This has been a pretty reflective week, one of those where you find yourself examining deeper things...  I've actually been working on this entry for a couple of days now.  It started with the friend whom I had not seen in many years asking what I do besides work, only I was not satisfied with the answer that I had come up with.  Then later in the week, there was a Memorial Ceremony for someone dear to my heart.  Needless to say, it has been a week of searching for answers to many of life's mysterious questions for which there is an array of possible answers....

Then today, Sunday, a short hike in the hills overlooking a nearby small town.  Was great to be out in nature, listening to the water wash over the rocks of the creek that paralleled the trail we were on.  Disappointing not to see the waterfall that was supposed to be near the summit of the trail  (maybe too hot and dry already), however, there were a couple small ones leading into tiny pools calling to refresh ones inner balance.  We thought of climbing over to one of the pools and dipping our feet in, but then decided that the fresh blueberries at the local Farmer's Market were calling us back for another round.  Following all of it with a short drive out toward the beach and then a stop at the local book store in search of another guide book to the trails of the surrounding areas.  (The books already in my library left a gap of this area.)  And of course, this wonderful day spent in the company of a friend. 

Then tonight while giving the vegetables and trees in my yard/garden area a little extra water, a new sprout with a few baby leaves on one of the grape plants that previously appeared to be only a half dead twig sticking out of the dirt.  Some signs of vegetables to come on one of the squash and bell pepper plants, and the Oak bonsai seems to be continuing to sprout new leaves - YES!  (By the way, as you all get to know me, you will better understand the excitement of the success - though it may be small.  In the past, most every plant I have ever tried to grow ends up dieing off.  We also live in Zone 10 which scorches the life out of almost all plants.  So any success is still major success for me.)  I do have to admit that on the vegetables, my roommate who is helping, guiding me through the process, has grown vegetables before, even in containers like we are doing now.

The roses have been in full bloom for a while now, the apricot and peach trees are loaded and beginning to drop the just ripening fruit, not to mention the green ones knocked off by the possum family living between mine and my neighbor's yards.  The dogs also filled with excitement over chasing the rabbits from their space every chance they get.  If they would just stop catching their leashes on the sprinklers and snapping them off!  Gives me something else to tinker with out there, I guess...

All in all, even though many questions have run through my mind this week, not all of them answered to my satisfaction, still a very satisfying peaceful end to the week.  And a pretty good start to the summer weekend adventures.