Reflections on 2022

Another year comes to an end! For Eden by the Bay, our theme for 2022 was Homesteading in the City, the perfect follow-on to last year's Back to the Land theme. During those two years, we spent a lot of time at home because of COVID, and used the time to see what our little plot of urban land held for us for projects and observing nature, and then explored homesteaders and how we could make and do for ourselves in our urban lives. We spent a lot of time this year on dyeing and printing different types of fabric in different ways; observing nature; reading books; and making a few more videos (always experimenting in the process).

Half way through 2022, we finally went back to the office part time, started gathering in groups, and resumed visiting favorite parks and environments. So far I'm enjoying going back to the office a couple of days a week, typically on days on which there is a party or gathering of some kind! It is great to see my colleagues again, and flexible schedules help mitigate the increasing traffic.

Clockwise: Outing to Lake Temescal
Rugged northern California coast
Eco-printing on silk scarves
Winter sunset over the San Francisco Bay Area

I'm also getting back into the swing of planning outings and adventures. It's now more of a mind set than an external limitation. I just have to push myself into action! It took a couple of months for me to get around to planning our Mendocino trip - I was just unmotivated and out of practice! I'm so glad we did follow through on the visit (see Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden and Mendocino, Fort Bragg, and the Rugged Coast). It reminded me how much fun my husband and I have exploring Northern California, and how much we love adventures. Now I'm starting to think of some other destinations, like parks and gardens in the Bay Area, and further afield, like Hawaii and Alaska!

Christmas in the Bay Area: 2022

We're in the midst of a "cold snap" here in the San Francisco Bay Area. The temperature is in the 40s at night and in the 50s during the day (but I'm sure the marine air adds a "chill factor" that makes it feel colder). My family members in Alaska just roll their eyes when I speak about how cold it is (their night and day temperatures are in the low teens)! We've had a few good rains recently, so mushrooms are starting to push through the wood chips, and desiccated foliage is plumping up with the extra water. The skies are clear and blue again, with full sun. Perfect Bay Area Christmas weather!

We like to watch a few favorite Christmas movies over the holidays

Surprisingly, I'm caught up with my holiday preparations, so have time to really appreciate holiday activities. We recently had friends over for some "down home" cooking, and are looking forward to seeing my Aunt and cousins for Christmas dinner. Wherever you are, hope you're able to relax and reflect, and to gather with friends and family. Enjoy the traditions that you've developed over the years, and maybe even start some new ones.

Merry Christmas to all!

Mendocino, Fort Bragg, and the Rugged Coast

My husband and I love travelling in the fall - fewer crowds, beautiful foliage, and golden sunlight. This year we decided to return to Mendocino on the rugged Northern California coast. We last visited in fall of 2020 when the pandemic was in full swing (see Visit to Mendocino), and wanted to do some more exploring now that things are opening up. We armed ourselves with warm clothing, maps, a bucket list of activities, and our cameras.

Highway 128 is very curvy!

Navarro Vineyards and Winery on Highway 128

From the San Francisco Bay Area, we headed north and then followed the very curvy Highway 128 through oak forests, vineyards, and redwoods to the coast. The sky was gray and overcast, with a weather forecast of rain, but periodically the whole landscape lit up with golden fall light, and then just as quickly returned to gray. Many deciduous trees sported fall shades of yellow, gold, and red, so we had to stop to snap a few pictures.

Room with a view at Little River Inn

Little River Inn Restaurant for dinner

We checked into the Little River Inn just south of Mendocino, relaxed and prepared for dinner at the inn. It's hard to beat a room with a view of the Pacific Ocean. The rain storm blew in at sundown, so we walked to the Little River Inn Restaurant through pouring rain, and then enjoyed a delicious dinner in the main dining room.

Breakfast at Flow Restaurant (with some brief sunlight before the next rain storm)

The Ford House Museum

Historical diorama showing the logging operation in Mendocino

Exhibit of local mushrooms

We spent a day getting reacquainted with Mendocino, starting with breakfast at Flow Restaurant (last time it was "to-go" only), and then spending some time at the Ford House Museum across the street. We learned about the origins of the Victorian-era town and its logging heritage; and about local mushrooms (Mendocino artist, Miriam C. Rice, developed dye and papermaking techniques using the mushrooms).

Blair House Inn (a.k.a., Jessica Fletcher's home)

Trillium Café for dinner (you can still dine in the tent if you choose)

Another rain storm blew in, so we ducked into Mendocino Jams and Preserves to stock up on a few supplies; and then drove by Jessica Fletcher's "home" (technically, the Blair House Inn, where some scenes from "Murder She Wrote" were filmed). During a break in the rain, we walked on the headlands north of town and snapped a few photos of the churning waves. We ended the day with a delicious dinner inside Trillium Café.

Breakfast at Egghead's Restaurant in Fort Bragg

Craggy coast seen from Noyo Headlands Park near Fort Bragg

A very bold raven greeted us at Noyo Headlands Park

We spent a day in and around Fort Bragg, just up the road. We started with a late breakfast at Egghead's Restaurant (Wizard of Oz themed), and then explored the botanical garden (see Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden). We stopped at Noyo Headlands Park to walk along the bluffs and enjoy views of the rugged coast and Glass Beach; and then headed back to Mendocino for dinner.

A sunny day after lots of rain

The beautiful coast as we head south to Point Arena

The Point Arena Lighthouse

The Point Arena Light Station Museum

The lens

A very unique slate fence

A protected cove near Elk

On our final full day, the rain storm had finally passed through the area, leaving full sun, blue skies, and sparkling clean air. We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at Good Life Café & Bakery (inside) and then headed south to Point Arena and the Point Arena Lighthouse. We pulled the car over several times to enjoy sunny views of the rugged coast and snap a few pictures. Back at the hotel, I enjoyed our final sunset from the rocking chair on the veranda (with a large wool blanket), and then we headed to Patterson's Pub (inside) for a delicious dinner.

Our last sunset from the hotel

A dinner guest

The next day, we returned home via Highway 128 feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. We saw many new sights, tried new things, and enjoyed eating inside with fewer restrictions (but still with caution). We had a great time exploring the beautiful Northern California coast!

Homesteading in the City: Wrap Up

Is it December already? For this year's "homesteading in the city" theme, our definition of homesteading went beyond living off a 160-acre homestead; to finding resourceful and innovative ways to live, whether living off the land, pioneering something new, or choosing an alternative way to live. In that spirit, we delved into making and doing for ourselves with our modern gadgets; read books about and by homesteaders; and continued to appreciate plants, animals and the natural world.

Homesteading in the city - with all our modern gadgets and conveniences

Homesteading with Gadgets

Homesteading in the kitchen, with all our modern tools.

Making Yogurt (video)

Roasting Chicken (video)

Summer Treats (video)

Fluffy Dinner Rolls (video)

Books about Homesteaders

Interesting homesteaders of all kinds.

Four Walls Against the Wind

Tisha

Two in the Far North

I Married the Klondike

Little House in the Big Woods

Farmer Boy

Books for Homesteaders

Resources for homesteaders of all kinds.

Practical Formulas

Make the Bread, Buy the Butter

A Year of Holidays

Enjoying Nature

Enjoy the seasons, the moods of nature, and the local birds and critters.

Here are the Hummingbirds (video)

Rainy Winter Night

Should I Take Down My Bird Feeder?

Shadow Play

Mourning Doves (video)

Scrub Jay with a Mangled Leg

Fall Back and Full Moon

Eastern Fox Squirrels (video)

Garden Projects

Work on garden infrastructure, and enjoy the yard and neighborhood.

Month-by-Month: Winter   Spring   Summer   Fall

Landscaping Site Visit

Urban Forestry (video)

Fall Arrangement: Pampas Grass

Dyeing with Plants

Excursions

We took a few excursions to get out of the house, expand our horizons, and enjoy life.

Farewell to our Hemet Haven
Back to Work in San Ramon
Farmer's Market: Summer and Fall Bounty
Golden Hour at Lake Temescal
Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden
Mendocino, Fort Bragg, and the Rugged Coast

Eastern Fox Squirrels

Join me in the landscape to watch the local squirrels drinking at the water dishes and carrying out their daily routines. According to Wild Oakland, the main squirrel found in the East Bay is the Eastern fox squirrel (Sciurus niger). The fox squirrel's natural range extends through much of the eastern United States, north into the southern prairie provinces of Canada, and west to the Dakotas, Colorado, and Texas. They have been introduced to northern and southern California, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Washington, and New Mexico, plus Ontario and British Columbia in Canada.

The fox squirrel’s coloring differs by geographical area, but in most areas the animal's upper body is brown-grey to brown-yellow with a typically brownish-orange underside. In our yard, they gather and stash acorns from the oak tree for food (sometimes planting a tree in the process). Last year I saw one eating a mushroom that had poked through the wood chips after winter rains. I had never seen that before, and was curious if they were especially delicious mushrooms or if the ongoing drought had impacted the acorn supply. Fox squirrels use leaf nests or tree cavities about 30 feet up for shelter and litter rearing. So far I have never noticed a leaf nest, but they may be hidden in plain sight!

Neighborhood fox squirrel drinking at one of the water dishes

The fox squirrels approach the water dishes boldly, and take long drinks (but watch warily the whole time). The are industrious and spend a lot of time burying acorns; and frequently rebury them if they catch you watching. The squirrels are fast moving - dashing nimbly across the ground, and springing from branch to branch overhead. We enjoy watching them at work and play from the patio, however I find them difficult to film (you'll notice a lot of blurry shots). Sometimes I have to just put down the camera and watch them in real time!

Learn More:

• Oakland Wiki - Learn about the four squirrel types that are found in the San Francisco Bay Area, including the Eastern Fox Squirrel that is the typical type in the East Bay.

• Wikipedia, Fox Squirrels - Learn all about the Eastern Fox Squirrel.

Thanksgiving 2022

The pumpkin pie is made, so really, what else is needed? A few friends and family, a chilly fall day, and a full heart should take care of the rest. Everything else is just gravy (and turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans, salad, fluffy dinner rolls, and mashed potatoes)!

A time for gratitude

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden

On a recent trip north of the San Francisco Bay Area, my husband and I stopped at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden, just south of Fort Bragg. We spent an hour and a half roaming through the gardens, despite overcast skies and a light rain (one of the hazards and benefits of travelling in the fall)! We had hoped to see the gardens two years ago (see Visit to Mendocino), but access was restricted and limited because of COVID-19, and closed during our stay. Now that things are opening up a bit, it was much easier to visit (still with appropriate caution).

Gardens and nursery

The botanical garden was founded in 1961 by retired plantsman, Ernest Schoefer and his wife, Betty, with a grand opening in 1966. The mild coastal climate, available water source, and acid soil inspired them to collect rhododendron species. They added other collections, including perennials, begonias and fuchsias, heath and heather, succulents, Mediterranean plants, camellias, conifers, dahlias, and magnolias.

Entrance to the gardens

During our visit, we caught a sneak peak of the lights being installed for the upcoming Festival of Lights, which runs after Thanksgiving through mid-December. Judging by what we saw, FOL should be a lot of fun. Seeing the decorations reminded me of the holiday lights celebration at Filoli (see Filoli at Christmas).

Printable version

Following is a gallery of photos showing what caught my eye while roaming the garden. Visiting a botanical garden in November is a great opportunity to study what plants look like the fall season. This is useful for assessing the year-round interest of plants, trees or shrubs that you are considering for your own garden or landscape.

Begonia in a beautiful shade of coral

Sedum "Autumn Joy" - perfect color for fall

The succulents and cacti are thriving in the mild coastal environment

A collection of carnivorous plants

Two important components that I look for in a botanical garden, besides amazing plants, include great signage and plenty of benches. The signs should be clear and informative, and the benches should provide a comfortable place to rest and observe nature. Another positive component is evidence of birds and wildlife. The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens has all of the above.

A young dawn redwood dropping its fall needles

An unusual magnolia

A spruce with a low growth habit

Contemplating the beauty of fall

In summary, we enjoyed exploring the plants, trees and shrubs of the gardens, despite the intermittent light rain and dark skies. The staff and volunteers provided helpful information and answered our questions. We didn't make the full loop out to the Cliff House, so we have that to look forward to in a future visit. But we made good use of our time and enjoyed fall in the gardens.

 

The deer gate

Fern collection

A few dahlias are still blooming

An appealing collection of heather

Fall Back and Full Moon

It's that time of the year again, where we move the clocks back an hour (Fall Back, Spring Ahead). It's great to be getting up in the light again on most mornings, but it is a drag to leave the office in the dark. The nights seem darker this time of year, even with all the extra street lights and porch lights that help push back the darkness.

Full moon on a dark night

Moonlight through a ring of oak boughs

The light of a full moon is especially welcome and cheerful, and adds to the coziness of fall evenings. Time for inside projects, tasty soup or stew, good company or an entertaining book or movie.

Month-by-Month: Fall

Today is another beautiful sunny day here in the Oakland Hills. It is 64 degrees this morning, with a possible high of 69 degrees in late afternoon. The days are still warm, and the evenings are cool and sometimes foggy. We're tapering off from our summer heat (which typically occurs in September and October), and hoping for winter rains to start soon (I've heard mixed predictions, for both rain and more drought). The plants need rain after months with only fog for moisture or short bursts of light rain that barely settle the dust. Even the native plants are looking parched.

Raised-bed pumpkin, ready to harvest

Today I'm checking the University of California Master Gardeners of Alameda County website, to see what the Month-by-Month page recommends for October, November, and December. All this year we've been monitoring this site to get a feel for what we should be doing in the garden. By now, most of the summer harvest is complete, so activities turn to preparing the garden for spring and summer. 

In October and November, continue to care for cool-season vegetables and flowers that were planted in September. Plant vegetables, such as lettuce, green onions, potatoes, peas, for harvest in the spring, and garlic and shallots for harvest in the summer. Plant spring bulbs, such as daffodils, hyacinth, and grape hyacinth (some bulbs may need to be chilled before planting to simulate nature). 

Fall is the best time to plant perennials and California Natives, since any winter rains help the plants establish strong root systems. Throughout the garden, clean up debris that might harbor pests, and add weeds, leaves, and spent flowers to the compost pile. Stop fertilizing and turn off irrigation. It's time for homesteaders to wrap up their work in the garden, and time for nature to go dormant and do it's magic!

Fall Arrangement: Pampas Grass

Time to make my annual fall arrangement, using the invasive pampas grass that grows nearby our property on city land. It's a tough plant that is native to southern South Africa, and seeded itself in a crack in the pavement. Its location impedes the view of anyone trying to make a left turn onto a busy street, and taming it requires thick leather gloves, a sharp pair of Felcos, and strong hands.

Fall arrangement with invasive pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana)

Despite all that, the long graceful plumes of flower clusters provide a dramatic element to a fall arrangement, and catch the golden fall light.

The plume-like flowers catch the fall light

 

The seeds are dispersed by the wind, so careful disposal of the arrangement and pruned stalks is imperative. I should find a way to eradicate the plant (I'm guessing it would take quite a few seasons to do so). In the meantime, I enjoy the periodic fall arrangement (carefully).

Homesteading: Fluffy Dinner Rolls

 Autumn has arrived here in the San Francisco Bay Area, and this is the perfect time of year for bread making, which ties in with our "homesteading in the city" theme. All this year we have been making and doing for ourselves, with all the comforts of modern life. This time we’re making fluffy dinner rolls, using a stand mixer that is equipped with a bread hook. I haven’t done much bread making, so this is a chance to develop a new homesteading skill, and prepare for the holidays ahead.

Fluffy dinner rolls brushed with melted butter

My inspiration is my Aunt Char who is a master of the fluffy dinner roll. When she has hosted Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, she typically has a huge Tupperware bowl filled with living, breathing bread dough. She effortlessly pulls off chunks of dough, rolls them into balls, lets them rise in her warm kitchen, and then pops them into the oven. They are served piping hot, with butter and jam. The jam is often procured by my mom from the bakeries and gourmet kitchen shops that she has visited, as she and my dad travel up and down the west coast. Together, the rolls and jam are absolutely delicious!

I decided to use the “Best Homemade Dinner Rolls Ever!” recipe by Rachel Farnsworth, from the “Stay at Home Chef” blog. I recommend watching Rachel's video several times before starting, and reading her recommendations. She has developed this recipe over a five-year period, so draws upon a lot of experience!

Ready for butter and jam

Mix and Rise Phase

1. Combine ingredients. 
2. Incorporate flour. 
3. Let rise.

Combine ingredients with a stand mixer equipped with a dough hook

Form, Rise, and Bake Phase

1. Form rolls, and let rise. 
2. Bake rolls. 
3. Remove from oven. 

Form dough

Let dough rise, and then bake

Serve and Enjoy

Finally, it’s time to enjoy these fluffy dinner rolls! I’m serving them with butter and delicious raspberry preserves from Los Rios Ranch.

Fluffy dinner rolls and artisan jam

Freeze for the Future

I tried freezing six of the rolls in a plastic container for later. About an hour before dinner, I took several of them out of the freezer, and then wrapped them in a moistened dish towel and warmed them in the microwave right before we sat down to eat. The rolls were delicious and a real treat for a midweek meal. I haven’t tried freezing the dough for later use, so that will be a future experiment.

Freeze some rolls to pull out for midweek dinners

In closing, this a wonderful recipe and very successful, even for a newbie. My only complaint with making dinner rolls is that they take planning and time, and need to be coordinated to have them available to eat with the meal. With experience, this would become easier to do, and well worth the time to learn the skill. Bring on the holidays!