He is one of the “Cats of University Heights” and beloved in the neighborhood. Pepto often regards me, approaches with a meow, and keeps on moving. He has things to do and no time for attention.
But today, rarely, he asked for some, and I gave generous pets. After we parted, I stopped aways off and watched him chew grass and soak sunlight. He clearly would soon cross the busy street, and I wanted to make sure he could do so safely.
I (rightly) complain a lot about the insane amount of residential building going on in San Diego—much of it obliterating charming cottages or Craftsman-like homes and greenery galore. (What’s the use of having a backyard for the kids to play when you can build an Accessory Dwelling Unit and rent it, eh?)
That said, the city also is lush, with well-manicured properties packing yard spaces full of flowers, plants, trees, and other natural paraphernalia that add charm and character. Consider the Featured Image, captured two days ago using Nikon Zf and NIKKOR 40mm f/2 (SE) lens, to be representative.
Results of routine bloodwork brought me to walk through Hillcrest today. Along Cleveland Ave., I passed the progressive church with the rainbow doors, where the banner in the Featured Image rather riveted my attention. The congregation is studying fascism for Lent? Not scripture? Not Jesus’ life?
You know what rhymes with Lent? Repent. That would be a great place to start and more scriptural. Fascism studies turns the attention of parishioners to the sins of others when they should be digging up their own and offering them with repentance. What did Jesus say about taking the log out of your own eye before the speck in your brother’s eye?
What do I know about collectibles? Nothing! For months, I have passed by these three, looking out a window onto Monroe Avenue in North Park—and a few blocks beyond my neighborhood of University Heights.
If Google image search has it right, these creatures are part of the Featherly Friends Christmas Collection sold by Target. At least one is from the 2024 edition. I can’t speak to the others.
The third weekend of the month means book sale at the University Heights Public Library. My wife and I traipsed in for a looksee, and I left with two books for a buck a piece. Prized one: The Hugo Winners – Volumes I & II, edited by Isaac Asimov.
We continued along Georgia Avenue to the bridge that overlooks University Avenue. Unexpectedly seen: Hillcrest Farmers Market, which relocated there little more than a month ago. San Diego is converting part of Normal Street, where was the Sunday market, to an outdoor promenade.
A series of storms pelted San Diego County most of this (business) week. Sun would appear between some of them, and winds raged during transitions, too, and throughout some of the heaviest rainfall periods.
Yesterday, during hours of respite, I used Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra to capture the Featured Image, which didn’t turn out as anticipated. The city road sign, which perched on the corner a day or two earlier, was mostly submerged in a massive puddle. But, somehow, that nuance is lost in this shot and another two (unpublished).
Five years ago, I shared with you a quick photo of the local psychic shop, asking: “Yes, But Did She Foresee the Pandemic?” I could have wondered if she could see the end of her business location. The place closed a few years later, and a vintage clothing store opened. That’s gone, too.
The Featured Image, taken today using Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, reveals the current tenant. I want to know when Mickey got tatted. With what? Minnie Mouse? One wonders. He hides it well.
I warned you, held back, and now release the torrent of kitties to clear out the backlog of the photographed but unpublished. So don’t be too surprised if this place feels like a cat colony for a while.
We reach back to Feb. 5, 2024 to present a shorthair seen in the yard of a house near where Lincoln and Vermont streets meet. The Featured Image marks where my wife and I first saw the, ah, security guard putty-tat. In the companion shot, he approaches us, but we never connected. While wanting pats from us, the friendly feline couldn’t cross over the decorative and protective hedge.
I don’t recall why some kitties have been ignored. I think that I thought this shorthair might be Cuddles, as they were seen about a block or so apart. But on closer examination, they are distinctly different.
The Featured Image comes from Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra on Nov. 5, 2023. Vitals: f/2.4, ISO 50, 1/1000 sec, 10: 44 a.m. PDT. Nickname: Brisk.
There is something strange about the things you pass by often, maybe every day, to which you are blind. You don’t see them. The Featured Image and companion capture portion of a mural that I walked by dozens and dozens of times—simply ignored, until today.
The artwork spans a cement block wall along the alley-side of a home here in my San Diego neighborhood of University Heights. The motif features kids at play mixed with Eastern religious symbology; pardon my ignorance but perhaps Hindu.
I detest Daylight Saving Time and the turning of clocks forward one hour in the Spring. Today, PDT resumes, and I would prefer Standard Time all year long. The naturally occurring daylight cycle better aligns with my Circadian rhythm—and yours, too.
That introduction means to prepare you for this fine feline’s nickname: Kello, which is Finnish for clock. I saw the kitty today, while walking with my wife along Texas Street in North Park. Being beyond the neighborhood boundary, Kello joins the esteemed group of honorarians—35 in all.
Some people wear their heart on their sleave, as the adage goes. I still see Harris-Walz signs around my San Diego neighborhood of University Heights. I know lots of folks who are downright distraught that Kamala lost the election. Honestly, they should be relieved that she did. The former vice president wasn’t ready, if she ever will be, to become Commander in Chief.
As for Donald Trump, he gets a pass from me through the first 100 days. Peace in the Middle East and between Russia and Ukraine would be major milestones, if his administration can facilitate such outcomes.