…coulda done better;
coulda done much, much worse…
Escaping discordant discourse seemed challenging this year. But for a few glorious moments, we did just that.
The Queen welcomes us home from our bi-annual New Year’s trip up north.
Rugged Siskiyou County recalls California’s hardscrabble past.
Closer to home: Winter oak awaits springtime near Lake Sonoma.
One of Candi’s many lovely projects.
Clover Springs Security System: Keeping watch over the ‘hood.
Sunset on a Texas Hill Country sojourn.
Candi and treasured friend’s springtime exploration.
FOR SALE (and I'm not kidding): Aging self (knees, ticker) means this wonderful mode of transit’s days are tearfully numbered. 2022 Moto Guzzi V-85tt Travel; 8,000 miles; factory service up to date. Great touring bike loves two-lanes and twisties. $6900.00 (firm). Some accessories are included. [Italian art you can ride!]
Coastal walks are a delight any time of the year. I love my number one hiking partner. And the coast so danged close!
Return to Simpson Camp two years after the fire blew through. So many childhood memories; such heartache to recall what was. Yet, what was will be again. That’s how things work in the wild kingdom…
Meanwhile, out back of Cloverdale’s fabulous quilt shop.
Nature’s own redwood sculpture at Hendy Woods State Park. Had driven past this gem several times and never stepped out to explore. Shame on me!
Interesting things one sees while watching one’s step just outside our community’s lodge. In this case: ‘shrooms.
This little day-tripper came along late in my riding career: a rugged 411cc Royal Enfield that invites me to go danged near anywhere. Always good for a couple of hours of saddle time. It will not be on the sales block quite so soon.
At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, this fella kept a watchful eye on us.
Amazing! Finally – what you’ve all been waiting for – a photo of Jethro. He’s such a good boy! And never a pain in anyone's ass…
Book of the Year: Not simply because I spent time puffing on a tuba (which is still sitting right next to me – thanks Sister Sue) but because the author speaks to the importance of music and the arts in the public school experience. By the way: there are two actual perfect tubas – 30s era Yorks – each owned by the Chicago Symphony.
Second runner-up for the vaunted Church of the Open Road “Shot of the Year.” Rolled by this on that Royal Enfield and was taken by this tree’s efforts to defy the elements – and its fate.
First runner-up for the vaunted Church of the Open Road “Shot of the Year.” Rounding a bend somewhere along California’s Highway 1, I spotted a person sitting atop her vintage Land Cruiser gazing longingly (?) out toward the Pacific. I call this photo Le Mer.
Shot of the Year:
o0o
2025 was a tough, tough year. My beloved country is not what it can be; not what it should be. I can bitch and I can moan. But it is incumbent upon me to do more if I want experience better in 2026. However, there must be time made for what’s pictured in this post. Freedom. Beauty. Occasional solitude. Reflection.
Feel free to join me. I used to say, “Let’s ride!” But now I’m content to say “Let’s walk.”
© 2025
Church of the Open Road Press
