January 2016 - Winter in the Oakland Hills

We're not in Michigan any more. So, this post will not include snow scenes. We've been benefiting from El Nino rains this month, and it has made a difference here in the hills. They've turned from "golden" to green.

The ridge after a rain

Mt. Diablo with clouds over Moraga

Early morning - clouds in the canyon

On the last day of January

Of course, rain can mean rainbows when the conditions are right.

Rainbow over Moraga

Zoom version - Moraga visible behind the rainbow

Another day, another rainbow - zoom version

Same rainbow showing more of the arc

Lest you think that all we do is look at the scenery, here are some photos of Erick's latest project, erosion control on the back slope.

Cement reinforcements above the slope

Reinforcement in progress at the end of the steps

Close up of the area under construction

The "Reinforcer" himself on the way to putting tools away

Not a large reptile - pipes to extend existing drainage 

Reseting stones at the end of the path 

Erick the stone mason

On the plant scene - Manzanitas bloom in January and so does our Jade bush:

One of the many Manzanitas on our back slope 

Close up of the blooms on a Manzanita in front of the house 

Jade bush on the bay side balcony 

Pets make for some fun photos:

Sunny as fur ball 

Sunny uncurled

Wait, something is missing! Oh, yes, sunsets:

Reflection turned the bay a pastel peach

Bay side on a cloudy evening 

The same sunset a bit later from a different angle