One of the things I really miss about our old place is having a view of the sunrise and sunset. Here, we are tucked down in a hollow surrounded by big trees. But a few evenings ago I stood in the middle of the road and caught a narrow view of the sunlit clouds at dusk, with the moon peeking out behind.
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.
The hawk dropped down to the ground and poked a bit, then jumped back up on the fence, and then down on the other side of it. Eat a gopher, please!
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!
Family holiday gathering here tomorrow means meal prep today.
I received a rectangular Dutch oven for Christmas (thank you, A!) and it’s perfect for making oval loaves of sourdough. Soup and toast for dinner!
hashiworks 