Frightful Night

These porches were scary enough in the afternoon sun...

Imagine approaching this place in the "dead of night" !!!

Lyn has been fertilizing her lawn for a while...the "naturally green way" !!!

Storms Erode Local Front Yard

There's been a lot of cleanup going on since our last whopper of a downpour and the ground in front of a local home has eroded so much that an unfortunate pirate has been uncovered. I wonder if he was one of the cast of Treasure Island when it was filmed here back in 1934? Would the city or the homeowner be responsible for the disposal of his remains?

Sustainable Gardener

I took off today for my flu shot at Kaiser and passed a lovely woman who I see all the time working in her garden. These past years I've noticed that each season she has worked her quite small area into an ever evolving food factory. Today she kindly shared some of her hints. She and her granddaughter have planned each of the revolving segments using seeds from the previous years plants. Kale , broccoli and Brussels sprouts are starting in flats waiting for the right time and last season's compost material to be dug into the soil. Bulbs will go in along the edges soon as the marigolds need to be replaced. Goldfinches meanwhile are nibbling at her drying cosmos and this year there are not as many jays nourishing themselves on the old sunflowers. " Could it be the crows?", we pondered. Scarlet runner beans are on the vine behind her. Next month when I walk past I will see an entirely new view. I can't wait!

Marina Village Firefighters

No, it's not a fire at Marina Village shopping center. It's firefighter shopping day! I love being at Lucky's when those fit, friendly and handsome firemen clad in navy blue, do their domestic chores. Wonder how they divide their cooking and cleaning duties and what their favorite meals are??

First storm

The power of the universe is so evident while walking in the pouring rain, which I did today over in downtown Oakland, but I was just too soaked to fumble for my camera inside my soggy bag. Frank Bette Center for the Arts Director, Debra Owen received a special District 3 Award from Alameda County for her outstanding contribution to the arts.

On my way home, I did photograph a typical sight after a first storm. Lots of trees and limbs scattered throughout Alameda streets. Our dedicated crossing guards protected our Alameda students from the heavy traffic and unsafe pavement.

Chalk Walk

It never fails, even on my shortest walks, I encounter something dramatic, quirky, or even educational.

Just around the corner I discovered a wealth of knowledge below my feet. A young colorful artist/scientist/writer left the inside of their brain on the cement. Thank you.

Home, Again

I'm finally home after a visit back east including four days in my hometown, Chicago. Chicago is such a beautiful city. I was in awe of the changes since the late sixties including twice as many skyscrapers, streets filled with flowers and friendly courteous people always helpful to travelers such as myself and this rural couple...