On the way in

It's that time of year again when we have to pay attention for about five miles as the free-range cattle are out. Every year someone hits and kills one and every year I hope that someone won't be me. This Chica is out standing in her field - actually she's on the shoulder of the road.



These are different cows - they all look alike, doncha know. They don't pay attention unless you stop, which I did, to take their picture. It's all quite pastoral and quaint, but not an ideal fit for drivers who think they're still on the freeway.

I'm thrilled to see these California poppies, introduced by the birds flying over from where else but California, and so far in our valley seem to only be at the top of our property. It seems impossible when daytime temperatures are in the 90s that wildflowers can flourish.







This is a member of the composite family, but then many of our wildflowers, I mean weeds are. They add color to an increasingly dry landscape.



For several weeks now I've noticed this on the side of the road, about a half mile into California and about a half mile from the highway. The white part appears to be made of plastic, though I don't know if the rocks outline the X or secure it

Any guesses????