Oak Branch with Moss and Poison Oak

It was a lazy morning in the Kenwood Reserve. On the way we passed the Kenwood Restaurant with its huge kinetic winged sculpture, The VJB Cellars which would soon be serving wine, pizza and sandwiches in its Tuscan inspired patio, and the Kunde Family Vineyards, where dog hikes will take place later in the summer. The Kenwood Spa was quiet, and nobody was out working in the Nursery next door. Even the dog park only had one or two dogs within, and they seemed to be sitting and waiting for something to happen, instead of their usual racing around and barking.

The clouds were lifting to reveal sunny blue skies as we climbed the hill in the reserve. The grass in the open fields was golden and crisp, Grackles suddenly bursting above it catching insects, and foxtails lurking within its depths waiting to embed themselves into the unwary dog's nose or paw. It ripples in the slightest breeze and murmurs with insects.

Despite last week's heat wave, the Spanish Moss, lichens and mosses, growing on the oak trees and dripping from their branches, were as luxuriant as ever, coating an oak branch with curly green fur and contrasting with the poison oak, translucent and pink with the sun behind it. Unlike the moss, the poison oak has responded to the heat by turning red in mid- June instead of waiting for its usual Autumn transformation. At least this makes it a good deal easier for humans to avoid the nasty consequences of contact with its leaves.

Back at home, it is still quiet as we await the arrival of the youngest grandchildren, Maya and Owen who are going to spend the night with us. Perhaps we will take them to Lake Ralphine tomorrow where grandson Will is working at the boathouse and there are swans and ducks to be fed....