Yes, I do like Starbucks. And I hang out in Barnes & Noble and Borders bookstore cafes for hours on end. But there is nothing like a real, independently run coffeehouse. Here are some shots of one of my favorites that I stop in on my way to and from Joshua Tree—The Water Canyon Coffeehouse. Always interesting music on tap too.

Home Sweet Desert Home

Orion is up every night — the nebula in his sword is visible even from light-polluted LA. Tim and Lin are home for the holidays. Marcia and I have 3 weeks of freedom. I had jury-duty the first week of vacation, before Christmas. I called in everyday; and everyday I was told by a computer (or someone that sounded awfully like a computer) that I need not report. I was happy not to lose vacation time.

Here is a pic of my new home in the desert (mouse-over for another). It is built on a 1.25 acre lot, so there is little chance neighbors can build or grow anything that would obstruct the skyview. Until I build my SkyShed observatory I will have my telescope on Wheelybars, from JMI, that way I don’t have to disassemble, disconnect, and breakdown after observing. I simply wheel the entire setup out to the back of the house, away from lights, and then wheel it back into the garage when I’m done — computer, wires, cameras, batteries intact — already setup and ready to wheel out the next dark, available night.

The sky is even darker at my new home than I had hoped. It is located on the north edge of Joshua Tree National Park, near the Indian Cove campground, and near the boundary between Joshua Tree and 29 Palms. There was actually snow on the ground last weekend. I’ll post pictures to prove it. After putting out a hummingbird feeder, seed feeder, and bird bath we have all sorts of birds hanging out. We leave our cats at home when we come out here: they tend to “mark” their territory unannounced, books, furniture, anything; we can do without that — new furniture, stained books, etc. — the trip would traumatize them anyway. We are looking for a nice dog to adopt — maybe a wiener dog!

A month or so ago I began a serious study of Spinoza. I am doing final revisions on my forthcoming essay on Melville’s mixed-genre, prose-and-poetry writings. Look for reflections about and quotes from Spinoza in my blog. And, as soon as I identify those desert birds, I’ll post pictures.

Happy New Year!

Joshua Tree Sunset

We are passing through the autumnal equinox. Days are becoming noticeably shorter. School’s in.

The first Joshua Tree star party of the fall coincides with a long-planned, much anticipated search for a home in a desert. Life is good. I am looking in both Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree. Both have advantages.

This year is full of big changes. Lin and Tim are both on their own. Lin began her freshman year and Tim is working full-time and performing weekly somewhere in the SF area with his band. He has taken to the banjo and singing lead in his band with the same enthusiasm and virtuousity as when playing piano, tuba, clarinet, or, especially, guitar. Marcia - everyone’s favorite school nurse - has moved working at a middle school to high school.

Look for new photos in the galleries. Also note, the random gallery image continues to be, well . . . random.

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