Think Global – Act Local

So, this was our house last year after the new paint job…
And here it is after updating our front garden to help conserve water…
As you can see, we’ve removed the front grass and replaced it with (mostly) white stone.  We’ve circled the two trees with larger riverbed stones and red pumice (like) stones.  We’ve high-lighted the roses on either side of the brick path and added river stone edging on the sides.  We added a “fake” stream bed curving from near the top of the path, around our big tree, down to the sidewalk.  And, finally, we sprinkled various plants in the white stone areas.  We hope they will fill out and add a bit of color to the otherwise plain white space.
Many (not quite most) of the houses in our neighborhood have already done the same to their front gardens.  I don’t know how much money we’ll save, but every drop of water counts in this age of climate change.  Over 25 of the last 30 years have been drought years here in California, so our action is long past due.  Hopefully, better late than never…
And, of course, the best news is:  NO more mowing the lawn, while reducing the expense of our water bill.
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On This Day In:
2020	Was #IncompenentDonald Born To Be A Diplomat?
2019	Have You Planted Lately?
2018	Something / Nothing
2017	Kindness
2016	Dealing With It
2015	Too Many Choices!
2014	Vini, Vidi, Vici
2013	Heroes
	Education, n.
2012	Who I Want To Be
2011	Mythic Forgetfulness

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Tweet, Tweet

Rockin’ Robin
Favorite Line(s):
He rocks in the tree tops all day long
Hoppin’ and a-boppin’ and a-singing his song
All the little birds on Jaybird Street
Love to hear the robin go tweet-tweet-tweet
Rockin’ robin (tweet, tweet, tweet)
Rockin’ robin (tweet, tweedle-lee-dee)
Blow rockin’ robin
‘Cause we’re really gonna rock tonight
Comment(s):
The video’s a little slow due to a “longish” intro, but it’s still interesting to see the original performers, even if it is (obviously) lip sync.    —    KMAB
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On This Day In:
2020	Why My Dentist Loves Me
	Live, Learn And Teach Goodness
	The Lesson Of Trump’s Life
2019	You Really Don’t
	No One Can Imagine
2018	Until Integrity, Decency, Wisdom, And Humility Return
	Just Tell (And Re-tell) The Big Lie Often Enough On Fox News
2017	To Laws, Not Office Or Individuals
	Beast / General / Civil
2016	Patronage
2015	For Blogs, Too!
2014	Righteous Anger
2013	An Irish Blessing
2012	But Is It Worth It?
2011	Let Us Start

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I Ask For Two Minutes…

Memorial Day
Monday 31 May 2021
Thank You, Veterans! Some give more than others… Some give all…
[This weekend, when you are celebrating with your family, please take a minute to think about these soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who throughout our nation’s history have made the ultimate sacrifice for us all.  Please try to think of them, not as warriors, but as sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters… as part of a “greater” American family – which all (they and us) surely are.
I know that Memorial Day is specifically set aside to honor these brave souls in uniform, but please also take an extra minute or two to remember and be thankful for the over 3,600 medical and health care staff around the country who also fought the good fight – just doing their jobs – and who gave their lives in the last year defending us from COVID.   They too have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
All five images were found on the web.  No claim of ownership is intended or implied.
—    KMAB]
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On This Day In:
2020	At Least A Lot More Gray
2019	Walking The Lonely Path
2018	The Ultimate Trial
2017	Vain Expectations
2016	Or Of One Thought
2015	What’s In Your Future?
2014	Light In Darkness
2013	How ‘Bout Just Obeying The Law?
2012	Or Maybe Not
2011	My Interval Is Too Short!

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It Seemed The Taste Was Not So Sweet

Changes
Favorite Line(s):
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
Turn and face the strange
Ch-ch-changes
Ooh, look out, you rock ‘n’ rollers
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
Turn and face the strange
Ch-ch-changes
Pretty soon now you’re gonna get older
Time may change me
But I can’t trace time
I said that time may change me
But I can’t trace time
Comment(s):
Not the best audio or visual on the web, but I feel like this version captures some of the cheeky innocence of Bowie’s personality in a live performance.  Lots of artists transform their personas as they mature, but Bowie’s ability to do this every few years or every few albums was a distinctive mark of his career.   IMHO, anyway.    —    KMAB
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On This Day In:
2020	Nearer My God To Thee, By George
	I’ve Got To Keep Working On It
2019	Laugh With Me
2018	Both Sides, Mr. President?
2017	Republicans Better Wake Up
2016	Truth Telling
2015	To Be Effective In The Modern World
2014	A Little Cover
2013	Binding
2012	Lift
2011	Another Good Movie, Another Excellent Book
	miSFits
	I’m Just Not Sure

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70’s Sunshine Sound

Keep It Comin’ Love
Comments:
Not the most intellectual of lyrics, but if you knew the song title, you knew 95% of the song.  (And that was kind of typical for this genre and decade.)
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On This Day In:
2020	#IncompetentTrump And His Pandemic Briefings
	#IncompetentTrump
2019	I Hope So
2018	Painted Into
2017	Prayers, Miracles And Lottery Tickets
	Roman View
2016	Dignity And Grace
2015	Is It Warm Enough For You
2014	What The Right STILL Wants
2013	Embrace Serendipity
2012	Your Order, Please
2011	Well Enough Anyway

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I’m An Optimist

People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.
—    Ralph Waldo Emerson
[I’m not sure how that reflects on my character – or vice versa.    —    KMAB]
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On This Day In:
2020	Works For Me
	Rivers Versus Waterfalls
2019	Better To Do
	News: Drunken Party Girl Saves Seoul
2018	Keep Moving
2017	Fighting Good
2016	Size Matters
2015	Maybe The Best Thing
2014	Ready To Be Fried?
2013	A Real Lover
2012	Winning Wars
2011	A Different Lesson

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This Can’t Go On

Evil Ways
Favorite Line(s):
You’ve got to change your evil ways, baby
Before I stop lovin’ you
You’ve got to change, baby
And every word that I say is true
You’ve got me runnin’ and hidin’ all over town
You’ve got me sneakin’ and a peepin’ and runnin’ you down
This can’t go on
Lord knows, you’ve got to change, baby
Comment(s):
I’m sorry, this is not the best sounding video version on YouTube, but I just can’t believe how young Carlos Santana and his band members look in this version – of course, it was 1969!    —    KMAB
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On This Day In:
2020	A Different Premise
2019	Can Too
2018	To Get Strength
	Drip, Drip, Drip
2017	Bricolage Art
2016	Just A Shame
2015	Treasures Of The Mind
2014	Not Quite Exceeded Reach
2013	Who’s Side?
2012	Why I Joined The Army And Not The Navy…
2011	Is It Your Turn Yet?
	Just Trippin’

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Beyond Words

Classical Gas
Comments(s):
This is the first instrumental to be posted on my blog.  I’m still not sure why…  (Especially when the horns kick in.)
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On This Day In:
2020	Especially You, Bro
	Words Without Explanation
2019	Enjoy!
2018	Happy Birthday, Bro!
2017	Love Can Change The World In A Minute
2016	60, Little Bro!
2015	Vision and Courage
2014	58 – Little Bro
2013	New Adventures And Old Hopes
	Caving In
2012	Bits And Bobs And Birthdays
	Always Hope
2011	Wet Snow And Long Hills

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Genius (And Other Details)

There is an old saying “Genius is the ability to pay attention to details”.  If you really understand this statement, you will see that anyone can be a genius.  It should really be understood backwards.  What we call genius is the result of enough time spent developing a great awareness and sensitivity to something, by continually focusing our attention on it in an intense way.
—   Jamie Andreas
From her book: “Principles of Correct Practice For Guitar“
Jamie’s web site is:   https://guitarprinciples.com
[The quote above reminded me of two similar quotes (both) from Isaac Newton (a widely regarded genius / polymath)…]
If I have ever made any valuable discoveries, it has been due more to patient attention, than to any other talent.
—    Sir Isaac Newton
If others would think as hard as I did, then they would get similar results.
—    Sir Isaac Newton
[I have recently begun trying to learn how to play acoustic guitar.  I’ve been watching a lot of YouTube videos from various authors and following links to the video creators various web sites.  Some I now follow and some I’m able to download material from which I then go back and read.  Jamie Andreas is a guitar instructor and has the first two chapters of her book available for free download in PDF format.  I’ve downloaded them (the single file) and am currently reading through them.
Also, I’ve recently become aware some countries require folks to disclose if a referenced item (a mentioned book, movie, product of value or other remuneration / compensation) has been received (by yours truly) as consideration for its being mentioned on my blog.  I have no recollection of ever receiving a “free” anything which I have subsequently reviewed on this blog.  In any case,…
I have not received a promotional copy of Jamie’s book, nor am I mentioning it in this post to secure income for myself or Jamie.  I am only posting this quote because it contains an idea which I find interesting.  Because this is a direct quote, I did ask Jamie (via email) if I could use the quote (and any others I find as I continue reading her book) as a post on my blog.  Jamie has graciously agreed to allow me to quote her book.    —    KMAB]
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On This Day In:
2020	Repercussions For Health
2019	Chained To #45
2018	Some Men Make Their Office As Small As Themselves
2017	Too Many
2016	Not Yet, Anyway
2015	On Pornography
2014	Nudge, Nudge
2013	The Journey Will Be Joy
2012	Hopeful Flights
2011	Irrationally Predictable
	Lawful Restraint

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Found It

Oakland Stroke
Comment(s):
Driving along on the freeway and this just popped into my head…  What can I say?
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On This Day In:
2020	We Have A Window
2019	No Escape
2018	Except When It Is From The Oval Office
2017	Bad Karma
2016	Poor Management Choices
2015	Is It Still Dark Out?
2014	Rule One
2013	Spelling God’s Name
2012	Love Your Life And Sing
	Feeling Under the Weather?
2011	Cheers, Friend!

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Roses And Chores

For the last week, it’s been in the mid-to-low 70’s to high-60’s here.  So my better half decided yesterday that our front yard needed it’s first cutting of the year.  The gardener / laborer (me) took care of that while the chief chef and bottle washer (her) went off for some groceries.  While I was doing the mowing I noticed we got our first rose of the year in our front path.  We have a series of miniature rose bushes on one side of our front path.  There on the smallest bush, was a tiny rose barely the size of the tip of my thumb.  I mentioned this to my wife and she said there is also a single rose out in the backyard.  And, below are the two of them…
2021 First “mini” rose on the front path…
2021 First rose in the backyard…
The backyard (red) rose is not a “mini”, but it’s also not a normal size of one from a florist.  I guess it is still too early in the season for that size.
I apologize for the fuzzy images, but I’ve never claimed to be a decent photographer.  When I tried to shoot between breaths, I could feel my heartbeat shaking my arms / hands.
To paraphrase some quote I’m sure I’ve read somewhere:  “Enjoy the moments of beauty and the days of your life will take care of themselves.”  (Okay, maybe I made that one up.   —  KMAB)
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On This Day In:
2020	Which Is Which
2019	Were You Saying Something?
2018	Ethics Lesson
2017	May I Have Some More, Please?
2016	A Little Lost
2015	This High Place
2014	Elected Madness
2013	Well Written
2012	Related Parts
2011	The King Is Oscar
	Better Reputation?

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The Real Heir…

Hair Of The Dog
Favorite Line(s):
Now you’re messin’ with a
(A son of a bitch)
Now you’re messin’ with a son of a bitch
Now you’re messin’ with a
(A son of a bitch)
Now you’re messin’ with a son of a bitch
Comment(s):
Honestly, does anybody remember anything about this song but the intro and the chorus?  (And the album cover?)  Be honest now…    —    KMAB
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On This Day In:
2020	The Doggie Dab
	A Fork In The Road
2019	#LyingDonald’s Problem With The News And Truth
2018	Oh, Hell
2017	No Welcome Mat Here
2016	Making It Up
	A Missed Beat
2015	We Are All Explorers
2014	Still Trying To Cope
2013	Dear Diary (A good chuckle!)
2012	Conveniently Sequential
2011	King’s Speech Number Four
	Rational Probability

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Just Mice Elf

Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)
Favorite Line(s):
Flamin’ eyes of people fear,
Burnin’ into you
Many men are missin’ much,
Hatin’ what they do
Youth and truth are makin’ love
Dig it for a starter
Dyin’ young is hard to take
Sellin’ out is harder
Comment(s):
Of course (in this case), the “favorite lines” are other than the chorus.  —  KMAB
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On This Day In:
2020	Decide, Support, Vote
2019	Aware Some
2018	Know Any Christians?
2017	The Only Thing I Can Give…
2016	Wiser But Less Cocksure
2015	Not Today
	Wicked
2014	…Am Too
2013	Credible?
2012	Both
2011	Risking Hidden Linkage

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Backyard Narcissus

And here is a photo of the Spring blossom of our backyard daffodils (Narcissus)…  These are the miniature variety.
Backyard Daffodils
Our Hil is not sure why, but our front yard daffodils didn’t really come in this year.  We got the green shoots, but none of the blooms / flowers.  Oh, well.  Maybe next year.
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On This Day In:
2020	Happy Valentine’s Day – 2020!!
2019	Happy Valentine’s Day – 2019!!
2018	Happy Valentine’s Day – 2018!!
2017	Happy Valentine’s Day – 2017!!
2016	Happy Valentine’s Day – 2016!!
2015	To My Special Lady
2014	Awakening
2013	Drowsy In Comfort
2012	Happy Valentine’s Day
2011	Own Your Bible

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Beyond Thar Be Dragons

Puff The Magic Dragon
Favorite Line(s):
A dragon lives forever,
But not so little boys
Painted wings and giant’s rings
Make way for other toys
One gray night it happened,
Jackie Paper came no more
And Puff, that mighty dragon,
He ceased his fearless roar
His head was bent in sorrow,
Green scales fell like rain
Puff no longer went to play
Along the cherry lane
Without his lifelong friend,
Puff could not be brave
So Puff, that mighty dragon,
Sadly slipped into his cave
Oh, Puff the magic dragon
Lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist
In a land called Honah Lee
Puff the magic dragon
Lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist
In a land called Honah Lee
Comment(s):
Reading the lyrics as an adult, this is obviously a (somewhat sad) song about the loss of a child’s innocent imagination.  I, however, remember the song as a celebration of imagination and not of loss.  It is funny how the mind plays tricks on us.  The song was released when I was eight years old, but my memory places it back much further in my childhood.  I guess, in my memories, I held onto my “innocent imagination” longer than I thought.  —  KMAB
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On This Day In:
2020	Skyin’
2019	I Hope He Has A Lot Of Room Down There
2018	What Time Is It?
2017	Gifts
2016	30 Seconds
2015	Success
2014	Create The Fact
2013	Overpowering Curiosity
2012	On Planning The Invasion Of Iraq…
2011	This And That
	I’m Bettin’ On The Bible

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