Flowers, again 05-07-21

This cactus grows on the next street close to the sidewalk and we see it almost every day when we walk.  But I hadn't noticed any buds or blooms previously.  There must be 20 or more "columns" and some have fallen over and grow almost horizontal.  The bed they are in is all yellow gazanias, rather unkept and scraggly.  I don't know if they get any water. 

 

Although the flower looks much like a Selenicereus (Queen of the night) it is not. These images were taken about 10am so it is not a night bloomer.   It might be an Echinopsis, but the ridges and spines seem too close together for that.   

You can see another bunch of the columns in the background.  

Whatever it is, it is very lovely and I hope more blossoms will appear, although I didn't see any buds growing.  However, I didn't see this until it was wide open.  

This is my reference book for this sort of plant.  Usually I can find an identity for the plants I photograph, but nit in this instance. 

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Discovered Kindle 05-06-21

Well, I've known about Kindle for years and have contemplated using it.  But I do like the feel of REAL books and don't have trouble reading them.  My hands do sometimes ache and cramp up from holding hardbacks, but generally I prefer reading paper books - hard or soft!  But recently Kindle had a "deal" online so I signed up.  And I have read five Kindle books!  I think I have all the ins and outs figured out, but sometimes I put my finger in the wrong place and have to go back to "GO".  However, they make it very easy to find my place.  I don't have a tablet so just read on my cell phone.   Not something I want to do exclusively, but maybe when traveling (which I hope to do soon) it will be handy to have the current book at my finger tips.  One funny tale on myself...   When I go to stop reading and put the phone down I keep feeling around on the table for my book mark!!  A habit of at least 70 years is hard to break.  And I do have a huge drawer of bookmarks exchanged with the Book Group for about forty years.  

One of the first books I read was Nomadland by Jessica Bruger and I enjoyed it very much.  So many of the locations are familiar from travels over the years.  I have seen many of those people who live rough on the road, but don't think it is anything I could ever do.  I tend to be a "nester" and like having my space and my collections, even if I don't maintain it as I should.   I love being on the road, but just so long and I am ready to return to my "nest".  I suppose I may watch the movie at some time, but from what I have read it is very different from the book.  

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A day of rest 04-03-21

As fun as it was to be with my art quilt friends in SDiego i was wiped out today.  So, it was a day of almost complete rest.  We did our two walks and several trips out to the back yard.  On our morning walk we were just getting ready to cross the street to home when a full grown coyote came trotting down the middle of the street - at 10am, broad day light!!   He didn't even look at KoKo and I, but I picked up the little guy and brandished my cane as the predator walked by.  The nerve!  He acted like he owned the street.  I haven't seen one for months, but there have been reports of them close by.  KoKo, of course, does not go out the door unless I am with him and outside our backyard he will be wearing harness and leash.  This morning he barked and lunged, ready to defend me as always.  

I came across this fabric with a bunny on it and decided to make a fiber postcard for a friend who loves her real live bunny.  I don't think she reads my blog - hope not!  I will see if the PO will still hand cancel and deliver these fun postcards. 

It is 6" X 4" and I will send it in a plastic sleeve made to store postcards. 

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About the drive 05-02-21

Other than just the thrill of being on the road, the drive to San Diego is basically just boring!  The drive down today was under lowering clouds and with light traffic.  It seemed like everyone got off on Leucadia to make a run through Starbuck's right off the freeway.  It took me 20 minutes in the drive thru to pick up a latte and a box lunch.  And it was raining!  The drizzle started just south of Oceanside and came down pretty hard in places.  Fortunately most drivers slowed down so didn't see any skid outs.  

This image is while driving through Camp Pendleton with the high security fence down the center strip.  Ocean off to the right.

VERY light traffic heading south.  Still wild mustard and other wild flowers blooming.  That funny little "flag" over the sign is a chip in my windshield.  A new windshield soon. 

This is a view of the Pacific Ocean off to the right side of the car.  It is out there, but everything was so grey the horizon line disappears as everything blends together. 

Right through the middle of this enlarged picture you can see the surf.  So near and yet so far away.  

Closer into north San Diego the rain stopped, but the clouds persisted and our group actually met inside of Judy's house.  It was so good to be together with the art quilt ladies and most everyone had something to share.  

I was the least productive and shared another background made of scraps cut to even up yardage for strips.  They vary in width, length, evenness, and sometimes I need to use a little fabric marker to fill in the thin spaces.  This background will have some shore birds appliqued where appropriate. 

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