Jaded

A gray day. Not enough hours in the fun parts. Rain likely tomorrow.

On Deck

This tomato plant (Japanese Black which apparently hails from Russia) followed me home yesterday. There's no room in the garden so it's in a huge pot on the deck. We'll see how it goes--especially since the weather's turned unusually cool.

Onion Dome

I would swear this was a full moon because people were truly odd and I was nonplussed. Not the case, however. At least it's nice, but cool, outside.

Bracts

Spanish lavender with its ostentatious headdress and harsh scent isn't my favorite but the English lavender isn't blooming yet. It was terribly windy all day and, therefore, cold. Looked good from the indoors, though.

Curlicue

Delightful weather; spring part deux. Wild grapes are ranging along the river and cottonwood fluff is in the air. Saw goslings following their parents.

Fremontodendron californicum

I do not understand bumble bees. They hover all around the flowers but very rarely land. The flannelbush sure attracted them, though.

All Choked Up

Rain this morning, shockingly. Picked the first strawberries this afternoon. Nice and cool outside.

Gazing at You

The marine layer moved in and it was cool and breezy all day--much nicer. The garden is still burgeoning. The bees were nowhere to be seen.

Nemo Me Impune Lacessit

The male carpenter bees were hovering all over the weed patch. They're odd creatures and elusive. As soon as I got the camera out they disappeared so I snapped a thistle instead.

And Then There Were Nine

The ducklings are still as energetic as ever and noticeably bigger. Today was still hot but there's relief in sight. The ducks are lucky: they get to hang out in the water.

The Bachelor

News of the day: record high temperatures. The new plants seem to be settling in fine. The daily ritual of checking whether they need water begins.

The Plot

We got all the new plants in the garden by noon. For now, the newbies are: four tomato plants, pole beans, eggplant, jalapeno pepper, zucchini, cucumber, and basil. The strawberries are ripening and all the herbs are going to town.

Galling

The cynipids have been busy, apparently. Much warmer today--almost hot. More garden prep work but no planting as of yet.

Lowly

Stirring up the compost bin getting ready for setting up the garden this weekend. The worms have been chomping away doing their job. Must decide what to plant.

And the Lemon Flower is Sweet

I hope some bees have dropped by. Last year I had only three fruit. It'll be almost like summer tomorrow and time for lemonade.

Make Way

Exuberant, peeping ducklings exploring the world with gusto. I counted ten altogether as they rushed about. It's spring all right.

Dogwood

Punishing winds. The dogwood blossoms danced. Clear skies and chill tonight.

Mondays

Feeling slow and sluggish. The to and fro is changing and I'm a bit discombobulated. Gorgeous weather but I saw most of it through a window.

What Was

Lots of cooking interspersed with running outside to look at more flowers. New traditions have started. Thinking of old ones was bittersweet.

The Easter Bunny?

A coyote was stalking this one. Hope he got away. We soaked up more sunshine and even saw a monarch butterfly that wouldn't sit still for the camera.

Framed

The clouds are leaving. The sun is back. The trees have fully leafed out.

Gathers No Stones?

My house faces north and moss grows on the roof. In today's storm, balls of it fell off. What's the proverb for rolling moss?

Starry, Starry White

The buds are lavender but no hint of color remains in the open petals. We had quite the rain last night which battered other flowers but these escaped. Dramatic clouds but no more moisture today.

Raindrops on Roses

A satisfactory drumming on the roof is going on right now. It won't last for long but the air's getting cleaner by the second. Saw a turkey on my street--they're invading.

Tiptoe

Made it to 80 degrees for the first time today. Not bad, actually, for a Monday. And then things were shattered.

Wild Cucumber

One of the first plants to move into the burned area. Alas, my pictures of its spiny fruit were lousy. Picture perfect day outside--I think I'll go out again.

Snake on the Mountain (Striped Racer)

This little snake couldn't wait to get away from us. A gorgeous day to picnic, hike, and gaze at wildflowers. Hard to top that--we even saw a turkey overhead.

Shiny and New

Such a windy spring. It's probably normal and I just don't remember. My bay laurel was doing a jig in the gusts and wouldn't sit still for its close-up (note the blur).

Sweet, Citrusy Perfume

My eyes are glazed over today but the nose is working. The freesia are at their peak. Their scent lingers.

Summits

Still snow on the peaks. Rapid melt starting. But, the air is fresh and it's cool and spring-y.