"This is the violet hour, the hour of hush and wonder, when the affectations glow and valor is reborn, when the shadows deepen along the edge of the forest and we believe that, if we watch carefully, at any moment we may see the unicorn."


Friday, August 10, 2012

Basking in Warmth


Ummm....  warm, delicious memories of four sun-filled days *up North* in Santa Rosa!  I had the best hostess..and her wonderful dog, Mimi.  (I'm saving Mimi's photos for Animal Wednesday.)  We hiked, we explored some quaint towns, we ate and drank, we stayed up late and chatted like Schoolgirls - we just relaxed.....  something I really needed.  After so many weeks of bone-chilling wind and fog, I could feel my body slowly unwinding from it's *frozen cocoon*...and beginning to soar!








Some of the Garden "Wildlife*!  A-ha-ha!






Hmmm....does anyone know what kind of tree this is?


Why, a *Woodpecker Tree*!  Here is Mr. Woodpecker, proudly guarding the nest! Look at all those holes in the Tree Bark!



Couldn't believe it when I saw the *Raven Theater* in Healdsburg!  I had to shoot this for all my *Raven Sisters*!

And, of course, the REAL thing!  Mr. Raven struts his stuff!

Quail were everywhere....  I love their sweet voices...




This almost looks like the *Old South*, don't you think?


Ah....a relaxing time......feeling refreshed - and that's a good thing.....because......


Crossing the Golden Gate....an *old friend* awaited........FOG!


 Well, at least I have my photos and memories to help keep me warm!

Love to you all!

♥ Robin ♥














18 comments:

  1. Robin, I didn't know the weather had been so bad since last time I checked, you were posting pictures that didn't show it. Bummer.

    I can't tell but what your raven is a crow, but it could just be the distance.

    "The Old South." Weeping willows are also a hit in old graveyards as can be seen by the large number that appear on tombstones.

    I stayed in Santa Rosa for a couple of nights with a Servas host when I lived in Fresno.

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    1. Hi Snow! I try to be *brave* about the SF *Mini-Winters*.....but sometimes, it is just overwhelming - so I must *complain* to my Blogging Family!

      Ravens, Crows....sometimes it is hard to tell....but they are all Corvids! A-ha-ha!

      I love Weeping Willows....and I guess they are appropo for cemetaries.

      My friend doesn't live in Santa Rosa proper...but out a bit in the Valley of the Moon..such a lovely area!

      Love to all 4,

      ♥ Robin ♥

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  2. It looks like you had a great time up North. I haven't seen fog all summer. It sounds strange to me that someone is cold during summer. If you were here you would be roasting. Although it has cooled down some with a cold front that came through. I love all your beautiful photos.. The Acorn Woodpecker is such a clown. He will soon fill those holes with nuts for winter. I love to watch them work doing this. Have a great weekend. Here is a big hug to keep you warm. ()

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    1. Lisa, from June to August, I live in a world of *greyness*......but 10 miles in any direction, it's 20-30 degrees warmer....because we are surrounded by water on 3 sides, it sucks the fog in when it is hot everywhere else...

      Thank you - my wonderful *Birder* for that info on the Acorn Woodpecker! Fascinating!

      Sending some cooling Fog Eastward to you!

      HUgs,

      ♥ Robin ♥

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  3. Oh wow.. some great shots you got. I LOVE that black bird made out of things. Looks like a toilet brush and Iron for legs. Too cute. Will have to show Con that. Well we have fog in the mornings but heat in the afternoons now. That four days sure flew by. Who fed the Kitties?

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    1. Cris...I'm happy you noticed those Garden decorations....they made me smile at that creativity!

      My downstairs neighbour feed the Kitties.....we always take turns - and when one of us is away, the other assumes full responsibility.

      Have a wonderful weekend!

      Love to all 4,

      ♥ Robin ♥

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  4. Wow Robin! What beautiful pictures! I can see you must have enjoyed this thoroughly! Such beautiful blooming trees. Those quails are cute! And love that scenery with the willow!!!!
    Well and some sunny weather for you! All the right ingredients to make you happy :)
    You deserved this break dear hope you can hold on to this feeling a long time.
    ♥M

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    1. M - you KNOW I was in Heaven....warmth, no wind, blooming trees and flowers...it was great! Plus, I had the wonderful Mimi to walk and cuddle!

      Love,

      ♥ R ♥

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  5. It looks and sounds like a fabulous vacation in the sun and with nature. Love those little quail.
    Gosh, that SF fog is something! No wonder you loved visiting in sun country.

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    1. Teri...wasn't that Quail adorable! I took a ton of photos as we don't have many of them in SF anymore.

      The Fog has been really thick and long-lasting this Summer....I'm hoping for a gorgeous September/October!!

      Love,

      ♥ Robin ♥

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  6. what a lot of beauty here...traveling a bit from home is a good way to enjoy other environs, animals and foliage! You seem to have seen it ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In abundance.
    Now you will enjoy foggy SF, summer in San Francisco!

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    1. Lynn, even this teensy trip to Santa Rosa did me a lot of good! You can relate, I know!

      Still not enjoying our Fog.....I am really over it - but hopefully, in a few weeks, our *Summer* will arrive!

      Love,

      ♥ Robin ♥

      p.s. So happy you *found me*!

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  7. amazing that just a few miles makes such a difference. glad you had a lovely visit in santa rosa. time to talk and enjoy friendship. lovely colors.

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    1. Suki....isn't it amazing? Like two completely differnt climates - eco-systems!

      Thinking of you a lot and sending much love.

      ♥ Robin ♥

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  8. I thought I had commented on this wonderful post, it's so warm and sunny. Glad you had a great time, and can now enjoy the fog. I am here in Fl helping mom pack for her trip in Central CA - all warm stuff, and long sleeves.

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    1. Hi Mim! If you see this, please give your Mum a big hug from me!
      Yes.....pack layers for her!!!!!

      Love to both,

      ♥ Robin ♥

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  9. I love your photographs and those two trees are really fabulous the top pink tree and darker pink one both in flower. I wish we had such trees over here in Autria. I never realised how foggy SF is. We did a house swop for four weeks in SF once and the sun shone all the time. It is one of my favourite places.I love your blog Best wishes Marguerite

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    1. Hello Marguerite! Thank you for coming to *visit* my blog! I wish I had those pretty trees here too....but it's too cold in SF. How fun to swap houses!!! I am glad your time in SF was sunny! You must have come in September/October!!

      Hugs,

      ♥ Robin ♥

      p.s. You live in one of my favourite countries!!!!! ♥♥

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