NorcalGma2

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to random

The sun finally burned off the overcast here on our hill. It looks foggy right on the ocean.
I do love the blue sky.
Maybe the sun and breeze will dry my carpet.

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to random

Summer scared me to death.
We were out in front on our side of the fence, and the neighbors, up the hill, let their unaltered male dogs out.
They barked at her, so of course she barked back, and they came down the hill like a rocket.
Next thing you know, they are trying to get over the fence.
Thank goodness Summer obeyed when I called her, and I was able to get her by the collar and into the house.
The vet said we should wait until she is a year old to spay her. I might have all gray hair by then.
Lucky these dogs are too short to clear the fence at least today.
Now that she has stirred up the whole neighborhood, she is relaxing.

Golden Labrador retriever on her blue and white blanket with her favorite pillow falling asleep.

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to random

The heavy fog is making my garden pretty damp. Lots of bugs and spiders around. It has been exciting to see more bees and way more dragonflies on the property.
The bugs do make my blossoms less perfect, but that's ok, I think.
At least our ducks keep the snails and slugs at bay.
Good morning, Mastodon.

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to random

Tonight, we celebrate.
We got a positive report from my husband's most recent biopsy. He had a no cavity trip to the dentist, and we managed to get him a private masked haircut.
If that isn't enough, we are just feeling happy as a clam.
My husband wanted dinner from a local brewery. It had been a long time.
I just couldn't say no.
So this is the view from the parking lot while I waited for takeout.
The food was tasty, and the company was excellent.

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to random

My Matt Beard art toots are turning into my story of the ones that got away.
As much as I have accumulated a vast and beautiful collection, I simply couldn't afford far more than I could. Collecting Matt's paintings is a passion of mine but has always been on a budget.
I watched him work on this studio piece called Chasing Gold back in 2015. The finished piece is large and really breathtaking.
I knew he was painting it for charity and that it would be offered at auction in SoCal.
I realized it was far out of my price range, but I felt privileged to see it and oooh and ahhh in person.
BTW
If anyone sees Matt Beard originals for sale from someone other than Matt. Let me know.
#MattBeard

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to random

Another Matt Beard toot.
This plein air painting, named Tide Falling, was the one that got away.
When the opportunity to purchase this original came up, I couldn't really afford it.
I didn't want to say so because Matt would have offered me a deal. I knew there would be a full price customer if he offered it to the public, so the opportunity passed me by, and someone else got a fabulous painting.
I have always known I couldn't have them all.
#MattBeard

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to random

Summer says she can't believe I would leave her behind.
She thinks I'm probably going to do something fun, but no.
My primary care provider decided to move on, so I am going to meet the replacement person and let them charge me for an exam I don't need.
I have to do it, though, because care providers are so hard to secure here.
Putting on my smile and my lightest clothes and shoes for the evil scale. Maybe I can avoid a lecture.
Good morning, Mastodon.

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to random

When I visited my favorite artist Matt Beard last week, I asked if I could toot a few pieces that I don't own.
He said, sure.
This sudio painting is called First Light and was the one that inspired my years of collecting his originals.
This piece is the only non original I own and is beautiful.
The shoreline portrayed is just down the road a piece.
#MattBeard

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to animals

Summer has a simple strategy when she is in guard dog mode.
Anyone trying to get in the front door will have to trip over her first.
As soon as they are on the ground, she will dive in for the face lick.
If a dog could possibly be too friendly, it would be this one.
#DogsOfMastodon

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to random

It is time for a thank you to everyone who has the knowledge and takes the time to explain pertinent and important information in layman's terms. It is helpful and appreciated, especially for me, topics related to Covid and climate change. I am interested in what is happening and avoid traditional news.
I have a very limited formal education and have gaps in my knowledge on certain topics. Being well read doesn't always make up for those gaps.
Mastodon offers a wealth of information mixed in with flowers and pet photos.
Hats off to you.

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to random

I have been so spoiled with beautiful sunsets to view from my deck for so long that it is an adjustment to be seeing grey fog consistently.
I am happy for the mild temperatures but miss my evening show of color.
I reached back in my archives to toot what my view could be, if it was, but it's not today.
#Sunset

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to random

My Matt Beard art collection toot for today.
This plein air painting is called The Unveiling.
I kind of acquired it by accident one of the times I stopped by Matt's studio.
I was looking for something new, and all of a sudden, he pulled this one out of a rack and said that the person who commissioned it had changed their mind.
I was all over it and still can't believe my luck.
#MattBeard

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to animals

Summer says the service is a little slow as she waits for her breakfast.
She says, to get moving. Don't make me beg.
I have no excuse. I'm just getting a late start this morning.
Summer says that sounds like a personal problem.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#DogsOfMastodon

Golden Labrador retriever laying on a brown pillow and blue and white blanket with her head down and one ear flopped up looking at the camera.

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to animals

Summer says it feels like Monday again.
Time to go outside and run off hum drums.
#DogsOfMastodon

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to random

Last time I had a Mastodon presence, I got overwhelmed when some pretty mean comments were directed my way. I deleted my account and wasn't on social media for a while.
In my current role as a caregiver, that is home bound almost all the time. I am somewhat isolated and missed the positive interactions with the many interesting people I find on Mastodon.
I'm not perfect, and my lifestyle isn't perfect. My opinions aren't perfect. Even my dog isn't perfect.
I strive to interact with people both online and off with generosity, kindness, and courtesy.
So if you don't like me and my opinions please block or mute my toots.
Thank you to everyone who has welcomed me back. It's been fun to catch up.
I will update my profile to add that mean comments aren't either necessary or welcome.
Please be kind to each other.

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to animals

Our morning routine doesn't differ much from day to day. This is a good thing.
After a couple of years dealing with multiple cancer battles, we have settled in a little.
I am finding comfort in the mundane. Simple everyday tasks I took for granted.
Here we are on Thursday doing exactly what we did on Tuesday.
A spirited game of footsie while breakfast is cooking.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#DogsOfMastodon

Golden Labrador retriever playing with feet. She is wearing her red collar.
Golden Labrador retriever going around and around playing footsie and nibbling on socked feet. She is being very gentle.

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to random

My daughter and grandkids talked me into switching from buying Costco meat, eggs, milk, and cheese to locally grown and processed products.
It makes good sense, so once a week, I now get a delivery of all of these organic local goodies from the Foggy Bottoms Boys. Enough for both our families.
Feels like a feel-good kind of change.

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to random

Our latest obsession has been saving the plants that were neglected during my husband's illness. We decided that, like my husband's cancer battle, we would go all in to save the perennials.
This little rose bush had been badly mauled by our neighborhood deer.
After much coaxing, it finally decided to bloom.
So far this year we haven't lost a plant.
My husband is hanging in there, too.

NorcalGma2, 9 months ago to random

Goodness gracious cinnamon bread is the best good smell ever.
Grandkids wanted a loaf to make french toast with, so I squeezed in some baking between laundry and gardening today.
We had to cut one open hot just to make sure it was done. Taste testing is taken pretty seriously over here.
It might not be beautiful but is tasty as heck full of buttery goodness. I will leave off the drizzled frosting, so it still qualifies in the healthy food category.

Cinnamon bread loaf busting out the side with butter and cinnamon. It is hot out of the oven sitting on a metal cooling rack on an orange counter.