Arboretum

December 17, 2016

Caturday: Fear and loathing

Fear and loathing of garbage bags, check. Fear and loathing of hollow tree trunks, check.

Fear and loathing…of tree trunks. Go figure

Pepi’s neuroses are her own, just as Titanescu’s taste for water from a dish placed in the tub is his own. He will not drink from the communal bowl, he will have his own dish, and he needs it available whether a human is in the bathroom or not. Maybe especially if a human’s in there.

After this latest round of rains, the temperature has dropped to near freezing. Tonight, we sleep in cats. The furrbutts will be clawing to get under covers and fight epic battles for territory in there. In her crate, Pepi will burrow under her blankets with her squeaky chicken toy. At some point, Tito is bound to go apeshit and run all over the furniture, although hopefully not because a turd is chasing him. He and Jenny might fight over real estate at the foot of the bed, but Jenny’ll find a spot to curl up. It’s gonna be so cold, I’d almost wish she’d fart to warm things up.
Meanwhile, Titan will sleep undisturbed. Or else.

Miss Jenny napping in a warm spot on the bed

Rudha-an here: Lastech and I (but mostly Lastech) managed to get some pretty pics of the colors at the arboretum.

don’t believe in trouble
I don’t believe in pain
I don’t believe there’s nothing left
but running here again
I believe! I believe!

When you can’t wake em, join em

March 27, 2016

The Markham arboretum in glorious Spring colors

What a difference a few storms made at the Markham arboretum, now wearing its vibrant Spring blues, greens and reds from blade of grass to treetop. The Galindo Creek meandering through the gardens remains a few feet at its deepest, hummingbirds have begun their courtships, but the countdown to summer has already begun.

The following photos were all taken yesterday during the course of a single walk through, taking advantage of the blooms we waited months to see. There were over twenty of them, so we decided to arrange them in a slide show for convenience. Below, that, you’ll find a short video of Anna’s hummingbirds courting.

The female hummingbird perched at the very top of a tree, is being buzzed by a male. The chirping sound you hear as he passes by is made by fanning out his tail feathers.

April 3, 2014

Anniversary adventures: up in “our” grill

On March 19th, we celebrated our tenth anniversary. Ok, we didn’t actually. Poor Lastech caught an evil cold, so we postponed it. I didn’t mind and it wouldn’t have been a celebration if he wasn’t feeling well. As a result, we went out last Thursday. We divided our celebration into two parts and this was the first day.

We weren’t planning much for that day, but we had an ice chest with food and went out to grill some of our favorites. We originally planned on going to a lovely spot on the Marin Headlands, but it was closed for renovation. Instead, we explored the headlands for a while, clouds and bird watching before returning to The City to do our grilling at Baker Beach. We grilled carne asada, zucchini, mushrooms and a few bratwurst. We made tacos and had a very pleasant time.

We then took a trip to the arboretum to see what wildflowers might be blooming as it’s that time of year. It was lovely and we found azaleas, ferns and wisteria blooming. We also came across an old friend. 🙂

[Show picture list]

Yes, it was our old friend the hawk. We also watched a young couple walking around the arboretum. Both were so intent on their phones that they never saw the hawk. I don’t mind technology, but I would never want to be so unaware of the beauty that surrounds me. To be so close to a hawk is not a moment to be wasted. I’m simply amazed that it has happened so many times now.

The next day we went hiking on Angel Island and that will be the next post.

February 19, 2014

OMG! We had rain!

At a bit less than two inches, it wasn’t nearly enough rain, but we enjoyed it. We went off to go play in it of course.

We walked around without an umbrella until we were wet and soggy. It felt wonderful.

January 27, 2014

Just another day at the park

Yesterday we ran off to the park to test Lastech’s new phone as we wanted to see how well the navigation worked. We decided to visit the Arboretum in the hope that there might be some wildlife in addition to the magnolias that were blooming.

We rounded a corner to find 3 other people staring at a tree. This is why.

I found it amazing that several people walked by and never even wondered (or noticed) what we were all looking at. The hawk was sitting in a tree next to the walkway. It was only about 7 feet off the ground.

It was a good day. 🙂

May 20, 2013October 28, 2013

Springing reflections: from the Strybing arboretum

“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”

― Søren Kierkegaard

There’s a look on Titanescu’s face that sometimes brings to mind a tortured but not defeated soul. Perhaps a Russian writer after ten winters in a gulag, lasting twelve months each.

The enigma of cats, who do not judge but reflect: a throw back without absorption, and a convoluted intro to three shots I took at the Strybing arboretum. I really liked them, which is what I want to share…

November 21, 2012November 21, 2012

Wednesday Zen

This morning we headed off to Golden Gate Park for some peace and quiet. Our first stop was the Japanese Tea Garden. It was beautiful after the rains.

Continue reading “Wednesday Zen”

September 25, 2012October 28, 2013

Moody Tuesday: silver skies and grey waters

Counting down to Halloween on this gloomy Tuesday morning, let’s stroll through Autumn, Ray Bradbury’s country.

I hope you’ll enjoy these photos as I do, taken between the beaches of San Francisco, Golden Gate Park and the Shoreline at Mountain View, CA.

“That country where it is always turning late in the year. That country where the hills are fog and the rivers are mist; where noons go quickly, dusks and twilights linger, and midnights stay. That country composed in the main of cellars, sub-cellars, coal-bins, closets, attics, and pantries faced away from the sun. That country whose people are autumn people, thinking only autumn thoughts. Whose people passing at night on the empty walks sound like rain.”

― Ray Bradbury, The October Country

Continue reading “Moody Tuesday: silver skies and grey waters”

June 1, 2012October 9, 2013

Battle of the Sprinklers at the Arboretum in Golden Gate Park: Part 2

Today we’re going back to the San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum. That last trip provided me with plenty of beautiful flowers and foliage to admire. Hopefully these photos will make your day a bit brighter.

In case you missed it…
Battle of the Sprinklers at the Arboretum in Golden Gate Park: Part 1

Other Arboretum posts:
A stroll through the Arboretum
Wednesday Walk in the Rain
Not Quite Spring Flowers

May 25, 2012October 9, 2013

Battle of the Sprinklers at the Arboretum in Golden Gate Park: Part 1

The title is only slightly tongue-in-cheek. We love to go to Golden Gate Park very early, when there are no crowds and it’s quiet. Needless to say, we were waiting at the gate when the Arboretum opened. We had to dodge the sprinklers the whole time we were there. It was worth the effort, as always.

The San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum is my favorite place in Golden Gate Park. Ok, it’s one of my favorite places. Its sprawling 55 acres is home to vast array of plants and trees from around the world. Follow along if you want to see more.

Continue reading “Battle of the Sprinklers at the Arboretum in Golden Gate Park: Part 1”