Sky Journal of Day with Sporadic Showers

Morning Sky

The weather forecast gave the impression I'd stay dry if I finished my shopping by mid-afternoon. I got in my car, and although the sky was cloudy, it wasn't raining. That was at 10:55 AM.

Sky View 2-18-17, Paso Robles, 10:55 AM, ©  B. Radisavljevic 

I drove to Atascadero, parked on Traffic Way and took a few photos. This is one that shows how green the hills are now. As you can see, the sky was blue looking northeast. 

Sky View from Traffic Way in Atascadero about 11:30 AM, ©  B. Radisavljevic

I walked around and took more pictures in the almost deserted Sunken Gardens.  It was windy, and you can see how the wind and earlier rain had combined to make the fountain spill over onto the surrounding area. 

Fountain at Sunken Gardens in  Atascadero about 11-45 AM, ©  B. Radisavljevic

After leaving the park I made my way to Smart and Final to shop. I was there by noon. By 1 PM I was back in my car, and there was still no rain. I headed to Trader Joe's in Templeton. I had planned to stop at Von's but it had started to rain hard by the time I drove the short distance there and the parking lot was full. I only needed one thing there and opted to skip it and go straight to Trader Joe's. It rained on and off all the way to Templeton. Fortunately when I got to Trader Joe's the rain had stopped and the sky was blue again. I left my hat in the car. 

Afternoon

That turned out to be a mistake. As I left Trader Joe's I could see the rain coming down as I reached the exit. My hat was in the car, so I tried to keep my glasses dry. As luck would have it, the rain became just a drizzle as I walked to my car. When I got home the rain had pretty much died down. I was able to unload the car without getting wet. At 4:30 I went to my front yard to take a picture, and this is how the sky looked then. 

Sky View 2-18-17, Paso Robles, 4:30  PM, ©  B. Radisavljevic 

As the Sun Went Down

These photos were taken at 5:25 PM

Sky View 2-18-17, Paso Robles, 5:25  PM, ©  B. Radisavljevic 

Sunset

These photos were taken from different angles at sunset. I show them in order. 

Sky View 2-18-17, Paso Robles, 5:48  PM, ©  B. Radisavljevic 

Sky View 2-18-17, Paso Robles, 5:48  PM, ©  B. Radisavljevic 

Sky View 2-18-17, Paso Robles, 5:48  PM, ©  B. Radisavljevic 

It was eerie to drive in and out of showers as I passed under storm clouds on my way home.  I'm grateful we've gotten more rain, but not enough to do much damage. Our friends in Northern and Southern California have had much more damage. 

I"m seriously thinking of getting one of these rain barrels to collect and save some of this water for the summer. 

Good Ideas RW50-KHA Rain Wizard Rain Barrel 50-Gallon, KhakiGood Ideas RWURN-LIG Rain Wizard Rain Barrel Urn 65-Gallon, Light Granite

How has your weather been this week? How has it affected you personally or those you know?

***

Sometimes You Can't Fight City Hall and Win

Larry Moore Park Workshop, 12-12-2015, © B. Radisavljevic

The Larry Moore Park Workshop

I went to a meeting Saturday morning  December 12 at the Emergency Services Building in downtown Paso Robles. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the future of what has up until now been a neighborhood park for the residents of the Riverbank tract behind the Walmart shopping center. The residents were notified that Larry Moore Park is now a part of the city park system and will undergo many changes that park users in other parts of the city, unlike Riverbank residents, would like to see. You can read the details of these changes in this article in the Paso Robles Daily News.

When my neighbors and I got to the meeting we found hot beverages and donut pieces available, since many of us had not had much breakfast yet. The first thing we saw besides the goodies was the welcome screen posting the agenda I have shown you in the first photo above. On the wall was the following set of architectural drawings.

Proposed Plan for Larry Moore Park ,  © B. Radisavljevic

Proposed Changes to Larry Moore Park

Refer to photo  above. On the right side you see the park as it is now. On the left is the drawing showing how it may look after the city develops it. You can click to enlarge this photo. Residents heard the city's presentation and then were allowed to ask  questions and try to get answers. After the meeting broke up officially, many people stayed to make suggestions to city staff,  and they wrote the suggestions on copies of the drawings.


Very few of the neighborhood residents want the changes. Development will bring added traffic, noise, and lights into our peaceful neighborhood. There is also no parking except for limited street parking, much of which is used by the residents.

I would rather that this park would not be more developed at all. So  far it's about the only park in Paso Robles that maintains a wilderness area.The Salinas River Trail runs through the edge of the park closest to the river. It is a quiet place to take a walk and be close to nature, even though  there are houses across the street and a shopping center on the other side of the wall and above it as the trail runs just north of the park. The wall and hill keep the view of the shopping center at a distance. That wouldn't work inside the middle of the park where the ball field and parking lots would be.

No one minds keeping the benches for eating a lunch or just resting along the trail or in the park. But building a couple of standard baseball diamonds for scheduled games and putting parking lots right beside the trails where native plants now live does bother me. Some trees will be removed.

 There are other parks in the city with baseball diamonds. There is no other park in the city with a wilderness area and a place to enjoy a quiet walk, where children can explore nature and learn about our native plants. With a baseball diamond and a parking lot right beside the trail, I think the bunnies that often play hide-and-seek with walkers will probably stay out of sight when they hear added the noise.

The city representatives, including staff, at least three city council members, and the mayor, don't appear to share my concern. The backstory seems to be that the city lost a ballpark and needs to put one in some other park and we've been chosen. The input they have asked for is to rank the elements from their list of possible improvements in order of our preference as to what we would like added first, leaving blank any that don't interest us. There is some blank space for added comments. Our choices are these:

• Fitness Stations along the River Trail
• Picnic Tables
• BBQ Pavillions
• Benches along the River Trail
• Second Baseball Field
• Parking Lot
• Other

No United Neighborhood Opposition

We have no choice or voice about the first baseball field and the upgraded "safer" playground. I suspect the neighbors will not agree on what they want to see happen, depending upon how close they live to the proposed parking lot. Those who live right across from the park want to see the first  baseball diamond in the corner of the park closest to the river trail where it will disturb wildlife the most and them the least. They would also like the parking lot near that corner or next to the trail from the northeast entrance.

I can understand why since they don't want them as the view from their front windows. Hardly anyone really wants the parking lot inside the current park boundaries, but most recognize the alternative is street parking and we all know that is not sufficient. 

I won't fight for my preferences, since I know I'm on the losing side and may die before they ever finish the construction anyway. What disturbs most residents is what this will do to our  property values, since none of these  changes had been foreseen when we bought our homes.We know this development will forever change the character and peace of the neighborhood. We aren't happy about that. Many  residents also  want to see a financial plan for the maintenance of any improvements. The city is great at getting grants to build things they have no money  to maintain.

Park Photos

Dying Cottonwood Tree at Larry Moore Park,  © B. Radisavljevic

If some of the changes to the park that were discussed are implemented, it's possible that one or both of these two trees which may be in the way will be replaced. This cottonwood tree is almost dead. Most of the green on it is mistletoe. Vandals have destroyed the picnic table next to it. 

Large Willow Tree at Larry Moore Park,  © B. Radisavljevic

This large willow tree is in the center of the park. It is surrounded by poison oak. I would hate to lose either tree just because they are like park landmarks to me. The willow still seems healthy to me, but the cottonwood loses more branches each year, and it struggles to stay alive. You can click any photo to enlarge it.

I will show you more of the park itself in future posts. I have been taking photos of it since I moved here about twenty years ago. Here is a photo album I started about the park on Flickr. The second to last picture titled 365 Jan 7 Beginning of Trail to Bridge, is near one entrance to the park - the one closest to me. Some would like to see a parking lot to the left of the trail there. To see how colorful this portion of the park is in October, see "What's Blooming in Larry Moore Park In October?"

Those who want to stay informed of new decisions and meetings about the park, can visit the City Website for Park Maintenance.   I have given you more current information here than is appearing as I post this. Perhaps they will update it Monday. 

Here is one of my favorite river scenes taken from Larry Moore Parkin jigsaw puzzle form. The same photo is available on many other products from postcards and magnets to mugs and electronic cases. I just like puzzles. 

Salinas River, Paso Robles, January

Drought Photos from Paso Robles

Drought in Paso Robles

The drought continues in Paso Robles in spite of a flash flood warning for the south-east part of the county for Friday. We did not see a drop of rain Friday, and only a few drops on Wednesday which evaporated within minutes after falling. When I was at Larry Moore Park on Wednesday, I could see the effects of the drought everywhere. These photos show the effects in our local park after months of no rain.

Dead Wood and Dry Weeds at Larry Moore Park, © B. Radisavljevic

 Jimson Weed Dying Too Soon with No Fruit at Larry Moore Park, © B. Radisavljevic

 Dry Grass Contrasts with Irrigated Playing Field at Larry Moore Park, © B. Radisavljevic

Learn  why  you should Beware of the Jimson Weed here, and see more photos of it in bloom and looking healthy.

Take Your Family to Leffingwell Landing

Leffingwell Landing is Cool

 Cambria is often twenty degrees cooler than Paso Robles during a heat wave. What's not to love? Anyone can enjoy Leffingwell Landing in Cambria. Some people enjoy napping in the park. Perhaps these folks first enjoyed a picnic in the shade of this enormous tree.

Napping at Leffingwell Landing in Cambria, © B. Radisavljevic

Leffingwell Landing is Accessible to All

The park and the ocean views are accessible to almost everyone, even those in walkers. One can just sit under the shade of a tree and look out toward Moonstone Beach and watch the ocean and the seagulls. This couple appears to be spending a relaxing afternoon doing just that.

Looking Out at the Sea at Leffingwell Landing in Cambria, © B. Radisavljevic

I didn't have time to walk the boardwalk on my short visit, but I didn't even need to leave the parking lot to get this view and many others of the ocean. If you're not doing anything special today, why not take someone special to Leffingwell Landing and have a cool afternoon?

A View of the Ocean at Leffingwell Landing, © B. Radisavljevic

Can't go to the beach? Take it with you in this iPad Mini Case.

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Getting Cool in Atascadero

Last year in August as I was walking through Heilmann Regional Park in Atascadero, I saw mostly brown grass and weeds among the oak trees. The Blue Oak Reservation Area was different. It actually had an area of green grass surrounding its playgrounds. But the children I saw were enjoying the fountain most of all. This fountain appears to be there just so children can stand in its very shallow pool as one of the geysers hits them. The geysers are hard to see, but they come from the colored dots. The boy is standing where one will hit him.

What is your favorite way to keep cool outside on hot days?

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Where There's Smoke, There's Fire

I went to Atascadero today to buy shoes, and as I drove south I could see smoke in the air. It was far enough away so that it almost looked like a dark cloud, but I knew better. The sky was not cloudy.

I knew the smoke was from the Cuesta Fire burning near Santa Margarita. I had to wait until I finished getting my shoes, and then I tried to find a place not blocked by buildings where I could take a photo. I finally wound up at Heilmann Regional Park and I took this photo from the parking lot above the Dove Reservation Area. The smoke had flattened a bit from the higher plumes I'd seen earlier, but you can still see a layer of gray above the mountains and trees toward the right side. Please click to enlarge the photo.

Are any fires burning near where you live?

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Day in the Shade Memories

One thing I love about my county is the opportunity to see local artists exhibiting their work in multiple places. One annual exhibit happens at Templeton City Park on the Saturday before Mother's Day every year. By that time the weather is nice and people are often looking for just the right Mother's Day gift. They know they will see many one-of-a kind items. The man in the picture to the left has probably seen a lot by now and is trying to decide if he should buy here or at another booth. This booth is Barry's Woodturning. To see more detail, click to enlarge a photo.

All kinds of artists come to exhibit. We see photographers and painters. People bring what they have created from glass,old flatware, old wine barrels, and any number of other inventive materials. There is always lots of handmade jewelry, as well. This booth features recycled metal objects. Things made from old flatware are very popular and were seen at more than one booth.

Besides the art exhibits, which I've barely introduced here, there is music on the stage and face painting and art activities for children. There is also wine tasting for the adults who want to relax and recover from all that "window" shopping. In the photo below you can see two of my winery neighbors exhibiting their wares.

These photos came from Day in the Shade 2012, but many of the same exhibitors come each year. If you'd like a more comprehensive tour of this event, I made one for Day in the Shade 2011 that give you a better idea of what there is to see, Besides the photos you will see a video of Dan Shattuck's very crowded booth of recycled flatware products, and an interview with glass artist Rachel Tamagni. 

Two Cottonwood Trees with Character at Larry Moore Park

Neglected Cottonwood Tree

Larry Moore Park is a wonderful place to see a variety of trees in all states of growth and damage. I personally think the damaged ones are more interesting.

Their suffering at the hands of wind, storm, and lightening have given them character that distinguishes them from the other trees in the park. Often the trees are just skeletons and the only green thing about them is the mistletoe that feeds on them.  Such is the tree in the photo here, which was taken in winter about four years ago. Except for all that mistletoe, it was still pretty much intact.

Above is that same tree on March 4 last year, from the other side. You can see its broken branch, much of it still on the ground. It gets worse and worse every year. No one seems to care. The trees closer to the river are just left to disintegrate when they fall,  but they are a bit better at hauling off parts of this tree a few months after the branches break off. Maybe that's because it's in the middle of the park near the trail. Even the vandalized picnic bench has not been fixed in over a year.

Another Cottonwood in the Park

Today I shot this picture of a cottonwood tree near the other end of the park. It's actually not in the park itself, but on private property next to the park on the cul-de-sac.  It is beginning to leaf out with new growth, but you can see it's also been reshaped a bit by nature. It is very close to the south entrance of the park at the end of Riverbank.

Large Oaks Near the Old Carnegie Library in the Paso Robles City Park

I'm taking it easy today, so this post will be short. Most of my readers have figured out that I love the oak trees that live near me. Paso Robles is named for its oaks, They were here before the almond trees or the grape vines that later brought Paso Robles to national attention.

Some of the city's largest oaks are downtown, and some dwell in the City Park. That is where this one lives. It is next to the old Carnegie Library, now the Historical Museum. This photo was taken around February a few years ago as it was beginning to get dark.

To see a view of more of the park's trees and the old library building itself, which has become a landmark to all who love Paso Robles,  I show you this photo. The tree above is just one of the large oaks in the City Park. This photo shows you more of them, as well as some of the other trees. The photo was taken in June, 2011, before the restrooms you see in the background were replaced. The Old Carnegie Library building is not small, but you can see how the trees dwarf it.

Does your city have one of the original Carnegie libraries? Does it have large oak trees?

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The Lake at Barney Schwartz Park in Paso Robles

Yesterday I pictured some children enjoying the  various levels of Barney Schwartz Park they could use for riding their scooters. I also discovered there is a small lake (one million gallons) where children can fish without a license. (Adults do have to get licenses.) I was surprised to see a lake here considering how short Paso Robles is of water. (They are rationing when and for how long we can water our landscaping, and the Board of Supervisors is imposing new ordinances that prevent some farmers and vineyards from planting new crops.)

The lake is attractive, and the many turtles make it even more so. Most of the rock tops are occupied by the turtles.  I'm guessing that they help keep the mosquito population down by eating the larvae in the lake before they hatch into adult mosquitoes. Here is a closer look at the turtles on a rock.



One of the most attractive features of the lake is the small waterfall that seems to fill it or recirculate the water from the other side of the bridge.

Do you have lakes, creeks, rivers, or oceans near you?

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