Social distancing ~ finding a place of calm

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.

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.

 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

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.

 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.

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.

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. 

Thank you for visiting. Take care and stay well

Adrienne