Vicious Kitty

Kenya is the resident cat at the home of Yvonne and John. Noticing Kenya reclining on the rock and blending in, I grabbed my camera. A bit late, it is still a great photo. Check out those eyes.

Hiked Once... Followed By Eating

With Yvonne and John in the lead, we were off on a hike. Probably about five miles. We caught up on our respective travels and lives. Then it was off to a late lunch at a cafe.

A couple of days later, they invited me to their house (and botanic garden including koi pond) for dinner.

No. We didn't have koi for dinner. John did a chicken (not one from his flock) on the rotisserie. Wow. Tasty. John also knows how to cook along with his many other talents. Followed by more talk as we resolved a very small portion of the world's problems -- and left many more for another time.

Knowing that I like to dine off the beaten path, they recommended Carnitas Michoachan in nearby Gilroy. Continuing the habit of eating, that was the destination for my lunch yesterday. The carnitas burrito was the choice. That was excellent. Tasty and tender. The green salsa was -- hate saying this -- the best I have ever tasted. More salsa. Ate the whole burrito. And felt stuffed the rest of the day.

Last evening's dinner was a small dish of vanilla ice cream -- with maple syrup.

Fasting for a day would be a good thing. Perhaps for some one else.

Above It All

When I found Grandpa's stilts as an early teen, those wimpy stilts where the steps were only a foot off the ground wasn't good enough for me. Soon I had built a set of stilts where those steps may have been three feet off the ground. The photo was taken when I was 19 or 20 to prove I could still walk and balance (there's that word again) my self atop a couple of sticks.

Much higher than that and acrophobia would kick in.

Another Potential Settling Place

Morgan Hill, CA has been placed on the short list.

Pluses---

• Good year round weather.
• No snow.
• Close to ocean for visits.
• Bay area is close from San Jose to San Francisco and Monterey.
• Train to the city or catch Amtrak or -- perhaps even -- a plane.
• Agricultural products range from wine to garlic to flowers to trees.
• Numerous hiking trails.

Negatives---

• US101 is a three lane freeway at Morgan Hill.
• Whole Foods is 20 miles distant.
• California traffic moves too fast.
• Higher costs for car insurance and licensing/registration.

Just another option and something to think about.

Book: "We Are Doomed: by John Derbyshire

Full title is "We Are Doomed: Reclaiming Conservative Pessimism". The author's blasting of "feel good" platitudes and beliefs was the reason I picked up the book. Book subject headings include diversity, sex, education, culture, religion, war, immigration and others. In each the author discusses the "progress" (or not) made in dealing with the issue.

Regardless of the reader's political bent, all can learn from what the author accepts as "what is." However, he proposes a more pessimistic approach may have worked as well with the same results. The author may appear racist, a misogynist or anti immigration. However, I assume the author -- with the history and information at hand -- wants the reader to really think about the issues rather than giving into what seems right.

Each author is biased and Derbyshire is no different. However, it might be a disturbing discovery to realize who we really are.

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The book reminded me of a recently received "chain email". Searching the internet, I found this article on The Peaceful Majority. As I read the article, I had the nagging concern that the tea party group and the far right wing of the Republican party might also be a radical group -- who happen to have all the right answers for how you should live your life. Think about it.

Spelling Lesson

This morning I headed off to a nearby Starbucks to support the economy and get my usual 5 Pump Chai Grande. The gal of Asian Ancestry asked my name to put on the cup. I could not imagine what dyslexic  spelling would result this time. I was properly shocked. I can't recall the last time "Lloyd" was spelled correctly at a Starbucks. Don't assume anything about anyone.

For the rest of the dyslexic challenged population, here is a spelling lesson courtesy of the Lloyd Center in Portland.

Okay. So I am sensitive about the spelling of my name.

Pumpkin Time

Headed out for a color photo op (mostly orange) at the Pumpkin Patch in Morgan Hill. Along with three busloads from elementary schools and numerous families, there were lots of kids spending money for the perfect pumpkin from the hundreds (perhaps thousands) to choose from.

First some green corn which hides the maze...

 

Add some orange and yellow marigolds...

Some of the kids had rather expansive ideas, so grab a wheel barrow (orange, of course) for the loot...

Size of the pumpkin determined the price from frugal sized to giants...

How about some gourds for a table decoration...

Orange isn't your color. How about a blue pumpkin.... Blue?

 

Of course the front door needs some decorative multi-colored corn...

Didn't even make a dent in the supply of pumpkins. Check out that pile...

And this photo journey didn't cost me a dime. Love these days. Okay. So the day did cost me the price of a stop at Starbucks.

Carpe Diem!

“Carpe diem! Rejoice while you are alive; enjoy the day; live life to the fullest; make the most of what you have. It is later than you think.”  Horace quotes (Ancient Roman Poet. 65 BC-8 BC)

Napa Valley Tour

Over the recent two weeks, Napa Valley's wineries, vineyards, and grapes have provided numerous photo ops. A few of those can been seen in Napa Valley Tour.

While in the Napa Valley, I had the opportunity to meet John and Susan. They are in the planning and research mode for becoming full time RVers in less than two years. One of the fifth wheel manufacturers on their short list is New Horizons. Passing through the area, this was an opportunity for John and Susan to see a New Horizons unit.

When I arrived, John noted they were attending an upcoming RV show at the Alameda Fairgrounds. Since I had never been to an RV show, I invited myself along. Needless to say, John was surprised that I had never been to one. My impression of the trailers, coaches and fifth wheels we toured: lots of space with all the slides. Wandrin Wagon is just the right size. I have a hard time keeping this little space clean and uncluttered.

Both John and Susan have jobs in the wine industry. John is the winemaker at Bell Wine Cellars. John was a wealth of information about the horticulture of grapes, harvesting and the wine making. Perhaps John and Susan learned something about full time living in an RV. However,  it was a fair trade since I learned a lot about wine making.

What's In A Name

In the case of Lloyd, it appears only the first and last letters are important.

Okay. So the name Lloyd is unusual. (Thanks go to Mom for making me special). In 1940, the name Lloyd ranked 100th according to Social Security Popular Baby Names. The last year Lloyd made it into the top 1000 was in 2002 when it ranked 992.

Some Starbucks ask for the name to put on the cup when taking the order. Rarely spelled with two "L"s, I am not one to complain. However, ....

Undiagnosed dyslexia is rampant. Over these many years, I have had the opportunity to see many variations on the misspelling. Most spellers know there is a "Y" in the name., but don't know where to put it. Add to the misspelling in the image these seen versions: Llyod, Loyld and Llody.

Regardless of the disrespect shown this semi-regular customer, I will frequent Starbucks to keep their baristas employed. Yeah. I know it is a poor way to preserve my wealth, but habits need to be tended.