The Cleanup Is Starting - Between The Heavy Rains

There is so much to do every which way I look .  And there is only one remedy and that is to just start .  So, that is what I am doing .  I have already filled 8 trash barrels with branches, leaves and weeds and it doesn't look I have even started .  
I am not sure how many plants will not make it through the snowy winter .  The Yellow Chrysanthemums and Mountain Grass are in question .

Some of the neighborhood flowering trees are slowly starting to "pop" some blossoms .

I certainly have not had a great amount of energy to get a lot accomplished during our long unusually cold, wet and white winter .  I am looking forward to turning my energy switch (sunshine) on and turn the (winter) switch off !

A Good Week to All Of You .

Mary

It's Been One Year

Since I drove almost all day to pick up Precious Ivy from a cat rescue foster home .  Her previous life of six years had been very traumatic for her and the family who had her from birth no longer wanted her.  She was far more of a "special needs" cat than I had any idea she could be .  Along with the hissing and biting I soon learned that she was also deaf .

I am so pleased to say that she has developed into a very gentle little girl that has learned to trust me and is a great little companion who accepts my idiosyncrasies as I deal with her idiosyncrasies .  None of us are perfect !  She is an indoor cat and the deafness is really a non-issue .  Surprisingly, hand signals have become useful and effective .

I am so glad that I have been able to provide a loving safe home for her to live out her life .

Like many cats she is frequently very entertaining in her antics jumping and running or just staring at something (that I can't see?) on the ceiling !  She will be happy when the weather warms and she can be outside in her Catio .  Aren't Pets wonderful ?

 Love your pets and two legged creatures every day . It feels good .

Mary

In Time Past

Like many others, for years I always had a seasonal flag hanging from the front of my garage .  The flags were in lieu of a front door decoration since my front door is somewhat hidden from street view . There were many flags in my collection ( probably still in the garage) , however, there was one that I was particularly fond of . It may be because during those years we seldom would get snow at this 2000 ft elevation.  But, as you can see there was one year that warranted a very special recognition of the season .

No snow today but another rain storm predicted to start later today .  The sky was bright and sunny earlier but now the sky is darkening at noon time. I was able to run some errands yesterday but still need to take the household waste to the dump . Hope to do that today before the rains start, again .

Well, I didn't get to the dump !  I got side tracked and started to clean up the patio and driveway .  I have had some concerns about falling over some of the deadwood limbs and stuff that has fallen on the cement where I walk .  What a mess !   I sure hope I can find some help with the outdoor maintenance .  One of my neighbors have had a lot of trees fall and there are a lot of trucks over there and it is being cleaned up .  Maybe, I will get to the dump tomorrow if the rains don't start .

I heard on the news this evening that come Saturday we may have a temperature of 70 degrees .  That would be so nice !  It's been weeks, maybe months (at least it seems that way) since warmer temperatures .

What a Winter !

Hope everyone is doing well , at least dry, warm and safe .

Mary

If It Isn't Rain - It Is Snow

These lovely Daffodils are fighting the good fight and trying to stand upright ! But, the pounding rain and snow makes for a big challenge .

The camellias are anxiously awaiting some drier and warmer weather .

Water - water  - water everywhere !

It is really a big mess outside .    I had to manipulate a little drainage revision since the black drain that goes underground is clogged .

A little food prep of Chicken Thighs with artichokes and tomatoes.

And Baked Beans for a winter day.

I thought this photo was quite lovely !

These photos are from the last snow that fell a few days ago .

Yes, that is a lot of snow for this part of the state of California .  I hope this is not going to become the norm for us.

With the weather that has been keeping me indoors, I'm getting a lot of cleaning-out and downsizing accomplished .  It won't be long before my file cabinet will be photo worthy .  I never want to waste time again looking for a "certain paper" .  It will be wonderful to have my home organized again like it has been most of my life .

Good wishes for Good Days and Comfort as you live your life to the fullest and rising above any obstacles that are burdening You.

Mary