New Hummingbird Feeder

We have a new hummingbird feeder. The old one gave good service (see Where are the Hummingbirds? and Here are the Hummingbirds). I had chosen the glass and metal design to eliminate plastic and be more sustainable, but over the last year the metal component of the old one had started to rust, which gave the sugar water an alarming rust color. I didn't like the idea of the birds drinking rusty sugar water.

New hummingbird feeder with no metal

The replacement is a Jalan Wang design of glass with a silicone and plastic feeding reservoir. The hummingbirds have found the new feeder and seem to love it! After a long drink, some of them seem to forage for insects among the pittosporum leaves. My husband and I can watch the tiny birds feeding from our offices that overlook the small courtyard. It is a pleasure to see their busy activity.

Thanksgiving 2023

Preparations are in full swing! The turkey is thawing. Pies are partially made and some baked. The two extra turkey drumsticks are roasting and will soon be made into a rich broth for gravy. The table cloth is on the table and ready for decorating and setting. The house is mostly cleaned and straightened, at least in the most visited rooms. I'm looking forward to hosting our Thanksgiving feast!

Fresh cranberry sauce

In the midst of all the preparations, my thoughts go to my far flung family and friends in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Southern California, Arizona, Idaho and beyond, and to all the Thanksgiving feasts of the past. This is a wonderful time of year to reflect on all the many blessings and pleasures of life.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Fall Light

What is it about the golden light of autumn? Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, the afternoon sunlight of fall seems to glow. I've celebrated it before (see Golden Hour at Lake Temescal, Fall Colors, and Fall Fun), and it never gets old.

Fall light at Bishop Lake

In the fall, the sun changes its position, from high in the sky during summer to low in winter. Due to the 23.5 degree tilt of the planet, this change in position causes the sunlight to strike the earth at an oblique angle, which changes our perception of the light, from a full beam to a slanted glow.

Colors and textures come alive in the fall light

After the time change (fall back), the golden hour falls earlier and earlier, and finally fades to cold winter light. Celebrate the golden fall light for as long as possible!