We had a bit of a Wii frisbee golf-a-thon tonight. As I turned out the kitchen lights at the end of the night, the silhouetted tulips caught my eye. Keeto says, “night night go seepies.” So, off I go… 🙂
Category: Flowers
Save the little flowers.
We brought our vulnerable outdoor plants in when the weather turned cold last week. Most of them are in the shop. I brought a few small ones into the house. I’m enjoying this one, a pretty pink impatiens.
Boat run.
We are pet sitting this week – our niece, Julie’s, dog, and Doray & Tom’s parrot. Because of that, we have been sticking close to home. But, today we took the opportunity on this beautiful day to take a drive.
We stopped by several vantage points around the lake. With the emergency flooding situation behind us, Lake Travis is dropping about 1.5 feet a day now, currently at 695′ above mean sea level. The butterflies were thick today, which makes me very happy – so much of what humans do have hurt their populations over the years. It’s nice to see them out there despite us.
I believe these are Queen butterflies, on blue mistflower. I think I’ll plant some of this in my yard!
We also stopped by the marina to check on our boat. Our marina’s staff has been doing a wonderful job keeping all the docks floating and clear of obstacles. They are running a shuttle to the docks for boat owners, since the lake is still flooded, and the water level is still about 15 feet above the parking lot. Everything looks fine. Our batteries are doing well (electricity has been off to the docks for 12 days, so far).
I brought my completed propane bag out to the boat and hung it. It works great, and I found the perfect spot for it.
Simple pleasures.
This is a picture of the Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) shrub in our yard, finally in bloom!
I have nurtured this for several years. Though the brutally cold temperature dips appeared to kill it to the ground every winter, it popped up green shoots each spring. But, this is the first year it has flowered for me. While we were out of town for the month of August, I hoped I could keep it and some of our other flowering plants alive with an automated sprinkler. Upon our return, I was so pleased to see that not only did they all survive, but this plant had 2 flower heads ready to bloom. A happy gardener, here. 🙂
FWIW, I would recommend the low-tech sprinkler controller I picked up at Home Depot, since our underground sprinkler system is out of commission. But I’m also overjoyed by the unending rain we’ve had since we returned at the end of August. I’ll happily take every drop.
Boats, et cetera.
We toured the Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain tall ships with Francine, Rebecca & Aaron. It was fun to learn they would be here during our visit. 
The next day we ambled through some antique shops, and then took the ferry to Seattle to visit Pat, Nga and the boys.
A photo of the Southworth ferry (manipulated with the Prisma app)…
They have a beautiful new home in seattle with a view of the Sound. Another pic, manipulated with the Prisma app that I so enjoy playing with.
Will helped Monte hang their dartboard. And the throwing ensued.
We walked around the neighborhood garage sales, and all the beautiful yards.
Then blackberry picking…
Then we made a wonderful seafood dinner. I sautéed some Manila clams. They were eaten so fast I only got an after photo…
Pat grilled salmon and it was perfect!
Nick and I put together Lego dinosaurs after dinner – well, I helped. 🙂
Spoiled.
Julie came over today with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers, and whipped up a delicious brunch.
What a sweetie. 🙂
Zinnie season!
The first batch this year from the garden. So pretty!
Easter day trip.
With no commitments until Easter dinner with Julie later in the day, we headed out to visit Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. It is a beautiful place to see in the spring, full of gardens teeming with wildflowers, and several miles of lovely trails to explore.
I don’t think the wildflowers have peaked yet in south Austin, based on what we saw here, so there’s still time to get out there and see them!
There is a great-horned owl family roosting in a wall ledge just inside the entrance. There are two owlets, but they are not sticking their heads up in this shot.
Feeling a little blue.
Spring is in full gear in Austin! Temps swing between the 40’s and 80’s every few days. The wildflowers and trees are in bloom. Trying to make sense of just how quickly the year seems to have flown by, I looked back over my calendar, only to realize that I have been out of town four of the first ten weeks of the year. Yep, that’ll do it.
I’m looking forward to getting out and about to take in all the beautiful sights. This is the prettiest time of the year.
Undecking the halls.
One last photo of the Christmas tree before I take down all the lights and decorations. Oh, have I mentioned that I love tulips?
Red.
Pretty poinsettia. 
September morn’.
As I walked into the kitchen this morning for my second cup of coffee, this glowing orange zinnia caught my eye, backlit by the rising sun.
Good morning!
Every drop counts.
I awoke at 3:30 this morning to the sound of rain falling. I think I could hear the trees rejoicing as well. We got half an inch. I’ll take it!
Family time in the garden.
We are spending the weekend at a family reunion this weekend. Our hostess, Susanne’s, garden is the perfect setting. Everywhere you look there’s a lovely surprise. We are missing those that can’t be here.
