Fall into place

It’s a bit of a cliché for classical music radio stations to play Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” at the equinoxes and solstices. And, generally speaking, it is my opinion that a little Vivaldi goes a long way. But today’s earworm is a somewhat different take—played by a Koto ensemble.

I first heard this on the radio back in the last century. I went to the classical record shop (remember record shops? Much less ones specializing in classical music?) on South Lake Avenue in Pasadena and ordered the LP.

I don’t know whether they made the leap to CDs, but they did make it to the Internet. So, in honor of the autumnal equinox on Wednesday, here’s the New Koto Ensemble playing “Autumn”.

 

Work weak

All I’ve got to say about this week is that yesterday should have been Friday. I don’t know how I’m going to handle another two days of this.

 

 

Natural barriers

There’s a house on my morning walk route that’s evidently had some, er, problems with people walking their dogs. I mean, I’ve seen yard signs imploring pet owners to clean up after their dogs (well, I assume the signs are aimed at the humans, because it’s been my experience that dogs mostly do not read), but this one added a somewhat pathetic attempt at a barrier.

Look, that plastic streamer isn’t going to keep any dog out (it didn't even go around the entire perimeter of the lawn), and I presume that it’s not going to be any more persuasive to the dog owners than the sign by itself. But I suppose if your house is worth north of a million, you’ll try anything.

What’s interesting to me is that I have never, never seen any indication that any of these homeowners actually use their front yards, but I suppose it’s a clash of the me-me-me titans: dog owners vs homeowners.

 

 

 

Nature's mysteries 7

Welp, it’s time for another round of Name This Plant. One of my neighbors has this planted at the side of the house. I really like it and I have no earthly notion.

#IDme

 

 

Gratitude Monday: unexpected art

I love sidewalk art. And one of my neighbors is a really good chalk artist. A couple of weeks ago I started out on my morning hike and behold what I encountered:

It was washed away in a rainstorm, but I know that at some point I’ll be heading out and walk straight into a concrete canvas of whimsey and beauty.

And that’s my gratitude today.