The Sierra foothills have a distinctive order that immediately brings me back to childhood.

Mountain misery (Chamaebatia foliolosa), madrone, ponderosa pine populate this part of the world, as well as blackberries and wild sweet pea.

It's a heady mix of smells. 

Friends of mine who joined me for camping trips on my Grandparents' land will instantly recognize this smell.  We were lucky enough in our last two years of high school to be able to camp in paradise during the summer.

We were a bunch of hippies and we enjoyed the languorous days and star studded nights.

Going into the wee town of Placerville for groceries was like entering the lion's den after weeks alone.

 Here are damsel flies mating, an entire 'flock' of them - would one call them a flock?  Doubt it.

I have taken many photos of this meadow over the last couple of years.  It can be seen along our regular hiking trail and its marshy lushness changes dramatically with the seasons.  As you can see, the berry vines are in full swing (foreground).

I'm here for several days, and have been looking forward to it for weeks.  A retreat of sorts.  Quiet.  Green.  Verdant. 

Wordless Wednesday

My Birthday

Hey, hey, they say it's my birthday!  So I guess it is.

56 years young.  WOW.  I join many fabulous women in their fifties:

• Amy Sedaris
• Julianne Moore
• Vanessa Williams
• Lena Olin 
• Caroline Kennedy
• uh, MADONNA
• Jennifer Tilley
• Gina Gershon (be still my heart)
• Kathy Najimy 
• Sonia Sotomayor
• Sharon Stone
• Melanie Griffith 
• Gwen Ifil
• Megan Mullally

Okay, I'll stop now.  There are many many fabulous women in their fifties.  And many more in their sixties.  And beyond.  And still more, uncelebrated, older women who are raising their grandchildren, working multiple jobs to make ends meet, going back to school, healing the sick, caring for the poor, tending their gardens, running large organizations, working for world peace.

It's a joy and a privilege to get older.  I'll try to represent well.

P.S. Long time readers may remember that this time last year I had 4 stays in the hospital for serious health issues.  This year: so far so good!  Forward movement and progress.  Also this time last year I was newly in love and smitten.  While it was fun, I breathe a sigh of relief this year that I am single and very happily dating.  Gratitude is oozing from my pores.  Or is it just sweat?

TGIF

I'm retired, so Fridays are really not the thrill they used to be.  Case in point: yesterday my friend Joanie and I drove up to Reno to meet up with a friend of hers and play the day away.  We drove to Virginia City and toured the place and went on a mine walk 58 feet under ground and 300 feet into the mountain.

What fun!  The mine was dug in 1856 and being down there, imagining the working conditions really blew my mind.

We headed back to Reno to Circus Circus and played slots.  Daring woman that I am, I gave my self a $20 limit.  Well, I tell you, I got a lot of play out of that money.  And Joanie won BIG - $200 - and shared some of the wealth so Deb and I could play some more.  This was only the second time I've ever gambled, and this time I actually had fun.  I can now see how this gambling thing can be addicting. 
After eating dinner, one of the best Mexican food dinners I've ever had, Joanie and I headed back to Sacramento and I was home at the respectable hour of 10 p.m.

Who needs Friday when you can do this on Thursday?

We're Everywhere -- And so are They

Yesterday I was across the street introducing myself to the new neighbor.  Their official move-in date is Friday, but she had some friends helping her move her many many plants.  They came around the corner, all toothy grins except there were some actual teeth missing from one of their mouths.  They seemed like 'good old boys' and confirmed it moments later when they commented on my Toyota Prius in the garage.  "Ya know what those are called?" the toothless one cackled.  "GAY CARS!"  "YEAH," said the other, you know, POOFTER cars! That's what they call gays in England!" Hahahahahahahahaha.  I was dumbstruck.  Did they notice my gay bumper sticker and so were being hateful on purpose, or were they just being dumb fucks?

Even dad said I should have said, "Well, I'm gay so that fits." And walked away.  Instead, my mind was reeling at the surreal scene before me.  I laughed weakly and went back inside. 

Shit. 

Welcome to the neighborhood.

Just wait until they find out they moved in next door to poofters and across the street from still more poofters.  I need to buy a giant rainbow flag to hang from the balcony for the whole month of June.

Assholes.

Wordless Wednesday