being outdoors should've helped

Spoke to my son Matt recently, as he was driving up to his family's newly renovated cottage, in the "Lost Sierra's" of California's northern Sierra Nevada mountain range. Over the phone he was giving me an update on the local weather conditions, reminding me of my last visit there, a little over a year ago.

The occurrence was rare for me, witnessed by a deep blanket of snow and having to really 'hoof-it'.  Then, at the age of 72, having only witnessed snow possibly three times in a lifetime - being outside would have normally lifted one's spirit.

But soon found myself struggling to even use a phone. And my attempt at a simple hand-held "selfie", after having made a lifetime of self-portraits.

 

 

off the path

With my old boots, I made my own path, stopping and occasionally looking around - wandering through the upper reaches of the Myakka river.

 

 

wild-life

Today out on the lower Myakka.  Tide was low, then finally the sun came out.

First guy seemed to be hiding.

 

 

Warmed-up. The second guy appeared wide awake.

gifting

Kind of a big surprise, when my daughter (Crete) and son-in-law (Gordie), came down and gifted me this big red box containing a 6-piece Craftsman tool kit. 

A few weeks before I had only mentioned that when they came down, could Gordie help me with a small outdoor project. Meaning could he do it, while I watch, and be a helper of sorts? Little did Gordie know that I have never owned a proper power tool before. Or even by happenstance, come across a helpful do-it-yourself tutorial that would have at once inspired me. While growing up, I never even saw a hammer.

Today, Gordie used most of the new Craftsman pieces while completing a rather straight-forward job. Down the road, the arbor area below could use a sprucing-up, a re-build. And now I'm more than thankful to have been gifted an opportunity to develop a new and long-awaited skill.  I’ve got the tools.

 

Christ!

Our neighbor.

"The Banyan tree represents eternal life, because of it's ever-expanding branches. It is symbolized by the trees huge structure and it's deep roots. It is often referred to as the 'wish fulfilling tree." 

Hindu belief; "A Banyan is celebrated as a sacred tree and is not axed because of the popular belief that it brings prosperity and goodness to the neighborhood. Banyan trees that are many years old are considered as heritage specimens that deserve protection from vandalism and massacre."

 

finally ...

The squirrel's nest is down from atop the tall cedar. A large limb had broken off during our most recent storm - and thankfully, the squirrels have been quieted. A temporary ending from their terrorizing of our yard’s migratory bird feeder. And for now, I can at least lay-down that high-powered squirt gun. The neighborhood appears at peace, finally.

another tidal surge

With their early warning, heavy winds and rain had kept me up for most of the night. 

A unique December 'low pressure' storm had developed rapidly, moving north-easterly across the Gulf, putting our property under another three feet of tidal surge. The darkroom & utility room all flooded. And the landscape was submerged once more by rising Gulf waters.

3:00 am:  Looking out onto Flamingo Ave with an incoming, knee deep high tide. Soon to be, an agonizing week of major clean-up and loss.  Maybe I’m just not listening.