Happy Valentine’s Day
Friday saw a whole bunch of folks spending a whole bunch of money on roses, chocolates, and “romantic” dinners. As a canine, I really have a hard time celebrating a holiday that is based on eating chocolates. As I walked around the city, it appeared that Alameda residents weren’t so into the holiday either—with the notable exception of my good friend Tucker, who has a big Valentine’s heart in his front yard.
With all the rain this week, it was challenging to explore the city. Yes, I got all my walks in, but it is almost impossible to take pictures with all the rain gear me and my human companion (HC) put on to avoid getting drenched. We did some walking on Park Street because there are many awnings to hold back some of the rain. I noticed that Tony, the Pampered Pup’s owner, put out some new lanterns—perhaps to celebrate the Lunar New Year. This is the best hot dog place on the island. Occasionally, my HC will bring me back a hot dog as a special treat. I prefer mustard and tomatoes on my dog. (Editor’s note: How does your HC feel about having to wash mustard off you all the time?) You should head down and give them a try.
On my way to Park Street, I walked by the California Historic Radio Society’s finished restoration of the original AT&T switchboard building. This has been an amazing and expensive restoration that took a village to get done. Please drop by 2162 Central Avenue and admire their great work.
Many of my past reports have covered the rogue tomato plant that just popped up last spring in the planting strip. Well, it is still going! I thought that tomatoes were an annual plant that died off in the winter. Apparently, this one did not get the memo. It is even starting to flower again. This is wild!
My HC took one of the last tomatoes and smashed it into a takeout container about a month ago. After a few weeks, some little seedlings started to pop up. Now, three weeks later, there is a mini tomato forest growing in my sunny bedroom. Here’s hoping for another big crop for the Food Bank.
Next to the tomato seedlings is his personal recovery project of collecting poinsettia plants. So far, he has about 70% success rate, but he still can’t figure out how to make them bloom in December instead of February.
It has been a tradition in my report to do a “winter bloomers” pictorial. This week, I have included a few examples of nature putting a bit of color into the sometimes dreary, cold, and wet days of winter.
I had not found a fairy door for months, and thought the activity had fizzled out, but while I was on Morton Street, I found one… and it even had a dog on it!
This coming week is the last week that I will be walking with my HC before his knee surgery. I have put a plan in place for continuing my walks and do not think I will have to “paws” my reports.
Until the next report, Happy Valentine’s Day!
Mouf, Roving Reporter
Bear’s-Eye View of Alameda
Mouf and his human companion can be reached via [email protected]. Their stories are collected at AlamedaPost.com/Jeff-Cambra/. All photos and videos by Jeff Cambra.
