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Apis mellifera

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Ceanothus macrocarpa

There was a lot to notice on today’s muddy hike—fungi, spikemosses, roaring creeks, first flowers, gorgeous views. Lots to wonder about too, including why the pollen on the bee’s legs was a darker shade of yellow than the pollen it was collecting.

Paeonia californica

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Paeonia californica

This peony is endemic to southwestern California (USA) and northernmost Baja California (Mexico). It grows on dry hillsides in the coastal sage scrub and chaparral communities of the coastal mountains.

The plant dies back in the summer, and tolerates little or no water while dormant. It puts forth its compound leaves after a good winter rain, which this year happened in mid-November. So we’re seeing the flowers already, before the end of the year. Nice!

to be roasted

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veg

I made vegetarian moussaka (‘moose kaka’, IYKYK), roasted veggies, salad, roasted-garlic bread rolls. Laura brought linzer torte for dessert. The amount of food was just about right for the seven of us; a bit leftover but not too much. The afternoon and evening were pleasant and gentle—a great way to finish up the holiday season.