Reflections on 2021

COVID drags on, but we made some headway in 2021. Many of us have been immunized and received the booster. We're finding ways to get back to theaters, schools, gatherings, and restaurants. We've also realized some of the benefits of moving more of life online - democratizing activities that many would not be able to attend because of age, location, time zone, or accessibility. We're learning to cope.

For Eden by the Bay, our theme for 2021 was Back to the Land. We stayed home for the most part, and used the time to explore what our property has to offer, looking at its role as a wildlife corridor, a source of materials for dye projects, and place to relax and enjoy nature. We added more wood chips to the landscape in our ongoing pursuit to restore and enrich the soil and to encourage wildlife visitors.

Clockwise: Hummingbird feeder
Calendula started from seed (with a friend)
Adventure close to home in Benicia
Solar dyeing with calendula petals

We learned about the plants, shrubs, and trees in our yard, and removed the Chinese Elm that had provided such beautiful dappled shade. We installed some wind chimes, added a hummingbird feeder, and spent a lot of time watching birds visit the water bowls. I continued my amateur movie-making projects, including videos about dyeing with plants, and going "into the landscape":

• Enjoying Winter Moss
• California Scrub Jay

Now it's time to follow nature's lead and "hibernate" for a bit, enjoy the winter rains, and pull out a few inside projects! 

Christmas in the Bay Area: 2021

Countdown to Christmas day! But this year I'm really behind. The decorations are up, but gifts are still waiting to be wrapped and sent. Ingredients have been procured, but my husband has remarked that few tasty treats have been produced. Strangely, I'm enjoying the slower-paced holiday season (Christmas gifts may end up being New Year gifts this year, and waistlines may not suffer as much). Is this fallout from living in the moment? getting older? another year of COVID? Or all of the above?

Hope you enjoy your holidays, whether at a fast-paced sprint or a delicious crawl. My husband and I have a few things planned, with plenty of time for creative projects, rest, and reflection. A Family Zoom call is in order. A week of rain is forecast here in the San Francisco Bay Area, which is great for the garden and a great excuse to pull out a puzzle and pour some eggnog! 

Merry Christmas!

Winter is Coming

 Winter is coming to the San Francisco Bay Area! At the time of this writing, we're experiencing several days of rain from an atmospheric river. The temperature ranges from the mid-50's by day to mid-40's by night (bone chilling when mixed with our marine fog). The days seem short and dark comes early. The afternoon light is golden and slanted, and the fleeting sunsets are spectacular. Mushrooms are glorious this year - pushing up through the wood chips after any passing rain.

Winter mushrooms (possibly Boletus spp.)

More winter mushrooms (possibly another Boletus spp.)

Magnolia seeds/berries

 

Migrating Sap Sucker

Winter sunsets

 

Garden at the Camel Barns

Thai basil, dill, and parsley starters  

 

Holiday cooking with cranberries

Holiday lights

 

Holiday decorations

Cozy inside pastimes

 

Moon dog on a cold evening

Thoughts turn to inside projects and pastimes, holiday preparations, and festive gatherings with vaccinated caution (or memories of parties from the past). Winter is also a great time to hibernate with a good book, an entertaining movie, or music. Enjoy a few months of cozy winter evenings, and rest up from a year of labor. The garden "slumbers" and so should we!