Playful use of Chick and Hens

Succulents at Sherman Garden and Library

Amazing little garden tucked away in Corona del Mar.  A visit with friends to Sherman Gardens was a perfect way to spend a Monday afternoon.  The succulents were amazing to see.  Truly eye candy.

Busy as...Well, You Know

After a rainy Sunday, we were treated to a wonderful sunny Monday.  And the bees were very excited about it.  These poppies were attracting the nearby bees in droves.  It was amazing to watch these bees as they collected the pollen.  These photos are static but if you had been a witness to this activity, I believe you would have used the word frenetic to describe the activity.

Hard Working California Garden

While I have many winter items growing in my garden, some of my summer plants continue to grow.  I found this lovely little purple eggplant tucked under the massive leaves of this aubergine plant.  My hope is that we have just enough warm sunny days to get it to a decent size.  This plant is actually loaded with purple blossoms.  The weekly rains we are having are obviously working wonders.

Peas Planted

Sugar snap peas are planted and starting to climb.

Summer is Trying to Hang On...

Early rains the last two weekends caused these tomatoes to swell and created slight cracks in their skins.

Summer has not left the garden completely.  The tenacious four are still holding on and ripening on the vine....slowly.  Yesterday, I picked those tomatoes which were ripe, and today, it's into the oven for a good roasting.

My signature dishes in the kitchen include soups of all kinds.  This fall, I have been experimenting with roasted tomato soups.  The soup I will make today will be a vegetarian version for one of my sons who will be home for Thanksgiving. Don't worry, Chris, I already made a non-vegetarian version for you!