More Leafiness

It promised to be hot again today so we were out for our walk fairly early this morning in search of a shady walk. Even at a fairly early hour, it was very busy on a summer Sunday morning. We weren't sure we would find a place to park but finally settled for a spot at the bottom of a hefty flight of stairs. (first extra) which arrived at Lake Ralphine looking very still and pristine in the absence of a breeze and also of the usual flock of Canada geese. The little girl at the bottom of the boat ramp was watching Spike wading into the water for a drink. We then found plenty of shade on a path around the side of the lake. (second extra).

We were reminded by my brother as we were on the way to Trail House that today is our 62nd wedding anniversary, so we toasted ourselves with an iced latte and an Americano. We almost always have to be reminded by somebody of this event. They were setting up in the parking lot outside for a 'Makers' Market'. Everyone was putting up  marquees which came in compact little carry cases, some on wheels, that looked like odd musical instruments. The tables were less compact but efficiently unfolded and set up. We left as everyone was bringing in plastic bins full of their wares. 

I was reminded as we sat in Trail House looking at the $13,000 Specialized bike in the window that Tim was telling us yesterday about ordering $80 pedals for his bicycle without realizing that they came from Canada. He got a notice from the post office that he needed to pick them up because there was a $130 tax and tariff charge that needed to be paid. He asked them to send them back so that he could get a refund,but there is a similar tariff imposed on them by Canada to send them back. He talked to somebody in Canada to see if they could resolve things somehow and said, 'I'm sorry our President is such an a**hole, is there some way we can resolve this?' They were sympathetic but doubtful and the US post office  is asking for additional money for 'storage'.

The only other thing of note we did today was a trip to Oliver's, our excellent grocery store. It was very busy , partly perhaps because of the very excited little girls' soccer team with a bake sale table raising money for their team, or maybe because of the 4th of July holiday coming up on Friday.

It's hard to think how we will celebrate Independence Day when the Man Who Would Be King is busy dismantling the government and funneling all the money into the pockets of himself and his rich buddies. How can anybody keep allowing this blatant theft and disregard of the rule of law to continue? Not to mention the deliberate atmosphere of fear being created for immigrants, the very backbone of this country's economy.

Today's quote:
As you can see, these ICE agents are pointing guns at innocent individuals, no warrants, no explanations, just fear and intimidation. Agents masked and armed like a militia constitute an absolutely vile abuse of power
--U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D. Monterey Park) commenting on a video posted on social media.