The Simple Home with Rhonda Hetzel and Morag Gamble - Podcast Episode 8

Getting Organized

 

Today I went to the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles, for those of you not in America.)  I needed to update the registration on the car that belonged to my dad before he died.  I didn't realize that it had expired.  He had paid it the month that he died, and then time just flew by with Covid.  The DMV was closed when I first tried to fix the issue.  I wasn't able to resolve it online.

Anyway, to make a long story short, I had to write them a check for $1,300.00 to pay for the back fees.  My brother had transferred the title to me, but because of a glitch, it was showing up in the computer as still belonging to the trust.  An expensive lesson learned.  

I switched my health insurance up to the mountains, because it is one hundred dollars cheaper each month that way.  I also changed my address on my car registration and driver's license.  I hadn't been able to do part of that online, either.  What a relief to have it all completed.  My car passed the smog test, so that was another item ticked off of the list.

I was impressed with the new equipment at the DMV.  They have booths for you to punch in your information for any changes or updates to your license.  It's very efficient and easy to use.  I already had gotten a Real i.d.  Those are needed for travel in the US in 2023.  

I finished my socks.  They fit perfectly, and I have been getting a lot of use out of them.  I am working on another pair with Noro sock yarn.  The photo at the top is of my friend Patrick and I.  I went to see him in the Broadway touring company of The Prom.  He had a huge role, and was marvelous.  I was so proud of him.  We enjoyed catching up over lunch outside at The Music Center.  We shared a delicious piece of chocolate cake for dessert.  

How about you?  What's new and exciting?

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please reply in English.  I'm sorry, but those with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated. 

Leaf Litter and Butterflies

 

The other day, one of my neighbors stopped by as I was sipping coffee near my roses, and asked me about my trees.  He said that the fire department had issued him a notice.   He raked up his yard, and now his pine trees are dying.  I nodded in agreement.  This is happening all over California.  We have been experiencing raging forest fires, and are in the midst of a drought.  

I explained that we are allowed to have some mulch on the ground.  We have to keep our weeds trimmed below four inches, but when bare soil is bone dry, it becomes hard as a rock and can't absorb the water.  

Today I watched a documentary explaining how native plants help butterflies produce.  That's part of the reason why my land is so productive.  It is filled with lilacs, oak trees, and bright red Indian paintbrush wildflowers.  The tiny hummingbirds flit from flower to flower, soaking up the nectar.   My land is filled with them.  I let the seeds dry on the stems, and then spread them each September.  The soil remains undisturbed, except for the wildlife.  I stay on my path when walking up and down the mountain with friends,  neighbors or my dogs. 

This afternoon I harvested the coffee berries.  They are a flavorful fruit that resembles a blueberry.  The taste is almost like licorice.  They contain seeds, like a Concord grape.  They start out green, turn red, and then become almost black.  The plants were here when I bought the cabin, and are native to the area.  

So, as the ecosystem hums along, without sprays or chemicals, people feel the buzz of life as they walk by; everyone who visits comments on the trees. They look up in amazement.  Trees are life, and oaks are spectacular.  My dad taught me that you can't put a price on mature trees in a neighborhood.  

Thank you for your comments; they add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please reply in English.  Those with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the articles here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated. 

Italy's one euro homes | Full Episode | SBS Dateline