From Sept. 22, 2020, the outdoor patio of El Zarape beckons for customers during SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2)/COVID-19 lockdowns. I used iPhone XS to capture the Featured Image. Vitals: f/1.8, ISO 25, 1/2611 sec, 26mm; 10:30 a.m. PDT.
The Eatery is along Adams Avenue at the edge of San Diego neighborhood Normal Heights. Vantage is 32nd Street.
A few days ago, I happened upon the owner of Bruce, Guido, and Little as she walked dog Apple—and two of the tabbies trailed along, as they so often do. She had a frightening tale to tell me. The previous week, someone started to relentlessly pound on her apartment door when she, unfortunately, was showering. She got out of the water quick as she could, all while the banging continued nonstop. The front door opened to an anxious neighbor warning something bad happened to Bruce.
He and Guido had been curled up on the property, towards the back nearby the fence. Some guy walking a dog let it get close to the cats. Suddenly, somewhat unsteady being apparently inebriated, he tripped, which lengthened the leash’s reach—allowing the dog to advance on Bruce, grab him by head and shoulder, and thrash him about the way a canine might one of those stupid plush toys.
Tonight I contemplate the polarized, partisan divide about voting, enlightened by an experience while shopping during late-afternoon. I had gone to Costco for kitty litter, which cost $2.30 more for 42 pounds than a few months ago. At least the manufacturer raised prices without shrinking size—surely such action is inevitable.
As I approached self-checkout, a new procedure greeted. An employee asked each customer to show the back of his or her Costco card—for photo identification. In some instances, the staffer also asked to see a driver’s license. I inquired why, when making my presentation. Answer: To prevent people from using someone else’s membership, which is not free ($60 to $120 annually).
Today, my wife and I drove North to Del Mar for lunch with an old friend and coworker, who had flown out from the East Coast to visit her son and his family—newcomers to San Diego County for work (he’s a banker, which I guess explains the ease of managing the high rents).
The stories people tell that you wouldn’t imagine but seem so sensible after the surprise permeates. Our friend made a startling discovery when unpacking upon arrival: She had mistaken dental floss for her Apple AirPods, which case would be about the same size and shape as some brands (glad to know she makes tooth-care a priority). But couldn’t the confusion also be nothing more than one of those, ah, senior moments?
What I want to know: Who rented this University Heights home? When my wife and I passed by on Aug. 3, 2022, a “For Rent” sign welcomed interest—well, until looking at the asking price of, uh-hum, $5,450 monthly. Granted, by square feet, the place is one of the larger houses in our San Diego neighborhood. But who commits to $65,400—more than an annual salary for many locals—to rent?
Buying is no bargain. One of the, ah, affordable homes for sale nearby lists for $1.1 million. Zillow estimates a monthly mortgage payment, along with insurance and taxes, of $5,797; that’s after 20 percent down. Who can afford to buy? Answer: The fine folks at Visual Capitalist rank San Diego as the nation’s third costliest home market, with a median price of $905,000. Necessary salary: $166,828.
The ninety-ninth feline found behind glass or screen resides in the same house as Lucy, assuming that she is still alive. The tabby was nine years old when appearing in the series four years ago. The newcomer prefers window to door, where Lucy would hang out.
I used iPhone 13 Pro to capture the Featured Image on July 2, 2022. Vitals: f/2.8, ISO 32, 1/673 sec, 77mm; 2:59 p.m. PDT. We need a nickname. How about Muffin? Oh, and happy Caturday!
As we walked along Mississippi Street, my wife heard meows behind bushes. I stopped to explore, which prompted the source to go camouflage—and revealed why the kitty beckoned but stopped short of coming out for pats: He (or she) watched birdies.
I pulled out iPhone 13 Pro and captured six shots, and that many is uncharacteristic of my shooting style. But the animal kept looking sideways towards birdsong, presenting obscured profiles. While in two others the tabby’s full face is visible, I chose for the Featured Image cuter expression—even if partially hidden. Vitals: f/2.8, ISO 125, 1/99 sec, 77mm; 6:07 p.m. PDT, July 20, 2022.
We unofficially celebrate Caturday with a basking black seen late this afternoon along Maryland Street. Because kids and kitties live in the somewhat identifiable home, cross-street is withheld to protect residents’ privacy.
I used iPhone 13 Pro to capture the Featured Image. Vitals: f/2.8, ISO 40, 1/99 sec, 77mm; 4:46 p.m. PDT. At least one other feline belongs to the family. I saw the longhair a few months ago but failed to get a portrait.
The third of four Friday live music concerts filled Old Trolley Barn Park this evening in my San Diego neighborhood of University Heights. Bluegrass greeted descending dusk as I arrived packing Leica Q2 Monochrom. I captured crowd shots—three, and share two.
As an afterthought, I pulled out iPhone 13 Pro for a single color composition, which I chose for the Featured Image. Vitals: f/2.8, ISO 200, 1/99 sec, 77mm; 7:37 p.m. PDT.
Had I passed by this alley window seconds later, the black and white in the foreground would have been out of sight. Only companion Solo would be seen and added to the series alone. Cat-prowling, like so many others things in life, is all about timing.
I used iPhone 13 Pro to capture the Featured Image on May 4, 2022. Vitals: f/2.8, ISO 32, 1/2597 sec, 77mm; 9:54 a.m. PDT. Since Star Wars fans regard as special the date—because “May the Force be with you”—I feel inclined to assign an appropriately silly nickname. How about Jabba, who this shorthair looks nothing like, which is my point. May the Fourth and may the Force? Seriously, people?
The parade of kitties looking out from indoors continues with the ninety-seventh feline found behind door or window. Initially, two were together—as you will see in the next profile. This fine furball appeared as his (or her) companion departed from a vantage on the Florida side of the alley separating Alabama. I used iPhone 13 Pro to capture the Featured Image, on May 4, 2022. Vitals: f/2.8, ISO 32, 1/1815 sec, 77mm; 9:54 a.m. PDT.
Since Star Wars fans regard as special the date—because “May the Force be with you”—and also acknowledging that the other cat abandoned this one, nickname Solo suits both situations. The moniker refers to character Han or to being alone. Clever, eh?
She would start by quoting Proverbs 16:18. “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling”. Then she would more provocatively cite 1 John 2:16,17 because, well, grandma isn’t intimidated by how other people might react.
“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God abides forever”.