5.31 Although it was still morning my skin was hot and flushed from walking when a breeze came up to cool me off, which was almost as good as a plunge into the ocean, although not quite.

5.30 Today the clouds put on a show, swirling across the sky in an epic show of modernistic art.

5.29 We were walking down the path toward the giant redwoods, and in a meadow off to the side stood a great blue heron, still and elegant, until quietly he lifted into the sky.

5.28 I walked into the dingy and windowless space, and my colleague said “Hello, I’m so happy you’re here”, her smile brightening up the entire room.

5.27 It’s a holiday, shared with family, tennis and wonderful Greek food.

5.26 The bees danced in the Phacelia, buzzing a happy song.

5.25 I went out for a morning walk when the fog was pouring over the hills from the Bay, the wind was chilly, and San Francisco summer was underway.

5.24 Although he thought he was finished, and despite the start of a holiday weekend, the craftsman returned when a late-arriving part showed up, earning our admiration and gratitude.

5.23 As I work in the community garden, a neighbor approaches to say thank you, share a story of how he is learning from our work, and I know it’s all worth it.

5.22 Walking up the hill behind my house I breathed in the clean, minty smell of eucalyptus on my way to my First 5000.

5.21 The chaos of construction has finally ended, and I am reveling in the quiet that has followed.

5.20 Earlier this year I threw out a mix of California poppy seeds along with some gathered by a friend at Pt. Reyes, and now there are small pink poppies peaking out among all the orange.

5.19 I am engulfed by the warmth of the sun and the fragrance of the damp earth as I water the new bean plants, just poking up through the soil and looking like little pixies.

5.18 Everywhere I look I see the color green in all its varied, rich hues and textures serving as the backdrop for more showy neighbors flaunting their reds, blues and golds.

5.17 For more than fifty years we have walked together, side by side, in a lifetime of companionship.

5.16 About thirty people from various gardening groups and the Park Foundation come together alongside neighbors, joining in the common goal of celebrating pollinators by building a garden filled with native plants.

5.15 Carefully, and little by little, we slowly begin to rebuild a lost connection one conversation at a time and I am filled with hope.

5.14 After trying to help him with his tomato plants, making sure they aren’t under attack from aphids, he shows me the deep red rose which smells wonderful.

5.13 Slowly the first quail, plump and brightly marked with white, pokes his head out and then turns, waiting for the other who follows until the two scurry together across the open space with their funny wobbly walk.

5.12 Wandering down the crowded grocery aisle I heard a familiar and loved voice, and turned to find my son and his wife grinning at me.

5.11 On the day before Mother’s Day, I received a bouquet of flowers from a native garden, uniquely California.

5.10 Three pairs of Canada geese sailed smoothly across the glassy water, each trailing a family of little goslings.

5.9 As I stood pondering all the weeds, I was buzzed by a hummingbird, its bright eye staring at me curiously.

5.8 Finishing a good book that’s been engrossing and thoughtful can be like closing the door on some new friends, expected but also a little sad after sharing a special time together.

5.7 A brilliant orange flower bloomed which I never would have chosen, except a special friend gave it to me and as always, opened new ways of seeing.

5.6 I saw an old friend today, and together we spoke the common and familiar language born from years of intimate conversation.

5.5 It rained yesterday, and today raindrops are sparkling on the trees in the early morning sun.

5.4 An unexpected heavy rain followed by a hint of sun, and then finally a few timid birds reappear.

5.3 When things get difficult, the heartwarming support of family sees us through.

5.2 There’s new growth on the coffeeberry, poppies, yarrow and fuschia and the native garden finally seems poised to take off.

5.1 Welcome to the first day of May, and the heady smell of the flowers on the lemon tree opening to the warmth.