by angela@diggingbliss | Apr 3, 2007 | Uncategorized
On the drive to between Sacramento and Mendocino, by way of Hwy 37 –> 128–> 101 N– 1, lupine and California poppies are quite spectacular right now, especially against a startlingly green background. Everything is green, leafing out and beginning to bloom. Ceanothus and lilac are blooming.
The change of scenery from the Valley to the coast is very dramatic. You go from flat land with a 360 degree view to rolling, oak-studded foothills, and then into the deep dark redwood forest. Then suddenly… boom… there’s the Pacific Ocean. The transitions are very sudden, which makes the drive interesting and makes the sunglasses go on and come off many times.
I was thrilled to discover I’ve got wi–fi at the rental house for the first time ever, so I can now glance up from my untethered laptop while composing a blog post and see the ocean. This afternoon, I may venture out back to one of the Adirondack chairs and check my e-mail while enjoying the peaceful waves crashing in the distance. This is one happy “camper”.
Yes, I am addicted to modern technology and yelled a “Praise Jesus!” when I also discovered my cell phone works here for the first time ever. If I were forced to go tent camping sometime in the not-very-likely future, I’d be one of those panicky techno junkies scrounging around every morning for my solar iPod/cell phone charger while wondering who’s gonna go out in the freezing cold to start the fire… to boil the water… to make my French roast coffee. Must… stop… thinking about tent camping.
Outside right now, birds are chirping and it looks like it’s going to be a sunny, non-windy day. No formal plans today except to wander around town on foot and by bike. S’later!
by angela@diggingbliss | Mar 30, 2007 | Uncategorized
I’m just a blogging fool today. That’s because I should be cleaning and running errands and packing before my trip.
Here’s what’s blooming in my front yard right now. Had gone out to check the mail and couldn’t resist grabbing my camera.
Emily rarely smiles for the camera. In fact, she rarely sits still for the camera. It’s difficult to get good pictures of her because the moment she knows you’re paying attention to her, she jumps down and starts rubbing against your leg. When I was photographing poppies this morning, she bit me to get my attention.
yellow ‘Lady Banks’ rose
Pink cyclamen
Ixia
Calif. Poppies against Western redbud (Cercis occidentalis)
More Lady Banks
Poppies and Ixia, both of which get by on natural rainfall
by angela@diggingbliss | Mar 30, 2007 | Uncategorized
Buzz Kill
I enjoyed this piece, and it relates to recent news regarding bee die-offs across the country. I’ll be looking for bees when my lavender blooms. I’m pretty convinced my veggie garden productivity last year was aided by the constant buzz around my lavender plants. It wasn’t an intentional planting arrangement, but it seemed to help and it sure beats having to hand-pollinate.
If you’re not a paid Salon subscriber, you will have to sit through an online ad or two before reading the article. Such is life in the frugal lane.
by angela@diggingbliss | Mar 30, 2007 | Uncategorized
I’m going to
Mendo next week. Will check in from
Moody’s if there’s anything
horticulturally significant to report. Yes, I’m bringing my camera. Not sure what the weather will be like, though. I’m hoping to get in some good bike rides, but if it’s raining we’ll have to go to plan B, which is to eat and lounge by the fire. It’s all good.
