Norcal Gma 2

Retired rural grandma, caregiver, and dog mom to a sweet lab named Summer.
Love to bake and gift to friends and family.
Happy in my garden.
Living a quiet life on the north coast of California.
Please don't private message me asking for money if I don't know you. I already found the love of my life, too.
Mean comments aren't necessary or welcome.
Please be kind.

Public Key

npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq

NIP-05 Address

norcalgma2_at_sfba.social@momostr.pink

Profile Code

nprofile1qqs28z7wc5reqqfsl4hvze7a0755yq22jtq8u4h72tsl40l2zjhumlqpz3mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuerpd46hxtnfduqs6amnwvaz7tmwdaejumr0dsa0qt5v

Publishing to

relay.damus.io

nos.lol

Author Public Key

npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq

Show more details

Last Notes

2026-06-13 22:42:24 UTC

I think I might have secured my most favorite grandma status for the immediate future.
Lunch was a huge hit.
Dessert was even better.
My new recipe for blueberry cobbler is a keeper.
Such a good time.
Now they want to come out every other Saturday for an encore.
I don't have to worry about leftovers because they took them all home.
We feel loved and cherished.
Doesn't get better than that for us.
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/745/204/065/724/604/original/cce2a86db104ce67.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/745/204/075/919/156/original/d4f5de557c525a30.jpg

2026-06-09 20:19:11 UTC

I have so many random thoughts.
When I was a young teen mom (14) I worried about my lack of education. My schooling options were limited as I was considered a bad example and not allowed to attend regular classes. Instead I attended night school where I could take classes mandatory to earn a diploma.
I did that while setting out to educate myself through reading. I asked my local librarian for book suggestions as well as trying to read my way through a list of classic literature.
I still own the dogeared paperback dictionary that allowed me to decifer words beyond my vocabulary.
I'm not sure any of that effort paid dividends. Some authors like Steinbeck haunted me and others baffled me at their aclaim.
Now that I'm old random plots and passages come to mind out of the blue.
I saw a man carrying a heavy load up a hill today and thought Pilgrim's Progress. I probably should have saved my memory storage capacity for something more useful.
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/721/992/867/037/671/original/42ef5b4ed49ad971.jpg

2026-05-26 16:06:31 UTC

- reply

I did.

2026-05-26 15:51:33 UTC

Breakfast of champions.
With coffee of course.
Good morning, Mastodon.
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/641/668/869/573/776/original/a5d59426a0ab8381.jpg

2026-05-24 23:59:54 UTC

I was at our Costco parking lot and spotted a rare kinetic sculpture in the wild no less.
Granted this isn't one of the fancy schmancy ones but it was the real deal.
Humboldt is consumed with kinetic madness as it is every Memorial Day weekend.
The most purely whimsical and frivolous pursuit for the young and young at heart.
A race that isn't really a race but something so much more. Powered by the people and the artists.
I am old enough to remember the glorious founder Hobart Brown who was a gifted artist with an imagination that lives on. He was a genuine character.
May he rest in peace and perpetual kinetic glory.
After all it's all for the glory.
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/632/262/954/835/712/original/54a9cad0d9ef43a1.jpg

2026-05-24 16:31:41 UTC

We are trying to get down the hill as early as we can. This morning was cold and misty.
Summer's joy is beautiful to watch.
We hiked to the beach and ran into the same dog owners we encountered yesterday. They gave us the right of way because we were there first. I don't think they want to leash their dog so they keep their distance instead. I leashed Summer when we were in sight of them anyway.
It all worked out.
Tomorrow we might give ourselves more of a headstart.
For some reason I had a panic attack just as we got in the car. I don't understand why but will listen to my mind and body and chill today.
Maybe some baking would be fun.
Here's to sharing some Summer joy with our friends.
Good morning Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/630/495/657/954/235/original/ffc44bde839bec58.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/630/495/685/310/764/original/80af4991cda3d9ef.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/630/495/700/360/251/original/0868a46f5d91c60d.jpg

2026-05-18 16:45:17 UTC

More Summer adventure photos from our walk this morning.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/596/579/643/751/551/original/ee2035230e010a63.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/596/579/631/592/500/original/ad0d1f01ff689e74.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/596/579/681/723/417/original/05a35de6a80276d9.jpg

2026-05-18 00:29:34 UTC

I bought too many blueberries.
It was either scones, muffins or a pie.
The consensus was to bake muffins for the freezer.
One was damaged as it was extracted from the muffin tin.
Oh my.
I can't tell you how often this happens and someone has to eat the clinker.
It always happens to just one?
I made the sacrifice today.
#Baking
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/592/736/914/128/749/original/543ca97e1016cb24.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/592/736/948/506/264/original/57955a4fd8b0df4e.jpg

2026-05-10 15:15:55 UTC

Summer's pal has has a rough last few days but is feeling better this morning. He is taking it out on Summer who doesn't mind a bit.
Good morning Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/550/932/008/015/852/original/0a75a4de9f42f3df.jpg

2026-05-08 20:30:00 UTC

Spent the morning getting maintenance on my car. Hopefully we are done with car stuff for awhile.
I talked to my sister while I was driving to my very early morning appointment.
She keeps track of and often knows more about what is happening here at home than I do. She lives in another state but follows local Facebook pages.
She mentioned that a teacher we both had in Junior high school had just passed away. I am conflicted about my relief she is gone.
Because of my race she did everything in her power to make me feel less than the white girls in school. She was awful.
As an adult I encountered her at a nonprofit and she assumed I was receiving services even though I was instead on the Board of Directors.
There have always been and will always be unkind racist people. One of the worst places for them to work is in education.
I can't help it that I'm not sorry that I'm not sorry.

2026-05-07 18:26:56 UTC

Reminiscing today.
I ran across this photo of my husband taken around the time we first became a couple.
He was and still is a looker.
We were best of friends having both convinced ourselves that a friendship was more durable than a romance.
We danced around out of arms reach for five years.
Finally while on a business trip to San Francisco he pulled me into a hug and I was done staying out of his arms. I felt safe and loved. We figured out how durable our friends and lovers relationship really was over the last close to forty years.
Here we are.
Together still.
He still makes my heart race and we keep each other feeling safe and loved.
Some things have changed but the best of us is still the same.
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/534/688/144/047/483/original/95268c6d22fad58c.jpg

2026-05-05 21:09:30 UTC

Love this photo of Byron.
#CatsOfMastodon
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/524/007/658/847/517/original/4668a627db9e7fc4.jpg

2026-05-05 05:59:13 UTC

I am so proud of my columbine.
I planted the seeds last year.
This is my first blossom.
I have tried many times since I moved here to start a columbine patch.
I was surprised to see the flower because the plant is still small.
A good surprise is the best kind.
It took me thirty years to get one flower but I never gave up.
#BloomScrolling
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/520/425/959/512/642/original/11d88d02f2bf4630.jpg

2026-05-04 22:57:24 UTC

I'm not sure the best way to address this.
Maybe there isn't a good way.
I get lots of private messages asking for money.
I would help everyone if I could but I can't and I don't.
If I restrict the private messages I will miss connections I don't want to miss so maybe it is just a consequence of being here.

2026-05-04 04:27:00 UTC

Summer dragged me out in the rain before it got dark. We weren't able to get a hike in today but romped around here at home.
I got a reminder from the grandkids that we haven't baked brownies for awhile so triple chocolate brownies are in the oven this evening. I baked a double batch and will freeze a few for home, give a whole pan full to the grandkids, as well as taking some to the free pantry.
I've finished 50 of the 100 get out the vote postcards I'm working on.
At least today was productive.
Floors got mopped, laundry washed and marigolds planted.
Hoping for better sleep tonight.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/514/408/103/188/316/original/1d9bd9b6a2915db2.jpg

2026-04-29 01:35:14 UTC

Some days I feel the weight of knowing how much my family depends on me.
Today is one of those days.
I know better but that doesn't matter.
When I picked up our mail there was an insurance cancellation notice for my husband's Medicare supplement plan. I had updated our payment information but somehow it wasn't recorded by our agent.
A reminder that I literally can't miss a trick.
Summer says what we need is a distraction. So she brought me an empty pot in case I want to work in the garden.
She makes me smile while I drop my shoulders and breathe deep.
The feelings of love and contentment I lost momentarily were there all along. I just needed Summer to help me find them again.
She says no problem.
Anytime.
#BloomScrolling
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/485/421/357/624/360/original/3c6587f6a699e820.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/485/421/360/156/633/original/46a369ad586cc18b.jpg

2026-04-18 23:39:00 UTC

I was baking cupcakes.
I was pretty sure that my husband and Summer were watching a movie together.
I could hear the television chatter.
So, I didn't worry.
With the cupcakes in the oven I decided to check to see if I could offer a cold beverage or something.
No one was in the recliner so I checked the bedroom and bathrooms.
No luck.
Where could the birthday boy and his dog have gone?
I found them.
They snuck outside to weed the roses because my list of chores said it needed to be done.
Summer was compliscit.
It is hard to get mad at these two totally incorrigible best friends.
I let them finish.
Getting up is harder than getting down but we figured it out.
I put the list away and told them the only chore left was to eat snacks and drink lemonade.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/428/328/877/995/118/original/98f159818e7fac46.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/428/328/858/432/391/original/e53a263b74bcdf31.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/428/328/857/338/436/original/37deb8e5fd56bb39.jpg

2026-04-17 06:27:05 UTC

Summer and I didn't spend very much time watching the sunset. We were freezing.
A couple of photos happened before heading back in the house.
We chatted about family and chuckled.
A niece had asked for my mother's original potato salad recipe. She sent out a group text and said she wanted to recreate the classic. Funny thing is that we each had the recipe that was the real deal but were all different.
I told Summer it is like we were all raised by different families but we all remember events through our own filter.
Digging up the family past is not an exact science. Arguing that your version is the real deal isn't worth the trouble.
Instead of adding my recipe to the mix I deferred to the sister who wants to be the keeper of the family traditions.
I told Summer that I like our new and improved ways of doing stuff.
Like watching the sunset together.
Just like.
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/418/618/294/782/030/original/e8d3f021d91cd597.jpg

2026-04-16 23:23:27 UTC

I can't even believe how many fancy dahlias I've ended up with this year. Four more arrived yesterday.
Summer and I knew we had to get to planting them right away.
First four pots of tulips needed to be put away to make room.
Summer was a huge help. Once the pots were ready she had permission to bring the tubers and the one more pot we needed.
Nothing makes her happier than helping.
We also planted a whole border of lobelia. Tomorrow will be trimming the grass down around the raspberries and mowing the front acre again.
#Summer
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/416/951/349/386/340/original/cc1ca41237c92dd8.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/416/951/319/928/279/original/c968638e11825131.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/416/951/335/470/158/original/3d7615f0ac91f05d.jpg

2026-04-16 17:01:48 UTC

- reply

I can't get the link to open. What should it be sending me to?

2026-04-16 16:53:06 UTC

Morning is coming earlier every day.
Getting to the trail early helps us avoid the crowds.
A couple of days ago the same person who brings three large off leash German shepherds to the trail cut us off from our car. This is our third encounter and I feel like his dogs are dangerous. The most aggressive one knocked me down to try to reach Summer the first time we met.
This time I blew my whistle to alert the owner who wasn't paying attention and let him know that if his dogs didn't back down I would pepper spray them. I also said that I had taken a photo of his Minnesota license plate and if Summer or I were hurt I would see him in court. He said the dogs were reacting to my fear. I said he needs to keep them on leash because they don't obey him.
He said that we shouldn't use the trail in the afternoons. I am complying because I don't want Summer to get hurt.
So here we are at the crack of dawn.
Cold but safe.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/415/414/618/098/107/original/76a17b281d6e868b.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/415/414/584/416/731/original/f3d398dbd57f915c.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/415/414/608/923/678/original/f09266c9d8d74496.jpg

2026-04-16 16:33:21 UTC

"You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
You've got troubles, I've got 'em too
There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you
We stick together, we can see it through
'Cause you've got a friend in me
Yeah, you've got a friend in me"
Randy Newman
Summer says Good morning, Mastodon.
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/415/341/584/141/248/original/038d043a83d7d73e.jpg

2026-04-16 02:55:31 UTC

Summer and I made it out to the cold deck to watch the sunset. At least the rain had stopped.
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/412/126/125/345/133/original/7df5db7e4fdb78bf.jpg

2026-04-15 00:14:55 UTC

Today must be dahlia day. I threw together an apple pie. Waiting for the oven to preheat.
Warm pie for dessert. Lucky for us we have vanilla ice cream hidden away in the freezer.
#Baking
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/405/830/778/752/924/original/c6c2aa593be10387.jpg

2026-04-14 20:55:03 UTC

Summer and I were puttering in the garden.
We decided to transplant a dahlia into a clay pot.
When we picked the plant up it erupted with jumping frogs. It was a whole convention I think.
This one hung out while I fetched my phone.
I think they all settled in the damp weeds around the roses. They blend in like they were never there.
#Frog
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/405/046/018/244/747/original/aa4b449db9d1ce22.jpg

2026-04-11 02:37:23 UTC

Just in case anyone else thinks Summer is wearing a shock collar. She isn't.
She is a much loved dog and I would never let anyone use pain to train her.
She has had to train us and thankfully didn't need to use a shock collar.
I felt bad that someone would call me out for something so false.
I think she looks like a happy dog who is comfortable in her fur and collar and the knowledge that her housemates love her to the moon and back.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/383/740/044/375/747/original/3b279d1a4b810b56.jpg

2026-04-10 15:56:03 UTC

I just remembered that today is Friday.
I used to look so forward to the weekend and freedom from bosses. At least if I didn't monitor my email.
Now Friday holds a different significance. The weekends mean doctors are off work so we are on our own. We manage though.
Today our plan includes haircuts and baking muffins for the free food pantry. Nothing too exciting.
This rainbow was visible from our deck for just a moment. I am thankful to be home to see it.
)
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/381/220/201/142/727/original/f57805bb4592ab9e.jpg

2026-04-10 15:22:58 UTC

Oh no.
Summer is a little damp.
She went outside in the drizzle.
Her pal helped her dry off. He missed some.
It turns out that the rest of her got dry but only by transferring the damp to grandma.
It's worth it though. She is warm, soft and loveable and she dispenses feelings of well being and good vibes.
Hopefully you can feel those vibes coming your way. Summer is working on getting them out into the world.
She says somebody's got to do it.
Leave it to Summer to try and turn things around.
I told her that good deeds and love can change the world.
At least it can't hurt.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/381/092/090/282/518/original/483a9c87a407c082.jpg

2026-04-04 20:55:10 UTC

So many chores on our list.
Summer suggested that we write them on paper crunch them in a ball with a treat inside and hide them around the house. She says that we can tackle each job as she finds them and entertain her pal in the process.
I am thinking about it while we break down the cardboard to recycle. She probably doesn't need more treats.
So warm outside Summer wants to stick with jobs she can do in the shade with a bowl of cool water nearby.
We won't deliver the cardboard to the transfer station until Monday but we are ready to go.
She gets frustrated when the boxes try to escape before they are flat.
She tells me that nothing is easy, right?
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/348/410/794/039/386/original/a42a63b207c063f9.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/348/410/788/067/950/original/be051ebf8e4ad9b3.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/348/410/807/483/684/original/d8f3e8a9a8f6206b.jpg

2024-09-14 21:31:37 UTC

This is my favorite photo from today's walk.
#Garden #Humboldt
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/113/138/036/116/054/553/original/7a85615c1e0d2f50.jpg

2024-09-11 03:46:32 UTC

Whew!
I don't know about everyone else, but we are having a pretty good evening together watching TV.

2024-09-04 17:28:15 UTC

We started out my birthday with a walk around the garden. Summer was showing off her flowers. We are so lucky to have all of this color to wake up to.
Summer agrees.
We also picked some corn to go with the birthday dinner my husband is planning.
Sun and balmy warmth.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Summer
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/113/080/449/456/128/431/original/c9ce52e4aded3bc0.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/113/080/449/189/659/093/original/85e436f81e61e415.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/113/080/449/704/408/969/original/86a4dc10853007bd.jpg

2024-09-02 17:07:31 UTC

- reply

So kind of you to say.
I know finding this online community was a huge boost to our well-being. My husband and I share the posts and comments, and it really does help us to feel less isolated and alone.

2024-09-01 02:43:52 UTC

- reply

Got my reviews from the grandkids. One put butter and jam on his and loved it. The oldest used cream cheese for a topping, and the middle grandson used whipped cream.
They all said they were better than bakery scones.
I'm sure they are biased.

2024-08-31 14:00:45 UTC

- reply

Good morning!
Pea soup fog here.

2024-08-27 19:50:22 UTC

Two years ago, my husband was just home after cancer surgery and a month in the hospital.
He was housebound, and we were using a home health service.
Every time the nurses arrived, they talked about our beautiful begonias around the front door and how cheerful it was to come to our house.
My husband missed seeing the flowers that year.
One day, I decided to bring beauty to him, so I covered the hearth with blooming begonias.
I do believe it helped him to heal.
He was happy.
I am thankful he can walk outside to see them this year.
#Begonias #BloomScrolling
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/113/035/711/005/631/522/original/f786356cdded8f41.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/113/035/711/247/149/811/original/8a7a92ce504a947d.jpg

2024-08-26 20:57:46 UTC

Oh my goodness.
The last two dozen muffins.
I have been either baking or prepping chicken for our soup tonight for hours.
Between doctor appointments for my husband, it has been a busy day.
These are the grandkids' favorite banana chocolate chips muffins.
Finally, it's time to clean up the kitchen and get outside to mow our side of the road so we can try to be fire safe.
The freezer will be full of muffins agin.
Everyone was sad when we ran out the other day.
It's almost break time to read a book or play some Zelda.
Whew!
#Baking
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/113/030/316/921/419/644/original/9979e975ecacc7e6.jpg

2024-08-26 14:15:35 UTC

- reply

I have never tried making a green been casserole. I have so many green beans from the garden it is the perfect time.

2024-08-26 03:56:29 UTC

- reply

I use a half cup olive oil and a quarter cup red wine vinegar and season to taste.

2024-08-26 03:09:41 UTC

It seems a shame that we have all of these beautiful flowers that don't get seen by anyone outside of our household.
But then I remembered our Mastodon friends.
So welcome to our little garden.
There are twenty potted begonias at peak bloom.
The colors are so intense that my phone camera can't do them justice.
#Begonias #BloomScrolling
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/113/026/107/072/143/322/original/9d0ae9ca06d8d825.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/113/026/107/269/695/748/original/226efb890b12e78d.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/113/026/113/735/936/442/original/eac21e6daaf86ed5.jpg

2024-08-26 02:48:47 UTC

Being a caregiver to an old dude who is pretty set in his ways, especially when it comes to meals, is much like parenting.
I have been trying to mix things up and prepare what he wants often enough that he doesn't feel deprived. Last night, he got his ribeye and baked potato.
Tonight is salad night.
It's not his favorite.
I had a genius idea, though.
I bought some lunch size bags of nacho cheese doritos. I crunched them up and tossed the pieces on top, and he he loved his salad.
At least he ate the good parts, too. The lettuce and some of the veggies were from our garden. Feels like a win.
Maybe it will offset the berry pie for dessert.
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/113/026/035/764/263/016/original/beeecf2bf6a013bb.jpg

2024-08-24 23:48:51 UTC

- reply

Caramel Quicks
Oven 425°
1/2 cup butter
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 tbsp warm water
2 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
3/4 cup milk
I tsp cinnamon
1/3 cup chopped pecans
Melt butter and 1/3 brown sugar and water. Pour into 9" square pan.
Sift flour with sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Stir in milk to make soft dough.
Turn put on floored surface and roll to 12 x 10 inch rectangle. Combine remaining brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts and sprinkle on dough. Roll jelly roll fashion and cut in one inch slices. Place in the pan with the brown sugar mixture. Bake 20 minutes until golden brown. Turn out immediately.

2024-08-24 21:38:22 UTC

Watching the DNC this week made me think about what it was like to be 14 and pregnant at the end of 1972. Roe vs. Wade would alter all the rules a month later, but changes to my rural community would be slow.
I became an emancipated minor and did my best to adult.
I wasn't allowed to go go back to public school but was sent to a "school for young mothers." There, six girls, from 12 to 16 years old, learned to cook and clean in a small house made into classrooms.
Luckily for me, it was within walking distance of my house.
We took turns cooking and copied our recipes to give to classmates. I still have my box of recipes.
For over fifty years, I have been meaning to make these caramel sweet rolls. Today is the day.
I wonder what happened to all the other girls.
I also wonder how we could even consider going back.
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/113/019/149/641/868/625/original/331defbc9551fd64.jpg

2024-08-23 19:03:02 UTC

- reply

Last installment of today's Summer adventure.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/113/012/879/543/999/381/original/a8b04002121d6049.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/113/012/879/406/572/287/original/7cabd2181fb85eff.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/113/012/879/688/853/666/original/a0e6bfdca131bdfd.jpg

2024-08-23 18:57:30 UTC

I can't resist Summer.
Sometimes, she just needs to run until she's done.
So we loaded up and went in search of an adventure at the beach.
I think she had some fun.
I know I did.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/113/012/856/651/165/518/original/d05e2a8e2b97e57e.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/113/012/856/838/814/194/original/690e2bad85988b03.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/113/012/856/979/293/817/original/6e13bc6965d6206d.jpg

2024-08-22 20:32:02 UTC

While I was preparing lunch, I watched quail families passing by. The chicks are about half size, and each covey was about twenty birds strong. It is nice that they are regular visitors in the yard again.
#BackyardBirds
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/113/007/566/471/177/784/original/058608b3b2d20456.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/113/007/566/088/949/724/original/7ec3442938aef770.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/113/007/566/326/938/923/original/74226c74d25047c8.jpg

2024-08-22 02:04:50 UTC

In the spirit of my daughter's birthday month today, I gifted her three hours weeding in her garden.
A birthday present she would prefer over any material thing.
It was fun!
I found these flowers to share with you.
Her garden is a buffet of floral gems.
I am a proud mom who treasures the relationship I enjoy with my daughter. I love her more than I can explain.
#Dahlias #BloomScrolling
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/113/003/201/843/398/067/original/19f052c9f0ef96b9.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/113/003/202/409/309/557/original/2a39b09e436fa976.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/113/003/202/815/866/705/original/6cf586aeaf1dd8a5.jpg

2024-08-20 23:29:25 UTC

Summer is sooo happy to be sticking with her pal like glue today. She didn't like being away from him yesterday.
She loves him to pieces.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/996/934/643/030/286/original/946b3183cfd3a185.jpg

2024-08-20 19:58:48 UTC

Our garden is blooming.
Today, I shopped at Costco with my daughter wearing my ,la hat, mask, and rainbow Crocs. All of a sudden, a stranger came charging toward me, and I felt a little unsure. My daughter was ready to defend her mom.
It turned out to be a woman who was my client twenty plus years ago. I was managing a homeless shelter for survivors of domestic violence. I worked with her family for two years. When I saw her last, she and her two children were in an apartment, had purchased a used car, she had a good job, and her record had been expunged.
Today, she told my daughter I had changed her life, but I corrected her because she changed her life.
She clearly is in a good place now. I told her how happy I was to know she and her children are safe and well.
It is a small world.
#Dahlias #BloomScrolling
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/996/108/212/192/022/original/d050bbc4d7b739a6.jpg

2024-08-20 05:02:30 UTC

Back home from the VA hospital.
I am thankful that every person who treated my husband masked up.
They treated him with great respect.
We have the promise of some answers in three days.
Everyone, including Summer, is tuckered. She wouldn't eat for the grandkids, so she had dinner late.
We settled in to catch the sunset and to crying through the convention speeches.
We ate cheerios with fresh peaches for dinner. Tomorrow, I will serve some extra healthy food to make up for today.
Home is home. The place to be.
#Sunset
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/992/587/175/794/542/original/328635f271d857d6.jpg

2024-08-19 13:25:48 UTC

It's an early morning for us as we get my husband off to see the VA cardiologist in San Francisco.
No colorful sunrise, too dazzle us, but the moon was especially beautiful.
In a leap of faith, we are leaning into the health care available to us through the VA and letting go of our local Providence providers. With Providence, we are on our fourth different hematology oncologist in a year, and every time they switch doctors on us, they push appointments out farther. At least the VA takes a team approach, and we always have someone to call when we need them.
I am hoping the next generation figures out how to do affordable and available health care because somebody needs to.
Good morning, Mastodon.
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/988/902/348/098/635/original/a855f35c7dc64813.jpg

2024-08-18 04:31:19 UTC

- reply

Most of the towns in my area have stores that only carry locally made products by commission. Good luck.

2024-08-18 02:31:24 UTC

- reply

I had to take a late in the day photo for my daughter. The dahlia blossom survived the wind and a bit of rain. Whew!
#Dahlia #BloomScrolling
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/980/669/612/706/981/original/d7a5c411bbd2703a.jpg

2024-08-17 18:49:41 UTC

The Rhubarb and Custard dahlia we have been coaxing to bloom finally obliged.
It is worth waiting for.
I sent my daughter a picture right away because the half barrel and tuber were part of her gift to me for Mother's Day.
The funny thing was that I asked her about this hard to get flower for someone else on Mastodon, so she thought I really wanted it. She tracked down a supplier and bought it to make me happy.
Happy I am.
#Dahlia #BloomScrolling
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/978/851/930/022/745/original/fa7540f3675c3878.jpg

2024-08-17 03:23:13 UTC

Summer finally got her second wind so she could go outside with me.
We checked out her front acre before we headed to the downhill side of the house to watch the sunset.
I'm glad she is rested enough to move more than her eyes.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/975/205/115/165/454/original/10d5424d9a0bcd0e.jpg

2024-08-17 03:01:59 UTC

- reply

You are so right.

2024-08-17 02:26:54 UTC

- reply

' + la = Kamala

2024-08-16 23:37:59 UTC

- reply

Thank you. It is the hardest job I've ever had.

2024-08-16 23:25:34 UTC

Summer is completely worn out. She only wants to walk slowly to where she can lay down to nap.
All that swimming tuckered her out.
She is staying close to both of us so she can keep an eye, but that's about it.
I was telling her that I feel like things have been going my way this week.
I have been working on getting some dental surgery for my husband, but it has been hard to convince the dentist that he is strong enough for the procedure.
The stars aligned today, and I got the last of two oncologists, a cardiologist, and his primary care provider to sign off.
We finally have an appointment.
Whew!
Having a painful tooth on top of everything else has been miserable for him.
I do love it when I win.
Maybe it's time to buy a lottery ticket.
#Summer
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/974/273/086/464/901/original/51e8f4dfcd997b23.jpg

2024-08-16 20:41:15 UTC

I wore my new hat today.
My grandkids love it.
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/973/630/759/865/372/original/4ebf25e6b4d6c1ed.jpg

2024-08-16 20:21:41 UTC

It turns out Summer isn't a fishing dog.
They came home after a couple of hours.
It seems Summer wanted to retrieve the lures and jumped in the river every time a fish jumped.
She swam, and she swam.
No fish were wrangled, but they had a great time.
Summer says she was doing her best to herd the fish their way, but nobody appreciated her effort.
No fish for dinner tonight.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/973/555/060/439/934/original/1af6ba455ee65647.jpg

2024-08-16 04:42:57 UTC

Summer is so happy if I toss the Frisbee for her.
She is easy to please.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/969/864/984/221/970/original/77a93e4d085763a2.jpg

2024-08-16 01:46:13 UTC

We are celebrating today because after jumping through five million hoops and braving a county veterans office employee telling my husband he isn't disabled enough to be eligible, we have finally gotten disabled veterans license plates.
I didn't realize how discouraged my husband was by the person who told him he didn't qualify for the license plates because he didn't look like he is mobility challenged and that the plates should go to veterans who have lost limbs.
After that fiasco, I went directly to the VA, who completed the form for me.
People can be pretty awful.
I brought a chair outside so he could install the nw plates himself.
It made him happy.
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/969/146/377/394/292/original/f998e819d793e16b.jpg

2024-08-13 22:13:39 UTC

My husband has brought up how much he loves apple pie for dessert too many times lately, so I took the hint.
I won't give this pie away.
It does make the house smell like cinnamon apple goodness.
#Baking #Pie
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/957/005/781/559/613/original/ab748983f0b003f8.jpg

2024-08-13 02:38:24 UTC

I know most of you are probably overwhelmed with flower toots in your feed, but here I go again. I can't help it.
These were the last of the photos from my daughter's garden this afternoon.
#BloomScrolling
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/952/378/718/490/508/original/43baacd8cb7c284b.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/952/378/873/022/706/original/371ccded2588e4db.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/952/379/111/836/893/original/c6b54fdd245479c3.jpg

2024-08-13 02:24:35 UTC

Dahlia toot for today.
These are from my daughter's garden this afternoon. She said she would share the giant pinky lavender one with me next year. Yay!
#Dahlias #BloomScrolling
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/952/330/370/135/410/original/d6f6eca9dbe90f99.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/952/329/972/386/666/original/0baf4232e06bbebf.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/952/330/163/091/013/original/0969e4bc454e5c4f.jpg

2024-08-10 21:13:10 UTC

Summer and I both needed some exercise pretty desperately, so we bundled my husband, who wanted to stay home, up in his recliner with hot chocolate and the TV remote so we could go for a quick walk.
Summer was so excited. As soon as my walking boots came out of the closet, she was spinning around in circles.
Once we established that I would be doing the driving, we were off to the refuge.
Fun was had by all.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/939/776/221/112/879/original/bdeb85005f61133b.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/939/776/304/968/340/original/6f27f350799b8669.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/939/776/426/511/557/original/46e9199a2a7f890a.jpg

2024-08-05 21:49:00 UTC

Summer says to remember she is right here if you need a hug or a little encouragement.
She just wants everybody to feel loved.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/911/613/838/000/125/original/c9b5464b178526f4.jpg

2024-08-01 17:53:06 UTC

The roofers got warm peanut butter chocolate and peanut butter chip cookies this morning.
#Cookies #Baking
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/888/036/812/349/828/original/f507b190141f1ad1.jpg

2024-08-01 00:29:41 UTC

Rose toot for today.
I was so happy to see this rose still standing when the roofers finished for today. They will be back tomorrow at 7 am instead of 6 am, so we can sleep in a little.
#Roses #BloomScrolling
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/883/934/765/451/750/original/334a95aaeba04886.jpg

2024-07-06 23:29:11 UTC

Byron knows how to relax.
Probably because he doesn't read the news.
#Caturday
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/742/138/417/353/592/original/78518ddad38c4589.jpg

2024-07-06 20:01:35 UTC

I took these photos this morning while Summer was doing her rounds.
Our peas are blooming in abundance.
I will start shelling for salads soon.
We picked our first cup of blueberries to add to our fruit bowls for breakfast, too.
I love our little garden.
#Flowers #BloomScrolling
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/741/317/705/086/336/original/8d374bef55aeddd7.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/741/317/913/181/080/original/561f7c9e395b254f.jpg
https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/112/741/318/088/413/152/original/f1befb2f693eba96.jpg