Grevillea Robusta

Some examples. This tree may reach to 100 feet high in ideal conditions. Usually grows to around 50 feet. And has these nice "fronds" of orange flowers...I believe in fall here as it originated in Australia. There is a group of 10 of these, still there, at the junior high I went to. These to around 50 feet and maybe 30 feet wide. They have a pleasant inviting appearance, not unlike an acacia.

English and Boston Ivy (enlarged)

Some examples...if in the right conditions this ivy can act like a vine and suddenly grow vertically even engulfing whole buildings. Boston ivy turns reddish (like our western poison oak) and also may have that propagating capability.

Pig phrase

"Never try to teach a pig to sing!" Oink Oink!

Plumeria

Some examples of the flower variations and what the tree looks like. These need adequate sun and lots of water. Ideally they need a lot of constant humidity (as in Hawaii from where they are native). The fragrance is very potent and sweet...a bit stronger than the gardenia. Very pleasant addition to almost anyone's yard and does well in SoCal.

Hedera (Algerian vs English ivy)

The Algerian version a much bigger leaf (to 8 to 10 inches across). The veins aren't as visible. Often new leaves a light green. The English variety smalled leafed to 3 inches across. They can be variegated or not. Ivy can either be a nuisance or a welcome ground cover...making it nigh impossible for weeds to get through. They have a habit of climbing walls and trees. The plant will grow "feet" off the vine line...attaching very securely to the tree or wall. Not too much sun for these and medium water. Ideally, like in parking strips, they should be trimmed down to the ground (ideally by winter time) every 2-3 years for a better more robust look.

King Palm/Queen Palm

The king palm is much cleaner and smoother on the truck. It's also usually smaller maybe growing to 30 feet. Meanwhile the queen palm needs frond maintenance and cleaning at the base (small dates). It grows taller to 50 feet. It's truck is lined with ridges. Both can make a pleasant addition to a landscape set up.

Podocarpus examples

These are great for taller hedges (for privacy around the domicile). Some even grow to medium sized trees to 60 feet high. They tend to be lower maintenance. Many in the city.

More accidents

Some multi car pile ups. Reminder of why it's good to avoid "bottlenecks." A motorcycle has just collided with a small car. Amtrak derailment in the South.

Verdugo Mountains 8/31/08

Here's what the mountain range looks like from the top. Also is the Crescenta valley to the north/northeast. The north facing slopes often with much thicker vegetation than the south facing ones. Here, mostly chamise, buckwheat, sumac, elderberry, scrubby oak, bay tree, live oak, sycamore, occasional willows, yucca, and smaller shrubs. At this time the buckwheat a red brown and chamise a rich dark red brown...distinctive on the slopes if one looks for it. In these small mountains, one can walk a good 50 miles of (mostly) fire road. These, too, were on fire in parts in 2002 and 2005. The chaparral does come back quickly however...a lot of these plants have evolved to live in dry climates with naturally occurring lightning fires. For 9 months in the year, one may encounter rattlesnakes, bobcats, mountain lions, coyotes, hawks, coons, skunks, and mule deer.

Remembering the worker again

These workers work hard for the ducats.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Automobile accidents 2

One can never be 100% safe, in all moments, driving a motor vehicle. These pix are good reminders.