Vultures, Migrating?

Amazing activity in the sky. Videos taken from the front porch.

Guatemala Oct/Nov 2010

Had a Wonderful trip to Guatemala with niece Kate Estlin, and her twins, Meredin and Rowan. Kate was volunteering as the doctor at the local rural hospital, I was the child care provider. We spent 4 weeks on the trip. The house was lovely, but there was a lot of mildew in the bedding, creating health problems for us all.

It was great to spend so much time in one place, and get to know the area. We met a lot of wonderful people. Lake Atitlan is at 5,000ft elevation, surrounded by volcanoes. It is truly a beautiful place. Most of the people who live in Santiago, the town we were in, are native Mayan people, living in a very traditional way.

Garden pictures

I love my garden.

Palin Rally

Here is a real eyeopener. The sound is not well synced, but understandable. Something you won't see on American media.

Big Sur, in the Fall

Had a long weekend trip to the Norcal Renaissance Faire on Saturday, and on to Big Sur. Stayed in our little tent trailer for 3 nights, by the Big Sur River. Jim and I, Phyllis and Barry with their 2 dogs made the festive group. Had some great trips to the beach, lots of great food, and a relaxing time by the river.

Check Pattern Dance Blog

For Kitchen Remodel News.

Election Issues

Too much spin? No concise reporting on issues? Wonder what the candidates positions are?

BBC News has the answers.

Telegraph Fire Slide Show

Telegraph Fire Incident Fact Sheet ( CAL FIRE)
Wednesday, August 6, 2008 Morning Update
Unified Command –CAL FIRE, U.S. Forest Service
Fire Information - Phone (209) 966-4784 - Will close 8/7/08 at 4 pm
Media Information – Phone (209) 742-7964 - Will close 8/8/08 at 5 pm
Yosemite National Park Information: (209) 372-0200

Fire Status
Fire Name: Telegraph
Geographic Location: Mariposa, Mt. Bullion, Bear Valley,
Midpines, Briceburg, and Greeley Hill
Acres Burned: 34,091 acres (53 square miles)
Start Date and Time: 7/25/2008 @ 3:10 pm
Percent Contained: 100 percent
Estimated Containment Date: 08/06/2008
Cause: Target Shooting
Injuries: 0 reported yesterday, 38 total (all minor injuries)
Structures Destroyed: 30
Outbuildings Destroyed: 100
Structures Threatened: 0
Resources
Crews: 22
Engines: 61
Helicopters: 2
Air Tankers: 0
Dozers: 5
Water Tenders: 18

Total Personnel Assigned: 1,143

Cost to Date: $37,620,588
Current Situation:
Minimal fire behavior observed. Strengthening and improving fire lines continues. Fire suppression repair is ongoing. Demobilization of resources is in progress. Yosemite valley should be operating on normal transmission line power. While the transition takes place there could be intermittent power in Yosemite Valley and El Portal.

Current Threats: None

Current Road Closures: None

Evacuations: All evacuation orders and warnings were lifted as of 2200 on 08/02/2008.

Evacuation Center: The evacuations centers and Distribution Center are now closed. Residents with needs can call the Red Cross Fresno-Madera Chapter at (559) 455-1000.

Cooperating Agencies: Cal Fire, USFS, Mariposa County Fire, CHP, Mariposa County Sheriff, Mariposa and SPCA.

Telegraph Fire day 5

Good photo gallery from LA Times, HERE.

The best picture of the 22, of the town of Mariposa, is THIS ONE.

Telegraph (aka Yosemite) Fire

The fire is still actively burning, it is smoky here in the mornings and clears up some in the evening. I suppose it has to do with the smoke coming down at night and uphill winds during the day. Here is a picture across the driveway of the neighbors horses through the smoke, and the lilies are blooming madly.

Fire Update

Community Blog

Telegraph Fire

Here is a picture of the smoke clouds rolling in front of the sun, in Mariposa yesterday.

Many people in the Midpines area are being evacuated. The power supply for Yosemite has been cut. The communication towers on Mt. Bullion are threatened.

News Article, Modesto Bee

CAL FIRE info site

Metta (Loving-Kindness)

July 11 to 17, Jim and I were at a meditation retreat at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. The topic of the retreat was Metta, loving-kindness, in Pali. The Dharma Talks, and 2 guided meditations are available on-line for free, HERE. I recommend the talks on Mudita, Joy. Loving-kindness for myself was difficult, especially on the first retreat. The Metta retreats have been very healing for me.

May You Be Safe and Protected
(from inner and outer harm).
May You Be Peaceful and at Ease
(may you carry your duties lightly, unburdened by cares).
May you Be Fit and Healthy
(fitting you body joyfully, seeing your beauty).
May You Be Happy
(in your life).

May All Beings be Safe and Protected,
May We Be Peaceful and at Ease,
May We Be Fit and Healthy,
May We Be Ha-a-a-a-a-py

Metta is a practice in concentration, training the mind to be more focused, and inclining the heart to the sublime state of loving-kindness for all beings.

I love this stuff

Stumbled upon this great link. The Elegant Universe. Saw all or most of this show, and loved it. Now that I found the link, I think I'll watch it again.

Ann Arbor

Jim and I had a great trip to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to visit Wendy and Kayin. Went canoing on Huron River, visited Greenfield Village, went swimming at the lake. Enjoyed walking around Ann Arbor and relaxing.

Wolves of the Sea

And on a lighter note... Wolves of the Sea

Larkspur

Larkspur are the most amazing color, and reseed profusely.

In memory Nader Khalili

I am very fortunate to have studied with Nader Khalili, even for the brief workshop I attended. My world is diminished by the loss of this great man who inspired me, and showed me possibilities of service and creativity.

Spring

Vernal Equinox and Full Moon.

Time for a bonfire.

And jump over it and make a wish.

A Great Speech

Check it out.