60th Birthday Marathon

Remember when we were advised to “Never trust anyone over 30?” Well, even back then, it didn’t seem like wise counsel. Now I am officially 60 years old and my current advice is: Never trust anyone over 120.
My 60th birthday (January 21 at 8:21 A.M. in Chicago, for you astrologers) was a wonderful extended affair, starting with a dinner last Saturday at my brother’s house in Berkeley. Fiona Billie was, of course, the star of the show.

Fiona heroically putting up with her two "aunties"

F.Billie and her papa sharing a laugh

before...

and...

Last Sunday, we walked in the sunshine on the beach at Fort Funston in San Francisco.

In the evening, we went to see “Slumdog Millionaire” (astonishing and good).

Then, on Monday, Ruby and I headed for Sierra Hot Springs in the mountains for two days of soaking in the beautiful mineral pools.

Of course, I was delighted that my 60th birthday coincided with the first day in office of our new Prez...¡Obámanos!

Chico winter 2

We've been encamped in our winter home at Riparia in Chico, CA since early December and thought we'd share a few pictures of life in California's central valley.
This is a view of January's full moon seen through the walnut tree next to Magnolia.




A good winter drying day in Chico. There have been too many of these lately since the land is dry and January should be the rainy season, watering the green world and replenishing aquifers. Despite the pleasures of sunny days, we are hoping for rain.

Settled in...

One of the great pleasures of our California sojourn is living near my brother Peter and niece Sophie. Here is a salon session on the back porch in Oakland when Peter went back to the shaved head look.

A new parsley plant, just purchased at Chico's wonderful Farmer's Market.

A Saturday visit to Bobbi's coffee cart at the Farmer's Market is always one of the highlights of the week. Conversations, wit and good strong (or stronger) coffee.

Bidwell Park, follows Big Chico Creek upstream from the very center of town out to a fantastic canyon carved into the volcanic basalt. The third largest municipal park in the country. Our hike took us above this sparkling pool. It is the final resting place of salmon who have swum upstream from the ocean to get here- hundreds and hundreds of miles up, over and around unbelievable obstacles to return home and lay their eggs.


Shadows of lunch in the canyon.