Thursday, July 31, 2014

July 31st, 2014 Belated Anniversary Treat

July 31st, 2014
~
Belated Anniversary Treat
July 28th~July 30th
~
First Day~the journey
~
Well, we got a bit of a late start, but in the end did make our getaway for at least a few days.
Loading up our things and 4 large, over exited dogs, off we went to see the world, well a bit
of it anyhow. Our destination after weeks and weeks of Triple Digit Weather was the coast.
Out the gate we rumbled, quivering, hysterical Petey between our seats. This was going to be
a long ride...and it was.
The journey nearly ended before it began, but we finally negotiated a peace treaty with Petey
the Drama King and decided to keep on going. This despite a bit of a rocky start, involving Petey getting his first flying lesson into the back of the RV. Now before you get overexcited at this obvious case of animal cruelty, this came after trying to hide under Dad's feet and the gas and brake petals as we were making our way through the very treacherous Trinity River Canyon toward the sea. There was no stopping, so Petey had to be extracted and removed from this area of grave danger for all of us. No place to pull over, so I had to make a desperate move.
As a rule I am very weak at critter discipline, but the fear of death by plunging 100's of feet
to the riverbed brought out a very agitated pack leader in me. Not proud of it, I must confess.
I was shrieking and carrying on quite bit, resulting in the now horrified Petey giving up the fight, climbing onto the small couch, turning his back to me, spending the rest of the trip staring out into the the setting sun, the landscape flying past the window. I can only guess what went through this mind and frankly I'd rather not know. Thankfully he had a lengthy sulk which lasted nearly the rest of our travels over the worst and most dangerous spots.

The relentless heat followed us for hours, our planned night stop came not to be as even there,
on the other side of the coastal range night time temps were near the 100's, even that late. So on
we drove, our destination now the coast for good, no sleep to be found in the heat or the roaring
generator powering the A/C.
We finally arrived well after dark, a moist, heavy fog greeting us. While this what we came for,
late at night, with no RV space reserved it was a bit daunting and we were feeling a quite lost.
But we bravely moved forward, searching for a place to park, knowing we needed to get
settled for the night. It seemed a lost cause, I must confess. Then suddenly, a mirage?!? Along the
ocean side of Hwy 101, lit RV's, cozy tents and flickering campfires. Dare we hope?? Taking
the next exit we backtracked and found our Eden. Spacious pull through lots, low fees, this once our
senior status paying off. We settled in with a deep sense of relief. The very stressful journey finally done, it was time to break out the wine and beer. Both to celebrate our 28 year union and our survival of the harrowing trip to our destination. The Universe had finally decided it had toyed with us enough ,we earned our just rewards.
~
Day Two~now it was time to just enjoy!
~
Nested under the covers, joyfully feeling cold bits sticking out, we knew we'd arrived for sure. Having slept well, we were woken by first movements of our fellow campers and the strident calls of Gulls and Crows having noisy disputes over scraps found around the camps. The scent of the sea wafted through the open windows, the roaring breakers a most welcome sound. Time to get up and check things out.
Evidently this is the place we were meant to stop, just ask the gull.

Though the sign next to her, guarded by a crow did give us a bit of pause. But we decided, if today was our last day, at least we were feeling joyful, enjoying it to the fullest.




The day was spend walking wonderful trails, our team of dogs in hand, the fresh sea air invigorating. Fog still hung most everywhere, with just a few clear spots her and there. HEAVEN!! Off the trail, down to the sea, laying silvery at our feet. Gulls wheeling, sea stacks still nearly hidden in the fog. What a delight!! Tess, our Shepard Girl, dancing and twirling at the end of her Flexi Leash, at times gamboling like a spring lamb. Leashes required on this beach, just as well, those two, Tess and Candy would run wild, following their noses, no doubt, never to be seen again. The Lost Dog poster at the beginning of the trail, a grim reminder to those who would give in and answer the brown eyed plea of "Let me run, let me run."





Exhausted we load back up, a few necessities are missing and must be purchased so off we go.
That matter handled, we head up the coast for just a few more miles, hoping to find a spot in the Redwoods. The State Parks are full, the only option a rather lovely rest stop. But it's so busy, we'd find no rest there.
Still, for a short while I walk into the small grove of trees. Though not ancient, I am immediately under their spell. Walking the trails, huge stumps of trees who once were, bring tears to my eyes. How can one approach such majesty with ax or howling chainsaw? It just stuns me as you can feel their wonderful energy walking beneath their crowns. Looking up, up, up into the canopy, these giants are ecosystems in themselves.



Turning southward again, we decide to spend one more night at our beach campsite before heading inland. It's getting late in the day, the drive home too windy and dangerous, with just one rest stop along the way. So we enjoy one more afternoon of delicious fog, salty air. No watering chores, no chores at all, we needed this. Just hanging out taking walks, one the beach alone, deeply resented by Candy Poppins who ate her harness to punish us. Still, what joy to just walk without teams of excited dogs pulling us this way and that. They get their own walkies upon our return, heading down the now familiar trail. As the day comes slowly to an end, we spend time watching the activity around us. New campers arrive, set up and soon darkness falls, first campfires flicker, happy campers silhouetted against the silvery sky. Deeply relaxed we wish this could go on forever, alas our home and cats await us at the end of the trail. We sink into bed at last, savoring one last cool night.
~
Third Day~ Homeward bound
~
Waking on our last day, looking out the window we see the camp come to live. New arrivals are moving about. The colorful, old bus, spills loads of dread-locked folks onto the beach. Who knew it could hold that many and several dogs.



Reluctantly we sort our things, tidying everything up, ready for the long ride home. Petey receives his happy pill, hoping to make his travels a bit easier...for all of us. On the road again we drink it all in, to remember this lovely time.
Goodbye lovely fog, green pastures grazed by happy cows,silvery, delicious sea. Goodbye stately Redwoods, sandy beaches and shrieking gulls. Our hearts are sad, yet full, lucky to have had this wonderful reprieve from our hot, daily lives. We are truly blessed and try to remember that blessing as we slowly make our way uphill, into the coastal range. Last banks of fog slowly give way to blue skies and temperatures start rising.


As the truck shifts into overdrive, climbing ever higher, following the Trinity River, we start talking and planning. We need to do this now and then to keep us sane. To have a day here and there just for pleasure so our last stop along the way is our favorite lake. And miracle of miracles, in this time of severe drought statewide, our paradise is full to the brim. Sparkling water as far as the eye can see, our favorite little island, sitting offshore, beckoning us.



We'll be there soon, our old, yellow ski boat gently bopping on the waves. Lounging in hammocks, enjoying a picnic and a day of watery fun.


The sadness at leaving the coast behind is slowly evaporating like fog. Our next adventure awaits us....




Monday, July 28, 2014

July 28th-30th, 2014


July 28th, 2014
~
Settling deeply 
into the bed of Nip
it's party time!!!


July 30th, 2014
~
Two Tens
~
Quivering droplets tremble
watery fireflies glow
olive drinks deeply tonight


In a New Moon sky
first bats are
turning somersaults

Monday, July 21, 2014

July 21st-27th, 2014


June 21st, 2014
~
Out on the open prairie~Coyote stops
stares~scents the air~alert he waits
hunted without mercy~not today
we mean him no harm~just delighted
to see him roam the land~free and alive
onward he lopes again ~deep in dry pasture
take care wild friend~may your travels
be safe~may you find sustenance and drink
may you thrive~stay alive~delighting
our eyes~we find joy at your presence

***

Ode to Joy
~
Town ward bound in the sun~picking up necessities
to the South~dark clouds~driven by a brisk wind
we know better then to hope~weeks of blistering heat
have worn us slowly down~this endless summer
rainy season still months out~so hard to bear
~
We lunch~pick up the milk~now homeward bound
dark clouds ahead still when suddenly first drops
the unexpected happens~first dribbles~then drops
finally the cheerful sound of wipers squeaking
across the glass~back and forth~to and fro
~
Glistening tarmac reflecting silvery cloud~filled skies
along the roadside~first puddles form~smiling
up into the skies~as are we ~our hearts
singing an ode to joy at this most unexpected
celestial gift from above~so very welcome
~
Soon it will be heating up~but this lovely preview
to a cooler season will see us through for now
windows open wide~delicious petrichor fills the air
coolers get a well deserved rest after weeks of work
sipping hot tea~we smile across the table~joyfully



July 22nd, 2014
~
Three Times Ten
~
In the orchard
thinning pluots
who am I to judge
***
Yet looking up
so many fruit
something has to give
~
How can 
I not answer the plea
lighten my branches


July 23rd, 2014
~
Savoring Savory Trilogy
~
Buckeye looks back at me
while sipping
delectable sweetness


Ghostly arms~opened wide
striped visitor
eagerly embraced~drink deeply


Afterwards Buckeye rests
sleeping off the nectar
dreaming butterfly dreams


July 24th, 2014
~
Celestial Trio
~
Infinite Milky Way
sprawls above our roof
a shooting star
~
Labradorite pre-dawn sky
Venus and crescent moon glow
Insomnia's Blessing
~
Held gently by branches
crescent moon shimmers
magical celestial mirage


July 25th, 2014
~
Once again our Secret Garden gate stands tall
reclaimed from the greedy clutches of the rose
~
Teetering on crooked legs, gate stuck~rose did her best
to push it down~but in the end~the best man won
~
Now~while still providing shelter for the birds
she's been subdued~trimmed back into shape
~
Once again the charming roof is seen~long swallowed up
by verdant green~so blessed to have my own carpenter!!!


July 26th, 2014
~
28 Years
~
Just in time
this flamboyant
beauty shows
her vivid heart


July 27th, 2014
~
As night approaches
their spectral light glows
~
Fairy orchestra's snowy
Alpenhorns tune up
~
Emitting not sound
but clouds of sweetest perfume

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

July 14th-20th, 2014





July 14th, 2014
~
Mysterious Ten
~
Magic Night
Magic Moon
Majestic Oak
Marvelous Orbs
Mischievous Visitors
~
What are these wondrous orbs
flitting about~surely fairies methinks
celebrating Luna's ascent this night
appearing beneath the ancient oak
whirling~twirling~swirling~dancing
silvery rays create moonlight magic
conjuring up the orbs~Titania's court no doubt
like mortals~fairies too are moonstruck
cannot resist her magic spell~they dance
with wild abandon on this warm summer night
accompanied by cheerful cricket song
Midsummer Night's Dream


July 15th, 2014
~
Two Times Ten
~
Icy chiffon
streaks the sky
why must we
smolder below


Sky on fire
icy no more
brilliant chiffon
reflecting heat


July 16th, 2014
~
One by one~they leave the roosting tree
their hoarse calls floating on the breeze
on shiny wings they bank~the squadron leaves
across the prairie~gleaning the rolling hills
be it seed or juicy grasshoppers~they feast
breaking their fast~landing here and there
eagerly crow hopping after their prey
triumphant calls announce each success
then again~maybe  just chatting over breakfast


July 17th, 2014
~
Ode to a Cherry
~
Be still my beating heart
you traveled far
crossed many a mile
~
Yet still you have that
youthful dewy look
leaf jauntily worn
~
As if only moments ago
you left your lofty perch
plump crimson beauty
~
On this page you'll glow
forever immortal now
your sweetness lingers

***
July 18th, 2014
~
Glowing morning sky
four geese overhead
welcoming the rising sun


July 19th, 2014
~
Tenner Quartet
~
Moments ago~this dance floor
was jumping
Mambo Bee wiggled
~
Alas she buzzed off
leaving this wildlife
photographer all alone
~
Maybe she was just
shy~ not wanting
her wiggles shared???
~
Then again without a
partner~enjoying her moves
why bother?!

***

July 20th, 2014
~
Imperfect Ten
~
Gazing skyward
counting silver fleeced
lambs drifting across
starry skies

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

July 7th-13th, 2014


July 7th, 2014
~
Two Times Ten
~
No longer following sun's path
she's turned inward
head bowed
***
Her petals wither
first rows form
seeds for the birds

***

July 8th, 2014
~
Three Times Ten
~
Imagining a place
in my mind's eye
shaded forest stream
~
Refreshing silvery veils
tumble over boulders
covered in cushiony moss
~
Immersing myself gently
into a dark green pool
floating weightlessly


July 9th, 2014
~
Celestial Geisha~white face glows
coy smile hidden
behind a diaphanous cloud fan


July 10th, 2014
~
Two Times Ten on the Tenth
~
Ten little piggies went to town
came back sparkling brightly
~
Dreaming of the cool blue sea
toes mimic mermaid scales


July 11th, 2014
~
Little finch listens
bright eye shines
satisfied he dips again


***


July 12th, 2014
~
Evening Ten
~
Rising Luna~embellished
wondrous jewel glows
never the same twice


Morning Ten
~
Rising early
finding her silver face
suspended in the trees


July 13th, 2014
~
Evening Splendor
~
She rises~enormous~red gold
dominating the Eastern sky
we sit and watch~awestruck
such splendor on this night
~
Celebrating with vanilla moons
ice cream~afloat a chocolate lake
clouds of whipped cream rise
delicious landscape in a bowl
~
Feast for both eyes and senses
savoring each bite~eyes fixed
on the far horizon~she floats
her wondrous face shimmering

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

July 1st-6th, 2014



July 1st, 2014
~
Ode to a Morning Bun
~
Oh how you glisten~your tender coils
dusted in sugar~sparkling like treasure
I did not create you~but I adore you
mindfully savoring you~first feasting my eyes
then uncoiling your sugary cinnamon heart
nearly endless spirals of buttery deliciousness 
sweetly melt on my tongue~such culinary delight
devouring you~bite after luscious bite~HEAVEN

***
#2

Ok, so I have a confession to make
I am addicted to books~always have been
this thought crosses my mind this morning
as I am searching shelf after shelf for a title
and no, I am not one of those organized 
people who keep their shelves immaculate
everything catalogued or sorted by author or title
in my defense though I do have to say this
I honor my books~giving them forever homes
just ask my poor husband who builds the shelves
and has moved them more then once in years past
they are also kept  in nearly pristine condition
well the new ones anyhow~no donkey ears here
which means no bending the edge to mark a spot
face down~causing broken spines~a cardinal sin
no doubt this habit was handed down to me
via my Dad the bibliophile who trained me well
he encouraged both the habit and proper care
probably a bit of OCD involved~fussing over books
Dad of course also suffered from this illness
blame it on DNA~both the habit and cherishing
knowing very few readers in my neighborhood
spares me from being laughed at for sending care 
sheets home with anyone who wants to borrow 
in a way that's a relief ~no worrying over them
being used as coasters or mistreated in other ways
but I digress~another fault of mine I am afraid
now~to add to the overall confusion I am also
in possession of a large collection of eBooks
most were free or greatly reduced~how does one resist
this of course really complicates the matter terribly
as I now never know anymore~do I have it 
on the shelves or is it hiding in a digi reader
this means that my habit is totally out of control~doesn't it
so why do I not feel guilty~but merely annoyed 
with my slovenly ways of record keeping

***

July 2nd, 2014
~
Dainty golden finches
bathing in the fountain
diamond droplets twinkle




#2
~
Morning Delight
~
Wide eyed she stands
curious yet cautious
watching my approach
~
Only steps away
she's perfectly still
trusting~peering at me
~
Our eyes meet
her gentle soul
shines brightly
~
From the heart of the rose
her twin appears
spotted coats so endearing
~
Stepping out daintily
together they cross the street
out into the open field


July 3rd, 2014
~
Such an unlikely pair~Day Flower overtook Hydrangea
nearly obscuring her~yet still her tender pink blossoms shine
I let them live side by side~separating them would only
leave Day Flower feeling blue~so shine on you two
gently hold each other in this tender embrace~thrive!!!



July 4th, 2014
~
Brilliant fire works
no stars~just stripes
bold color salute




July 5th, 2014
~
Hanging night laundry
under Luna's watchful eye
she will be gentler
then her cousin the sun
the bright burning one
who shows no mercy


July 6th, 2014
~
Dashing Casanova~splendid in his velvet vest
challenging to capture as he eagerly hurries along
rarely settling ~his quest~spreading love generously
humming along~landing~ravishing~sipping
leaving ruffled beauties in his wake~such a cad
yet loved by all~who can resist his furry charms??


Ten Words
~
Golden floral highrise
fly in buffet
nectar on each floor