05.27.12
Posted in Just Me at 8:43 AM by Ann Hornbeck
As I look to the West, an intense layer of fog sits just off the northwestern boundary line between the San Francisco coastline, Napa and Sonoma. According to WikiPedia, some of the foggiest land areas in the world include Argentina, Newfoundland and our own Point Reyes, California, each with over 200 foggy days per year.
My mind’s eye turns back to the mountains of West Virginia where the fog gently covers the mountains in the early hours of a summer morning where I stand with other children as the flag is raised and morning has broken. Is it 4H camp, Girl Scout camp, or Church Camp? The fog beckons me; nothing is more important than this moment. I gaze across the hills as the fog moves downward, the wind urging the fog to reach further and further, its fingers reaching ever closer to that place where I recognize as my home, an ancient place that holds me tight but also easily rips away a piece of my heart.
Here on the Left Coast, the fog is thicker, treacherous, but comforting in its “coolness and hipness,” surrounded by the Pacific Ocean that lures surfers to the waves, seals to the beach, and tourists to the beautiful Golden Gate. And today, a very special treat as San Francisco celebrates the 75th birthday of the Golden Gate Bridge that carries over 120,000 visitors daily to the land of the free and the brave who wear coats in the summer, and flip-flops in the winter, and rarely leave the Bay Area because why would you?!?
Today, it is sunny and bright as the previous day’s uncertainty did little harm to dampen the spirits of those who sat in cool weather to watch the Fiesta Day parade, take in the carnival, and listen to music in the park. Lucky for us, we were #43 in line which meant we only had to wait for about 3 hours to begin our promotion of the Solano Turkey Trot event. It was fun, with our Race Director driving her 1968 MG convertible with the top male and top female runners sitting on the back of the MG. Behind the MG, four of us struggled to carry a super big banner promoting the event as the wind pushed us back and sideways.
Behind us, a high school boy runs on a treadmill that we set up inside Robin’s trailer so everyone could watch him doing his ”workout” in preparation for our 4th Annual Solano Turkey Trot “10K Run/5K Walk” event on Thanksgiving morning.
“Next year, we will have smaller banners and holes cut into them so the wind can do its thing without us struggling to stay upright. So funny, and again, so much fun!!!
When I got home, I fixed myself a great lunch and then chilled for the rest of the day. I watched two movies, The Red Violin and a new documentary about Janice Joplin. Both were great movies!
Now, it is time to do some chores. But before I leave, I ask what came first, the fog or the mountain? Without both, would I exist?
I think not.
Peace out!
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05.20.12
Posted in Just Me at 10:03 PM by Ann Hornbeck
UPDATE: 5/21/2012: I have added some photos from yesterday’s ring of fire.
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I am witnessing the eclipse of the sun right now. It seems eerie and exciting at the same time. Aaron has been here for an hour or so working with the bees, so when we got back to the house, it was time for the eclipse to begin. The sun is directly west of the house, so I took a piece of paper and poked a hole in it so we could watch the curvature of the sun.
As we walked back into the house, the reflection of the moon was pasted on the wall in the hallway, tinged with blue, orange and yellow colors of the rainbow. Now, all I have to do is walk into the hallway where I can easily determine how much progress has been made and how much longer until the moon completely covers the sun.
Reflecting moons!
Then, as Aaron got in his car to leave, he honked the horn to get my attention. I came outside and he pointed to the garage door that was completely filled with little moons thanks to the western sky and the universe that also had a role in today’s event! My oh my – how cool is that! Ok, time check!” The moon is working its way “up” towards the brim but we still have a bit more time before the ring of fire is visible. However, I won’t get to see it but I sure have enjoyed watching the progress. Oh, how I wish I had a really good telescope right now, with lenses that are capable of watching the entire event.
I had fun watching Aaron getting the second bee hive set up today. He makes it look so easy! He appears to be a born master and completely confident at every step. After my experience of “helping with the hives” I trust the bees and myself a little more. Aaron put on his gear, got the smoker working and opened the temporary beehive. The bees went wild. As a child or even a grown up, I have never been truly afraid of bees, I just don’t want to get stung, so I planted myself far enough away to watch the action without having to participate which was definitely the right thing for me!
Aaron smoked the hive so they would be less “aggressive” as he opened the temporary hive. When the queen was carefully placed in the hive, the bees knew right away that their job was to begin next. They started flying around, some trying to reach the queen as others continued to process their environments. It was truly a wonderful experience. I have officially re-named him as “Aaron, Lord of the Hives!
Here are a couple more shots of Aaron and the bees:
Honey combs!
Poor Willow, the Queensland Heeler, must have another foxtail in her ear, which means another trip to the vet tomorrow on my day off. C’est la vie! I must assure she is ok and I sure hope the person who is mowing “the back 3″ this week gets it done quickly. Yes, a tractor with an attached mower is an absolute must when you live in the country.
I have witnessed so many simple moments out here where the sounds of nature override any other thoughts and always seem to compliment my time whether I am reading a book while sitting in the rocking chair on the front porch, or sitting under the trees watching the birds jump from tree to tree, which for me, is pure and simple joy.
Everything is beautiful.
Today’s ring of fire was a heavenly event that reminds us, once again, that we are all connected. I am so glad I was able to participate!
Peace out!
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05.07.12
Posted in Just Me at 5:57 PM by Ann Hornbeck
I had a great time at the grandchildren’s school on Saturday – a chance to lay out underneath the trees on a blanket, watch the May Faire events, visit the petting zoo that included goats, turkeys, miniature horses, a pony and gerbils, and listen to festive music of old. It is amazing how tiring it can be to relax! Afterwards, the fact that Saturday was Cinco de Mayo, we ended up at a Mexican Restaurant before heading home. Hey, every day in California is a day to party, or so it seems! Of course, we can always blame it on the Moon!
Did everyone witness the “Super Moon” on Saturday night? According to the Old Farmers Almanac, the moon was right on schedule, reaching perigee (it’s closest point to Earth) before midnight on May 5, 2012. I have seen some great photos from around the globe. One from Africa showing the lions laying in the grasses below, another from Washington State where the moon is hovering above the ocean, and even a treat from West Virginia with the moon rising above the trees. Many times when I would arrive home in the fall, the moon would be rising above the delta waters, creating the same effect as the one viewed on Saturday. The Farmers Almanac also lists the best days for activities, based on the Moon’s sign and phase each month. May 2012 shows:
For Planting:
- Aboveground crops: 5, 23, 24
- Below ground crops: 13, 14
For Setting Eggs:
For Fishing:
Don’t believe it? Give it a try! Those Old Farmers seem to know a lot about a lot of things! My friend who loved to surf would refer to the Old Farmers Almanac before leaving the house – better safe than sorry was his motto! My motto was sit on the beach and get some rays, read a book and try to find Doug in the pack of surfers and the sun directly in front of you. I sure hope he is healthy, happy and strong enough to surf.
I had to giggle when I read the NPR story about the dinosaurs causing global warming from farting so much: ’So the dino-killing asteroid is still the leading theory for their demise, but their farts, which this study found amounted to 520 million metric tons a year and 2,675 liters a day, were “a key factor in the warm climate 150 millions years ago.” Where there is perigee, apogee exists and thank God for that! (P-U!)
We live in a magical world and how perfect our universe(s).
Peace out!
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05.01.12
Posted in Just Me at 7:35 PM by Ann Hornbeck
Today is May Day 2012 – let the protests begin! Better yet, take off your shoes, wiggle your toes and let Mother Earth massage your feet for a while – you have a lot of walking to do today! But, make sure love is your guide. Tomorrow, I am going to UC Davis to hear Ron Paul. I am actually looking forward to it. Right now, I am pretty sure I know what candidate I am going to vote for, but stranger things have happened!
My weekend was too much fun! On Saturday, after leaving the General Store, Louise and I went to a house party for dinner. It was such a pleasant space in La Honda, up on the mountain with numerous gardens, four dogs, and even a horse and a smaller pony hanging out right off of the patio where we were eating. It felt so Zen and so peaceful and embracing of everyone and everything. Two of my friends were playing and singing on their guitars as others harmonized or just listened. It was a great night.
Louise and I met up with Donell on Sunday at our favorite fish taco restaurant before heading to the San Gregorio store yet again. The band on Sunday was amazing!!! People from the peninsula were standing 6 rows deep to take it all in. I saw friends from my past that I had not seen for a while – the whole day felt like a reunion of hearts and minds. But for Donell, it was tough. It was her first outing without her full cast on, but just driving from Marin County to San Gregorio wreaked havoc on her body. She ended up having to leave after the first set. We hugged and cried and we both agreed, “this too shall pass!” I will plan a visit to Marin soon!
It took me 3.5 hours to drive home that evening. If you have ever visited San Francisco, especially the coast, you know how traffic can be! Doyle Drive was closed down for repairs, the yearly event, Dream Machines, was in Half Moon Bay, the Giants were playing at home, and an accident on the Golden Gate Bridge meant people changed their route to the Bay Bridge. I left at 3:30 and didn’t get home until 6:30 or 7:00 p.m.
On Monday, I spent the morning sweeping away the grass from the driveway and roundabout. Numerous times, I would find my mind empty, but other times, I just let my mind wander. I heard the sweeping sounds of the broom – back and forth, left and right, my body welcoming the warmth of the sun on my arms and body, but my mind was empty, refreshed and at ease. Later in the day, I chose to read instead of getting sunburned – a good choice no matter how you look at it!
Today, one of the Board members and myself drove to a little town in the delta area near Sacramento to meet with the mayor. It was such a nice ride on a road that can be treacherous at times, actually, quite treacherous in the summer, especially before they fixed the road. During the ride, I remembered the good times I used to have on the weekends when I lived close to that area. Driving to the delta to visit Linda and Dwayne on their houseboat, or going to an outdoor festival, or taking the old road to Sacramento where we would stop at various places that dotted the landscape. Many times, we would have to wait for 20 minutes or more for the line of boats to make their way under the drawbridge. Everyone would get out of their cars to stretch or catch some rays, or just grab a few minutes to rest their eyes. I will never forget the first time I drove to the delta! The first thing I saw as we turned a corner was a big goat standing alone on top of a decaying hut, chewing everything within reach. The delta waters were lapping the shoreline, no one in sight except the delta birds who dipped their wings, gliding gently above the water and snapping at insects trying to escape. I felt like I was sitting right next to Mark Twain as he spun his tales of his past.
Unfortunately, but necessarily, that old drawbridge was finally replaced, but remnants of the original still stand today. Now, both boats and drivers no longer need to stop their forward progress, and the view of the water is spectacular. But, the delta itself has changed – too many boats, over-fishing, chemical run off, fragile barriers and rising waters will soon change the landscape even more. I bless the time I was able to enjoy in a place that felt like home. I remember times when the river in my hometown would have dead sunfish floating on top of the river, probably due to coal residue and chemicals. Now, it appears healthy, but with all of the mountain removal and now the natural gas boom, god knows what will happen.
Bless this place, our mother earth, and all who walk among it.
Peace out!
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04.27.12
Posted in Just Me at 10:24 AM by Ann Hornbeck
Today brings cool weather and sunny skies – just the way I like it! The pool guy came this week, so before you know it, the fence will be re-installed, the new pool cover installed, and everyone waiting in line for the water to heat up. I have a feeling that we are going to have lots of visitors this summer!
Last night, I attended a fundraiser and awards event for Children’s Network’s “Child Abuse Prevention Council.” One of our advisory board members is a doctor and the recipient of an award for his work with children who suffer from abuse, or mental health problems. The event was a great time and well done! I always prefer finger food above a 7-course dinner and there were plenty of hors-d’oeuvres to choose from. After the awards, many congregated around the dessert platters – something to keep them awake on the drive home, I suppose!
As a Development Coordinator, I search and apply for grants that focus on children who have special needs. Those needs may be neglect, physical abuse, psychological/emotional abuse, child sexual abuse, mental health issues, brain development issues, homelessness, and other problems. Those who were awarded last night continue to break barriers, yet remain overloaded in an economy gone “bad.” It is a known statistic that when our economy tumbles, child abuse cases rise. Animal cruelty was brought to the foreground in the mid-1800′s, but it took one person to convince the government that children deserved the same support for child abuse victims, and not just animals. The United States ranks very high in child abuse cases, and across the world, human trafficking continues to grow. But, in my world, I find many funders, nonprofit organizations, government entities and supporters working diligently to assure our children get to live the life they were born to live. I know many of you out there do what you can. I also believe we all wish we could do more!
Tomorrow, I am going to the coast to meet up with my friend Donell. We will meet at our favorite fish taco restaurant before driving to the San Gregorio Store to hear one of her favorite musicians. I am looking forward to seeing her, especially now that she has her cast off of her leg after a big fall. And of course, I will get to see Louise!
Enjoy your weekend and hold tight your loved ones.
Peace out!
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04.22.12
Posted in Just Me at 8:13 PM by Ann Hornbeck
Oh my, here I am in sunny California with a lower temperature than yesterday, but still blistering for April. Today, when I spoke with my Aunt in West Virginia, they were expecting 4″ of snow! My aunt is in her 80′s and even she said that she never remembers snow in April at any time in her life. The world is definitely changing, but we all know that change is inevitable. And, its purpose – to cleanse, let go, embrace and move on, and fill and refill your dreams.
On Saturday morning, I awakened early, rose from my bed and looked outside to find that the beautiful willow tree in the middle of the roundabout was missing a limb – a great big limb, a really, really big limb!
I was so upset at first, but then I decided that the tree, even with its infinite beauty and roots below, probably was ignored for too many years. The signs were evident but no one heard the plea.
So, Robin, even with the 10-million things already on his plate, picked up and started the chain saw, standing high up on a ladder and cutting the limbs away one at a time.
I drove to San Mateo on Saturday morning for a memorial for “Reverend James Love” (RIP) and by the time I arrived home, only a bit of sawdust and a few small branches were scattered at the base of the tree.
And look at her now!
The Diva lives! She lives!
Ohh-la- la. Ohh-la-la!
Her arms are opened wide, her hips undulating back and forth, back and forth, her hair blowing in the wind, as she dances to the music of the earth.
She is free, free at last.
Her metamorphosis now complete, she embraces the moment, so happy to be alive, as she settles into herself. The birds share the good news. The squirrels come close, curious and cautious, they sit high above, waiting for direction.
She lets the wind guide her destiny, the earth becomes her blanket, the stars her guide as the moon watches over her, until the morning sun shines its everlasting light upon her forever and forever. Welcome back my love.
Today, I spent hours pulling weeds, mowing the hen’s area, and another plot until I just couldn’t do it anymore. I started out early, wearing long pants and a long shirt to keep the sun at bay. An hour or so later, time to change into shorts. Then later in the day, back to the pants and long sleeve shirt to ward off any further sunburn. Man oh man, my shower felt so good! Now, my body is waiting for the darkness to receive me.
Angie and family recieved two beautiful gifts today. First of all, Robin’s sister Jenni who lives in England, birthed a son, Jack, today. Mother, Father and Baby Jack are fine. I am so very happy for Jane to have a grandchild on English soil as the other four are here in the states. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!!!
Today also brought a new pet to the household – a Queensland heeler named “Willow” who is only 8 months old. She is so cute and I swear, wisdom is the color of her eyes. Angie has already taken charge of her training and before you know it, she and Jack will be the best friends.
As KFOG plays “Nature’s Way,” by Spirit, I leave the day with one big high-five and a blessing to Mother Earth who truly, truly, truly knows what it means to be “tread on” yet still has not decided to shake us off this planet….yet, so let’s get real and start making some serious changes.
Peace out!
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04.16.12
Posted in Just Me at 3:45 PM by Ann Hornbeck
Even though I am still not 100%, I went out early this morning to do some more weed killing (!), knowing that my body needed more rest than work today. Later in the day, I took a few basic shots around the pool where the first wave of flowers are gracing the pool area. I named this one “Unfurling.”
When we moved in, the original owners had uprooted their favorite plants, leaving big holes now empty except for a leaf or dead flower. I have to admit, I would never think of yanking out a beautiful plant, let alone, five or six, just so you can move them to your new home…next door! We are all different, that’s for sure. I know I will be buying my favorite plants as soon as we get the back yard cleaned up from neglect during the last month of spring rains.
I definitely need to have sun block on if I am going to be doing this all summer! I can truly say, that although I haven’t looked, I am 100%, a Redneck Mama, Mama. I guess I will be buying a few tubes of sunblock this week and will never go out without it until late fall!
The second photo I named “Honey Bees.”
Can you find one? I did!
This last photo I call “Hiding.” I was looking northeast as the clouds began filling the sky. As I write this, the clouds have covered the sun, so it is on a short vacation as the rest of the week will be into the mid-80′s with lots of sunshine. I definitely like summer, but when it gets over 100, I get cranky. Well, what else is new.
Ok, so there you go, photos taken by a 59-year old woman who can barely remember her name, but sure loves Mother Nature in all her glory.
I noticed this morning as I was taking a wheelbarrow of grass, tree limbs and dead plants to the burn pile, that two honeybee boxes are waiting patiently for my son-in-law Aaron and Angie to finish setting everything up.
I read that honeybees will definitely suck nectar out of wine grapes, but they prefer honey, so this sounds like a good partnership because one of these days, those bees are going to have company – vines laden with succulent grapes gracing the back end of the property and just waiting to be bottled and served, compliments of “The Cope Family Farm” and its friends…the birds and the bees, and the wind in the trees! As Greg Brown sings: “Let the Mystery Be.”
Peace out!
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04.15.12
Posted in Just Me at 8:28 PM by Ann Hornbeck
I woke up this morning with a deep chest cold, a surprise as I went to bed feeling fine. But, it was manageable, so I decided to let the beautiful sunshine warm my body, and yes it did! After a great breakfast created by Robin of Cope Family Farms, I spent the day weeding parts of the back yard and the garden, and mowing the front yard using the riding mower – until it ran out of gas. But at that point, I was done. My body has already begun to tell me that bedtime will happen at the moment the sun drops below the horizon and the moon graces the night. And, right now, that moment is already here. I am as sore as I am the day after a yoga class! But, weeding sure is enjoyable.
The longer the garden is tended, the more we discover about ourselves, and our environment. As a young child, I was full of wonder and nothing was sacred! Did you ever try to catch a bird? I would try and try and try to sneak up on a robin in the front yard but miraculously, and at the last possible minute, that bird would spread its wings and be laughing all the way to the top branch of the tree. And what about ant hills?!? I loved laying on my stomach next to a small ant hill, watching the procession, trying to follow one ant as it marched among the others, always carrying a morsel of something that eventually gets handed over to another ant who darts away like the Mad Hatter on his way to nowhere. I was always mesmerized by their precision and how can those little buggers know where are they going anyway? What is their language? And, was that a high five?!?
The spring garden has had many visitors over the week of heavy rain, which means that the asparagus is no longer available as someone or something munched the tops right off! The wild clover has grown everywhere recently, and the rabbits are eating it up! So far, it looks like they have been kind to sample only the clover and leave the garden for the bugs and hopefully, us. Yes, it is the bugs that have been chomping on the garden plants, and someone must have sent the news to everyone they know that yes, dinner will be served 24/7 – come one and come all. We may need to consider netting and what to do with the ants? I will leave that to Jessica and Angie to determine.
I was saddened to hear this morning that during the World Yacht Race on the San Francisco Bay, one person died and four are missing after a big swell hit the yacht. It is a sad day for San Francisco, and especially for the families of the British and Australian crews and their loved ones. Prayers to all who suffer.
The moon is up and now it is time for Ann to be down!
Peace out!
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04.09.12
Posted in Politics at 7:29 PM by Ann Hornbeck
What a beautiful day, today! The sun rose exactly as it should, so I took a little time to embrace the moment, my eyes quickly adjusting to the morning while my mind struggled with remaining under the covers, or getting up and making the coffee! Ahhhhh, it felt so good to just lie beneath the covers and think about nothing for a few moments. My first thought is always “play,” but I never mind giving a few hours to things that truly matter, like fund development! So, a couple hours later, I was on the road to Napa for another tour of Community Projects, Inc., a thrift shop that ….”opened in 1941 as the Napa chapter of British War Relief. Volunteers met to sew and prepare ‘Bundles for Britain.’ After Pearl Harbor, we reorganized as Napa War Relief. We increased money-making activities and opened a salvage shop. After the war, the name was changed to Community Projects, Inc. In the 1950s, we served as hospital auxiliary to Napa’s Parks Victory Hospital and then, until 1988, provided volunteers to Queen of the Valley Medical Center. Community Projects also created Christmas Fancy Fairs and moved to the present thrift shop location in 1956.” Here is a link to the article: http://napavalleyregister.com/lifestyles/neighbor-neighbor-community-projects-inc/article_c7270528-0376-11e1-9e59-001cc4c002e0.html#ixzz1rb9MZrSr.
I always love taking new board members on this tour because it is so amazing. When you walk in the door, it looks like any other thrift shop, but when you get the “real” tour, it’s what happens in the shadows that make it all tick. Another cool thing is it is run by 175 volunteers – all women, their ages from the mid-fifties to 93 or older, with only two (young) men on staff to help move items around on the floor and pickup deliveries and such. If things go well for the agency where I am employed, we will be opening a thrift shop in December 2012. The business plan is complete, and soon we will be out there getting supporters and major donors on board. Wish us luck!
On the way home, I grabbed a couple more foreign movies from the library and I plan to watch one again tonight. Soon, there will be no more for me to watch, as it seems I have already put a dent in their inventory! The rest of the day was calm as I surfed the net and listened to the children running from one room to the other, or hearing their laughter as they threw water balloons at each other outside, or rummaged through the hen house to find newly-laid eggs, and begged for a ride in the golf cart with Angie.
Spring is still taking the lead. The skies are gray and the rains will be in charge for most of the week, but I feel grounded, happy to be alive and ever-hopeful that somehow, we can come together as a nation and people who bring peaceful solutions to a world gone mad.
Peace out!
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04.05.12
Posted in Just Me at 8:03 PM by Ann Hornbeck
On my drive home tonight, I tracked the clouds, especially an ominous one that actually looked like it might form into a tornado, which it actually did earlier in the day. My son-in-law emailed Jessica to say that a tornado ripped through his work’s parking area, took out a tree, and then landed on a brand new truck, a 1968 Malibu that some young guy was fixing up, and a brand new Toyota sports car. Now, that is an anomaly in this area, for sure! Well, maybe not. When I lived in Solano County in the 1990′s, I remember walking in the downtown area and witnessing a small tornado come barreling down the street, knocking things over, and causing quite a stir (heh, heh, heh) before heading northeast. I mentioned that to a lady at work and she started laughing, saying; “I remember that! The darn thing came into our neighborhood!” So, on my drive home, I kept one eye on the cloud and one eye on the road, snapping a couple photos in the process. The ironic part of this is double-barreled – the first being that last year, we had a small tornado touch down on the 7th of April. Second coincidence, as I drove to grab a quick lunch, I was listening to NPR as they discussed the changing weather patterns. Even the scientists can’t agree but I know all of us know innately that the times, they are a changin’.
The world is a mystery and beautiful in its infancy that is somewhere between 6,000 years old to 4.567 billion years, depending on religious beliefs vs. scientific calculations or whatever criteria you choose. All I know is that the earth is home to almost 7.74 billion people spread across this great big orb, so for better or for worse, things are going to change, and change is a constant.
Linda is coming for a visit on Saturday! Hooray! Linda is moving to Florida! Wah! But, she is definitely making the right decision. This is the time of our lives. This is the time when life hits reverse for a while as mother’s become daughters and daughters become mothers. This is the time when our hearts are full, our willingness to help and protect is raised, and the order of existence has no place except to love, to accept and to support. These are the times of the stories. The stories must be told. The stories are within us, and they show us who we are and how we became who we are, and why we were born into our families. They remind us that we are not what matters. Families matter. Relationships matter. The stories matter!
What a life…
Peace out!
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Today, it is sunny and bright as the previous day’s uncertainty did little harm to dampen the spirits of those who sat in cool weather to watch the Fiesta Day parade, take in the carnival, and listen to music in the park. Lucky for us, we were #43 in line which meant we only had to wait for about 3 hours to begin our promotion of the Solano Turkey Trot event. It was fun, with our Race Director driving her 1968 MG convertible with the top male and top female runners sitting on the back of the MG. Behind the MG, four of us struggled to carry a super big banner promoting the event as the wind pushed us back and sideways.
