Throwing a Great Party

From teddy bears, holograms and drone corgis, The British know how to throw a great spectacle.
 

Caveman is Back

The twin of our caveman has been given a makeover and is back on display. They found the previously unknown identical statue in a defunct carnival in eastern New York state. The city put it on a trailer and hauled him back home last year.
 

Banco in Situ

 

Sun Roses

The find of the season has been Sun Roses (Helianthemum). They are a ground cover giving lots of color to the pool area....until the lavender kicks in.
 

Banco in Situ

 She's loving her new bed. And it's portable....we can move it to wherever she wants to be.

New Recipe

W found a new chef to follow on youtube and experimented with a pumpkin/olive oil cake.

Ellen's Mag

I got my American Cinematographer today. Ellen's lifetime achievement issue. Together again!

V Day 2022

 

More Patron

Why does Justin Trudeau get all the good assignments?
 

Rain, Sun, Hail

The last few days have been Rain then Sun then Rain again. Today it got switched up with Rain, Sun, Hail. We don't see hail much here. 
 

Favorite News Item Today

More on Patron here

Banco in Situ

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.