Color Contrast

 This grasshopper looks magnificent next to the house siding.

New Fire

 

I got caught in a post kayaking traffic snarl this afternoon. A fire broke out along the north side of the 5 fwy. I counted 7 helicopters fighting the blaze.  They were scooping up water from the adjacent Rogue river and flying overhead of us.  When I passed, it was 10-20 acres.  It has peaked at 550 acres that night.

Winery Afternoon

 

Cool weather and blue skies made for a picture perfect afternoon in the Applegate Valley.  The Trumbull's had an extra dog in tow.  Susan's dog Pepper came along with kisses for all.

Saving the Britt Orchard

After the winery, we stopped by the Troon greenhouse. T's neighbor Carol has been trying to save some of JVille elder  Peter Britt apple trees. Planted in the late 19th century, the trees are coming to the end of their lives.  DNA testing reveals 4 new species.  If further testing concurs, there will be naming contests for the new varietals.  Unfortunately, Carol showed us that only two of the grafts were successful this time. The fledgling trees will be put into the ground around the Britt concert shell in about 2 years.
 

Before Dinner, After Dinner

I got together with the gang Saturday afternoon downtown. As we entered the restaurant, we could see the beginnings of a big brushfire to the northeast. After our first drink, the power went out. We could see the helicopters and 2 C-130s battling the blaze. The lights came back on and we finished dinner. The firefighters got it down to a smoldering mess overnight.  In all, 150 acres burned. Supposedly caused by a truck delivering hay that ignited.

 

Saying Goodbye

Steve and Debbie heading to New Hampshire soon. Some of the gang got together in a funky old Chinese restaurant to toast them farewell.
 

Kayak and a Dip

The Applegate Lake water level is low but not too low to enjoy a paddle. Weather and water was warm enough for Lindsay and I to take a dip. Was gorgeous and not too hard getting back into our boats.

The Old and the New

 W was cleaning out the garage in anticipation of brother’s motorcycle being in residence. It made the driveway look like a used German car lot. 

From Splint to Boot

I had the bandage changed on the foot yesterday. Everything looking good. Podiatrist removed the drain and rewrapped me. Instead of the sling, I got put into a big boot. The only problem is that it really shows off the difference in foot lengths now.

Poppy Morning, Afternoon Decision

I got to spend some time with Poppy this morning.  We went for a small walk, as I'm in my surgical boot again.  Then we hung out in the sun on the deck.  After she went home, I unwrapped my foot and the persistant ulcer has gotten a bit bigger.  I cancelled travel plans and made the call to the podiatrist's office.  Amputation paperwork filed.

New Mulch

 

The guys came around and spread a new layer of mulch over the front yard.

First Paddle

Warm temperatures got us out on Applegate lake yesterday.  The reservoir is only about 50% full.  Many riffles prevented us from going very far upstream a several points. We saw two bald eagles and a few fishermen......
 

Cherry Blossoms

 Spring has sprung

Birthday Wishes

It was a combo birthday party last night for Susan and Lindsay. Lindsay’s Snoopy fetish was sated while the rest of us sugared out on cake and cupcakes.  And a few Negronis.