In Jewish tradition, Shabbat is a time for pausing from daily strife, to break bread, to give thanks, to appreciate the gifts we have been given.  Come sunset on Friday to sundown on Saturday, we are offered precious time with ourselves, with one another, with the magic of a … [Read more...]

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.  -- Marcel Proust Let me tell you about Heather.  She entered  my life in 2006.  Her arrival was unexpected actually, like all events for which we never plan, but which … [Read more...]

I get a little crazy by the term "reinventing oneself" but truly there is no better term for our need to step up and out and be willing to take chances.   Complacency kills spontaneity, even vision.  If we are not mindful, our passions for something greater will fall victim to … [Read more...]

It has been a busy day in the garden.  Laying bark, pruning, weeding, all in preparation for the return of husband and that mischevious basset lad, Merlin, after whom this garden has been named.  We have been experiencing a "cold" summer by San Diego standards, with heavy marine … [Read more...]

If I were to dwell on all that is not right with my life I would lose sight of what is right. So is true with life.  So is true with gardening. There is a certain mystique in the unknown, in the promise of what lies beyond our effort. We look around us and see the garden speak … [Read more...]

I found  in my garden a succulent in bloom.  Truly splendid.  Our corghi, Sophie, offered her own perfection as she rested by the succulent.  The succulent's flower made me smile.  So did our Sophie. … [Read more...]

The road of life twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same. Yet our lessons come from the journey, not the destination.”  Don Williams, Jr., American Novelist  and Poet I admit to being in a rut these past several weeks about what to write on this blog.  Should … [Read more...]

For the past few weeks, it has been raining tomatoes.  The combination of the rainfall we experienced this year and our steadfast sun have produced quite a crop.   More crop than Jim and I can eat. Produce makes a great gift. Ask my co-workers who love being the recipients of … [Read more...]

It is awful quiet around the property.  On occasion, I have envisioned a peaceful household devoid of chaos.  My vision lasts a short time.  It is only when that chaos is gone do I find myself wanting exactly that. Jim headed off with his brother, Doug, to parts Northwest.  … [Read more...]

We gardeners are obsessive creatures.  I came across this writing recently and decided to share.  All too true. You know you're addicted to gardening when..... Your neighbors recognize you in your pajamas, rubber clogs and a cup of coffee. You grab other people’s banana … [Read more...]