Taking a Break

 

I am taking a short break.  I will start posting again in a few weeks.  This is a darling cottage in Wrightwood, California that used to belong to a Disney animator.  It is so special.

The roses that I planted in my woodland garden are doing beautifully.  I fed them some liquid fertilizer and top dressed the soil with planting mix.

The deck has been stained and is ready for winter.  I have a lot of chores to do in preparation.  I placed my firewood order for eucalyptus and mixed wood, and had the chimney cleaned.

This is a video of a new bear that was walking up the hillside just steps from my cabin.  This one has a more angular face.  The wildlife is literally right at our doorstep.  What a magnificent animal!  

Blogger did not post the video.  It won’t let me delete the space.  I’ll try again when I have more time.  How are you doing?

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Growing Roses in the Forest

 

Last week I spent several hours digging into my rocky mountain  soil and planting shrub roses.  The effect is gorgeous.  I love the mixture of roses, pine trees, oaks, and berries.  The height of the trees makes it so theatrical.

The Hollyhock seeds that I sprinkled in this sunny. corner have sprouted.  Next year they should be tall and colorful.  I love the tall, cheerful, old fashioned flowers.

This is the first season I have had fresh blackberries.  They are sweet, juicy and delicious!  I need to move the other berry bushes into full sun.  

How is your garden doing?  What are you growing?

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The Joy of Gardening During Retirement

 

One of my favorite ways to spend time as a retiree is as a gardener.  Shrub roses grow well here in the sunny mountains of California.  I go out and deadhead these Cecile Brunners each morning.  I am rewarded with constant, fragrant, pink blooms and new growth.  They enjoyed a recent drenching from the rain we just received.

This year I planted a Mr. Lincoln, (my favorite dramatic red rose,) in the ground.  It's located in a sunny spot, and I'm hoping that it will thrive there.  Berries, apples, pears, and cherries grow in abundance in Wrightwood, California.  Our summers are short and mild, unlike the harsh and blistering heat we experience in Santa Clarita.  I tend different fruits in each location.

This plum tree is very close to my cabin.  I saw a squirrel excitedly run off with one of these succulent fruits in its mouth.  It looks like they have adapted to the climate very well here, as well.  This plot of land also has a large grapevine that is filled with grapes.  It receives plenty of sun.

Are you growing any fruit right now?  I am currently harvesting Macintosh Apples.  They are so tasty and sweet!  

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Safe and Sound in California After Hurricane Hilary

 

Thank you for all the messages inquiring about my welfare after the recent storm in Southern California.  Fortunately, I had gone to the grocery store a couple days before it hit. I stocked up on dog food, fruit, vegetables, staples and supplies.  I am so glad that I did, because Highway 2 is now closed with four feet of mud piled high, and other damage from the wash.  It rained over twelve inches in 24 hours in Wrightwood!  It just was a constant downpour.  I have four spouts that drain from my upstairs balcony to the deck.  Through the sliding glass door it looked like a faucet was on all day.  

Fortunately, the cabin and land fared very well.  The man who built and designed it was from Germany, and a true master.  He really knew what he was doing.  I am so glad that I had the oaks and pines trimmed three weeks ago, as well as getting the cabin stained last year.  I had picked up all the spare branches in the yard, trimmed the lilacs, and carted all of the trash and green waste to the dump last week.   Preparation makes such a difference.

The cottage also withstood the storm.  Thank goodness LA County came to our street and did major flood control in the right of way last year.  The water flowed down our block to the storm drain into the wash, instead of pooling in my driveway and seeping under my front door, like it had done in the past.  I was so relieved to come home to dry carpet.  We had about six inches of rain down here.  The fruit trees look happy and healthy.

How about you? Have you experienced any extreme weather lately?  It sure helps having a stockpile, and staying up on home and yard maintenance. 

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Cutting Back the Front Garden

 

My front garden has been springing to life as the weather is becoming warmer.  I have been busy pulling weeds, trimming branches, removing dead wood, and planting.  I dug this fragrant citrusy smelling yellow rose into the soil today.  The earth is wet, rich and black.  I found some healthy earthworms wriggling in the ground.  They help us so much, aerating and feeding the dirt with their waste.

The straw mulch really kept the weeds from sprouting, and it also has helped to hold in the moisture.  I am replenishing the mulch around the fruit trees.  They are filled with buds that are ready to burst!

I bought a Hibiscus and Lavender plant.  They are both in full sun.  I'm hoping to make tea with the Hibiscus flowers.  Mine are yellow.  This recent rain has made it so much easier for us to garden again in California.  Our neighborhood is on a list to receive a grant which will upgrade our water system.  If it goes through, we will have new pipes and our own meters.  What a relief!

Have you planted anything new this year?

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A Blizzard in California

 

Last night it snowed for several hours.  It is continuing today.  I tried to shovel out my car, but I just got too wet with the continued snowfall.  I was able to sweep the steps, so that they were clear enough this morning to take out the dogs.  Now they are covered again.

We could receive up to five feet of snow in the mountains.  We shall see.  It's so important to have your groceries and pet food stockpiled.  Our delivery from the co-op was canceled, but fortunately I had picked up some extra produce at our local grocery store.  I also have some canned fruit in the cupboard that I store for emergencies.  I cooked a pot roast and some pasta in preparation.  The dogs are enthusiastically gnawing on their marrow beef bones from the broth that I simmered last week.

I am so glad that I purchased that alpaca hat and cape when I was in Alaska.  They keep me warm, safe, and dry.  Alpaca is so soft, and it dries by the fireplace very quickly.  I picked up a pair of gloves at the same shop, and they are divine.  They match the jacket.  The older I get, the more I love neutrals. 

Last week the weather was gorgeous down in LA.  I took a day to go bicycling on the beach.  It was sunny and clear.  It was so much fun to look at all the boats and enjoy the warm weather.

How is it where you are?  Are you shoveling snow like I am?

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A Frightened Squirrel

 

 This little squirrel came up to me after last week's first atmospheric river. She looked right into my eyes, stood up on her hind legs, and chattered away, obviously very upset.  It was as if she was explaining to me that her burrow had become flooded, her stored acorns had washed away, and she wanted to convey how dangerous it had been.  She used her paws a lot, and seemed traumatized.

The Native Americans teach that squirrels warn others of impending danger.  They are admired for their stockpiling skills.  Many of these creatures are swept away during floods.  How frightening it must have been for her with those huge gusts of wind.  The force would have been terrifying.  I panicked, just taking the dogs out to go potty.  She acted like she knew me, as if I were part of her family.

Her snowy white stomach is so beautiful, and her tail is warm and bushy.  I'm sure it brings her comfort when she's sleeping.  The past couple of days she has been religiously gathering more acorns.  I am glad that I have been focusing on taking care of the oaks and pines.  Squirrels eat the pine nuts inside pinecones for protein.  

Exhausted From Housework

 I have been pushing myself to do a better job cleaning my house lately.  Today I mopped the hard wood floors.  My home now looks very nice, but I am exhausted.  My body is aching from lugging the hose around to water the Jeffrey Pines and California Live Oaks.  I spotted my friend on her walk this morning and called out a hello to her.  "Your place looks great!" she encouraged me.  The trees really open up and shine after being watered.  They give off such a vibrant energy.  "It's so early," she added.  I have to start at 5:00 or 6:00 a.m. in order to finish on time.  We are on intense watering restrictions.  I planted some Cosmos and a strawberry plant this afternoon.  The Hollyhocks are in bloom.  They are my favorites.

I think I will do some easy and gentle yoga before bed.  The house painter who was supposed to come and give me an estimate this afternoon didn't show up or call.  That was disappointing.  It really needs to be done.  Hopefully he just forgot and will get back in touch with me.   I tried to call him, but his mailbox was full.

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Picking Persimmons

 My Hachiya persimmon tree has provided an amazing harvest this year.  For the last few years, I was afraid the tree had died.  During the last several seasons, it didn't produce.  I'm not sure why, since it's a mature tree.   I fed it some compost tea and straw mulch, and what a difference!  The whole tree came back to life.  I have picked at least 150 persimmons so far...it's  a thrill. They are lined up in long rows on the counter, the windowsill, the dryer and the kitchen table.   I love growing fruit; it's so rewarding.

I gave some to my neighbors, and dropped off a bag on the porch of  the woman who runs our co-op in Wrightwood.  She uses them to make persimmon cookies.  I will leave a bag in the mailbox for my mail lady.  She is always so appreciative of homegrown fruit.  I also gave some to the lady that sells produce at our local fruitstand.  Her eyes lit up and she told me that she loves persimmons.  I will take her some more tomorrow.  

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Froze My Credit Today

 Today I did some research online.  After carefully checking my credit report, I froze all three companies: TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian.  It was easy to do online.  The security questions were excellent.

 I have been hearing stories of seniors having their information stolen.  One of my older dancer friends had money taken from his bank account.  Someone called him on the phone, pretending to be a bank employee helping him, and it was a fraudster.  He was so upset.   By freezing your credit, you don't run the risk of someone being able to use your social security number or  obtaining a credit card in your name. 

Another older woman I know was renting out rooms in her house on AirB&B.  She recently discovered that her trust was missing.  What a nightmare.  It's important to have working relationships with you banker, insurance agent, and brokerage firm.  Everyone should know who you are and recognize your voice.  Unfortunately, there are people out there who will try to take financial advantage of those who are elderly and who they perceive as being easy to  manipulate.

I'm continuing to pull the weeds in the front and side yards.  It seems like a never ending task, but I'm nearly finished.  There is a lot of regular watering to do, but it makes all of the difference in the health of the soil and the trees.   I am going to pull several of the small oak seedlings that have sprouted out of the ground.  There is not space for them to grow into mature trees.  

I had two close friends call me over the weekend.  It was wonderful to have a long talk with each of them and to catch up on our lives.  Lifelong friendships are such a gift.  We can talk about anything and everything.  I love hearing their voices and laughing together.

A few different small children at the lake have asked me if I'm the lifeguard.  At fifty-six, that's quite a compliment.  (Thanks to henna and yoga, I guess.)  It may be because I am wearing a red one piece bathing suit, and sunbathe near the lifeguard station,   Still, it makes me chuckle.  They want to go swimming, and have to wait until the lifeguard is on duty.  

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My First Podcast

 

One of the dancers from "Hello Hollywood, Hello!" asked me to do an interview for her podcast, "Bluebells Forever," last month.  It was released today.  It's called, "Never Stop Learning."  You can listen to it it on Apple podcasts, or google Bluebells Forever podcast with Stephenie Lawton to find it.  It should be under June 17th 2021.  https://linkpodcasts.apple.com/.../bluebells.../id1513513525...

We live in an amazing time with technology that is available.   The interview was given on Zoom.  I initially resisted downloading the software, but have thoroughly enjoyed every meeting that I've attended.  It is so fun to see my old friends' faces and to hear their voices and laughter.  We are all older, but somehow still the same, on a soul level.

How are you doing in this heat?  It was 110 degrees in Canyon Country.  Wow!  Palm Springs hit 118 degrees, and I heard on the radio that it was 125 degrees in Death Valley.  (hence the name.)  I have the bathtub filled with cold water, and have been taking a dip in the lake or the tub throughout the day.  I hope you are staying cool and comfortable.  Be careful of heat exhaustion; it can creep up on you.   I just watered the trees in my forest, and they are giving off lots of fresh oxygen.  

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Loving the Garden

 

This is one of my favorite times of year in the  garden.  The soil has warmed up, the flowers are fragrant and blooming, and the trees have leafed out and become green.

Yesterday I planted a six flat of red poppies, and placed a young artichoke plant in the front yard.  They are such conversation starters...and need plenty of space to expand.  

The citrus trees have developed tiny green fruit on them.  The rhubarb is nearly ready to harvest.  I love how all of the disciplined work comes together.  The watering, pruning, weeding, composting, and mulching all combine to make a healthy, robust plant.  Rich, black soil is key.  All of my fruit and vegetables scraps break down in the compost pile over the winter to be returned into the earth.

The longer you have a garden, the more synthesized and robust it becomes.  Sometimes competition makes the plants become stronger.  Today I'm digging up some of my larger plants to divide and share with my neighbors.  Many of them were from cuttings that were given to me from ladies in this area when I first bought my cottage.

How is your garden doing?

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Resting When You're Tired

 

Today I am feeling a bit exhausted.  We just finalized the agreements of my father's trust.  That's a relief.  I mailed the contract this morning at the post office.  After that, I spent a lot of time pulling weeds. then took Lula for a gorgeous bike ride early this afternoon.  The lilacs are all in bloom.  I love the different shades that people have planted: white, a deep purple, lavender, and pink.  Their intoxicating  fragrance lifts my spirits.  I picked some from my garden early this morning, and placed them in a vase of water.  I have been carrying them around with me all day.  The flowers are so petite and sweet.  The older I get, the more I appreciate the fragrance and energy of homegrown flowers from the garden.

I have been reading a book about seniors who live in their RV's.  It's very sad.  I think that's part of why I felt so drained of energy this afternoon.  Their plight makes me cry.  It makes me more grateful than ever to have a home, and more determined to keep up with my chores and responsibilities.  

Many of the people the author interviewed seem to have a refusal to follow rules and will do anything to avoid paying taxes.  I feel like California is one of the most comfortable and beautiful parts of the world, and am happy to pay my taxes.  I want to contribute to keeping the roads, bridges, and schools running.  

It's sad to hear how many of these people lost their homes and retirement savings.  I closed my dance studio during the recession, and my emergency plan was to sell my cottage and move to someplace cheap, like Nebraska.  I knew I could buy a small, older home for $20,000. there.  To me that would have been far less expensive than driving a gas guzzling RV, and I was always able to find work as a ballet and yoga teacher.  

I will try to finish this book tonight; it's a difficult  read.  It's taught me a lot about squatters and has  been eye opening.  I have had several people here try to use my forested property as public land.  It took some action and firmness to stop them.  Reading about this group of people has made me see that many of the drifters will look for opportunities to store their vehicles and those of their friends if you don't watch them closely.  

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Had Internet Connected Up At The Cabin

 

On Friday two of the workers from UIA came to the cabin hook up internet service for me.  They did a fantastic job.  They were on time, polite, enthusiastic, and efficient.  I love having people work at my home who are honest and dependable.  I was amazed at their climbing skills.

For the past year, I have been walking to the library and using their computer.  It is such a relief to have access from home now.  The cold weather is coming, and if the roads are filled with snow and ice, the librarians won't be able to  make it up the hill to get to work.  There were times last winter when I would trudge over there in my snow boots to find the door locked and closed.  Now I can just switch on my computer by the fireplace. 

Small details really do make our homes more comfortable.  Having  the wood stacked neatly by  the fireplace brings a feeling of security and warmth.  There is a vintage glass jar filled with matches, and several books and DVD's available for entertainment when we can't go outside...

This morning I will be raking leaves and adding them to my compost pile.  The roses are blooming again, and have been enjoying this mild weather. I will feed them some compost tea today.  The tangerines are starting to turn orange, now that the days are shorter and the temperatures at night have dropped.  

I harvested the persimmons last week; they are sweet and juicy.  For years that tree didn't produce.  I think last season's rain and the compost and mulch I applied gave it the energy and strength that it needed.   

How are things with you?  I hope you had a happy Halloween.

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Ninety Trees Trimmed

Over the last few days I had ninety trees trimmed on my land.  Phew!  It looks so clean and beautiful now.  It's amazing how alive the property feels with all of that dead wood removed.  I stayed home and kept an eye on the workers.  It was exciting to see the men complete the contract.  They are very dedicated.

One of the pluses from all that trimming is  that I now have lots of firewood to burn this winter.  They stacked it neatly in piles for me.  I have been carrying it up to the cabin and  gazing at the  crackling flames each morning and evening.  I hung my mom's feminine lace curtains in the window next to the brick fireplace.  Flanked by a 1920's hand painted antique lamp, it is a really artistic look.  I just love the old styles.  I've never gotten into the modern decor that is popular now.  

The smaller branches were put into the chipper and spread as mulch.  The supervisor told me that my trees are healthier and greener than  many of the ones that they do, because I water and mulch them regularly.  It means extra time and effort, but is so worth it.  As I water in sections, I keep an eye on my trees and all that is happening.  That's important when you own land. 

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Dog Day at the Country Club

 Today was Dog Day at the country club.  Lula and I had a fantastic time.  It was so entertaining to watch all of the different dogs playing and swimming happily together in the lake.  It was really dog heaven.  There were tennis balls everywhere.  Lula was so excited and vocal.  She paddled like her life depended on it.  I was in the water with her until one of the dogs squatted and pooped.  I had made sure that Lula did her business before we got there.  They are draining the lake for the cold season after Dog Day, anyway.  Maybe I'll put a swimming hole in, up at my cabin.  Lula is such a water dog.  She didn't want to stop playing ball, and slept deeply during her long nap, after we arrived home.

While watering my pines and oaks, I chatted with my sweet neighbor about posting "No Trespassing" signs.  I put them at each entrance to my land when the evacuation warning hit.  I discussed some concerns with my insurance agent and he replied that the signs  do help.  The main thing is, you don't want a hazard, like a broken sprinkler on your property.  He said that the best thing you can do to prevent problems with suspicious individuals is to maintain the property.  That makes sense.

My neighbor mentioned  that she had seen some adults and kids walking on my land.  There have been some locals I know that have sneaked on it at times, too, but I caught them.  ( I have photographs.)  It's too bad that some people take advantage, but I'm prepared.  I don't let things slide when it comes to my safety, my home, or my animals.  It's so important to take the steps you need to take in life when your boundaries aren't being respected.  Documentation is everything.  My sweet neighbor is also a hard working woman who owns her own beautiful home.  She lives with her mom, who is one fabulous lady.  We stick together; she's really a great ally.   

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The Serenity of Oak Trees

my front yard

Today the workers from Southern California Edison came and removed my neighbor's two dead oak trees.  They had been decimated by a beetle that destroys them.  It spreads rapidly, so it was important to get both trees out of there.  They were near the power lines. 

Tomorrow the men will come back and finish removing the dead branches and wood.  The trees remaining look beautiful.  They  really are spectacular.  There are so many on my property up at the cabin.   I always dreamed of having a home with an oak tree, and look what I was given!  The owner told me that they waited for the right person to buy their property, and that I was the right person.  I am still in awe of the beauty there. 

Old trees are so wise and comforting.  You can't put a price on the spiritual energy that  they add to a home.

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Tree Trimming Estimate and Garden Update

carpet of apple blossoms in Wrightwood, California

The other day I had an arborist come and look at the mature oak and pine trees on my property and give me an estimate.  My neighbors and I agreed on what to do with some older oak trees on the boundary line. They  have struggled with a beetle.  They look very sick; it's sad.  The drought  caused them a lot of stress.  Fortunately, we had a tremendous amount of snow this past season.  It has made all the difference.  The soil is like chocolate cake!

healthy and strong rhubarb

We worked out a plan that everyone was happy with, and then I got an additional estimate for the trees that I own.  Most of these homes are on one lot.  Since I purchased four lots, there are many, many trees.  My favorites are the cypress.  They have such a special look and feel.  The man trimming the trees told me that they look very healthy, too.  I just love them.

a walk along the river bed

The rhubarb is growing like mad!  Little baby shoots uncurl overnight.  It really multiplies.  The apricots are ready to pick, and I spotted my first tomato on the vine.  Gardening is so nurturing and rewarding.  I feel fortunate to live in a climate that is so conducive to growing food.  I am also thankful that I bought property at such an excellent price.  It was a sound investment.

What are you growing?    

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Long Hard Hours, Weeding

I have been spending most of my time raking leaves and pulling weeds.  I love the gorgeous land at the cabin, but it is a big responsibility.  Fortunately, the mulch has made it very easy to pull out the long, green grasses.  Cleaning up the property is excellent exercise, and it makes me grateful for my ballet discipline.

I put  the cherry trees into the ground, and planted the the grape vine.  I also divided the sage, which has expanded in size. The leaves have gotten huge!  They are so fragrant.  I love using them to season chicken and stuffing.  Sage tea  makes a gentle bath herb, too.

I had another close  call with Lula.  An Australian cattle dog which has the wild  Dingo ancestry  burst through an short electric fence into our yard yesterday when we were practicing obedience training.  The dog has been acting very aggressive towards her.  He's dominant and obsessed.  I used my voice to yell like a banshee and the dog ran back home.  It looks like I will be putting up some redwood fencing there for safety and security.  I constantly carry pepper spray and have it in my hand.  The officer from Animal Control suggested that I get a dog catcher tool.  If you take pictures, they will issue a citation.  After the last attack from another nearby house, I have no patience for any further incidents.   

It's been challenging to see how many people here are ignoring the restrictions and having parties, refusing to practice social distancing, and it seems that almost none of them wear masks.  I just sigh.  I am fortunate to live alone and can pick up my produce at the co op.  Everyone there is very respectful and conscientious.  I've even had a lot of people roll their eyes and make sarcastic comments when they see my mask.  I experienced many of the Covid-19 symptoms last November, after my cruise to the Mediterranean.  We were in Italy and Spain, and there were so many people on board from China.  On the plane ride home, I felt a sense of panic and became extremely ill. I couldn't stop coughing for fifteen hours on the flight.  I remember how difficult it was for me to carry my purse at the airport.  It felt SO heavy, and I didn't know why.  Now I do.  After departing I  felt like I needed a wheelchair.  My photo at customs looked like that of  a drug addict.  I got better after resting for five days, eating lots of garlic and preparing  healthy foods.  I definitely wear a mask now, after reading all of the stories about the doctors, nurses, and people who have died from this virus.

Are you staying healthy?   

Admiring the Nearby Homes and Cabins

this is one of my favorites

One thing I love about the cabin is that I can walk anywhere I need to go.  The post office, grocery store, hardware store, library, and restaurants are all a very short distance from where I live.  It's nice not to need to use the car.  I love the exercise, and the scenery walking to town is exquisite. 

the mature trees and gingerbread detail give this one so much charm

I always admire the stone work on these cabins.  I love the contrast of it against the wood.  Everyone in this area has a fireplace or wood stove.  Even the restaurants usually have a roaring fire going.  It really adds to the atmosphere and makes you feel welcome.  Once home, I find that I  want to brew a fresh pot of coffee or tea,  lay on the couch, and stare at the dancing  flames.  The sound of the  crackling kindling  brings back childhood memories of Christmas to me.  My dad would always build us a fire.  It was something that we all enjoyed.  I kept it going.  

Lula is leading the way home

In just ten minutes, we are at some of the most gorgeous hiking trails in California.  It's a quick drive, and there's no traffic.  The other night I sped out here after it got dark.  I was the only car on the road for the entire time, once I had turned off the highway, towards the mountains.  I guess people go home after work, eat dinner, and stay indoors.  It's such a different feel from the hurried pace of the city.

I stumbled upon this community garden the other day.  It looks like it's very popular.  There are all kinds of different plants growing.  I noticed some grape vines.  From what I've seen, red apples and pears do very well here.  They get the chilling that they need.  How is your garden doing?

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