Summer Garden

The cool, wet, cloudy weather has extended the garden's beauty by weeks.  Everything is looking great and Banco is enjoying some leafy lay downs.

Banco in Situ

Theodore and Banco

Banco came with us to the Theodore Payne nursery this morning to help pick out a plant or two.

Squirrely Senses Activate!

Killer Baby

On the sage by the kitchen door, I almost killed this baby mantis thinking it was a grasshopper.  Hopefully it can grow big and eat tons of aphids.......

Banco In Situ

New Additions

We took the dog out to Theodore Payne this morning to try to find a few things to fill in some holes here.  First off is a Burgundy Desert Willow for behind the garage.  They are in bloom now and looking gorgeous.  A fast grower so hopefully we will have something presentable in a few years.

Next up, a space next to our new Tiger's Tail plant.  The last Lion's Tail was sprawling but this new species seems more discreet.  So next to it is a new Moss Landing California Aster.
The silver foliage should blend well with the nearby Spanish lavender.

Finally, next to an under performing butterfly bush, we put a Penstemon Palmeri.  Hopefully it won't mind the tougher soil we have in the front.

Tagged

Banco's getting squirrely.  Still waiting for the official city one.

Sage And Bees

 Once a year, the white sage grows huge and flowers.  I'm not a fan of this sage's smell but the bees love it.  Wish we could benefit from some of their work's byproduct.
Our bees tend to be very docile so there's never been a worry of stings.

The Dogs

Our neighbor posted this picture from the dog park.  Stella, Banco and Fossy having some fun.

Bonkers Banco

We used to think this was a way to cool down but it's cold in here this morning.

Cool Banco

After a few minutes in the SoCal sun, Banco retreats to the coolness of concrete.

2 On The Ball, 2 In Reserve

 Taking turns or survival of the fittest?

Weekend Shank

Post shank steak bliss below

Banco At Play

In the three weeks we've had Banco, she has begun to learn how to play.  Tug of war and a whiffle ball are her preferred past times when she's not running around with her pals at the dog park.

What Ever Happened To....

Mom recently sent me this article about the Carvel's I worked at during my high school years and college summers. They paid way over minimum wage and the people that worked there were mostly great.  Another tall Lithuanian blond, Larry, and I were Mr. Silverman's "fair haired boys". A sitcom, ala "Are You Being Served", could have been produced about that store.

Banco Meets Ellen

Sunset Blvd. Wisdom