Birthdays

The Woodpecker

An xkcd cartoon

And, Me

He says that it is its birthday, it's my birthday too! Yeah!

Birthday Candle: photo by Cliff Hutson

Aging

"You know what they say, getting old ain't for pussies."

- Raylan

"Aging is really hard,” is clearly a sentiment expressed by a lot people.  And, I guess that it can be harder for some people than others to accept the changes that age brings. But, for most of us, being able to look on the right side of the grass is far preferable to the alternative.  

Western culture tends to try to ameliorate aging by looking for a magic bullet for health and longevity in a pill or bottle. Being proactive might be a better approach.  We may have some control over the behavioral aspects of aging. How we eat, exercise, think, and interact with others all have a strong impact on our biological health. But, as my Aunt Dagmar used to say; "Eat healthy, exercise, die anyway."

So, my plan for the future is to continue showing up as long as I can and making the most of each day.

Reading Log: July 2019

The books that I "finished" reading in July 2019 

July 2019 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson

“The Library Book,” Susan Orlean

"The Looking Glass War," John le Carré

“Observe, Collect, Draw!: A Visual Journal,” Giorgia Lupi and Stefanie Posavec

"Alton Brown's Gear for Your Kitchen," Alton Brown

Speaking of July 2019

California Fan Palm: photo by Cliff Hutson

This past July was not only the hottest July but also the hottest month on Earth in recorded history.

Move along . . .

. . . nothing to see here.

Looking at You: photo by Cliff Hutson

I am taking a day off.  I am not the only one, you all be careful out there.

Reading Log: June 2019

The books that I finished reading in June 2019

June 2019 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson

“Odessa Sea,” Clive Cussler and Dirk Cussler

“Robert B. Parker’s Old Black Magic,” Ace Atkins

“Robert B. Parker’s Lullaby,” Ace Atkins

“Robert B. Parker’s Wonderland,” Ace Atkins

“Robert B. Parker’s Cheap Shot,” Ace Atkins

“Robert B. Parker’s Kickback,” Ace Atkins

“Robert B. Parker’s Slow Burn,” Ace Atkins

“Robert B. Parker’s Little White Lies,” Ace Atkins

My Favorite Season

Blue Jacaranda Blossoms: photo by Cliff Hutson

“Beautiful hands are as rare as jacaranda trees in bloom, 
in a city where pretty faces are as common as runs in dollar stockings.”
 - Raymond Chandler

Jacaranda Trees

It can be very difficult to discern seasons in Southern California. Temperatures can near triple digits in December as easily as they can in July. June days can be as cool as the ones in January. But, one “season” that is hard to miss is “Jacaranda season”. One of my favorite times of the year, due to its beauty of blue-violet flowered trees which line our streets and fill many public spaces - such as Pomona's Civic Center Plaza.

Jacaranda mimosifolia, also known as the “blue jacaranda,” usually blooms in late May or early June, and the blossoms last for a few weeks. The trumpet-shaped flowers are an inch or two long, and usually five-petaled. They look good on the trees. I also think that they look great as a carpet on the ground. But, many complain of the litter gumming up the soles of their shoes. I will admit that the sticky flowers can also be tough on a car’s finish. Gardening guides recommend that these trees be planted well away from swimming pools or other high-maintenance areas.

Jacarandas, ubiquitous as they are, are not native to California. The trees are indigenous to Northwestern Argentina and adjacent Bolivia into Brazil. Mature trees can reach 25 to 45 feet, in an oval canopy spread almost as wide as its height, with light green, fernlike, 10-12" long compound leaves with small oval leaflets.

Trivia lovers might be interested to know that a Jacaranda mimosifolia in Santa Ana is registered as a California Big Tree. It measures 58 feet high, with a trunk circumference of 98 inches and a crown spread of 73 feet. But, as I said, I think they look great in any size.

Pomona City Hall: photo by Cliff Hutson