Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Afternoon in the Arroyo Seco - Wednesday 3/25/2009


We'll get there. But first, have a look at these bronze baby shoes that Braveheart gave Tomasina this afternoon.

Braveheart's getting rid of a lot of the lovely things that have been a part of her home, because she's planning to move with The Doc to New York City in a few months. We're having a special writing group meeting tonight complete with a walk, hamburgers, fries, and mango mousse cakes from Porto's in celebration of Braveheart finishing up her coursework on the path to becoming a therapist.

She's going to be great at it.

But we're going to miss her terribly.

I think she should seriously weigh the psychic damage she's going to do to Tomasina and I against the helping a load of stressed out New Yorkers.


We started our walk at a different place from the last time I came here with Tomasina. Isn't this a cool table? It has a chess board inlayed on the top.

There was a fierce woman nearby practicing archery. I would have taken her picture but, as I say...she was fierce.

Big trail, little dog.

Once again, Bisquit sets a example. She's losing her sight, but she trots right along.




Braveheart and Tomasina wait for me while I snap some photos of this Ireland-worthy wall. There are no better friends than those who will say, as Tomasina did tonight, "Don't forget your camera!" when you're headed out for a hike.

Except maybe those who say, "Don't forget your notebook."


This is the portion of the Arroyo Seco where Tory the rescued chocolate lab was frolicking a few minutes ago. He doesn't like cameras, though, so he skedaddled out of the shot.


Tomasina points out the place where she saw the aftermath of a successful suicide a few weeks ago. She speculates that they can get around the barriers by climbing around the lamp post. Very sobering.



On the way back, Bisquit at lasts condescends to allow Braveheart to carry her for a while.

Just to make Braveheart feel useful, mind you.


If you invite me to your house enough times, I will eventually feel comfortable enough to start taking pictures. I love the things people treasure or find interesting.

The champagne top is from the bottle I just opened on the deck, because I'd left it in the fridge and there was some concern about a possible explosion. I must tell you, that I eased the cork out with utmost calm. All that spilled over the lip was a faint trail of champagne-scented mist.

If there's one thing Sundry is good at, it's opening champagne.

But that's another story.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Scouting Pin - Monday 3/23/2009


OneL has this pin from her scouting days. She's not sure if it was Brownies or Jr. Girl Scouts, but she's wondering if anyone knows what it was for.

It was probably a monumental achievement, and who doesn't need to be reminded of past successes every now and again?

I took this photo to help her identify it. Anyone have a clue?

An answer came in via e-mail from Hydra's cousin, Paradise (aka Cuz-S) : it's a Brownie Friendship Pin! It was in use from 1956-1976, so it's officially vintage.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Flat Brayden Learns Some Chords - Sunday 3/22/2009


Hydra took some time over the weekend and showed Flat Brayden a few chords. He practiced quite a bit and seems to have a knack for music.

Here he is on our last day of camping, playing When the Saints Go Marching In for the camp manager, who is very cool.