A war in the park!! 06-24-23

When KoKo went out for his afternoon piddle I saw all these barrel shaped things in the park.  They moved a little so I think they must be filled with air.  Then along came a hoard of boys (maybe aged 9 to 12) running from the other end of the park carrying pretend long guns.  They divided up and took up positions behind the "barrels".  Then their adult "director" blew his whistle and the boys moved toward each other, shielding behind the "barrels" and firing away.  They must be using those foam rubber bullets that I see laying around in yards and on the sidewalk, especially after a holiday, as they went around picking them up after the battle was over.  I don't know how they keep score, I didn't see anyone fall and play dead.  They attacked each other three times before the "director" called them off to drink some water and they trooped back the way they came.  

The blue rectangle looks like a large gym mat is leaning against the 25' flood light post, can't tell the purpose or what the blue thing on the other side might be.  

I didn't catch them in the heat of the battle. 

The other end of the park.  See the blue patch in the center?

The headquarters with blue awning to provide some shade, the high today was 77F. The black square is the usual trash can that is there all the time.  

I don't know how long they were out there playing war.  KoKo was ready to come inside and what KoKo wants, KoKo gets!!  

When there were more and larger trees there was much more surreptitious activity, including some fornication, but the trees became infected with something and died so they had to be removed.  A variety of long needle pine trees were planted and are slowly growing. They have done well this year with all the rain.  The very large trees you see are outside of the park.  

Lots of excitement in my neighborhood!! 

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Friday Food 06-23-23

 If  you read my blog often or if you know me in-person, you know that I do love desserts.  Just look at me!   I especially enjoy the fancy, gooey, desserts served at restaurants.  Like the two just below.  I don't remember where I enjoyed these luscious treats, but they were tempting enough to take a picture.  

This variety of plating makes things more inviting - or so they think. 

One of my favorites is carrot cake and I sometimes drive to LBeach to pick up a cake aat Katella Deli.  I think their version is the very best. 

Cookies are an everyday mainstay.  These came from Cookie Elements a shop which sells only cookies made on the premises - sooo good.

This post was prompted by dinner out with neighbors.  We ordered one dessert, a chocolate/raspberry cake. It has five layers (I think) and the flavors differ on different days.  We were lucky tonight, it is the best flavor.  But we were also ravenous.  It was gone in a flash!

I have to remember to take a picture before attacking dessert!  Sorry. 

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Weeds, Flowers 06-22-23

Since my gardener (mow and blow guy) retired in January I have tried to hire three different gardeners, but they just don't show up.  Now I have hired two guys who work in the neighborhood and come highly recommended.  They will get around to my yard when then have time between their regular duties.  I hope it is soon because the weeds are up to my waist in some places.  The excessive rain we had this winter/spring has reawakened seeds that haven't sprouted for a number of years and some I am not familiar with.  My yard is probably the wildest in the area!!

These are only growing in the front yard and I think they are very interesting with very dark reddish brown stems and unusual  leaves.    Sort like black oak, but I know they aren't that. 

I will try to do some research to see what the name is. 

The Lilies of the Nile are blooming, along with the Jacaranda trees.  The lilies that get full sun most of the day are in full bloom, but those that only get sun part of the day are lagging behind.  Mine are just barely budding out - no color yet. 

This yard faces east and has full sun all day.  Gorgeous. 

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Wordless Wednesday 06-21-23

 

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KoKo 06-20-23

 KoKo wants to sit on my lap, but I have a book there. 

How can I read when he is looking at me like this?

Now he is trying to hide from the camera!  

He won, I put my book away and gave him a nice brushing. 

Went to Surfside QGuild board meeting in Dana Point this morning, stopped at the market on the way home, hired a couple guys to de-weed my yard (no weed killer allowed).   They will use weed whackers and hedge  clippers.  Wish I could do it myself - it will cost an arm and a leg.  I need to find someone to rebuild the side deck and gates on both sides of the house.  If it isn't one thing, it is another

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Reply to Sally 06-20-23

 Sally - I don't know how to reply to you directly.  Hope you see this.  Del

Sally - Thanks for your comment.  I am a huge Lisa fan, but have not read her last two books. However they are on my TBR pile.  "Snowflower..." is not my favorite, but I had to suggest one that the group might be able to read in two weeks, so it couldn't be more than about 200 pages!! Books seem to be very long the last couple years.  During lockdown that was okay, all I did was read.  "Covenant...." has very favorable reviews and it is on my shopping list.  The library has a lengthy reserve list.

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Reading 06-18-23

I'm not sure I can keep up with two book groups.  I was invited to join the "Lit Group" (as in Literary) which has been going for quite a few years, but has lost members until they were down to four!  So, now we are six - all old and seemingly have lots of reading time.  I do read every day, but already have a stack of TBR (to be read) books that  would  probably  last me the rest of my life!  

For the LIt Group's Friday meeting we read Lisa See's "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" and everyone said they enjoyed it.  I made a brief  report on Lisa and her background.  We talked about  at least a dozen books we might read, but  no decision was made.  Plenty of time as this group doesn't meet in July and August.  I have started re-reading "On Gold Mountain", Lisa's first major book which traces her Chinese roots back four generations.  I enjoyed it so much when I first read it in 1997 that I have been a fan of her books ever since.  

My longtime Book Group is reading "The Enchanted April" by Elizabeth Von Arnim  Pub 1922 Movie 1991.  But I have not started it yet - I have 58 hours before the meeting on Wednesday.  I remember the 1991 movie which was wonderfully done and stays in my mind still.  Guess I had better get reading.  

The epidural seems to be working very well and I  have cut back on the Tylenol.  I  need to  make a follow up appointment with my new primary doctor.   I picked up my new glasses, but will need to go back for an adjustment on the focal distance.  It is way too close, I almost have to put my nose on the machine to see to sew.  Can't! 

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