The Birds Did Not Get Them

I think these Brown Turkey Figs are beautiful! At least there are a couple of things in my garden that I can get excited about these days. It has been so difficult to watch my garden go "down hill", so to speak. For two months I have had to discipline myself and resist trying to do my usual gardening. It has made me realize how important my outdoor activity is for me. In so many ways it is simply stated as "my therapy".

The figs are quite small and there are only about 20 of them at the most. However, they are ripening nicely and are very sweet tasting. Since they are on the small side I probably will not be able to do any interesting baking with them. But, I know I will enjoy hand eating every last one of them.

I remember as a small girl eating figs from a neighbor girls tree in their yard. And, for some reason it was such a treat and I have enjoyed them ever since that time. I guess the fact that I can grow them in my own garden makes it a little more special! Kind of like growing your own tomatoes, zucchini and other vegetables that I like to eat. Unfortunately, my raised vegetable planter box stayed empty this year. Just as well because I would not have been able to give it the care it would have needed.

Look at the pretty strawberry-colored flesh in that purplish-brown colored fig skin! I think it makes a nice picture especially with the contrast of colors. I thought the garden sculpture of the bird would go nicely with the figs! I never said I would NOT share my figs - now did I?

The Theodore Haviland china pattern is Touraine. The dishes belonged to my mother and I have a complete set of eight place settings along with serving pieces, all in excellent condition. They are my favorite dishes and they reside in my china cabinet so I can continually enjoy seeing them.

I will leave you with a bright and pretty spot from my patio. It is a lone Yellow Gerbera Daisy that sits among several other pots of daisies that have struggled to stay alive do to lack of TLC. I am thankful for all the bright colors of nature.

Hug Someone Today.

Mary

A Drive Up The Hill To Lake Alpine And A Cute Visitor

It was wonderful to get out of the house today and go for a nice long drive up country. I feel like I have "cabin fever" even though I have been able to go outside at home.

And, I did get to go out for dinner on Friday Night.

But, on such a beautiful day it was great to be out on the road driving (riding) to Lake Alpine Resort which is over 7000 foot elevation for lunch on the patio. My home is at 2000 foot elevation.

We sat under these colorful umbrellas on the patio and enjoyed the lovely weather, view of the lake, lunch and some music.

A few onion rings to share before our beef sliders were served.

And, this is our cute little chipmunk visitor who enjoyed a few crumbs under the table. So cute scampering all around the outdoor decking.

This was the view of the lake from the patio where we sat under the umbrellas.

The lake was nice and blue. However, the drought conditions were very evident during the drive up with the condition of the trees. They look very dry and thirsty. And, the lush green colors of the past were absent.

The lake level seemed about the same or maybe just a little lower. It was good to see people out enjoying a little fishing.

It was a great day.

My sweet Lily dog is doing very well with her medication treatment for heart disease. I gave her a bath a few days ago and trimmed her hair and toe nails. She is a very good doggy with bath time and dances around afterwards like a princess. She has all her playful attitude and is eating and drinking water well. All systems are working! I have enjoyed her so very much especially with being so confined to the house with my leg elevated with an ice pack. Physical therapy on Tuesday!

Wishing you an enjoyable week.

Mary

You Either Like Them Or You REALLY DON'T

There doesn't seem to be any "middle of the road" on this subject. My excitement over my Fig tree is not shared by all those about me. I have been nurturing my fig tree for a few years now. I purchased it in a one gallon container and look how large it has grown. I am hoping this year will be the year that I will at least have a few figs for hand eating. If I get more, all the better. Our super hot weather has been helping the fruit to ripen.

According to my local newspaper this week, "Figs are one of the oldest domesticated fruits, predating wheat and other grains by more than 1,000 years. Native to western Asia and the Middle East, figs have figured prominently as a food staple since ancient times."

And, I did not know that figs generally produce two crops a year. The first crop sprouts on last year's wood. And the fig tree's new growth produces an even larger crop of fruit. Thus, they can produce from about June into the fall. I can only hope for just a few and that would make me happy.

I have been watching the Blue Jays carefully! I don't know if figs are on their favorite list of appetizers or not! But, I would not be surprised. It seems like I have seen quite a few more Jays lately around my fig tree.

If I say so myself, these figs are looking mighty fine. Don't you think?

I have become a little impatient with my limitations with my mobility. I want to be able to do more in the kitchen, cooking and maybe baking a fig tart, and the garden is calling loudly! And, let's not even talk about how my house is looking. Where's the Cleaning Lady when you need them? 

Next Tuesday, I finally get to see the Physical Therapist for my first evaluation. That was the first appointment I have been able to get because all of the offices in this area are booked with patients until then.

I hope you are enjoying the Summer Days.

Mary

Fixing Dinner With Limited Function

Oh sure, I can easily make Tostadas for dinner. Just fry up some ground beef with onions and throw in some refried beans. Right? Chop up some toppings and fry some tortillas.

What a reality check! What a challenge!

I should have known better. By the end of the day my right ankle/leg had enough weight bearing without me trying to make dinner, simple at that! But, I wanted to surprise my friend with some kind of a dinner to show my appreciation for everything he has been doing for me. He was so surprised when I offered the invitation.

On top of the beans we had shredded cheddar cheese, chopped lettuce, chopped tomatoes, black olives, salsa, sour cream and avocado. I didn't take much time to make them look very pretty but they sure tasted good. Taking photos was a very last minute thought while we were starting to sit. No photo staging here.

It was a warm summer evening and a nice light beer was a good choice of beverage with the Tostadas. I was thinking about making some vanilla pudding with bananas for dessert but simply was not able to do it. Since I am not able to jump in the car and drive to the store I was having to work with what I had in the pantry.

Much to my surprise when my friend arrived he had some 

Mocha Latte Italian Gelato - - - - - 

and a lovely bouquet of flowers - - - - - 

in his hands. I was so surprised and it made me very happy! He was very grateful for my effort but very concerned about my ankle/leg.

Most of the evening I spent reclining on the sofa with an ice pack on my ankle. I am sure my ankle will feel better in no time.

Mary

Gifts Come Packaged In Many Ways

On Friday evening a Gift came walking down our Main Street to join us for dinner at Alchemy.

That may not seem very unusual to you but it was rather unique in many ways. This couple was meeting us for the first time after flying in from San Diego with their Mooney Airplane to our local airport.

OK, that was a little different. But, wait, there is more.  After following my Blog for about four years we were about to meet a lovely lady and her husband who were spending a weekend in our little part of the country - Northern California.

What a Beautiful Gift we received in meeting this fun, nice, interesting and adventuresome couple. We had such an enjoyable evening getting acquainted. And, we sure hope to repeat  the experience in the future, either here or maybe in San Diego.

Cherish your Gifts.

Mary

Saying Good Luck and So Long

Yesterday we packed more activity into one day than we have done in a long time. And, by the end of the day we sure knew it. We surprised our waiter friend by going out to the country club and having lunch since it was his last shift before traveling on to the next chapter of his life.

It was such a beautiful day with lovely billowy white changing cloud formations as we traveled along the always scenic roadway.

Through the restaurant front doors you can see all the way through to the little lake and golf course.

Our waiter friend was surprised and very happy to see us. And, he quickly reminded me that my favorite bartender who worked on Sundays in the past when we usually went for Brunch was there and he would be happy to fix me a Ramos Fizz which had become my favorite Brunch beverage since he first made one for me. No one can make one as good as he does. I don't even consider ordering one anywhere else.

Years ago in the 80's is when I first became acquainted with the drink at The Alta Mira Restaurant (no longer open) in Sauslito near San Francisco. It has been years since I even thought about the creamy (desert-like) drink.

If one is good, two is better! Oh my!

The outside of the restaurant has these beautiful copper Rain Chains hanging from the rain gutters. There are about six of them hanging at the front. Rain chains are a beautiful and functional alternative to traditional downspouts. Guiding rain water visible down chains or cups from the roof to the ground, a rain chain transforms a plain gutter downspout into a pleasing water feature. They are very attractive and I had never seen them on a building prior to visiting this restaurant years ago.

I think they are so cool looking! And, when it rains they look even cooler!

Following lunch we were able to go to a few stores to do a little shopping. It was so good to be out 'n about.

It was a beautiful day!

Mary

Can You Get Better Help Than This

I don't think so. Daddy just finished putting down new flooring in their new home. It looks like my Great Grandson is a very good helper! Not bad for 14 months old. How cute is this! And yes, he has started walking!

Don't work too hard. Maybe, I can get you some good help at a discounted wage!

Mary

Roses In My Home

It makes me so Very Very HAPPY.

May I introduce you to “Elle” a hybrid tea rose that has a strong citrus, spice fragrance.

Aren't they beautiful? They are from my garden and I have been watching them bloom from my living room window as I recover from my leg injury.

I believe it was in 2005 that I bought this bare root rose from Jackson & Perkins Roses when it first became available in the United States.The first hybrid tea rose Elle was bred in France prior to 1999 by Jacques Mouchotte, and was introduced in that same country by Meilland International. This rose was created by crossing the Purple Splendour rose with a pollen plant created from the Chicago Peace and Parador roses. The result is a unique twist on a classic pink rose, having orange color hues on the reverse side of the petals.

Today, I was able to go out to my garden and do a little simple maintenance for the first time. When I saw the beauty of these magnificent roses I knew I wanted to bring some into the house so I can enjoy them to their fullest.

Since I have been house-bound for weeks I did a little "retail therapy" on Ebay. This lovely vintage hand embroidered table cloth is a new acquisition and it looks wonderful with my roses.

The cloth had a few yellow spots and I placed some lemon juice and salt on the stain and put it out in the sunshine. In no time at all the tablecloth was pristine and like new!

My tea cups are new this summer and are Rosa by Grace's Teaware from TJ Max. Love those stores!

Take some time and SMELL THE ROSES.

Mary

All Is Good

First off. Friday was a terrific day at the Orthopedic office. X-rays of my leg were taken and new bone is forming around the fracture and the cast was removed! And, it is staying off.

They fit my leg into an Aircast brace/walking boot that is big and clunky. Did you catch that word "walking"? It is a beautiful word! I have been able to take a shower and scrub my grubby leg/foot and it felt so good. I already have some good range of motion with my foot and leg and there is minimal swelling and no pain unless I move it in the wrong position. Actually, I am very comfortable without the brace when walking in the house. The brace is quite uncomfortable and causes some pain but I always wear it if I am out of the house. Tomorrow I will be calling for an appointment schedule with a physical therapist.  In six weeks I will return to see the Orthopedist.

Yes, all is good.

This morning we went to church and it was very nice to get some normalcy back in my life.

And, then we went to our favorite restaurant, The Copper Grill at Saddle Creek Country Club for lunch. It is about a thirty minute drive but we always enjoy the ride through the country roads.

(Mother's Day 2012)

This is our favorite waiter, Walker, and we will miss him in the future because he is leaving after five years and going to the San Francisco Bay Area to work for a newly developed private Golf Resort and return to college to complete his degree. I am so glad that we were able to see him today because Tuesday is his last day and we would not have known of his new employment plans nor would we have been able to say goodbye. It has been weeks since we have been able to go out for brunch. He is one of the nicest people I have ever met. And, I can only wish him the finest in his future. We hope to see him at his new place of employment when I have to go to San Francisco for a Medical Consultation next month.

Yes, all is good.

And, I hope all is good with you.

Mary

Planning On Parting Ways

We have been together a little too long and I am ready to part ways and try it on my own. I am sure you will understand when the Ortho says "enough is enough"! No hurt feelings, OK, it's just got to be this way. "Goodbye Cast". You've done your job - thank you!

I am so ready to be on my own, again. I feel like some good healing has taken place and I am ready for the next step in the recovery process. It has been a very long five weeks, one week for all the swelling to diminish and four weeks in the cast. My Ortho appointment in tomorrow morning and I can hardly wait. I think I will feel like a "bird out of a cage". However, I know my friend will keep a close eye on me, especially since I tend to be a doer and not a sitter! At least that's the way I feel when I am not able to be up and about.

I hope you have had a Good Summer Week.

Mary

It Just Don't Get No Better Than That

That Great Grandson of mine has really got the good life!!! Don't ya think?

His Mama says he takes every last toy out when he plays. At least, maybe, they are getting their monies worth with their toy purchases!

I hope you have a Fun Day.

Mary

Awakened By Thunderous Grinding

What is that terrible super loud noise racing into my house through my open windows at 7 AM?

NO - NO - NO, beautiful tall (Cedar, I think) trees are being cut down in my neighbors yard at the property line between them and the next neighbor. I don't know why anyone would do such a radical activity. It appears as though a total of eight trees are being removed. SO SAD! My house sits higher than the neighbor so these photos were taken from my living room window. The sun is behind the trees so taking photos is a challenge! The beautiful trees are coming down one by one.

This is the top of my wire fence that I have been considering replacing so my Jasmine vines can grow and cover the fence again. I must call the Fencing Company, today.

I can hardly bare to watch these beautiful trees come down. They look very healthy and have been there for years.

I hope there is a good reason for all of this. The two houses down from me are owned by "Second Home" owners. However, the property next to me transferred ownership within the family (to daughter) earlier this year following an estate settlement after the death of the owner. Since I have been confined to the house for the past month I have not been able to visit with the new owner even though I have visited with her periodically through the years but not for a very long time. Before long I will probably have a chance to visit with her.

Just another day in the country - from my window.

Wishing you a Happy Healthy Day.

Mary