New Construction, Squirrels, Taxes and George Bush

Construction next door. At least they're not cutting down trees anymore.

The squirrels love to crack walnuts on my stone retaining wall, resourceful little critters aren't they!!

Today I have to pay my taxes. I pay four times a year so when next April rolls around I don't have to pay so much; mind you, I still have to pay. I always blame this on George Bush. He was such a terrible president and everything bad in the world today is all his fault. There that makes me feel a little better!!

Carmelite Monastery

Located across the street from the park, the monastery has always been a mysterious place for me. You aren't allowed in and the nuns who live there aren't allowed out. Packages have to be passed through a little porthole in the door. Do they ever gaze out and see the wonderful park they have so close? Do they ever get the urge to walk the trails and enjoy the trees and the grass and the squirrels and the birds? Does it make them feel closer to God to be stuck up in a monastery? I'd rather be out enjoying nature, God's wonderful gift to us!