JaimeBlogers

2025

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 15:24:00 +0000

Top 12 of 2025:

11. Taking a croissant baking class with friends.

10. Picking black caps along the trail Steve made for me.

9. Growing a real garden again after a 6 year hiatus.

8. Watching how sorghum syrup is made at our first Thresheree.

7. Taking a walk with Terra around our "neighborhood".

6. Volunteering with Aunt Vicki at the food pantry.

5. Sunglasses shopping with Helya in San Diego.

4. Learning about my brother Ryan's sweet life in Reno.

3. Living it up poolside in Cabo for Michael and Andrea's wedding.

2. Seeing my dad's smiling face as everyone enjoyed his art.

1. Night out in Milwaukee at the Jason Isbell concert with my mom.

0. Celebrating 15 years of marriage at the wildest House on the Rock

Soundtrack:

Billie Eilish - Birds of a Feather

M83 - Spinning Fury (Part 1)

Pema Lima

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 15:24:00 +0000

2024

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Sun, 16 Feb 2025 00:28:00 +0000

Top ten of 2024:

10. Going back in time in Arkansas

9. Upping my baking game and discovering German Christmas cookies

8. Madison summers - paddle boarding, live music, MadCity ski team.

7. Snuggling with new soft baby bantams

6.Wine tasting in Napa with my best friend since the third grade

5. Watching Steve delight in retirement

4. Hiking in Montana with my mom

3. Relaxing in Aunt Vicki's Augusta backyard, surrounded by family

2. Eating soup in Munich

1. Walking to the neighborhood barn party and exploring the countryside with my love

Music: Fleetwood Mac - Everywhere

2023

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Sat, 22 Jun 2024 19:03:00 +0000

Top Ten Moments of 2023:

10. E-biked the lake loop around Lake Monona

9. Bucket list item - crashed a wedding and danced to Shania Twain

8. Spending time with family at my cousin's beautiful backyard wedding in Arizona

7. Getting 7 tiny baby chicks in the mail.

6. Being bougie in D.C.

5. Slumber party with my best-friend-since-the-third-grade in San Francisco

4. Seeing The National live with my lovey

3. Burgers and beer with my dad in Avila Beach

2. Singing at the top of my lungs with my best friends on the Peddle Tavern in Nashville

1. Sipping prosecco in Piazza del Repubblica, Cortona, Italy

Music: Paprika by Japanese Breakfast and #41 by Dave Matthews Band

Goodbye Special-Needs Charley

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 02:36:00 +0000

I am so sad to share that our sweet Special-Needs Charley girl joined Bannie and Bubkat in chicken heaven. Charley had such a tough start and frankly, we didn't think she'd even be strong enough to grow into the peppy and sparkly little bird that she became. She was the smallest of the pack, and struggled with poor eyesight which led to over-scratching her poor eyes and cheeks to the point her skin was rubbed raw. She had trouble pecking at bugs and making it up to the roost at night. We gave her eye drops and neosporin, but mostly, we gave her all of the love and quality time that we could. Steve built ramps and stairs and perch-assists for Charley, and we carried her to her friends when she got left behind. Steve collected crickets and made sure Charley got the most. We'd shoo the other birds away when we found a score of beetles and bugs so that Char would have a fighting chance at chasing after them. She loved it. She'd squeal with delight chasing those crickets and pincher bugs, and thanked us with visits, hops onto our lap, cuddles, and snuggly naps.

Charley was so unique and funny. When she found herself alone because she didn't see her friends run off, she'd stand on the edge of the deck and crow! I mean like a rooster crow! She picked this up from her rooster friends...they crow often...and crowing can mean a call out to tell others where you are. She learned this and called out the sweetest, tiniest crow and guess what...her friends ran back to her! Often times from way across the field.

Charley also loved sunbathing but what she loved the most was sunbathing in my lap. She'd lay there in the nook of my legs with her wings spread out, soaking in the rays and the love. She could lay there for hours if I let her. She closed her eyes while she drank water, hopped onto my knee every time I bent down to say hello, fell asleep in my hands almost instantly, loved dust baths, her favorite treat was tomatoes, she was so so soft and had the sweetest scent.

Char ran up to Steve every time he was around...without fail. She absolutely loved getting pet by Steve. She'd fly up to his shoulder or arm or back if he was nearby. She was a great flyer. Sometimes, when she found herself alone, ditched as her friends explored the treeline, she'd try to get to them across the field by flying. She would catapult herself straight up into the air as if she was reaching for the tippy tops of the oak trees, and then she'd land and with a quick gleeful and wobbly run, she'd catch up to her best pals.

We didn't like when she was alone because we knew she was more apt to a hawk attack given her size and lack of eyesight. On her last day with us, she followed her friends to a whole new area of the yard - the front woods by the driveway. They all had the best time together, scratching and exploring the new vast underbrush and shaded hillside. Being completely covered by trees, we thought they'd be safe. I sat with them for an hour, just watching them all play together and then I brought Charley up with me to the coop to do some chores. She called out to her friends and I felt bad so I walked her back down, with a feeling in my stomach that I just wasn't sure about.

Thirty minutes later, Steve yelled to me that hawk flew out of the trees and he heard screaming. He knew someone was attacked. We ran down and searched for the babies but they were no where to be found. I finally heard their sweet beeps call out to me, and found a group under a sticker bush. It took me awhile to tell, but they were all there except one...Charley.

We continued to search the woods and finally found her feathers....and then nearby her poor slumped little body. She was still warm and we couldn't find any large wounds so I held out hope she was still alive and cradled her in my arms for awhile until Steve had to convince me she was gone. My sweet, tiny Charley couldn't escape the tight squeeze of that hawk.

I wish I would have kept her with me at the house but at the same time I am so glad she had a fun last day with her friends in the trees and I know that is where she belonged and will now rest forever.

We miss our Char Char so much...she gave us back the love that we gave her and it's so rare that a tiny chicken would do that. We are lucky and so happy we had the time with her that we did and know she lived a very happy and spoiled life with us and her little friends.

BubKat

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 14:13:00 +0000

2022

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 00:54:00 +0000

Top six of 2022:

6. Curry in Belfast, Ireland.

5. Disneyland with my chem twin.

4. Death Cab show with my Mom.

3. My brother Ryan's surprise for my 40th birthday.

2. Raising our chicken beepers.

1. My brother Philip survived!

Soundtrack:

1) Nick Drake - Pink Moon

2) Death Cab for Cutie - I Will Possess Your Heart

Bannie

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Sun, 13 Nov 2022 19:34:00 +0000

Missing my sweet Bannie every day.

2021

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 03:48:00 +0000

A few things that happened during Year 2 of the Pandemic:

I read 12 books.
I mastered my sourdough loaf recipe.
I became a Big Sister with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.
I played frisbee with my dad and brother like the old days.
I dipped my toes in Lake Michigan.
I SUPed for the first time.
I finally visited Red Lodge, MT
I went back to work onsite (and put on hard pants).
Steve and I went to a Milwaukee Brewers game.
I threw a 70th birthday/Retirement party for my dad.
I hammocked.
I danced in my kitchen with my parents.
Steve grew his hair longer than mine and perfected the man bun.
I surprised my bonus dad for this 60th birthday in Montana.
I went to Yellowstone National Park.
We got vaccinated and boosted.
I happily attended a virtual baby shower.
I sadly attended a virtual memorial service.
I roasted mallows in my own fire pit.
I hauled and stacked a ton of wood.
I wore a mask everywhere.
I cooked and ate deer and cow testicles.
I got a haircut.
Steve got a haircut.
I celebrated 15 years with Promega.
I turned 39!

Enjoy the show!

Music:

Snow in Gothenburg by Kasbo
Bizarre Love Triangle by New Order

Growing old together

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 22:36:00 +0000

Isn't it romantic

A walk in the white winter woods

A sugary sweet smooch among the owl hoots

Isn't it fun

A bonfire above the frozen alfalfa

Bubbly brown mallows and ice cold beer

Reminiscing about where we've been

Skateboarding along del playa

Dancing with the girls DT

An email about getting caught in the rain

Avocado and CD surprises

Phone numbers scratched on paper

Eating quesadillas in my studio

Talking to the plants and listening to Of Montreal on Higuera

Tall cans and tunes over the shower radio at Montana de Oro

Motorcycle rides to the pines in a pink helmet

Growing palms and tending fruit trees

Tending to our hearts

Big eyed winding through white country roads

New red birds and orange tractors

Grey hair and tiny wrinkles framing kind eyes

Every single simple moment before this moment

Brought us here

And still we grow old together.

2020

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Wed, 30 Dec 2020 22:44:00 +0000

Music:

1) Weird Fishes / Arpeggi by Radiohead

2) Bros by Wolf Alice

3) Fake Empire by The National

4) The Wild by Mumford and Sons

The Best Thing We Ever Saw - Final Chapter

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Sun, 01 Nov 2020 19:43:00 +0000

To bring you up to speed, in 2018 a pair of barn owls moved into our owl box in our backyard in Arroyo Grande, California. I documented the activity and you can read the previous posts here:

Part 5 - Flappy takes flight

Part 4 - The baby fluff fades

Part 3 - the owlets appear at the box door

Part 2 - the babies squeal with delight

Part 1 - Baby owlets are born

Today's post is the final chapter of that first year. Another pair (or maybe one of the 2018 crew) raised their young again in 2019. I'll share another post with pictures from 2019 to follow.

Flappy was the first owlet to fledge so in my last story he had just made his first few flights while his brothers watched eagerly from the door.

July 31

Flappy emerges early and jumps out of the box right away, landing straight on the willow. Then he makes a risky attempt and flies clear across the yard to try to land on a wire. He misses and falls to the ground. In defeat, he hops over to Steve’s work table for a rest. From there, he flies to the top of the box for more dancing and jumping. He flies into the nursery and then reappears on the phone wire above.

Pally and Squeaky are getting anxious at the door. We can see Pally really wanting to follow after his brother but is so nervous flapping his wings inside the box and looking all around. Finally, he makes a jump for the willow and crashes hard. He recovers and stays still while Flappy encourages him to flap his wings! He flaps and flies into the big tree and misses and falls to the ground. At the same time Squeaky jumps to the willow. He isn’t ready but he is missing out on the fun so he plunges for the willow. He is so discombobulated he isn’t sure what to do. Flappy joins him in the willow to coach him through it. Together they flap their wings.

Flappy returns to the top of the box for a rest. Pally makes his way to the wood pile and walks back and forth along the ridges of the wood. He seems confused and never flaps. Squeaky stays in the willow not sure what to do. Flappy gets bored and goes back inside.

Squeaky attempts to fly to the box from the willow but can’t get any height. He gets stuck on the pole and falls to the ground.

Night falls and we aren't sure if Squeaky or Pally found their way back. Mom comes by to drop off food and there's lots of squeaking but it's hard to tell where the noises are coming from.

Steve turns on a light to check it out and sure enough Pally is on the pole of the wood pile and Squeaky is still on the ground underneath the box. They look a little out of place. Squeaky gets scared and flaps his way along the ground into the safety of the willow.

All night long we hear screeches and screams, crashes and chaos. The sound of metal clanking and who knows what - sometimes sounding very close to the patio outside our bedroom window. The raucous doesn't end so we have to close the window.

In the morning I check the box to see if Flappy and Pally are sitting in the window like usual, but it's just Flappy.

Maybe the other two never made it home? I scan the yard and wood pile looking for evidence. And then, I spot beautiful golden owl feathers nestled in the willow tree. The binoculars reveal it isn't just one owl in the tree..but both Pally and Squeaky!! Together, they are cuddled up among the branches and curly leaves. Pally, once again, being his usual best pal ever to his brother.

Meanwhile, Flappy is enjoying the peace of having the box to himself and sits in the window fast asleep. Will Pally and Squeaky find their way back to the box today? We shall see!!

August 1

After work, we check on the owls and Pally and Squeaky are still in the tree fast asleep!!!

At around 8pm, all of the owls wake up and Pally almost immediately flies into the box on his first try! Squeaks tries to follow but can't get his wings untangled from the willow. He has to reset and try again three times. On his final attempt he makes it to the box but just barely overshoots and lands on the roof!!

Flappy flies to the willow then to the roof to be with Squeaky to give him some wing flapping pointers. Meanwhile Pally is at the door acting like a baby - he is not as willing to fly out of the box again after being stuck in the willow all night and all day.

We soon realized Squeaky was not the best name because this calm bird did not make a peep this entire time...while Pally is hollering at the door nonstop. So we rename Squeaky to Fuzz. An ode to the baby owl fuzz that he still has all over his belly and atop his head.

Flappy is still having the time of his life, flying around longer distances to our chimney, pointing his butt in our direction and farting!! And then into the nursery, he hovers and lightly lands on a wire. He has it down!!! He stops on top of the box to visit and cheer up Fuzz, showing him how to jump and flap and give him encouraging kisses and preens.

Will Fuzz be on top the box all night or will he find some courage and fly around and make his way safely back to the box tonight!? Will Pally be too scared and never leave tonight?

August 2

Flappy makes his way out first thing to begin his practice. Pally is at the door but hesitating, still haunted by his long night in the willow. But eventually he goes for it. And now we see Fuzz is in the box, so he made it back the night before! Pretty quickly he follows Pally, not wanting to be left behind. Pally flies up to the top of the box while Fuzz honors his previous name and squeaks in the willow, too afraid to move but wanting to be near Pally. Eventually all three owls make their way to the top of the box and oh what a sight. Mom flies over seeing all her babies up there, proud as ever. Flappy shows them some wing flaps and head bobs and flies off to the wire. Fuzz flies back to the willow and crashes into the leaves.

Then Pally from up top the box wants to try something new. He flaps his wings and jumps towards the wire on the phone pole. But another wire was right in the way and he smacks right into it with a very loud crash. Pally falls straight to the ground. Fuzz and Flappy stare down at him squawking away with concern!

August 3 and 4

No Pally in sight but Steve hears three distinct calls.

August 5

Pally is seen!! He survived! All three birds are now flying around, getting more comfortable. They are all still practicing various moves - landing on a wire and sometimes not catching their balance and wobbling trying to stay on. Sometimes aiming to land on a wire and completely missing. Each night they go back to the box for feedings.

We see them outside of the box more and more but pretty soon they won’t go back to the box at all.

We hoped they'd stay in the sycamore tree and make it their new home, but night after night they'd fly further from the box, and eventually we stopped seeing them altogether. They grew up in our yard, and now as adults they are feeding themselves, finding their mates, and with any luck will return to our box to raise their own families.

This was our favorite experience with nature ever, and we talk about our owl friends often. A highlight of Dwight Ranch that we will never forget.

Grandpa Roger Harold Klein

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Tue, 21 Jul 2020 21:35:00 +0000

The Best Thing We Ever Saw - Part 5

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 00:52:00 +0000

On July 30th, FINALLY, after a few paces in front of the doorway, Flappy takes flight! He pushes his body out of the opening and falls, kerplunk, into the willow tree 3 feet away. Flappy's brothers are going nuts from the box. All we can see is a mass of white fluff at the door, screaming and squawking with amazement and glee at their big brother's big life event.

We look to Flappy who is still a little stunned at the reality that he is now OUTSIDE of the box! Finally, Flappy finds his way upright in the willow and climbs to the top of the tree and finally has the freedom for the first time in his little life, to flap his gorgeous, expansive wings.

After a few minutes of flapping and resting, he builds up the courage to try to go back to the box. He hesitates, jumps, and gets stuck at the window, not sure how to squeeze his big wings back in through the hole. His buddy Pally is blocking his way and is too excited to realize he needs to move so that Flappy can get in. Instead, he just gives his brother kisses and love pecks while Flappy is hanging on to the side of the box with no where to go. He finally finds the perch and lifts himself up and after that moment of panic, takes a breath. Pally and Squeaky give him kisses from inside the box and continue squealing with so many questions!

From the perch, Flappy is still trying to figure out how to get back in and decides to flap back to the willow. He turns around and steadies himself, ready to jump and flap with more confidence. He does two big flaps and this time lifts up and lands on top of the box! Now Flappy is on solid ground AND has space to practice his moves. He dances, jumps, flaps, and looks around at this whole new world. With each jump he lifts his talons higher and higher in the air, jumping back and forth across the box, and bobbing and weaving his head from side to side as if in celebration of this huge achievement.

Not sure yet how to slip into the box from the top, Flappy hops back to willow again. Then, after a few minutes gets brave and jumps to the next tree! Then from even further away this time, he attempts another flight back to the box, once again struggling to get in with his siblings in the way! They finally give him space and he crams through the opening...home at last. What a day!!!

7:15am - Flappy and Pally sleeping

8:30pm - Flappy made it back home, and is very tired after his first flight!

Amazing 2018

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 06:22:00 +0000

Top Moments of 2018:

Reconnecting with my very first friend who got married under the sweet magic of Tahoe pines.
Spending night after night on the patio watching and listening our owl family.
Surprising my best friend since the third grade and going on a double date.
Doing the Braves Tomahawk chop alongside my dad and brother at a real live baseball game.
Exploring the many cacti of Scottsdale with my love...and going skydiving!
Ellen!!! (And getting caught in the rain was pretty awesome too).
Dancing alongside beautiful people who make me feel good about being me.
Getting a giant feet-off-the-ground hug from my sweet little brother.
When my mom and Aunt Cathy drove across 3 states to bring me Grandma's chairs...and 5 cases of white clams. My heroes.
Finding my grandpa on my patio after a long day at work.
Jay Leno, pizza by the slice, and ice cream.
Watching Buckethead hand out toys to kids.
Waking up to crazy hummingbirds every single day. *It's January and they are still here!
Riding shotgun in my CEO's classic car.
Being cozy in Snoqualmie with my mom. We know how to do it right...avocado toast, waterfalls, rain and coffee, champagne, pizza, hot tubs, beer, shopping. And of course VIP status at Waxahatchee.
I played bocce ball twice this year. You guys - I told you I love sportz.
There's just something special about a white Christmas. Thank you Montana!(And can you even believe the Hauf had Waxahatchee on their juke box?) (And is it still called a juke box?)
Meeting a new friend from SLO... in Chicago!
I clocked more hours baking in my kitchen this year than any year since we've lived here. (You can thank my newest addiction, The Great British Baking Show).

Oh my goodness 2018 had so many great memories. SOOO grateful for a good year. I already know 2019 will be super great because...umm...
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...ITALY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay now go enjoy my video and turn up the volume!!!!!

Music:
1) Under the Pressure by The War on Drugs (yes, still obsessed)
2) Dreams by the Cranberries (my latest favorite kitchen dancing song)
3) This is Me from The Greatest Showman Soundtrack

The Best Thing We Ever Saw - Part 4

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 03:13:00 +0000

Throughout the rest of July, I set up a photoshoot every morning and evening. Eventually, the owlets got used to me and their initial shyness waned. They remained calm and curious even as I climbed my ladder and snapped an insane number of photos, paparazzi-style. As each day passed, they spent more and more time sitting at the window half-asleep, day-dreaming of their first flight.

Steve and I became familiar with each of the owls so we named them. We called the oldest owlet, Flappy, because he was the most eager to fly, and spent the max time planning his first move at the window. And as we learned a little later, he practiced flapping his wings inside the tiny box to the dismay of his siblings (adult barn owls have a wingspan of up to 3 feet!).

The next in line we called Pally, because he was always cuddled up next to his best pal Flappy. He nuzzled his brother and later continued to live up to the name..(stay tuned!)

And the third one who we rarely saw because his big brothers hogged the view, we called Fluff (which we later changed to Squeaky because his fluffy adolescent feathers went away, but he sure was the squeakiest of the bunch).

Day by day, their baby fluff faded, their color turned golden and their faces rounded more into the classic barn-owl heart shape. We knew it would be any day now before their first flight, and we waited patiently. The owlets were eager to meet the world.

Please excuse the poor video quality. They became most active at dusk which made it most difficult to film in little daylight.

The Best Thing We Ever Saw - Part 3

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Mon, 12 Nov 2018 00:34:00 +0000

Night after night we heard the squawks and squeals from the box and we knew they were getting fed and growing rapidly.

One early morning in July, as I got out of bed, I glanced out our bedroom window and I swear I saw a white blur in the owl box.

I rubbed my sleepy eyes and grabbed for my glasses. Yes! There was a creature sitting there! I ran for the binoculars and with great delight, I saw a sweet little furry baby peeking out at me.

That evening, Steve and I cozied up on our makeshift bed, waiting to be entertained by our furry friends. And just before dark, the babies made their way back in front of the door, two this time, shy but oh so curious about the vast world beyond their tiny cubed home.

The Best Thing We Ever Saw - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Sat, 13 Oct 2018 18:53:00 +0000

Since the owlets were mostly pink with not many feathers, we knew they still had up to 60 more days of maturing before we'd see them start to fledge. That is if they even survived the rest of the summer heat.

I had the idea to set up an airbed outside so that we could spend our evenings in comfort on the patio as we waited and wished for a moonlit owl flight. Each night, we'd sit quiet and still, waiting for the chirps of the babies to call out for their nightly feast. As dusk would fall, we'd see the parents swoop in, circling over the box to let them know food was on the way. The babies would squeal with utter delight at the sounds of their parents nearby. The adults would fly off in search of rats, mice, and rabbits to bring home to their growing kids. Then, just about when it was too dark to see the box, we'd hear SLAP! as dad dropped off the fresh kill, and the babies screamed at the top of their lungs in celebration.

The Best Thing We Ever Saw - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 18:49:00 +0000

I left you last with the hope of hearing sweet sounds of new baby owlets. We heard the new couple roosting for about 2 weeks once they moved in. Then, after about 6 weeks, it was pretty silent and we assumed they decided the box wasn't fit for their home, and we were actually pretty mad since they did so much harm to get the box in the first place. Well, it took awhile, but to our delight and surprise, after about 8 weeks we finally heard the subtle chirping of babies in the box, freshly hatched! So once again we listened each night as the chirps became more distinct and loud, and as we perked our ears we also held our breath and crossed our fingers. These little ones would survive. They had to!

But, summer was ramping up, and being a little late in the season for owlets, we were worried about their health and well-being under the relentless hot afternoon sun. With temperatures reaching 100 degrees, Steve took action and bought some insulation to install on top of the box. We waited until mom left the box on her first evening flight and we knew we had to move quickly before she came back. We hoisted the ladder up and the moment Steve took one step up the ladder, both mom and dad were right over our heads yelling out, super mad that we were near their kids. Steve looked inside the box and saw 5 babies huddled together in one giant ball of pink. I could hear them hissing at him as he peered inside. I frantically told him to hurry up so we could get out of there before we pissed off the parents too bad. He finished the job and we ran back, just before mama scratched our eyes out.

Meet Owly

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 03:15:00 +0000

Meet Owly, our beloved first ever Dwight Ranch barn owl resident who gave us many nights of pure wonderment and joy. She sat on her eggs with persistence and commitment, and waited patiently by the door for her love to bring food to their new baby owlets. She screeched, calling out when they were hungry, and danced in the air with her mate when she needed a break from feeding. Her partner was steady, beeping in each night, indicating he had treats to deliver. Back and forth all night with lovely calls to his family that he was nearby and working hard to provide.

We miss our dear Owly and her family. They had no choice but to find another home.

After one night filled with multiple feeding frenzies (we could hear the chicks get excited every time food was dropped off), Steve noticed something wasn't right. Sounds of wings slapping the box, aggressive squeals and squaks filled the air...not the usual beeps and chirps that we grew fond of.

The next night, no baby feeding noises - just long, sorrowful calls from Owly, over and over, all night long. No indication of any feeding was happening, and Owly came and went from the box all evening. We assumed maybe something happened to the male Owl and they weren't getting any food dropped off and Owly was calling out, with no help coming!

The next evening, we watched out our bedroom window as we had grown accustomed to doing, hoping to hear the babies once again. But this time we saw the pair, Mom and Dad, flying around the box. Owly went into the box again and this time she sat at the door looking out, crying over and over. Her mate flew to a nearby branch and perched silently. We watched, waiting for him to dive down and get food for Owly and her chicks. But he just sat there - still and quiet while Owly bellowed and sobbed at the door.

We knew then...her babies were dead.

Owly continued to cry at the door for hours, while her partner sat patiently on the branch nearby, giving her occasional calls letting her know he was there with support and compassion and love.

The next day, Steve peeked into the owl box, and opened it up, and sure enough, three owlets were laying dead in each corner. No indication of starvation. We cleaned out the box, and said our goodbyes to these beautiful creatures who were just starting to get their real feathers - who were well taken care of by mom and dad, and who were the innocent bystanders of a cruel natural world.

That very night, a new pair moved in, and we realized in that moment, that these very owls took serious and violent measures to claim their territory. It's been a couple of weeks with the new mates now, and we are having a hard time hearing their calls without feeling sad and mad about what they did to the owl family that we grew to love.

But, we know there are new eggs that are nearly ready to hatch, so we are eagerly awaiting the sounds of new baby owlets chirping for food and doing their best to learn how to survive in this unrelenting and precarious barn owl life.

Palm Paradise Time Lapse

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Sun, 04 Feb 2018 18:21:00 +0000

Palm Paradise 2009-2017 from Jaime Dwight on Vimeo.

Music: Cruise Control by the Dixie Dregs

35

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 04:42:00 +0000

I smiled all day today.

Steve rubbed my back and made me delicious coffee.
I woke up wondering if my mom thought it was neat having me as a Christmas gift, then she texted me "Happy Birthday to my best Christmas present ever"
The best music came on the radio on the drive to work.
The leaves on the trees looked extra bright yellow.
It RAINED!!
I only worked half day.
I got sweet birthday messages from my best friends and relatives.
I got pampered getting a haircut by my friend, sipping on a cappuccino.
I bought myself earrings at the cutest local maker shop.
I talked to my mom and my dad and got the CUTEST voicemail from my grandpa that I will save forever.
Did I say it rained!!?!?!
I got a free Starbucks birthday coffee.
I went grocery shopping at my favorite store.
I made dinner while Steve played guitar.
And now chocolate, tea, and a Fred Astaire movie.
And tomorrow we leave for a peaceful, relaxing, calm holiday getaway to Big Sur! WOOT!

35 is off to a great start!!!!

2016 was pretty...pretty...pretty good.

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Sun, 05 Feb 2017 00:41:00 +0000

2016 was a tough year and I was tempted to skip my yearly video. But then, as I thought more about what made it a bad year, I adjusted my perspective and found beauty and happiness instead. My memories of Steve's ER visit turned into a thought about miracles and what it means to be a loving partner. Let's celebrate, honor, and protect our amazing opposable thumbs shall we?!

There's little happiness to be found in the memory of Steve's mom passing, but look what she left behind for us to enjoy...beautiful quilts, delicious recipes, my amazing sewing skills, to name a few. But, mostly she will always be here in her incredible son whose affection, patience, teamwork, resourcefulness, curiosity, and kindness are genetic gems, passed down from sweet Linda.

Last week, Steve and I watched all of my yearly videos to date and I realized how grateful I am to myself for having captured and recorded where we have been. What a fun thing to be able to re-live those moments long forgotten in my memory. Looking back through my 2016 photos and videos reminded me of the many great travels, friends, family, and adventures that I was lucky enough to experience.

This year I dressed up every Tuesday night in leg warmers and splatter paint spandex for 80's jazz class. I stayed in a pink house on a tree-lined street in the quaintest Illinois town. I ate to-die-for donuts in Seattle. I held my best friend's new baby. I jumped for joy to live music and smiled so much my face hurt. I saw So You Think You Can Dance LIVE and Jason Derulo blew me a kiss. I wore a ton of my favorite color, pink. I planted seedlings in my garden with my dad. I slid down a rock slide inside a cave in Montana. I found a new talent in fancy pie crusts. I drank beer on sunny patios with my mom. Steve and I explored a palm oasis in the middle of nowhere. I ate giant s'mores over a fire pit next to my best friends.

In the end, 2016 was actually pretty great, and how can I deny myself (and you!) the forever memory of seeing the best band of all time, The Monkees, LIVE!

Enjoy!

2016 Year in Review from Jaime Dwight on Vimeo.

Sky full of stars

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 00:25:00 +0000

Catalina Cherries all a Buzz

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Sun, 01 May 2016 02:30:00 +0000

A few weeks ago, our Catalina Cherry trees were in full bloom and after an unusual buzz-free spring, the honey bees finally made an appearance and found paradise among the blossoms. These trees were covered with bees - I mean, you could hear the buzz from many yards away. These little guys were hard at work, as seen by the enormous pollen pouches they all carried at their sides. Their bounty almost too big to land the next bud, but too drunk on the sweet nectar to care.