Altadena Above It All

From the LBNelert — would like to see more sources on this. But some common sense advice we can all follow and improve the situation: avoid using chemicals in your yard. No pesticides, no weed killers, no poisons. Use natural alternatives and work with nature instead of trying to fight it. In case you haven’t noticed, we’re not winning.

WHY FLOWERS HAVE LOST THEIR SCENT: Pollution is dulling the scent of flowers and impeding some of the most basic processes of nature, disrupting insect life and imperiling food supplies, a new study suggests. The potentially hugely significant research – funded by the blue-chip US National Science Foundation – has found that gases mainly formed from the emissions of car exhausts prevent flowers from attracting bees and other insects in order to pollinate them. And the scientists who have conducted the study fear that insects’ ability to repel enemies and attract mates may also be impeded.

I’ve been loving all the exotic sounds filling the hills of late. Birdlife is everywhere, including my yard. The other day two hummingbirds were flying around while we ate dinner outside, and now it’s obvious why. This morning my husband discovered a hummingbird nest low in our backyard sycamore tree. Beautiful little thing. 

So this little gem, along with the parrot squawks, woodpecker pecks, peacock coos, crow cackles and a pair of mockingbirds doing their Deliverance routine, and whatever songbird likes to sing most of the night, makes Altadena — a helluva noisy place to live! In a good way, of course…

We ran out and bought a new feeder to make sure the mother-to-be doesn’t have to go far for her energy. Now I need to study up so I know what to expect for the expecting!

Getting quite a response to the post about Altadena in the media. I also saw the ranch market on Orange Grove in Monk, and remember when they transformed the Presbyterian Church on Lake into a winter snow scene for Judging Amy’s wedding? The lawn was fried golden brown when they finally lifted the fake snow.

The Fair Oaks Burger joint still looks like pirates are living there. Wonder if it was for something like Chuck? I miss that show.

Keep sending your Altadena TV/commercial/movie sightings!