I thought I’d start out with showing you a couple of photos from yesterday’s sunset that illustrate just how heavy the air pollution has been here.
The sun is setting behind the Oquirrh Mountains but the pollution is so thick that you cannot see them. I had thought to include these in yesterday’s post but wanted to end the day with sharing about the Sunday night 11th Step Mediation/Prayer meeting at 6:00 P.M. at the Krishna Center in Salt Lake City (free – donations gratefully accepted). As it turns out on today’s walk I met some dogs who’s mistress talked about the poor air quality and how people here are suffering from it. Meet George and Grace:
George a yellow Labrador retriever on February 8, 2013.
Grace (with George behind) a yellow Labrador retriever on February 8, 2013.
These beautiful friends are named after George Burns and Gracie Allen. Their mistress also said that she was surprised how many young people know who these celebrities were. We had a very nice chat about how wonderful the neighborhood is and how nice the people and pets are. I told her about a cat I thought might be ancient that I had photographed earlier and this cat turned out to be hers.
Kwai (probably spelled wrong) on February 7, 2013.
My neighbor did tell me how to spell the kitty’s name, but I didn’t remember by the time I got home because I was trying to remember some other stuff. From now on I need to carry something to write on. Kwai is 18 years old and I was correct when I thought he was elderly. While I’m able to get permission from dog owners as they walk their friends, cats are a different story. It is pretty amazing that I actually ran into Kwai’s owner like I did. I’ll still include cats on my walks even if I don’t meet their owners. Cats may actually think that they are the owners and their people the pets, or perhaps I should say “the staff”.
Kwai heading home on February 7, 2013.
Remember Molly from yesterday? I met her again today with her mistress and another black Labrador. Meet Lily:
Lily, elderly black Labrador retriever on February 7, 2013.
I spoke with Molly and Lily’s mistress for a little bit and got to pet the girls. I found out that Molly’s shyness is just her way. I was happy to hear that she had always been treated well and found out that Lily is very friendly. I also talked to the girls’ mistress about adopting pure bred animals and how people can find them through breed rescues and reputable breeders.
I walked down to where I found the fallen lichen yesterday thinking I might pick it up and bring it home, but the area had been cleaned up of fallen and dead material. This made me very happy I had gotten a good photo yesterday and made me think that it is super important to savor the moment and take pictures when I can, not counting on tomorrow for another chance. I was happy to see that the dandelion is still there and said a prayer for it in hopes it will be allowed to stay.
These interesting pods (I think possibly from a type of succulent) are there and while most of them were cleared out there were a few left.
Seed pods, possibly some kind of succulent, on 2/7/13.
I also saw that the feather I had photographed and shared a couple of days ago is still stuck to the sumac. Here are some sumac pictures sans feather.
This is the same sumac that has the feather stuck out of view – 2/7/13
This is my favorite sumac photo and a good illustration of impermanence because the berry will not last long in this position.
I was also happy to see some of my other friends today, the birds.
Cute little chickadee on February 7, 2013.
Starlings on February 7, 2013.
Downey woodpecker on February 7, 2013.
This photo of the Downey woodpecker is my very favorite picture for today.
Downey woodpecker on February 7, 2013.
On my way home I went by my neighbor’s Buddha. I kind of felt like rubbing his belly for good luck but it was still covered in snow.
Neighbor’s Buddha still laughing in the snow on 2/7/13.
Maybe I will get him with a little hat if the projected storm shows up and dumps a bunch of snow this weekend. Speaking of Buddha and impermanence, mediation is helpful when dealing with stresses such as not finding the fallen lichen you want to bring home to be your pet 😉 Here is a very short, but helpful, meditation video that I found. It is only five minutes long and has some natural sounds with it. If you have time check it out now or go to Youtube and bookmark the link.
Our hearts give thanks for the Grace in the Universe!
Grace and Mystery 