly.  You take a walk in the early morning hours while everything is fresh and new and covered with morning mist.  You just happen to look down at the edge of a bush and low and behold, you have now been given a five dollar bill still damp from being out all night.  You don't even bother to look around to see if anyone dropped it because the bill is cold and no one has been around where you are walking.  Love it!!!  Thank you, Universe.


spied    Then as you continue to walk feeling the moisture of the spray from the ocean waves, you hear the amazing call of a falcon.  Looking up where they are known to nest, there it is.  A Peregrine Falcon!!  It is boldly sitting out at the edge of a hole in the massive Morro Rock, calling for its mate.  And then a bird circles the nest site before gently gliding into the entrance.  The two disappear inside, chattering to each other and then they, one by one, exit their home.  Flying in different directions, they go out of my sight.  Simply amazing to see and watch these fast flyers.  What a gift.  Again, thank you, Universe.


shades of green     The recent rains have been sent from above to nurture the grasses on the hills surrounding the Central Coast.  There are many different grasses lending to various shades of green throughout the hills.  It is magnificent to see.  The gifts continue.  The predictions are for additional rain storms to continue the end of January and through February.  Let's keep these hills green!  Gotta love the Universe.

Cactus with blooms!

cactus   It is interesting to find cactus growing here.  There are, however, several growing along the edges of Morro Rock along the drive to the jetty.  I am uncertain if many people actually notice them since they are close to the rock and I suspect visitors are focused on the waves crashing over the jetty.  This is probably a good thing since there are signs of a few who have marred them.  Sometimes one just has to wonder what people are thinking.  Or are they?

People actually stand on the tops of the huge rocks!!!

crashing waves     The force of the waves crashing over the jetty is tremendous.  Most of the time it is a gentle splashing and folks will climb on the rocks to get a closer look.  Occasionally they get a bit too close for my comfort level, when the ocean is producing large waves that rise high over the jetty.  I have heard that some people have slipped and gotten trapped needing to be rescued.  I am grateful that this was not the case on my recent visit.

The feel of the open cafe's and hidden court yards!!!

Paris    Had some free time and decided to fly to Paris for a quick trip.  (NOT!)  One of the nursery's in Cambria has painted an entire side of one of their buildings with street scenes and set up charming tables and chairs for customers to enjoy.  We were there on a beautiful sunny day and it felt as though we might actually have been there.  It was totally lovely!!!  The nursery was having their after Christmas sale and some of us found some great deals.  Joyce & Dean!

Blooming jade plants at Carol's!

blooms     This is what jade plants do here on a regular basis.  They bloom their little heads off and totally alter their appearance.  It is simply stunning here now with jade plants blooming all over town.  They do wonderfully outside all year long here, which is due to the temperate climate.  Other places I have lived, they did fine indoors during the winter months and then loved being outside during the summers.  Had to keep them in the shade if it got too hot.  They also took a lot of watering then, as well.

I will do another writing in a few days.  There is just so much going on and many things to bring everyone up to date on, that I could go on and on into the late night hours.  Enough for now.

Christmas lights and balls on a cypress tree here!

To All Those Celebrating,

Happy Birthday!

Belated Birthday Wishes to:

Paul!

Darlene!

Jennifer!

Tish!

Beth!

Brittany!

Elaine!

Nancy!

Elizabeth!

Cari!

Millie!

Trisha!

Tracy!

Me!  (Still celebrating)

Happy Birthday!

Danielle!

Francine!

Carol!

Lynn!
Jim!

Ken!

Pat!

"The body has what my father called,

it's own healing mechanism,

and he went further and said,

'It's the doctors duty to

activate and reactivate

the body's own healing mechanism."

- Charlotte Gerson from Food Matters

Enjoy your gifts!!!

MOON SET

Sad news to announce:  

The editor of the SLO Coast Journal has health issues that currently prevent her from continuing her efforts of producing the monthly publication.  

Therefore, the following is the article that would have been in the February issue.

MOON SET

I think I get just as excited about the moon setting in the early morning hours as I do sunsets in the evenings.  When the moon is full it seems to gently ease back towards earth while the sun is beginning to reach for the crest of the ridge and shine.  

In those early morning hours, the air is cool and the ever so subtle hues of pinks and blues and grays appear to layer themselves as the moon glides through the changing shades.  It is very calming and serene to watch, even though I know that at my back is the rising sun ready to illuminate the day and dull the brilliance of the setting moon.

As the moon goes through its waning process it rises later and hence sets later, while the sun is already up and doing its thing.  There are many times the moon is visible in the sky in the late afternoon as it is waxing.  The only issue I have is that I can see the stars very clearly on nights when the moon is almost invisible.  When the moon is full with all its luminescence, the stars are mostly invisible.  

So, it gives me great pleasure to enjoy each depending on the state of the moon.  Our next full moon is February 3rd, and according to the Farmers Almanac, is called the Full Snow Moon and occurs at 6:09 pm Eastern Time.  I am sure there are places all over the world that will attest to the snow description, although here on the Central Coast it is quite unlikely.  I, for one, would love to experience it here on the coast.  It would be pure magic.

I remember many times, as a child and as an adult, when my Mom would drag me outside to take a peak at the moon when it was full.  She was always excited to do this, even if it was freezing cold or raining.  This was something she always enjoyed and I guess this was instilled in me at a very young age.  I am grateful she did since now I derive great pleasure from doing the same.

I always think of her each time I am standing there looking into the night sky to catch a glimpse of this amazing orb in the heavens.  I still recall her giggle, even in her much later years of life, as we donned appropriate gear and scurried outside to see the spectacle.  Even if we only saw it for a few seconds, it was enough to satisfy her need of the moment.  How wonderful such a simple event could bring such joy and excitement.

I trust I will always treasure this event of life as I go through the coming years.  And I think too, that she is watching as well and we are enjoying the delight together.  It has been several years since her passing and I imagine she has a entirely different perspective of what we have witnessed in our solar system.  I am certain that someday she will tell me all about it!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!

Photo from Jen!

The ending of a year

and the beginning of another year

is a very curious thing. 

 Most of us close each year with a celebration of some sort.  There is Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and more, all representative of varying ethnic and cultural backgrounds. It seems in each way, there are gifts offered and received, wishes offered and received, and prayers offered and received.  They all seem to be a celebration of sorts based on some event that had occurred in their cultural/ethnic  past.

This appears to be fitting for closing a year.  Celebrate all of the events and happenings which occurred from start to finish.  Celebrate all the ups and downs.  While the ups may have brought us great joy, the downs perhaps have given us much learning and new perspectives on what had transpired.  It is all to be celebrated as it all brings us to the present.

 And too, the new year is to be celebrated as we are now about to begin again to work and stride towards our goals and desires and somehow fulfill our most precious dreams.  Perhaps in that instant between the ending year and the beginning year we may receive some sort of inspiration or insight that will aid us as we move forward.

In a sense it seems rather silly to think that in that instant we will transform our lives and become someone we want to be.  How can this happen in an instant?  Many will tell you it has happened to them.  That they felt they had new life breathed into them and it sparked a transformation of how they then lived their lives.  Others will shrug and sigh at the thought of having to endure just another year of the same.

I think we all have a choice of what will occur in that instant.  I think this may occur at any time that we choose.  I think we are capable of generating that spark at any time to make any change that we may want.  I think all we may need to do is decide and point and go.  Decide what we want, point ourselves in the direction that will take us there, and take that first step.  Yes, take that first step.

So, for me, this ending/beginning instant will be perfect as I set out to do more in my community.  I intend to purchase mostly "Made in America" goods and perhaps start a small garden of my own.  I intend to eat as healthy as possible and I know this includes some desserts.  I intend to have as much joy in my life as  possible.  And I intend to express myself in loving ways that will honor you and me as we explore this new frontier of a "New Year!"

Wishing you a safe, joyful, prosperous,

and magnificent "instant"

to take you on whatever

wondrous adventure is to your liking.

Happy New Year!

Photo from Jen!