Mountain

Was here

took this photograph.

Born lucky.

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Down Home

Relaxed, friendly, got cars, not too concerned with appearances.
Not Switzerland and not Ghana,
Me, I like it--but  probably wouldn't want to live here.

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Mop Cat

 

 Cat plus mop in Nogales, Arizona.

This is one of my all-time favorite cat photos.

I was going to write about the pressing need to create jobs for people--

especially young people who want to "earn a living" when there are so few

meaningful work opportunities--FDR's "Right to Work" as one of the 

basic rights, and a needed one, in this democracy, 

when I chanced on this photo

 made on a road trip a few years ago

which made me smile.

Maybe this cat has the right attitude to work after all!

And, just for fun, here is a photo Tanya took of me.

 Same day.  Same street.
(That sunny hill behind me is in Mexico.)

You-all have a nice day too!

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Gophers

Almost every day we walk a few blocks to a little park in a valley with a seasonal brook and oak trees.

This park (we call it a "parkito") may be there because it is in a rather abrupt and fairly deep valley--too steep for housing development though there are house lots all around it. There are no restrooms, playground or picnic tables--it is just a bit of common ground for dog walking and such urban activities.

What we like is that there is no traffic and usually no people or anything but natural features and inhabitants.

We have seen a land turtle, a family of deer, lots of birds including five or six wild ducks which stay the winter until the brook drys up  There are pollywogs in the spring and some minnows--though we don't see how they can survive since the brook is dry most of the year and a long way from any flowing water and there are several "towns" of gophers.

The gopher towns are very lively probably because there are few predators. The parkito is surrounded by busy streets and residences so we think no coyotes have made it into the animal mix and don't ask me how the deer managed to get in! Now and then a hawk flies around hopefully, but the gophers seem pretty wary of attack from the sky.

It is amusing to think that these little animals seem to enjoy life very much without grocery stores, schools or police. They are really on their own.

Tanya put her video of "our" gophers on the web for you

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 .

Butterflies Video

We have a new video camera and Tanya

made this video on You Tube.

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Simple Gifts

I like this tune and the philosophy in the lyrics.

SIMPLE GIFTS

18th century Shaker Song (traditional)

'Tis a gift to be simple,

'Tis a gift to be free, 

'Tis a gift to come down

Where we ought to be.

And when we find ourselves

In the place just right,

'Twil be in the valley

Of love and delight.

When true simplicity is gained,

To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed.

To turn, turn will be our delight,

'Til by turning, turning we come round right.

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