Monday, January 18, 2010

Raining, Raining, Raining!


We're getting some much needed rain and feeling much better about precipitation (and life in general) now that it seems I've fixed, if only temporarily, the roof leak(s). It's weird. Living here, you kind of forget what rain is like and how to deal with it. Had to laugh at last night's breaking local news story. They had someone "live on location" in a parking lot to report on the "puddling" occurring across Los Angeles. Puddling!

(I don't mean to be insensitive to our neighbors to the north and northeast, for whom this really is a serious weather situation. Mud slide related evacuations have forced hundreds from their homes.)



It warmed my heart to see that Violet found a way to cope with the frigid temperatures (in the sixties) and seemingly freakish moisture-from-the-sky. Love that little whiskered face!

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Blooming Today — An Inventory

At mom's request. . .


Above, the big guys: Pink Abutilon, Sunflower (under the birdfeeder), and Camelia Yuletide (performing well since right before the holidays).



The daisy-like fellers: African Daisies (purple, next to pond and out front), Euryops (upper-right), and Gazania.



Some succulent action. I've forgotten the exact types: Aloe relative (upper right), String of pearls (lower left), Warty-leafed paddle-type guy (lower right).



Four kinds of Geranium.



Teeny cluster flowering guys (clockwise from upper left): Sea Lavender, Jade, Lantana, and Sweet Alyssum.



Edibles: Rosemary, Lime tree, Beets, and Cilantro.



Pink: Dianthus, Kalanchoe, Ice plant, and Sage.



Leaning to the right: Bird of Paradise, Mexican Sage, and Paddle Plant.



And leaning to the left: Bacopa Snowflake, Cape Honeysuckle, and — ugh, groan — Clover.