Life is Beautiful

Spring is busting out all over. We had a very wet winter so there is snow on the mountains, the creeks are overflowing, and the wildflowers are showing their happy faces. They are saying that this year will be another “Superbloom.” 

The orange is California golden poppy, the yellow is mustard, and the purple is blue lupine. The hills are alive…

This week is Swallows Week, when the birds return to Capistrano. Great flocks of birds darken the skies as they descend upon the historic little village of San Juan Capistrano on St. Joseph’s Day, March 19. 


This is a myth, of course. All the swallows are up in the Central Valley, building their disgusting mud nests on freeway overpasses and homeowners eaves. Lord help you if they decide to build a nest over your front door. Of course they are protected, so they have rights and you don’t. But we celebrate them nonetheless, with parades and stuff. 


And this beautiful angel, my stepdaughter, runs the Mercado where you go to get food, Margaritas, and entertainment after the parade. 


We went to Camarillo for a weekend with friends Bob & Peggy. We played three marathon bridge sessions. We beat them every day, but they were ahead for part of the time on day three and they were excited…for a little while. Camarillo is a lovely town and they have a nice home in a 55+ community. 


This is their pooch, Troy, named after the USC Trojans, Bob’s alma mater. Last time we visited he was a monster. He has calmed down and mellowed out now. He’s a lot of dog, but he’s a very good boy. 


Breakfast at the Old New York Deli in Camarillo.

In other news, I have been working hard on my shoulder rehabilitation. I’m making great progress. My reward for a session of torture is to swing a golf club; it makes me happy. I’m up to three-pound weights and a hybrid golf club. I’m planning to return to golf in April/May.

I feel pretty confident that I can get back into the studio soon, too. I have a couple of small pieces I’d like to do.

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