Glorious

A bit late but the weather person I listen to in the evening assures me that December is when the rainy season begins. So far I have measured 2.3 inches of rain in my rain gauge with this glorious arrival of rain. More rain is predicted today (Sunday December 04, 2022) with more coming throughout the week.

In my opinion right now we cannot get enough rain. The ground beneath the mulch here at PageRefuge is dry, dry, dry. All the plants throughout the property are so looking forward to getting much more rain to help them establish deeper roots. Of course, with deeper roots come a more above the ground vegetation with an abundance of flowers some Spring time and Summer.

Dwight's picture of me walking
towards the entrance of Tower Gallery.
Oh how much fun we had driving
up here frequently.
We took all of our friends who came to visit too.
Some of them even got to meet Roxanne

Roxanne Swentzell Gallery in Santa Fe, NM presents

Big Heads at her Tower Gallery. 

"It is in response to the state of the world 

and its disjointedness. 

All the gapped polarities

between viewpoints have felt like

humanity has lost its ability to 

connect and relate to itself as a whole.

The head, torso and legs have forgotten how to work

together so that the entire body can 

function well.

Big Heads is a result of heads not working 

with the other body parts to get the whole perspective.....,

a fuller perspective, a wiser perspective, 

a more loving perspective." 

The entrance to Tower Gallery

Every single minute, hour, day, month that Dwight is absent in my life, I grieve his loss. I miss him so much. AND I am ever so grateful he is no longer struggling to breathe. He is at peace where ever souls go once they depart their human form.

I must add here that he is no longer here to read my unpublished blog posts and tp critique them as only an English professor can. So whatever errors anyone may find they are of mine.

As we, where ever we are, individually struggle with gaining a whole perspective during this glorious rainy season here in Northern California, may we celebrate with a deep belly

Pinon-Juniper Forest and Thanksgiving

Image  "The Pinon Pine Tree"
2016 ©, Santa Fe, NM, C. Sullivan
"New Mexico's State Tree is the handsome Pinon Pine
which grows widely in the Southwest's mountain foothills."

For many years, beginning with my very first trip to the Eastern Sierras, I have been enamored with the Pinon Pine tree. During our many trips in November we would pay $5 to cut a Pinon in the Toiyabe National Forest for our Yule Tree. The fragrance is wonderfully earthy and long lasting.

Now that we have relocated and are putting down roots in the high desert, I have purchased a live, locally grown Pinon Pine (Pinus edulis) for this year's Yule Tree from Payne's Nursery just a few short blocks from where we are temporarily staying in Santa Fe. The young tree is a mere 4' tall but beautifully shaped. It will remain in the ground until early December then be lifted, root ball and all, up from the soil and placed in a large tree pot. Rather than covering the root ball with "potting soil," earthworm castings and mushroom compost will be mixed to cover the roots. Both of these "amendments" will support the tree's immune system thus providing for a long life. "The Pinon can live to 500 years and its dry-environment survival kit includes 20 foot long taproots." This year's Yule Tree will remain outdoors so as to not unnecessarily tax its well BEing. The plan is to plant it in the ground this Winter season barring frozen soil. This native tree will eventually be surrounded, for a long life, with a community of native Juniper (hopefully One-seed), native grasses and native flowers.

These pictures were taken at the "dog park" in November, 2017. It is not Wintery yet, no freezing nighttime temperatures and unseasonably warm in the daytime and dry. 

Only one light skiff of snow on the mountain tops
since we arrived the day before Halloween.

However, the plants are aware that this is the dry cycle and are entering their dormancy.

Shasta running towards her new found friend, Lilly, a Portuguese Waterdog.
The Pinon Pine and One-seed or Singleseed Juniper (Junipers monosperma)
abound on either side of the path.

Shasta off to investigate smells amidst the Pinon - Juniper desert forest.

Most of our out of doors time presently is spent each morning in the Frank Ortiz Dog Park. Shasta continues her energetic and exuberant exploration of humans, dogs and the terrain always finding a familiar dog friend . . . or a new fast dog friend.

Thanksgiving is a momentous day for us, especially in 2017, since we met at a friends gathering in Santa Rosa, California. I had recently moved to Santa Rosa and was a long time friend of the hostess; Dwight, exiting a 25 year marriage, was a friend and business associate of another in attendance. Each invited one of us because we would each otherwise be spending the holiday alone. So 30 years later we both are blessed with one another's love and companionship, and have much to be grateful for as we embark on the next chapter of our lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

Creator, open our hearts

to peace and healing between all people.

Creator, open our hearts

to provide and protect all children

of the earth.

Creator, open our hearts

to respect for the earth, and all the

gifts of the earth.

Creator, open our hearts

to end exclusion, violence

and fear among all.

Thank-you for the gifts

of this day and every day.

Mi'Kmaq prayer

As we each express our gratitude, may we also

The Human Family

With the record breaking amount of rain
here in West Sonoma County, Northern California,
our artesian well is once again providing
water for MuRefuge's pond.
Dwight Sims' sculpture of hands
is a favorite place for the birds to drink.
The water sprite that inhabits this
area is joyous as well.

Grandfather,

Look at our brokenness.

We know that in all creation

Only the human family

Has strayed from the Sacred Way.

We know that we are the ones

Who are divided

And we are the ones

Who must come back together

To walk in the Sacred Way.

Grandfather,

Sacred One,

Teach us love, compassion, and honor

That we may heal the earth

And heal each other.

OJIBWAY PRAYER

As one spends time tending a native ecology habitat, listening as well as observing, the plants and other BEings will show and tell of their vibrancy or struggle to actively participate in maintaining the balance so ALL can thrive here at MuRefuge. Within a whole and healthy ecology a diversity of species support one another in their resilient will to survive in spite of instability in the climate, aka climate destabilization which is much more descriptive of what is happening both here at MuRefuge and around the globe than "climate change." 

One recent morning passed I was honored to watch a mother-to-be Pipevine Swallowtail lay her eggs on species specific Pipevine leaves. 

These eggs will soon hatch and small wiggling black and red caterpillars will begin to voraciously consume the leaves, to quickly grow into large caterpillars that crawl off the Pipevine and fasten themselves firmly to a structure forming a chrysalis where the mystery and magic of nature will happen: a Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly will emerge.

One Monday afternoon past the young man who is assisting in the care of MuRefuge noticed a quite stunning spider, one we have not seen before.

A year ago, thinking it would be more efficient, we covered the noxious weed pile with a "composting blanket." For those of you who read the posts of last Spring, you aware the huge pile of weeds pulled and piled near the Persian fruiting mulberry tree. This is an excellent example of a human idea "run amuck" as the mulberry tree's root system was smothered with the human created blanket. To my surprised however when the blanket was removed after the weeds composted, the tree is now visibly coming to life.

The able young man who assists in the care and well being
of MuRefuge has spread the composted weeds
over the mulberry's root system
so they now provide nutrients to the tree.

The human family, focusing on themselves have strayed from the "Sacred Way" of living in harmony and honoring all sentients BEings. "Human family" "brokenness" seems to be the norm in the 21st century where living every day in search of the next new thing to make humans' lives easier, more fun and without regard to the enormous consequences to Planet Earth.

"I do not believe that we are fated to destroy the Earth by fire, heat, or technology run amuck. But if there is a happier future it will come down to this: to act with compassion and energy, our hearts must be in it; to act intelligently, we must understand that we are but one part of an interrelated global system; to act effectively and justly, we must be governed by accountable, transparent, and robust democratic institutions; and to act sustainably, we must live and work within the limits of natural systems over the long term." 

Dangerous Years: Climate Change, the Long Emergency, and the Way Forward 

David W. Orr (2016)

As each of us consider the impact of our taking advantage of the vast number of human advancements to make humans lives easier, may we each be enlightened enough to realize the folly and consequences of our unbridled consumption on the well being of Planet Earth. May we each live with less and less, returning to the "Sacred Way," and  

All Is Well

Last week I heard a ruckus in the
duckyard. When I went to see
who was so unhappy, I found
the broody Toostie Roll, in the background in this picture,
INSIDE the BE BEs enclosure. She had figured out
how to get in but not to get out, AND once
was not enough . . . she trapped herself several
times in an effort to BE with her younger sisters.

Sunrise, with the sun actually shining on this morning here at MuRefuge, casts a lovely glow upon the blooming 'Martha Roderick' Alumroot ((Heuchera micrantha) and all the surrounding lush green plants. Ah . . . meditating on the loveliness as I sit in stillness. "All is well."

This week on Tuesday past was a momentous occasion: the BE BEs joined their five sisters in the duckyard. This is the first picture taken of them all together beneath the just beginning to flower Buckeye Tree (Aesculus californica). "All is well."

The BE BEs quickly ensconced themselves in the "pond" which is actually a sunken antique bathtub. Overhanging the water are healthy, thriving Native Rushes (Juncas patens) which at this time of the year are beginning to flower and soon will produce seeds the ducks love to eat. "All is well."

Soon they were all foraging together as though all seven have always been a flock. "All is well."

And later on all seven ducks are pictured here near their food trays (located to the left of Coco who is on the far left) and stainless steel water bowls with nary a squabble. "All is well." Oops, Ms. Crone is missing in this picture;
perhaps BEing the most elderly of the seven, she has retired to a shady spot.

Not, here she is on the right with Coco and Ms. Blue. "All is well."

The picture below was taken with the evening sunlight illuminating the same as above 'Martha Roderick' Alumroot. "All is well."

Earlier today the flock poured through the veggie garden gate as it opened into MuRefuge's "backyard." Foraging among the Yellow eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium californicum) and beyond, all seven making joyous, happiness burbling sounds as creepy crawlies were found amidst the plants and mulch, and quickly ingested.

"All is well." May we each celebrate with a 

May Day, May 1, 2017

California Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewissi)
with this morning's rising sun shining on the
fragrant white blossoms.

May 1 is known as Beltane in "the old country" "across the pond", the cross quarter day halfway between Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice. The Beltane festival has been celebrated for thousands of years by those connected to the natural cycles of Mother Earth. Here in this country May Day has been a traditional celebration marking the zenith of Spring with all her vibrancy. 

As children growing up in Iowa, my friends and I used to make "May Day" baskets and fill them with whatever early flowers were available. Then we would hang one on each door handle of neighbors, ring the doorbell and run away so the person would not know who delivered the May basket.

Since I cannot deliver in person a May Day basket to you, I will share with you pictures of flowers in bloom here at MuRefuge on this gloriously sunny morning.

Dwight's sculpture inscribed with Mu (the Japanese character
we have loosely translated to mean "everything or nothing,"
for which MuRefuge is named), is in the background with
Point Reyes Meadowfoam (Limnanthes douglasii ssp. sulphurea) in front.

May you each have a delightful Beltane and 

Transplant Shock

"Behold, my brothers [and sisters], the spring has come,
The earth has received the embraces of the sun
And we shall soon see the results of that love!

Every seed is awakened and so has all animal life.
It is through this mysterious power that we too have our being
And therefore yield to our neighbors,
Even our animal neighbors,
The same right as ourselves, to inhabit this land.
Sitting Bull

For some of you the signs of Spring are still illusive. Those living in the Sierras are still in what feels like the dead of Winter with all the snow on the ground.

I hear that Tioga Pass through Yosemite and Eastward to Highway 395 is not predicted to open until mid to late June. Here in West Sonoma County we have had a few cool but sunny, windy days mixed with days of rain. The blustery, unseasonably cool weather has resulted in the BE BEs remaining in their cardboard box in the garage with only brief forays into the veggie garden. 

YIKES! At 4 1/2 weeks old here you can see their heads way above the
top of the cardboard box but it is dry and toasty!

Transplant shock seems to be a part of the process for both plant starts in MuRefuge's greenhouse as well as the ducklings who put down their initial roots in the cardboard box in the garage.

During this passage of time since the last post, the tomato starts have been transplanted into 4" pots from the six pack in which seeds were scattered. This will be "home" for about a month before transplantation into their permanent home in the basalt block, gopher proof, raised beds.

The transplant shock is ameliorated by spraying with a flower essence first the exposed roots and then again immediately after nestling each plant into fresh organic potting soil. Once the 4" pots are watered, both the little starts and the soil are sprayed. This is repeated several times over the next 24 hours.

Five-Flower, aka Rescue when formulated by Bach,
is diluted 4 drops in an eight ounce spray bottle
with 8 drops of brandy and shaken well.
Prior to each use the bottle is vigorously shaken
to activate the "magic potent." This remedy works
wonders for any sudden and difficult event for any sentient BEing.

So too during the first foray for the BE BEs into their chicken wire enclosure, they are generously sprayed with the same flower essence.

And of course, when the transition from their cardboard box home to their new home, the duckhouse in which their adult sisters reside during the nighttime hours, they are generously sprayed as well. The transition includes sectioning off part of the duckhouse and hanging the heat lamp for warmth since the BE BEs are not fully feathered yet.

Now 5 1/2 weeks old the ducklings have been "transplanted" to
their "forever home" here at MuRefuge.

This intrusion of the ducklings into the adult ducks' space is upsetting for all. The first nighttime they spend together is a big adjustment for all 7 BEings so once the adults are gently guided by both Cathie and Dwight into the duckhouse, not an easy task the very first time, all are generously sprayed with the Five-Flower Flower Essence. Peace and tranquility does prevail.

As life presents each of us with upsetting experiences, may we each

Ordering

Peppermint Candy Flower (Claytonia sibirica)
in bloom among the lush bunch grass,
Idaho Fescue (Festuca idahoensis).
With the abundance of rain this year
at MuRefuge the easily reseeding
annuals have flourished.

"One hundred and eight counts make one cycle,

Constant turning creates all things. . . . 

Today is the one hundred and eighth day" [of the year,
well, actually today as the ducklings turn 4 weeks old
I realized I read this entry 8 days early, but the point is] . . . .

"Numbers are only symbols, a way for human beings 

to project order upon the universe."

Deng Ming-Dao

Recently during a conversation with my soul sister living on the Olympic Peninsula we were, as we often do, discussing our dogs and their behavior.

Upon reviewing our interaction I was struck by how we humans interpret behavior we see in other BEings as their effort to "control" their environment and others. Perhaps what we as humans see in other BEings is "ordering" rather than "controlling."

Definitions from The American Heritage Dic.tion.ar.y of the English Language fourth edition:

Order: "A condition of methodical or prescribed arrangement 

among component parts."

Control: "To exercise authoritative or dominating influence over."

So the former is a process which has the potential for fluidity. While the latter, to my way of thinking presently, is a behavior which is potentially static if one is not awake to this behavior and one continues to repeat it without awareness.

I am reminded, considering all this, of a behavior we witnessed of Shasta's. We were driving at night time as we returned from viewing the full moon rise over Mono Lake to our cabin at Twin Lakes, California, North along Highway 395. I could feel Shasta becoming terrified so I unfastened her seat belt so she could climb onto my lap which she immediately did. Her whole body was shaking as she looked out the window at the rapidly passing reflector lights on the highway posts. Once we drove into the parking lot of our cabin she stopped shaking and relaxed. The following day in the daylight we drove along the same stretch of highway and she looked out her window at the same posts. I could see her visibly taking in the posts and attempting to "order" what she had seen the night before that had been so terrifying. Her process, to me, is so instructive of how one BEing attempts to make sense of her world.

And here the ducklings, now named BE BEs, are looking out
of their quickly becoming too small house,
making sense of their world and its inhabitants.

This afternoon's foray into the vegetable garden was cut short since it is overcast, blustery and spitting rain. The BE BEs are not fully feathered so are susceptible to getting chilled from the damp, cool temperature. Dwight, however, did get some good photographs of our brief outing.

The two pictures below are the ducklings getting hand fed young chard leaves which they gobble down more rapidly than the feeder can tear the leaves into bit sized pieces.

Notice the fawn coloring of their breasts and around their eyes
as well as their upright stances.
They are developing into stellar representatives of
their Indian Runner heritage.

Wiggling mass of not happy ducklings
as we returned to their garage "house."
Their distressing noises clearly upset Shasta,
whom you could "see" trying to figure out
what she could do to relieve their distress
to restore "order" for these two MuRefuge inhabitants
and herself as well.

Observing the Pipevine at this time of the year when the seed pods, evident in the picture below, are just emerging from the pollinated flowers, I am aware of the order: Pipevine only develops seed pods if there is the specific insect to pollinate the pipe bowl shaped flower. Many a devotee of growing Pipevines for the Pipevine Swallowtail comment that they have never had seed pods develop on their vines. The natural order is synonymous with "whole ecology" where all that is needed for the full cycle is present.

As we consider our process of ordering our world and let go of our rigid control, may we

One Week Old

Today, March 21, 2017, the babies aka Fawn and White Indian Runner ducklings are one week old. Here are pictures, as promised, taken by Dwight earlier this afternoon so you all can see how much they have grown in just one week.

This was taken while they were in
their home in the garage
waiting expectantly to be lifted up.

The one with her back to the camera
is attempting to eat
a blade of Red Fescue (Festuca rubra).

These two precious little BEings do bring a smile to my face. When crawl up into my hair, I

Spring: March 20, 2017

The afternoon before the arrival of Spring's zenith we are watching the USA team beat the Puerto Rico team in the World Baseball Classic. Of course, this was a taped version so we could bypass all the commercials and view at our leisure. As you notice in the picture below, it is Cathie watching and the babies are focusing on wriggling out of my top.

"It is the time of the equinox, when day and night 

are briefly equal. . . . . 

Of course, this day only represents 

a moment in time. 

Spring has long been returning, 

and we know that Summer will soon follow. 

The cycle of the seasons will continue in succession. 

There is no such thing as true stopping in time, 

for all is a continuum. 

Nature makes its own concordances 

as a mere outgrowth of its movement; 

it is we who see structure and give names to patterns." 

-Deng Ming-Dao.

Between Earth and Sky, sculpted by Dwight
looks towards the East and heralds
the awakening of sequestered energy
that is bursting forth.

With the record rainfall here in West Sonoma County, California, the native plants at MuRefuge that have been in survival mode are now are bursting forth in all their Spring time glory. Here are a few pictures taken yesterday.

MuRefuge's older planting of Pacific Wax Myrtle
(Myrica californica) in her most stunning Spring attire.

Sage napping amidst the Purple Needlegrass
that is decorated with full flowering
Buckbrush (Ceanothus cuneatus).

In the foreground are spears of asparagus ready for harvest.
Right behind the fence is the now spreading stand of
Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium) abuzz with pollinators.
Behind and to the left is a California Bay (Umbellularia californica)
and in the background are two Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia).

Sprouting Cascadia peas growing in the greenhouse
protected from the possibility of a late frost.

As we each welcome Spring, may we