Blooming trees

Daffodils are the first sign of spring around our beautiful garden. But considering those seem to pop up even when the temperature doesn't get above 40, I look up to get our first sign of warmer weather to come. And it comes from our blossoming trees.

You may know that this week is the National Cherry Blossom Festival here in Washington. But why head down to the mall when we have a lovely Cherry Blossom right in our own backyard? It was hard for me to get a decent photo on such a gray evening, but you get the idea - lots of puffy whiteness all over.

The other bright spot now is the even showier Tulip Magnolia. It bursts into lush pink blooms that last for a few weeks in early spring. Contrast that with our "regular" Magnolia tree that brings forth its white flowers in late summer. This particular shot of the Tulip Magnolia is looking through the middle - it's really quite a sight!

Tucked underneath this tree is a little Camellia bush. It's not very showy, but it does produce at least one red bloom at a time from mid-winter through early spring. Here's her latest:

In the square plot this year we decided to forgo any vegetables this year, getting out of the squirrel feeding business. Instead we bought a bunch of bulbs at Eastern Market which went down in the fall. Scott cleverly covered it all with chicken wire to protect them in the early stages. To help as a squirrel deterrent and for a splash of color, we bought some Marigolds this past weekend to fill in the square. Looking good so far. Can't wait to see all the Tulips, Hyacinth and Narcissus come in very soon!

First Day of Spring

Technically I took these shots the day after the vernal equinox, but as you can see, Spring is arriving throughout the garden. Creeping up through the dead leaves of Fall, we have a lot of buds all over the place. I can hardly wait! So these photos (i.e. chance to use the new camera) are a sample of what's on its way. (Click on any of these to see them in big glorious detail.)

First of all we have the sure sign of Spring, as the Daffodils are the first to make their appearance in brilliant saffron yellow. We have 2 little patches of them towards the back of the yard, near the compost piles.


Then as you can see, Scott planted 2 Asparagus plants that we hope will bring us a nice little crop next spring. The stalks are a bit hard to see in this picture, but there are a few! Behind that, Scott's trying a little Garlic - we had several plants crop up in the compost pile, so why not try to transfer and grow them?


In the front yard we had a swath of Crocus coming up underneath the Japanese Maple, but most of them have already gone. I snapped this shot of the last man standing.


Although it's been a bitterly cold winter, Scott has some hope remaining amongst the herbs. The Mint is definitely back (although we'll keep that for ornamentation, not eating). But the stalwart survivor is our favorite evergreen - Rosemary.

And lastly, here's a preview of what's to come - the Hostas next to the porch are shooting up their green leaves into the sunshine, ready to be the centerpiece of early Spring!

Boomer's Journal Entry 3/21/09, Part 2

Yo,

Today Daddy & Poppa must have decided they tire of my presence. It might have been because I nibbled on a plant today and decided to express my breakfast onto the carpet.

So they proceeded to torture me by soaking me from head to tail in water! Despite my many cries of protest (I used my full "do NOT take me to the vet" cry), I was scrubbed and doused continuously. It was the worst experience of my young life.

(at least cover me up if you're going to take photos of me.)

After this horrible time, I was further forced to have the indignity of having my ears cleaned out and drops added, which I just loathe. Although I was granted a full meal when it was all over, the memory lingers.

I'm slowly plotting my revenge on the humans. Just as soon as I get completely dry.

Later Tater Tots

Boomer's Journal Entry 3/21/09

Yo,

Boomer here. Sorry, it's been awhile since I did a journal entry. My apologies. The sun beams have been taking up most of my day.

I was looking forward to this weekend for a long time. The series finale of Battlestar Galactica was last night. If you don't know, I took my name from one of the characters of the show. So of course Daddy, Poppa and their friend Joy celebrated and when they celebrate, I get extra supper!!!!

A few weeks ago Daddy planted some oat grass for me to nibble on. See, he was upset that I ate one of his tropical house plants. What does he expect, it was tasty! Well, this morning I gorged myself on oat grass, it was so delicious. Sadly, it made my tummy upset and I relched my entire belly on the floor in front of both Poppa and Daddy. Poppa was very sad for me. Daddy just sat there and watched. I guess he's used to it as I did it on Monday as well! Oops.

So today is going to be relaxed until friends Charlie and Steven come over for Game Night. I like when it's chilly out and Charlie & Steven come over. Charlie wears a leather jacket and I like to lay on it. It's very comfortable.

Hope you're having a good weekend yourselves. I'm headed back to the sun beams.

Later Tater Tots

Sing Me A Song Piano Man

Jason got a new camera...stick around for many more fun photos!

What's Growing

On Saturday I did some houseplant maintenance. I find that time relaxing and very enjoyable. Until they start to die...sad! But spring is about to spring and usually that means the dormant plants start popping out new growth! I'm very excited to see what the Umbrella Tree (front and center) does this year. Last year it grew almost a foot taller!

The biggest problem I usually have with house plants is the temperature and humidity. The house is almost always cooler than they'd prefer. I'm cheap and don't want to pay too much for the heating bill and in the summer, I can't stand the heat, so the air conditioning is always on. This is one area I need to work, in giving my plants their preferred temperatures. The other item, the humidity, I'm going to try something out. I took a deep, large drip tray and filled it with stones and water, and placed under the heating vent (left in photo above). We'll see how this helps. Perhaps this will help keep the air from being excessively dry? We'll have to see.

Yesterday I brought home two new plants. This one has a common name; Second Chance Plant. Does that mean it will be easy to grow? Doubt it! What I've read states that Calathea Ornata can actually be more of a tough cookie to take care of. The good news, she doesn't want direct sun, so I will have more flexibility in where she lives!

My other new friend is an Angel Wing Begonia. I've been very fascinated with Begonias lately and saw this nice hanging pot at the nursery and had to bring her home with me. There was one strange branch throwing off the symmetry of the plant, so I snipped her back and will try a little cultivation. In the meantime, I've excited to watch this one grow.

I also picked up two pots of established asparagus plants! I need to plant them outside next weekend. They need to grow undisturbed this season. Next season, we get to harvest half the growth. The following season we will have a full crop! This is soo much better than waiting on seeds.

SNOW DAY

Today, we got our first and probahly only major snow this winter! Woot. I got a free snow day as the University closed. So nice to have a free Monday. The yard looked to pretty; I had to get some pictures.

There's a rosemary plant in there somewhere!

Witness to History

Yes I did...at least part of the Inauguration. After 3 hours, this was the best seat I could get. I finally bailed and made my way home in time to watch the swearing in on my warm couch. The crowds were amazing. WOW. There was such energy, hope, happiness and frustration, confusion and silliness. No one knew what was going. Where to go!? This is closed to? Are you kidding me?

The only change I would have made in my day would have been to leave home at 5am instead of 8am...otherwise it was time well spent!

Boomer's Journal Entry 1/17/09

Yo,

Boomer here. Just back from the vet...Again. I decided not to eat yesterday, or use the ladies room and Daddy & Poppa go and freak out and drag me out into the frigid cold and off to the vet. The doctor took my temperature, TWICE, gave me some shots and an IV bag of fluids. They don't know what's wrong with me. I have until Monday to get back on my feet and act normal or I have to go back...and this time they might make me stay!!! Oy!

When I got back home and rested a little bit, I asked for a little bit of food, but still not really eating.

Hopefully I'll get into my dinner. Wish me well!

Later Tater Tots.

Paperwhites

I got a Paperwhite Bulb kit for Christmas from one of my co-workers. I planted them as soon as I got home that evening and look at them...they are already going crazy! I've never had them before, so I'm very excited to see how they go. The kit came with a tiny, ugly, plastic pot, so I used one of my nice ceramic bowls I usually just have for decorative purposes.

I read on a few blogs that paperwhites can get very leggy when they are grown, to the point they will tip over. So to solve that problem, you can get them drunk to stunt their growth, keeping them strudy and compact. I mixed 1/8th cup of clear vodka with one cup of water. That's it. You can use gin or even rubbing alcohol. I love it. Drunk Paperwhites. Hopefully they don't die now! You give them their alcohol when they are about 4 inches tall. And make sure to turn the pot so they get equal amounts of sun and don't stretch too much.

This photo was taken about 10 days after the bulbs were planted and watered.

Boomer's Journal Entry 1/2/09

Yo,

Boomer here. Back from the vet. I was a really good girl this time out. I didn't fight at all this time. Dr. Johnson cleaned my ears and took my temperature...she needs to buy me a drink the next time she does that! I also received two shots and didn't make a fuss for either. One was a cortizone shot to help with my allergies and clogged up ears and nose. The other shot was to protect me and my people if I were to have a violent interaction with those nosy garbage diggers that come through our neighborhood on occasion.

The bummer part of my trip. I've gained some weight. Daddy and Poppa have been really generous with the food; not that I ever complained. Somehow they didn't succumb to my extreme cuteness to increase the amount of food...I don't know how or why!!! So regardless, I've put on a small amount of weight and knowing how I want to keep my girlish figure, I will be dieting. Daddy wanted to cut back on the canned food they give me. That stuff is my crack...it's my addiction!!! Dr. Johnson suggested that they cut back on the dry kibble. Dang!!! I didn't know how much I love that stuff too. Today was the first full day of the diet. I ate my 24 hour supply of kibble in about 12 hours...that left me another 12 hours to fast! Holy crap was I hungry. Again, I tried to seduce food from Daddy and Poppa with my cuteness, but alas...it doesn't work. I'll try again tomorrow.

There was a highlight of the visit with Dr. Johnson. She's in love with my coat. She's so surprised and happy with it. "Any cat would be jealous to have this coat. Luxurious, shiny, full bodied." I've put a call into an agent to see if I can get some model work. With the new diet and my gorgeous hair, I'm a shoo in.

Well, that's what I've been up to. Been getting plenty of rest, haven't really gotten into any trouble lately. And you'll be proud to know; I avoided the Christmas tree. Why would someone put a giant coniferous tree in their home? Really. Why?

Alright. I have a nap that's calling my name.

Before I go, please accept my delayed New Year's Wishes. I'm sure it will be a fabulous year.

Later Tater Tots!

Merry Christmas!

Check out our lovely tree! It's real, and it's covered in ornaments that carry years worth of memories.



(We really need a better topper, though.)

The Cover-A Year In The Life...

Hello everyone. Welcome to the Parkway Manor Blog.

For Christmas this year, we gave a few family and friends a Shutterfly calendar we had made. The formatting on Shutterfly doesn't allow a full story to be posted with each photo, so we will be utilizing this blog to explain our 2009 Calendar; A Year In The Life...

The Calendar Cover

This photo was taken, just a few weeks ago. On November 4, 2008 voters in the US elected a new president! What an amazing night. Jason as working at a work event and I was city at home glued to the TV with two computers running, flipping from website to website looking for the latest election news. I tracked the elector votes and several of the Senate elections on a spreadsheet, so I would know who and what at all points. By the end of the evening, I was cheering and bawling my eyes out. Total excitement.

But a few other things happened that day. Voters in California, Florida and Arizona voted against same sex marriages. Voters in Arkansas voted to deny adoption rights to any unmarried couple, gay or straight. The main issue was California. Known as Proposition 8, Prop 8 would take away the rights of same sex couples to get married. A right given to them when the states marriage protection act was deemed unconstitutional for deny rights to individuals. Therefore, earlier in 2008 gays and lesbians were granted the right to get married. On November 4, California voters took that right away. The majority voting on the rights of the minority. Not a good precedent.

So, a few days later, the GLBT community across the country, and the world took to the streets in their towns and capitals to march for marriage equality. We joined them. We joined thousands at the base of the US Capitol and marched to the White House, fighting wind and rain all the way there.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
Thomas Jefferson, Declaration of Independence 1776

The freedom to marry has long been recognized as one of the vital personal rights essential to the orderly pursuit of happiness by free men.
United States Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren, Loving v. Virginia 1967

January-Time for Baking

I love to cook. I love to eat. And I love to bake. The January photos are a few of the sweet treats I've baked over the course of the year. By the way, if you need any food ideas, you can check them at my blog, Eat With Me. And if you have anything to share, please do!

Banana Tea Bread

Oatmeal Cinnamon Chip Cookies

Vanilla and Brown Butter Pear Crisp

February-Parkway Manor

Parkway Manor-Our New Home

Long story short--our new home. We love it. We started shopping in October with our realtor, Terry Gilead. We saw this home the first day we went out looking. Several trips later, we put in an offer and spent our first night in February! We have a guest room!!! Just saying.