Monday, July 27, 2026

[Dave]

A few days ago on a mid-morning walk I altered my usual route and spotted a house dwarfed by an old and very tall tree; I estimate its height to be nearly 100 feet (30.5 meters).

The tree showed some interesting textures...

   

   

And there were pink flowers reaching all the way to the top. I don't know if the tree and the flowering plant are in a symbiotic relationship or if the flowers are parasitic invaders.

[Rich]

Greetings Dave and all! Been AWOL for a while. I don't have much except classic cars. Been extremely hot for way too long, in the 90-100 range. Not a lot of fun being outside. This tree is what Bob Ross would call a knarly tree! Very moody shots Dave!

[Dave]

Hi Rich, and thanks.

I'm sorry about your brutal heat. I'm definitely spoiled in coastal SoCal, the hottest I've had to deal with lately is 83 (28 C) and I find that anything above 80 to be unbearable. Meanwhile inland and especially in the SoCal deserts it can  approach 120 (49 C).

[Quint]

Hi Rich & Dave,
Yes, the coastal strip is the place to be. Oregon has many fires this summer especially east of the Cascades. I recall but don't miss the many times I got called to go on fires during my career. Often around midnight and a long six hour drive to be gone for a week or two. All calm here on the NW coast though with no smoke and clear skies.

[Dave]

Hi Quint and thanks for checking in.

It sounds like your temps have been comfortable, and that most of the fires have been east of your area.

Whether your fire-fighting work was a career or as a volunteer, I thank you for your service and I tip my hat to you.

[Man From Ironbark]

Nice textures Dave.

[Dave]

Thank you sir.

[Man From Ironbark]

Kind of reminded me of the texture a frogmouth appears to have.

[Dave]

The strange and wonderful frogmouth may be my favorite of your bird species; another of the unique types of flora and fauna in your country.

And you're right - the wood textures and the frogmouth's plumage look amazingly alike.