The Annual Tour

 

        Now the atmospheric rivers have been turned off and the sun has been given the stage, California spring is magnificent.  It is time for our annual look around at the growing grounds here on the ridge. Lana says the weeds are also benefiting from all of the rain. I think it's all beautiful. 

        The gardener had an exam the other day and since they dilated her eyes I had the driving duty and so we stopped for lunch at one of our favorite San Luis Obispo spots. We call this, matching reds...

    

        Enjoy your spring. There will be time to discuss the historic indictment on another day.

        See you down the trail. 

hints of what is on the way....

         A friend to the east in Arizona posted snow pictures. Friends back east in the midwest and on the east coast are through with winter. Our Mediterranean climate gives you a look at what is coming your way in a month or so. Unless you are like our friends in upper lower Michigan. For you we are glad you enjoyed your daily vitamin D during your visit.

     Here's a look at what's happening on the California central coast.

As I make a weekly hill climb and hike I've been paying attention to the soil. Most of the trails on the incline are almost normal dry. There are a couple of crossings and a few low spots that are still boggy. If we get ample sun and warmth, all of that rain from those massive storms have probably prepped us for a great wildflower bloom.  Stay tuned.  The Fungi are happy already.

    See you down the trail. 

WAR CLOUDS OVER IRAN & SPRING IS SPRUNG

THE MOVE IS IRAN'S

     The best analysis comes down to this-Iran will be hit by

an Israeli strike unless it shows the world a sign that it has or 

will shut down its nuclear weapons program.

     As a counter to the almost universal attitude of an inevitable Israeli strike is the threat by the supreme leader,

Ayatolla Khamenei that a strike on Iran would be more damaging to the United States.  
     Iran calls the US freezing of Iran's assets "psychological warfare" as they have begun a series of war games.
     Clearly the situation is a tinderbox. Israelis have stepped up security and Jewish organizations in the US and elsewhere have been told to do likewise.  US Military and Intelligence warn that an Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear program would prompt an Iranian missile retaliation.
     The statement today by Khamenei is deemed a serious escalation.  Until now western sources have tried to portray the Iranian regime as being rogue and even without support of Iranians.  Now that the holy man has spoken, it will make it tougher on those elements in Iran who have been identified
as reasonable or pro western. The power remains someplace between the megalomania of Ahmadinejad and the zealotry of the Ayatolla. 
     Tricky and critical at this time.

DAY BOOK

NATURAL RHYTHM

     Coastal California is getting some needed rain today.

Amounts vary, but any precipitation is welcomed. It may be 

drier than it should be, but spring has arrived.  After 5 years

on the Central Coast, this former mid-westerner is still amazed to see blooms in early February.  We used to wait till

late March or April.  

 This is also the time of year when controlled burns are permitted.

      A personal note.  Congrats to Indianapolis for the superb job of hosting the Super Bowl.  Many friends and former colleagues were involved in a myriad of functions.

I have enjoyed hearing their reports and was proud

of how it all looked and came together.

     See you down the trail.

SAFE FROM THE DEER

LUCKY BLOOMS

      Frequent readers know of our travail with the over populated and savage deer in the
area.  In the post, linked above, you will recall I was worried about maintaining the Lily of the Nile and Orchid Cactus blooms.  Well, so far they've made it and here they are.

       Last time, the blooms were rapidly consumed as a deer appetizer. So far, so good!

       I hope you enjoy seeing these shots of exquisite nature.  I am grateful for the opportunity to the spend the time capturing the images and being so close to such stunning and intricate beauty.

       See you down the trail.