Cayden, Audrey, Joy, Robin, and Cayla (August 15, 2021) — Images by kenne
With the arrival of Robin late afternoon on the 15th, we were able to spend time with all the Morris grandchildren — missioned accomplished! This image captured the shared pleasure of all, especially that of grandma, Joy.
Cayla practicing her new found skill of tying bows
Kenne and Cayla in Backyard — Image by Joy
While spending time with the Morris’s, we were able to spend most of our time outside. When we were inside, we wore masks.
The days blur as we self-quarantine, to make less work for others. The days blur, the spot on the floor next to my bed, my feet land with a thud and I am IT director, chef, housekeeper, nurse, and tele-worker all before 9am. The days blur, my hand on backs, foreheads, my ears alert for coughing, thermometer at the hip like a gunslinger. The days blur, I touch my husband, so I don’t forget what it feels like. The days blur from rain or crying, the world a watery vision framed by window panes. The days blur until it’s midnight, 1am—I’ve waited out the cacophony of children for a silence smothered in anxiety. Privilege is a house, the hum of a deep freezer, a steady job. The days blur and my waistband expands as my mind frays, needing a hem. The days blur and the wound I am oozes, the scab yet to start. The days blur and racists fight for the right to be served—humanity is a bauble and capitalism has slashed the price. The days blur as COVID types its initials on a new high score and doctors adjust the margins. The days blur and when I finally walk out my door, the world will be less, not more.
Kenne with Elementary School Kids In Sabino Canyon — Image by Teacher
Starting in October of each year Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists (SCVN) teach elementary school kids about nature five days a week, However, because of the pandemic classes will not be coming to Sabino Canyon till at least next October.
Fall Colors Along Sabino Creek Hiking to Hutch’s Pool — Panorama by kenne
One of my favorite hikes is to Hutch’s Pool. In the past, the Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists (SCVN) would guide a fall and spring hike, each hike having a many as 15 hikers. However, like so many things, not this fall because of the pandemic. The trail is open, but not for groups.
— kenne
* * * * *
I bear many scars,
but I also carry with me moments
that would not have happened
if I had not dared
to go beyond my limits.
— Paulo Coelho
Crossing Sabino Creek Below Hutch’s Pool — Image by kenne
I was stationed on the Japanise island of Okinawa for 18 months, 1967-68. During my stay, it was not uncommon to see some people wearing facemasks. This was something I was not use to seeing, so I asked why?
I was told that the person probably had a cold, and out of respect for others, they were hoping to not spread their germs. “Out of respect for others, ” I thought. How nice and novel. It told me a lot about the people of Okinawa. Since then, I have noticed that when I see someone wearing a facemask in public, they are of Asian descent.
Now that the world is experiencing a pandemic, it would be nice if we all showed respect for others by wearing a facemask in public. One of the things we have learned about this virus is that we can have it and not experience any systems, yet spread the virus. By showing respect for others, we can stop the spread of COVI-19. Wouldn’t that be novel?
Ed Rawl On Wilderness Rocks Trail (June 29, 2012) — Image by kenne
On the morning of May 9, 2020 (6:00 am), we gathered with Ed’s brother, Rick, in the overflow parking lot for entrance into Sabino Canyon to celebrate Ed’s life. Ed died from a stroke on April 18, 2020. The is the third of three postings on Ed’s death:
He had requested that his ashes be spread at a location where one could see both the sunrise and sunset. Because of the pandemic, the main entrance and services in Sabino Canyon were closed, which is why the event was scheduled to begin in the Sabino Canyon overflow parking lot.
After a few words from Rick, a group of about 20 hiked a short distance to a perfect location on the Esperero Trail. Several in the group shared their experiences with and love for Ed.
This video is meant to capture the essence of the celebration without making the video too long. Like his friends, Ed loved nature. It is therefore fitting that the point his ashes were being spread, a rabbit came into the picture, sitting there watching the ceremony.
I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journeywork of the stars,
And the pismire is equally perfect, and a grain of sand, and the egg of the wren,
And the tree-toad is a chef-d’oeuvre for the highest,
And the running blackberry would adorn the parlors of heaven,
And the narrowest hinge in my hand puts to scorn all machinery,
And the cow crunching with depressed head surpasses any statue,
And a mouse is miracle enough to stagger sextillions of infidels,
And I could come every afternoon of my life to look at the farmer’s girl boiling her iron tea-kettle and baking shortcake.
My previous post was a reblogged from April 28, 2013, “Lily of the Desert.” Because of
the pandemic, I haven’t been on the trails in Sabino Canyon and the nearby
mountains. The Forest Service has closed access to parking areas and campgrounds,
but not the trails. One such trail is the Arizona Trail, which winds through the Santa
Catalina Mountains. One place to access the Arizona Trail is in Molino Basin. So,
this morning I headed up the Catalina Highway to the 4000-foot level to photograph
the wildflowers, which are beginning to blooming at this elevation level. Among the
flowers blooming were the mariposa lilies.