Iris in Bloom

The iris bulbs around the pool are in full bloom. The poppies are not too far behind.
 

New Painting

My birthday present to myself arrived from Odessa yesterday. "The Shore After the Storm" was painted by Ukrainian artist Natalia Pakhomova in 1993.  I found it online and the painting reminded me of some French and Italian art deco painters I admire. The symbolism includes a sea shell for baptism, optimism and courage. Pearls represent virginity and purity. A pomegranate is associated with fertility and the Virgin Mary.  So on the whole, a fairly uplifting scene.

Easter with Robin and Bouton

 Perhaps a tad too much wine was had that Sunday afternoon.

South Wall

I'm trying to finish up the new planting on the south wall of the property before the next rain begins. The lilacs are blooming and we've add several Japanese Kerria plants. Tons of yellow blooms. Just adding some ground cover and mulching to finish off this Spring's project

Trees That Give Back

Banco and I walk through city hall's garden most mornings. The Parks department recently tagged a number of trees telling the passerby how much rainwater is consumed, pounds of CO2 captured and electric savings (not sure about the last one).  Helps to appreciate how much trees help us out.
 

Lost Creek Lake Paddle

It was a long 3 hour paddle but the lake is nearly full up and all the seasonal waterfalls are rushing.
 

Boston Cream Pie

W asked me what kind of Bday cake I wanted and I told him my recollections of my younger years when Mom would make 2 Boston Creme pies. One each for my twin and I. W found a great recipe online and the result surpassed my dreams. You can learn the secrets of the great cake here
 

Perfect Birthday

Gorgeous afternoon for a winery birthday. Debbie created a “Manhattan” bundt cake soaked in bourbon. Cake contained sweet vermouth and cherries. I’ve corrupted her into the Manhattan cocktail club. Her culinary creativity knows no bounds. Lots of dogs, mirth and fun. Today we kayak to work off some of the excess.

 

Ben Irving Springtime

A very lovely paddle around Ben Irving reservoir yesterday.  

Back Seat Garden

We took a trip to our favorite nursery and picked up a bunch of stuff for the back yard. Some of the new finds we are going to try this year are Japanese Kerria and Rock Rose cousin Sun Rose.

Gaffer63: Rock Rose

Poo Tin

An editorial comment found this morning.
 

Banco in Situ

 

Uncovered

While doing some heavy weeding, I uncovered a rock garden border running the length of the southern side of the property. With excavation complete, it looks the other many rocky slopes and areas in the backyard.
 

Banco in Situ

Bouton and Banco rough house while W works to clean up RK's computer.
 

Spring Paddles

Weather has been nice enough to get out and paddle a bit. Two times so far, Lake Selmac and Willow Creek Lake.
 

New Neighbor

A guinea fowl appeared one day in the neighborhood. Some folks have been feeding it and one person put a dog house out for it to weather some of our cold nights. It seems to be here for the duration and likes its new digs. It prefers to hang out on fences and roof tops during the day.
 

Valley Afternoon

Gorgeous day to venture into the valley with some friends for lunch and a few bottles of wine.