I joined a slow read of this tome on Substack, one chapter a day for the entire year (chapters are only 3 or 4 pages each.) Four down, 357 to go.
Images
almost full moon

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.
dog’s head
Apis mellifera
Astur cooperii
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!








