More Damages

As I said, Glenn Close is good, but it's all about Ted Danson. He is the most convincing TV villain since, who, maybe Stringer Bell (Idris Elba)? He knows how you loved Sammy, and he'll turn on that old Sammy charm only to shock you all the better when he twists the knife. You know he's good because now he has you wondering whether it was really Sammy you misjudged.

Big water

Originally constructed in the 1870s as a for-profit toll trail, the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail is a relentless leg-burner for an old dude like me. Aidan kept a stiff upper lip, but I could tell he was flagging as well by the halfway point. In late March the valley rim was still covered in deep snow, and slipping and sliding down to the cliff's edge was anxiety-inducing, despite the assurance of a minimalist railing between you and a 1400-foot quick way down. Needless to say, it is a wonderful thing.

Thanks, Nancy

Tea Partiers are right to vilify Nancy Pelosi. She does a Californian proud.

Not much of a meal

The first-ever harvest of edible fungi in the yard. Two morels, each half the size of my pinky. I'm still hungry.

Spring has sprung

To left, the fantastic and easy California native currant, Ribes sanguineum glutinosum.

Below, Ceanothus "Dark Star" is covered in these this time of year, the buds even prettier than the flowers.