tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78028786147435779732024-03-18T00:46:12.443-07:00La Vie QuotidienneLa Vie Quotidiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348063467803160245noreply@blogger.comBlogger641125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802878614743577973.post-46110143638979430382021-03-29T10:15:00.003-07:002021-03-29T10:15:41.670-07:00Can anything ~<div style="text-align: center;">Is there anything lovelier than an early spring morning.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Birds are singing, the sun is shinning, it's a beautiful day to work in the garden. Absolute bliss.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nnM_xcMcamc/YF_R_tuPXsI/AAAAAAAAXeg/8G8bXZdE6NMqi0xR-qqKdWgbxFGRLE1zwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0307.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1262" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nnM_xcMcamc/YF_R_tuPXsI/AAAAAAAAXeg/8G8bXZdE6NMqi0xR-qqKdWgbxFGRLE1zwCLcBGAsYHQ/w394-h640/DSC_0307.JPG" width="394" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I finished this needlepoint pillow cover quite a long time ago but never got around to making it into a pillow. Finally the urge struck. It is an odd size so I also had to make the insert. I ran into a problem trying to decide how to finish off the edges and then remembered this fabric from my old kitchen drapes I detached the ruffle and somehow I think it works. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3RCOojJNjrg/YF_US-HAW9I/AAAAAAAAXeo/oYLdF9Vfm0ArG2A01rIOZUGT9Ft2MWo_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0296.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1562" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3RCOojJNjrg/YF_US-HAW9I/AAAAAAAAXeo/oYLdF9Vfm0ArG2A01rIOZUGT9Ft2MWo_QCLcBGAsYHQ/w488-h640/DSC_0296.JPG" width="488" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">All finished, it adds a nice touch of color to this chair and the room.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ayNaOyHwNH8/YF_UWYd7f4I/AAAAAAAAXes/ZGqQWUB_eYkJsT6QKVWbNWJhNrg20TEWACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0310.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1322" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ayNaOyHwNH8/YF_UWYd7f4I/AAAAAAAAXes/ZGqQWUB_eYkJsT6QKVWbNWJhNrg20TEWACLcBGAsYHQ/w414-h640/DSC_0310.JPG" width="414" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The newest crop of seeds for summer flowers.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I seeded out lots of interesting new cosmos and zinnias, plus more exotic plants...African Foxgloves. Craspedia, "drumstick flowers", Ammi visnaga, and others that I am excited about. Most of them have already germinated so I am off to a good start. I hope to plant these out in the garden next month.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ThJkWlVpOiM/YF_UZt1V3aI/AAAAAAAAXew/gVBFjGFdbO48LD5TjzbK0SnWT0Lrh4yOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0311.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1358" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ThJkWlVpOiM/YF_UZt1V3aI/AAAAAAAAXew/gVBFjGFdbO48LD5TjzbK0SnWT0Lrh4yOgCLcBGAsYHQ/w424-h640/DSC_0311.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And to end this post a little vignette from the front garden. some self-seeding pretty little flowers haphazardly growing together along with blue and white lobelia. Planting accidents can sometime make the nicest combinations.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ajScD8u40pA/YF_UcHANYgI/AAAAAAAAXe0/Fb07d_7gYlM8fvQIHYbVnN_J_ZymmwHSACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0308.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1403" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ajScD8u40pA/YF_UcHANYgI/AAAAAAAAXe0/Fb07d_7gYlM8fvQIHYbVnN_J_ZymmwHSACLcBGAsYHQ/w438-h640/DSC_0308.JPG" width="438" /></a></div></div><p> </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you for visiting. Enjoy your day and stay well</div></div></blockquote><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Adrienne </p><p><br /></p>La Vie Quotidiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348063467803160245noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802878614743577973.post-67746116603401182432021-03-17T09:50:00.003-07:002021-03-17T14:07:45.480-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">I know that I have mentioned and shared with you before my love of dried flowers. So when the living room needed a little lift for spring I installed a dried floral arrangement inspired by a wonderful Instagram account I follow, <a href="https://www.kittengrayson.com/" target="_blank">kittengraysonflowers</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4E2Qdhd-5Sk/YEbFQOC3KmI/AAAAAAAAXb0/42mVX5ehKEIcKpupbzWhhDoHdc1zlE-XQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0711%2B%25285%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4E2Qdhd-5Sk/YEbFQOC3KmI/AAAAAAAAXb0/42mVX5ehKEIcKpupbzWhhDoHdc1zlE-XQCLcBGAsYHQ/w500-h640/IMG_0711%2B%25285%2529.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I used magnolia leaves, baby breath, hydrangeas, boxwood, roses and heavenly bamboo florets. I formed the side cascade by wiring the flowers onto a heavier piece of wire that a gently curved. I love this technique and will probably use it again.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-joE5vmsocKs/YEbFqml7GUI/AAAAAAAAXcA/YirOcVUPsuwF0jRdm0iN90JK7Bbi5Z46wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG-0713%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-joE5vmsocKs/YEbFqml7GUI/AAAAAAAAXcA/YirOcVUPsuwF0jRdm0iN90JK7Bbi5Z46wCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG-0713%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I just finished reading the most charming and quite informative book, <i>Home Sweet Maison: The French</i> <i>Art of Making A Home</i>. Although the concept is about french homes it really translates into things anyone can do to make their home more welcoming and livable.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q7hSkeyunUY/YEbJLWvYHfI/AAAAAAAAXd4/cGUkcQnQFrYKv3OdXQAOoA5YjQRqSKzrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0295.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1527" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q7hSkeyunUY/YEbJLWvYHfI/AAAAAAAAXd4/cGUkcQnQFrYKv3OdXQAOoA5YjQRqSKzrgCLcBGAsYHQ/w478-h640/DSC_0295.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">One of the ideas that immediately caught my attention, having things in your entry hall that define you as a person, your interests and hobbies. That way you are not only introducing visitors to your home but also too you as a person.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thus, I decided to put together a basket of gardening items to set on the bench in my entry. I can't think of anything else that typifies me so well. I was trying to portray coming in from the garden and setting down my tools and gardening hat. Of course my actual tools aren't as tidy, and my gardening hat has seen better days, but you get the idea. It was fun to do, and I think it really says that a gardener lives here. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9QBB1fhHk4/YEbHATl1qRI/AAAAAAAAXck/s7m_TEkpA8geul8Gsk1ZggYkU0WQ4-ToQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2001/33393397-7444-4F7D-B4B8-CCAEB3BAE262%2B%25281%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2001" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9QBB1fhHk4/YEbHATl1qRI/AAAAAAAAXck/s7m_TEkpA8geul8Gsk1ZggYkU0WQ4-ToQCLcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/33393397-7444-4F7D-B4B8-CCAEB3BAE262%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I will end this post with a bouquet I made of flowers currently blooming in the garden...antique tea rose Duchess du Brabant, Santa Barbara daisy, buds from a lemon tree and nasturtiums.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTK1bskhAlU/YEbIgUzqvBI/AAAAAAAAXds/uI3TzcKyyK0WxdYcU27L7MUYQgONMYM9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0732%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1701" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTK1bskhAlU/YEbIgUzqvBI/AAAAAAAAXds/uI3TzcKyyK0WxdYcU27L7MUYQgONMYM9gCLcBGAsYHQ/w532-h640/IMG_0732%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="532" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Although I haven't been posting very often here you can also follow me on Instagram under <i>Rose</i> <i>Arbors</i>, Hope to see you there sometime.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Take care and stay healthy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Adrienne</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />La Vie Quotidiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348063467803160245noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802878614743577973.post-6126299029579030162021-01-25T17:09:00.005-08:002021-01-25T19:13:40.919-08:00A revisit ~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The month of January has completely escaped me, so much has happened it has been hard to keep up. Besides world shaking events, and minor in comparison, I have had to replace both my water heater and my stove. Finding available appliances right now in these pandemic times has become quite difficult. The water heater was easy but the stove requires certain dimensions to fit in the space. So, for the next month or so I will be trying to get by without an oven, harder than it sounds.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But before January is completely over I wanted to share with you a revisit to some of my favorite pictures from last years posts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> After all of the Christmas decorations have been put away, everything always looks bare but this little vignette in the kitchen helped to perk things up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sfpn0eRqs-U/YACbj8oN34I/AAAAAAAAXYs/8cKlO-gYAn8G4oBaRz_5P46imgwU0xYXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0137.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1383" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sfpn0eRqs-U/YACbj8oN34I/AAAAAAAAXYs/8cKlO-gYAn8G4oBaRz_5P46imgwU0xYXwCLcBGAsYHQ/w432-h640/DSC_0137.JPG" width="432" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The winter mantle. I did something similiar this year but a little better, I hope to share it with you in an up-coming post.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aQWAvcDEORU/YA8xwIzdunI/AAAAAAAAXZo/4awtj5wzxr0O3f784XXpI7CQkmbLJlAgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0142.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1480" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aQWAvcDEORU/YA8xwIzdunI/AAAAAAAAXZo/4awtj5wzxr0O3f784XXpI7CQkmbLJlAgwCLcBGAsYHQ/w462-h640/DSC_0142.JPG" width="462" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A bouquet of red roses for Valentine's Day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VwF3mQ6RG9o/YA89ncxAy2I/AAAAAAAAXaI/QYglJVkH2n8pKV7pbkDiyWZZJmlrzh81ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IPhone%2Bphotos.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VwF3mQ6RG9o/YA89ncxAy2I/AAAAAAAAXaI/QYglJVkH2n8pKV7pbkDiyWZZJmlrzh81ACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IPhone%2Bphotos.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A bountiful basket of spring blooms.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NDvozh5C8SA/YA86c4trvrI/AAAAAAAAXZ0/YvmgP_a5eusKq9fQ0EURfbPvGP9WUQqIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0004.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1680" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NDvozh5C8SA/YA86c4trvrI/AAAAAAAAXZ0/YvmgP_a5eusKq9fQ0EURfbPvGP9WUQqIwCLcBGAsYHQ/w524-h640/DSC_0004.JPG" width="524" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Climbing Pinkie by the pond in its first flush of bloom.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1kZgQMvDK_4/YA89CSdcYqI/AAAAAAAAXaA/p3binDRdJQ47emW6gQHNyqyTlGQlBiiLACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0160.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1637" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1kZgQMvDK_4/YA89CSdcYqI/AAAAAAAAXaA/p3binDRdJQ47emW6gQHNyqyTlGQlBiiLACLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h640/DSC_0160.JPG" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The rear deck on a summer eve at dusk.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HuAJpb34lTI/YACbms3K2SI/AAAAAAAAXYw/9ORJ9fxcnEEW7ExmiuMfxC5UXgHFeDUWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0644.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HuAJpb34lTI/YACbms3K2SI/AAAAAAAAXYw/9ORJ9fxcnEEW7ExmiuMfxC5UXgHFeDUWgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0644.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And</div><div style="text-align: center;">ending with my favorite picture of the year, early morning in the bedroom.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--w3RKuC4lgo/X_Pm4vZgduI/AAAAAAAAXYU/H6qqi-FbjrkTc18laH7L-PK2fjSEWx26QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0624.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--w3RKuC4lgo/X_Pm4vZgduI/AAAAAAAAXYU/H6qqi-FbjrkTc18laH7L-PK2fjSEWx26QCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0624.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope this year is a better one than the last. I look forward to conquering the pandemic and</div><div style="text-align: center;">the new leadership in our country that will somehow be able to return us back into what we should be, the "united" states of America. We have seen too many years of hate and division.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you for visiting</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Adrienne</div>La Vie Quotidiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348063467803160245noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802878614743577973.post-47136438003915932962020-12-22T12:18:00.003-08:002020-12-24T20:42:35.890-08:00The most wonderous time of the year ~<div style="text-align: center;">Here it is, just a few days before Christmas, with everything so different this year it is hard to believe that it is almost here. Without so many of the usual markers...classes to go to, friends to entertain, family gatherings... time has become so strange that it has become somewhat difficult to keep track of the days.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But it is indeed the holiday season, and time to decorate the house for Christmas. Since I cannot have my traditional family Christmas Eve dinner, there will be no one but Miss Twiggley and I here to enjoy it so I decided to do a scaled back version. Though not as elaborate, I have found that it has lifted my spirits and with that in mind I decided to share with you in this post some of my favorite decorations from the past, some I repeated this year and some not.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Below, last years flower tree, one of my favorites and one I will probably repeat next year. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KqaVD-l3KxM/X91V8G0OaHI/AAAAAAAAXW8/59NWVZ2CkpkAYoMZrj4s0NJey4iwQhrWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0041-003.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1484" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KqaVD-l3KxM/X91V8G0OaHI/AAAAAAAAXW8/59NWVZ2CkpkAYoMZrj4s0NJey4iwQhrWwCLcBGAsYHQ/w464-h640/DSC_0041-003.JPG" width="464" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">All of the Santas in the kitchen a yearly must do, but sadly not this one.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGhR3YYN8DE/X91V_W6r7tI/AAAAAAAAXXA/DdZnvijeXpQ2z5Rzjv7nVxLY-pf3K37RQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0054.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1761" data-original-width="2048" height="550" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGhR3YYN8DE/X91V_W6r7tI/AAAAAAAAXXA/DdZnvijeXpQ2z5Rzjv7nVxLY-pf3K37RQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h550/DSC_0054.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">2019 mantle designed to match the tree I showed in the first picture, again one of my favorites. Next year I think I will try to imitate a mantle Sharon Santoni did on her blog: A French Country home. You can see it on Instagram. It was almost totally evergreens and really spectacular.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ihmHvA4iRh8/X91WCnW8llI/AAAAAAAAXXE/CExs--NsV_QcGrzZZwW0Z32NYnHHBOPDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0072.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1593" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ihmHvA4iRh8/X91WCnW8llI/AAAAAAAAXXE/CExs--NsV_QcGrzZZwW0Z32NYnHHBOPDwCLcBGAsYHQ/w498-h640/DSC_0072.JPG" width="498" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I started collecting these Christmas fairies by John Roberts four years ago. I have been adding to my collection every year. I find them a charming and a whimsical addition to tuck in here and there. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g__Lyp8p9JY/X91WFZT59VI/AAAAAAAAXXI/u113R4XoESoE3191xuBKLWjvUjAWsemvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0099.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1368" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g__Lyp8p9JY/X91WFZT59VI/AAAAAAAAXXI/u113R4XoESoE3191xuBKLWjvUjAWsemvQCLcBGAsYHQ/w428-h640/DSC_0099.JPG" width="428" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And who can resist sweets during the holidays even if some of them are faux.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SdLfyNw8i78/X91WILiQ7BI/AAAAAAAAXXM/BZwkTG3r14QLSnxh7zfKWdvGE244n7DtACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0031.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1603" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SdLfyNw8i78/X91WILiQ7BI/AAAAAAAAXXM/BZwkTG3r14QLSnxh7zfKWdvGE244n7DtACLcBGAsYHQ/w500-h640/DSC_0031.JPG" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And last, the holiday window in my kitchen which I did again this year. I love this scene and never have found a better way add the spirit of the holiday to the room I spend the most time in. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qS2YIFYtVBk/X91WLsjAATI/AAAAAAAAXXU/3Z2m6zJErYAAm-1vjeVRaAevpiM1-85EgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1455" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qS2YIFYtVBk/X91WLsjAATI/AAAAAAAAXXU/3Z2m6zJErYAAm-1vjeVRaAevpiM1-85EgCLcBGAsYHQ/w454-h640/DSC_0001.JPG" width="454" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope that all of you are able to find joy in this season, with the new year we have some very positive things to look forward to and hopefully by Christmas 2021 we will be able to gather safely again with family and friends to enjoy the happiest and most wonderous time of the year.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Merry Christmas</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Adrienne</div>La Vie Quotidiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348063467803160245noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802878614743577973.post-3110015791646549812020-12-01T18:02:00.003-08:002020-12-01T19:08:29.323-08:00And now Christmas ~<div style="text-align: center;">Fall in it's glory starts late in Southern California, it is just in the past week or so that the leaves have begun to change color and drop in my garden. Of course we don't have the dramatic leaf color changes that take place in cooler climates but the difference is notable, and even though few flowers are blooming it has become my favorite time of year.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The child's bench below is awash in fallen magnolia leaves, I should rake them for the compost pile but I like they way they look so I will leave them for a while </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a4g3FngJXn8/X8aQZErC4SI/AAAAAAAAXVY/Vwa6DVEC0YgGkwb6SmsxL-fdlfWxolnsACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0268.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1305" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a4g3FngJXn8/X8aQZErC4SI/AAAAAAAAXVY/Vwa6DVEC0YgGkwb6SmsxL-fdlfWxolnsACLcBGAsYHQ/w408-h640/DSC_0268.JPG" width="408" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Crepe Myrtle tree growing beside the pond looked particularly pretty this morning with all of it's leaves turned to gold. Pretty as it is, it does created the additional work of skimming the fallen leaves out of the water - well worth it though.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I7klb0O6oQI/X8aQcn5x4lI/AAAAAAAAXVc/XNDrgLea4GYrtJb6zJrIMWpGe2nrYM6DgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0266.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1345" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I7klb0O6oQI/X8aQcn5x4lI/AAAAAAAAXVc/XNDrgLea4GYrtJb6zJrIMWpGe2nrYM6DgCLcBGAsYHQ/w420-h640/DSC_0266.JPG" width="420" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This weeping mulberry tree is starting to show one of it's most lovely features, the wonderfully distorted trunk. As the leaves drop it is revealed until next spring when it once again becomes a giant cascade of green.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u71sXBIFRGI/X8aQf5vSpPI/AAAAAAAAXVg/2VXWoo8Ji40E_WkLpHCzNSoeXcq-Ayr_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0262.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1360" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u71sXBIFRGI/X8aQf5vSpPI/AAAAAAAAXVg/2VXWoo8Ji40E_WkLpHCzNSoeXcq-Ayr_ACLcBGAsYHQ/w424-h640/DSC_0262.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Out in the front garden the red umbrellas, and the gnome walkway have all been stored away for the winter. Here another Crepe Myrtle and Magnolia tree are providing color and interest to the landscape.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mSCEhU7zIzQ/X8aQjD60gYI/AAAAAAAAXVk/AQmks-xmcVoYp14BycKy44g1b3vR9-1-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0269.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1499" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mSCEhU7zIzQ/X8aQjD60gYI/AAAAAAAAXVk/AQmks-xmcVoYp14BycKy44g1b3vR9-1-QCLcBGAsYHQ/w468-h640/DSC_0269.JPG" width="468" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And now that fall is fully here in my temperate zone it is time to think about winter and of course...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">CHRISTMAS!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-jM5wJhNdQ/X8aQk7cnH8I/AAAAAAAAXVo/5_VS60vlksgNld_3e51cen5-4r5qPfTSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s902/DSC_0002.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="683" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-jM5wJhNdQ/X8aQk7cnH8I/AAAAAAAAXVo/5_VS60vlksgNld_3e51cen5-4r5qPfTSQCLcBGAsYHQ/w484-h640/DSC_0002.JPG" width="484" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I won't be doing as much decorating this year as I will be the only one to see it. But it still gives me pleasure, and I will be able to share some of it with all of you!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Take care, stay safe.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you for visiting</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Adrienne</div>La Vie Quotidiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348063467803160245noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802878614743577973.post-38007681661586924382020-11-20T08:11:00.002-08:002020-11-20T08:11:27.463-08:00Fall vegetable planting ~<div style="text-align: center;">For the past few years I have been trying different ways to plant winter vegetables and herbs near my backdoor. On cold, dark, winter nights going to the far back of the garden to pick things is not very appealing, especially with racoons and cayotes wandering about.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This year I am trying something new. The boxwood planted in my three containers on the deck had seen better days, I pulled them out, and replanted the pots with a combination of lettuces mixed in with pansies, I also added a few miniature daffodil bulbs for additional interest in early spring.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Across the way in two window box containers I planted a variety of herbs: parsley, sage, chives, winter savory and thyme.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yi2JId57j8U/X7XNdpKgOwI/AAAAAAAAXU0/Ed9D5nbiUQscol8yMteOc9rq3U0BGG9ogCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0253.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yi2JId57j8U/X7XNdpKgOwI/AAAAAAAAXU0/Ed9D5nbiUQscol8yMteOc9rq3U0BGG9ogCLcBGAsYHQ/w450-h640/DSC_0253.JPG" width="450" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;">It is amazing how fast leaf lettuce grows, I only planted these a week ago from pony packs and they are already getting big enough to pick a few leaves for a salad. Besides being eatable they are very decorative and I love having a place to plant pansies that would otherwise be lost in my large garden.</div></blockquote></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AowAkJY9pDg/X7XNgNptH0I/AAAAAAAAXU4/xZPllxDFXQUvcLygYQt9KAvP3-FT2C82wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0254.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1371" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AowAkJY9pDg/X7XNgNptH0I/AAAAAAAAXU4/xZPllxDFXQUvcLygYQt9KAvP3-FT2C82wCLcBGAsYHQ/w429-h640/DSC_0254.JPG" width="429" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Below is the bouquet I made for my gardening class Zoom meeting last week. It contains some of the few flowers still blooming in my garden in these waning fall days.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jNS35LI-EUY/X7XNjvXHOZI/AAAAAAAAXU8/X994OfaRi6Ud3PXDHQ2Xv4oPa9yByA2ugCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0246-001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1400" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jNS35LI-EUY/X7XNjvXHOZI/AAAAAAAAXU8/X994OfaRi6Ud3PXDHQ2Xv4oPa9yByA2ugCLcBGAsYHQ/w438-h640/DSC_0246-001.JPG" width="438" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Last, I leave you with the window in the media/library room decorated for the fall holidays. Previously my little witch took center stage but after Halloween this sparkly turkey replaced her.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uLCi6fyryzU/X7XNmXDLHWI/AAAAAAAAXVA/D_5teXu1MvI3BwzQ9ivQ--fQO1B_r87TgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0249.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1514" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uLCi6fyryzU/X7XNmXDLHWI/AAAAAAAAXVA/D_5teXu1MvI3BwzQ9ivQ--fQO1B_r87TgCLcBGAsYHQ/w474-h640/DSC_0249.JPG" width="474" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wishing you all a very happy Thanksgiving holiday. It certainly will be a very different one this year for so many people, including me...I will be having a Zoom dinner with my family as we try to keep healthy and safe.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you for visiting.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Adrienne</div><div><br /></div>La Vie Quotidiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348063467803160245noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802878614743577973.post-48370844768091488242020-10-26T09:21:00.002-07:002020-10-26T11:08:22.389-07:00Slipcover, seeds and seasonal decorations ~<div style="text-align: center;">I finally completed something that I have wanted to get done for a long time - a new slipcover for the bench in my entry hall. I already had the fabric and was finally prompted to tackle it because the old pale pink fabric didn't match the two newly upholstered chairs in the other part of the area. Making a slipcover instead of having the bench reupholstered allowed a more casual look and the ruffle (which I love).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You might notice the clock which fits perfectly into the niche. It has been in my family for many, many years. Because I have the original receipt I know that it was bought on monthly payments from a shop on White Chapel in London for two pounds. One of the few items that my relatives brought with them when they immigrated to America, it must have been very precious to them, it certainly is to me. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lwph5dt3eAI/X4nv_JFipSI/AAAAAAAAXUE/YFzq6eNfCF8AbD21_Vn3nA421eeZQuoUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0247.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1236" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lwph5dt3eAI/X4nv_JFipSI/AAAAAAAAXUE/YFzq6eNfCF8AbD21_Vn3nA421eeZQuoUwCLcBGAsYHQ/w386-h640/DSC_0247.JPG" width="386" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have been harvesting lots of seeds to plant next spring and have been looking for a good way to organize and package them until planting time. I came across a Pinterest post with the perfect solution - simple origami seed packets. You can use any type of paper you want and make them in suitable sizes. I used plain white paper to make them easier to label. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YXdLhPLf0R8/X4nwCMjOQnI/AAAAAAAAXUI/uuPusibDXmAYVVN1tUpCmwJQtoX2Z2yFACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0246.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1423" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YXdLhPLf0R8/X4nwCMjOQnI/AAAAAAAAXUI/uuPusibDXmAYVVN1tUpCmwJQtoX2Z2yFACLcBGAsYHQ/w444-h640/DSC_0246.JPG" width="444" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">They are so much better than the envelopes that I was using before, and so compact that I can fit several different packets in old jam jars to stack on a shelf in my kitchen pantry...I knew I was saving these jars for something, they are just too cute to throw away, and now I know what it was.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gaaUp02RlBM/X4nwFPwVK8I/AAAAAAAAXUM/mD4K8mjzOKQGo6Ntova_j95hR4gnzom_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0242.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1599" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gaaUp02RlBM/X4nwFPwVK8I/AAAAAAAAXUM/mD4K8mjzOKQGo6Ntova_j95hR4gnzom_wCLcBGAsYHQ/w500-h640/DSC_0242.JPG" width="500" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I leave you with this picture of the fall decorations across from the aforementioned bench in my entry hall. The crows will fly away after Halloween but everything else will stay in place until Thanksgiving.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b0t4qPG5IH8/X4nwJviZfEI/AAAAAAAAXUQ/mTXDN38iebMFsBGO3VtA57ddCv9n-RBlQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0686%2B%25285%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b0t4qPG5IH8/X4nwJviZfEI/AAAAAAAAXUQ/mTXDN38iebMFsBGO3VtA57ddCv9n-RBlQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0686%2B%25285%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> Thank you for visiting, stay safe, follow the CDC guidelines, wear your mask,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> and</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't forget to vote! It has never been so important.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Adrienne</div>La Vie Quotidiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348063467803160245noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802878614743577973.post-13056177083649104312020-10-09T20:04:00.005-07:002020-10-10T07:32:40.438-07:00Fall decorating ~<div class="separator"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is my first attempt at putting up a blog post with the new Blogger format. So far it is going okay but I expect to run into some hurdles so I intend to keep it very succinct and hope I can manage to present something worth looking at.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Last week I spent some time decorating the house for the fall holidays, at first I questioned doing it at all because with social distancing I am the only one that's going to see it, I decided to go ahead, it was nice to continue on with a traditional activity. I am so glad that I did, just looking at the decorations has given me a lot of pleasure, a touchstone with the past, and hopefully a look to the future when life will be normal again.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HabwIA-gebo/X4Dy4Bcs-dI/AAAAAAAAXTQ/TidhOvjxHtwOoL_tSxhC9AO1bZQX2VB_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0241.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1339" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HabwIA-gebo/X4Dy4Bcs-dI/AAAAAAAAXTQ/TidhOvjxHtwOoL_tSxhC9AO1bZQX2VB_gCLcBGAsYHQ/w418-h640/DSC_0241.JPG" width="418" /></a></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Above, in the office is one of the ghosts. I put them on several of the large mirrors throughout the house, it is amazing how something simple can be so much fun. I think this was originally a Martha Stewart idea. After Halloween I will take them all down and leave everything else until after Thanksgiving.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J-vbY9NUDW8/X4Dy854mogI/AAAAAAAAXTU/yYdnRvd4rDwE0LNS2McDRJb1Dx3pzRIEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0248.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1473" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J-vbY9NUDW8/X4Dy854mogI/AAAAAAAAXTU/yYdnRvd4rDwE0LNS2McDRJb1Dx3pzRIEQCLcBGAsYHQ/w460-h640/DSC_0248.JPG" width="460" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the kitchen I once again filled a box with pumpkins, fall foliage, and hung a wreath in the window.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-baCOWp0luaQ/X4Dy_qG0XuI/AAAAAAAAXTY/oBQGMPVgVCs-5PbMSNg4goejGJ2o0x7lQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0243.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1395" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-baCOWp0luaQ/X4Dy_qG0XuI/AAAAAAAAXTY/oBQGMPVgVCs-5PbMSNg4goejGJ2o0x7lQCLcBGAsYHQ/w436-h640/DSC_0243.JPG" width="436" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The living room mantle holds more pumpkins and lots of dried flowers and foliage, embellished with</div><div style="text-align: center;"> antique lace, ribbons and another little ghost.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FGvie2p1eZ8/X4DzCqyexSI/AAAAAAAAXTc/btBcqwcBAzEoPPtn5JZ3-u-wbSxZHpQIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0249.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FGvie2p1eZ8/X4DzCqyexSI/AAAAAAAAXTc/btBcqwcBAzEoPPtn5JZ3-u-wbSxZHpQIQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/DSC_0249.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The decorations in the kitchen cabinet are very similiar to what I have done before, it just seems to always work. I love this big jack-o-lantern, after Halloween I will turn him around and leave the whole vignette up for Thanksgiving.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Last of all, a dried floral arrangement in the living room and of course another little ghost.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W4igBQO2b3U/X4DzFAvzVvI/AAAAAAAAXTg/-Qqznjs9aNAAsX2mpxy2LafmVL63icPTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0244.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1286" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W4igBQO2b3U/X4DzFAvzVvI/AAAAAAAAXTg/-Qqznjs9aNAAsX2mpxy2LafmVL63icPTgCLcBGAsYHQ/w402-h640/DSC_0244.JPG" width="402" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have no idea how this post is going to look when I press the publish button, I know that I have a lot more to learn about the new format but at least I have been able to share with you a bit of what has been happening here at Rose Arbors.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Take care</div><div style="text-align: center;">Stay well</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and thank you for visiting.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Adrienne</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>La Vie Quotidiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348063467803160245noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802878614743577973.post-9040019292097767132020-08-27T14:21:00.001-07:002020-08-27T14:24:02.513-07:00Misc ~<div style="text-align: center;">
Following the advise of members in my gardening group, I cut back my Clematis in late spring after their first bloom. I could see the vines were growing again but was pleasantly surprised yesterday morning to see new flowers. With such hot weather I don't expect to see a lavish display but I am really enjoying those I have been blessed with. </div>
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On the other hand, I have a very generous crop of pumpkins. I planted the seeds in the far back area of the garden, near the compost pile, they spread out in all directions and have really taken over. I planted two kinds of seeds, Cinderella pumpkins and the giant variety and have lots of both to share come later in autumn.</div>
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A friend who is a most gifted writer recently came up with the phrase, "Sloth Dressing" to describe what many people, limited to social interaction, stuck at home, all combined with the summer heat, are wearing right now. I thought it was a perfect description of my current at home apparel which is limited to comfort and ease - to me that is a dress, something I can wear both in the house and outside to water and maybe pull a few weeds in passing. The dress below is my answer, I have made this dress many, many times over the years and it fits my needs perfectly, it is not fashionable, elegant, or flattering, but I really don't care on days I am at home alone with no one to see but Miss Twiggley and functionibility and freshness takes precedence. I like it so much that yesterday I went through my fabric stash and cut out another one to make.</div>
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Pampas grass can be a real garden thug, luckily I picked the perfect place to plant this one. It is a dwarf which makes it more manageable and because it is planted in a good spot hasn't given me anything but pleasure, especially this time of year when it blooms. I cut it back every year and the results have certainly been worth that bit of effort. If I can ever find another one I know exactly where I would put it...I might try making a division of this one and see what happens.</div>
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Below is the bouquet I made to share with my class on our Zoom meeting. The earlier lavish abundance of flowers in my garden has peaked but I was able to come up with some Dahlias, Roses, Lantana, Ruillia, and Salvia. I look forward to the cooler weather of fall when I will have more to choose from.</div>
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Sometimes I think it is rather silly of me to be posting about gardens, dresses, and bouquets when so much is happening around us right now, but we all need some diversion just because it is all so over whelming. I long for the days when this will be past us.</div>
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Thank you for visiting</div>
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Take care, stay well, and VOTE</div>
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Adrienne</div>
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La Vie Quotidiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348063467803160245noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802878614743577973.post-88935077888842661252020-08-20T07:46:00.000-07:002020-08-21T09:14:24.254-07:00Garden stalwarts ~<div style="text-align: center;">
It is hot!</div>
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We have been experiencing some very hot weather, 100+ degrees everyday for the past week. Just keeping the garden watered and trying to protect heat sensitive plants is taking most of my gardening time. This is complicated because with our continuing drought conditions water is precious and must be used judiciously. </div>
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So, it is at this time that I really appreciate one of the garden stalwarts: Lantana.</div>
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Heat just doesn't seem to phase Lantana. It is common and used everywhere here, along freeways in street medians, in commercial plantings, and of course home gardens, in many ways it is so ubiquitous that it can be overlooked for it's beauty. It is a drought tolerant, tough, tough, plant, I cut all of mine back almost to the ground every year and they return bigger and better than before, just in time to provide some color in high summer when it is needed most.</div>
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In my garden I have both trailing and bush Lantana,</div>
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trailing yellow borders a portion of my driveway and softens the gravel garden. I have used white trailing Lantana in the new area in the back under trees, it does't grow as densely which allows inter-planting without taking over.</div>
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Lantana color choices used to be limited, now we have more to select from and blended colors - pink and yellow, shown in the picture above (my favorite) and yellow combined with orange which clamors over one over my driveway pillars in the street garden. There is also one with variegated leaves.</div>
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This is one of my favorite pictures, I love the contrast between one of the stone pillars, original to the house, and the orange/yellow Lantana flowers. A very rabid grower now reaching over 6 feet, last winter I cut it to the ground - hardy indeed!</div>
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And now my Op-Ed moment....<br />
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<span id="goog_1091975413"></span><span id="goog_1091975414"></span>Between the hot weather and all of the other problems our country is dealing with it is nice to have something to depend on, even if it is common and ordinary. I will take calm, dependability, and ordinary, over what is happening now, any day. I am so looking forward to Fall when the heat is over, the virus manageable, and (hopefully) a new leadership and direction for our country that combines the best of the old with innovations and ideas for the future.<br />
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Democracy is a very fragile thing, once lost almost impossible to regain.<br />
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Thank you for visiting<br />
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Adrienne<br />
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<i>~ Don't forget to vote and if possible do it early.~ </i><br />
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La Vie Quotidiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348063467803160245noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802878614743577973.post-31477779983899886562020-08-11T10:37:00.000-07:002020-08-11T10:37:02.686-07:00Hope ~<div style="text-align: center;">
I got up early this morning to work in the garden before the heat set in. The sun was just coming up and it seemed like a perfect time to take some pictures, so instead of getting out my gardening tools I went back into the house and got my camera.</div>
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These petunias planted around the base of the fountain in the front have been very successful, I hadn't planted petunias for a while but I will definitively plant them again. They have been blooming for several months now with their happy pink faces.</div>
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A jumble of some of my favorite flowers in a front border...verbena, roses, and Queen Anne's Lace.</div>
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One perfect dahlia below the back deck, being watched over by a little friend. I love dahlias, in my garden they are just now coming into full bloom.</div>
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Glorious pink zinnias, from seed I sowed a few months ago. Some of them are from seed I harvested last year and some are from newly purchased seed. I will be collecting the seeds from these to plant for next summer's garden.</div>
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After taking these pictures and a few more I still had time to get some gardening chores done. Actually it was a rather nice day today temperature wise and although it is really too late in the season to plant I couldn't resist picking up a few pony packs from Armstrong's yesterday. Along with spreading several wheelbarrows of mulch, I got them all planted with fingers crossed that they will do well.<br />
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<i>"Hope for the future is the heart of all gardening."</i><br />
anonymous<br />
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Thank you for visiting.<br />
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Stay well and stay healthy.<br />
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Adrienne</div>
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La Vie Quotidiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348063467803160245noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802878614743577973.post-16658551399128819852020-08-03T08:10:00.000-07:002020-08-03T08:11:53.467-07:00Catching up with summer ~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It would appear that as far as blogging, July completely skipped by me this year and now suddenly it is August. Living in such a confusing time, without classes, the gym, social outings and all of the other things we used to enjoy without worry, it has become hard to even know what day it is. </div>
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But some things are a constant, my library still allows us to check out books with drive-by pickup. The local Armstrong's nursery is open and I have been enjoying the convenience of Grubhub on days I think I deserve a special treat and am tried of my own cooking. And of course there is still the garden as needy as an infant, especially this time of year with so much watering.</div>
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The beautiful and extravagant floral displays of spring are long past and the intense summer heat limits what is blooming, I do have some flowers, mostly the old summer standbys, but as the summer continues I will be relying more on foliage to provide color in the garden.</div>
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A few weeks ago on my way to mail some letters I passed by a building site that had been razed and noticed a pile of river rocks piled up to be hauled away. Just what I needed for edging to keep the gravel in place in the new sitting area. I immediately stopped and put as many of them in the car that I could handle. I ended up with quite a load and a sore back the next day, but it was worth it.</div>
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I shared the beginnings of this project with you a while back when I put in the red posts. Building a gate, which was the whole reason for the posts, took much longer than I thought. </div>
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Eventually, like many things I attempt, it got done. I was going to use ready made pickets from Home Depot but they were too big and clumsy looking for my little gate, so I ended up buying the wood and cutting them myself, not that hard - the difficult part was cutting and attaching them to the form the arch.<br />
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the whole space looks more cohesive now and I love the pop of the red gate.</div>
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I will end this post with a bouquet I made for my gardening group's last Zoom meeting highlighting some of the flowers currently blooming in the garden: dahlias, crocosmia, nicotiana, guillaria, rubeckias, coneflowers, penstemon, and roses.</div>
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I hope you are you are keeping safe, well, and healthy.</div>
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Thank you for visiting.</div>
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Adrienne</div>
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La Vie Quotidiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348063467803160245noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802878614743577973.post-27108543319815713592020-06-30T12:22:00.000-07:002020-06-30T12:22:03.146-07:00Finally back ~<div style="text-align: center;">
For the last couple of weeks I have been having technical problems with my computer, which at this time of social distancing, especially for someone like me who really enjoys all of the online connections has been very distressing. And, of course I didn't have access to creating a new blog post. I am just glad I was able to get this post up before Blogger's new platform is put in place as I am sure that will also require a certain amount of learning, I am so used to the old blogger platform. </div>
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Meanwhile, I planted another batch of seeds. I can't think of anything else that has given me so much pleasure over the past few months as planting seeds. The seedlings from the first seeds I sowed have been planted out into the garden and are doing well. This time, more zinnias and two types of cosmos, both should thrive in our hot summer weather, plus nicotiana Sensation, tall and willowy, it gives a lovely effect in a border.</div>
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One of the most dependable plants in my garden are gaillarias, commonly known as Blanket Flowers. They seem to bloom almost year around. The one below is particularly nice, especially when considering it is a self-seeded plant. The individual stems are longer than my other gaillaria plants - all purchased in six packs. I am going to collect some of the seeds and try to propagate it.</div>
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The daylilies are blooming and although I have them in several colors these old fashion common orange ones are my favorite. I usually don't like orange flowers but these are so pretty and flourish without any care; they are like a ray of sun a far back border.</div>
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I noticed this view when I went out early this morning - the Rose of Sharon in full bloom, below: a white, dwarf crepe myrtle, red fountain grass, some of the a fore mentioned nicotiana and roses. Peeking through is my new red gate, finally finished!</div>
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Finally, the bouquet I made to share with my gardening group's Zoom meeting. I wanted to show off the beauty of three red roses: David Austin's Prospero and Othello, and the classic Burbon rose Madame Isaac Pereire. All three roses are intensely fragrant. I combined them with gaillaria seed heads and Heavenly Bamboo flowerettes.<br />
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It is so nice to have my computer back up and be able to post again.</div>
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Take care, stay well, and when in public wear your mask!</div>
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Adrienne</div>
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La Vie Quotidiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348063467803160245noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802878614743577973.post-77943443198305773252020-06-05T07:43:00.001-07:002020-06-05T07:43:20.137-07:00Twilight hopes ~<div style="text-align: center;">
I was looking through some old pictures the other day and came across one of an alfresco table setting from a couple of years ago. It was this time of year, perfect for outside entertaining, as I remember the dinner I prepared was mexican food, gazpacho, followed by chicken enchiladas. I somewhat nostalgically thought, "when would I be able to do this again - have people in without worry". Hopefully this summer will give some respite to our health concerns, maybe even a vaccine, there is always room for hope. </div>
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Meanwhile, I decided to share with you some new photos of the garden at twilight, that supremely magical time of the day.</div>
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The pavilion softly lite, a perfect spot for a glass of wine before dinner. This poor structure has been battled by time but still remains, and is really the focus of the rear garden.</div>
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We brought this lantern home from Morocco many decades ago, frankly when I turned on the light to take the picture I wasn't sure if it would come on, but it did, and beautifully so.</div>
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This picture speaks for itself, the fountain surrounded with Bewitched tree roses, at the base the ultimately dependable erigeron, commonly known as Santa Barbara daisy, frothing in it's exuberance.</div>
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Coming full circle, a return to the deck festooned with the rose Climbing Pinkie. Maybe in the forth coming weeks it will once again be filled again with happy conversation, good food and laughter.<br />
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Meanwhile I pray that in this very difficult time in our country, with multiple serious problems, as citizens united in our love for democracy and well being, together we will find our way back to a better normalcy not forgetting to respect and love one another.</div>
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Thank you for visiting.</div>
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Stay safe and stay well</div>
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Adrienne</div>
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La Vie Quotidiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348063467803160245noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802878614743577973.post-73506798828165191652020-05-28T08:16:00.001-07:002020-05-28T08:16:10.709-07:00Social distancing ~ A slight opening<div style="text-align: center;">
It has been hot here the past week which makes it much harder to get anything done outside unless you start early in the morning. Last week I spent one morning creating a little gravel sitting area. The gravel is in now and I will be sharing a picture later, once the new gate (which is sitting in pieces in the garage) is finished and hung. When I raked off the existing mulch I found a thick layer of rich compost that I collected to be used in other parts of the garden. I felt like I had found a gold mine.</div>
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Every year I find Feverfew, Tanacetum parthenium, with it's little daisy like flowers growing and blooming, always in unexpected spots, I must have planted it at one time. I have read that it can become a garden thug but in my garden it has been very mannerly and I would welcome more of this tiny charmer. Feverfew is a medicinal herb commonly used for migraine headaches. Interesting.</div>
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I accidentally overlooked my first zucchini squash and it got rather large, but perfect for making a loaf of zucchini bread. I tried a new recipe incorporating applesauce and it really did turn out well; very moist and not too sweet. Of course the first of anything seasonal always seems to taste the best. A zucchini plant is so useful to have around, the ways to use this vegetable seem endless.</div>
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I took this picture of the lavender walkway just when the sun coming up. This planting was inspired by my wonderful gardening teacher Jan, she had a lovely one in her home. It has been relatively care free, I occasionally clip it back being careful not to cut into the hardwood. I used different kinds of lavenders so if one dies I can easily replace it. Lavenders do very well for us but can have die off. At the end of the path you can see the climbing rose Eden heavy with flowers.</div>
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And finally, this casual bouquet made from prunings of a weeping tree rose, they were just too pretty to throw away. </div>
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Things are opening up a bit here although we are still experiencing rising cases of the virus. Today I went to Trader Joe's for the first time in over two months. They were very organized, everyone was wearing a mask and trying to practice social distancing. I had to wait in line, but not for long, and once inside with my list I found everything I wanted. including their pico de gallo which I have really missed - I use it on everything from omelets to tacos. And linguine!</div>
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Thank you for visiting</div>
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Take care and stay well</div>
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Adrienne</div>
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La Vie Quotidiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348063467803160245noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802878614743577973.post-53929877361823213882020-05-20T17:37:00.001-07:002020-05-20T17:39:57.165-07:00Social distancing ~ a ray of sunshine<div style="text-align: center;">
While opening up the house this morning I caught a glimpse of the early sunlight streaming through this window, I thought it was so pretty that I got my camera and took this picture. This is a north facing window and it is usually quite shady, however I did have the trees pruned which apparently has allowed the morning sunshine in, a pleasure I will continue to enjoy until the foliage on the trees thickens up again.</div>
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The first, heavy spring flush of roses is almost over, roses will continue to bloom but not in such abundance. I have been spending lots of time dead-heading, a chore I really don't like. But the rose, Climbing Pinkie trailing across the railing on the back deck, is already covered again in buds. She is a very vigorous rose, one of my favorites and as you can see likes peeking through to the other side. Fortunately she is torn-less and quite easy to cut back.</div>
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Like everyone else there have been many things that I have had to give up through this time of social distancing but having a good supply of books to read has not been one of them. This due to the innovation, dedication and organizational skills of my local library. Almost immediately they were offering books and all of the other media materials for drive-by pickup. You call in your requests of up to 10 items, and within 30 minutes they are available to you for pickup without any personal contact. For added safety, when the items are returned they are placed in a "quarantine" area before being available to be checked out again. I have always known that this library was special but this has only increased my admiration and thankfulness that I have such a wonderful local resource to enjoy.<br />
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For any of you that enjoy libraries as much as I do a wonderful book to read is,<br />
<i>The Library Book</i>, Susan Orleans.</div>
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I posted before about my increased interest in planting seeds, here is the latest batch, the zinnias have just sprouted but many others are almost ready to plant out. Some of them have been experiments and I have no idea how they will perform in my climate zone, others are old standbys and some are plants I used to grow, such as Nicotiana Sensation and Ageratum Blue Horizon. It should be interesting to see what turns out to be a success and what will sadly end up a failure.</div>
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As a side note I read an interesting way to stop seedlings from becoming leggy, not to fertilize overly, which only increases the leggy growth, but to brush them lightly several times a day with your hand, imitating fans that are used commercially. Not all plants have this problem but I have always had difficulty with zinnia seedlings. I have been doing this and it does seem to be helping. Rather like staking a tree lightly to allow the trunk to strengthened with gentle movement.</div>
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Last, I leave you with a bouquet I made to share with my gardening group at a Zoom meeting last week. Rather than being artful I was trying to include some of the things blooming in my garden...Eden roses, alstromeria, spirea, aquilegia, snapdragons, asclepias, and lantana.</div>
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Now that we are starting to loosen restrictions I hope that wherever you live are able to do it in a safe manner. This has been such a difficult and strange time, one that will not be easy forgotten.</div>
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Thank you for visiting</div>
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Stay safe and stay well.</div>
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Adrienne</div>
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La Vie Quotidiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348063467803160245noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802878614743577973.post-27363784712196693522020-05-12T08:52:00.001-07:002020-05-12T08:54:10.236-07:00Social distancing ~ seeing red<br />
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I always look forward to May because it is usually such a lovely time in the garden and also when I put out my red umbrellas. They stay up throughout the warmer months, and come down at the end of September, along with the Wimsey Walkway - more about that in a later post.</div>
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I am not a fan of red flowers but I like to use the color red as a garden accessory - umbrellas, furniture, gates, pathway posts, awnings all my same signature red, adding pops of bright color here and there throughout the garden, helping to give it (I hope) more cohesion.</div>
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It was with this in mind that I added posts to delineate the new entry into an recently redesigned area in the back. I intend to build a gate to put here but getting building supplies has been a bit difficult for me with all of the restrictions. The posts have been in for a couple of months now so I figured I might as well go ahead and paint them.</div>
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It is interesting how this little entry has made this spot make more sense. Here it is from a side path leading to the back...</div>
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...and here from the other side looking in from the center path. The posts are nice but a little red gate will be better. </div>
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As long as I had gotten out the paint and had dirtied up a paint brush I also freshened up this bench in far, far back.</div>
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And then realized how much these chairs needed to be repainted. There is more painting to do of course because it simply doesn't end. I often liken my garden to painting the Golden Gate Bridge - by the time you get to the end it is time to start over again at the beginning, painting, weeding, planting, etc, with a home and garden it never ends.</div>
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There have been many things I have missed during this time of social distancing but I have been fortunate, mostly because of the garden and my home, not to suffer from boredom, rather the opposite, there is too much to do - lucky me to find most of it enjoyable!<br />
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Thank you for visiting, I hope you are keeping safe and well.<br />
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Adrienne</div>
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La Vie Quotidiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348063467803160245noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802878614743577973.post-13917415111787606632020-05-03T14:20:00.001-07:002020-05-03T14:20:16.069-07:00Social distancing ~ looking forward<div style="text-align: center;">
Last week I was fortunate enough to get all of the trees trimmed. I usually have this done earlier but so much is different this year with the virus. Things were really getting overgrown and it is important to get trees pruned before the heat of summer sets in. One big job was the very large orange tree you see in the picture below. It is a lovely specimen but needs yearly attention to keep its shape, the tree is so prolific I was worried the weight of the excess fruit would cause branches to break. This picture was taken after it was pruned.</div>
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Under the tree trailing across the little bridge is the wonderful landscape rose Climbing Pinkie. <br />
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Today I picked the first of the sweetpeas, I planted them late last fall and it has taken them a very long time to produce flowers. Now they will require cutting frequently to keep them blooming and not setting seed. There is nothing to add fragrance to a room like a bouquet of freshly cut sweetpeas. To me they are the epitome of charm and seemed perfect to 'plop' casually in this teapot on the kitchen counter.</div>
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A very nice friend wrote on her Facebook page recently about a family recipe, this really struck a cord with me as I have always thought how important it is to archive in some manner all the recipes enjoyed and loved by our families - in my family we are still mourning my Aunt's cheesecake recipe that was lost when she passed away. Food invokes memories, enjoyment and love. My collection of family favorites, stained, torn and shabby, copied by hand or in well worn cookbooks have been copied down by my children and are seeing their third generation. I can't imagine a Thanksgiving dinner without the ubiquitous string bean casserole but for us what makes it really good is the addition of sliced water-chestnuts, an addition in my Mother-in-laws recipe, a minor thing but it wouldn't taste the same without it. I hope this is something you have found the time to do.</div>
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And last, I leave you with a picture of the foxgloves blooming along one of the back garden pathways. I love foxgloves they seem so magical to me. Here they they are treated as annuals, our summers are just too hot for them to get through. I usually plant them from 6 packs but I am thinking about trying some seeds for next year, the variety Foxy, which you see here, bloom the first year, most of the other foxgloves are biennials. They do not like warm weather and so do not last long but well worth it even for a short time.</div>
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I hope that you are doing well during this difficult time. It seems that things are slowly, and I hope safely, opening up. Today I got an email that my local Armstrong's nursery will be open, with restrictions of course - nothing would make me happier than putting on my mask, keeping social distancing, and paying them a visit.</div>
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Thank you for visiting</div>
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Take care and stay well</div>
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Adrienne</div>
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La Vie Quotidiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348063467803160245noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802878614743577973.post-89816302867876384342020-04-23T13:56:00.000-07:002020-04-23T13:57:28.653-07:00Social distancing ~ finding peace in the familiar<div style="text-align: center;">
Miss Twiggley is spending a lot of time in the windows today, the trees are being trimmed and she finds it very entertaining. As for me, I will just be happy when it is over and quiet is once again restored to the garden. I was hoping to be able to wait until the quarantine was completely over to have this done but several of the trees were getting so out of control it was getting dangerous.</div>
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There is something I find so lovely in the contrast between the rusty iron gate and this beautiful pink climbing rose. I don't remember the name of the rose but I know that it was purchased long ago from Roses of Yesterday and Today, they are still in business but at a much reduced standing. I remember how excited I used to be when their incredible catalog came in the mail every year, full of such clear information about each rose, it's classification, and growing habit. I think you can still visit the growing grounds in Watsonville, California.</div>
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I purchased this fabric to make drapes for the living room, then changed my mind and the direction I wanted the room to take. I have tons of it and decided that I would use it for new bedroom drapes. It goes well with the soft furnishings in the room and the rug (which I may replace, we will see). I have sent away for lining fabric but with deliveries slow it might take a while for it to come. I plan on using the tasseled cord to trim the drapes. I have used this same trim on other drapes in different rooms, it just seems to go with everything and look pretty. I want to get all of the drapes finished before repainting, that way it should all come together at the same time.</div>
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Much to my surprise, because it is very early, the waterlilies in the pond are blooming. Not quite Giverny, but pretty nontheless.</div>
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Lastly. Another retro recipe. I made French Breakfast Puffs yesterday. It is a old time recipe from the Betty Crocker Cookbook, and now available online. It is simple and oh so good! Rather like a good crumb doughnut. While still warm the muffins are rolled in melted butter and then in a cinnamon sugar mixture to coat them. I used to make these frequently on weekend mornings for a special treat because they were so fast and easy. They also freeze well.</div>
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The Desert Rose dishes are also retro, I like to display them in the kitchen cabinet for the spring and summer months. this Franciscan pattern is still available but no longer made in the United States and sadly isn't the same quality. Although I have had it for a long time I still think it is pretty.</div>
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For some reason at this stressful time we are finding our way back to the old and familiar. Skills and new interests are being re-discovered. Old time comfort recipes, games, a return to books, jigsaw puzzles, these things seems to bring comfort, I know they do for me.</div>
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Thank you for visiting </div>
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Take care and stay well</div>
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Adrienne</div>
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La Vie Quotidiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348063467803160245noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802878614743577973.post-11920872091990166992020-04-17T07:38:00.001-07:002020-04-17T07:38:13.701-07:00Social Distancing ~ A ray of sunshine<div style="text-align: center;">
I can work outside in the garden for hours but for fatigue nothing does me in like a trip to buy groceries - who would have thought that a trip to the market would be considered an act of bravery. Considering the way so many people in the service sector, law enforcement, firemen and medical fields are literally putting their lives on line to keep the country going my self-serving anxiety really is very selfish. I am so very fortunate to be able to stay at home in comfort.<br />
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Meanwhile the garden provides me with a lovely ray of sunshine. Well, perhaps not always, the past week was one of constant, unseasonable rain, but then the sun came out and with it a garden full of flowers. Below, my first poppy, seeded like they all seem to, in random unexpected places and seldom where I plant them. Naughty girls!</div>
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A few weeks ago, inspired by a member in my gardening group I brought out an old strawberry pot to plant. It became a bit of an challenge because they are so hard to water. In normal times I would have gone to Home Depot and bought a piece of PVC pipe, drilled holes in it and watered it that way... </div>
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...Instead I coiled up a piece of 1/4 inch piece of drip hose, laying it in the pot as I planted and attached it to the irrigation line in this area. The pot should now be watered along with everything else in this bed. It will be interesting to see if this works, so far it is looking good.</div>
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Otherwise this week: a new puzzle...</div>
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...and a succulent bouquet for the living room. I put this together on one of those rainy days I mentioned, when it was far too wet to work outside. I lined the terrine with a plastic bag, filled it with potting soil, and stuck the cuttings in, this should last for a very long time, or until I tire of it, then I will transplant the cuttings outside.</div>
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And lastly, today I want to share with you this beautiful tree rose in the back parterre. I originally had two of them and sadly one died, but this one carries on in such a splendorous manner that I sometimes think it is trying to make up for the lost one.</div>
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Like you I am praying for better days ahead when we can meet friends and family without restrictions and with lots of hugs. I also pray for all those people out of work, trying so desperately to get by, and get back to their jobs in a safe manner. And those we have lost in this sad terrible time.</div>
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Thank you for visiting.</div>
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Take care and stay well</div>
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Adrienne</div>
La Vie Quotidiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348063467803160245noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802878614743577973.post-87584344327622199452020-04-09T10:16:00.000-07:002020-04-09T13:23:57.080-07:00Social distancing ~ finding a place of calm<div style="text-align: center;">
The past week here has been a very rainy one, unusual for this time of year in Southern California. Rain is always welcome but it does curtail working in the garden, something I find very therapeutic, especially in these days. Next week is supposed to be sunnier and then I will be scrambling to make up for lost time.</div>
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The picture below was taken during a rare sunny moment last week. It is my blooming Purple Robe Locust tree. I bought this tree without knowing anything about it, desperate to replace a wonderful old shade tree that sadly died. I wanted a tree that would grow quickly, but not get too tall, this variety is supposed to peek at 30 to 40 feet. I planted it from a potted 6 foot plant, this is it's third year and I am so pleased with it especially with the wonderful panticles of blooms which have gotten better each year.</div>
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Cookies are my favorite comfort food, when my children were home making them seemed to be an everyday affair, now with just me I don't make them that frequently but I do always have a few tucked away in the freezer, taken out and put in the microwave for a few seconds and they taste fresh baked. My choice this time was my absolute favorite, chocolate chip, made with the traditional Nestles recipe but with extra walnuts. Yum</div>
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A sign of hope and better times, my clematis have started to bloom, they seem to be extra vigorous this year. I long ago forgot most of the names, I am hopeless in tagging plants. But the flowers are so pretty and very large...and the luscious color! This one has been planted to scramble up a climbing rose next to the pavilion in the back garden.</div>
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Like just about everyone else with a sewing machine I have been making facial masks. I was just able to eke out enough supplies for my family.They should be finished for drop-off tomorrow just in time for the mandatory face mask ruling in our area.</div>
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I am finding many ways to enjoy these days of isolation,and this fountain filled with this very common succulent has always been a favorite but I don't remember it blooming before. I enjoy the contrast of the color of the succulent against the wall of green ficus vine. The alstromeria self seeded below is a nice addition.</div>
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Lastly, I didn't do any Easter decorating this year except for hanging this wreath in the kitchen window, weeks before the crisis of the Corona virus started. I am glad that I did because it has added a reminder of this holiday of rebirth and redemption which I hope we will soon be seeing in our beloved country and around the world. </div>
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Thank you for visiting. Take care and stay well</div>
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Adrienne</div>
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La Vie Quotidiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348063467803160245noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802878614743577973.post-2924431565858297012020-04-03T07:39:00.000-07:002020-04-03T07:41:19.330-07:00Social distancing ~ finding a place of normalcy<div style="text-align: center;">
With the world in chaos it is such a blessing to be able to retreat a bit into a place of normalcy.</div>
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One of those places of calm for me, besides the garden, is my kitchen. I have had the urge for some reason to go back in time and make old recipes of the long ago past. Last week it was pasta, and this week it is baking a cake that I used to make with great frequency when my family was young, probably because it was no-fuss, fast, easy, and I always had the ingredients on hand.</div>
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Velvet Crumb Cake, is an old-timey recipe that used to always be featured on the Bisquick box. Bisquick can be hard to find now but I had a brand new package in my pantry. (I won't include the recipe because it is so easy to find on line.) Some things, if they are good enough, never seem to go out of fashion and this cake is certainly good enough.</div>
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If you can get your hands on a box of Bisquick you might want to give it a try, it is the broiled topping that really elevates this cake - yummy!</div>
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And back to the garden.</div>
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Many of my climbing roses are in full bloom and one of the loveliest is the antique rose, Glorie de Dijon. I remember wanting this rose and having to search for it for quite a while before I found it - all that effort has paid off when each spring it absolutely covers itself in bloom. </div>
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I took two pictures of it this morning, one below looking toward the house... </div>
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...and this one looking out toward the street, I couldn't decide which one to post so I put up both of them and will let you decide which view you like best.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pn6yKRPTcJs/XoYrnRmPMwI/AAAAAAAAXF0/SdajO8F3mMwCeSCSGwuA4pKis4b5JXP_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0500-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pn6yKRPTcJs/XoYrnRmPMwI/AAAAAAAAXF0/SdajO8F3mMwCeSCSGwuA4pKis4b5JXP_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_0500-001.jpg" width="418" /></a></div>
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English gardeners have ferneries, rockeries, and stumperies so I decided that I could have a seedery, a word I made up to describe what has become the place on my back deck where I am propagating lots and lots of seeds this year. I could have put it all in the greenhouse but I find it better to keep young seedlings closer to make sure they get the proper care. Some seedlings are just beginning to emerge and others are almost ready to plant out. I still have quite a few summer blooming annual seeds to start and I have also started some cuttings under the cloches on the window shelf. </div>
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Lastly, I will leave you with another picture I took this morning. I love iris and there are so many glorious types with color patterns that are almost impossible to imagine, although I love them all my favorite goes back to the quite ordinary Grandma's Purple, I have them spread throughout the garden, you see them below along the path adjacent to the pond. Last year I made a point of radically dividing them which has resulted in longer stems and more profuse flowers. </div>
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Thank you for visiting I hope no matter where you live you and your family are keeping safe and healthy.</div>
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Take care.</div>
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Adrienne</div>
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La Vie Quotidiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348063467803160245noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802878614743577973.post-684912727821005332020-03-26T13:46:00.000-07:002020-03-26T13:46:15.425-07:00Practicing social distancing ~ zen and the art of gardening<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was weeding the other day which I find very relaxing and zen-like (it is my favorite gardening activity) when I remembered the title of a long ago book, <i>Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance</i>. I don't have a motorcycle to maintain but I do maintain a garden that is full of weeds. I decided that a state of zen isn't a bad place to be right now, Hooray for weeds!</div>
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The crabapple allee along my driveway is just coming into bloom. I have never been able to capture how pretty it is with a photo. These trees are not supposed to do well in our area but so far they haven't found out...and I am not telling them!</div>
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My new gym.</div>
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A couple of weeks ago when it became apparent that going to the gym was not a good idea I ordered a set of exercise bands from Amazon, now I think they are all sold out. I already had the weights. So now an area of my living room has now become the 'gym' where I can exercise and do yoga. When it gets warm enough I will move out to my deck, but for right now this is fine. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kvRHkQWRKJI/XnuSPLaKJhI/AAAAAAAAXEE/0PchVHB4rhILm9-AMVOgwpA-y_u9ilH1ACEwYBhgLKs0DAMBZVoCQCRV5EbReSOAff3x2sFTnnEgaQyNhwl3i3IlUai_EGQA3DLhODVIa3X35NoMICbV4_qQERV0R_w18VtFtxoQqHPYgTG5sLS8vNapvtxksmPKBrtQ9n30QXupnClnaWWs18tILGYTeDWLfSQNv3NlpFMOdUe3Mv5P9GhWJYlelK-Nuo_tKmGoUSkMFOcMf-0n2FBz9aVvdAZogF9pT1Pz-asZUQb3ZIzwiDMipgNA0EmprZreRqG2TkWbMPS3Zg4qi9u41NezY68GAoFr4FgLVv5SeA8hmwzuZ9DzzQKsxg-2grfAktghyjau49A2qg9cdE0WmAvmiJ6MVloG4ZHkiFug1_dSkndgh9S0QISTgOXH2TgPEgoeYEVo9blKi95ynRmnL6TDmSfehuZ_SNwnTyG2-sJEZexALKEY20Jr_HHnMaCOnC0rEbedJn-B0tanGisUp0EGEN-4frywCXUmv74GEBnMuhOf0LLV9_55YGWMVE94hEMwXxEWiljc0s6DsVYIlDFvdCdtiiBu7dL83gX_L7WVTFs93I4TZWJiQsaW9qVp-_vhAHeZ4P95B-B9WYsxsXADqg5ZTEXnCdxeY4FcWcZVCB3MwnKfu8wU/s1600/DSC_0153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1169" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kvRHkQWRKJI/XnuSPLaKJhI/AAAAAAAAXEE/0PchVHB4rhILm9-AMVOgwpA-y_u9ilH1ACEwYBhgLKs0DAMBZVoCQCRV5EbReSOAff3x2sFTnnEgaQyNhwl3i3IlUai_EGQA3DLhODVIa3X35NoMICbV4_qQERV0R_w18VtFtxoQqHPYgTG5sLS8vNapvtxksmPKBrtQ9n30QXupnClnaWWs18tILGYTeDWLfSQNv3NlpFMOdUe3Mv5P9GhWJYlelK-Nuo_tKmGoUSkMFOcMf-0n2FBz9aVvdAZogF9pT1Pz-asZUQb3ZIzwiDMipgNA0EmprZreRqG2TkWbMPS3Zg4qi9u41NezY68GAoFr4FgLVv5SeA8hmwzuZ9DzzQKsxg-2grfAktghyjau49A2qg9cdE0WmAvmiJ6MVloG4ZHkiFug1_dSkndgh9S0QISTgOXH2TgPEgoeYEVo9blKi95ynRmnL6TDmSfehuZ_SNwnTyG2-sJEZexALKEY20Jr_HHnMaCOnC0rEbedJn-B0tanGisUp0EGEN-4frywCXUmv74GEBnMuhOf0LLV9_55YGWMVE94hEMwXxEWiljc0s6DsVYIlDFvdCdtiiBu7dL83gX_L7WVTFs93I4TZWJiQsaW9qVp-_vhAHeZ4P95B-B9WYsxsXADqg5ZTEXnCdxeY4FcWcZVCB3MwnKfu8wU/s640/DSC_0153.JPG" width="466" /></a></div>
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The white Lady Banks rose, Rosa banksiae 'Alba Plena' is covering the old greenhouse in blooms. The flowers are larger and a more typical rose form than the yellow and more common Lady Banks which lags a bit in its bloom time behind this one. I have both of them, to me they always say, "Spring in here".</div>
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Pasta has been completely sold out in our markets so yesterday on a lark I decided to get out my old pasta machine and make some. I can't remember when I did this last, and now I know why - it was a bit of a chore. However, it did turn out well and there is nothing better than fresh pasta. I put together a sauce from a couple of foraged tomatoes from a bush that had over-wintered in the garden. It really was quite a nice dinner. I vacuum packed and froze the rest (it made a huge amount) for later.</div>
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Lastly, I will leave you with this lovely yellow iris in bloom, I don't know it's name but it is extremely hardy, prolific, and repeat blooming. It is like a ray of sunshine and who doesn't need a ray of sunshine right now.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-grhUD9q5jIY/XnuSes0e_PI/AAAAAAAAXEY/3Pi5yegG_64kc6Voeue4EPeM4_LZPVesQCEwYBhgLKs0DAMBZVoClxwsgjezh1Q73P1TfaCcYV7AlWX4qf1AwmlP3BGAmV1N_ZfmXFodn0igbpuPH0jUZFRSHlZ-2Ykf9fYdg2jYnfpIGzzk3balSLNX3XVNt_9ZpN90C4REbJftfAD62KW24mJn2SvSNnPcSZ8P72j1-H5NNGP9-sWFSfKfS08NAwUEndZKDFCtXqe3J9Cei8g6dV24vnyet4c6p7yJ5fdgBpcI1OMPFql4YTsVlxr6BIFSXsRRJTe0jlIauo5M_TX0FaTFxi0JyTExyC3YRc1fJxagnrGwmUReh1dkmNzjg-9nlGan-iQcSOiFcC7alf2YJBaZHG5D8E5ciA-uUmQqGZpkKlJOqKwU7TiwWzVYwkSl-q8BcoATTjJuUdvcIxeDNOrD0WSw712I-ZzbQAbv60kXhfLQxawvkowZajKgam0k-VbtOT3v1zTQlKDXe2PU1AVKmhbSy0pxUO4CG7MX7eyyw6YjBU0boiqN5yKVUJurkoy-qwFZfwffsvFe1ajECil9fKg756YyOCvLc8RUM22_3nDi8jsiSsLjK8eSKrjCnPjTZNGXmMhodRXedvBgiaxtBguRiojsxG3ks3hLrv1ifBeTXvuUw26fu8wU/s1600/IMG_0461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1021" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-grhUD9q5jIY/XnuSes0e_PI/AAAAAAAAXEY/3Pi5yegG_64kc6Voeue4EPeM4_LZPVesQCEwYBhgLKs0DAMBZVoClxwsgjezh1Q73P1TfaCcYV7AlWX4qf1AwmlP3BGAmV1N_ZfmXFodn0igbpuPH0jUZFRSHlZ-2Ykf9fYdg2jYnfpIGzzk3balSLNX3XVNt_9ZpN90C4REbJftfAD62KW24mJn2SvSNnPcSZ8P72j1-H5NNGP9-sWFSfKfS08NAwUEndZKDFCtXqe3J9Cei8g6dV24vnyet4c6p7yJ5fdgBpcI1OMPFql4YTsVlxr6BIFSXsRRJTe0jlIauo5M_TX0FaTFxi0JyTExyC3YRc1fJxagnrGwmUReh1dkmNzjg-9nlGan-iQcSOiFcC7alf2YJBaZHG5D8E5ciA-uUmQqGZpkKlJOqKwU7TiwWzVYwkSl-q8BcoATTjJuUdvcIxeDNOrD0WSw712I-ZzbQAbv60kXhfLQxawvkowZajKgam0k-VbtOT3v1zTQlKDXe2PU1AVKmhbSy0pxUO4CG7MX7eyyw6YjBU0boiqN5yKVUJurkoy-qwFZfwffsvFe1ajECil9fKg756YyOCvLc8RUM22_3nDi8jsiSsLjK8eSKrjCnPjTZNGXmMhodRXedvBgiaxtBguRiojsxG3ks3hLrv1ifBeTXvuUw26fu8wU/s640/IMG_0461.jpg" width="408" /></a></div>
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Thank you for visiting, I hope that you are following the guidelines and keeping safe. This is a very stressful and difficult time for our country but most people seem to be rising to the occasion and realizing how important the way they behave is effecting us all.</div>
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Take care and stay well</div>
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Adrienne </div>
La Vie Quotidiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348063467803160245noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802878614743577973.post-70748974753871681642020-03-19T17:11:00.003-07:002020-03-19T17:11:35.964-07:00At home - practicing self-distancing.<div style="text-align: center;">
I have lived in my home far too many decades than I wish to admit to and I can never remember a time that I have appreciated it more than now. My home not only offers me a sanctuary and a place of peace but a way to spend the day - gardens in particular always need attention and now I certainly have the time to give it some much needed care.<br />
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Like the salvia pictured above this lovely Rose of Sharon is also putting on quite a show. You just can't spend time in a garden and not feel some sense of promise, even in times such as these.</div>
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Other than gardening there are a couple of other activities that I am currently enjoying. I always have</div>
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a small jigsaw puzzle like the one below set out on a table, but I think that I am going to order a larger one to get me through the next few weeks. Amazon has some great ones. They are fun to do during that random moment of boredom. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FexKJm3XVzE/XnKBzYyOd4I/AAAAAAAAXCg/KgWp4ZSk3bwxFsHA8LCSIzV3uHfIxBTsACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1238" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FexKJm3XVzE/XnKBzYyOd4I/AAAAAAAAXCg/KgWp4ZSk3bwxFsHA8LCSIzV3uHfIxBTsACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_0149.JPG" width="494" /></a></div>
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And,</div>
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I ordered this French language series from The The Great Courses over a year ago and never got around to taking it out of the package. I have been studying french for quite a while and I think this</div>
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will be helpful in increasing my french language skills. Now I am kind of happy that I saved it. I also have a course on photography, but that will be for later. </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">So between books, gardening, leaning new skills, and home projects (I am building a new gate) the days are going by quickly. I can only hope and pray that this illness which is devastating the world will be over soon and we can go back to our normal activities without fear.</span><br />
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Meanwhile in the midst of chaos...my lilac is blooming.</div>
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Peace, stay well and take care.</div>
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Thank you for visiting</div>
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Adrienne</div>
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La Vie Quotidiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348063467803160245noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802878614743577973.post-60204292901582239592020-03-12T11:03:00.001-07:002020-03-12T11:03:10.875-07:00March news ~<br />
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~ March news ~</div>
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A new bouquet.</div>
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The altromerias are starting to bloom in the garden. Each year they are more abundant as they easily re-seed, often in the most unexpected places. Mine are all in shades of pink but I just planted a yellow one that I hope will take hold and provide me with pale yellow blooms. They make the most beautiful and long lasting bouquets.</div>
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A new needlework project</div>
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I have started crocheting this afghan for my daughter. The room it will be going in is decorated in shades of gray and white. I really enjoy having a needlework project to pick up at that odd moment - or when watching television. This pattern is so simple that it requires little attention allowing the mind to wander...in a nice way.</div>
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New lily bulbs</div>
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I wasn't going to plant any more lily bulbs this year but these were on sale and I couldn't resist. I am not sure where they are going but I will manage to tuck them in somewhere. They are the tall variety which I prefer and the colors are so pretty.</div>
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A new little friend</div>
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I have developed a bit of an addiction for gnomes. I have a special enclosed, and somewhat secluded area in the garden for them them - a secret gnome village. I put them out in the spring along with my umbrellas and store them away in the fall. I have been trying to think of a name for this village and my sister suggested</div>
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Adrienne's Folly and right she is, it is a folly...but they are so cute! And this little guy holding a butterfly was absolutely irresistible.</div>
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A new return to the past</div>
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I have recently realized how much I miss having a few hens clucking and scratching about, it is almost a dozen years since this chicken coop in the far, far back of the garden has been occupied. Although it is basically still in okay shape it needs a some repairs and I want to add a roof to keep it dry in rainy weather. I hope to have it ready for this springs crop of new chicks.</div>
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And that is the new news for March!</div>
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I hope your spring is full of fun new ideas and projects.<br />
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Take care and stay well.</div>
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Adrienne</div>
La Vie Quotidiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348063467803160245noreply@blogger.com5