Winter

The previous post of November 16, 2025, said winter had arrived. Well then winter disappeared. Almost spring like or more like fall temperatures have been prevailing as of late. Midday temperatures are reaching well into the high 70's. 

However, the trees and shrubs are without their leaves

In foreground: Chilopsis linearis (Desert willow)

    and in background: Cercis occindentalis (Western redbud)

The view along the western side of the house is mostly in the shade this time of the year. The strawberry plants are "dormant" and the Aristolochia californica (California pipevine) is without leaves.

         Chilopsis linearis (Desert willow)

When the early spring arrives this tree is in splendor with  lovely flowers. I do believe it is my all time favorite trees. While living in Santa Fe we often traveled to Albuquerque, New Mexico. where this tree was in abundance. In the spring the splendor was "luscious"! Stay tuned, as the saying goes, for pictures when the Desert willow is in bloom.

This past weekend a friend who lived just down the road from us when we lived on Hessel Avenue south of Sebastopol about 8 miles, came with a tarp. With a ladder of course, he placed said tarp atop the shed.

I then carried the stored bricks so he could position them on the roof. When I raked off the leaves into the green bin from the neighbor's tree, a number of the wooden shingles accompanied the leaves. Relief, I am feeling nothing but relief to have the shed covered! 

I can relax with comfort and ease that the shed is protected no matter when or whether rain FINALLY arrives here in Northern California. For those unfamiliar with this part of the world or United States, usually by December a number of drenching rains have provided much needed moisture for the trees, bushes and shrubs. 

Shasta asleep in crate.

Each of you reading this post are invited to

 

Cross Quarter Day

Today, Imbolic, or Candlemas Day, is halfway between Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. For some in cycle with the Seasons, it marks not only the beginning of Spring but marks the return of the light, mirroring the transformation within us from an inner contemplative focus towards one of outer manifestation.

"I who am the beauty of the green earth

and the white moon among the stars 

and mysteries of the waters,

I call upon your soul to arise 

and come unto Me [aka Tao]. 

For I am the soul of nature

that gives life to the universe.

From Me [aka Tao] all things proceed 

and unto Me [aka Tao] they must return.

Let My [aka Tao] worship be in the heart that rejoices,

for behold - 

all acts of love 

and pleasure are My [aka Tao] rituals.

Let there be beauty and strength, 

power and compassion,

honor and humility.

mirth and reverence 

within you.

And you who seek to know Me [aka Tao], 

know that your seeking and hearing will avail you not,

unless you know the Mystery [aka Tao]:

for if that which you seek, 

you find not within yourself,

you will never find it without.

For behold, 

I [aka Tao] have been with you from the beginning,

and I [aka Tao] am that which is attained at the end of desire.

Doreen Valiente 

As we herald this beginning of Spring, may we each