There Goes the Neighborhood!

 The woodpeckers winged away the hummers. (Well, they don't have elbows.)

Above and below taken through the window with a screen on it.

Don't worry, the hummingbirds are back in full force. Mom has to fill the feeders every other day. I don't know that I would be as dedicated as she.

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Thank you, Emily for the great birthday present! I have been following Fiona, the baby hippo at the Cincinnati Zoo, for years now. She's still cute!

And thank you, Deb, for the wonderful "Another Fu#king Coloring Book!" It's very rude and brash and I love it! It will be great when I get home to my zillions of colored markers that I got many years ago at the Crayola Crayon factory. I wonder if Emily remembers that visit.

))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

On a walk around the neighborhood.

I was really looking at the tree shapes, but if you're interested this place is solar and for sale.

Mom and I walked a different way from our usual around the block route and down a side street it soon became apparent that this was an 'old growth' neighborhood as all of the cacti and plantings were huge.

I began to feel as if I were in an episode of "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids."

Mom, always the good Trooper, allowed me to use her as a size reference for this agave. There is no trick of perspective here -- it really is that big.

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV

This tree is outside of Mom's big patio which is a common area of green and plantings. It blooms once a year and the blossoms only stay for a short time. I'm sorry that the close up is first, but I'm too lazy to juggle it around. You'll have to cope.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I've been experimenting with a new (to me) type of block. I love the end result, but the execution is a bit on the intensive side. You start with a plain backing fabric and stack two strips, sewing a seam. Then you press it open. Repeat a zillion times. There's another block, but I'm too lazy to look for that picture. I'm thinking of cutting these in half. Eventually, I will float them in black -- but all of my black fabric (and I have a lot!) is in Amherst. So this is another long term project.

In case you are wondering, I have to do the binding on Hey Diddle Diddle. It's sort of like when you are reading a good book and you don't want it to end. But I will get to that soon. I may have to mail it back because I don't know if it will fit into a suitcase. 

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

We went to IHop for breakfast! Every once in a while, Mom needs her IHop pancakes. I got this steak and cheese omelet. I had to ask them to leave the hash browns out of the omelet. It hadn't dawned on me that they put them IN the omelet, lol. Luckily, the waitress asked.

Had to take the mask off to eat the omelet!

ppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp

Exploring the Wellness Park

Century Plant. It blooms once about every 30 or 40 years.

Sign Art commissioned to honor the Agua Caliente Indians, the first residents of the area. No, they didn't explain what that word means. They did say that there are 13 signs, but they didn't say where. We saw one other of these installations in the small park. I assume the others are elsewhere. 

There are other exercise stations; this one included a recumbent bike.

Interesting Grass

I liked the lamps.

Close up is below.

Close up of the 'flowers' of the above tree. These balls are fuzzy looking; I'm not sure if it's a flower or a fruit. From a distance it looks like flowers. The bees loved this tree!

wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

We have a pair of bunnies that have a set routine. I can see them from the kitchen window every morning. They make their way munching the grass past 3 or 4 patios. I have watched them grow into teenagers. A question came to mind: do bunnies mate for life?

"Finding a friend for your altered (spayed or neutered) rabbit is one of the most rewarding things you can do for both of you. In the wild, rabbits mate for life and in captivity, the same applies." from Bright Eyes Sanctuary.

The next entry down in my Google search, however, is from www.mammal.org.uk:

"In groups with more than one female and more than one male, rabbits are not monogamous. Lower ranking rabbits may be forced to breed in single entrance breeding "stops" away from the main burrows where they and their young are more vulnerable to predators."

So there you have it -- two answers for the price of one. 

)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Since I am all out of things to report and I really should try to sleep more (this is one of those went-to-the-br-and-cannot- sleep-again nights), I will leave you with a colorful sunset from last year.

Cheers!

The Hummers Are Eating Us Out of House & Home!

 

There are at least five birds here slurping down the sugar water that Mom concocts for the little hummers. These hummingbirds have decided that this is the good stuff and Mom has to refill two or three times in a week! It sure is a difference from last year when one hummingbird chased all of the others away.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

In an effort to boost the local economy, Mom and I went to have lunch on Phillippe's outdoor patio. It was breezy at times.

My lunch was yummy. I did find out the hard way, however, that it was not a strip of roasted sweet pepper, but a strip of roasted jalapeno pepper with seeds. My mouth was on fire for a bit. 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

It was only last year that I was introduced to kumquats. We have a tree of them over by the pool.

Kumquat Tree

Kumquat Tree Close Up

Soup Can Is Size Reference

They taste like mini oranges with a tang. You eat the skin and all.

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((

We went for chai in Palm Desert. Here's the view there.

)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Here's the center of Hey Diddle Diddle which I hand quilted. I think it gives it motion. To me it looks as if the Cow is jumping over the moon. I will machine quilt the rest. Anybody out there pregnant? Let me know if you want to buy the quilt.

#######################################################

Here's some color for those of you who have just received 9 to 15 inches of snow -- you know who you are!

Orange Flowers Hedge

Neighbor's Lantana

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

From the Netflix Movies I Have Loved Corner:

White Tiger -- this is set in India and it tells the journey of a young man who lives in grinding poverty with his family. It becomes intolerable for him to support the whole family, headed by his grandmother as a 'slave driver,' and he creates a position for himself with a wealthy family. What follows documents his treatment by his peers and his employers. This movie not only illuminates a whole different world, but it demonstrates the cultural differences between the bottom and top strata of economics.  There is a lot of drama here.

The Dig -- Set in England, and based on a true story, this movie tells us (in a dramatic way) of an excavation of a burial mound on a well to do woman's property. Ralph Finnes is the only actor's name I can remember and he's marvelous, of course, but so are the other actors. In particular, we were taken with the little boy who seems to be about 11 years old. This is great with no violence and no swearing and only a hint of sex!

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

We went to Aldi yesterday so now it's time for marathon cooking. First I have to find some recipes that are -- different. I'm tired of the same old thing. Although I am starting with chicken soup, which is a crowd pleaser. O.k., Mom is the crowd but she's all that matters. Right?

Virtual Hugs and Kisses to you all! Ciao.

Let it Snow!

 Yeah, yeah, I know: easy for me to say. I don't like dealing with the cold and snow (and especially ice), which is why I spend the winter in Palm Springs. Well, and also to be with Mom ... anyway, we like it when there is snow on the mountains as it is today. It's not only beautiful but it also means that there will be some water in the spring. I was up believe it or not at 6:30 a.m. (musta heard the crack of dawn) and took these pictures. 

The grass was crunchy with frost and, outside of the patio, it was so thick with frost that at first glance, I thought it was snow on the ground.

I wonder if Eric and Paul's tangerines on the left are shivering in the 37 F.

#######################################################

I think I've mentioned this before -- I pile up photos, so I really don't remember what day was what. But it doesn't matter. I'm sure you're used to my rambling narrative.

A couple of days ago, I picked some fruit.

We actually walked around to another street for the tangelos. They were past their prime but they smell heavenly! 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Also, a couple of nights ago, I took the plunge and made stuffed artichoke bottoms. Carole had given us frozen artichoke bottoms and I googled a recipe. First you boil them until fork tender and then I improvised on the stuffing. I used bacon, chopped onion, diced garlic (from a jar), chopped fresh spinach, and cheese. After stuffing, I put them in the oven to melt the cheese. They were filled to overflowing before the oven. So now I know to saute them more and fill to more than overflowing. They did taste great, however.

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

We have played bocce a couple of times. I didn't take any pictures. Maybe next time. 

Had a glass of wine outside on the grass with Eric and Leeanne. Eric asked to borrow some red wine that Mom had and we had to open the bottle to be sure it would be good for his stew. It was so good that we had to make sure there was enough left for his stew. 

*******************************************************

You knew that I had a plan for the lemons, didn't you?

Yup, those are lemon cheesecake bars. I was disappointed that the crust didn't want to come out of the pan. Next time I'll just form the crust in the silicone muffin cups for individual treats. The taste, by the way is divine. I increased the fresh lemon juice a lot -- I like lemony desserts!

Today the ban on outdoor dining has been lifted but nobody seems to know what restaurants will be open. It would be a treat.

We enjoyed "Unforgotten" on Amazon Prime. We are trying to keep up with Jeopardy, but I still feel as if my brain has turned to mush. Maybe I should start practicing Spanish. I can't understand most of the people here because they speak so fast. I can't listen as fast as they talk. I think it's the Americanization of Mexicans. Unless they were speaking slowly on purpose when I visited Mexico.

Have a fabulous day and be well. Cheers! 

Welcome to My Happy Place

 

Yes, that's a sunrise (above). Now that I'm on California time, I'm not seeing too many of those but I thought you might like to see it again.

On January 3rd, I went for a walk. Yeah, yeah, I konw: big deal. It was relaxing snapping pictures of the local flora.

Whenever I take this particular route around the block, I see a posted sign, "Pets seen littering will be fined $50." This gave me a mental image of a fuzzy white dog taking his wallet out of his westcott. I didn't even know dogs could read. Then a second image intruded of a few chihuahuas smoking cigarettes and one opening a pack of gum, discarding the wrapper on the grass.

[Yes, I had to look up how to spell chihuahua. !Callate, Hombre!]

Enjoy.

The roses below are Glen's. We wish him well in his recuperation.

I continue to be amazed and delighted that they use bougainvillea here for hedges (and splashes of color between greenery). This one seems to have had a visit from a more purple cousin. [I have to look up the spelling of bougainvillea every time. I wonder when I will remember it?]

I

Views walking along Palm Canyon Drive. The hazy mountain is from the winds blowing desert sands.

These little flowers cheer me up immensely. I have no idea what they are called.

And now we move on to the greenery portion of the program. 😁

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{

I began work on a baby quilt. There are at least five different fabrics in the yellow blocks. It's hard to see, so the detail is below.

The quilt is called Hey Diddle Diddle.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

We saw a roadrunner the other day. He was just walking around. I don't know why, he didn't seem to be pecking at anything.

"Speaking of food habits, the roadrunner will eat anything from insects to small mammals, as well as fruits, seeds, and prickly pear. The bird is particularly fond of lizards and snakes, including small rattlesnakes, and its method of killing them could be considered another unusual characteristic of the bird."  from Texas.gov/publications

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Bocce balls have been ordered! I put the order in on December 30th, but no sign of them yet. It said they are "soft" so I cannot imagine what the throw will be like. We shall see! No pickle ball as of yet. Someone (not me) thinks it's too cold to play but we're supposed to get to 79 F. by the end of the week. Of course, then it may be too hot for me ... 😈

********************************************************************************************************

I made blueberry muffins this morning. Mom says they get better every time I make them so I should make them a lot! 👍

Chili con carne is in our near future.  Hmmm, can you tell it's lunch time? Time for me to go chomp something.

Things are looking up and I hope you all have a wonderful time doing whatever you are doing. Life is good!

Cheers, Tina

Waiting for New Year

 

Here is half of the bouquet that Deb and Paul sent us.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Leeanne and I went in search of good shots of the mountains with new snow. Here are what we came up with. (12/29/20)

TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT

Last Wednesday, we had a "Come eat cheesecake and be merry" gathering on Mom's patio. I made Kristie Sullivan's wonderful Carrot Cake Cheesecake. Other goodies were chocolate flourless cake with ganache, and lemon tarts. They were yummy with no sugar, just Swerve and Sukrin. We had about 15 neighbors who sat on the common grass area at least six feet apart. There were lots of lively conversations and it was fun. Some of us even had cocktails.

 Oh my. 

8888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888

I have cleaned my sewing machine, and not that it needed it, but the ball of lint was about the size of a quarter and a half inch high. I worked a bit on my current landscape quilt. It either needs a lot of work or it's a disaster. Mom couldn't identify the subject matter so I think I am less than successful with this one. It's going to be one of those that the clue is in the title, I think. 

I have joined a FaceBook quilting group (Madame Sew) and there are so many amazing quilters who post pictures of their work. Some are amazing at making a zillion very intricate blocks. It makes me want to assemble a bunch of squares and assemble them back home. 

A couple of the quilts posted were by beginners and it showed. But what also showed was the love that went into them. Usually they were a gift for someone else such as a grandchild or adult child. One woman made many "memory bears" using (for instance) a shirt that dear departed Grandpa used to wear. She's a true craftswoman and giving bear hugs to many people.

I also have been with the Crazy Cat People FB group for a while so I thought it was time to branch out and I have joined the Doggo Group. Daily I get to see pictures of dogs and cats. Oh, yes, the Unitarian Universalist Hysterical Society on FB is always good for a laugh. Sometimes there are thought provoking threads as well.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

For quite a few laughs, if you Google "Frank the Christmas Gargoyle," you will find a very entertaining saga. It all began when a woman put a Santa hat on Frank the Gargoyle and put him on her front doorstep.

*******************************************************

I watched Midnight Sky with George Clooney on Netflix. I cannot recommend it. My first thought is, don't bother. However, I did read of someone on FB who thoroughly enjoyed it. So don't go by me. 

))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

I am thoroughly enjoying The Ranch on Netflix. Be forewarned: every other word is the F word which I don't mind. Mom has dubbed it "crap" but I find the show to be well written and funny. 

Of course, Sam Elliott is in it and I have had a crush on him forever. Ashton Kutchner is pretty good as is Debra Winger. Beau (Sam E.) is Colt's (Ashton K.) father and Beau is a very old fashioned gun toting rancher, while Colt is a facial moisturizing kind of guy trying to get along with his cranky father and learn about ranching. There's another brother -- Rooster -- and other characters, including Dale the Veterinarian. (I'm slipping; I had left out two letters of veterinarian.)

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

If I don't get back to you before then, happy New Year. But otherwise, be happy now. We are blessed. Cheers!

Candy Lane

Last night, Leeanne was our esteemed chauffer and we went to see the Palm Springs Christmas tree.

The downtown street lights are festooned with shooting stars.

And then we motored on to Candy Lane. We got to be in a Grinch and Santa parade which was great so that we could see all of the wonderfully decorated houses. Here's the link to the album of pictures.

 https://photos.app.goo.gl/STDHM9aQAv2wFQGr7

[Just in case you forgot: highlight the above link. Then press control c. Go to Google and put your cursor in there. Press control v and it should paste the link in. Press enter and the album should come up.]

I wish you all a safe and healthy Christmas. Joy to the world!

Morning Has Broken

 Yes, you should be hearing Cat Stevens singing, "Morning has broken." Up at 6 a.m. again -- it's a trend. At least I get to see the glorious color changes on the mountain when the sun rises.

Ears on --> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0TInLOJuUM

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

I've a few recommendations for you today:

The first one is The Half Husky Brothers on FaceBook. This is my favorite post of theirs -- trying new foods.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=search&v=708910706428591&external_log_id=264bc825-0d26-4074-b266-6a6f4c7ccf64&q=the%20half%20husky%20bros

If you can't get them on FB, the link below is on YouTube, but it's not nearly as good (in my opinion) as the FB post.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNSOy8q9wuo

                                    77777777777777

The Unitarian Universalist Hysterical Society has been consistently funny. (Also a FB group)

https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=unitarian%20universalist%20hysterical%20society

                                     ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Noatmeals: I tried my first Noatmeals breakfast this morning and it's yummy. It's like oatmeal, but different with nutty overtones. I ate the cinnamon and apple flavor today. You might want to add a bit more cinnamon and possibly fresh apple. It depends on what you like. The total carbs are 6 grams but if you're a net carbs fan, it's only 2 g net.

What's in this miracle breakfast? Shelled hemp seed hearts, chia seeds, flax seed meal, dried coconut flakes, MCT oil, freeze dried apple, cinnamon, natural flavor, monk fruit extract.

                                   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((((

Hummingbirds' Night Light

Some California Color

The East Entrance to Sunrise Villas

File Footage of Lights at Living Desert

Mom's Hedges Facing Street

View on Our Walk

Oleander

Once upon a time, a long time ago, when a certain evil woman was bedeviling Princess Tina, a loving mother offered to fill a suitcase with oleander. However, Princess Tina knew that the kingdom would survive if she could just persist. The evil woman slunk away in shame after her subjects revolted, including turning their backs on her at a holiday gathering to which she was not invited. It ended happily ever after. So ends this fairytale.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

I may have bored you with this before, but I can't resist passing on the easiest quiche recipe ever. I make it crustless and if you do, be sure to spray oil on the baking dish.

one frozen crust

3 large eggs

1 cup 1/2 and 1/2

1 cup shredded cheese (I use Mexican blend)

Enough real bacon bits (I use Krumbles from Costco) to cover the               bottom of the dish*

*You can use chopped ham if you wish

Optional extras: cooked broccoli pieces, chopped spinach (well drained), asparagus, cooked sweet peppers.

Cover the bottom of the crust/baking dish with bacon. Beat eggs and 1/2 & 1/2 thoroughly. Put cheese and optional extras if using on top of bacon. Pour in egg mix. Bake ~ 45 minutes at 350 F.

DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

I have pretty much run out of things to say. Have a great Saturday and an even better week! Cheers!