Longer days and Willie Mays
This past week, Alamedans enjoyed the longest day of the year. I decided to document the event by visiting locations that provide the best views of the sun rising and setting. In my research, I discovered that many human companions during the 15th century thought that the Sun rotated around the Earth. Then, this guy, Nick Copernicus, came up with the idea that was later confirmed by fellow astronomers, Galileo Galilei and Isaac Newton, that the Earth rotates around the Sun. Don’t you just love astronomy?
So, while human companions know better today, the names of these two daily events are still not accurate: the sun appears in the morning, moves across the sky, and disappears at night because the spinning of the Earth spins changes the view. Any suggestions on what to call these events instead?
On a sad note, San Francisco Giants legendary center fielder Willie Mays died this past week. Willie may not have been connected to Alameda, but the person living in the brick house at the corner of Union Street and Alameda Avenue chose to honor his passing with a window sign.
While I was on Union Street, I found this plant with an alien-like flower. I have never seen anything this complicated before, so I wanted to share it with all of you.
As I walk around Alameda, I find stuffed animals in boxes for giveaway on the street. I usually save them up and make a collection to donate to the Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter once a year.
This week, my human companion stopped by the local pet supply store and purchased all the stuffed rainbow-colored heart toys to combine with my collection. I went down to FAAS on Friday and made an early donation so my furry friends could celebrate Pride as well.
In addition to finding stuffed animals, I sometimes find unusual items, like what I thought were a pair of early concept prototype droids that eventually developed into the R2 series appearing in Star Wars. My human companion let me know that “Those aren’t the droids we’re looking for.”
In my last report, I had mentioned the Meyers House & Garden as a place to drop by and see. I was able to sneak into the garden and get a quick pic of the garden. Of course there was a squirrel there.
The Great Deck Project is coming along nicely—all the main railing posts are being installed this week. Again, the main railing support posts are being braced by using metal support items which gives additional strength. Next week, the contractor will install the deck boards. I am looking forward to being able to use that dog door so I can come and go as I please.
Since there is so much construction going on at my house, I have become attuned to other construction around town. Some homeowners are digging down under their houses, while others are stacking new construction on top of the existing structure.
A quick check of the weather report looks like residents will be enjoying some great sunny summer days this week—once the morning fog burns off.
Go out and play. There’s only shorter days to come for the rest of the year.
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 by Jeff Cambra.
