WALKING MY WAYS

WALKING MY WAYS. Weather wise, these have been two wild weeks! Just now, Carmel has been without power for 3 1/2 days. Including Christmas. But two nights ago it came back on. With PGE supplying oodles of pizzas. And the police and others offering emergency kits and blankets. And a bunch of warming stations opening up. Like the Carmel Foundation and the Youth Center. Everything gratis. Which I appreciated.

And I also realized that keeping up with my yard and driveway wasn’t easy. Especially during storms. The driveway means buying decomposed granite. From Granite Rock. To replenish eroded areas. Loading bags. Aided by a strong and willing Granite Rock employee, and his shovel. Whom I thoroughly appreciated. He had worked there 20 years. The first 5, he attended a gym. After that, he didn’t. Filling bags was as much exercise as he needed. And I agree. Though I should do the same.

And I also question watering my yard. When and how much? As example, my tenant planted a lemon tree. Which is lovely. But young. And fortunately, she has been looking after it. But there are many other trees and plants, which require different panaceas. Which I have to determine. Storm or no storm. So how does one decide? Anyway, it’s not easy.

And then, there is my beloved redwood tree. Many years ago, Friends of Carmel Forest gave out free saplings. At the Post Office. I chose a 15 inch Redwood. And watched it grow. It is now 80 feet high. And continuously sprouting new needles. On the other hand, in the Fall and Winter, many of those needles become rust-colored. And drop off. And there is the rub. How many discarded needles are normal and how many are excessive? And did it get too much water? Or not enough? And so the unknown stress on the Redwood tree encourages unplanned stress in me. Although it also makes me love my redwood tree even more. Storm or no storm. And unconditionally. Fini.