First weekend of July

Foxgloves galore

I wasn't able to capture the beauty of the foxgloves on our Independence Day hike, but I was not shy about snagging this picture from fellow hiker Joe's Facebook post. Even this wonderful picture does not show what I saw with my own eyes, but it does show it so much better than anything I took. Fourteen of us hiked just under nine miles and several thousand feet of up and down, so Friday I took the day off, just a short walk to the bus and the coffee shop, and then home again the same way. I was the only one of our usual coffee shop crowd who showed up, so it was easy to saunter back to the bus without anybody to even say hello to.

Yesterday was a much different story. I drove to the coffee shop and met Steve there, and the two of us walked to Squalicum Harbor, one of our favorites, because it would be near the water and cooler. It turned out to be a perfect walk, with temperatures feeling even cooler than they were because of a light breeze off the water. Once we returned to our cars and said our goodbyes, I felt much, much lighter and better in every way. Right now I am refusing to so much as turn on the news, since it never fails to bring me down, and I need all the help I can get to keep myself feeling positive. Nothing I can do or say will make a difference in the outcome, and I've given way too much time and money to political campaigns already.

On the way back, we stopped at the Marine Life Center so I could take a look at the giant Pacific octopus that was captured a few months ago. It won't be caged for a very long time, as it will be returned to the ocean before too long. They only live for three to five years, and they require plenty of care. When we arrived, the cage was being cleaned, but I was able to get close enough to snap this picture.

This is Sherlock

That round brown thing in the center is the head of the octopus, and many of its eight tentacles are visible as well. I think that is one of his two eyes on the right side of the mound, but I can't be sure; they are really strange looking creatures. I was curious about all the signs, admonishing people not to point at him, or stomp your feet, as it scares him. He can feel the vibration through the cage and the water, I guess.

I remember years ago watching a wonderful documentary called "My Octopus Teacher" on Netflix. I just checked; if you subscribe, you can still watch it, even four years after it was released. It's a wonderful way to learn about these amazing animals. And they are intelligent as well. This is from Wikipedia:

Octopuses are ranked as the most intelligent invertebrates. Giant Pacific octopuses are commonly kept on display at aquariums due to their size and interesting physiology, and have demonstrated the ability to recognize humans with whom they frequently come in contact. These responses include jetting water, changing body texture, and other behaviors that are consistently demonstrated to specific individuals. They have the ability to solve simple puzzles, open childproof bottles, and use tools. The octopus brain has folded lobes (a distinct characteristic of complexity) and visual and tactile memory centers. They have about 300 million neurons. They have been known to open tank valves, disassemble expensive equipment, and generally wreak havoc in labs and aquaria. Some researchers even claim that they are capable of motor play and having personalities.

 I think I will re-watch it myself, having just been introduced to Sherlock and enjoying learning so much more about the species. It is also one way I have found to give myself some positive input so that I can think about life with a more inclusive perspective. That, and looking every day at the Astronomy Picture of the Day. Today's selection shows rainbow-colored clouds at sunset over Sweden. 

The world is filled with wonders, and every time I lift my head and look out at what surrounds me, I am grateful. I am also grateful that, even if my sight is compromised, I can still see well enough to read and write, even if it is limited and not perfect. It's so much better than I feared, and fortunately there is some treatment to slow the progression. I get my next eye jab in August. Summer has arrived in this part of the world, too. We are under a heat advisory until late Tuesday, with our temperature expecting to reach almost 90°F. I know that sounds pretty lame to those of you experiencing triple digits every day, but for us it's, well, hot. We are in the Pacific Northwest and only occasionally see it get this hot. Homes rarely have air conditioning, but the stores and coffee shops do, thank goodness.

Steve took this yesterday

Steve asked me to take off my hat and sunglasses, but I couldn't bear the bright sun on my delicate eyes; I did take off the hat at least. Standing in front of the ice machine also made me feel a bit cooler, just seeing the sign was a reminder that ICE is not so far away.

I do hope you will find a way to stay rather comfortable during this heat wave, which is covering most of the country right now. And I also wish you might find your own way to happiness and contentment. It's there, if you look for it. I know I will be staying indoors in A/C for most of the really hot days. Until we meet again next week, I truly hope you will discover your serenity. I will be looking for mine and being good to myself. Be well, dear friends.