Circadian Rhythms – “One More Hour Please”
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I want to begin this report with an apology to all my readers about the late release of my report last Sunday. As you know, daylight saving time started at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 8.
This whole spring forward activity is so disruptive to my circadian rhythm that I woke up at my regular time only to find that it was an hour later than what my biological clock was telling me. Can someone please tell me why we do this clock changing thing twice a year?
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The top story this week must be the amazing summerlike weather Alameda is enjoying. In my February 15 Groundhog Day report [3], I saw my shadow, which indicated we would have six more weeks of winter. Wrong! Apparently, this folklore has been accurate less than fifty percent of the time. This year is no exception. Spring is already here.
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The great weather has triggered a new crop of bloomers that I wanted to share. This week, I saw the first California poppy of the year, which confirms to me that spring is here. Hooray!
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Poppies were not the only amazing bloomers I found in Alameda yards. This Angel’s trumpet plant was loaded with bright yellow/orange flowers. I am especially fond of the Shrubby Veronica (also known as Hebe rakaiensis), which monarch butterflies love.
There has been a lot of construction around the city. Grand Street has a major piping project happening. You may want to avoid that section of Grand Street between Encinal Avenue and Alameda Avenue.
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For those looking for the answer to the proverbial question, “Where’s the beef?” I can confirm that it is not at the Burger King on Otis Street. Right now, it is under a major renovation. Is anyone other than my human companion even asking this question? More to the point, what does it even mean? But I digress.
While walking along the public access path along the northern shore, I came across this great little fountain in the Fortman Marina area. It was so cooling and brought a sense of calm to my inner being. Are those birds herons?
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There is another fountain-like structure across the street from City Hall that is very impressive. Does anyone know the story behind this grand sculpture?
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Looking ahead, Saint Patrick’s Day is Tuesday. Time for corned beef and cabbage dinner and a green beer.
Wishing everyone the luck of the Irish.
Mouf, Roving Reporter
Bear’s-Eye View of Alameda
Mouf and his human companion can be reached via [email protected] [12]. Their stories are collected at AlamedaPost.com/Jeff-Cambra/ [13]. All photos and videos by Jeff Cambra.