Blowing In The Wind

We're NOT In Kansas Anymore

“KEVIN” THE PEACOCK THINKS HE’S SANTA CLAUS

I usually wake up to the prehistoric squawks of the feathered dinosaurs that live in my neighborhood. I’m talking about the families of peacocks who have lived in the area far longer than I have. Possibly millennia.

Their morning calls are not exactly gentle. Imagine a car alarm crossed with a riot at the zoo, and you’ll get the idea.

But this morning there were no squawks.

Instead, I woke up to the sound of things outside my apartment blowing in the wind.

Palm fronds rattling. Patio furniture scooting around like it has somewhere important to be. Umbrellas flapping sideways and upside down. The wind whooshing around, making it sound like the whole world has been tossed into the tumble cycle.

Parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties are under a wind advisory until 6pm this evening. The sky may be beautiful and blue, but the air is blustery and brisk.

The strong gusts have already rearranged our patio furniture. Leaves are everywhere. Tree branches are doing their best impression of interpretive dance.

And the peacocks? I have no idea where they might be.

The pretty (but oh so dumb) birds are usually so loud and so proud. Today, they’re missing in action. Maybe they took the day off. Or maybe they are hunkered down somewhere safe, feathers all tucked in, waiting for the winds to calm down.

Then again, with winds like this, maybe they are out searching for a pair of ruby slippers so they can click their heels together and head back home.

Because right now, with everything swirling and rustling and flying around, it definitely feels like we’re not in Kansas anymore. Not that I’ve ever been to Kansas…

Keep calm and keep an eye out for flying peacocks!
Clint 🌈✌️

P.S. I grew up in Tornado Alley and these SoCal gusts are almost as destructive and unpredictable. Especially to my sinuses. Bless me? Bless you too, boo. 🤧

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ends 03-08-26

FROM THE ARCHIVES

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BORN THIS WAY ON THIS DAY

• 03-07 = Andrew Haigh (1973- ) = English filmmaker 🌈

• 03-07 = Bret Easton Ellis (1964- ) = American writer 🌈

• 03-07 = Eva Brunne (1954- ) = Swedish Lutheran bishop 🌈

• 03-07 = Marcela Di Folco (1943-2010) = Italian activist, actor, and politician 🌈

• 03-07 = Marcus Aurelius (161-180) = Roman emperor 🌈

• 03-07 = Sir Henry Channon (1897-1958) = British politician 🌈

• 03-07 = Wanda Sykes (1964- ) = American comedian, writer and actor 🌈

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MAN CRUSH OF THE DAY

ANDREW HAIGH

“As a person, I am totally obsessed with the choices and decisions we make in our lives and how they dictate the course of our lives. Seemingly random choices that we make end up defining everything.”
Andrew Haigh