Yesterday morning I finally got around to weeding, re-tilling and planting the end of the flower bed along the fence line which used to be home to some decades old oleander that we took out last year. I planted a bunch of perennials that I hope will flourish and last through future seasons.
After dinner tonight I went out to the newly planted garden and, though it was dark, got this shot of a pincushion flower. I like how it looks like it is floating against a black background.
We spent yesterday and today on the lake. The little ducklings are getting big, and hang around the slip looking for handouts.
The jasmine in the backyard is in bloom. Stepping outside smells wonderful! I wish it would last all year long.
The bluebonnets in the way back have all gone to seed. On my walk back there tonight I saw a couple of newcomers — indian blankets. There are 4 plants that I can see there, and this is a picture of their first bloom.
I’m very excited to see what pops up next Spring. As I post this, Monte is out back spreading more wildflower seed that he’s collected.
I’ve been staring at a couple of brown bananas on the counter today. Instead of tossing them into the compost bin, I decided to bake some banana bread. Mmmm, smells great!
I used an easy recipe from our so-very-well-used-that-it’s-falling-out-of-its-binding Joy of Cooking.
Banana Bread
1 1/3 c flour
3/4 t salt
1/2 t baking soda
1/4 t baking powder
5 1/3 T unsalted butter
2/3 c sugar
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 c mashed very ripe bananas (~2)
1/2 c coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans
Whisk together first 4 dry ingredients. In separate large bowl beat butter and sugar on high speed until lightened in color and texture, 2-3 minutes. Add dry ingredient mixture to butter/sugar and beat until blended. Gradually beat in eggs. Fold in bananas & nuts until just combined. Spread evenly in greased 8 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 mins, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan 5-10 minutes then turn out onto rack.
We went to a special event at the Alamo Drafthouse tonight — a wine / dinner pairing and the movie Bottle Shock. The movie is based on the real story of the Chateau Montelena vineyard whose Chardonnay won 1st place in a Paris blind tasting in 1976, putting put Napa Valley wines on the map forever.
It was weird to eat food that you couldn’t really see in the dark. But the food, wines and movie were all great. Love the Alamo!
Mom and Dad cardinal under the feeder in the backyard — 12x digital zoom so they’re kind of fuzzy.
A pic of the lovely bougainvillea Mom gave us.
It was an absolutely gorgeous day today. We went for a long drive past Johnson City through the Willow City Loop to see what was left of the wildflowers. The bluebonnets are on the decline, but many others are taking stage against a hill country backdrop. This field was full of white prickly poppies.
Noreen and I went on a walk today through the greenbelt and to the nearby park. Along the way we came across this turtle. Seems he was taking the path of least resistance.
It has been very humid for the last few days… getting ready for a front to blow through tonight. Right around sunset this evening the clouds started building up into thunderheads ahead of the front. This is a shot of the sunlight from the setting sun coming from behind one of the clouds. We didn’t get too much rain, but got a nice lightning show after dark.
Today we drove down to visit my Aunt and Uncle — my mom’s brother — in San Antonio. We got a great visit in with them and my cousin, her husband and adorable daughter. We picked a great day to go sailing yesterday, it was beautiful. Today was drizzly and overcast all day — a good day for a drive.
My aunt is a wonderful gardener and she gave us a tour of her lovely backyard. This is a picture of one of her St. Patrick roses… it was even more beautiful in person.
I’m very excited that Noreen and mom arrived last night for a week long visit. Today we spent the afternoon on the lake. Mom is a natural sailor, and Noreen quickly mastered sailing the catboat. We ended our cruise by motoring up the creek and feeding the ducks.
Afterward we went to the Oasis to experience the traditional sunset ritual. This is a shot right before the sun dipped below the hills. Windy Point is the land jutting out on the right. Some lucky soul below has the best view — all to themselves.
It was a beautiful day on the lake, one of many we’re fortunate to have. I’m happy that mom and Noreen got to share it with us today.
Earlier this year we spent time preparing the planting bed along the fence in the backyard. We’ve planted zinnias, basil, morning glory, and transplanted a few other plants to the bed. This little specimen, however, was not planted by us, but I’ve let it grow from a little seedling into this big leafy bush. We’re not quite sure what it is yet. I’ve tried googling images on the web and think it’s a green pepper. It has some tiny white blooms on it, and I’ll wait to see what they turn into. Several years ago I did have green peppers planted in this bed, so it very well could be a volunteer.
When and if I get confirmation of what this mystery plant is, I’ll post an update.
Sheila365 