It does rain in Southern California and other things I have learned

Rain!   It was such a surprise and so thrilling to watch the front move in.   A frog started croaking its thanks in the garden.  For the ten minutes it lasted, it seemed that the dry earth sighed.  Everything smelled fresh.  Double rainbows appeared.  It was magical.

Relaxation is not just a mindset.  Visual and auditory stimulation from nature promote winding down and diminishing stress for me; escaping from all of the relaxation-zapping traps of home contributes too.

Pomegranates grow abundantly here.  I particularly like their beautiful color and their crowns that make them look like topsy-turvy royalty.  When they ripen on the trees they are jucier and have a richer taste.

Covey of quail are prevalent this time of year.  They seem to be large family groups and the dominant male tells everyone else what to do. He looks like a pear shaped old woman with a funny feathered hat and scurries about giving orders; not everyone pays attention when there are yummy bugs to eat in the dung heap!

Rabbits are everywhere! They blend into their environment, get into the flowers and are a nuisance; they still look cute.

Hummingbirds are larger here than their East Coast relatives. They get chilled at night and move more slowly in the cool mornings until the sun warms them. Then, you can hear the motoring of their tiny wings when they whiz by, heading for the next pollen stash.  Soon they will move far south for the winter months.

The sky and the changing light amaze me.The sun is brighter; the morning sun produces colors and patterns in the sky like I have never seen before.  Mid-day sun is much more intense and the afternoon light, as the sun sinks lower, produces pinks and oranges and a completely different view of the same scenery.

A praying mantis is such an interesting insect.  Its praying hands make it seem very special and deserving of some reverence.  It refused my offer of help when I picked it off the door and tried to place it on the adjacent bush; instead it crawled all the way up my arm and clung stubbornly to me.   I love how its face looks like an alien.

The original motor home owners, snails are considered pests.  They get to be quite large and come out  at night when it is cool.  They destroy plants.  Birds eat them.  I  like the way they leave footprints.

Every day produces another discovery.  I am excited to see what today brings!

Essential Boomer Equipment

Last week I traveled with a friend to spend time with our mutual dear friend whose Mother had just passed away. It was a quick trip that involved an overnight in a lovely resort with amenities that we did not have an opportunity to take advantage of. However, the one thing I did use was the magnifying mirror in the spacious, well-appointed bathroom.

I had never used a magnifying mirror. My friend couldn't believe it and commented that everyone our age needs one. I was afraid to use it because I knew what I would see. When I did look, sure enough, I saw the skin of a woman who grew up in Florida and began tanning in February every year. But I also could see to apply eyeliner - something I struggled with at home because my mirror is on the far side of the sink. It was great. I was amazed. Now I knew what she was talking about. I had to get one of these marvelous tools

When I got home, I ordered one online. It arrived and I installed it, being sure to use all of the screws and anchors so it would be well grounded and I could use its extendable arm to its full length.

When I looked in it for the first time I nearly jumped out of my skin. Unknowingly, I had ordered a 7x mirror, which was at least 2x more magnification than I had used at the hotel. All over again, I experienced the shock of the look of my skin, now aged at least 2x from a week ago. Getting over the trauma, I convinced myself that I will eventually be glad I got the stronger mirror. It will only get harder to see and I'll gradually care less about the wrinkles. After all, this is essential equipment for everyone of a certain age.