Just Because

Nothing exciting or untoward to report... I just feel like sharing a few random pictures.

The first is a view (on a rather smoggy day) of the LA skyline from a hike very near our apartment. It's an extremely small skyline for such a large city--you can see what I mean about it being more sprawling than built UP.

The next is a bird I'd never seen before moving out here. There have been others, but this little guy stayed put for a picture. It's a Spotted Towhee. He has red eyes!!

The next little critter I actually met today on a walk with the dog. Just liked the picture because you can see the texture of him... and also that the end of his tail is new growth. Kind of interesting.

Doesn't this look a place for a hobbit to disappear into? ;-D

San Diego

We had an exhausting and wonderful Saturday in San Diego!

Ben came home from work sometime around 5:30am, and we loaded up the car and headed out. The plan was for him to sleep while I drove, but he stayed up instead. We dropped Sophi off at a day-boarding place near La Jolla, and then went to explore the beach there. There were pelicans and cormorants galore.

It was chilly, and we weren't sure about swimming yet, so we clambered around on rocks and checked out a tidal pool where we saw myriads of tiny lifeforms moving around... and one larger one! The seal hopped right up on a rock out in front of us, and watched us closely whenever we moved. :-)

We did snorkel then, and saw some fun fish we hadn't seen before. We were COLD when we left to grab lunch and head for our other stop....

The missions group from Sturgeon Bay was in San Diego on their way back from Mexico! So we spent a few hours with cousin Peter and a whole bunch of wonderful Wisconsin folks!! Jon Sowl even got Ben back out on a surfboard. :-D

It was really nice to see friendly faces from home.

After retrieving the dog, we headed back home (Ben slept like a log this time) through the traffic we had avoided earlier in the day. Arrived home safely, but sunburned and tired!

War Paint

So I think I mentioned that the library is a short walk from our apartment... this afternoon we took a quick jaunt down with the dog. She waits outside on the deck-type entrance, her leash clipped to the railing, while we grab what we need; she usually just lays down and greets people as they come and go. Today when I came out, she had walked around the outside of the railing, and when she looked up from her rooting around--her face was green! The picture doesn't do justice to how bright it actually looked, but I had to try... The only thing I can think of is the treated lumber on the deck. Goofy pup.

Other news... we've done a little snorkeling lately, and hope to do more when it's warmer. The cool weather and waves made our stay in the water short. We did see some rays and fish, and Ben saw some small sharks the first day while I was grabbing gear! Looking forward to more exploring when the weather cooperates with our time off. :-D

Bon voyage to everyone traveling in the near future!!