On The Alley repeat

This was a repeat of the exact meal we had after seeing the Ventura Outrigger Challenge. It may even be the same table and chairs. On the first visit we were too busy eating and living life to take a photo. In any case what we have here are avocado tacos and a shared veggie burger, plus a view of the harbor.

mud dauber

Mud daubers are a solitary wasp, non-aggressive, indifferent to humans, and in the habit of building nests out of mud. They feast on spiders, which we have too many of. They have nothing to do with our termite problem.

Red Wings

The boots I had to get for my fire training with the Park Service, as they are famously sturdy and well made for that job. The box was partly eaten by termites but the boots are still in good condition. The Minnesota-based company is highly regarded by specialty shoe manufacturers. They were also the parent company of Vasque, another legendary brand of hiking boots that was recently discontinued.

Pad See Ew

This was the day I had an epiphany about Pad See Ew - which roughly translates to "stir fried soy sauce noodles". The epiphany was that it is absolutely something I like, featuring big noodles, broccoli, carrots and salty flavor. I especially like it in the capable hands of Moons Thai, who knows how to make these ingredients sing.

Art's Corner Cafe

In late June we made history by having breakfast at Art's Corner Cafe. Come to think of it we sat near one of the corners of the cafe. I thought I had taken a picture of the giant omelet we shared, but apparently not. It was an "old school" cafe / coffee shop, the kind that thrived back in the 20th century.

Winter Botany

I can't help being moved a little by the existence of this book that belonged to my late aunt. I picture her enduring the long New York winters, going for walks in various parks and identifying trees and shrubs by their bark and buds.

 

Symbols of Transformation

Considered a Jungian classic, but at 462 pages I'm not in a burning hurry to sink my teeth into it like a well-done veggie sausage.