First Sighting

It has been just over two weeks since the Mourning Doves started incubation and I get my first sighting of the chicks. Yes, there are two chicks, which is the norm for these doves. The nesting period should also be about 2 weeks. Click on the picture below to see a series of photographs of the chicks feeding.

The Chime

An old salvaged heavy gauge four by four steel fence post, makes an excellent chime producing a haunting solitary ring that resonates as if from afar, be it somewhere in the Himalayan mountains, or perhaps Shangri-La since it's just my imagination. Under gentle delta breezes which are prevalent around our neighborhood, it's solitary ring is a singular hollow metal old world sound. Unlike more refined musical chimes or the deep rich dong of a heavy bell, it's metallic sounds harken of distance landscapes, real or imagined, bringing tranquility if you yield to its resonances.

Good News

Cautiously speaking, it looks like good news for the family. Although Kay's mother is still under hospice care, it's more about rehabilitation as she has made remarkable progress from a week ago. Perhaps being home is the difference maker. Amazingly, she has been up out of bed sitting and taking some steps, initially with assistance but more independently with each passing day. Once she decided to give life another chance, her progress has been phenomenal despite her rod repaired femur. She still has a weak heart and may not achieve the same independence she had before, but for now, things are looking better and we'll see what her new normal might be. Below is a photo of mother and daughter from a few years back. Matters of health, whether they involve family, friends, or someone you read about, remind me to enjoy life to the fullest and not sweat the little things.

Pictures in Search of Mood

Catching an Annular Eclipse

Catching an annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun.

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My Mother-In-Law

Attempting to find peace and tranquility in my backyard as Kay's mother struggles to find the will for life under hospice care at her home. Unfortunately, my relationship with her when Kay is not around to interpret, is more non-verbal in nature due to my limited ability to converse in Chinese which confines us to simpler exchanges and pleasantries, but it is one of much mutual respect and admiration. I will simply say that she, the eldest of a family that extends 5 generations across multiple continents from the U.S. to China, has a good spirit which I felt from our first meeting. I admire her strength, determination and bravery as she confronts this impending final stage of life. I missed our spring bike tour to Kings Canyon, but my mother-in-law is taking the family, however reluctantly, on another important journey of life. One we must all face sooner or later.

Bike Tour to Kings Canyon

In light of unforeseen circumstances with Kay's mother, I decide at the minute, not to participate in the 10-day loaded bike tour from home to Kings Canyon National Park, but I am happy to cheer the gang onward on this spring adventure. Yesterday, out of town friends converge at our homes, Geno's and mine, so they could begin the tour from Sacramento today. Saxon's wife, Wendy, who is interested in exploring the idea of catering bike tours as a business adventure, will be catering the 14 cyclist as they ride south along the lower foothills between the central valley and Highway 49 camping at Lake Pardee, Turlock Lake, Lake McClure, Hensley Lake, Millerton Lake, Pine Flat Lake and finally, Kings Canyon NP. The day they ride to Kings Canyon will be the hardest with 7,000 to 8,000 feet of elevation gain. It will be a day of anticipation with mixed feelings for the gang as they ride south. I think it's good to have such a challenging day during a trip and I have no doubt of their success. This picture shows part of the gang in front of Geno's home, the rest, five I believe, will join them on the road out of town. Click on the picture below to see the photo set maintained in Picasa. If I get pictures from the gang while they're on the road, I will add those to this set.

Up Close and Personal

Up close and personal with my Canon Powershot SX20is. She's a brave bird and has stayed on her nest regardless of my presence.

Our Mourning Doves

The Mourning Doves are still nestled beneath our patio as nest building continues with this loving pair. As of late, I do believe they are incubating eggs. Guess we have a growing family and can we get a tax write off!

Mourning Doves

Kay tells me that it's good karma if a bird selects your home when nesting. Pictures with the Canon S100, of a pair of Mourning Doves which have decided to nest beneath our patio. Will see how long they stay especial with so many cats around.

Before 'n After

It has been nearly 30 years, but we finally replaced our old redwood deck with a Trex composite deck. I've got a composite bike so why not a deck! Deome Builders, Inc. did an excellent job and completed the job in three days. As usual, I was hesitant to spend the funds initially, but I am very happy with the end result and now glad we did it. Other than periodic cleaning, it should be low maintenance. Below are before and after pictures. For additions photographs, click on the picture below to go to Picasa. Once there, start a slideshow or view manually.