The California poppies are in full bloom on top of the Cal Poly "P" ridge. The "P" is a large monument-like letter engraved in the hillside above the Cal Poly campus. The ridge above the "P" is covered in wildflowers right now.
In theory, I love the look of shellacked cork grips and shellacked cork bartape. In practice, I found that the feel of shellacked cork is too glassy and slippery for my liking. The more layers of shellac, the nicer the cork looks... and the worse it feels to my hands. I really wanted to like it, but it just does not work for me. I prefer un-shellacked cork, shellacked cloth tape, leather grips, and even plastic grips.
Inexpensive cloth tape with just a couple of thin layers of shellac. Not as fancy and shiny, but my hands prefer it.
The "Special" version of Brooks saddles. I love the look of Brooks "Special" saddles with their pretty copper rivets - so much so, that last summer I paid a bit extra for a Flyer Special for my vintage Motobecane mixte, instead of getting the Standard. I have since learned that the Special versions of the saddles are apparently made of a thicker leather. In theory this is a good thing, as the saddles are more durable. In practice, it has proven impossible for me to break in my Flyer Special! A year later, and it still hurts.
The B17 Standard on my Hillborne has less of a "wow" factor, but I don't care: It took me a week to break in this saddle!
Last year, Honjo fluted fenders seemed like such a beautiful choice for Marianne. But while they truly are picture-perfect, they did not stay that way for long once I began riding my bike. The long smooth fluted surfaces of these fenders showcase every micro-scratch, and after a few months mine began to look pretty beat up. By contrast, the Co-Habitant's hammered Honjos disguise scratches and dents, as they are essentially "pre-dented". Though I prefer the look of the fluted model, I regret having bought such expensive fenders only to have them look battered. You live, you learn.
And then of course there is the lovely front wicker basket - that ultimate symbol of civilised, romantic cycling. Alas, it was not meant to be: experience has shown that I prefer the front of my bike to be free of large wicker objects, no matter how beautiful.
Instead, these rear folding baskets have proven to be just the thing for me. Not as cute as a wicker basket in the font, but they suit me better.
This is an easy side dish that can be made in a few minutes. I used 'Tenderpick' beans from my not-so-healthy plants. Sweet basil (also from the garden) was added, as were shallots from Trader Joe's.
Green Beans with Shallots and Basil
One of my favorite people is here now-Buddy! When Dee heard Buddy was coming last night, she said "I love Buddy" and we laughed because everyone says that about him. Here's Buddy playing with Mike. Love the look of fierce concentration on Mike's face. 
Dee playing with the guys. Dee can hold her own and then some with the guys. I think Dee and Sally are the only ladies that still intimidate me when I play against them. They keep me inspired to keep working at the game to get better at it!
Here are some of non-transients here with Dee. Scott, Dee, Gilbert and Joanne. Scott's a sweetheart, Gilbert is a hoot and Joanne is really cool. I haven't had a chance to talk to Joanne a whole lot, but she strikes me as one of those people that I would find fascinating if I did.
More non-transients: Tommy who wears me out by lobbing the ball over my head every five seconds, Mike the Chesapeake pickleball King, Mel the other sweetheart and Rick who is the Rich of Chesapeake. The Florida crowd will know what I mean by that. I haven't had the chance to play with or against Rick, but I've watched him play and it's a beautiful thing to watch.
Wiggie, who gets his own picture because he wouldn't join the others:
And Rich who gets his own picture simply because he is Rich. Notice he has his mouth open. That's all I'm going to say.
There is a serious lack of females on the court here. It's a strange thing to me, because I'm used to the "transients" being out there as couples for the most part. I'm grateful for the few that do play here, and I miss having more of us on the court. Of course, as hot as it is, I'm impressed any of us are out here.