Tag Archives: gardens

Whose Voice?

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Posted by on in Assistance, children, Community, Family, Personal Values, Social, Striving

April 21, 2026- My family had a brief “conversation”, between the three of them, about going out for a brisk walk after the adult dinner. Hana had the veto poser, since it was intended for her benefit. She “spoke” her opinion and essentially wanted to stay in. It’d been raining most of the day, and she was hungry, besides (She usually has a feeding just before bedtime). They stayed in, she had her feeding, then quietly went to bed. Mom and Dad relaxed in the family room and had a much-needed private conversation on another matter. I stayed out of both situations.

Earlier, there was some discussion about an enterprising rabbit, which was trying to collapse the cover over our lettuce patch. Aram chased it off, as I would have. While he, as property owner, has the final say in how wild animals and birds are tolerated on the property, I would focus mainly on keeping the small garden safe and leave the rest to be grazed. It saves on mowing.

People in Virginia narrowly approved a redistricting proposal that could be used to favour one party over another. The cities and suburbs voted “Yes” and rural areas, “No”. I am personally against any gerrymandering and if Texas ever came up with such a referendum, I would be a naysayer, for the simple fact that I believe every citizen of voting age should have an equal voice. I think the Legislatures should also stay out of it, and an Independent Redistricting body, in each state, should do the honours.

Basically, my take is that each person deserves empowerment, commensurate with their developmental level, from Day One. If one can understand the matter and have good reason for their opinion, then he/she should have a say. A full range of voices brings out the fuller truth.

Breakfast of Champions and A Long Ride

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Posted by on in animal and plant life, collaborating, Community, Hiking and Nature, Historical, Inspiration, Personal Values, Social, Spiritual, Striving, Travel

June 27, 2022, Channel- Port aux Basques, NL- I was warmly welcomed this morning, into the main house of Abbie’s Garden, and directed to sit in a place by myself at a well-set table. The arrangement, of each party being seated separately, apparently is a Newfoundland tradition, derived from the British Isles. Having not been anywhere in that archipelago, other than London, this is new to me. It was very pleasant, though, as the host took egg orders, poured beverages and proudly presented a superbly-plated hot breakfast of eggs, crisp bacon, pancakes and fresh biscuits. Condiments were in serving vessels, not in their store containers. Juice (orange, in my case) was the last item presented. My maternal grandmother would be very pleased.

Prior to breakfast, I went around the garden and over to the chicken coop, where the flock, still inside the predator-proof coop, came to the netting and greeted me. All the little beaks were at the wire netting, clucking or peeping away.

Here are some scenes of Abbie’s Garden. First, here is The Loft, where I spent the night.

The Loft, with Main House in the background., Abbie’s Garden, Grand Bank, NL

Garden, outside The Loft
Central Garden, between The Loft and Main House
Garden Path, in the firs
South Garden
Boo, birds!
The brood says Hello!
The path not taken

Upon bidding a fond farewell to the family at Abbie’s, I resolved to check out some spots along the road in the Burin Peninsula. Here are a few of these.

Grand Beach, east of Grand Bank town
Grand Beach, looking north
Mortier Bay, looking south
Placentia Bay, at Swift Current, NL
Placentia Bay, at Swift Current, NL
The sign says it all

About an hour after leaving the Burin, I came upon Joey’s Lookout, named after Joseph R. Smallwood, the first Provincial Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. The place overlooks his home town of Gambo.

Gambo, NL from Joey’s Lookout, just west of Gander
Freshwater Bay, at Gambo, NL

As dinner hour approached, I was at a park overlooking the Humber River, just outside Deer Lake. A few other picnickers were at the lone table, so I took a bench and watched a lone fly fisherman, in the river, with his hip waders on.

Humber River, at Deer Lake, NL
Humber River, at Deer Lake, NL

As I got closer to this port city, the grandeur of the Long Range Mountains made itself known again.

Long Range Mountains, southward from Codroy Valley, NL

Once settled in my room, at Hotel Port aux Basques, the chatter and antics of a group of teens caught my attention. They were likely enjoying the first days of summer, as school just let out in Newfoundland, last Friday. This is part of the park where they were hanging out. No, I did not photograph the group!

Royal Canadian Legion Memorial Park, Channel-Port aux Basques, NL

The long drive was not so bad. Tomorrow, I bid farewell to this consummately civilized people and their salubrious island.

San Clemente’s Casa Romantica

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Posted by on in Travel

  •  

    There is a very striking Scandinavian presence in southern California, and not just in Danish-themed Solvang.  Ole Hanson, also of Danish descent, was the founder of San Clemente. Mr. Hanson built a clifftop residence, Casa Romantica, in 1927, and partnered with the builders of what became Richard Nixon’s Western White House (Casa Pacifica, now a private residence).  I have two albums on Casa Romantica- one featuring the exquisite gardens which surround it, and the other, featuring the interior of the home and the ocean views which inspired its location.

    Here are some selections from those albums.

    From start to finish, Casa Romantica is about gardens, fragrance, romance- and weddings.

    The Frog Fountain greets visitors, charming us with its Italianate tiles.

    The holiday season, and its arboreal majesty, were still much in evidence on Dec. 29, 2011.

     

    This being southern California, though, the palm tree was essential to any ambiance.

    What attracted Mr. Olson in the first place was the glorious Pacific Ocean.  San Clemente’s harbor and pier are as fine as any in this part of California.

     

      

    The staff and benefactors of Casa Romantica were as varied as California itself.

      

    Mr. Olson was a dedicated father, and entertained his children with such as this toy train and track.
     
  • The aura of a northern Christmas was transplanted here, in the person of Grandfather Frost.
  • There you have it.  18 reasons to visit Casa Romantica- each speaking for itself.