Category Archives: Seasons

Out of the fog; into the twilight

Emerging from the fog……of waiting, wondering on so many levels,

into the twilight of my life…..life to be lived, cherished, experienced to the fullest.

A favorite quote speaks eloquently to the hearer:

“It is in the gathering twilight that we finally see the colors.”            -John O’Donohue

Although our world is still blanketed by pandemic, we can emerge, at least, from its grip on our senses – a choice to be made. Beauty remains; perhaps now experienced in a different way.  Creating beauty in our individual ways, whether it be in our own spaces, our interactions with others, or the beauty of inner peace….all can be expressions of that which is most beautiful: love.

He has sent me….

“….to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness instead of mourning,

          and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”              

 –Isaiah

May this Christmas season as well as this season of your life bless you in profound and unexpected ways.

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Filed under Holidays, Inspiration, Seasons

Indian Summer…Santa Barbara

enjoying the harvest

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precious times

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Filed under Family history, Food, Garden, Seasons

End of Summer…Martha’s Vineyard

respite from the cares of the world…

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 peace that passes understanding

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Filed under Inspiration, Nature, Seasons, Travel

Postcard from summer…

yellow water melon – honeydew – mystery squash

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will they be as tasty as they are beautiful???

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Filed under Food, Postcards, Seasons

’tis the season…

…not for Christmas, for red, ripe, strawberries…

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served over flaky, slightly crisp rounds

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of lemon scented scones

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springtime in a bowl!!!

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Filed under Food, Seasons

Meanwhile back at the ranch…episode 26

How quickly the eye adapts; adjusting to the new normal of a drought-ravished landscape; forgetting the wonders of spring!  Although the promised abundance of rain has not materialized, enough has fallen to make a significant difference…

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bright spring green of new foliage and new fruit…

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new growth where there had appeared to be only dead wood…

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amazing bronze of avocado leaves

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and budding apricots

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and hedge roses…

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boysenberry vines re-emerging…

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even small patches of grass becoming a lawn once again!

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Are you also enjoying the gift of green???

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Filed under Garden, Seasons

Postcard from the plum tree

glorious color and contrast…

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a beautiful palate inside or out!

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Filed under Garden, Nature, Postcards, Seasons

Meanwhile back at the ranch…episode 24

waiting…

purest white against greening meadow grass, the egret enjoys good hunting…

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remnants of last years owl meals cleaned away, replaced with new shavings…

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last night’s sunset silhouettes the waiting box…

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the past two Januarys have provided our first sightings of new occupants for the owl box…today is the 29th…will they appear…???

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drawing from

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Filed under Nature, Seasons

Postcard…US 101 South

Fall in Summerland

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Still waiting for fall…

‘Long hot summer’ perfectly describes  Santa Barbara as we near the end of October… too long, too hot, too much summer!!!  Tee shirts, flip flops and shorts – the only way to stay comfortable-

and salads for supper

a nice cold, crisp Caesar !!!

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Caesar dressing (absque ovum)

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2 cloves garlic, crushed

3 Tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon grainy dijon mustard

4 anchovy fillets, minced

grated parmesan cheese

whisk ingredients together, adding 1/2 cup olive oil in a steady stream

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dress the whole grain croutons

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toss with Romain

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plate with boiled egg, shaved parmesan, cracked pepper

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So ready for a nip in the air, a cashmere sweater, a hearty beef bourguignon….

California dreamin’!!!

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Filed under Food, Seasons