Substitution

substitution. n. “the replacement of one thing with another. In psychoanalytic theory, it denotes the replacement of unacceptable emotions or unattainable goals with alternative feelings or achievable aims.” Psychology Dictionary on line.

Walking has become my new ice cream. As I can no longer order it from Ralph's because it would melt before it would be delivered, I now find that my morning walks make a great new feeling of reward and it is not fattening. Further, the benefits are many, exercising my old bones more makes me feel energetic and lifts my emotional spirits in a way that Netflix cannot do. Do I still long for a dish of “Haagen-Das Dulce de Leche” ? You bet I do. Will it be a reality for the for seeable future ? questionable.

This morning it was very windy in Oceanside and in the San Luis Rey Valley, the wind whistles down the river bed like a fright train. Chasing away the foggy overcast, the day will be bright and sunny decorated with our neighborhood gardens and filled with the songs of the mocking birds.

I met new fur friends, Sadie the Shepherd mix who is gorgeous beyond belief, , Hazel the boxer, and Callie, our HOA president's pup.

Walking up the Hill for a change, I came upon a Giant Bird of Paradise. I have two in my backyard and it took 5 years before they had a bloom. The blooms are white and blue, huge in structure, they seem like something out of a Brazilian jungle.

Strolling down the hill once more, I came upon a Blue Angel. No, not the kind that fly jets, it was a small ceramic sculpture perched upon a wall. It seemed like a sweet reminder of how we can remember the abstract wonders of belief and faith.

Now back at home, I think that maybe an evening stroll might make a interesting substitute for my usual glass of great red wine... still...  

View from the Deck summer 2019

The Small Things Friendly and some Not...

Today, Pucci the little white Poodle came prancing down the pathway with his mom, joy is his middle name. He always has a smile, and a wag for all. I do feel deep down that our four pawed friends know when it is Spring. Happiness is in the air, and it shines in his eyes.

Small red things. I see them everyday when turning the corner and walk down the hill. They are so very small, and I will look them up today and find out where they come from and if they are always going to be small, or will they cluster to larger growths.On arriving at home I did look it up via Wiki.

Kalanchoe /laelen'kou.:/,2 or kal-un-KOH-ee 3 or kal-un-kee, also written Kalanchoe is a genus of about 125 species of tropical, succulent flower plants in the family Crassulaceae, mainly native to Madagascar and tropical Africa. Most are shrubs or perennial herbaceous plants, but a few are annual or biennial. The Largest, Kalanchoe bdharensis from Madagascar, can reach 20 feet tall, but most species are less than 3 ft tall.

Calanchoes are characterized by opening their flowers by growing new cells on the inner surface of the petals to force them outwards, and on the outside of the petals to close them.

Kalanchoe was one of the first plants to be sent into space, sent on a resupply to the Soviet Salyot 1 space station in 1971.

This Plant can be poisonous. Read about it if you have pets.

The Small Things Friendly and some Not...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalanchoe

Our New Need.

This blog is dedicated to all those who walk. We walk for exercise, for mental renewal, to see what's happening in our neighborhood, and in this wonderful free process, we meet folks who we might never see or interact with. We meet our neighborhood fur friends, we learn that these sweet four pawed friends are too in sink with their inner self's , and it is indeed a need.

The need is greater now, with this new virus hanging over our heads like the sword of

Damocles . It seems to lurk with unknown abilities, and so we are locked in like prisoners in a place called home. My home is my refuge, my warm memories, my art cave. It has never been a place in which I have to be 24/7 except for my morning walks. The walks have therefore, become my Need.

My daughter who lives in Richmond, started her walking blog last week. She is my inspiration for this attempt to connect with those who live near me, and other friends who live afar. I encourage you to leave comments about your walks, your stories, and your pictures of places you walk, and the fur friends that keep you sweet company.

I see the beauty of our neighbors dedication to their front gardens, and the pictures here are from the walk this morning. Some of the succulents, I have never seen before. Can't wait until it is safe to to see the new arrivals at Lowe's to add to my collection of these enchanting earthlings...

Rocky and His Dad on the morning walk...

This morning, my walk was a warm experience. Rocky, the little dog who lives down the street, was in full strut. He is a small person, very protective of his dad, and will give you a bark to greet which says “keep” your distance. Yet, I love this little pup, for he is what home is all about. Protection, our home and our refuge in this time of walking, our new Need.