I was driving down Highway 273 toward Anderson the other day, windshield wipers slapping, when I passed a familiar stand of palm trees. Big old palms, left from the days when a home or business occupied the now-vacant lot.
The gray trunks all were bright green on one side. The north side. It was moss.
Moss on a palm tree? I’m sorry, but that ain’t right.
Don’t get me wrong. I still love the controversial non-native palm trees. Every time I see one, I feel like I’m on vacation. (A slight problem since there’s a 20-foot fan palm right outside my office window. No wonder I can’t get any work done.)
No, my problem’s not with the palms. It’s with the moss. I’ve had enough wet winter now, thanks. When moss starts forming on all vertical surfaces, it’s time for some sunshine.
Too bad for me. Weather forecasts call for more showers, off and on, all week. I’ll have to keep moving so moss doesn’t form on my north side.
- Turtle Bay Exploration Park kicks off a series of Thursday night lectures related to its new exhibit, “The Art of Mt. Shasta.” Historian and curator Bill Miesse will speak at 7 p.m. each of the next three Thursdays at the visitor center. Details here.
- The Hubble Space Telescope has captured yet another incredible image. This one shows a comet-like object with a clear “X” at its core. Scientists say two asteroids collided, and the “X” was formed by the shrapnel. More, with cool photos, here.
- The Smart Business Resource Center in Redding is taking nominations in its 4th annual “best companies to work for” contest. Get all the info here.
- Rules for Successful Living #32: Do not engage in any activity that might result in the nickname “Stumpy.”
A journalist since 1975, Steve Brewer is the author of 16 books, most recently the thriller “Cutthroat.” He moved to Redding from New Mexico in 2003.
