Morning Walk

Heading out for my morning walk, I was greeted by a brilliant show.

I love a fiery sky through winter trees. Today's the day our star will finally come down - weather permitting.

At least today looks better than yesterday.

But even with the dark stormy sky, there was a rainbow.

And the strange light made for a stark contrast for the houses below us in the valley. Every day is different and has treasures of its own and walking is a great way to discover and unwrap those treasures.

Log Cabin on Whidbey

The view from the dining roomCabin and Swing Front of Cabin

Looking back at the cabin from the duck pond. We'll be back!

Christmas Decor - Simpler this Year

I decided to go for a simpler look this year, especially on the fireplace mantel.

Of course some things never change. Why is that kitties love wreaths and garland so much?

Speaking of garland, we can't forgo that, even for a simpler Christmas. Growing up in a single story house, I always dreamed of a house with a bannister to festoon with lighted garland. I have it on a timer so that it greets me when I get up in the morning as well as in the evening and it always puts a smile on my face.

Star Raising

Thanks to great friends and neighbors, we had another successful star-raising party. This year, thanks to Del's reinforcements, there was much less drama. No folding back on itself or splintering apart. Here's a picture of the star at twilight . . . And at night . . . And here's the back patio (and probably all of Dublin and Livermore) aglow by the light of the "Dublin Star" . . .

Backyard Flower Close-ups

Simple backyard flowers can be even more beautiful close-up!

Paper White

Raindrops on Rose Petal

Center cone of an Echinacea blossom

Shasta Daisy

Tomato plant leaves

Bougainvillea

Potato Vine Blossom

Pause and look closely next time you're in a garden. It's another universe!

This Morning's Walk

I love this moment when sunrise happens. I try and witness as many of these as possible.

On the way back I met two "Westies" (West Highland Terriers). One is named Oliver and I didn't catch the name of the other one. They are father and son, out for a morning walk.

Next I met a really cute Corgy with a regal Japanese-sounding name that I can't remember.

<- I don't generally appreciate Halloween Decorations, but I must admit, this was so tastefully spooky and the right scale for the house that I really like it.

Happy Halloween everyone!!

Huntington Beach Birdwatching

Birdwatching at sunrise in Huntington Beach California.

A Willet and a Marbled Godwit digging for food with their long bills in between waves.

Surf City USA (a.k.a. Huntington Beach, CA)

I made the most of my recent business offsite to Huntington Beach. The ocean is such a magical place to lose oneself in the immensity of it all, especially early in the morning . . .