Hello August!

We were able to slip away to beautiful Central Montana for a few days. Here are a few pics.


The breathtaking Crazy Mountains.


My girl.


Wind!

The basic difference between being assertive and being aggressive is how our words and behavior affect the rights and well-being of others."
--Sharon Anthony Bower,
American self-help author

Scalloped Organic Patchwork Quilt & Sham | Pottery Barn

Coveting this.....the scallop pattern is so beautiful!
Scalloped Organic Patchwork Quilt & Sham | Pottery Barn

Interactive convict herb garden. Check it!

Here is a fabulous little interactive herb garden from my favorite domestic diva convict. Check it out!

http://www.marthastewart.com/garden-plan

This a delicious crop of agrugla I grew two years ago. Lovely, so lovely. I hope I can grow some this year that is as healthy and productive.

Buying green pleasure

If I can't grow it I'll buy it~ I am so desperate for fresh herbs. I was delighted to find this fresh basil a month ago in our favorite grocery store. This basil comes growing in little peat moss blocks that are submerged in water. You just take it home and it will last 3 or more weeks if put in water. I love the green stuff. I put leaves of it in my lemon tea. I chop it and put it on top of my fried eggs. I pretty much am sticking basil in everything in my kitchen. Anyway, my current love affair..basil from a far off land.



This picture was taken on Sunday. I love, love, love this shot of her and Lucky. She is reading a lot lately and is hooked. Right now she is reading Three Cups of Tea and the Hobbitt at the same time. Lucky loves curling up with anyone that will hold still.


I am reading a fascinating story written by an oncology physician called the "Emperor of all Maladies". This story is based on the history of cancer and it's treatment but is also an excellent read for the lay person. I would really recommend it!

http://www.amazon.com/Emperor-All-Maladies-Biography-Cancer/dp/1439107955

I am trying to think of what my first mission in the yard will be this weekend. I think it will be cleaning all of my flower beds to perfection and then to map out my plans for what to plant in them. I want to plant many peony, lilacs, lilly's, and rose bushs in my front yard. Any flower lovers with big spring plans?

Well, Happy Hump day out there. St Patties day in the AM! Do you have your green going?

Looking forward...to basil!

I am drooling on these seeds from High Mowing.


This is my basil from last year. I used High Mowing Organic last year for all of my seeds.

We were able to walk around our greenbelt last weekend. So lovely and melty! The ducks love the big pools the melting snow makes.



Megan has been climbing this same tree for 7 years now. Watching her climb this tree makes me smile and my heart melt every time.




What dreamy thoughts do you have of the upcoming gardening season?

Well Hello There!

Well, here we are in March. Wow. Where does the time go? The last post I made on this blog was in the fall with pictures of Meg in her first day of school outfit. Now Megan excitedly talks of summer vacation, flower gardening and the last day of school. The winter has passed in a flurry of learning all about oncology for me. I have met the most delightful people in my new job and it has emphasized how precious our little bit of time here on earth is. I have mentioned the "small things" in life before but I am going there again. Really, that's where it is folks. We have been tucked inside enjoying the warmth of our home, each other and skiing on the weekends.

This is the first stinking orchid I have ever got to bloom. Usually they get thrown in the trash after those beautiful flowers that prompted the purchase wilt away. But I was persistent and watchful and was rewarded. A nice bit of cheer for the winter blah's.


Megan is turning into a stud muffin like ski chic. She was carving with both skis in some fresh powder on a black diamond run at the Ghee. she was rocking it until she hit a big bump under the powder and smashed her mouth on her knee. She looked so tough with her big, fat lip. She skied the rest of the day with absolutely no whining.


We got a new kitty this fall. His name is Lucky and he is a very, cool cat. He is very docile and lets Megan wear him as a scarf in her fashion shows.


On the epic powder day at the Ghee this year (32 inches of pure joy) the roads were closed. So we did some cross country in our local park. Travis and Megan were busting some moves here.


Carrot cake on a Sunday. Yum. Joy of Cooking baby. The best carrot cake recipe hands down.


Trav's aunt Casey came for a visit. She looks like a million dollars. We cooked thai food, listened to Cajun music and went cross country skiing at Bear Gulch. Good times!






I threw a Valentine's party for Megan and she invited some friends. We made homemade Valentine cards and decorated sugar cookies. We had cupcakes and pizza. These are the days to remember.


I got my first helmet this year. I really love it. It has Skull Candy speakers implanted inside. Travis and Megan say I look like Jack from "Jack in the Box". I think I look like a super star ski chic myself. Don't you think?


Happy Spring!!