Last weekend, M and I went to visit Lodi in northern central California. I had really wanted to visit the cactus garden in Walnut Creek, but decided on a zoo trip instead.

Micke Grove Zoo is located in Lodi, just next to Stockton. It’s a small friendly town surrounded by vineyards. Ripe grapes were hanging left and right. And it looked like they were about to be harvested soon. I usually think of Napa Valley when I think of vineyards. But Lodi has some nice vineyards of their own too.

The last time we visited the place there was a lonely seal swimming in a pool. The swimming pool is gone and the seal has been replaced by lorikeets. They are pretty birds, but made so much noise.

I spotted these two Lorikeets enjoying a bath. Must be nice to enjoy a bird bath without having to worry about predators (such as cats!).

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These beautiful climbing roses with white picket fences are from photoop23 (webshots). I love looking at this picture. It reminds me of my grandmother.  One spring weekend of 2002, my brother and I went to visit her.  We tried to help her grow some flowers in the front yard.  But she passed away the following summer and didn’t get to enjoy much of it.

But if she was still around, I would want to give her something like this.  I think the cheerfulness of the roses on the white wooden railings would make her happy.

Sister Hazel’s song, Change Your Mind, reminds me of grandma too. I have never know anyone more sweeter and kinder.  She would be the kind of lady that would offer strangers a glass of water.  She is one in a million.  She was very elegant, beautiful and modest at the same time.  I’ve never heard her raise her voice at anyone for any reason.  Most of all she was very understanding and supportive of all of us.  I was lucky enough to have grown up around her.  I miss you very much Grandma and thank you for being there for me.

*Shades of Summer Editor’s Pick, Webshots
Change Your Mind

Hey, Hey
Did you ever think
There might be another way
To just feel better,
Just feel better about today

Oh no
If you never want to have
To turn and go away
You might feel better,
Might feel better if you stay

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