I snapped this photo of Ron and Ethan today up in Ojai. The days are getting warmer and the sun is strong. Hats are a necessity and neck protectors are wise for those who tend to burn even on a day like today. This is just the beginning of the warmer weather that Ojai has…

Today is my oldest daughter, Sarah’s, birthday. I have included a spattering of photos over the years from when Sarah first met her husband Gregorio until the present. I adore this fine young woman who is a wonderful person in all aspects of her life from daughter to sister to wife to mother to friend…

There were 17 cats in Dr. Fredericks’s basement and it was bad down there. Not just bad down there, but even upstairs where the faint stench of cat urine and feces seem to envelop the whole house. This might not have bothered anybody but the dear old doctor, but he was a violin teacher of…

Note to Self Feel the sun on your face, Notice the moonlight filtering through the treesListen and appreciateBoisterous mockingbirdsLulling mourning dovesBusy scrub jaysCawing crowsBreathe in the sweet airFeel the peace withinBe grateful

Prompts: Pump organ, Scotty dog, elephant incense burner. Gerald polished the oak on the pump organ in the front parlor of his restored Queen Anne Victorian when he twisted around to see what all the ruckus was about.  Olivia, his Scottish terrier, was in the corner of the room barking madly at an object on…

Mary Andrews glared at her husband, Chet. “For God’s sake, our life needs a little spice.” Chet, who was stretched out on the couch with the remote in his hand said, “We could go upstairs right now and I’ll add a little flavor to your day.” “Honey, even that part of our life has gotten…

St. James, South Pasadena where Lyla goes to pre-school Kids singing in front of the congregation. Lyla in her pretty pink floral dress. (Yes, she is only 4 and one of the tallest kids in her grade.) Supporters in the back during church and the performance L-R: Luna, Nico, Ethan, Liz, and Sarah 7-Year-Old Nico…

When I was young, life was simple and slow    All I knew was land, sky, and flow    Dew on the grass and pink morning light      A world of beauty in every sight A woman tended our home with love and care   Her wisdom taught me the sacred there   Not separate from the things…

I made this pie today for dinner with Liz, Ron, and Ethan. Ron, who said he doesn’t usually like apple pie, said that he actually really liked this one. Liz had two pieces, which would suggest she liked it too. Ethan nodded approvingly that Grandma had brought pie but preferred nursing instead. The key to…