Do you have days when you hate the Internet and days when you love it? Today’s a love-it kind of day for me. I’m never sure why, except that ANY day I don’t read comments on online articles is always better.
My thoughtful neighbors Jeff and Jason knew I was sad when our unusual winter freezes damaged and killed a lot of my flowers, so they brought a flat of Sweet Williams over for me to plant.
We’ve lived in this house since 1995, and our botanicals over the years have included gifts (and often, sweat equity) from many friends. Not only am I thankful for their generosity, but their persistent faith that I might manage not to kill everything, my history to the contrary, is touching. A shout-out to the believers, including Steve R, Lynne and Craig, James, Steve V, Amy, Tim, Kathy S, Sarena, Debby, my mother, Princess Patti, Lindsey and Rhonda, and the guy next door, who donated tons of his plants to us when he moved to another city. Those include a little tree that’s in a pot in the back yard. I have no idea what this tree is, but often when I take my eyes off Guinness, she climbs into the pot to nibble on the leaves. I’ve never been able to catch her in time to shoot a photo of this. Pixie likes those leaves, too. I’ve tasted them but can’t understand the appeal. To me, they taste like ordinary leaves.
It’ll be a little harder for Guinness now because I’ve put a fairy in that pot next to the tree. It’s solar-powered, but since I just did it today, I haven’t yet seen what kind of glow it casts at night. It was a donation to the cause from Lisa K.
ETA: You can see the fairy at night here.
The other night, Tom, Tim, Lynne, Lindsey, and Rhonda took me out for a birthday dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, The Ambassador. What I didn’t know was that Lisa K had gotten in touch with Tim and surprised me by joining us. Sneaky Aries!
There’s actually a photo where Tim and I look happier, but Lynne’s eyes are open in this one, so I chose it.
Figured it was the least I could do for the person who made my DELICIOUS birthday cake. From scratch, so she could make it sour cream chocolate with sour cream chocolate frosting. She knows me so well.
Lisa gave me another little garden item, too. This one’s in the pot with the resurrected impatiens and daisies.
To prove no good deed goes unpunished, Lisa forgot the rest of her dinner entree that she had boxed up for lunch on Sunday. But we enjoyed it! Thanks, Lisa. And thanks Tom, Tim, Lynne, and The Brides for this part of my fun birthday. More to come!
(For ‘Nathan–’cause it’s not a party until there’s a Chinese take-out box.)
Yay! Chinese take-out box. Also: check your e-mail in about 10, 9, 8…
Oh, dear.
AWE-some! All the way around!
=^..^=
Thanks!
I love Sweet Williams! I need to plant some this year.
At our old house, we wanted to plant a Japanese Maple, but our dog, Sparky evidently did not approve. She destroyed the original and its replacement. We finally got the message. Be glad that your tree is just snackable. I’m sure your lovely fairy will be a diligent guard.
We had a Japanese Maple, I think–transplanted here from a friend’s garden–very pretty, but it didn’t last. =(
Chocolate sour cream cake sounds delish! And where can I find a solar-powered fairy?!
You can see my video of how she looks tonight right here: http://vimeo.com/21685158
Happy Birthday!
From scratch, so she could make it sour cream chocolate with sour cream chocolate frosting. She knows me so well.
Sour cream chocolate?! It must be the southern belle in you. 😀
Must be. Thank you!
Happy Birthday!
I hope it’s spring there — we’re still waiting!
I have a recipe for something called Texas Sheet Cake.
It’s like a cross between a brownie and a chocolate
cake. Don’t know what’s “Texas” about it, though!
I’d send you a piece, but it would get smooshed
in the Internets, as my mother would say.
Thank you! Maybe it’s “Texas” because it’s big?
Happy Birthday for Saturday! I’m sorry I missed it. I’ll put it in my diary for next year…
Thanks!
Only one candle on the cake? Very tactful . . .
Glad you enjoyed your birthday day (happy belated good wishes!) and the garden filled days that will follow.
Thanks very much!
Solar-power fairies my ass–those are new security devices, aren’t they?
And why do take-out boxes make me want to write a book?
The solar-powered fairy shoots a deadly laser at trespassers.
True story.
There was NO doubt in my mind.
So those are Sweet Williams! I read the other day that Kate Middleton requested Sweet Williams (along with other flowers) as part of the floral design for her wedding cake. They are sweet. 🙂
They smell sweet, too. =)