NorcalGma2

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to random

Trying to resist the temptation to say bad words and melt down because the website we rely on to order ostomy supplies, covered by Medicare, is not working. I have been trying to order online from them unsuccessfully for the past year.
I even enlisted help from tech savvy grandkids in case it's me, but it's not.
They aren't taking phone orders at this time either.
No other vendor has the prescriptions.
Back to ordering from Amazon for full price out of pocket.
So.
Time to sit in the garden with Summer and decompress after my three hour chat with their tech support that was zero support.
Got that off my chest.
I ordered 3 months' worth from Amazon, so I have that long to calm down before I try again.

Tiny pink rose bud wet from the fog.

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to random

Our home feels like our own small sanctuary insulated from whatever additional stressors we can keep at bay. Cancer has changed our lives forever, but we try to look at it as background noise now. Most of the time, we succeed.
Adding Summer to our family gives us an outlet for a whole bunch of love we want to share, and she loves us back.
After beating up her bed for 10 minutes or so pulling, pushing, and digging, she settles down like she actually changed something. It looks the same to me.
Sweet Summer.
Good morning, Mastodon.

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to random

As soon as this warm weather lets up, I need to bake homemade cinnamon rolls.
They are Matt Beards' favorite, and he is overdue for a delivery.
This painting was from a group that was all over the top fabulous. I did manage to talk him out of a few pieces, but not this one. The scene offers everything I love. Even a cactus.
Named Idylls of the King, it is lovely.
He said it was cooking hot outside. You can almost feel it.
#MattBeard

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to random

Summer has new rugs. It was time to freshen up her decor, and she was ready to move on from the towel by the door. The rugs were a great suggestion that we enthusiastically adopted.

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to random

More California Valley quail.
We are a stop on the quail highway mostly because we have ducks, I think. There is probably a time schedule posted somewhere at Quail Central that we feed morning and evening. The ducks don't seem adverse to sharing their food and water.
This covey of quail was about twenty birds.
I love to listen to their call.
Summer perks up when she hears it, too.

Quail find a space at the edge of the fence they can squeeze through. There are about seven waiting for their turn to come through the green metal gate.
Adult male quail leads the way into our backyard running in the grass

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to random

Summer looks outside and says, "What is this?"
Surprise rain happening early this morning.
Good thing we got our new rugs to help with dirty feet.
Guess we don't have to water the garden today.
Good morning, Mastodon.

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to random

It's a hazy sky this early evening.
Any thunderstorm possibilities look to be far east of here.
Some days feel more anxious than others, more humid, too.
Summer isn't relaxing like we usually do this time of day. I'm sure she feels my feelings.
It is probably past time for a milkshake and a good book.

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to random

Backyard quail outside the kitchen window.

California Valley quail on an old wood fence with green bushes behind them.

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to random

I remember when Matt Beard returned from his trip to the Channel Islands.
I met him at his gallery one evening after work, and he leaned several paintings against the wall. Some were closer to finished than others.
I wanted them all, but my bank account said no. I pulled aside a few from the ones that were available for sale. I always appreciate seeing, even the pieces I can't have, before they go to their new home.
This acrylic on birch painting named Beside Clear Waters was meant for someone else.
I love both the ones I bought and the ones I didn't.
#MattBeard

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to random

Summer is in seventh or maybe even eighth heaven. She is totally in love with the grandkids.
Of course, they are totally lovable.

Golden Labrador retriever getting a chin scritch.
Very happy Golden Labrador retriever getting another belly rub.

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to random

Most of our roses are in between blooming and not. We have lots of buds and are waiting for the next round.
This rose, like me most of the time, is out of sync and starts busting out in flower this morning.

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to random

I really was on my way to get some yard work done before it's too warm.
Now Summer is resting on my foot, so I guess I'd better stay here and finish my coffee.
Going with the flow just this once.

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to random

Lots of unstable air swirling around these parts.
We even had to bring in the clothes that were drying outside because it started to rain huge drops.
The rain didn't last.
The sky is beautiful, but I worry about our inland neighbors. I'm pretty sure this is the prelude to another thunderstorm.
Stay safe, northern California.
#Sunset

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to random

Clearly, there are more Matt Beard paintings that I want than what I have. I try to avoid being greedy, but some of them bring out my worst greedyness tendencies.
I really, really wanted a cactus piece, but alas, they are usually painted far from Humboldt, and someone else gets to them first.
This one is named Thermal Windows, and it would have fit right into my collection, but it didn't.
Enjoy!
#MattBeard

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to random

What a view from our little corner of the world this evening.
An amazing sunset might still be brewing, but this pre sunset, was worth tooting.
#Clouds

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to random

Summer after another phone call, trying to sell us a Medicare Advantage plan. I know exactly how she feels.

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to random

I went from commuting six days a week to not driving very much. If an excursion by car isn't essential, I don't go.
I think my driving shows it. I am starting to drive like the old lady you don't want to get stuck behind.
I feel a touch of anxiety when I merge into traffic and want a space the size of a battleship to change lanes.
I catch myself lagging behind the flow of traffic.
I might have to figure out how to reverse the demise of my driving skills because I will need them a little bit longer.
Getting older isn't optional, but acting older might be.

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to random

My Matt Beard art toot today is a painting he did as a commission for, sadly, not me.
I love this place that is only minutes from my house.
Clearly, this was early spring, maybe March.
It is named After a Long Dark Winter, I'm not sure if it was a plein air or studio piece, but I know I can stand in that spot, and it will look just like this painting.
Again a piece I would love to have that missed my boat.
Enjoy.
#MattBeard

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to animals

The muffins needed to cook for fifteen minutes, so Summer and I decided to use our interlude wisely.
Break out the Frisbee time.
I wish I knew how many miles she runs every day on our little front acre.
#DogsOfMastodon

Golden Labrador retriever is retrieving her Frisbee. She has her mouth open.
Golden Labrador retriever standing with a side view. She has her Frisbee in her mouth and her tail up. She is the winner.