tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55324379895182139442024-03-05T01:38:17.322-05:00Capricious...given to sudden behavior change, fanciful, irrepressible, spirited, whimsical and by all means, unpredictable. What will today bring?MsKittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09351871810353355382noreply@blogger.comBlogger812125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532437989518213944.post-35868646753890834792022-08-17T08:54:00.001-04:002022-12-17T11:19:42.639-05:00The Perils of Old Age<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4kNDLZvRkC67qmtGzIGXBEW04tfWqg5NfgGIPW_atP1xurzGSvV9M0X__2n24G8vcDvZ2A_19zW7PeZj6aYDa1QINfaFcIW9KvTPiQenpJYkRc7TdzHUTbVAaA7ur2Xb7qw3PEb2kC72gm6Y_xauciLlpsA58PWaK_Cy7js0w2heiAfSMk_zuZOR/s4032/IMG-1223.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4kNDLZvRkC67qmtGzIGXBEW04tfWqg5NfgGIPW_atP1xurzGSvV9M0X__2n24G8vcDvZ2A_19zW7PeZj6aYDa1QINfaFcIW9KvTPiQenpJYkRc7TdzHUTbVAaA7ur2Xb7qw3PEb2kC72gm6Y_xauciLlpsA58PWaK_Cy7js0w2heiAfSMk_zuZOR/w300-h400/IMG-1223.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>UPDATE: Finally saw the lung specialist last week and he says I have ZERO signs of emphysema or other COPD. He looked at the last 3 x rays I've had in Oregon (since 2009) plus the two abdominal CT scans I've had in the last year, which show the lower part of the lungs. Nothing on any of them. I feel lighter already. :) <br /></p><p>Dahlias are blooming in the garden boxes right now. So beautiful!</p><p></p><p></p><p>So, what's on my mind today is that I had a routine physical Monday and ended up with a diagnosis of emphysema. Nice, huh? I've never smoked, but I did grow up in a house with two heavy smokers for the first 18 years of my life. Second-hand smoke matters. Doesn't help that I had Scarlet Fever when I was 6, which damaged my lungs.<br /></p><p></p><p>I mentioned to my doctor that I'd been having some minor, occasional breathing issues, so he ordered a chest x-ray and another test that hasn't happened yet. The x-ray showed enlarged lungs, though little to no obstruction. That's the good news, I guess.</p><p>Other than that, I seem to be the picture of physical health, with indicators unusually good for my age.</p><p>I watched my mother die of this disease and watched the progression. It took years, and she was much younger then than I am now. I'm assuming it'll take years for me, too. Right now it's just an occasional annoyance. It won't stop me from walking or going about my life. </p><p>I am so grateful for my years of Buddhist training and practice. It enables me to accept this information with equanimity and peace. I live fully in the present and don't worry too much about the future. Not the long-term future, at any rate. We all have to look to tomorrow to some degree, and right now, tomorrow doesn't look any different than today. I'm grateful for that.<br /> </p>MsKittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09351871810353355382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532437989518213944.post-71559293019007378012022-08-08T11:54:00.000-04:002022-08-08T11:54:06.555-04:00I'm still here!<p>Happy to report that my health is back to normal, hopefully. I still haven't had much urge to write here but I don't want folks to think I've left the room, either. That will be true someday, and there will be no notice of it here, but maybe I should try to at least say hello now and then.</p><p>I spend most of my time on Twitter, and post photos there, where they don't go into a total void and where there is feedback.</p><p>Most of those photos are just iPhone snaps taken on my walks, but some of them are likable. Here's a few: I love sunrise at the ponds. The Hawk is a Cooper's Hawk, photo taken with full zoom from my window. Saw this guy at the bird bath several times during the spring/summer. Turns out there is a nest in one of our big trees (currently hidden by foliage) and now we have three noisy juveniles flying about all the time. I don't mind the screeching, but they are loud. I love watching them, too. Others here are not as amused, but as they grow older they'll likely seek out territories of their own.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKiFOEOUD2MZB2vDdFVic-BEsWbjvzuZyQwwfMnJ3IofADimum35EUb5Ypr815r8PAj7kqf-W8M92pO8YJOM7yAoibX28yCCKQ-wn7z_Pvv0jmQuYhgQ11wBjYREIfnPl1NJ9MJIq_rpBPQmEvt4CccUWxhOHmCi5bhq5LFhSbsgKiNrzUXujKBvAR/s4032/IMG-0650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKiFOEOUD2MZB2vDdFVic-BEsWbjvzuZyQwwfMnJ3IofADimum35EUb5Ypr815r8PAj7kqf-W8M92pO8YJOM7yAoibX28yCCKQ-wn7z_Pvv0jmQuYhgQ11wBjYREIfnPl1NJ9MJIq_rpBPQmEvt4CccUWxhOHmCi5bhq5LFhSbsgKiNrzUXujKBvAR/s320/IMG-0650.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9RoSMspepRB57hO9ip7Qws4S0fkYFtTW7YiO2Pl4gMrG5FdWTrEh7SiUxJQMcXL_Z-QyBaHtIS0I1bKL2BDBNJYufgpEvH5wSjeTvDZX6dnX0gZTc7xknXBoE5EcVdPviMcVGnKz76ROwlU5x0Fa-EXhe8TqPwv60CScOA60z1xVdqV7pS0BYgLZ/s3341/DSC00356%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3150" data-original-width="3341" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9RoSMspepRB57hO9ip7Qws4S0fkYFtTW7YiO2Pl4gMrG5FdWTrEh7SiUxJQMcXL_Z-QyBaHtIS0I1bKL2BDBNJYufgpEvH5wSjeTvDZX6dnX0gZTc7xknXBoE5EcVdPviMcVGnKz76ROwlU5x0Fa-EXhe8TqPwv60CScOA60z1xVdqV7pS0BYgLZ/s320/DSC00356%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFUMG417fnOjiRVXD5nuh3ziZzuV482tg2oXSWjHoU6kBICMYmP-IoIma6W0A5FFJlDHiY0zC8iNPHpCPtgTB5RAwhNGSPDCPng6WFL3DntBCF5nwU_V6NtBrgpCx3JPIlGjB8cgp7wSSG3NrPhnvMfdukKkADYcyj9RfDBjlItyaIANZGYYA79Nb/s4896/DSC00400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFUMG417fnOjiRVXD5nuh3ziZzuV482tg2oXSWjHoU6kBICMYmP-IoIma6W0A5FFJlDHiY0zC8iNPHpCPtgTB5RAwhNGSPDCPng6WFL3DntBCF5nwU_V6NtBrgpCx3JPIlGjB8cgp7wSSG3NrPhnvMfdukKkADYcyj9RfDBjlItyaIANZGYYA79Nb/s320/DSC00400.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKl-5JakSHNsIPC7x0-_lGjapEIPjs77_N-YGpdV7utYTCNgSqStPEQcwpVeaM7uWPibkbM_RwYYC3M_nvlAnuin_MrIMAH8ZjffO8GkxCiqrfnUOS7jrDGpTLf0hbHhM_VGizJUDHK1R0-rTegkp9kznJVCmowj1WhlJoTlN1TVscMLPkPOeNFf9/s4032/IMG-0785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKl-5JakSHNsIPC7x0-_lGjapEIPjs77_N-YGpdV7utYTCNgSqStPEQcwpVeaM7uWPibkbM_RwYYC3M_nvlAnuin_MrIMAH8ZjffO8GkxCiqrfnUOS7jrDGpTLf0hbHhM_VGizJUDHK1R0-rTegkp9kznJVCmowj1WhlJoTlN1TVscMLPkPOeNFf9/s320/IMG-0785.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>MsKittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09351871810353355382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532437989518213944.post-77029069601146835162022-02-25T08:23:00.002-05:002022-02-25T08:23:22.507-05:00<p>I may not make many more posts here, though life takes strange turns and one never knows. For the few friends who read this, I just wanted to let you know. My health is going downhill, and how far it will go and how quickly I haven't a clue. I don't really feel like writing, or taking photos. </p><p>Spent a few hours in the ER again last week. Totally different reason than in November. Just got off a week of two really powerful antibiotics. And so it goes. </p><p>Peace out, amigos!<br /></p>MsKittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09351871810353355382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532437989518213944.post-42213503767459510392022-01-24T14:55:00.003-05:002022-01-24T14:55:54.725-05:00A Foggy Week in the Willamette Valley<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYgaJbmoIYzpy-XNImTHSviCP22QXpsJboh2TWXuIUpnL8mJMRw4e0aPZ0IINyT6NtWRCCWpDvjJJKHCFMQT5jKq2Ap96yStlX5A89eS9ZuytuVQEdIG5ia2YvyfGHrcdiUbgrDGfAEbhy5t8n_QbgMq8S4cmv3NNITnac1lKT29uCBZSJXCH6PDOP=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYgaJbmoIYzpy-XNImTHSviCP22QXpsJboh2TWXuIUpnL8mJMRw4e0aPZ0IINyT6NtWRCCWpDvjJJKHCFMQT5jKq2Ap96yStlX5A89eS9ZuytuVQEdIG5ia2YvyfGHrcdiUbgrDGfAEbhy5t8n_QbgMq8S4cmv3NNITnac1lKT29uCBZSJXCH6PDOP=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div>We're having some serious overnight fogs all up and down the I-5 corridor this week.<p></p><p>Yesterday, I walked over to the ponds to play with that fog a bit.</p><p>This photo is from an isolated overlook that I don't visit all that often because it is isolated and hidden, though not far from the road. There are Canadian geese in front of and on that little island, if you can enlarge the photo. Saw them on land throughout the walk. Looks like they're getting ready for nesting season.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPz8AJ89-_pM4IafEj0I6TKXiVaxensjLm01BxDd_KZseU3KDzFPd0ncPp-eTKVbwP8KWUK99DBzQ9ixjadAYrFK2m1La3i2R38BS00ar7GyNnpj3if18llBfk4teeLmpfpFEVwwk7SWW08ZfWT40U6gqpmn_EC2Z4lZjI6xz4BBNxLPOUUjkapIB1=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPz8AJ89-_pM4IafEj0I6TKXiVaxensjLm01BxDd_KZseU3KDzFPd0ncPp-eTKVbwP8KWUK99DBzQ9ixjadAYrFK2m1La3i2R38BS00ar7GyNnpj3if18llBfk4teeLmpfpFEVwwk7SWW08ZfWT40U6gqpmn_EC2Z4lZjI6xz4BBNxLPOUUjkapIB1=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p> These two were quite near the shore, where I was standing. Lots of people walk by this spot, so they're probably used to humans.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTypZxtIEQ_1ejnKeqJJKcC3tiXFXSThfrEIUdaNqATxICDa4AozfNoVMpE9OVZ90WTN1EBJqMadvGtxWbcLT1vyRwhKmKxizjBrYMrOhzKf2bvPFofFNQQ_KTsFWfO8Cs6Pxpml5tYEzmZ9Q3mMW7vkoxqXLTt3lZW7X6pSEiAzPx2rw_B2o1X0Aw=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTypZxtIEQ_1ejnKeqJJKcC3tiXFXSThfrEIUdaNqATxICDa4AozfNoVMpE9OVZ90WTN1EBJqMadvGtxWbcLT1vyRwhKmKxizjBrYMrOhzKf2bvPFofFNQQ_KTsFWfO8Cs6Pxpml5tYEzmZ9Q3mMW7vkoxqXLTt3lZW7X6pSEiAzPx2rw_B2o1X0Aw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p>The geese were a little more skittish -- same area as the ducks, but a little further away. Lots of feeding going on this morning.</p><p>Today, more fog but this time it was freezing fog. 30F when I got up, 32 by the time I got up the nerve to go outside. Wanted to be sure the pavement wasn't icy. I opted for a different walk, since I do the ponds and river so often. This is another favorite place with man-made ponds and fountains in a swanky residential area.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIYQdSOrsDm1J4BarUna_zdxMF4H4wMXT6DKRElP_IYRLxnt-mC5Tu8JknyVz0tzXJ5d7SQ-s_MaOwqojgN34Cffyy2W-T2EpyXkJxNQeetHP4BRJ9uVaGPuCsAvDXEIoUeXvgTw1BJD0vEKYbzpaEkOjEyYY6CXqXFrmLUZvVcNXEu-_li6nPEg_s=s3040" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2877" data-original-width="3040" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIYQdSOrsDm1J4BarUna_zdxMF4H4wMXT6DKRElP_IYRLxnt-mC5Tu8JknyVz0tzXJ5d7SQ-s_MaOwqojgN34Cffyy2W-T2EpyXkJxNQeetHP4BRJ9uVaGPuCsAvDXEIoUeXvgTw1BJD0vEKYbzpaEkOjEyYY6CXqXFrmLUZvVcNXEu-_li6nPEg_s=w400-h379" width="400" /></a></div><p>The fog was already starting to burn off, since I got such a late start, but it was pretty nonetheless.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyFNpc2xyLKx5I1eUNSJxHpUDYQrWnlY3oWUJboZljoquwgWCi1pEw55aYAl72f7gxWRYkr12SP62eGNwsNpJuX8kiaQtG8BmVOk6R711zbnpzylUoY-H2TYkSTo1KVfHjIad5fUjA2Tdb8lTQKE7FId6oEwdN3a9QfEWDwP_MiQ_5Edv5eP6B597f=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyFNpc2xyLKx5I1eUNSJxHpUDYQrWnlY3oWUJboZljoquwgWCi1pEw55aYAl72f7gxWRYkr12SP62eGNwsNpJuX8kiaQtG8BmVOk6R711zbnpzylUoY-H2TYkSTo1KVfHjIad5fUjA2Tdb8lTQKE7FId6oEwdN3a9QfEWDwP_MiQ_5Edv5eP6B597f=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p>More ducks! Hungry ducks, I guess.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7QjQ33OO77W9VpwWadP2FAPm6Sq6Jm8uNi1EOSMLqLN9rF0uDvFc-UluflDjO83slaMIazG2obgfZVK7awWbV1nDS6jaRWtgazvXmR6ogEH6GotK1qVPWfes36CgfQvOFMVSSA5LzSVNNia5QTOIlQt8SefpQi4iUj_qQ-uaJQ_9UVCi-ScAYa6li=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7QjQ33OO77W9VpwWadP2FAPm6Sq6Jm8uNi1EOSMLqLN9rF0uDvFc-UluflDjO83slaMIazG2obgfZVK7awWbV1nDS6jaRWtgazvXmR6ogEH6GotK1qVPWfes36CgfQvOFMVSSA5LzSVNNia5QTOIlQt8SefpQi4iUj_qQ-uaJQ_9UVCi-ScAYa6li=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div>My fingertips felt frozen by the time I got back home. I didn't wear gloves for fear I'd drop the phone.<br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>MsKittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09351871810353355382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532437989518213944.post-68145539614543959412022-01-17T15:58:00.001-05:002022-01-17T15:58:50.379-05:00Riverwalk<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 40px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYIcIGBNB-MQGEEQkuMfDR1ylxVU6kjtcuLqh_NQSEDoXuORr5pjUifqbTvQIeQeX9i8E-Lkr5akiKggoRtjyRuqUKsyShwFjhYBV5gdlLt0jncNOcvF0TPAnRKedN-KgLAyzd1tvlZJQQuej4nEKDMFQh7cy6okEOXTnanGyTGULqRmPL0Ur9Ab3d=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYIcIGBNB-MQGEEQkuMfDR1ylxVU6kjtcuLqh_NQSEDoXuORr5pjUifqbTvQIeQeX9i8E-Lkr5akiKggoRtjyRuqUKsyShwFjhYBV5gdlLt0jncNOcvF0TPAnRKedN-KgLAyzd1tvlZJQQuej4nEKDMFQh7cy6okEOXTnanGyTGULqRmPL0Ur9Ab3d=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div>I haven't walked along the river for awhile, so this morning I opted to do that. Not surprisingly, it's full to slightly overflowing, and running fast. I guess this is about as full as I've ever seen it. <p></p><p>Didn't hurt that the skies were clear and almost sunny, but not at all warm. About 36 when I left home and my hands felt it for the hour it took to walk the loop.</p><p>I'm so lucky to live where this is in my backyard, so to speak.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi40fM1ciORUxB30PVA0eFvj9crDKT9xR_m0fRWjmbYaYWC81Hfi1WfE86yWsdh5yEFXudMltV5qdIR4WA40qdljNJ7AGadfmTqtJQROrKEM84lmucKb2XaWELy88kWVkdldXdYU8Jky5hu1Qj30AJOz3cMV-CQEoWanvwbJswwGCWxiEmla49wQjH3=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi40fM1ciORUxB30PVA0eFvj9crDKT9xR_m0fRWjmbYaYWC81Hfi1WfE86yWsdh5yEFXudMltV5qdIR4WA40qdljNJ7AGadfmTqtJQROrKEM84lmucKb2XaWELy88kWVkdldXdYU8Jky5hu1Qj30AJOz3cMV-CQEoWanvwbJswwGCWxiEmla49wQjH3=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p>This little fenced-off riverfront sitting area belongs to a nice retirement center down the road. That bench, as you might imagine, is not normally sitting in water.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhl_y7GQip6LUJjQz2y_vnNUDZpBR-VaY0432S67LBrjvZKT2S_ea2XgWyIR0d0ahVNrhvGj3epWrGkzlgvM2Gfe4nUA2mrYZnLLb1FkB3leeN8xmRbD9SUVVkcpcdL_09v86ARh95VO16-2w-N8c27dWHjYNYFg0BDkjX-uVx7P_B7-W6QJ50_6iIR=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhl_y7GQip6LUJjQz2y_vnNUDZpBR-VaY0432S67LBrjvZKT2S_ea2XgWyIR0d0ahVNrhvGj3epWrGkzlgvM2Gfe4nUA2mrYZnLLb1FkB3leeN8xmRbD9SUVVkcpcdL_09v86ARh95VO16-2w-N8c27dWHjYNYFg0BDkjX-uVx7P_B7-W6QJ50_6iIR=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p>After awhile the path turns inland along the ponds. These ponds are on the opposite side of the road from the ones I normally walk, but they all flow together via culverts.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgigTBNqvI4G6KIki5WDx62Lv_ot-Flo_de9lE_31yWhd_oXtroM4CpeqdAIzgtnHRW3buR1f24khOesXVagVVmNM7uaVJU61J_w4y204IBOgCI90oZZaPvc1L50Yy528gUM6iuJZJ9t1UCp6dW-FB7WEiAJtbo1BRUO_9Ol94-esguzu-OM0Ga3fZ3=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgigTBNqvI4G6KIki5WDx62Lv_ot-Flo_de9lE_31yWhd_oXtroM4CpeqdAIzgtnHRW3buR1f24khOesXVagVVmNM7uaVJU61J_w4y204IBOgCI90oZZaPvc1L50Yy528gUM6iuJZJ9t1UCp6dW-FB7WEiAJtbo1BRUO_9Ol94-esguzu-OM0Ga3fZ3=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p>It's not easy to see because it's dark, but on the top upper left is the main culvert/turbine complex that moves water from these ponds (and the river) to the other ponds. I just liked the reflection. There's a Great Blue Heron in there, too, but you'll never find him. Next photo!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfLXX_pwtsOsIVBckXwK6mHuhRZEbrX2R09Z-vL3FpeZlZfS_gnaf_w9kDqHdIE3oUBVRSe9ClWfF1Tu6vHXDoM4cGLqb8JPJoy9a5DPiCE089hn5kdnOjX5keA2xmSnsTFNi_zMO-7X5o6nNhTgGIEYaV1fY5KgnjNt2S_X0HSPVYXyamNxErOl3o=s1680" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1399" data-original-width="1680" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfLXX_pwtsOsIVBckXwK6mHuhRZEbrX2R09Z-vL3FpeZlZfS_gnaf_w9kDqHdIE3oUBVRSe9ClWfF1Tu6vHXDoM4cGLqb8JPJoy9a5DPiCE089hn5kdnOjX5keA2xmSnsTFNi_zMO-7X5o6nNhTgGIEYaV1fY5KgnjNt2S_X0HSPVYXyamNxErOl3o=w400-h333" width="400" /></a></div><p>This is from atop the culvert/turbine looking back. That heron must have had a very good breakfast because he was resting quite comfortably.</p><p>Took me 48 minutes, per Fitbit, to walk, which is probably about right with all the stops I made to take photos. Nice to get out again. I'm not doing it nearly often enough these days.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>MsKittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09351871810353355382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532437989518213944.post-30942447973759527732022-01-06T17:28:00.000-05:002022-01-06T17:28:23.448-05:00Delta Ponds again -- full of water<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPJfW-aI7NPFGupBw-8nHNFQ2_d5gOi2JLCVQyuupzdBHMkUSVbVHmzhbYEHSha6ctZlyZF-hhqQliUQ62q2TSNzuXUaKAMNRhUcLKDKAkO3SMTMrgXofDZN55HgcQYn1-uprw695NVhl-B87E1r8-dIsDC3XjG-wXp_QLokWftgMGq3xuZa0IMsmY=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPJfW-aI7NPFGupBw-8nHNFQ2_d5gOi2JLCVQyuupzdBHMkUSVbVHmzhbYEHSha6ctZlyZF-hhqQliUQ62q2TSNzuXUaKAMNRhUcLKDKAkO3SMTMrgXofDZN55HgcQYn1-uprw695NVhl-B87E1r8-dIsDC3XjG-wXp_QLokWftgMGq3xuZa0IMsmY=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We've had weeks of rain and/or snow, seemingly constant and indeed, mostly constant. This morning was clear so I headed out for my first good walk in a couple of weeks, or more. Walked down to the ponds to see how much the rain has affected them, although I could tell just driving by that they were much fuller than usual. These ponds are actually an old gravel pit, but over the years since they've been city property there has been an opening cut between the ponds and the river, and then culverts under the bike path and roadway to link it all together so they are a natural overflow area for times like this. At least one of the culverts has some power assist pumps, to help things along. And then there's a natural creek that they empty into at the other end, which also has some good overflow areas at a highway cloverleaf. </div><p>That's all a long way of saying that there's lots of water in those ponds right now! The geese were enjoying it, certainly. And more were flying in even as I walked home.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjT7BVu284q7tZ5m7xg6aFsTbKTStgXWo-9R4lU-4c2enkg7CVVqavkSCT-Ld5NMTPn-mYfU7JBdP2ZlgNfMMerJaCmBV7CznJKNJJraZjaz2F0vqmzeu29HxiCMW2iYinf-DFEZeT2bc4GGMHTpNaf7NzgasQWU6RZ8H5PsL0LsPk4cGD9suXoFIez=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjT7BVu284q7tZ5m7xg6aFsTbKTStgXWo-9R4lU-4c2enkg7CVVqavkSCT-Ld5NMTPn-mYfU7JBdP2ZlgNfMMerJaCmBV7CznJKNJJraZjaz2F0vqmzeu29HxiCMW2iYinf-DFEZeT2bc4GGMHTpNaf7NzgasQWU6RZ8H5PsL0LsPk4cGD9suXoFIez=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p>This is one of my favorite views, from the path through the ponds looking at the bike bridge in the distance. And this time of year, the light tends to be nice in the mornings, too. Not a lot of ducks or geese or other birds out there. The water surges into this area via the above-mentioned pumps and culverts, and then under the bridges that link the various land masses. </p><p>I probably could have found some birds if I'd walked further than this, but my goal was the bike bridge so I could look down on all of this.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjveNNHiVH-whipIC-puSkciXqaUEAgJCa6j-z9kmSpWJrI33UAV5rJoflImCpsPR2C3bZaWalRkwPrP6qT8GRCK4219Yflq4AY1iZnOEOHvKCqE0wuA_dzM_vWofEjaOw1UY-lpIwupvB4mZ8yfLmmBgIEQmNP8WbVQ9In8j9Nmh_uJp1E2FfPRwu_=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjveNNHiVH-whipIC-puSkciXqaUEAgJCa6j-z9kmSpWJrI33UAV5rJoflImCpsPR2C3bZaWalRkwPrP6qT8GRCK4219Yflq4AY1iZnOEOHvKCqE0wuA_dzM_vWofEjaOw1UY-lpIwupvB4mZ8yfLmmBgIEQmNP8WbVQ9In8j9Nmh_uJp1E2FfPRwu_=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p>This is from the bike bridge looking over much of this part of the ponds. The previous photo was from near the footbridge near the center top of this photo. The water comes into this section from the left, and you can see the motion showing in ripples as it floods in. Maybe that's why there were no birds there. Or maybe it's just too deep at the moment for the herons and egrets to stand in and feed. Who knows!<br /></p><p><br /></p>MsKittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09351871810353355382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532437989518213944.post-42587766505661489992021-12-23T08:49:00.000-05:002021-12-23T08:49:47.453-05:00Focaccia!<p>In case anybody cares -- doubtful, I know -- yesterday's focaccia was wonderful, and wonderfully easy. I just mixed the flour/water/yeast/salt around 3:30pm one day, covered it tightly and left it on the counter until around 9:30 the next morning. By then, it had risen a lot and was bubbly all over.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpvTYsgVaecTk5FX2BHjL-5C4k9trU49GdNLt44Z46nPPWs65bQlcsiaHe2N6rsawpmvMnca2xKArjwtQ_TGqsJ0sE8t6bdcqD7q6T8W7C39S3QAoj7IGgI5XyFPXlqefYzSgyz_bLTIH4JkKMAYxynu2J9vGVL4RUb_H70Ig8GjulLqu9vDV2mXmE=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpvTYsgVaecTk5FX2BHjL-5C4k9trU49GdNLt44Z46nPPWs65bQlcsiaHe2N6rsawpmvMnca2xKArjwtQ_TGqsJ0sE8t6bdcqD7q6T8W7C39S3QAoj7IGgI5XyFPXlqefYzSgyz_bLTIH4JkKMAYxynu2J9vGVL4RUb_H70Ig8GjulLqu9vDV2mXmE=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOpcIdNPhndDh3JDcqVKhXSQ5lvs7XBz6ESXbNU7KWCdUUbayKRLWYsF6P6nzV1vUVCnGa0pBvVO9A-6PctreTks-HgUW14iG24HBD2c0nD7vtq3rPjDwdSmCf_Xot1Mz0fi10IktmacdjIyw8isbnHDNvDoyKAUiysHPqhG2lb2VTTWlpUUPnKBoL=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOpcIdNPhndDh3JDcqVKhXSQ5lvs7XBz6ESXbNU7KWCdUUbayKRLWYsF6P6nzV1vUVCnGa0pBvVO9A-6PctreTks-HgUW14iG24HBD2c0nD7vtq3rPjDwdSmCf_Xot1Mz0fi10IktmacdjIyw8isbnHDNvDoyKAUiysHPqhG2lb2VTTWlpUUPnKBoL=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p>Having it in a glass bowl has its advantages. Next step involved simply putting some olive oil into a cast iron skillet and coating the bottom, then I tipped the dough into that, turning once to be sure it was totally covered in the oil, then patted it enough that it covered the bottom of the skillet. Then I poked some roasted garlic bits into the dough, covered it again and ignored it for a couple more hours.</p><p>Recipe calls for 550F cooking, but I doubt this old stove goes that high, and I wouldn't feel comfortable trying. I had it around 450 or a little over. Hard to be sure as the oven isn't accurate, but it was hot. Recipe calls for 16-24 minutes, but I semi-panicked when it had gotten quite brown at 15 minutes so I took it out and finished the bottom on the stovetop, as suggested. In retrospect, I think another couple of minutes in the oven would have been good, browning the top even further.</p><p>All that was left then was to spoon the quick garlic/butter/oil/oregano mixture I'd made while the bread was cooking right onto the hot top so it would soak in nicely.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3HHbhtZWYwD1iIp8eV9iWbbJuDK8-awYdAmzJFMnz7cZDK-8I6tqZyVKu0O76qfAaqZfuab7jfHXeJQZe0AMhZKDiP9TgRyy-0iNp1orzlIdJPjb3nD84q3qtIZsSB-lAb7q578McAiV-YOcBVm-YSLsDN8fW-p41j6yZKCQlordURchgUGaIi1of=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3HHbhtZWYwD1iIp8eV9iWbbJuDK8-awYdAmzJFMnz7cZDK-8I6tqZyVKu0O76qfAaqZfuab7jfHXeJQZe0AMhZKDiP9TgRyy-0iNp1orzlIdJPjb3nD84q3qtIZsSB-lAb7q578McAiV-YOcBVm-YSLsDN8fW-p41j6yZKCQlordURchgUGaIi1of=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p>The crumb was good, though there again another minute or so in the oven would have helped. I also cut it while it was still hot and squishy, but I couldn't wait.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2mTDWNorGYAXtcI6i0NpgzPTpVUNZVl4I_4j_iXnZKeSZ2lW4G4UfjOpgGU5rWdMCIowWuD09_JvZKjv8YTEGOJPorFoIfijbEZ36jpQXNXiU01W5TyHCKVOGP2yR0Kqb5K5kM6HxHc9dHDt6YLYVKaMt2kXQtB1P9423GKxc9-_wxJ_3Z5OxV0OU=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2mTDWNorGYAXtcI6i0NpgzPTpVUNZVl4I_4j_iXnZKeSZ2lW4G4UfjOpgGU5rWdMCIowWuD09_JvZKjv8YTEGOJPorFoIfijbEZ36jpQXNXiU01W5TyHCKVOGP2yR0Kqb5K5kM6HxHc9dHDt6YLYVKaMt2kXQtB1P9423GKxc9-_wxJ_3Z5OxV0OU=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p>You can see the roasted garlic -- which I'm not convinced was worth the effort -- and the oil seeping into the bread from the top. So yummy! I actually ate half of it, though I'm rather embarrassed to admit that. I had to put the rest into the freezer so I wouldn't eat all of it. I also made some good chicken/veg soup yesterday so both will be part of my meals the next few days.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.seriouseats.com/easy-roasted-garlic-focaccia-no-knead-bread-recipe">recipe </a>is from one of my favorite sources for anything food related, J. Kenzi Lopez-Alt on Serious Eats, if anyone wants to try it. Highly recommended!<br /></p>MsKittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09351871810353355382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532437989518213944.post-4983707008352372902021-12-22T11:16:00.001-05:002021-12-22T16:33:34.214-05:00Happy Birthday to Me!<p>Today marks the beginning of my last year as a septuagenarian. A year from now will be one of those hated 'zero' years. Assuming I live that long, which I likely will barring the unforeseen.</p><p>A few weeks ago I moved my big (6 feet long) oak desk from my bedroom into the living room. I'd always wanted it in the living room, but when I moved in here I had different furniture plus I think perhaps I just didn't see how I could make it fit. At any rate, it's here and I love it. In the past, I generally only used it in early morning hours, sipping coffee, checking email, twitter, and doing my NY times puzzles and often, some genealogy. It was quiet and peaceful, but cold, since I keep that side of the house basically unheated so I sleep better at night. Plus I couldn't hear/see the TV, blah blah.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCQ9md9vd96S2PiINTImDxwPMcOqHb9hnYpbPXpwzYOVaBAaGHBOIXLSXQlsajtRy-_TTFj5uej9bYXKKSJi6RE45SOjfLUxLshcHenmbO7Mh53jcWtXOol1Fqz7GDx_DwB1H412Z2gPkQm7VSgZRhe7T65REbcNdQ81gM740bYxs7RQPzlczYa6uc=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCQ9md9vd96S2PiINTImDxwPMcOqHb9hnYpbPXpwzYOVaBAaGHBOIXLSXQlsajtRy-_TTFj5uej9bYXKKSJi6RE45SOjfLUxLshcHenmbO7Mh53jcWtXOol1Fqz7GDx_DwB1H412Z2gPkQm7VSgZRhe7T65REbcNdQ81gM740bYxs7RQPzlczYa6uc=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div>The room is now a little more crowded than I normally prefer, but I don't find it unpleasant and I sit at this desk much of the day now, doing whatever nonsense I find to do. The point of all this is that today, weeks after making this move, I realized that I could now listen to all the music that's stored on this computer. It wasn't realistic before, since the bedroom wall where it was located abuts my neighbor's bedroom, and is above the downstairs neighbor's bedroom. I tried to be quiet when I was in there, as the walls here are thin. And even during the day I'd have needed to turn it up too loud in order to hear it in the rest of the apartment.<br /><p></p><p>So Hallelujah!! With the belated realization I finally found where Windows 10 hides my music file, and while it looks a lot different I found that if I click on 'play all' it randomizes just as it once did. I don't think all my music is in this file, as I probably had 40 or so CDs there, but there are a bunch of my favorites. I'll be curious to see how long it'll play before stopping. Probably been a couple of hours already.</p><p>This is important because music -- especially this music that I love -- has always been an important part of my life. I always had a good music system and no TV because I preferred music. It lifts my spirits, calms anxieties, and does wonders for my overall well-being. It's good to have it back. Good beyond words.</p><p>Apparently that's my birthday present to myself, and it's a damned good one. I'm also making some good soup and trying a focaccia recipe from one of my favorite sources. The dough has risen overnight and has a wonderful sourdough aroma. Soon it'll be time for the next step. Yum.<br /></p>MsKittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09351871810353355382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532437989518213944.post-40915952148930143662021-12-06T08:30:00.001-05:002021-12-06T08:30:52.990-05:00Early morning walk around Delta Ponds. Again.<p>Yesterday dawned clear and bright, so I set out for a 'short' early morning walk along the ponds. Turned out not to be so short after all, as I found so many places to use my iPhone's camera. I don't use it much as a phone, but it gets good use as a camera, and I love it. As you can see, things were quiet over there as all the critters were waking up.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBOiBLYPYIKcLMUCysDfY9NzX1LbySkwQVg6CpXdoxgsfbn7Lz1Pg_EplrK4xdqDHcDce07umGtIIgRoI2kf-Ck2odiMXmoLyp1wkNu0QxlLjdUt8J4oAY82PYpww5XLA9pzFKL0gGiwWggefTpVqEpjkEHoEWT4-t1l1NEQDGr0am3AS-JnLJeBm-=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBOiBLYPYIKcLMUCysDfY9NzX1LbySkwQVg6CpXdoxgsfbn7Lz1Pg_EplrK4xdqDHcDce07umGtIIgRoI2kf-Ck2odiMXmoLyp1wkNu0QxlLjdUt8J4oAY82PYpww5XLA9pzFKL0gGiwWggefTpVqEpjkEHoEWT4-t1l1NEQDGr0am3AS-JnLJeBm-=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDQPvcwq_sajhStOvNlY5xyhn1GhljiqyPdeDQ_RuLz4oX5uinRNZs0ANl8pq1FWUWuaYRiYBt5TYtMuwGF_wLh0FkYH6sn5e-CW3m9uQvsBG9hOYgD9ik5Kh-UkKIgItQWw6bFF-tOHEET69sSrGGzUfSbGnVSo_M2CGgKvWcKjTijVR5r6IYcglu=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDQPvcwq_sajhStOvNlY5xyhn1GhljiqyPdeDQ_RuLz4oX5uinRNZs0ANl8pq1FWUWuaYRiYBt5TYtMuwGF_wLh0FkYH6sn5e-CW3m9uQvsBG9hOYgD9ik5Kh-UkKIgItQWw6bFF-tOHEET69sSrGGzUfSbGnVSo_M2CGgKvWcKjTijVR5r6IYcglu=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p>These ducks were splashing, diving and making a hullabaloo as they did a little morning bathing. Some of them swam away before I could get a photo. Should really have been a video, but I haven't learned how to do that yet.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbIoBHSzwQKlmsX53RhtoSqbgY8gw7ypSmvaKhwbN201woBSc_t0XoyfPzQfakGhz5DgdVuTwGH09NGhFGZ3CAgQucrSRSGXV4WqEWL_FuRMuPVFx-JNhDPevoizjGIv8wSGyZbpkJd6ozIQB5mHpyMGrSVCsOfPNDFSL-WN_jCNbkMZPBq6uWJisS=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbIoBHSzwQKlmsX53RhtoSqbgY8gw7ypSmvaKhwbN201woBSc_t0XoyfPzQfakGhz5DgdVuTwGH09NGhFGZ3CAgQucrSRSGXV4WqEWL_FuRMuPVFx-JNhDPevoizjGIv8wSGyZbpkJd6ozIQB5mHpyMGrSVCsOfPNDFSL-WN_jCNbkMZPBq6uWJisS=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p>I've always liked reflections, and this is no exception. The sun was so bright in my face that I couldn't see the camera, so I pointed it down into the water, with the sun brightening the shore and the still reflection in the water.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfcQg_2wSvMGt4Sz1jZLgR423rBXy6Xjqchq8bK0kHdGVEBzEhpZ3IiFdVRoIAe_fp8rldIkcW_EXVwf3OrxC9wTgJ42TD6glku8l3nYyTmIw4qCMuY4ejgfA2CLc9KPT3cP4IA9eR2Tdj_c2-9AqntQQ-Xm0yoQptU_TFZ0kRNVkRBmbknM0J7BbN=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfcQg_2wSvMGt4Sz1jZLgR423rBXy6Xjqchq8bK0kHdGVEBzEhpZ3IiFdVRoIAe_fp8rldIkcW_EXVwf3OrxC9wTgJ42TD6glku8l3nYyTmIw4qCMuY4ejgfA2CLc9KPT3cP4IA9eR2Tdj_c2-9AqntQQ-Xm0yoQptU_TFZ0kRNVkRBmbknM0J7BbN=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p>More reflections.</p><p>I realized last night when it was way too late that I'd missed a good opportunity for some wonderful lighting when I didn't continue on across the bridge where I found the ducks. The sun wouldn't have been in my face then, but coming from all directions with wonderful lights and shadows. Something to remember next time it's clear at dawn. I'm happy with these, for now.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>MsKittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09351871810353355382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532437989518213944.post-15731804645969239792021-11-23T09:16:00.000-05:002021-11-23T09:16:00.257-05:00Happy Thanksgiving<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvAc_KPIQXONNDPAmH1-SziWnL8HKJ7R0aTD85PMSLT1r1ivW8u44cM2TQ_3rWbKCZvyJHcN64KH975bFKXHLUevHYe1J5RaXhnpRaSbdIwBTO3i01qWk7i3f2MKcVuUP_KdWqV5aGd8/s302/Beringer1985K.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="302" data-original-width="170" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvAc_KPIQXONNDPAmH1-SziWnL8HKJ7R0aTD85PMSLT1r1ivW8u44cM2TQ_3rWbKCZvyJHcN64KH975bFKXHLUevHYe1J5RaXhnpRaSbdIwBTO3i01qWk7i3f2MKcVuUP_KdWqV5aGd8/s0/Beringer1985K.png" width="170" /></a></div>Lest anyone be concerned by my last post -- and I doubt anybody is as there really aren't a lot of visitors here and only a couple who I actually know -- there have been no more incidents of Transient Global Amnesia or anything like it. My mind doesn't always feel as swift as before, but that's been creeping up for awhile and is probably just old age.<p></p><p>I finally entered the 21st century a couple of days ago and bought my first smartphone. I didn't really need one, but so many companies and medical types that I deal with only want to communicate via text nowadays that I felt pushed into it. My old flip phone wasn't meant for that. I could receive texts, and if pushed I could even answer them, but that 10-key pad wasn't worth the trouble. And I could definitely not open attachments. So I spent some $$ for a smart little toy that'll rarely be used. I don't make/get many phone calls, but I am learning to text with my daughter and a local friend, so that's kind of fun. I also appreciate the camera, as it's lightweight, doesn't require any tech knowledge, and takes good photos. And I like being able to post photos directly to Twitter, which I couldn't do with the camera. So, there's much to enjoy with it, though I prefer the iPad for everything else, as it has a much larger screen.<br /></p><p>Today is the first day I'm supposed to drive again. I cheated a few days ago, and for a couple of days, going on long walks with my hiking buddy a few times and driving my car one day with her along. The issue wasn't whether I could drive or walk, my fear was that I'd be out walking or driving somewhere alone and have another incident and not know who I was or where I was or how to get home. And nobody -- including me -- wants me driving under those circumstances! The docs said it was unlikely to ever happen again, and I hope they are right. I have a grocery run to make. And maybe some other things.</p><p>Be well, everyone, and Happy Thanksgiving. The photo is from a group photo at some event at Beringer in the 80s. Someone sent the group photo to me not too long ago, and I carved this one out at the request of that someone's daughter as part of an upcoming birthday surprise. As always, my fashion choices astound me.<br /></p>MsKittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09351871810353355382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532437989518213944.post-15703590590830134762021-11-12T17:58:00.001-05:002021-11-12T17:58:53.543-05:00Oops!<p>So -- had my first old-age ambulance ride to the hospital on Wednesday. I'd apparently been acting odd outside in our garden area so the friend I was talking to called 911. I don't remember any of this, but she told me that the EMTs weren't sure what was going on, suspected it could be a stroke and weren't going to leave me here. I doubt that I resisted, though again, I don't know. Long story short, in ER I had bloodwork and an MRI to evaluate my old brain for a stroke. All tests were clear.</p><p>The first thing I remember from all this is being in my room on the Observation Deck where I spent the night, and another friend here coming into the room. She's my local 'go-to' person at the building office, to be called in case of emergency. She has relevant contact phone numbers, copies of my DNR and cremation contract, etc. She gave me some info, but I was still hazy. I know I stayed awake until after midnight, which is not my general wont. Slept fitfully, awake early. Typical hospital stuff. Had another blood draw, plus a physical therapist who had me do some stuff, walk around the ward, balance tests, etc. I passed all those just fine.</p><p>Eventually he hospitalist Doctor came in and after some conversation and having seen all test results, said they were going to send me home, recommended I stop one of the meds I'm taking. A nurse from my doctor's office called this morning to set up an appointment there, told me I shouldn't drive yet until I see the doc on Tuesday. Otherwise, keep on keeping on.</p><p>Also spoke with the neighbor I was talking to in the garden. Memories of the last week are vague, but I had some memories of wanting to transplant a perennial in my garden and wearing my rain pants out there because it would be a messy job with wet soils. I even vaguely remembered moving my car so I could unload the two bags of soil I'd purchased. Wasn't sure when all that happened. Receipts tell me I bought the soil on Tuesday, and it was Wednesday that I was out there trying to do the job before it rained again. It seems that I walked over to my friend, who was at her car, asking about someone who might want some of that perennial. I'm pretty sure I never unloaded the soil or moved the plant, because my rain pants were clean. But I moved my car back to its spot and parked head-in, which I never do. I don't remember doing that, or anything that came after that until later in the day when my other friend arrived.</p><p>All they can say is that it's some kind of transient memory loss, sometimes happens in older people, and isn't likely to happen again, and they told my friend at the hospital that I wasn't likely to remember any of what was happening, so in that sense this is normal.</p><p>Other than being tired, I've been OK since I've been home. Got a good shower right away, as I felt grungy. Watched more TV, dozing a couple of times in the process. Had some decent sleep. Just had lunch and enjoyed that. Even spent some time with the NYT Spelling Bee game this morning and reached genius level, and that's a good cognitive sign. But -- then I tried to put a new duvet cover on my new down comforter, and found out that while everything seems normal, my brain wasn't up to that task. I put it away until tomorrow. It was rather funny, really.</p><p>I am glad to be home, and hope I don't make a habit of this. Old age sucks, and certainly isn't for sissies.<br /></p>MsKittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09351871810353355382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532437989518213944.post-52387147862091878202021-11-01T22:09:00.001-04:002021-11-02T10:00:41.074-04:00Hello<p> Hi, all,</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdGQL58d8eRy5kWAWD4BVlMPm6PHuUNC4plyTgwsX0Kn2qfwk8nCDD4npz_MCunDKL5Icgw3cIgzHRimA-9w8Sff6T21P1E8543YRbBiHPBIi23sQTZoviOCGglotEY8FkLwhuBEOxvs/s2048/A7EA2B95-493C-48AD-9A19-6E37BDC8BE7D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1790" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdGQL58d8eRy5kWAWD4BVlMPm6PHuUNC4plyTgwsX0Kn2qfwk8nCDD4npz_MCunDKL5Icgw3cIgzHRimA-9w8Sff6T21P1E8543YRbBiHPBIi23sQTZoviOCGglotEY8FkLwhuBEOxvs/w560-h640/A7EA2B95-493C-48AD-9A19-6E37BDC8BE7D.jpeg" width="560" /></a></div><br /><p>It’s still fall out here, at least for awhile. This tree is outside my window, and each fall I patiently — more or less — wait for it to turn this brilliant red. And then … wait until a random ray of afternoon sun hits it just right to set it on fire. This ray wasn’t the brightest, but it still looked pretty good and I wanted to be sure I got a photo before the leaves disappear. We’re having a lot of rain right now (thank goodness!), so the leaves are already falling. </p><p>I’ve been a bit under the weather the last few days, though today was better until my temp hit 100 again, a few minutes ago. I’ll take some Advil in a minute to make it go away. Still, better is better, and I’ll take that. Don’t worry .. it’s not a Covid kind of thing. More like a bladder infection, if you must know.</p><p>This is my first time trying to write a post from the iPad I’ve had almost two years. Likely to be the last, cause it doesn't work very well.</p>MsKittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09351871810353355382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532437989518213944.post-47674096577020277072021-08-13T08:47:00.000-04:002021-08-13T08:47:16.906-04:00Sunsets and wildfire smoke<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7R_TTGeVMzE7lAZSHDkmlyZY-XFPpktIzW8yhcMFNtWfZYxMcepxO1kEXNAKc8dJYrsYwM63HUke7M56WPOVb_dzq7qy_XpJffmIqRvLLQR_xUZ-u3d1btFMAdI7LGzNCYgQROIW_FKA/s2048/IMG-0350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7R_TTGeVMzE7lAZSHDkmlyZY-XFPpktIzW8yhcMFNtWfZYxMcepxO1kEXNAKc8dJYrsYwM63HUke7M56WPOVb_dzq7qy_XpJffmIqRvLLQR_xUZ-u3d1btFMAdI7LGzNCYgQROIW_FKA/w400-h300/IMG-0350.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Here we go again. Poor air quality most of the day yesterday, from wildfires. Much of the smoke had thinned by sunset, but the haze nearer ground level still shows. The blue skies and wispy clouds were nice though. Plus, the temp reached 103, broke a record, and the fire alarm in our building went off in the afternoon and I had to evacuate. False alarm, fortunately. I bought some N95 masks a couple of days ago just for this purpose [also because the county is in a critical stage with Covid, and while I'm vaccinated, I don't want the damned virus even mildly. So it's gonna be N95 for me for awhile.<p></p><p>All that said, however, we have been lucky so far, with fires burning so close to us. The winds have been in our favor, which made me feel a bit guilty about people in other areas getting it. Windows are open again this early morning, air quality good, but if it gets worse, or hot [a given] they'll be closed again and the air filter machine going all day again.</p><p>Since I know everybody's dying to know, I finally named the new brat-cat. Buddy, 'cause he is my buddy even if he has a temper.</p><p>Stay safe out there, everybody.<br /></p>MsKittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09351871810353355382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532437989518213944.post-31064834647608482302021-08-10T07:53:00.001-04:002021-08-10T07:53:31.260-04:00Cat tales -- again<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDG0pstde7h7eL76ulv03YiLPQaODHlYTO125sc7TibKaRcJpN8HjmbnptTuBHApOe4tHxDdwQQDVP4F8nVCDPbwYdtG5LKrsB0AxthpTvHKXedJQFnypeJ0JwltW6SSm1Vai_Wv0W1ks/s2048/IMG-0348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1955" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDG0pstde7h7eL76ulv03YiLPQaODHlYTO125sc7TibKaRcJpN8HjmbnptTuBHApOe4tHxDdwQQDVP4F8nVCDPbwYdtG5LKrsB0AxthpTvHKXedJQFnypeJ0JwltW6SSm1Vai_Wv0W1ks/w381-h400/IMG-0348.jpg" width="381" /></a></div>Finally got a photo of him with eyes open! He was sitting in my lap washing his face after a good meal and I was able to angle the iPad and get his attention for a moment. He's come a long way in a week, which is gratifying. Certainly no longer stressed -- quite the opposite. He's king of his hill and acting more cat-like all the time. Yesterday I saw him chasing a little ball around while I was watching dishes. And he plays with the catnip mouse often, too. This may not sound like much, but he wasn't too interested in any of it, initially.<br /><p></p><p></p><p>I had to pick up more meds for him from the shelter on Saturday and learned that they were antibiotics. I could have looked that up, but hadn't really thought about it. So in my efforts to make him feel better I'd already upped the quality and quantity of canned food. On the drive back to Eugene from the shelter near Corvallis I decided to treat him like I'd treat myself, or another human, after long exposure to antibiotics and medications. So -- I researched what probiotics work in the feline body, found two specifics, then tried to find products that contained them. Most of the feline probiotics on the market didn't contain either, and only one contained both. Most of them have common strains that we might find in our yogurt. They won't hurt the cat, but also aren't likely to help much, either. I ordered the winner and it should arrive today. On Sunday I bought some natural vitamins, but the problem is getting him to eat them. Sometimes he will, sometimes he won't. But I figure whatever I get inside him is better than nothing. I think a different form would be useful, but this is what the local pet store had.</p><p></p><p>He's really just a lovely elderly gentleman. Well-mannered, calm and loving. Just wants a lap to sit on or a warm body to snuggle up against at night. My goal is to get him as healthy as possible, and give him a loving home for his remaining years. He's not ancient -- only 9 -- but with the FIV and the respiratory issues, and possible unknown issues, he needs to be healthier and stronger if he's gonna have a lot more years. IMHO!</p><p>Other than that -- we have another heat wave coming in this week, with a couple more 100+ days. Our local weatherman says that August 7 is traditionally the last time we see 100+ temps here, but as we all know old norms are not new norms. We're still going to hike Wednesday morning -- a lesser hill that hopefully won't be too bad early in the morning. These hikes are about the only real exercise I'm getting lately, plus they're fun, so I don't want to cancel.</p><p></p><p>Stay well and safe, everyone!<br /> </p>MsKittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09351871810353355382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532437989518213944.post-65129093357950777362021-08-06T09:17:00.002-04:002021-08-06T18:43:06.614-04:00Cats & Stuff<p>So, it looks like I have another roommate. It's been a question for the last few days, but I think he's here to stay.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5_NiQCifLOYJBKFs9hv1GSFQlUFsvPAi8ngJZuSXtBbuYjlP9OSIM_9_-WWQ1BYF5v3nn4iEO_JfC8d6p-gyyjb7nu_kH3KVcXIUQsoohUGaey3uNt2TYgKgpEalHsX33aEwrCKDuAc/s2048/IMG-0341.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5_NiQCifLOYJBKFs9hv1GSFQlUFsvPAi8ngJZuSXtBbuYjlP9OSIM_9_-WWQ1BYF5v3nn4iEO_JfC8d6p-gyyjb7nu_kH3KVcXIUQsoohUGaey3uNt2TYgKgpEalHsX33aEwrCKDuAc/w400-h300/IMG-0341.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>He's kind of an elderly gentlemen, in cat years, and he has some health issues that I hope can be cleared up. Aside from that, he's the sweetest, friendliest, most loving cat anyone could ask for. Almost too much so, initially. Clingy would have been a more appropriate word, but then he started getting used to me, and me to him, and now he seems pretty happy other than when we have the daily struggle to get some medicine down his throat! He's still snuggly, but not constantly. Seems to work well for both of us. </p><p>He also doesn't have the need to open cabinet doors, climb closet shelves, get into drawers, or investigate every last thing in the house like the last feline I had. He sniffed the place out thoroughly at first, of course, as any self-respecting cat would do.</p><p>I did not sleep AT ALL the first night, but that was as much me adjusting to him being there as it was him wanting to sleep on my chest. I'm still tired, but hopefully sleep patterns are returning to normal, such as that is.</p><p>He came with the name Tucker. Somehow feel a need to change that, but haven't decided on a new one.</p><p>On the hiking front, we've attempted to climb Pisgah the last two weeks, including yesterday, but the weather has been so hot and muggy that we turned back both days. Yesterday wasn't even that hot, but terribly muggy. And the air quality isn't the greatest, because of wildfires, though I don't think that was a factor in our turning back. We still got in almost 2 hours of walking, so it could be worse.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86-bAZerDDe1wyBv7o0jLa5wVaUq5KUvbchNuNnuRvjj9a5B-4Sl1nY19zShcpCXsxOpliUonJpsvpvwDHJspoug9pBb79Ut3EPEiRCDNAaVS4yYUAVhyphenhyphen52O-5-Icnv7Kr36cyjTClAM/s4896/DSC00265.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86-bAZerDDe1wyBv7o0jLa5wVaUq5KUvbchNuNnuRvjj9a5B-4Sl1nY19zShcpCXsxOpliUonJpsvpvwDHJspoug9pBb79Ut3EPEiRCDNAaVS4yYUAVhyphenhyphen52O-5-Icnv7Kr36cyjTClAM/w400-h300/DSC00265.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We tried a different trailhead this time, which I rather liked. The sun was just peeking over the trees when we left the parking lot.<br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>MsKittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09351871810353355382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532437989518213944.post-11416657175222060612021-07-25T16:54:00.002-04:002021-07-25T16:54:40.303-04:00Yes, Delta Ponds again<p>Went for a short walk around noon. Already HOT out there. The ponds and shady spots along the path made it seem cooler, though.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEsOXzgGMbTZqfRRUCeyit6D5ivdOL_lfP6XqULIYPlBRvyIZ5XZICLtVE4Iabd_vcJMpdmot_4B8dz6Qe5Jlcq8Qs0W7WFfYmoINZXKffpN_u0mc3CKwFK8F7u2BolB93QsXoMRwgD8/s4896/DSC00244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEsOXzgGMbTZqfRRUCeyit6D5ivdOL_lfP6XqULIYPlBRvyIZ5XZICLtVE4Iabd_vcJMpdmot_4B8dz6Qe5Jlcq8Qs0W7WFfYmoINZXKffpN_u0mc3CKwFK8F7u2BolB93QsXoMRwgD8/w400-h300/DSC00244.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQiWVI2las-nna8r-fYUrdJGzx1FChqr0DWeV2xI5w4daJfvPT_xNDmbAiSe1NfCxCDgy5jjO356PChqtQwq-vABNp-fDyjpg0PuvQsr00PpNEzIJ40VjFXVmMlKjWeAKcWHZRSr0s91Y/s3538/DSC00245+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3115" data-original-width="3538" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQiWVI2las-nna8r-fYUrdJGzx1FChqr0DWeV2xI5w4daJfvPT_xNDmbAiSe1NfCxCDgy5jjO356PChqtQwq-vABNp-fDyjpg0PuvQsr00PpNEzIJ40VjFXVmMlKjWeAKcWHZRSr0s91Y/w400-h353/DSC00245+%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>This big heron was waaaay across the water from the bridge I was on. Full [30x] zoom in use here, hand held so not as clear as I'd like it, but these guys seem to delight in making life rough for photogs. Years back I could walk the whole length of the trail and find some much closer, some very close. Don't see many of them anymore, though they are certainly still around. Maybe just not when I'm there.</p><p>Wherever you are, hope you're staying cool and safe.<br /></p>MsKittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09351871810353355382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532437989518213944.post-32715523126984554952021-07-23T11:05:00.002-04:002021-07-23T11:05:39.414-04:00A New/Old Trail<p>Yesterday we returned to Blanton Ridge, a trail we hiked several months ago. I didn't like it at all, and didn't particularly want to return, but I knew my hiking buddy wanted to try it again, so I suggested it for this week's hike. Surprisingly, it was actually a rather nice hike.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCAVkgzlWCFm-_a-8R-mp1hr4xLJnAOs3AAXuVmPq9GHbl5xg1kVC3ew2HHo9at_D3mzcpfJfGQFUlQZOk6Dp52HOA2HzMQLvXrCykg8fjWj6qcwNIAw36V94qHm0YSVZi1yzZi4Xz4ak/s4896/DSC00238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCAVkgzlWCFm-_a-8R-mp1hr4xLJnAOs3AAXuVmPq9GHbl5xg1kVC3ew2HHo9at_D3mzcpfJfGQFUlQZOk6Dp52HOA2HzMQLvXrCykg8fjWj6qcwNIAw36V94qHm0YSVZi1yzZi4Xz4ak/w400-h300/DSC00238.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This is an in-and-out hike with a 'big hill' in the middle of it, meaning you have to climb the darned thing twice. Plus it's narrow, tends to be a bit crowded, whine whine. Funny thing is, this time the 'big hill' wasn't so bad after all. We've hiked a lot of miles, a lot of hills, and one really big hill 3 times in the interim months, so we're just in that much better condition. I like the sounds of that.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi586mVnwWG4JQJtjfpMkRTVUUf8FfFpQd24AhjZZ5FjFVmDK34czwYHEMfPoddeVz0shpsADKbvvGwznszX-BaHg2jEmFoF7KWf3hAXHF10Qb9Nlg1AzTdOYDX6ASmRojTrJeJ0HZfU28/s4896/DSC00241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi586mVnwWG4JQJtjfpMkRTVUUf8FfFpQd24AhjZZ5FjFVmDK34czwYHEMfPoddeVz0shpsADKbvvGwznszX-BaHg2jEmFoF7KWf3hAXHF10Qb9Nlg1AzTdOYDX6ASmRojTrJeJ0HZfU28/w400-h300/DSC00241.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>As usual, we got an early start and the early morning light played fancifully all around us. Didn't make for spectacular photography, unfortunately, but was lovely to walk through. I expect we'll return here another day, though not just yet. </p><p>I've said this often, but we are really lucky to have so many fine hiking trails in this city, and county.<br /></p>MsKittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09351871810353355382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532437989518213944.post-48846212629528456892021-07-17T11:00:00.003-04:002021-07-17T11:00:41.599-04:00Windowsill beauty<p>A neighbor who recently moved out of state gave me her African Violets. I wondered if I could keep them as healthy and bloomy as she did, but after a couple of months with me they seem happy. And they certainly add a lot of bright beauty to my windowsill.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkxHX5NPLFok3YrZlqtfKu0MiO_i_SRIlhh14v1xfwFDe5KWHw7249KTk3eKMnhtwvbXcAWPagtCVkBQHj44K29nM14oZQ2OP9yxragP5IE9hEzMZymjIt487q7GU975JzAnStz7F8kE/s4896/DSC00208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkxHX5NPLFok3YrZlqtfKu0MiO_i_SRIlhh14v1xfwFDe5KWHw7249KTk3eKMnhtwvbXcAWPagtCVkBQHj44K29nM14oZQ2OP9yxragP5IE9hEzMZymjIt487q7GU975JzAnStz7F8kE/w400-h300/DSC00208.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxHmpSt_Gy5s9u1qVH9XjNwfDifNIg4eUOC7hO_mxh0VVv1df2QhvNlIPnm3ce_X-TPGKQXHfvEYjL4XP4PTW6t-tmsCU0we_e4JivuKGFOkrrJza2xm3gQJDYOdKl99BeIadKXvg6g0/s4896/DSC00207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxHmpSt_Gy5s9u1qVH9XjNwfDifNIg4eUOC7hO_mxh0VVv1df2QhvNlIPnm3ce_X-TPGKQXHfvEYjL4XP4PTW6t-tmsCU0we_e4JivuKGFOkrrJza2xm3gQJDYOdKl99BeIadKXvg6g0/w300-h400/DSC00207.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmoUEUx0KirfxALfblCEZtcqG-0exDXlb5FuEfqnWKjjqe5Q6ufdV_ePcnKtz8dcvmSXf6S6re8yZe9lxHld8OIRY2mZv-aMpcdII7gaKHnf0mMQFp43mhVq8Hd0ohloEDbG35JJDkxk/s4896/DSC00214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmoUEUx0KirfxALfblCEZtcqG-0exDXlb5FuEfqnWKjjqe5Q6ufdV_ePcnKtz8dcvmSXf6S6re8yZe9lxHld8OIRY2mZv-aMpcdII7gaKHnf0mMQFp43mhVq8Hd0ohloEDbG35JJDkxk/w400-h300/DSC00214.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp0Jtqq8vrMcykOLE83G8vvBMFbKcvR4xHebRa8EpceiKasLAwmXy2dvkE4SybAPa8SxjwoH2wEnlXU8bgW5uBqO47Sio_l_gdvgBblaEBzDXfv8aokgeLtGEZDcSRGqCJVQ6lfPigotA/s4896/DSC00216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp0Jtqq8vrMcykOLE83G8vvBMFbKcvR4xHebRa8EpceiKasLAwmXy2dvkE4SybAPa8SxjwoH2wEnlXU8bgW5uBqO47Sio_l_gdvgBblaEBzDXfv8aokgeLtGEZDcSRGqCJVQ6lfPigotA/w400-h300/DSC00216.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />MsKittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09351871810353355382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532437989518213944.post-59158004089821492092021-07-13T10:11:00.000-04:002021-07-13T10:11:19.320-04:00Wildflower season<p>Took a walk down to the ponds yesterday. Just a leisurely stroll, not thinking about footsteps, what (if any) cardio range I was in, or how long I was walking. Felt so good, to be just out for pleasure. Stopping often to check out the scenery, take some photos, etc. And when I started to feel tired, I turned around and walked back home. This may not sound like such a big deal, but it's a rare thing for me these days. I'm usually out for the exercise, and listening closely to my Fitbit to try to stay in fat-burning mode. </p><p>Actually, I'm taking a break from the entire exercise thing this week. I've been waking up drained of energy for a few days, and some other symptoms and a little research tell me that I've been over-training, and that I need to let the body heal. It sure hasn't been interested in exercise, that's for sure! I'm still not a bundle of energy, but feeling okay. Hiking tomorrow as usual, though a less strenuous hill than the one at Mt. Pisgah that we've been doing for the last 3 weeks.</p><p>The ponds were quiet -- birds have more sense than humans when it comes to being out in the heat of the day, I guess. But it's always a pretty trail and a pleasant walk. Here's a few photos to liven things up.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7-IaqF3teykIiUw76eM6E4TEakMloRvY5qKKNa3ZiHm1OF8QawldTVgnNxvckk2KQdTmgv60OscYTc-9hAxN9MBFxaPpOxn_EREcJQGIYtGs_sD8wQ43Rr8WJleQ2KoXrY_SsPZwYrU/s4896/DSC00197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7-IaqF3teykIiUw76eM6E4TEakMloRvY5qKKNa3ZiHm1OF8QawldTVgnNxvckk2KQdTmgv60OscYTc-9hAxN9MBFxaPpOxn_EREcJQGIYtGs_sD8wQ43Rr8WJleQ2KoXrY_SsPZwYrU/w400-h300/DSC00197.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>This was certainly unexpected! But, I've seen a crew sometimes in the early mornings getting ready to go out in a canoe. I expect they are pulling up some unwanted plant growth out there, though I don't know which one. I've read about it in the past, but my mind is like a sieve these days. They were probably on a lunch break at this point.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rS7MgVC54rKKXkrolVLEVNta-ZAyMlXUYJJImaTNYQBgRntcncbb_Oft-97uiulnR7TZ9n0V-5Cuao4WVwWs5RiTjaUsoHAmJmNd4k_1_XK_BiUAHBPMdhWdJCVJPCkkj0zul22uLB8/s4896/DSC00200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rS7MgVC54rKKXkrolVLEVNta-ZAyMlXUYJJImaTNYQBgRntcncbb_Oft-97uiulnR7TZ9n0V-5Cuao4WVwWs5RiTjaUsoHAmJmNd4k_1_XK_BiUAHBPMdhWdJCVJPCkkj0zul22uLB8/w400-h300/DSC00200.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>Even the lowliest of wildflowers can be pretty, with a close look. I didn't notice the insect in the middle until it was enlarged. I wish photos uploaded onto Blogger kept more clarity. This one is actually quite focused and detailed, but much of that got lost in translation.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57J2LXjjE_rs7ZN7H7RX1-n7aoP3eZepmJr-jec4qDX7JlppFVANq5eFT1d5PtHzozuktdEXVeqtQwmwxU4r53MBPZLmxAl4CZeROxFHJGRRQk5nkqlMaubjq1czPl42gEck-lxVrKEI/s4896/DSC00199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57J2LXjjE_rs7ZN7H7RX1-n7aoP3eZepmJr-jec4qDX7JlppFVANq5eFT1d5PtHzozuktdEXVeqtQwmwxU4r53MBPZLmxAl4CZeROxFHJGRRQk5nkqlMaubjq1czPl42gEck-lxVrKEI/w400-h300/DSC00199.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>I believe these are wild sweet peas. Whatever they are, it's certainly their season. Lots of them out there, and they really brighten up the place.</p><p>So that was my walk. Today, gonna take the bus downtown to the Farmer's Market and see what fresh goodness I can bring home.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>MsKittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09351871810353355382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532437989518213944.post-22018160528237168202021-07-03T11:55:00.003-04:002021-07-03T11:55:38.658-04:00Happy Fourth of July !<p>Since I don't have much to say these days without saying it in photos, here are some from yesterday afternoon and this morning.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5qMVm6D4Kt_RR8mfadGS3nEAhMcIa9BZNG2jMTKBGKsFroZgWM8Lixa9fDIERmrUr7DGVN74kdyZlLZsmbd3DazhkyAMfVFO_6CTXbDsqUSkWtfVyJ9oezJskxiJJJ90mLkzAyliKqk/s4896/DSC00183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5qMVm6D4Kt_RR8mfadGS3nEAhMcIa9BZNG2jMTKBGKsFroZgWM8Lixa9fDIERmrUr7DGVN74kdyZlLZsmbd3DazhkyAMfVFO_6CTXbDsqUSkWtfVyJ9oezJskxiJJJ90mLkzAyliKqk/w400-h300/DSC00183.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yesterday afternoon, along the River trail.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBztZTrE1DNgHnvYNqB1_s5h8rTjW5bsS-NFclrbGkW-JoPoDqLNJLIVdhdOAUpq5iJU_ni_mXIxCfTL6VN0Gp52ryg59m_MZnsAQwjo2ZxwI3FTsIccllQ-cCi_TcH1u5W1IEoya1uY/s4896/DSC00185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBztZTrE1DNgHnvYNqB1_s5h8rTjW5bsS-NFclrbGkW-JoPoDqLNJLIVdhdOAUpq5iJU_ni_mXIxCfTL6VN0Gp52ryg59m_MZnsAQwjo2ZxwI3FTsIccllQ-cCi_TcH1u5W1IEoya1uY/w400-h300/DSC00185.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Great Blue Heron, far in the distance [full zoom in use] in the early morning light, Delta Ponds.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjby-rxXkkJ1fcG7HIHe45CGwQLhj_yszCtDn4PzubDTlwRCR_6e2TZZelo1zmIA3uhFRlS0tVOHeTkqXI8mNVXehuRfU1k9PIR_kqkH1RvgG9tOTPjnXbbYfIWo56elj6xqQ1XNjn8dGc/s4896/DSC00187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjby-rxXkkJ1fcG7HIHe45CGwQLhj_yszCtDn4PzubDTlwRCR_6e2TZZelo1zmIA3uhFRlS0tVOHeTkqXI8mNVXehuRfU1k9PIR_kqkH1RvgG9tOTPjnXbbYfIWo56elj6xqQ1XNjn8dGc/w400-h300/DSC00187.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm sure all these photos look the same to y'all out there, but I see all the subtle differences in light, especially the early morning light when the sun's just poking above the trees. I love the peacefulness, the quiet, the still beauty and the colors.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNoeXUWSwyspP8rW7rsn20hLjmI8GKcB39I54ReM-VXmCM6DCByUxM5Ge9U58X2b8-Xl6OZFHoI1icKNujYds3kgzRj4NiIa_xDDtyZeQLx936rVB9ONZXeT8ujirEOELVURwYIuijlgo/s4896/DSC00189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNoeXUWSwyspP8rW7rsn20hLjmI8GKcB39I54ReM-VXmCM6DCByUxM5Ge9U58X2b8-Xl6OZFHoI1icKNujYds3kgzRj4NiIa_xDDtyZeQLx936rVB9ONZXeT8ujirEOELVURwYIuijlgo/w400-h300/DSC00189.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This little duck family was enjoying the log.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVSBlXKeQqeA96k0GltudfcJvqHnydlj5veaKC2RU2TVHzg1B_p3yNXFcVqsBOMVJklSPJcZZYGaCdQdHG3VE8nBK_rw-E3MIbPhPtzEx3cQ3yMwE85-jSOmMB0_dZku1FoSlgDmXNeI/s4896/DSC00195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVSBlXKeQqeA96k0GltudfcJvqHnydlj5veaKC2RU2TVHzg1B_p3yNXFcVqsBOMVJklSPJcZZYGaCdQdHG3VE8nBK_rw-E3MIbPhPtzEx3cQ3yMwE85-jSOmMB0_dZku1FoSlgDmXNeI/w400-h300/DSC00195.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Saw a couple of tunnels through the trees that I'd never noticed, though I walk this trail often. It parallels the sidewalk, alongside the ponds near home, and is a much nicer alternative.</p><p>So that's my tour for today. Got a little over an hour of walking in before 8am, so the rest of the day I'll probably stay inside and chill.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><p><br /></p></div></div>MsKittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09351871810353355382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532437989518213944.post-89386365392878971622021-06-29T17:41:00.001-04:002021-06-29T17:41:04.420-04:00Marine breezes to the rescue<p>Our cool marine air from the Pacific swept into town yesterday afternoon, cooled us off, and it was SO welcome. This morning when I set off on my usual long walk, it was about 60, which is divine walking weather. It's still hot all week, but a damn sight better than the weekend.<br /></p><p>Different story when I went out again after lunch. It was hotter out there than I realized, and I foolishly chose a route that didn't have a lot of shade. But, no problems other than some discomfort. I love walking along the river, and spotted these people relaxing on some rocks, kids playing in a shallow are [other side of the river].</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH93sCdUItkWovqOsTkru1FDka6j5xunYIKxfgDCtNMKsEa_8-yfYoGjp6LLpanqTjFpHndQCOy3q-RcGgRs4O80JI-N0U-DfUWvYjjtfJ7zqqTzIOwRaMOULpQlE9UcCmEAy9542ZTQE/s4896/DSC00181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH93sCdUItkWovqOsTkru1FDka6j5xunYIKxfgDCtNMKsEa_8-yfYoGjp6LLpanqTjFpHndQCOy3q-RcGgRs4O80JI-N0U-DfUWvYjjtfJ7zqqTzIOwRaMOULpQlE9UcCmEAy9542ZTQE/w400-h300/DSC00181.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This is almost directly behind my house, though there's no direct way to get there. An easy walk, though. I got in over 11,000 steps today, with the two walks and some errands.<br /><p><br /></p>MsKittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09351871810353355382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532437989518213944.post-5397099680322862772021-06-26T11:21:00.001-04:002021-06-26T11:21:40.060-04:00Heat wave<p>Greetings from HOT Eugene! It's early yet, but later forecasts range from 104-107. Tomorrow, 113. Yikes. We didn't sign up for that in this part of the world.</p><p>As usual, I did some walking while doing [ie waiting for] my laundry this morning, early. Already hot then, but I got a few decent pics from it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0qKl95tzkFU_boNbr_7HBrQPoHB-CvPit8NgJweqYUO2LTTWvj7dUpTHnTXOQFXHX0tl3CVzmZ3om_ZYi9KtAvKwzr0VgltuVrXUjdrpUmJmJJ9ieO-hwQ5kqbsb4yvvrp_4JlSkOhM/s4896/DSC00160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0qKl95tzkFU_boNbr_7HBrQPoHB-CvPit8NgJweqYUO2LTTWvj7dUpTHnTXOQFXHX0tl3CVzmZ3om_ZYi9KtAvKwzr0VgltuVrXUjdrpUmJmJJ9ieO-hwQ5kqbsb4yvvrp_4JlSkOhM/w400-h300/DSC00160.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Over at the ponds, flowers and beauty are everywhere this time of year.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2q93LA5h47iyXvd2QsCNmJfAmYENj0IXu1ZIFRlYtlbIKMUNE_MjpPsDsYanbfjPmWLtgHziwBCnwwdd36zgJaxDejASsAgpX3Yrj4yEqMHfqjhLjrrkBeAqnA1heNwqz8AFg95YQtRg/s4896/DSC00162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2q93LA5h47iyXvd2QsCNmJfAmYENj0IXu1ZIFRlYtlbIKMUNE_MjpPsDsYanbfjPmWLtgHziwBCnwwdd36zgJaxDejASsAgpX3Yrj4yEqMHfqjhLjrrkBeAqnA1heNwqz8AFg95YQtRg/w400-h300/DSC00162.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Back in the garden, plenty of flowers and beauty, too. Sun just beginning to filter into the garden area.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPVFJEV4ss3kzL80mGYV1g5FMbq5gxrUj_nOzZTjKzWGBB5b-OmngRyfyJUiOT4uZdsEL0Xdn9BkeAsRtsMBnzFz3fVs16FWWSUz4hMO4sIGayDy3NEbgdh5JTrguEEIhVNe6lHj82Bg/s4896/DSC00164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPVFJEV4ss3kzL80mGYV1g5FMbq5gxrUj_nOzZTjKzWGBB5b-OmngRyfyJUiOT4uZdsEL0Xdn9BkeAsRtsMBnzFz3fVs16FWWSUz4hMO4sIGayDy3NEbgdh5JTrguEEIhVNe6lHj82Bg/w400-h300/DSC00164.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicLA7v4iHKCliE9R6ElewXNiHt6AW9oWWTuGYKfnGlwhPR_PFbv9Zgf5nvWTY8XDIxOFXONgSV9YzMzzrwv9fMu-x_5r_WgubTpe4fe2zohKtGWjOcdO2acAlWtqYunDau0ATM18f_bo/s4896/DSC00167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicLA7v4iHKCliE9R6ElewXNiHt6AW9oWWTuGYKfnGlwhPR_PFbv9Zgf5nvWTY8XDIxOFXONgSV9YzMzzrwv9fMu-x_5r_WgubTpe4fe2zohKtGWjOcdO2acAlWtqYunDau0ATM18f_bo/w400-h300/DSC00167.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Laundry, breakfast and shower done. I got in an hour and 15 minutes of walking, about 8500 footsteps so far. Doubt there will be anymore serious outdoor time for me today, though I probably won't be able to resist brief walks around the building here and there. Thankfully, I don't have to go anywhere!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Stay safe, be happy.<br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><p><br /></p></div></div>MsKittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09351871810353355382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532437989518213944.post-64881439667679719922021-06-23T15:40:00.001-04:002021-06-23T15:40:25.104-04:00Mt. Pisgah -- to the top!<p>We've both found the idea of attempting to reach the top of Mt. Pisgah a little daunting. Nevertheless, we determined that we would attempt it today. It's a long, hard, slog, but we made it. Hallelujah! Two and a half hours, total up and down. 13,322 footsteps. We weren't trying for speed, merely to survive.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR39NwTsWhqVkoZHNB7X9JcuXq9Rx4ozPq4-D-Ya7kylT9XPbA3tu4KtfYVix0Hcs1spIsjMxA9yzGyS21YmqVzOAnLaIs33IAdyD01LKXXZLEHsrquX3mWFgIHszkBaBfDyTNmeL-2B8/s4896/DSC00153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR39NwTsWhqVkoZHNB7X9JcuXq9Rx4ozPq4-D-Ya7kylT9XPbA3tu4KtfYVix0Hcs1spIsjMxA9yzGyS21YmqVzOAnLaIs33IAdyD01LKXXZLEHsrquX3mWFgIHszkBaBfDyTNmeL-2B8/w400-h300/DSC00153.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Views are great on the way up. The day was overcast, and cool, which was perfect for a hike like this and two little old gray-haired ladies.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJxzSN5Jb4hB20ZtApN6Ku1XEFf7eA5713BLmSwuogC2P6bR0dNQAHDsFgBfn1o3H97n8el6uAqML__AnPoRkO3PKgLB9Z2ENqku6fhsLw79K0z7nuOs828u7s5O8kVAq5gwvNlvEs7c/s4896/DSC00154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJxzSN5Jb4hB20ZtApN6Ku1XEFf7eA5713BLmSwuogC2P6bR0dNQAHDsFgBfn1o3H97n8el6uAqML__AnPoRkO3PKgLB9Z2ENqku6fhsLw79K0z7nuOs828u7s5O8kVAq5gwvNlvEs7c/w400-h300/DSC00154.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0UbL28X0ThSN22gJq_A3wN7frQCw4ITjL4Ysuw52ZTEJN6wouqhAMaAflDLQK1IFshZoEdqnaRIN8Zw-7mbXstH98KVTKpDGsJ11_gW13p1iuQ7hMcBwDHyVsabgcL3MVhUuY8FtWLw/s4896/DSC00158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0UbL28X0ThSN22gJq_A3wN7frQCw4ITjL4Ysuw52ZTEJN6wouqhAMaAflDLQK1IFshZoEdqnaRIN8Zw-7mbXstH98KVTKpDGsJ11_gW13p1iuQ7hMcBwDHyVsabgcL3MVhUuY8FtWLw/w400-h300/DSC00158.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> <p></p><p>Spencer's Butte, the other 'big mountain' in town, refused to lose its cloud cover until we were back near the parking lot when the sun broke through everywhere. Of the two, I think Spencer's is the toughest, or maybe I'm just in better shape than I was when we did it last year. That was a one-and-only trip for me, no desire to do it again, though we'll certainly do Mt. Pisgah again, trying a different trail that another hiker told us about today.</p><p>The good news is, I guess, that I feel great. Not tired or worn out, although happy to get some food in my belly.<br /></p><div><p><br /></p></div>MsKittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09351871810353355382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532437989518213944.post-59416844133761551682021-06-17T17:15:00.001-04:002021-06-17T17:15:46.515-04:00Wild Iris Ridge Trail<p>Hi, Y'all. Another beautiful day here in Eugene. Sunny, but not too hot. Yet.</p><p>My hiking buddy and I got an early start while it was still cool, and had a good hike at one of our favorite places, Wild Iris Ridge. Neither of us was exactly full of pep, but we did it, and enjoyed it. I haven't slept well this week, after a Monday walk that ended up being 15,000 footsteps and really wore me out. I've rested a lot since then, but I'm still tired. Alas. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LnGVTCNTInYBHfmBQhcpI9PWnSdkY6CLNIWZ6gBCGSj_jUWyger-93EJaIwYVKQPLsKbUfA5XeHBaOeZh_vtusqkbtUKWLy2mDDoj0pCWO6z97K42Sh7A2XmAuag1GwxAt4yME8_kv8/s4896/DSC00144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LnGVTCNTInYBHfmBQhcpI9PWnSdkY6CLNIWZ6gBCGSj_jUWyger-93EJaIwYVKQPLsKbUfA5XeHBaOeZh_vtusqkbtUKWLy2mDDoj0pCWO6z97K42Sh7A2XmAuag1GwxAt4yME8_kv8/w400-h300/DSC00144.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">From the parking lot looking up the hill. The trail goes through the woods, not up the power lines, and while it isn't a huge hill, the trail is steady and steep in places.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92pIY3xdbXhM8PJC_aEQFcie30BKPBnkD4DizUGG6TrRzQFZ6JFE4fF60APAb1CXmH6tQkQF3qxApNzVdY0FHFMnk0eAI95_1IisS_f_sq5ePBU6Cy02v9awcHTVsuO6AikJsAPl4WIM/s4896/DSC00146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92pIY3xdbXhM8PJC_aEQFcie30BKPBnkD4DizUGG6TrRzQFZ6JFE4fF60APAb1CXmH6tQkQF3qxApNzVdY0FHFMnk0eAI95_1IisS_f_sq5ePBU6Cy02v9awcHTVsuO6AikJsAPl4WIM/w400-h300/DSC00146.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">From the top looking back down at the road. Somehow, it looks further away from up here!</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7EHzre7tApkV5TPmERs8mZkAWGODfdisAf6V_CJ9gbCh0WyytS3GltN7ibakW9g76MHbXF0HjB_fLG-oc35XTpPDZFdnuXF43vdq5iJJRB1A7e_zgSYvdndMQi8e4jMCchjZ9Xlfko4/s4896/DSC00148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7EHzre7tApkV5TPmERs8mZkAWGODfdisAf6V_CJ9gbCh0WyytS3GltN7ibakW9g76MHbXF0HjB_fLG-oc35XTpPDZFdnuXF43vdq5iJJRB1A7e_zgSYvdndMQi8e4jMCchjZ9Xlfko4/w400-h300/DSC00148.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Also from the top. The power lines are only a small portion of the surroundings up here. Mostly, there are rolling hills like this.<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbIFn5IlYvPSXwO2DGktXwsTBQ5A4PN-S_kZgaTUeDSNxzwkScRMlzyKXQ-foNfEggCvMTH-EdKk5qQ_AXf5aSFH5xbi2G7jiG5HdG90ipwOV2UBdhpZk4Hf2h8SQ4-VqIquxjYkHW6M/s4896/DSC00149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbIFn5IlYvPSXwO2DGktXwsTBQ5A4PN-S_kZgaTUeDSNxzwkScRMlzyKXQ-foNfEggCvMTH-EdKk5qQ_AXf5aSFH5xbi2G7jiG5HdG90ipwOV2UBdhpZk4Hf2h8SQ4-VqIquxjYkHW6M/w400-h300/DSC00149.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />These woods are full of red-barked Madrone trees, especially beautiful when the sun hits them. They also have large white flower clusters earlier in the spring.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMuMXRA8NA7lpI1flnPBQ3rJMMN8flUA_AUJyOhviYpHGqdPuXw2p5U8Ag8nFSuf-JAhjZkmSqmyvJohu9OmYM0kJTB0arNEoMe7yiY1gPmeN-WDKZEuqhe_EYtr-4aWatyJKiQr8NEs/s4896/DSC00151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMuMXRA8NA7lpI1flnPBQ3rJMMN8flUA_AUJyOhviYpHGqdPuXw2p5U8Ag8nFSuf-JAhjZkmSqmyvJohu9OmYM0kJTB0arNEoMe7yiY1gPmeN-WDKZEuqhe_EYtr-4aWatyJKiQr8NEs/w300-h400/DSC00151.JPG" width="300" /></a> <br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">So, that was our hike. Got most of my 10,000 steps in up there, finished it off with a walk down the hall a few minutes ago. Now I may be headed for my second nap of the afternoon.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Keep smiling! <br /></p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><p><br /></p></div>MsKittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09351871810353355382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532437989518213944.post-35522581450800782332021-06-12T17:15:00.002-04:002021-06-12T17:15:30.783-04:00Mt. Pisgah to the River Trail. Busy week.<p> Hi, y'all. Been a busy but wonderful week.</p><p>Thursday, my hiking buddy and I drove down to <a href="https://lanecounty.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=3585881&pageId=16382053">Mt. Pisgah</a>, to try our luck going up the mountain. We've both done it in the past, but it's been years. Before I left Eugene in 2009 I went out there often. I was much younger then. We didn't go to the top -- didn't intend to! But there's a nice side trail that connects to the main trail way up the mountain. After that, we explored the trails of the Arboretum, which was new to both of us.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Y7Ou0GGQa6T1VKZ_ogRHCj6w-_lyQolgLSNFq68i-qqQeJ-eT5FiqkfhLBymOeon9t5VQB0m_6fmrl07VFZHr3XRtWdBcVUUOK7uADVEPrd2x0UcjNhBwWNTfN6eCNANbvYKMItovPA/s4896/DSC00120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Y7Ou0GGQa6T1VKZ_ogRHCj6w-_lyQolgLSNFq68i-qqQeJ-eT5FiqkfhLBymOeon9t5VQB0m_6fmrl07VFZHr3XRtWdBcVUUOK7uADVEPrd2x0UcjNhBwWNTfN6eCNANbvYKMItovPA/w400-h300/DSC00120.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Took this of the view, not too far up the grade. The trail went through forests and meadows, though the downhill portion on the main trail was just dirt, rocks and gravel.<br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqbKtH8OVy64BcYS1HrJcl7VqEDn8PSjw3B0hE_sgS56lm_cwirwNl2UqS8-UgZFJ9CnxRX7A6FXIe08XFljUyujFETxzAJMov-bYlOmQt7deQAgCEMSC0JJpyEPMyx8Q3mjfBgAfsIA/s4896/DSC00122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqbKtH8OVy64BcYS1HrJcl7VqEDn8PSjw3B0hE_sgS56lm_cwirwNl2UqS8-UgZFJ9CnxRX7A6FXIe08XFljUyujFETxzAJMov-bYlOmQt7deQAgCEMSC0JJpyEPMyx8Q3mjfBgAfsIA/w400-h300/DSC00122.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This cool old barn and silo was our first discovery on the Arboretum trail. As you can see, the day was overcast, but not cold. The following photos were along the various Arboretum trails, too.<br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyHnXnlsF3u4w-WK6oJuUAhC09g3qthF9M7z0g9HhpGyqsdjeHOoENPAoSlCiI2GzaTFskq_4Zokf9F41_d1TWczezEzw0Qd205aL50Phz0TMFJ0dH67Ou7NHBQmAejWB8OIu57DTPHo/s4896/DSC00125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyHnXnlsF3u4w-WK6oJuUAhC09g3qthF9M7z0g9HhpGyqsdjeHOoENPAoSlCiI2GzaTFskq_4Zokf9F41_d1TWczezEzw0Qd205aL50Phz0TMFJ0dH67Ou7NHBQmAejWB8OIu57DTPHo/w400-h300/DSC00125.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilL3Ro4KRSU10iBXRjr5nHGDfnZYJQRFxAxudkcVdgi14nY-Lui92Hp-DH_StcGIWvVPgh_oWoGHyDSLgCwHNOcEHwC68TiKV6bBWcQYOdFyPA5HrgQojH8TKFoMMpFMhtW1l-v2W3u5g/s4896/DSC00126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilL3Ro4KRSU10iBXRjr5nHGDfnZYJQRFxAxudkcVdgi14nY-Lui92Hp-DH_StcGIWvVPgh_oWoGHyDSLgCwHNOcEHwC68TiKV6bBWcQYOdFyPA5HrgQojH8TKFoMMpFMhtW1l-v2W3u5g/w300-h400/DSC00126.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qRxMous3BcmBi56suBwwSFA3j_uZG3gMNGXm2mwlNb61JN3z6d0XP7GkD5TGFgcPDrogMGg56qhYa5rg4dVMc_CQDwfgicJTmeGmD-D3V1qA1LHf8v3Zn3Vh1ivLYDqwbxjIwqzyWqw/s4896/DSC00128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qRxMous3BcmBi56suBwwSFA3j_uZG3gMNGXm2mwlNb61JN3z6d0XP7GkD5TGFgcPDrogMGg56qhYa5rg4dVMc_CQDwfgicJTmeGmD-D3V1qA1LHf8v3Zn3Vh1ivLYDqwbxjIwqzyWqw/w400-h300/DSC00128.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyX-9rXeCYxh7EkFKFHtGnX1-DbSibL622BQ_EiJRFaDu3bg__tl2CbotbLG7uBNA5BcjVDOWx8ZF7U2jp5aFVCX1nXh-YGUDJ1Se0Q06i48jVfB1sK2w544s4fTUy9qzSssF8r3yZlq8/s4896/DSC00129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyX-9rXeCYxh7EkFKFHtGnX1-DbSibL622BQ_EiJRFaDu3bg__tl2CbotbLG7uBNA5BcjVDOWx8ZF7U2jp5aFVCX1nXh-YGUDJ1Se0Q06i48jVfB1sK2w544s4fTUy9qzSssF8r3yZlq8/w400-h300/DSC00129.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">As you can see, the Arboretum trails go through a variety of scenery.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Fast forward to today, and I got in another 20,000 step day. Yay for me! I've been determined to walk down the riverfront trails on what I thought would be about a 6.5 mile loop [and I think that's about what it was]. Started out this morning with about 4000 steps between 5:30-6am. Then, about 9am headed out on the long trek. In the map below, I've marked my route in red. A, at the top, is the starting point. B is where I crossed the river. C is the <a href="https://www.eugene-or.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Owen-Rose-Garden-124">Owen Rose Garden</a> , where I stopped to literally smell the roses. D is Alton Baker Park, where I rested for a moment before returning on that side of the river. Saw an eagle flying across the river just after I headed back home from the Park. Plenty of them around here, but it's always cool to see one.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxgp318VkDe13WZ6BHBFvh3Kya73n0AClPO71VB7iral90Irs193OQzEVDKqWqUsYLIdFrTeYBJcXOfVuwkni6zNNrGMlxhCX8hyphenhyphenuzLnuhJWpLh4dKKmcKwBmeYRYy86CDqyCk4RFDYM/s1097/bascommap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1097" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxgp318VkDe13WZ6BHBFvh3Kya73n0AClPO71VB7iral90Irs193OQzEVDKqWqUsYLIdFrTeYBJcXOfVuwkni6zNNrGMlxhCX8hyphenhyphenuzLnuhJWpLh4dKKmcKwBmeYRYy86CDqyCk4RFDYM/w640-h456/bascommap.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhehRdhFDkGn2wOX5_T1-vRpm8CoC9J4iv52Eh7QlKY26T1Z8qku86aeh_fXEnAQDIZeo2ip3ZFAol0DcK_RC_ziVVqWf8LmQ6PSgcv-b4o8ssK5dRXbunVZyFvuqNWv90-jtz1WZ4yE/s4896/DSC00131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhehRdhFDkGn2wOX5_T1-vRpm8CoC9J4iv52Eh7QlKY26T1Z8qku86aeh_fXEnAQDIZeo2ip3ZFAol0DcK_RC_ziVVqWf8LmQ6PSgcv-b4o8ssK5dRXbunVZyFvuqNWv90-jtz1WZ4yE/w400-h300/DSC00131.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The Willamette River, looking south from the first bike bridge. The bridge in the distance is an automobile bridge, and the Owen Rose Garden is just this side of that bridge.<br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-7OTQdxuzo26BO84rDn4naGvA448ZvkjNhcb091YFpz4J946VqVhPnkW57O6jGVw6iviz4z70rudLc_v7Gdo8lUtoz1L1fT8Hd3mdmVe5ALytk4cGqhblRrAwhFxXbXxIWEqeOa9mU4/s4896/DSC00132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-7OTQdxuzo26BO84rDn4naGvA448ZvkjNhcb091YFpz4J946VqVhPnkW57O6jGVw6iviz4z70rudLc_v7Gdo8lUtoz1L1fT8Hd3mdmVe5ALytk4cGqhblRrAwhFxXbXxIWEqeOa9mU4/w400-h300/DSC00132.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizcQDqPyQT7VTifhNr2G6dpyGRIIMgbFGhT1YYr59uoJNC3sylYya6RoQJJ0jqjncjkvMtQYL3ddY8pplix7nt5dRswJf6wnn-csINnNdAwIRNPqn3qqSnfY7UYV6v9SRT6hiklMUHFAI/s4896/DSC00133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizcQDqPyQT7VTifhNr2G6dpyGRIIMgbFGhT1YYr59uoJNC3sylYya6RoQJJ0jqjncjkvMtQYL3ddY8pplix7nt5dRswJf6wnn-csINnNdAwIRNPqn3qqSnfY7UYV6v9SRT6hiklMUHFAI/w400-h300/DSC00133.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSEmmIZbrIDn6x2mjoZJSgC-O2NTGWUQ_Q15Ho26pCqzNxyHtuSW8vawL195U5PyIJmNSDYNqoVgAZK4d36nMiUiOQxvMkUzit1g-HvLOA0RmsWpTZIk2BknUeF9Q4NNOrh91s_Rkz0o/s4896/DSC00136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSEmmIZbrIDn6x2mjoZJSgC-O2NTGWUQ_Q15Ho26pCqzNxyHtuSW8vawL195U5PyIJmNSDYNqoVgAZK4d36nMiUiOQxvMkUzit1g-HvLOA0RmsWpTZIk2BknUeF9Q4NNOrh91s_Rkz0o/w400-h300/DSC00136.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGmvnxBxSkijnIwsgfEQpBFAobDk788O3Huc_BDRZXNDAqcyE2FTmd5Gbz3l8ylu5JcHi3n5pmhCYBTGGfSIJMm-EynzNL03L84unOcMAhr_lpOzSZf8BRWOmFVtQICiE9TalHryQbO8/s4896/DSC00137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGmvnxBxSkijnIwsgfEQpBFAobDk788O3Huc_BDRZXNDAqcyE2FTmd5Gbz3l8ylu5JcHi3n5pmhCYBTGGfSIJMm-EynzNL03L84unOcMAhr_lpOzSZf8BRWOmFVtQICiE9TalHryQbO8/w400-h300/DSC00137.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The smell here was indescribably wonderful. Thousands of roses. I've been here before, but I think not when it was in full bloom like this. Passed in on my bike countless times, but don't stop.<br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmTpFrL3l92i4YjCV2vy9vOEASbSQESC0MolKr5Ou5uiPNshGZvxxM37s7uNausKVdasNomLcjTaWrXWXTrNN0LiIiQbxf8B1hitSnKlVFaKgaY_pmrh1xsgh_WNyb56RHzwGDHk4-VI/s4896/DSC00139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmTpFrL3l92i4YjCV2vy9vOEASbSQESC0MolKr5Ou5uiPNshGZvxxM37s7uNausKVdasNomLcjTaWrXWXTrNN0LiIiQbxf8B1hitSnKlVFaKgaY_pmrh1xsgh_WNyb56RHzwGDHk4-VI/w400-h300/DSC00139.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Willamette, again, still looking south but this time from the next bike bridge, the DeFazio Bridge, where I crossed again so I could return on the other side of the river.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpSVRzfgpYsaoL0mmUglxmNn_ijQsgCYKgXwqW3Keugnvg6pePuPZGT08jPuS9M7h6QV52xykE_djjiwb0qrRbumM5E4vvUR1DRxiFv6MmtfO4JEhL4gDJvMGWaJ5tqG8f51oi9GQFkL8/s4896/DSC00141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpSVRzfgpYsaoL0mmUglxmNn_ijQsgCYKgXwqW3Keugnvg6pePuPZGT08jPuS9M7h6QV52xykE_djjiwb0qrRbumM5E4vvUR1DRxiFv6MmtfO4JEhL4gDJvMGWaJ5tqG8f51oi9GQFkL8/w400-h300/DSC00141.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">From Alton Baker Park, looking back at the DeFazio bridge.<br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So that was the end of the photo tour. This side of the river is far less photogenic, and it was getting crowded with walkers, cyclists, people on all manner of human-powered devices. As I got back to the first bridge, I was feeling rather weary so rather than fight the crowds the rest of the way on the riverpath, I cut over to the road that takes me straight back home. Took about 2.5 hours, and I was a pooped puppy by the time I got home. A little food and water though, and I'm feeling pretty good at the moment.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It feels so odd to crow about walking only 8.2 miles, when in the old days I wouldn't have bothered to drive out of Atlanta up to the North Georgia mountains for anything less than 10 miles, and 20-25 were more the norm. But, I was much younger then. I'll work up to more miles around here. Maybe.<br /></div></div>MsKittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09351871810353355382noreply@blogger.com0