1/26/2023

My Dear Friend & POTUS, JRB,

            Thanks for banning logging roads in Tongass National Forest. I hope that ban lasts longer than your presidency. Only time will tell.

The Tlingit & Haida people must be relieved. It’s one less thing for them to worry about as they already have their hands full preparing for the ongoing changes to their environment. They’ve had to deal with “crazy bears” for a couple of decades. Apparently, the bears now come out of hibernation before the salmon come. Without their favorite snacks, they get aggressive. At least the tribes are teaming up to share information as they strive to equip themselves for continued challenges.

            Speaking of challenges, the latest news from Myanmar is that the farmers in northern Shan are growing poppies again. In more peaceful times, they had been able to find healthier crops to grow, but now they are desperate for cash & don’t have to worry about a governmental official giving them a hard time.

I can see why they grow papaver. It self-sows in my garden, volunteering in various spots. I don’t have to do anything. Of course, many varieties of poppy thrive here. The most common being the bright orange CA poppy which will be blooming up and down the state in a few weeks.

It’s technically illegal to grow opium poppy, but we’ve got it growing wild in our community garden. A Chinese couple inquired about it last year while they were walking their dogs. They were in the know & surprised to see it. Occasionally, I find slit seed heads where someone has come in the dark of night to steal seeds. I assume they’re trying to make heroin. I hope they fail.

Enjoy your Lunar New Year reception this evening.

BYBS,