There is a size and intensity to many things California that I am only slowly comprehending from a distance. L.A. County itself is, of course, vast. Traffic exceptional. The weather is potent, not just considering droughts, or atmospheric rivers, but the changes even within a day, where you would freeze in the morning and wilt in the afternoon. Winds are blasting, coming down from the mountains, and air quality can shift from o.k. to horrendous in the time it takes to take a breath or two.

The flora is qualitatively and quantitatively massive as well. Tropical plants are not just lush but equipped either with humongous leaves, or millions of feathery branches to adapt to climate necessities. Blossoms are showy, fruit prodigious, and geometric configurations unusual –

and that is before I even report on cacti, which we will save for another day, since they were among the most interesting things I saw.

Plenty of occasion to observe all this if you visit the Los Angeles Arboretum, an old, established garden that is divided into sub zones comprised of different geographic regions.

It is a pleasant space, with lots of color, and some remarkable specimens of old growth trees,

spacious lawns, water features,

and orchid collections.

Lots of mothers or nannies with strollers promenaded about, and it dawned on me that most of the paths were asphalted and easy to navigate, no pushing through pebbles or sand required.

An added attraction, for kids and adults alike, were the peacocks – again, in colossal numbers rather than an isolated specimen or two. They did not hesitate to show off – quite a display.

Until they have had enough of you…

The fluff from the silk floss tree matched the birds’ backside…

Somehow back home everything seems to be more small scale, fit for humans, rather than giants. Everything, that is, but the buttercups. I swear they will have covered yard and house and everything else in their path one of these mornings when I wake up. Just like sleeping beauty’s castle was covered in roses – except no prince to the rescue. I will have to go weed all by myself….

Music today is some Brazilian lushness, with one of my all time favorites, Egbert Gismonti.