Egrets... I've had a few,

but then again, too few to mention...

I've been enjoying my lunch-time hikes at the Don Edwards Nature Reserve in sunny Alviso, California. Today, Mike and I got realllly close to this Great White Egret before it took flight.

All Ears

Deer at Alum Rock Park

We were about 10 feet away from this deer, along the Creek Trail at Alum Rock, when she heard something that put her on alert.

Fisheyes

A view of the tank at Monterey Aquarium

California summer leaves

Fall in Cali

For those who think California has only one season, I offer exhibit A: fallen leafs. I went for a 6 mile hike in Alum Rock Park this weekend.

I cannot express how great it is to have a nice hike so close to home.

It Might Choke Artie...

but it won't choke me!

I can never eat a famous California artichoke without recalling that line from the Little Rascals.

Monterey County, just south of us, is the artichoke capitol of the world, so we have no problem getting them fresh, and freshly grilled.

This platter is from Friday night at Los Altos Grill - one of of our favorite local restaurants.

Open Space

Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge

This is where I've been going for lunch time walks recently.

Just a five minute drive from our office, this refuge provides more than 9 miles of trails. It's on the Pacific Migration path, so there are a lot of birds.

I've been seeing pelicans, egrets, herons, swallows, and stilts.

Fern at Alum Rock

From our hike this weekend

Time Flies...

A Birthday at Sino, Santana Row

While Angie and I dined at Sino restaurant last weekend, a party gathered on the patio behind us to celebrate this young woman's birthday.

The lighted cupcakes cast a warm light as the group gathered around and sang.

I'd like to think that this blurred image - it reminds of a wong kar wai scene - captures the way they'll remember the evening.