A few more photos of the #EdwardFire in Orland, CA today. Fortunately our house was never in danger. Sad that this fire was likely preventable with mere common sense about mowing. A few homes were lost. #EFire

Elk at Point Reyes National Seashore, California. Last March.

Now in bloom in our backyard: cultivated California Wild Roses (pic 1) and Elderberry (2). Still gorging themselves: ladybugs. Everywhere in our front yard. They’re just decimating aphids. Ladybugs particularly love coyote bush (3) and sage.

Potatoe croquettes for lunch today. Great use of leftover mashed potatoes.

From last Monday near Tomales Point in beautiful California, a genus Arctia moth caterpillar on lupins.

From last Monday, a very loud acorn woodpecker at the Point Reyes National seashore visitor center.

Harvested our first homegrown Valencia orange this year. So very sweet. Even the pith isn’t bitter. We may want to harvest the rest early if there’s a freeze later this week. Fortunately there’s only a dozen-ish. ~243 mandarins harvested so far — makes great juice 🌱🌳

First bloom for our Valencia orange tree. About three weeks early compared to 2020 & 2021. 🌱🌳

Ladybug larva gorging on aphids gorging on sage. And nearby, a bright orange ladybug pupa. 🐞 🌱

Honey bee approaching a nectarine flower. 🌳🌱