fog, snow, work

This is Comanche Creek, AKA Edgar Slough. The City of Chico is still quite confused about their plan for the area but the neighbors are going forward with clearing out invaisive plants and had a gusto of a blackberry (fore ground) root removal party yesterday. In this peaceful shot down into the creek you can also barely see escaped iris in the creek and scragly ailanthus against the sky and scads more blackberry. The city neglected the creek for a long time...I think they assumed that getting a passive park here wouldn't happen and that the road and bridge would eventually prevail (even though the voters said NO in 2001.) The persistence of the good neighbors is where I'd put my faith. Next work day is Jan. 22nd 11-1pm so grab your gloves and get your back ready...

We finally got up to the snow and were able to collect at least 60 gallons of veggie oil from the restaurants up by Lassen. It was very pleasing to give each a copy of the Veggie Voyagers book. Even though I bet we don't share the same politics I think they are happy to feel part of this sustainability effort.

The snow quality was terrible but being in the woods, in the deep hollow silence that opens your awareness to the slightest sound is something I compare with the twitch of Sasha's moist black nose sensing a much richer world. The afternoon sun and shadow across the crystalline surface of the icy snow also amplifies the richness. Those diamonds become the dancing water down Deer Creek as it melts into the flow--really too bad the snow pack doesn't hold better as we head into deepening global warming.

It's foggy when it is supposed to be sunny but that's December in the valley for you. I'd planned to be in the garden today. It's been a rough couple of weeks for politics but quite sustaining in terms of calories... Our placid neighbors decided to light up the night in a big way and that is a feast for the eyes. Their front yard redwood tree is lit as a Christmas tree (here fancifully out of focus,) and is visible all the way down the road in the still darkness. Despite the unnecessary electrical usage I can't bring myself to dislike light displays- the fact the lights come from China, yes.

(Nobody's perfect.)

There is much left unsaid in this post. I sure hope you are engaged and enraged but also in the balance you need and ready for the long haul... If you are in Chico PLEASE join us at the Peace Vigil next Saturday, Dec. 18th (3rd and Main Sts. 12:30-1:30 as for the last 50 years) to STAND in solidarity with Vets for Peace and others doing Civil Disobedience against the war in Afghanistan in Washington, D.C. on the 16th. Let's demand redirection of military spending for earthcare and civilian needs. Obama 202-456-1111/ Congressional Switchboard 202-224-3121.

"It's crucial to understand that as a society, we can reorganize. We can reorganize socially, politically and economically, and can reorganize according to our values." Rebecca Adamson