April 10th will henceforth be known, here at Munk’s Hollow, as Piaf Night…the evening a little sparrow flew in and decided to sleep over.

That was a great last show, as far as things like that go. I recall it had a 3 Caliban rating…the number of actors who had previously played Caliban.

The last time I was in a show was January of 2019. I thought I was taking a year off to be available for my pops. Then came the pandemic and then the move, with a grueling commute. Seven years later, and I just awoke from an actor’s nightmare in which I managed to make the director cry.

Thank you, kindly, Joel.

Thank you, kindly, as well, Ashley.

Thank you, kindly, Ross.

Out for a low-key birthday dinner at our local Mexican restaurant.
Waitress: Have you seen our senior specials?
Me: Girl, it’s been ONE DAY!

Dear gentle sir, having received your eloquent post of natal anniversary well-wishes, I am both obliged and delighted to break from the frivolities of the day to extend my most warm and welcoming gratitude. Something, something, road rising up to meet you, and whatnot. ☘️

Four rusty red irises, rising up amongst pink roses.

After our rainy February, the weeds are bursting up in the backyard, here at Munk’s Hollow. So are the Irises.

It was really nice to hear Avery Brooks speaking in the role of Benjamin Sisko, once again, like a favorite uncle who’s long been traveling abroad, leaving a voicemail.

An Extreme Cold Watch has been issued for much of the Bay Area and Central Coast from 1 AM to 9 AM Friday. Ensure portable heaters are working properly and are used correctly, do not use generators or grills inside, & make sure that animals have... https://x.com/NWSBayArea/status/2008866440649072871

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Forecast calling for eight days of rain, here in Patterson, starting tomorrow. Monday & Tuesday, 100% chance. Friday through Tuesday, 80% or higher. A mere 75% likelihood, the following Wednesday.

Precipitation map showing two Pineapple Express atmospheric rivers, one running from north of Hawaii to Alaska, the other from south of Hawaii to the coast of Mexico.

Pull out your slickers and galoshes, it’s gonna be a wet week.

Across the street begins green fields, as the northern border of Patterson’s housing development ends and agriculture begins. An old barn and farmhouse can be seen in the distance. Far off, to the left, the Diablo Range rises and runs south.

Took the pups for an extra long walk, to the edge of the neighborhood.

So…what did Santa bring ya?

A precipitation map, showing a band of rain that stretched upwards, across the entire western coast of the US.

A wind map, showing the high winds associated with the string of storms. The California coast was bearing the brunt of it. We were averaging 21 mph winds at my location, with gusts up to 40 mph.

Looks like we’re getting a break from the ‘atmospheric river’ storms. Here are weather map captures from about 2:30 am, the first night, showing the rain and winds. Our area fared well, but our pets were getting cabin fever.

This might very well have been the busiest work year I’ve experienced in over thirty years, and I’m not quite done yet, either. Can’t say I’m thrilled about it. I am grateful to have a job, though.

A large, wild turkey perches on a ramp’s handrail

Now that November is behind us, this guy was feeling pretty cocky and showed up outside of the office cafeteria.

Wait until you find out what day of the week it was when Garfield died.

And here we thought the Thanksgiving table was the most divisive holiday experience!

I know! I was that kid who loved all the candies the others did not, so I make sure to offer a wide selection. Ten minutes later, and the basket was empty.

The last few candy bars, mostly Almond Joy

Choices were made

basket of candy, awaiting the little ghouls

So it begins

A Halloween bouquet of orange and midnight blue, on our credenza. Bastet balances the display with a lovely bow around her neck.

Some subtle Halloween flavor is showing up, here at Munk’s Hollow.

“Fireball is very effective. You know what’s even more effective? Lightning Bolt.”

No! I’ll add that to my list for the next trip. Thanks!

(Oops! I had replied through my art account.)

Had a craving for fall flavor snacks, so I drove over to Modesto for a Trader Joe’s trip. I haven’t been there in quite a while and I really wanted to buy just about everything.

A sad day for big hats and wide belts.

Never Miss Saigonna Give You Up

Cosmo had evaded a trip to the vet on Wednesday, but we got him there on Thursday. He was not happy. He held a grudge for most of that evening, but he seems to have mostly forgiven us.