Startled
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Willits
When we came, a patch of mountain was already cleared to let sunshine, in this dense woods. We moved heaps of tree trunks cut in one meter logs to be used as steps in the terraced slopes. Matt was resting after being stung by yellow jackets nesting in the ground. I lifted a log to the wheelbarrow when I heard hissing. I looked down. Out of reflex, I dropped the log and jumped because a rattlesnake was taking aim to strike! I guess with my sudden movement, it was also jolted and coiled back. Funny, we both startled each other.
Lake Cruise
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Monterey, Cali
Cliffs soared around us as we cruised the lake around its bends. We stopped for a dip in the bayou where we picked up wild blueberries. The sun was shining but the air was cold, and the water even colder. It was a pleasant ride. But I thought lakes are too limited compared to the vastness of oceans. The boat somehow felt like being caged in this mountains-confined watery world. To my mind boats are supposed to sail freely to distant horizons, toward endless possibilities, un-chartered territories, and the unknown.
Pleasant Evening
Monterey, Cali
Tom’s front lawn has a grapevine. Reason enough to linger while I munch on those sweet, green globules. He has an orchard in his backyard, and vegetable gardens. We picked up tomatoes and lettuce then shook trees for almonds and pecan nuts. This was a pleasant evening with gentle breeze blowing. I settled on a chair. The barbecue grill crackled as the girls giggled. Wafts of almost done barbecue filled the air. My mouth watered. At the time, we were chewing on freshly picked and cracked nuts while downing refreshing-can’t-put-down-ice-cold beer.
