tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23532805266286279832024-03-05T02:18:16.189-08:00A Very Good LifeHome, Garden and Lifestyle from Diamond Bar, CaliforniaLydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03215242522396155812noreply@blogger.comBlogger687125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2353280526628627983.post-49889023380614383472017-11-26T01:16:00.000-08:002017-11-26T01:18:52.317-08:00Thanksgiving Rainbows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>"If it looks like the sun isn't going to shine, look for the rainbow. If it looks like the sun is really not going to shine, be the Rainbow."</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>~Maya Angelou</b></span></i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbows are real</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">Imagine skiing downward through wind-driven snow. You are prepared: yet the air is frigid. The snow sticks to your clothes. Your vision is blurred in fogginess. Your skis launch over a mogul. You turn mid-air-and wham- the sun pierces open a completely different perspective. The sky bleeds pure blue sky. The view is majestic. And forever. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When faced with serious illness, there is a choice. You can stop in the storm and wallow at your misfortune. Or you can exercise faith: pivot through in wonder, actively seeking rainbows.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This Thanksgiving, human rainbows found us. Embraced us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jeannie, our younger son's mother- in-law, lights-up every room with her smile. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">We have known some of the guests since they were in kindergarten. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And now they are parents, and their parents are grandparents</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kelly Morris is Principal at the local elementary school</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All this joy was made possible when our daughter-in-law's sister opened her home to include our side of the family. Kelly did an amazing job of organizing a spectacular evening, forever engraved in our hearts. Two turkeys, smoked rib eye appetizers, a cheese tray the size of Delaware, etc. etc. Every bite, as my mother-in-law likes to say, was <i>dee</i>-licious. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melva with her two sons</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gerald with his mom, Melva<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Kelly bought this home last summer (It's a small world- the previous owner's dad lives next to us). Located mid-way between the notorious gridlocked traffic between our home and where Gerry's brother and mother reside,her gracious hospitality made for a joyous mini-reunion. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">It was a happy evening, with space to recount happy memories. Melva and I compared our watches- generous gifts from Eric and his wife from Christmas long ago. Tonight was their 33rd wedding anniversary- <i>Congratulations kids!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As pictures are worth a thousand words- here's the rest of a novel you can finish in under a minute. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our grandson's feast<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Mack is starting to find his voice. Most of his sounds are punctuated with the word "ball'". He's not into plates yet. But he is into throwing. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our granddaughter taking a break</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Charley is 4 now, and a big help in the kitchen. She renamed the appetizer she passed around as Angel Eggs. No way was she going to pass out devilled eggs. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELJ73w57bAwz1Gaxnver6GlMbwBjWO25ZW0dEUnv2Mnr_tIU7zpRd0zd6krBjwduC-LBOgjgrN-RKkTIY9rPgw23nS7suqRWFZ8cgbkkJfthH9A0MR3DaUBEsUo2VgkRNgg6QQwgh2w/s1600/2017-11-23+19.23.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELJ73w57bAwz1Gaxnver6GlMbwBjWO25ZW0dEUnv2Mnr_tIU7zpRd0zd6krBjwduC-LBOgjgrN-RKkTIY9rPgw23nS7suqRWFZ8cgbkkJfthH9A0MR3DaUBEsUo2VgkRNgg6QQwgh2w/s1600/2017-11-23+19.23.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELJ73w57bAwz1Gaxnver6GlMbwBjWO25ZW0dEUnv2Mnr_tIU7zpRd0zd6krBjwduC-LBOgjgrN-RKkTIY9rPgw23nS7suqRWFZ8cgbkkJfthH9A0MR3DaUBEsUo2VgkRNgg6QQwgh2w/s1600/2017-11-23+19.23.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Along with a couple gluten-free variations on holiday vegetable dishes, we brought Kelly a small growing arrangement of live traditional herbs.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric Plunk, daughter Alden and Charley</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSumnnooxRgRs9cubs7ybja0YP22W11jvuaiItDWsFbRrnT98CDwp5wzHGHD4TZOsaE-gSaI4dbiHlbdWLfqs7XZJHqnp9HgaO7uAuGx0Q57rubLxLfS89OlHtfY3cpqlFbPsAZl2bhQ/s1600/2017-11-23+19.21.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSumnnooxRgRs9cubs7ybja0YP22W11jvuaiItDWsFbRrnT98CDwp5wzHGHD4TZOsaE-gSaI4dbiHlbdWLfqs7XZJHqnp9HgaO7uAuGx0Q57rubLxLfS89OlHtfY3cpqlFbPsAZl2bhQ/s400/2017-11-23+19.21.47.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shannon with Alden</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Growing up, I adored crazy Uncle Frank. He was audacious, politically incorrect and a pure adrenaline rush.</span> </div>
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<img height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglb730MhNyYezii0ySBPwX9S4PLa24_IdJCxNhtHpuEh01JtQH7kTpwFvvJjcle3bUVecOXJK-2RN-XPFq1xHNglmwgrp5BYi-yUHo7hezkzGb_zoiJxelYFSVlSFfxGU5Z-VE7Szp7Q/s400/2017-11-23+18.47.56-2.jpg" width="266" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our grandchildren have Crazy Uncle Eric. As Eric is 6'6" tall- how high in the air does that put Mack?</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7AfbwhSxV42LV0Q3MOrIVm753H-PUgjHKaDurS8RPhrjcCKFwIQKX8t13ng4clI_iIFXgxJwr_lghihGx0fCkL2DE8HFcsC7jaHUbRhtGBBfrjK7JMCqtOGtgksOBMeh1wQUNbK7J7Q/s1600/2017-11-23+19.18.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7AfbwhSxV42LV0Q3MOrIVm753H-PUgjHKaDurS8RPhrjcCKFwIQKX8t13ng4clI_iIFXgxJwr_lghihGx0fCkL2DE8HFcsC7jaHUbRhtGBBfrjK7JMCqtOGtgksOBMeh1wQUNbK7J7Q/s400/2017-11-23+19.18.24.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenny and Shannon have been smooching since high school</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thanksgiving is tucked away...Merry Christmas, Everyone! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Lydia </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Thank you to Kenny for most of the pictures on this post. </i></span></div>
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Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03215242522396155812noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2353280526628627983.post-13647286632205998632017-11-17T13:33:00.001-08:002017-11-17T13:36:04.233-08:00Thanksgiving Thoughts- Kindness as the Twin Pillar of Gratitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Even through the dreariness of life's winter seasons, dream of spring.</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></i><i>Dream it forward. </i></b></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>~ Lydia Plunk</b></span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3Ih4az3swkZm6x2pUe-Z0rd0U8n77fkhnerE93huaN9tyOB57CuE_v67EA6Xzv4J-qURJjU2-gfKNBGH15nNOHV3bNzBlpHevekOCCZaBBs_JHtCeiI0z2s_lb25fzcou6uqwjKiJw/s1600/IMG_0420+Wildflowers+Bona.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3Ih4az3swkZm6x2pUe-Z0rd0U8n77fkhnerE93huaN9tyOB57CuE_v67EA6Xzv4J-qURJjU2-gfKNBGH15nNOHV3bNzBlpHevekOCCZaBBs_JHtCeiI0z2s_lb25fzcou6uqwjKiJw/s400/IMG_0420+Wildflowers+Bona.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Glenda Bona Thompson</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For life to be good, kindness should bloom as bountifully as a spring hillside</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Jf4Z12T8xdQELwRl77dEMsdBz0cjdZ5iT-zOFo5hxl2Z-ySomB_mKaoheGgSnSom6qmXynD5UmuCuaWPqBeRm9O5X5XJ9hpGHWg4SdKERUxjednln37qQaqcBFadMg1KKpLMenTyRg/s1600/8641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="499" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Jf4Z12T8xdQELwRl77dEMsdBz0cjdZ5iT-zOFo5hxl2Z-ySomB_mKaoheGgSnSom6qmXynD5UmuCuaWPqBeRm9O5X5XJ9hpGHWg4SdKERUxjednln37qQaqcBFadMg1KKpLMenTyRg/s400/8641.jpg" width="306" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Image by Gene Sasse</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Gratitude is great. But without its twin, kindness, it dies. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">spread kindness like wildflower seeds blown in the wind. </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is only sure course to choke out the taproots of the saddest of human conditions, the hardened heart.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSpfhrjlPtmMdvgQNLGuxHuwCefKbn0__mt79pLxEikSSwOCsmoSCf95Eh04ZgREcXV2o7H4lqs0voNsMe3KhPRPiWF9BtKwmXDgr9T1JeHLhLQqGzOw94rt-umpB8hG3dyhy1mph_A/s1600/12kindness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1125" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSpfhrjlPtmMdvgQNLGuxHuwCefKbn0__mt79pLxEikSSwOCsmoSCf95Eh04ZgREcXV2o7H4lqs0voNsMe3KhPRPiWF9BtKwmXDgr9T1JeHLhLQqGzOw94rt-umpB8hG3dyhy1mph_A/s400/12kindness.jpg" width="281" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> There is scholarly disagreement on whether these words are properly attributed to Mark Twain. If his name helps spread the wisdom more than 'Anonymous', this is nothing I'll argue with. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTe_gJ1eYRf__I9bV4-zPL2wgj_ejZHSQAcFqZlI5XosStmGkCr0ayHvFelyRKVZq0MbQQjRMerk0Gjt2NuGL-xmLivabVY0LnZT1Jk-hVsm1irZES3VBDQRZfS_VlKIgtQp2h9y6kw/s1600/Wild_Blue_Yonder_vase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTe_gJ1eYRf__I9bV4-zPL2wgj_ejZHSQAcFqZlI5XosStmGkCr0ayHvFelyRKVZq0MbQQjRMerk0Gjt2NuGL-xmLivabVY0LnZT1Jk-hVsm1irZES3VBDQRZfS_VlKIgtQp2h9y6kw/s320/Wild_Blue_Yonder_vase.jpg" width="247" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">'Wild Blue Yonder' rose bouquet. Image by Gene Sasse.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kind gestures. Kind words. These are never remembered with regrets. Gather and give. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOemWjahiBG89-ut_lYG0PouBwcNmCX7FuBsfppzKlD91B6GrxLFsmu3vSLaos0-1I30xr-ayshvuUaCp3ydWhFv_kSwNfyAo2G2FVe5Zxy2RhznRiH5EnJnPQ04rBjeXuhdpcz88uw/s1600/sasse7190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="350" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOemWjahiBG89-ut_lYG0PouBwcNmCX7FuBsfppzKlD91B6GrxLFsmu3vSLaos0-1I30xr-ayshvuUaCp3ydWhFv_kSwNfyAo2G2FVe5Zxy2RhznRiH5EnJnPQ04rBjeXuhdpcz88uw/s400/sasse7190.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Close up by Gene Sasse</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Examine your life closely for kindness. In words and deeds.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For us, this past year has been a journey of miracles. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My husband was in a foreign country when the medical crisis would be ignored no longer. It wasn't a problem the size of a lizard, It was a full-on fire breathing dragon.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To all who helped get him home.... to family members for their loving encouragement...to friends, neighbors and colleagues whose kindness has included dinners delivered, fruit discovered on the front porch... cards of encouragement, prayers and more ... thank you. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMm9Jf60HddYTJlHr25Tg4HgjP45PRXKpt9W1mIR15K-svVPS2hnGQcBE42VH2rq_a4QBRdK80OJRHhxy2NwKNWCKIvRj6yfrrT77hZx1Cj7QyFShSDhzYNlKXsEioGQnGnGa1yOQKA/s1600/IMG_1951+Sparkling+strawberry+lemonade.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMm9Jf60HddYTJlHr25Tg4HgjP45PRXKpt9W1mIR15K-svVPS2hnGQcBE42VH2rq_a4QBRdK80OJRHhxy2NwKNWCKIvRj6yfrrT77hZx1Cj7QyFShSDhzYNlKXsEioGQnGnGa1yOQKA/s400/IMG_1951+Sparkling+strawberry+lemonade.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sparkling lemonade and cookies </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;">One of the highlight's of this past month was </span><a href="https://www.danishchurchsocal.com/pastor/" style="text-align: left;">Pastor Anne Grethe's</a><span style="text-align: left;"> visit. The Lord is with us everywhere, so our communion toast in the garden was with sparkling strawberry-lemonade and crackers standing in for wine and bread. Unforgettable. Moving.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeA2p95LpLVJgjopoDqrinhOu9OJlFFLsVS0DeMYLbm1nu9KK8Ey90abNvx5lirguOW-y1tl3UZ6BABxsQCOE5Lwhp6RhmciruyDOwKEaPL_Hd3WNwwKbdbLfIP7IEiVmEPrHAq_UWQ/s1600/7227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="400" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeA2p95LpLVJgjopoDqrinhOu9OJlFFLsVS0DeMYLbm1nu9KK8Ey90abNvx5lirguOW-y1tl3UZ6BABxsQCOE5Lwhp6RhmciruyDOwKEaPL_Hd3WNwwKbdbLfIP7IEiVmEPrHAq_UWQ/s400/7227.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Image by Gene Sasse</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">However difficult life gets- Kind gestures. Kind words. These are never remembered with regrets. They are rays of sunshine through darkest clouds. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Until we meet again, THANK YOU for all you do to make the world more beautiful. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Blessings, </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Lydia </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Thank you, Glenda for 31 years of friendship and guidance.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Thank you <a href="http://genesasse.com/about.htm">Gene Sasse </a> for providing images which light up the screen. </i></span><br />
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Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03215242522396155812noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2353280526628627983.post-82021590802194181322017-11-11T00:20:00.001-08:002017-11-11T00:20:37.439-08:00In Sickness and in Health- Thoughts from our 42nd Anniversary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. </i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>~Ecclesiastics 4:9</i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">My doctor is a young widow. She shared,"There is no handbook for when your husband has brain cancer."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If there was, it would tell you that life is as precious as you decide it is or not. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As a young bride, I really didn't have a true understanding that either of us would really be called to care for the other in sickness. I certainly did not comprehend the collateral beauty of bonds deepened through trials beyond our control.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Julia Child' blooms nearly year- round. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">Cancer heightens awareness. Every day is different. Every hour is different. I can recount what has happened the last 4 hours- but the next 4 is always in God's hands. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Meerlo' lavender- </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Should have. Would have. Could have. These are useless thoughts. My husband is finally home enjoying time watching me try to keep up with the garden of our hearts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Take action, or forget it. This summer was time to do something about moving <a href="http://sunsetwesterngardencollection.com/the-collection/plant/meerlo">'Meerlo' lavender</a> up the wish-list. For heat tolerance, it was bred with </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the constitution of a John Deere tractor. P</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">lanted in the hell strip between the spa and our garden, the plantar now wears the most luxuriant lavender scent. Ever. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asclepias Curassavica - butterfly weed</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Accepting serious illness is not the same as giving up. A couple holes in the leaves of the milkweed do not deter from its lovely purpose...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikscnpvZ20J3k9lre4yxMoRyj7-nbGGeLb8wu1gzVmJE4ycjzlBqh1QIWMV6Djlpnl-n0AG-LcvptbEmMjGSw42niFIhJyRqW97Lxa4e-0W5tvaQxzesQwoVN3s-HvRqmo363RUvOTIw/s1600/IMG_1986+catepillar+close+up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1207" data-original-width="744" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikscnpvZ20J3k9lre4yxMoRyj7-nbGGeLb8wu1gzVmJE4ycjzlBqh1QIWMV6Djlpnl-n0AG-LcvptbEmMjGSw42niFIhJyRqW97Lxa4e-0W5tvaQxzesQwoVN3s-HvRqmo363RUvOTIw/s320/IMG_1986+catepillar+close+up.JPG" width="197" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For look who comes to dinner. Hang-out. Fly away. To watch the fat-crawly thing encase himself in a chrysalis and then emerge as a butterfly... miracles happen every day... the secret is to notice. Count them... and make them count.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBMjJ30ocgL353jXqN8clW1ETWeTJ98CILaroP1KlpcWDgTYFEss7x1Telhe9Nllqhf68BEGEfK57n3KVGL4c7k8Nxv_ywpI4SiFspyTIuIVan2OZgN0EnSjk55kZmBm_qahF9EfrBQ/s1600/IMG_1965+night+daylily.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBMjJ30ocgL353jXqN8clW1ETWeTJ98CILaroP1KlpcWDgTYFEss7x1Telhe9Nllqhf68BEGEfK57n3KVGL4c7k8Nxv_ywpI4SiFspyTIuIVan2OZgN0EnSjk55kZmBm_qahF9EfrBQ/s320/IMG_1965+night+daylily.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like our family, this daylily multiplied and spread</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As one of my oldest- err- longest friends, artist Charlie Mott advised "Be strong. Be honest. Be present. Always give and accept love. BREATHE." </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unruly patch of narcissus </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Accept imperfection as part of life. Not everything is equal in importance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What I have learned being married more years than single, is that being right is not nearly as important as the relationship itself. Husbands and wives- take care of each other. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The face of faith and courage. My husband.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Never allow yourself to think of yourself as a victim. That is a dark hole with no benefits. Choose to</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> LIVE: </i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">survive and thrive. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you to friends and family who have brought real joy to us in what is a challenging- but rewarding- time. <i> </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Lydia </i></span>Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03215242522396155812noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2353280526628627983.post-57645425003998948672017-01-26T08:55:00.000-08:002017-01-26T10:15:13.541-08:00Hosting Angels at Garden Wedding of Robyn Green and Jacob Dilick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was a miracle. Not too different from when Moses parted the Red Sea for his people to pass out of bondage. This parting of torrential rains. I believe the mother's love was so strong, from on-high she held back the clouds for her daughter's wedding. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A cameo of Cobi Neal attached to the bouquet provided by the groom's mother</span></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The bride's mother flew the pain of cancer on December 14, 2006. But love knows no boundaries. Her spirit was with us last Saturday. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Edda Gahm, the bride's grandmother, called 10 days before. "The kids" had planned a park wedding- only fate proclaimed that heaven would continue wringing water on Southern California for the first time in years. The small family wedding included family from other states. Even if it didn't rain, mud already closed the parking lot where the nuptials were planned for. Did I have any ideas? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The answer was instinctive. Hospitality is ingrained into the culture of our faith. God hosted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Abraham and Sarah offered hospitality to three strangers- only later to find they were angels unawares. We would not know many of guests, but if they were faithful enough to this young couple to brave wicked weather, they are angels to us.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> If Robyn and Jacob (Jake) were amenable, our home and garden were at their service. At my husband's suggestion, we ordered a canopy. Unless the day turned out to be a gale, the bride could have her outdoor wedding. A modest rain, the guests could watch under the patio's protection. Worst case, we would scoot furniture out of the living room, and they could marry in front of the fireplace. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After helping set-up, Jake used our bedroom to change into his Air Force dress blue uniform.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With the groom ready, the bride and her friends took over the room. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">How did the couple come to this day? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Robyn recounts, We met in passing when I was about 17, he 18, at a friend's graduation party. We would see each other every few years at their New Years parties, when would come home for leave for Christmas. Sparks never really flew until we were Best Man and Maid of Honor at our friends' wedding. After three months of texting and Facetiming I flew out to Florida, where he was stationed. We spent an amazing two weeks together. A couple months after I returned he stationed out here, at Edwards (AFB) to be closer. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Everything about the festivities was profoundly personal. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While the rain pushed sideways the day before and after the ceremony, on Saturday, January 21, 2017, the heavens opened for the angels to be Robyn and Jake's guests. The canopy wasn't needed. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kandi Schultz Hardy officiated. She has known Robyn since she was the bride's teacher at Valley Christian School in San Dimas. The tone and tenor both sober and celebratory. When asked about the service performed, Kandi explained she lightly updated the archaic language of the Christian ceremony her father, the Reverend William Schultz, used during his pastoral days. She adds " I feel so blessed that he gave me his actual wedding book, not a copy of the ceremony." </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The guests. Some drove through blizzards to be present. Some flew to give support to the forming of the new family of Jake Dilick and Robyn Green.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Prayers said. Promises made. Rings exchanged. Robyn's father passed to Jake the ring her mother had given him, back in the day. The bride says " I don't ever want to resize it- I'll wear it on a necklace."</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The lighting of the unity candle signifying bride and groom are stronger now that they are one to the other. Before man and God. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With this first kiss, Robin and Jake's life begins anew. With little commentary, please enjoy these images. May the silent universal language of photography of convethe joy surrounding this union. </span></div>
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<span class="text Heb-13-2" style="background-color: #fff2cc; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The groom with his mother, Rochelle Dilick. She covered the dining table with a lavish buffet. </span><br />
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<span class="text Heb-13-2" style="background-color: #fff2cc; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> She served love from the ceremony the following day in presenting "planned-overs" from the wedding feast to feed the homeless in Lancaster. She wrote on her Facebook page " I wasn't sure how many would 'show up' in the rain. They came. They ate and they stayed around and visited with us all for quite some time. I'm thinking that some are considering this their Sunday Family Meal and that makes me happy."</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The bride's father with his new son-in-law. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The bride's sister, Kaitlin, baked and decorated cupcakes. The bride made lemon and chocolate snickerdoodle cookie bars. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Nikki served as unofficial Maid of Honor. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was a fun moment when the little girls ran in the house together, announcing they had picked "all the plums off the tree" to make money selling. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When we stopped laughing, we took a couple bags out to collect the big yellow plums, actually grapefruit, off the lawn. Tangerines plus some assorted "jewels" from the pathways were tossed in. Not all- we left some polished jewels for the fairies to find their way back):- </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The bride complemented her forest green lace gown with Converse high-top basketball shoes. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">It's been a secret wish, to have a wedding here. You made that dream come true. Thank you. God bless. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thank you, Robyn and Jake, for choosing to share your sacred start of your life together here. The occasion helped me realize </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">how much I take for granted. Every guest was an angel to us. Come what may, all the love which graced this place on your wedding day shall remain with us -and with this place we call home. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>A special thank you to Nikki, Marissa, Jaimie, as well as my husband </i></span><i style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Gerry, for contributing the commemorative photos. </i></span><br />
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<i style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Until we meet again, thank you for ALL YOU do to make the world more beautiful. </i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><b style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><br /></b></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Lydia </b></span></i><br />
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Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03215242522396155812noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2353280526628627983.post-25119630290252782612016-10-08T23:09:00.000-07:002016-10-08T23:09:21.749-07:00 M.F.K Fisher: Home Ground ~ Loving the California Landscape ~ Paula Panich at the LA Arboretum<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A quilt for a tablecloth makes for a country formal picnic </td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333; font-family: "lucida calligraphy"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“It seems to me that
our three basic needs, for food and security and love, are so mixed and mingled
and entwined that we cannot straightly think of one without the others. So it
happens that when I write of hunger, I am really writing about love and the hunger
for it, and warmth and the love of it and the hunger for it… and then the
warmth and richness and fine reality of hunger satisfied… and it is all one.</span>”</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #fff2cc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333; font-family: "lucida calligraphy"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">M.F.K. Fisher<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida calligraphy";"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-size: 18.6667px;">'Mary Frances'</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">(1908-1992)</span><span style="background-color: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCVPssedoUD6UzLqSNviq9oQDWwHn7SdHIiCbdkTuoyRGeCVvfyZApFP2v5p87_72wIUjIdaXK6a7FqhxvtqFX84UoOkHo0vZTGuqe8rhm48XrglhHdngk-BPndZij035vr1nFlZzzQ/s1600/LA+Arboretum+landscape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCVPssedoUD6UzLqSNviq9oQDWwHn7SdHIiCbdkTuoyRGeCVvfyZApFP2v5p87_72wIUjIdaXK6a7FqhxvtqFX84UoOkHo0vZTGuqe8rhm48XrglhHdngk-BPndZij035vr1nFlZzzQ/s400/LA+Arboretum+landscape.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The landscape where the lecture took place- The<a href="http://www.arboretum.org/"> LA County Arboretum and Garden</a> - from their Facebook Page.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Landscape. A two syllable word which opens endless linkage
to the context of our lives. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9G7keuiAaTeb1BmqaDv4E45xGuTCRveyMCJHI5_xEkr4OFTlKsZpUU-kEUtvWWl5GtpW6VWazv9s5O7iRcgcK7ZAV2jy_7s8qBYsEbowM7XMShifIvDbPjjeo6kksqIFxLkfalxMSqw/s1600/1anderson9897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9G7keuiAaTeb1BmqaDv4E45xGuTCRveyMCJHI5_xEkr4OFTlKsZpUU-kEUtvWWl5GtpW6VWazv9s5O7iRcgcK7ZAV2jy_7s8qBYsEbowM7XMShifIvDbPjjeo6kksqIFxLkfalxMSqw/s320/1anderson9897.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brea Canyon painting, by John Anderson . Photograph by <a href="http://www.genesasse.com/">Gene Sasse</a> captures my neighborhood.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We are products of the landscapes which envelop our lives.
Doyenne of modern American writing and founder of the Napa Valley Wine Library, Mary
Frances loved California, her descriptives of one place, frequently redolent with
memories of other times, other locations. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Best
known as the originator of the genre of passionate renderings of home craft we enjoy now. Her “cookbooks” reach beyond the making of food, but commemorate
values learned communing with land, community and each other. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynO88xLQwvllDHyNKT8ZqFU7lgJCu7S43WxAix8BOWfQZQRqDcc67d8DyT9XL8-lg7PCcWQ3mcSlBOzFr5zRnC-D85gaSE-R8VM5RGnZt7h-hDi3dJNcrZeGjIIb7ojRfB7iScSvUdA/s1600/mustard+field+Dijon+France+Stephen+Block+Pinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynO88xLQwvllDHyNKT8ZqFU7lgJCu7S43WxAix8BOWfQZQRqDcc67d8DyT9XL8-lg7PCcWQ3mcSlBOzFr5zRnC-D85gaSE-R8VM5RGnZt7h-hDi3dJNcrZeGjIIb7ojRfB7iScSvUdA/s400/mustard+field+Dijon+France+Stephen+Block+Pinterest.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dijon France Mustard Field, from Pinterest, Steven Block</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Born in Quaker Whittier, she lived most of her life in
cities up and across California, including Laguna Beach, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">Hemet,</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Napa and Sonoma.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">She lived in Europe. First in
France, during an ill-fated first marriage. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7_x8oGWxTE_BAqTdW_vv1w7gc7Xc40Az6f3-oq81O38rMN_ran6XW7kzPlTOGiEu2AIIjhyzU5ILHAB3WJEU_WG6mvvrodXqIeNAnNR1gyWevot_BcprYDNZYUPTgMJErZvWdXd3Ng/s1600/MFK+Fisher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7_x8oGWxTE_BAqTdW_vv1w7gc7Xc40Az6f3-oq81O38rMN_ran6XW7kzPlTOGiEu2AIIjhyzU5ILHAB3WJEU_WG6mvvrodXqIeNAnNR1gyWevot_BcprYDNZYUPTgMJErZvWdXd3Ng/s400/MFK+Fisher.jpg" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dillwyn Parrish with Mary Frances in Hemet Image by Counterpoint Press, Berkeley, California</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then Switzerland, with her second and most passionate
companion, artist </span><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dillwyn
Parrish. They started as Laguna Beach neighbors , whose respective marriages failed.
He was very encouraging with Mary Frances’s writing. And complicating her life as only one deeply loved can. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #252525; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In 1938, the couple
married, and she wrote of the Swiss mountainside where they inhabited as being
where large trees leaned, pushed by wind. The sudden onset of a circulatory disease
required her husband’s leg be amputated. In 1939 there was no escaping war was
coming to Europe. The couple stocked up on a pain medication not available in
the US, fleeing back to the US. They set up home keeping in a modest cabin on
90 acres in the hamlet which Hemet was at the time. They proceeded to fit it to
their needs, which meant including a studio for her husband to paint in. Forebodingly,
his best known works from this time were dominated by images of the angels of
death. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioB9skB7izZha3mPdDtaJQXI5UzHs2D9X0BXinCiDG6oKmX-8YD4OHTo_uAWDM0wtRqd45k9bscQR3pfVmFlLGGueGQfe8rxs3xcIwPz4b2B7z3hYM-wyMrX-CBmJJ_qP1uJx58Tck4w/s1600/IMG_9255+Wyoming+Rainbow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioB9skB7izZha3mPdDtaJQXI5UzHs2D9X0BXinCiDG6oKmX-8YD4OHTo_uAWDM0wtRqd45k9bscQR3pfVmFlLGGueGQfe8rxs3xcIwPz4b2B7z3hYM-wyMrX-CBmJJ_qP1uJx58Tck4w/s400/IMG_9255+Wyoming+Rainbow.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wyoming rainbowm image by Trevor Plunk</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #252525; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">With Dillwyn
devastatingly ill, his sister largely supported them on the land overlooking
groves of apricots and acres of roses. Mary Francis painted with words grounded with grace, scenes such as watching a rainbow grow and die. The property itself: a visitor once described
as being full of “red rocks and rattlesnakes.”</span></div>
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<span style="color: #252525; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In 1942, facing further
amputations due to incurable Buerger’s disease and unable to procure the only
pain medication which gave him relief, 47 year old Dillwyn walked a short distance
from his home into the countryside. He chose a bullet to end his pain. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6Mx3oWHvQIGhgkPD6HyGrkyEk7re4gL2hLP1szrhnCUErptYkTSD5qB6ru8PmMibEHmslHcGufS25OGeHkwBlm4cFNjw7zO7DlXMuWfoVSaZIHjgzJlUiTx1pf20cP7MNSBLNEKFgA/s1600/The+Art+of+Eating+50th+anniversary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6Mx3oWHvQIGhgkPD6HyGrkyEk7re4gL2hLP1szrhnCUErptYkTSD5qB6ru8PmMibEHmslHcGufS25OGeHkwBlm4cFNjw7zO7DlXMuWfoVSaZIHjgzJlUiTx1pf20cP7MNSBLNEKFgA/s320/The+Art+of+Eating+50th+anniversary.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Paula Panich began reading M.F. K. Fisher 40 years ago. She
was living in San Francisco, the epicenter of the food revolution which she
good-humoredly describes as having grown into something of a “splinter religion”
where food is the great metaphor for nourishment and shelter.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOE279cYEpnp2A3x_pkrPBo5fAD0ya8GMz7MNjVJrGdAg4o-tIxJURM51uyKge8dCjdevWnn3URsB90BRKyY_UkLnVVayMoIi9KHr9Wo1wos5YgqovjxUjEqOTJeamgflb03k5AJjH_w/s1600/Rilke%2527s+Book+of+Hours+Love+Poems+to+God.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOE279cYEpnp2A3x_pkrPBo5fAD0ya8GMz7MNjVJrGdAg4o-tIxJURM51uyKge8dCjdevWnn3URsB90BRKyY_UkLnVVayMoIi9KHr9Wo1wos5YgqovjxUjEqOTJeamgflb03k5AJjH_w/s200/Rilke%2527s+Book+of+Hours+Love+Poems+to+God.jpg" width="126" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">How does one read the same author for so long, and still
eagerly return? Because Mary Francis’s unique writing style braids food, travel and
memoir is accessibly authoritative. Great writers, as our own lives are expanded
as experience become, we can return to the pages to mine ever deeper layers of
intoxicating language. In the words of the poet Rilke,” The world is large, but
in us, it is as deep as the sea.”</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAk4-uupL2IHoKiB3g5yBhEpGI43GoDJRC-DDauJcJ-qsYYRFexkhqEZLtIEFq81vSUbIm93T8D6OuwGe1fWTTkNlM4k4NpG0rUygEPKTZONuaIkUh0AUIt3aM9BhtB9acLjmFA46WZA/s1600/IMG_9541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAk4-uupL2IHoKiB3g5yBhEpGI43GoDJRC-DDauJcJ-qsYYRFexkhqEZLtIEFq81vSUbIm93T8D6OuwGe1fWTTkNlM4k4NpG0rUygEPKTZONuaIkUh0AUIt3aM9BhtB9acLjmFA46WZA/s400/IMG_9541.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Author/ Teacher/ Speaker Paula Panich with Mitchel Bishop, Arboretum Associate Curator of History and Photographer Ilana Panich-Linsman </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">An east coast transplant, Paula found retreat from LA life
by keeping a writing shack in Hemet. Here she followed her muse, so far as to imitate an archaeologist, mini-excavating on the late writer's land, turning up wine bottles, which now set on a shelf of
Paula’s Los Angeles home, near the collection of immortal words brought into
existence by the woman known as M.F.K. Fisher. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Arboretum Librarian Susan Eubank told the capacity crowd, that she intends today to be the inaugural edition of lectures at the Los Angeles Arboretum and Garden.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Until we meet again, thank YOU for all YOU do to make the world more beautiful. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><i>Lydia </i></span></span></div>
Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03215242522396155812noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2353280526628627983.post-78972042891081513492016-09-06T23:11:00.000-07:002016-09-06T23:11:04.673-07:00September- Behind my Garden Gate. Mint, bees and Country Gardens Magazine<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">September. It began with a phone call asking "Do you have mint?"</span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yes. Mint with bees and mint without. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Stalks of mint flopping through seasonal asters in a mass of perfect imperfection.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mint weaving over the roses and through the steps, up into the vegetable lined path. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0mreMxlZDrgHUgHGA3y-Tx09UNTgrbv-w1D4ImSGsSNJusuiOdd7eOzMqiDSLSLPnAr4EuWwZ9nS-VmzjPb8CZQlUIWr0SUMeTpV8D897T9SC9x2p5SEI1g1FiICXZm_fSzYHzCS2A/s1600/IMG_9451+green+brandywine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 18.2px; line-height: 32.76px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0mreMxlZDrgHUgHGA3y-Tx09UNTgrbv-w1D4ImSGsSNJusuiOdd7eOzMqiDSLSLPnAr4EuWwZ9nS-VmzjPb8CZQlUIWr0SUMeTpV8D897T9SC9x2p5SEI1g1FiICXZm_fSzYHzCS2A/s320/IMG_9451+green+brandywine.JPG" width="213" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I took my gloves off to pull the sweet smelling stalks of mint out from beneath the Brandywine tomato. Trained up, the vine has climbed a full-story high.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">My uphill neighbor, Sandy, leaned over our shared fence. We chatted about roses, the exceptional holiday weather, good bugs and bad bugs. Promising to get together soon, I gathered a couple ripened veggies and armloads of mint enough to make mojitos for all the wanna-be Cubans in California. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCRtE57-fxA-8wW0tPB7D_eUq03RrZTob7jZBTj7X69tWzivwIGzOBOdfr6DBupr2UI5rbal_PguRHVGTUwa-bTEdvyJ3d4Ox38ZHfFPfMsIHir9hI1pqv4nKRFqI-kb4VOJ6tjOVfA/s400/IMG_9434+cuttings+hillsde+reflection+.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="265" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Accidental" clippings with the hillside mirrored in my study window</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCRtE57-fxA-8wW0tPB7D_eUq03RrZTob7jZBTj7X69tWzivwIGzOBOdfr6DBupr2UI5rbal_PguRHVGTUwa-bTEdvyJ3d4Ox38ZHfFPfMsIHir9hI1pqv4nKRFqI-kb4VOJ6tjOVfA/s1600/IMG_9434+cuttings+hillsde+reflection+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: left;">On occasion, I splurge on bottles of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Broguieres-Farm-Fresh-Dairy-241120709245499/">Broguiere's Farm Fresh Dairy </a> milk, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: left;">as much for the smiles when the charming containers are passed along to friends as vases. Like the one who will soon be enjoying rooted slips of mint and spearmint. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZB_Wq2aStSRLKNGt3RlDya1EXgeICg7yPjVUJlfPvHyGG1Lx4BjrMW2rUU36lKThN4a-ZP2ytGyXfocHIPyWKm9LJChAsnT9o1l3Fzfcf9HW8GUK5QSW9Xqa6anqeLsCY1nypQZSQA/s1600/IMG_9441+tear+drop+hummingbird+feeder.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 18.2px; line-height: 32.76px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZB_Wq2aStSRLKNGt3RlDya1EXgeICg7yPjVUJlfPvHyGG1Lx4BjrMW2rUU36lKThN4a-ZP2ytGyXfocHIPyWKm9LJChAsnT9o1l3Fzfcf9HW8GUK5QSW9Xqa6anqeLsCY1nypQZSQA/s320/IMG_9441+tear+drop+hummingbird+feeder.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-align: left;">Now to enjoy my garden. To observe. The slender ruby hummingbird feeder hanging from the brugmansia (angel's trumpet) </span><span style="text-align: left;">is a bird magnet. </span>Hummingbirds<span style="text-align: left;"> and orioles. But like our "mighty" Southern California rivers, it too frequently runs dry. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">These come to me in my garden: a thought. Plumbers tape stops leak on threaded hose bibs, why not on threaded necks on nectar reservoirs? YES. Oh happy birds. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgUm40d2fOk29lhjXJ70nPvYRFWUmqqdT1G-Ovh10JnNzbNWWAnEq8bZ0KWwoH5sV5Mq-PpG0-cmQFTmn6bt17q6486hFEv9_6ZfaKcW955YWgs2xftAg1O42BmqrMnrTdyB-qe89tQ/s1600/IMG_9446+garlic++chives+bee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 18.2px; line-height: 32.76px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgUm40d2fOk29lhjXJ70nPvYRFWUmqqdT1G-Ovh10JnNzbNWWAnEq8bZ0KWwoH5sV5Mq-PpG0-cmQFTmn6bt17q6486hFEv9_6ZfaKcW955YWgs2xftAg1O42BmqrMnrTdyB-qe89tQ/s400/IMG_9446+garlic++chives+bee.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Garlic chives. The whole of this wonderful wildflower can be used for cooking. Or left to reseed and come again next summer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Carrots. Like people, come in many colors.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Just in case our friends do not understand how obsessive my garden- passion is... Wouldn't it be fun to serve purple carrots in the garden near where the Rose of Sharon blooms? Match food to flower, like shoes to a dress.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the dining room, dappled light shines on the cover of the newest edition of one of my favorite magazines, <a href="https://secure.bhg.com/order/?containerName=i47gcse00&ordersrc=PSGSCS15572XS&gclid=Cj0KEQjw0rm-BRCn85bm8uS-zK0BEiQAHo4vrHyVxFWKCpssgTvLeI8Y6ukOGfwCZkv_pNE0ZauyBpMaAsnM8P8HAQ">Country Gardens</a>. If circumstance should ever remove me from this beloved plot of land, I should still love this magazine, for as much as any other, it plays the strings of my heart in a happy melody.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Until we meet again, thank YOU for all YOU do to make the world more beautiful. </i></span></div>
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<i style="font-size: 18.2px; line-height: 32.76px;"><b>Lydia </b></i></div>
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Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03215242522396155812noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2353280526628627983.post-23197127877202393512016-08-22T13:27:00.000-07:002016-08-23T10:44:51.375-07:00To Be Happy at Home ~ Worthy Ambition<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"To be happy at home is the ultimate result of all ambition, the end to which every enterprise and labour ends." </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">~Samuel Johnson </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Rambler, November 10, 1750 </span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2dbI0hXjVcvC-3ivgEmB5engjLVl_5wUKLVfltDm3ivDYALO1AMN1caUpUAIZu6Os1HYWvOi4ZPPpQNJ8HAET4Piv9pFPFEtQ8NBfCNJ8L3IqyQHvcCjw6A-nhJ2T4zM3MURWvY0Ng/s1600/IMG_9329+Butter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2dbI0hXjVcvC-3ivgEmB5engjLVl_5wUKLVfltDm3ivDYALO1AMN1caUpUAIZu6Os1HYWvOi4ZPPpQNJ8HAET4Piv9pFPFEtQ8NBfCNJ8L3IqyQHvcCjw6A-nhJ2T4zM3MURWvY0Ng/s400/IMG_9329+Butter.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh butter's natural yellow</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Real butter is a miracle of homekeeping. 3 minutes in the </span><a href="http://www.surlatable.com/product/PRO-174636/Breville+Sous+Chef+Food+Processor+16+Cup" style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Breville Food Processor</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> turns cream to culinary gold. The buttermilk squeezed out- good enough to serve company- and have them toast you for the discovery. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Whipping up the latest batch, I thought of Samuel Johnson (1709-1784). A</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">n Englishman, he was born in a time when the middle class was rising on both sides of the Atlantic. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Suffering from ill-health the length of his life, he was acutely aware of the foolishness of wasting time. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">His essays on the moral imperative to join profit and delight are beacons worth searching out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Wisdom wears well. Johnson's quote at the top are still relevant and worthy over 200 years after posted in a two-penny rag. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Fast forward to today. It is flummoxing to ponder why people aren't profoundly chastened by what they post on social media. All the rants and insults... thanks to technology, could outlive this generation. This generation may be remembered for contemptuous ill-manners, unrighteous indignation and no patience for either spelling or grammar. Can we share a group shudder? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Which is why I write. In hopes to point even a few souls (including my own) to the gratitude for one more day. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fried Okra, Lydia-Style</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Okra was not in my Puerto Rican mother's cooking repertoire. Think she made it once, for I have vague memories of something akin to algae-colored slugs pretending to be a vegetable. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank God this California girl married into a family with roots deep in states with long summers. Oklahoma, Arkansas and Arizona.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">They introduced me to one of the gifts of summer, f</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ried Okra. The family- version was a bit gritty with cornmeal, so I changed it up a bit. In my version, pieces of the vegetable are tossed in a pancake-like batter before rolling in cornmeal. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When the devil is in me, the battered bits to into a batch of hot bacon fat with chopped onion and chunks of ham. Otherwise, olive or other oil does suffice. At the very end, freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts atop the hot mountain of Southern Hospitality. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poached eggs, Apple wood Smoked Bacon and a homemade turnover topped with whipped cream. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I confess. I am guilty of binge watching the </span><a href="http://www.pbs.org/food/shows/great-british-baking-show/" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Great British Baking Show</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> and swallowing whole Laura Bolton's delicious blog </span><a href="http://www.forkknifeswoon.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>Fork Knife Swoon</i>,</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It struck this summer, this Epiphany. In this Age of Air Conditioning, it's okay to unleash worship from taste buds at the heart of the home, the kitchen range. The Sabbath brunch is nearly a service of celebration. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The raspberry- lemon filled turnover, topped with freshly whipped cream was worth every calorie. Which certainly were gloriously ad infinitum.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPkU3Y9Tkc3JI6dbqT-U5AJ12lfg4S2EDKlH-HHtHf_aaNIRP6twkAFL_AK5LICBJlfxTwB-FfsLwWsUWUGpRBOQDqRpIcmoIAZmbe44DHWtrST1XKHyCIsIdhsnFZFIiwjw3ck45EA/s1600/IMG_9379+Master+Bedroom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPkU3Y9Tkc3JI6dbqT-U5AJ12lfg4S2EDKlH-HHtHf_aaNIRP6twkAFL_AK5LICBJlfxTwB-FfsLwWsUWUGpRBOQDqRpIcmoIAZmbe44DHWtrST1XKHyCIsIdhsnFZFIiwjw3ck45EA/s320/IMG_9379+Master+Bedroom.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Where we live is not just a house. It is a deeply personal retreat. We cocoon there, cuddling amongst reminders of what makes us happy. A bed so high, we sleep easily from oxygen deprivation; clinging to each other for fear if we fall off the edge, we'll break a hip. If we want to fight, we don't need to use fists- for there are lots of pillows.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As the bedroom is the first and last memory of the day, I think it the most important. I may dream of raising the ceiling, adding a balcony and improving the bathroom to more modern en-suite proportions. Still, there are elements I would keep if we were suddenly billionaires. No amount of money could ever change my heart. I was born a lover of country and romance. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OOPvLZtY5RbwBa5YCe_Yea0FxbAnaHAbJ7AVY2jeN6If-i-kNOHwnQxUW-guoDRVQNEjcrFLJ37jtPUFpsE2rWBahJwuZaGfrjIBOVHMlkopQjfLkGlX320u6rpjOvy2_y1eXbSMmQ/s1600/IMG_9380+desk+to+night+stand.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OOPvLZtY5RbwBa5YCe_Yea0FxbAnaHAbJ7AVY2jeN6If-i-kNOHwnQxUW-guoDRVQNEjcrFLJ37jtPUFpsE2rWBahJwuZaGfrjIBOVHMlkopQjfLkGlX320u6rpjOvy2_y1eXbSMmQ/s320/IMG_9380+desk+to+night+stand.JPG" width="262" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">That means that we are slow to throw things out. It is better to rethink the purpose than to trash an object with cherished elements.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This nightstand was my passed- along childhood desk. My darling re-imagined it as his nightstand. On my side of the bed, is a similar desk from his childhood. Simply refinished, it serves double duty. First as my vanity- and bridge for the puppies to get in and out of bed on their own. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdVS3zBJZWrOyitcQucDbPXml0-qsXU0sysY-leRPwAjRrS6YP8uvd5W4Epvwg5oCNUEn0EmwOeumb1enzWpg3-moBPTqZe85ffBVYD86gki7KSevi7-26AtLJWZ16YVX69n5ImLFzA/s1600/IMG_9388+lightshade+reflection.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdVS3zBJZWrOyitcQucDbPXml0-qsXU0sysY-leRPwAjRrS6YP8uvd5W4Epvwg5oCNUEn0EmwOeumb1enzWpg3-moBPTqZe85ffBVYD86gki7KSevi7-26AtLJWZ16YVX69n5ImLFzA/s320/IMG_9388+lightshade+reflection.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creativity solves waste. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Inconveniences are opportunities disguised as problems. The downstairs bathroom light bar has been giving us fits. A shade broke. The fixture professionally rewired- but the bulbs kept pulling apart faster than my hair was falling out. Our best guess is that the modern light bulbs were ever so slightly different- causing the bulbs to overheat and sockets to pull apart.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Finding shades that matched both budget and taste wasn't happening when the great ah ha struck again. There were shades I bought on close-out for an outdoor project which never made it to the top of the list. Doggone if they weren't a perfect solution. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcVSLJAQEdVy2QEVDhXNRRBtmBGNKu_KkE0l7Pq7KUzUX0_6QRziEJ_1BchLgUWhuYW-xpVR_fuSnCGUMtdONMznBM6AWCI5_ynvxChZhc0E86EkgPDMvkmXj7Ro_SqE2ZtWu589nOA/s1600/IMG_9410+Salvia++in+compost.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcVSLJAQEdVy2QEVDhXNRRBtmBGNKu_KkE0l7Pq7KUzUX0_6QRziEJ_1BchLgUWhuYW-xpVR_fuSnCGUMtdONMznBM6AWCI5_ynvxChZhc0E86EkgPDMvkmXj7Ro_SqE2ZtWu589nOA/s320/IMG_9410+Salvia++in+compost.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Taking kitchen scraps out to the compost heap, my heart leaped. For in the compost heap, a salvia emerged. Just like in life. Expect, embrace surprise. Love the life you decided to live. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Until we meet again, Thank YOU for all YOU do to make the world more beautiful- </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Lydia </i></span>Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03215242522396155812noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2353280526628627983.post-36098407402699613852016-08-18T23:19:00.000-07:002016-08-18T23:19:07.109-07:00A Garden Autobiography of What Really Matters ~ Dedicated to Allison Grace<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>There is a power to place when you allow where you live to embrace you.</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWo6lN_Xqp-pp_l1JFPF7bkxDvmKw7W89dc5tiNMITPSYKYIzQtjPRehcvFQFURwywYxsX8Wn1F9gZlLm0sJIe8Y70mkuXg42M_tWSI4uvlF2ELGVkN2iiZHOppDtj_XSvWjpvlzs5ow/s1600/IMG_9393+Salvia+backlit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWo6lN_Xqp-pp_l1JFPF7bkxDvmKw7W89dc5tiNMITPSYKYIzQtjPRehcvFQFURwywYxsX8Wn1F9gZlLm0sJIe8Y70mkuXg42M_tWSI4uvlF2ELGVkN2iiZHOppDtj_XSvWjpvlzs5ow/s400/IMG_9393+Salvia+backlit.JPG" width="348" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #3a403f; font-family: PT Serif, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: 25px;"><a href="http://sunsetwesterngardencollection.com/in-the-garden/article/amistad-salvia">'Amistad' Salvia</a>, part of the Sunset Garden Collection, established in less than a season </span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is not so telling from whence forebears arrived. The framed certificates of recognition and diploma in my study are not nearly so important as that the plot of land my husband fell in love with because the surrounding chaparral "smells like vacation." The house was nearly incidental, except that it came with a 3 car garage. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This place we live, sculpted the meaning of my existence. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJObF4jX4_IIHDN31w2jweKNTcnNeDEAdoTS0tQP09eaNuNPvqPqkyKvfVPsWVDCwCzALYsyegTGSsoHXjY3mBn0mNBjx8ZbMQv6SxS-IYJfpWh850WW-uViaaesS4uhiEsJsodJpzmg/s1600/IMG_9396+Window+box+geranium.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJObF4jX4_IIHDN31w2jweKNTcnNeDEAdoTS0tQP09eaNuNPvqPqkyKvfVPsWVDCwCzALYsyegTGSsoHXjY3mBn0mNBjx8ZbMQv6SxS-IYJfpWh850WW-uViaaesS4uhiEsJsodJpzmg/s400/IMG_9396+Window+box+geranium.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This geranium, one of several purchased from <a href="http://www.greenwoodgarden.com/about.htm">Greenwood Daylily Gardens</a> is a prolific horticultural 'brood mare'</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mine is not a designer's garden. It is a family garden which evolved, only partly by plan. It is an authentic reflection of who we were, and are ever becoming. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Along the way, we learned mortal plans are held back by conscious thoughts. What brought me to cherish this place was not the execution of plans. Deep connection was wrought from the vision and effort required to merge our personal visions of Eden, and make them real. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There is a compelling collected energy born of hearts joining hands with possibility. Man is not inherently the enemy of the natural world. Fight or accept this- people are as much a part of nature as a smile is on a child's face.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpvxe4bea5SRyuVCCLcx3ChFrCTEP8h45Uk5oHOutDBN4Jmxw0DAwcrxgBp7Nm8Uded7wumyGBUaAOA10GxANVujEPi7xQ-XdFjlm4iiCdKH7X0-FXUnQBR98F9-SPATldvEuohp0Jw/s320/IMG_9397+Pink+and+Orange.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A happy mistake- The orange tecoma- I didn't know it would grow to the size of the crepe myrtle- but our neighbors above prefer this view to our trash cans. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The </span>side yard<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> which holds the line of trash barrels is a happy place. It isn't just the color WOW of pink and orange- within the blossoms is a choir of birds cheerfully filling the morning airwaves until the sun leads them to siesta. The ambiance bids me to eagerly take out the trash. Really. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My garden is not filled with things, so much as it overflows with loving memories. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When my mother could no longer maintain her ode to the childhood jungle she crafted, her soul needed something of the garden to have with her in assisted living. She never had a garden arch- so we re purposed this Charleston-style gateway into her headboard. This made her happy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Early mornings, as the inky-sky lightens behind the silhouette of dove, I feel her presence. Death did not separate her gardening heart from those she inspired. It lives on in the clippings, rhizomes and plants she passed on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I don't know that I have ever known a day here without bees. This week they decided that the signature abundant variety of hospitality means they are welcome to raid this hummingbird feeder. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Milkweed = Monarchs</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Butterflies are the inner-child of the garden. Their calling, to pollinate the garden, is subliminal, subservient to joyful </span>gymnastics<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. They dance. Flirt, Rest. Cocoon. Then reemerge to inspire us to carry on with our duties. With lightness, beauty and grace.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This post is dedicated to Allison Grace. My niece's life here was too brief. But while she was here, she taught everyone who knew her about making love THE priority. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Linking to May Dreams Gardens <a href="http://www.maydreamsgardens.com/search/label/garden%20bloggers%20bloom%20day">GBBD</a> (Garden Bloggers Bloom Day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Until we meet again, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Lydia </b></span></i><br />
<br />Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03215242522396155812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2353280526628627983.post-33835983329187253792016-08-10T22:42:00.000-07:002016-08-10T22:42:23.761-07:00In Praise of Lawns, Bumper Crops and Notes from a Happy Summer <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><i><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time."</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><i><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">~ John Lubbock</span></i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5Dv8ZHCVRvwADfhd5Afp6ZaEHzDUUT7TFF3ijcXcFs5ixDpk1E0DX4j-TrIq7pkZcNLbS1Md6Gxg9IPnFWYC3OrgOCvtunoga0tshvXSmltueEfgeM_RGJUCjmtWxF1tH6pK1vM9lg/s1600/Reno+lawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #fff2cc; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5Dv8ZHCVRvwADfhd5Afp6ZaEHzDUUT7TFF3ijcXcFs5ixDpk1E0DX4j-TrIq7pkZcNLbS1Md6Gxg9IPnFWYC3OrgOCvtunoga0tshvXSmltueEfgeM_RGJUCjmtWxF1tH6pK1vM9lg/s400/Reno+lawn.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">A fave portrait of Reno</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I believe politics should end at the lawn's edge. There are too many "thou shalt not" and not enough stirs of creativity. A lawn is not a necessity. It is a luxury. One we are willing to pay dearly for because it supports mental well-being in the way gravel never will. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">A real lawn lowers the ambient temperature. Something your toes know right away as they guide your path on a hot summer day to green over pavement. The bunnies hop on-up from the parched canyon to eat their greens (aka our lawn). The hummingbirds hover inches above the grass to grab protein snacks. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is not to say gravel doesn't have its place: but I'm sure glad when our sons were learning to golf, the through-motion divots were carved through grass, not gravel. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg68Jklyk7yVYRk2gSXmhWKjkFYPjENDkldFuC5-fl9gPw6WU2geVUFFIJBqkui2VmixZMrRQFnPCuOgRaqj_fd8W1OcFbu43XKJw3tz7g34rkgMLqeB7pvHlHHya8NsKXh3iX6R7pZ7A/s1600/IMG_9334+Mailbox+Red+Carpet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg68Jklyk7yVYRk2gSXmhWKjkFYPjENDkldFuC5-fl9gPw6WU2geVUFFIJBqkui2VmixZMrRQFnPCuOgRaqj_fd8W1OcFbu43XKJw3tz7g34rkgMLqeB7pvHlHHya8NsKXh3iX6R7pZ7A/s320/IMG_9334+Mailbox+Red+Carpet.JPG" width="213" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Newly planted Red Carpet Roses</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #222222; line-height: 19.2px;"><a href="http://www.tesselaar.com/plants/flower-carpet-roses/">Anthony Tesselaar Plants</a> kindly sent some carpet roses to field test. What's hotter than a hell-strip? An elevated hell-strip, like in the hanging clay pots hung from the same post as our freshly-repainted mailbox. Not even succulents like summers in this location. Mother nature cranked up the temp into the devil- wants- his- climate- back range- and these freshly planted slips just said "bring it on."</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While some people are aghast at women wearing fur coats, I'm more likely to be angered at the cost of furry- freeloaders who disagree that </span>their "fair share" of crops should be capped at around 30%. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">With topography more similar to where mountain goats climb than an Iowa field, the space appropriate for a food-garden is constrained. With the goal to load baskets with more ripened crops for our kitchen, the math requires the production per plant to climb like a jet fighter off a flight deck. Enter the fine folks at<a href="https://www.greenviewfertilizer.com/"> Greenview Lawn and Garden Products</a>, purveyors of<a href="http://www.greenviewfertilizer.com/store/Natural-Start-by-GreenView-Tomato-Vegetable-Herb-Food-P124C0.aspx"> Natural Start Tomato, Vegetable and Herb Plant food</a>. As a member of<a href="http://www.gardenwriters.org/"> GWA- The Association for Garden Communicators</a>- the Pennsylvania company querried for interest to sample.</span> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35riRZjH4OmJX6XB6kOVeP68bfHThPyib9n_pk-lsyG_QxoJjFxcCvwTgBZCzbedu9W3hYh8n3UBscGowuG9-DZ3jyJooddvRhYMEc1YmPqP1Hx2dEehskKkdsNV8YS7qSFCk6tVzyg/s1600/IMG_9360+cucumber.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35riRZjH4OmJX6XB6kOVeP68bfHThPyib9n_pk-lsyG_QxoJjFxcCvwTgBZCzbedu9W3hYh8n3UBscGowuG9-DZ3jyJooddvRhYMEc1YmPqP1Hx2dEehskKkdsNV8YS7qSFCk6tVzyg/s200/IMG_9360+cucumber.JPG" width="133" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgviP4PjseQCftTwPB4dz8UcX_J5vkj6PXOoERSwD7kAWMjLYPiEZxH13EArKj0FK9TzKWxsBdfr7XqEBjbOpu_IhEDJM2OU8sZ8aZgrzyJNcYJOExsMtRAeOD-ljn6e3QWwmfMSrSFPQ/s1600/IMG_9361+Tomatoes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgviP4PjseQCftTwPB4dz8UcX_J5vkj6PXOoERSwD7kAWMjLYPiEZxH13EArKj0FK9TzKWxsBdfr7XqEBjbOpu_IhEDJM2OU8sZ8aZgrzyJNcYJOExsMtRAeOD-ljn6e3QWwmfMSrSFPQ/s200/IMG_9361+Tomatoes.JPG" width="200" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yahoo! Squash. Cucumber. An assortment of tomatoes and peppers. Enough abundance to not just share with the local critters, my gasoline bill is significantly reduced because fresh produce is a quick walk out the back door. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In our neck of the chaparral, <a href="http://www.armstronggarden.com/">Armstrong Garden Centers</a> carries Greenview products. While the fertilizer can also be ordered off the Internet- I do enjoy the temptation and inspiration which comes from visiting a real nursery, don't you? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the end of the day, Tahoe and Reno somehow fit into the blanket- basket. Inspire us to put our feet up. Count our blessings. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Does this cabinet look familiar? Back in the 1980's, when a television's girth matched a refrigerator's, there was a hole where there are now two extra drawers. Honey did a GREAT job remodeling the furniture to current needs. Matching the wood color of the new drawers to originals- I am in awe of my husband's endless talents. Now the television screen floats above the cabinet, making it less likely for one of us to block the view of an important play.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One morning, guess who appeared floating on the screen above the cabinet? Kenny. Our youngest son was in a fishing tournament covered by </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Angler Chronicals</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. He's shaken up the market with </span><a href="http://bassknuckles.com/shop/index.php?route=common/home" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bass Knuckles Clothing</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Every item that can be made in the USA, is. The story of the company's birth and success is a story for another day. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bMAsL1AiqKd4Md2_9JvjO_qPpt7-AR3U6Qnw33RG_2FFt5YhK_P6tiVo9Txcx_mjex53V8zTXtHQmrHm3Fi80lek7kGRNJQog2_7tE3TTHhFQt9R9MRh2J0iwDBFssV3C9yEIrQskQ/s1600/IMG_9336+Dog+Day+afternoon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bMAsL1AiqKd4Md2_9JvjO_qPpt7-AR3U6Qnw33RG_2FFt5YhK_P6tiVo9Txcx_mjex53V8zTXtHQmrHm3Fi80lek7kGRNJQog2_7tE3TTHhFQt9R9MRh2J0iwDBFssV3C9yEIrQskQ/s400/IMG_9336+Dog+Day+afternoon.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tahoe and Reno say good night. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #1b0431; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><i>Until we meet again, Thank You for all YOU do to make the world more beautiful </i></span><br style="color: #1b0431; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", sans-serif;" /><span style="color: #1b0431; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: #1b0431; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"></span><i style="color: #1b0431; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><b>Lydia </b></i>Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03215242522396155812noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2353280526628627983.post-46106723627993487332016-07-08T23:54:00.000-07:002016-07-08T23:54:32.015-07:00A Time to Grieve ~Thoughts in the Aftermath of Dallas Sniper Attack<h1 class="quoteText" style="color: #181818; font-weight: normal; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;">“</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>There are two races of men in this world- the “race” of the decent man and the “race” of the indecent man. Both are found everywhere; they penetrate into all groups of society. No group consists entirely of decent or indecent people.' </i></span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">~Victor Frankel</i></span></div>
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<i style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">The 5 stages of grief are suffered through in no particular order. Denial. Anger. Bargaining. Depression. Acceptance. Overnight, I've skipped through most steps, clung to others. Acceptance is the booger of the group. I don't know how to accept this nation's self-segregating on webs of weaponized words. </i></div>
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<i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">It was a fortuitous night to have on hand all the ingredients for the creamiest cheese pie in the world. Lots of cinnamon in the Graham cracker crust. The basic stove-top vanilla pudding filling- the milk is replaced with 2/3 half and half, 1/3 cream and a cube of softened cream cheese. But that such divinity would be enough. Strawberries under a lemony glaze.... It won't cure what is wrong- but lovingly prepared food filled with happy memory associations is a balm on wounds. </i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3SL-q65NzrWLZb09EyaIWpPYTlP0mKIjBFU2MDQyJ4PmVCHRTEXDv6I0u9h-49o7v5qNKGn3t0DUV79dooyTWim6IpuL8L8pNhNi1I75TncjjY4-7QIxWH_AoMWp5iKYy8TECXnzjsg/s1600/Emanuel_Leutze_%2528American%252C_Schw%25C3%25A4bisch_Gm%25C3%25BCnd_1816%25E2%2580%25931868_Washington%252C_D.C.%2529_-_Washington_Crossing_the_Delaware_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3SL-q65NzrWLZb09EyaIWpPYTlP0mKIjBFU2MDQyJ4PmVCHRTEXDv6I0u9h-49o7v5qNKGn3t0DUV79dooyTWim6IpuL8L8pNhNi1I75TncjjY4-7QIxWH_AoMWp5iKYy8TECXnzjsg/s400/Emanuel_Leutze_%2528American%252C_Schw%25C3%25A4bisch_Gm%25C3%25BCnd_1816%25E2%2580%25931868_Washington%252C_D.C.%2529_-_Washington_Crossing_the_Delaware_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze. Painted in a different era of climate change </td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">I foresee much suffering before our nation- ship turns around. I couldn't go to sleep last night until I heard sanity.... </i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"United we Stand. Divided we Fall." President Lincoln would not be happy with politics today.</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Dallas Mayor Rawlings spoke of the heartbreak in losing the peace officers. “To say that our police officers put their lives on the line every day is no hyperbole, it is a reality.... We as a city, we as a country, must come together, lock arms and heal the wounds that we all feel from time to time. Words matter. Leadership matters.”</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcj46agi639ixkTapufJHYqSIu7mHtgbq1LqUfj5tVZAr0c0F5al7ZVdU1WSxLOkXqEOwoBRSSuCBI7Dl0THv6HPXiiE-Z-4y9UTPXWQeKY1Q8I8deZJv680B4ZVsx5YQmmmJQ2mftrw/s1600/lone+star+state.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcj46agi639ixkTapufJHYqSIu7mHtgbq1LqUfj5tVZAr0c0F5al7ZVdU1WSxLOkXqEOwoBRSSuCBI7Dl0THv6HPXiiE-Z-4y9UTPXWQeKY1Q8I8deZJv680B4ZVsx5YQmmmJQ2mftrw/s1600/lone+star+state.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>“They would step in harm’s way for each other,” Rawlings told CNN, speaking of the police officers. “The one man who was shot in the leg, he was so distressed, not for his wound but because he saw some of his squad go down around him.” If that doesn't break your heart- it was already gone from your body.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's statement. “In times like these we must remember ― and emphasize ― the importance of uniting as Americans. ”</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yQwuTw9UrpxjQMAmyB5Wqd2PBEWNhBrEFgr8vDRKaAdwCPt1LxDJ3Z8aagtxPc1heGJlKZj12y5owaxH2oHKnk5hbJvzvyByNtpDFF6RHCGYjEyULlnZJvvBZSMZfU2_LG0427axlw/s1600/Pieter_Bruegel_the_Elder_-_The_Tower_of_Babel_%2528Vienna%2529_-_Google_Art_Project_-_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yQwuTw9UrpxjQMAmyB5Wqd2PBEWNhBrEFgr8vDRKaAdwCPt1LxDJ3Z8aagtxPc1heGJlKZj12y5owaxH2oHKnk5hbJvzvyByNtpDFF6RHCGYjEyULlnZJvvBZSMZfU2_LG0427axlw/s320/Pieter_Bruegel_the_Elder_-_The_Tower_of_Babel_%2528Vienna%2529_-_Google_Art_Project_-_edited.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tower of Babel by Peter Bruegel, the Elder</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">God split up the Babylonians. Took away the common language which bound them as one people. It seems that work is being done now without consulting His direction.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>It is not healthy to be in a perpetual state of hurt of anger. Not for people. Not for nations. May these sad days speedily turn to compost that some good crops may come from withering sadness. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Thank you for your time. Take some time this weekend to do something to make the world more beautiful. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Lydia</i></span><br />
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Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03215242522396155812noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2353280526628627983.post-5454437525124959612016-06-16T12:01:00.002-07:002016-06-16T12:01:45.223-07:00After Orlando ~ Savor Life ~ with Village Nurseries and in the Kitchen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>"LIFE is a mosaic of pleasure and pain- grief an interval between two moments of joy. Peace is the interlude between two wars. You have no rose without a thorn; the diligent picker will avoid the pricks and gather the flower. There is no bee without the sting: cleverness consists in gathering the honey nevertheless." </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcJrOBQBnRJ5HnmA4jnSBL7TMswEUyE5Q1rtuXXtWXXHWcbMWE39niYW0xD_SKbiaG0cLkmL50hNMQa9cXeUPHkmY2skUI1UN29LR5gLlE6lhDTh8Cwj7r-apZV895bhScRsTty7JRw/s1600/IMG_9162+Bee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcJrOBQBnRJ5HnmA4jnSBL7TMswEUyE5Q1rtuXXtWXXHWcbMWE39niYW0xD_SKbiaG0cLkmL50hNMQa9cXeUPHkmY2skUI1UN29LR5gLlE6lhDTh8Cwj7r-apZV895bhScRsTty7JRw/s400/IMG_9162+Bee.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"> </span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Caryopteris Blue Balloon® is a bee magnet</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">After Orlando. Two words overflowing with the 5 stages of grief. </span></span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"> </span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Denial. Anger. Bargaining. Depression. Acceptance. Emotions wildly swinging for attention. A clash of who is where in the healing process. A thunderous clash between those with an agenda to use events to promote colliding agendas.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">The choice is to heal of not.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Choose to savor life. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Default to gracious outreach.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If only intense tragedies could be sailed over, with the grace of fine horses leaping over over hurdles in a single direction laid across a course certain. Instead,we push through sloggy ground, hoping to arrive on the side where there is healing, the cracks in our broken hearts expanded because tragedy was used to grow greater love.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHkEW05C1pfLmsML1tOkPTANO7WQOGil5GbLElyHk9mXoWFosicM2mcT5yn4trmMQcySYG18lDb6uia4x7ES3ZP-gFuWNolOiQxT0aoFmPEd-DI7q_Por_xAczChWz69WJmc6jWHEgw/s1600/IMG_3168+Bee+basil.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHkEW05C1pfLmsML1tOkPTANO7WQOGil5GbLElyHk9mXoWFosicM2mcT5yn4trmMQcySYG18lDb6uia4x7ES3ZP-gFuWNolOiQxT0aoFmPEd-DI7q_Por_xAczChWz69WJmc6jWHEgw/s320/IMG_3168+Bee+basil.JPG" width="252" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bee visiting African Blue Basil in my garden</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"> </span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 19.32px;">Bees took me awhile to appreciate. When I was a wee child, my favorite Uncle Frank got stung while riding a motorcycle. He nearly died. But he didn't. Then there was when the preschool age son scrambled into the kikitchen, tears streaming down his face, proclaiming. "All I did was pet it. And the bee bit me." He didn't die, either. (But he did stop petting bees).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;">Strolling through the Pollinator Passageway at the </span><span style="color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;"><a href="https://www.villagenurserieslc.com/">Village Nurseries</a> Miramar Horticultural Encounter, I was drawn to experience a garden scene that was anything but a still life. Bees, birds and butterflies danced about, largely ignoring the people from the land of giants (which must be how they see us). They were happy. For they were in a garden. Surrounded by beauty. All their needs provided. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;">It was the blue flower( pictured at top) that caught my attention. It was a plant dedicated to bees wanting to go out clubbing. </span><span style="color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;"><a href="http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160225005349/en/Village-Nurseries-Collaborates-Nicholas-Staddon-Strategic-Marketing">Nicholas Staddon</a>, Pantsman extraordinaire, favors us with information "</span><i><span style="color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;">The plant the bee is dining on is </span><span style="color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;">on is Caryopteris Blue Balloon®. The common name is Blue </span><span style="color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;"> Mist Spiraea. She is part of the <a href="http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/2869/blue-balloon-bluebeard/">Monrovia exclusive collection</a> with Village Nurseries.</span><span style="color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;">Without doubt, its a winning plant for every pollinator in the garden."</span></i><span style="color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;"><i style="background-color: white;"> </i><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"> </span></span></span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8RUryqL3xs8Z-z6MMguXptKFjck1iB72npl97NTkDDbt1pAqGcY75Dho6u7rWTSdU8LiTjnbojptHH64EObSmSpP_x3EEaldq_613LS1RVq6SvFVCE8EYQb-iJHbgAuM5MPjjnngVNQ/s1600/+High+color+mass.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8RUryqL3xs8Z-z6MMguXptKFjck1iB72npl97NTkDDbt1pAqGcY75Dho6u7rWTSdU8LiTjnbojptHH64EObSmSpP_x3EEaldq_613LS1RVq6SvFVCE8EYQb-iJHbgAuM5MPjjnngVNQ/s400/+High+color+mass.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Village Nurseries doesn't just sell plants. Their mantra might be "<span style="color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;">Seek. Create. Share." Which is what they did, not only on Encounter Days, but by posting illustrated </span>plant lists <a href="https://www.villagenurserieslc.com/horticultural-encounter/miramar/">online</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While I am drawn to high color and untamed flowers, all beauty is worthy. While the highly architectural and monochromatic vignette might not be my cup of tea- I have no beef with those who prefer its serenity. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All gardens are worthy of respect. May we learn to grow what we love, and be less hateful to those who choose to walk in gardens that are not authentic to us- if they soothe the souls of the keepers of the garden, we should shout halleluja to live when diversity is celebrated. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: center;">The kitchen hearth is a place where comfort is created.Where love-offerings are served from carefully crafted meals. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQsRibCFHjd016InwJhakAbNJR4hy0wWyQqofcWl2gb6NKPvbfaq7W4z_vJfeh6fnh1LYihJ3iK_kocUolzVuzz3VuQM_QVw3vz4zuwb-CH2RyxFrrp6MIOeMDr55azEj_qjEeekT6A/s1600/IMG_8377+Coppola+wine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQsRibCFHjd016InwJhakAbNJR4hy0wWyQqofcWl2gb6NKPvbfaq7W4z_vJfeh6fnh1LYihJ3iK_kocUolzVuzz3VuQM_QVw3vz4zuwb-CH2RyxFrrp6MIOeMDr55azEj_qjEeekT6A/s320/IMG_8377+Coppola+wine.JPG" width="204" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Francis Ford Coppola's Directors Cabernet Sauvignon awakened dormant taste buds. My notes read: </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">'</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">C</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">olor- Inky garnet. Good legs. Flavors- spicy, dried cherries, pepper and clove... Satisfaction in a glass.' </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We're not big drinkers. The first time we enjoyed this varietelle, after dinner the bottle was corked and set aside. 6 weeks later we had the most luscious red wine vinegar. I can't wait to pour in a capful the next time caramelized onions are served. Such is the power of good ingredients- it propels the imagination with anticipation of of creative use. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.32px;">Bless the people of Orlando. Even as you suffer, an act of war committed within the city boasting one of the happiest places on Earth, you show us your nobility.</span></span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.32px;"> We owe it to you to learn t</span></span><span style="color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;">he only purpose of tragedy is to face the fragility of life. The end can come swiftly. Without warning. Without fairness. Until then, we should savor every moment. </span></i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: left;"><i>Until we meet again, Thank You for all YOU do to make the world more beautiful </i></span><br style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;" /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: left;"></span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Lydia </span></b></i></span></div>
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<br />Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03215242522396155812noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2353280526628627983.post-10420292864120923772016-05-30T01:27:00.002-07:002016-05-30T01:27:43.398-07:00Thoughts on Memorial Day 2016<div style="text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Rejoice! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">T</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">he </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">blessings that shower this nation were not given to any faction, but to the whole of its people. </span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjJdFA2zjgeZpqYVwbdncg6CsEyj4QNKmJBczztbZZgkS5HHVKL8U2Jo4hJ-A8mcqQyR0VuWCBXIuNGo95kK1yUV2LR_eOZqkBvxHIucXhMpr4Gwp7ydtv7mCf9RRbpT55B18JKzRFg/s1600/Flag+fold.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjJdFA2zjgeZpqYVwbdncg6CsEyj4QNKmJBczztbZZgkS5HHVKL8U2Jo4hJ-A8mcqQyR0VuWCBXIuNGo95kK1yUV2LR_eOZqkBvxHIucXhMpr4Gwp7ydtv7mCf9RRbpT55B18JKzRFg/s400/Flag+fold.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both my parents served in the Navy during WWII</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">f my mother were alive, she would have liked her memorial service. It was held in our garden, the flag presented under the lacy shade of the Persian silk tree. It began its life as the seedling offspring of a tree in her garden.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: justify;">Born and educated in Puerto Rico, she was the child of the jungle. My father's first name being George- that make me Lydia, the daughter of George- of- the- Jungle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: justify;">My parents were studies in contrasts. Mom was a liberal Democrat. Dad was a conservative Republican. They enthusiastically shared passionate opposition. But their biggest fight wasn't over politics. It was about when my dad helped "trim" the bougainvillea- to within an inch of its life. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgpX_03u7837wL9IfasCUTlK15Kcp5tQsthSIOhfDpBxEbfz7gIyUXOCe5Co7BTNFYDsAdSBKeF3PH05n_M_olQMHS8fnAh_l4pemyjxq2VI1sx69maZfIlDN3SH_caYfaZl2xtakLA/s1600/1226%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgpX_03u7837wL9IfasCUTlK15Kcp5tQsthSIOhfDpBxEbfz7gIyUXOCe5Co7BTNFYDsAdSBKeF3PH05n_M_olQMHS8fnAh_l4pemyjxq2VI1sx69maZfIlDN3SH_caYfaZl2xtakLA/s400/1226%25282%2529.jpg" width="275" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">A clumping bamboo-<i> Borinda angustissima</i>. Image by <a href="http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/1186/narrow-leaved-clumping-bamboo/">Monrovia</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What they did agree on, was that the United States is the greatest country on earth. Ever. They believed military service was virtuous. </span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">They did not share the same belief in God's existence. Yet they agreed that bamboo, stripped of its leaves, make fine flagpoles. Every year, before Memorial Day, a new pole was cut from the expanding backyard jungle. Frugal, in the nature of children of The Great Depression, my parents hung the same 48 star cotton flag from a homemade bamboo flag pole, until long after 2 more states joined the union.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: justify;">If you haven't looked at bamboo lately, it's time to put aside prejudices.Take a second look. Great oxygenators- new varieties are less inclined to attempt a hostile take-over than the Vietnam war-era varieties which were endlessly attemptint escape from my parents' backyard. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbEVvjI7ZFlK8VMlAVCw1-0LLq-0YhdwaPTaAj2XVuBIbATxRH1Y0JfQuQqhTpj2-LEEhdXZzGbnaONdI_-H-ymlS3UWxCD3wqpwU2W2XgZD7VBN7gNOEFQ1XC2waXUUTF6GfPi3GtQ/s1600/IMG_1989+Ethel%2527s+window.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbEVvjI7ZFlK8VMlAVCw1-0LLq-0YhdwaPTaAj2XVuBIbATxRH1Y0JfQuQqhTpj2-LEEhdXZzGbnaONdI_-H-ymlS3UWxCD3wqpwU2W2XgZD7VBN7gNOEFQ1XC2waXUUTF6GfPi3GtQ/s320/IMG_1989+Ethel%2527s+window.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><i>Ethel's Garden</i> is dedicated to my mother's vision of Paradise</span></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While both my parents were gardeners, after the <i>Battle of the Bouganvillea</i>, truce required a division of labor. The treaty required my father to tend the dibles, while my mother focused on blooms,birds and butterflies. ence, when the transom window of my shed was dedicated, it was to my mother. Ethel. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Memorial Day will begin here with a candle lit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I shall pray that the sanctity of Memorial Day will be honored by a day free from gratuitous insults volleyed between fellow citizens. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I shall offer a prayer to those I know who are under stress, and pray they know some measure of peace and tranquility in knowing </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> When life is hard- pressure is how Diamonds are formed.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> When depression rains down- understand that the tears of heaven quench the forests.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #1b0431; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Whatever life brings- embrace that you are alive. Thank God for that. </span><br />
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<i style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #1b0431; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Until we meet again, Thank You for all YOU do to make the world more beautiful </i><br />
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<br />Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03215242522396155812noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2353280526628627983.post-31767217105412730612016-05-17T23:38:00.000-07:002016-05-17T23:39:00.066-07:00For the Love of Roses~ Huntington Off-Hours ~ Wedding Carrot Cake <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStXTNCwcJdgZOmc_QujUIS9c2pY4kMci_-6hserPPA9d-jX38lM6DwPDn78Uo2C4xB99sN0GihyphenhyphenDSHhU7hVzYEtG9SPaG-7RGVAXLhrxQxPLMtExFmInX_KjxaGz4rmyQd4hK_wQMpg/s1600/IMG_9035+Framed+view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStXTNCwcJdgZOmc_QujUIS9c2pY4kMci_-6hserPPA9d-jX38lM6DwPDn78Uo2C4xB99sN0GihyphenhyphenDSHhU7hVzYEtG9SPaG-7RGVAXLhrxQxPLMtExFmInX_KjxaGz4rmyQd4hK_wQMpg/s400/IMG_9035+Framed+view.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is there anything more romantic than a view framed by roses?</td></tr>
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<span class="text 1Cor-13-4" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the companionship of roses, my body may sway, but my soul holds still. A rose doesn't need to ask anything of me. I give to its garden willingly, for I am flush with love. In Paul's first letter to the Corinthian Congregation (vs. 4-8), the Apostle describes what a great rose garden teaches, simply through its presence</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span class="text 1Cor-13-4" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">"Love is patient,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28670I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28670I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28670J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28670J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text 1Cor-13-5" id="en-NIV-28671" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28671K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28671K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> it is not easily angered,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28671L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28671L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> it keeps no record of wrongs.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28671M" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28671M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text 1Cor-13-6" id="en-NIV-28672" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">Love does not delight in evil<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28672N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28672N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> but rejoices with the truth.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28672O" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28672O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-NIV-28673" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">Love never fails."</span></i></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1-RS-uCCqIIVOUTF6h5pvxrEpk55LXLmrGe-GQa9bhCGZ1cUZ4BpAoDzicrFUQTlp1v4-Z-EFsY0kcZ1DLE30pKbAZ8UYApHB_gTJjXbGCWEAjoOfoo0dNjw3GQXFp_DIqWHoCUqEg/s1600/IMG_9019+Huntington+Rose+Garden.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #fff2cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1-RS-uCCqIIVOUTF6h5pvxrEpk55LXLmrGe-GQa9bhCGZ1cUZ4BpAoDzicrFUQTlp1v4-Z-EFsY0kcZ1DLE30pKbAZ8UYApHB_gTJjXbGCWEAjoOfoo0dNjw3GQXFp_DIqWHoCUqEg/s400/IMG_9019+Huntington+Rose+Garden.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><br /></span><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: center;">Tom Carruth is THE rosarian for the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Gardens <a href="http://www.huntington.org/rosegarden/">Rose Collection</a>. Before "retiring" to the Huntington, his illustrious career for Weeks Roses included creating more than 100 rose bybrids to beautify gardens and interiors. In just 14 years, 11 of his "progeny " were chosen as All-America Rose Selections (AARS), an achievment not matched by any other living hybridizer. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYu8xV3X_Ulk7AzP9HCD46iAro_5CT0UeNfBBQVUI_w1Wi0eisawwEPsThvGEwgvJeCJLp9yvhGbnJxQl7eu-FBqHjvXzF43Eqlabea0g4Raadxza46HSRYC9fERjHdy5r9UcQbRnHw/s1600/IMG_9024+Cinco+de+Mayo+Rose+Huntington.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #fff2cc; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYu8xV3X_Ulk7AzP9HCD46iAro_5CT0UeNfBBQVUI_w1Wi0eisawwEPsThvGEwgvJeCJLp9yvhGbnJxQl7eu-FBqHjvXzF43Eqlabea0g4Raadxza46HSRYC9fERjHdy5r9UcQbRnHw/s400/IMG_9024+Cinco+de+Mayo+Rose+Huntington.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small; font-style: italic;">'</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.8); color: #555555; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Cinco de Mayo' is one of Tom's AARS winning roses.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I</span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">n 2009, photographer Gene Sasse requested copy for 'Cinco de Mayo'. I wrote</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #555555; font-style: italic;">Cinco de Mayo </span><span style="color: #555555; font-style: italic;">™ </span><span style="color: #555555; font-style: italic;">stands out with the confidence of a woman who knows who she is and t afraid to show-off. This floribunda flaunts its flirty fiesta flowers. The colors of its petals swirl like the clouds of a thunderstorm at sunset. Russet reds, mellow lavenders: they layer and mingle like the colors of sunset on the Mexican Riviera just as brightness succumbs to seductive darkness. This is a rose which is the floral equivalent of Salma Hayek."</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbCbrGx25QCi2sN5BnN6xV4rVlrCgaCv4J90bMVjsYWMnV60NJEtT-KC7yC-CLUZ4H9oNhrcJF3gCqHc93ISj8luae0_NyZJNnInz2tcjIxHE2O_UhPJvhydZohRzSm-A5fNO1OAk3g/s1600/Tempietto-view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbCbrGx25QCi2sN5BnN6xV4rVlrCgaCv4J90bMVjsYWMnV60NJEtT-KC7yC-CLUZ4H9oNhrcJF3gCqHc93ISj8luae0_NyZJNnInz2tcjIxHE2O_UhPJvhydZohRzSm-A5fNO1OAk3g/s320/Tempietto-view.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="color: #363636; font-size: 16px;">Last spring, Pacific Horticulture published my article <a href="http://www.pacifichorticulture.org/articles/the-huntington-rose-garden/">The Huntington Rose Garden~ Restoring a Gilded Beauty</a>. Within the text, Tom shared his secret formula for show-stopping roses in a climate that seldom lets them rest. </span><span style="color: #363636; font-size: 16px;">Each spring, new growth gets a kick-start with an application of granular </span><a href="http://www.scotts.com/smg/goprod/scotts-natural-lawn-food/prod100040" style="font-size: 16px;">Scott’s Natural Lawn Food</a><span style="color: #363636; font-size: 16px;">. Now on a watering schedule reduced by 60 percent, the plants thirst is quenched in the early morning. What the plants do appreciate is a periodic foliar feeding. Tom recommends a “cocktail” he learned visiting Sacramento gardens under the care of T.J. David: a nutritious brew of </span><a href="http://www.growmore.com/company/about-us/our-vision.html#" style="font-size: 16px;">Grow More </a></span><span style="color: #363636; font-size: 16px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Jump Start Plant Tonic and Seaweed Extract spiked with dissolvable mycorrhiza and nitrogen." </span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9wove_iru96OR3EfDG9AlInKQNDv0q3e9-ijpbJN3ixj_8tnTZO3a9wgNmSVxPrUMnwIlgzEKet5qTzKvNtwO5P-awySepdAEKpJYhjwcq4rdmfq8dm9k-a-DFUgI1MEFBqDY8LVrw/s1600/IMG_9020+Flower+girl+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9wove_iru96OR3EfDG9AlInKQNDv0q3e9-ijpbJN3ixj_8tnTZO3a9wgNmSVxPrUMnwIlgzEKet5qTzKvNtwO5P-awySepdAEKpJYhjwcq4rdmfq8dm9k-a-DFUgI1MEFBqDY8LVrw/s400/IMG_9020+Flower+girl+.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Flower Girl' rose spills from faux baux tree trunk</td></tr>
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There are no people in the pictures of one of the most popular gardens in the world. That is because, as a press-pass carrying journalist, security lets me through on days closed to the public. These photos are "behind the scenes" peaks at some of what we can learn to bring home to our home gardens.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QPDrWeS3g74dzuQPvhC2CLCZo44hrrDvwwL-BT8h0rNApv6r3YKnPkuI4CwaNxxKuDAQbqNH_QHvezQD4n7R5deuw60lSA-diBK-oV0aCqyaVdwknlBdTDmJ6P5q541kk1bnrzyf9w/s1600/IMG_9031+Garden+Sun.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QPDrWeS3g74dzuQPvhC2CLCZo44hrrDvwwL-BT8h0rNApv6r3YKnPkuI4CwaNxxKuDAQbqNH_QHvezQD4n7R5deuw60lSA-diBK-oV0aCqyaVdwknlBdTDmJ6P5q541kk1bnrzyf9w/s400/IMG_9031+Garden+Sun.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Cimbing rose 'Golden Sun' climbs the trellis without over-powering it. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibayrts9g3bm4U6QoBd30_uEdzjQZG5EZmbZRM4l53nkJsxMS-5dqcW8U6zUSKrYX82GnVu9b2rad_w_Q3RplEq7B7ZTaTNqPTe2WxxqLqpJo82ibxItrrmPyPyC9Pd7_mnE4c9ChIiw/s1600/IMG_9032%2527+Rose+de+Meaux%2527+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibayrts9g3bm4U6QoBd30_uEdzjQZG5EZmbZRM4l53nkJsxMS-5dqcW8U6zUSKrYX82GnVu9b2rad_w_Q3RplEq7B7ZTaTNqPTe2WxxqLqpJo82ibxItrrmPyPyC9Pd7_mnE4c9ChIiw/s320/IMG_9032%2527+Rose+de+Meaux%2527+.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Roses require respite to gather strength. Tom has interspersed bulbs as companions to delight visitors during the winter break. Think of their role as like the opening act at a major concert. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITxD1jegws2V0Tu5w1Dc-NKnuaYN-L84CVmuSbqUttUc4RxpeprCabJWvV83S2LTwP9Mm1c62IZKJ7EAxw80oBx5kHR-K7R-bn1TM07PE8lTHOjJmLD3EkW-gKNCi64SvNW0DGcw_ow/s1600/IMG_9043+Blonde+grasses.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITxD1jegws2V0Tu5w1Dc-NKnuaYN-L84CVmuSbqUttUc4RxpeprCabJWvV83S2LTwP9Mm1c62IZKJ7EAxw80oBx5kHR-K7R-bn1TM07PE8lTHOjJmLD3EkW-gKNCi64SvNW0DGcw_ow/s320/IMG_9043+Blonde+grasses.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our part of Southern California rarely has snow. But the blonde meadow registers a similar visual aura of easiness</span>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cGZF0aEnE0nWWUsnKWFvIWMItXsAsWHMKbyvZw_J-8De_GV4xQpbS3h_5VbNTD4MDoZwVFRPBG3UpTeBMSBO-IPsb8lvfqP5XV4khYqYEHVZCVnJvbrudYy5a073H2kgnpHSWknOwQ/s1600/IMG_9044+architectural+use+of+negative+space.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cGZF0aEnE0nWWUsnKWFvIWMItXsAsWHMKbyvZw_J-8De_GV4xQpbS3h_5VbNTD4MDoZwVFRPBG3UpTeBMSBO-IPsb8lvfqP5XV4khYqYEHVZCVnJvbrudYy5a073H2kgnpHSWknOwQ/s400/IMG_9044+architectural+use+of+negative+space.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The architectural majesty of these plants is set off by the negative space offered between specimens. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirolUjcyp1EschSG3TbtlPvmOmparrImY8yeBTqGeqlBON_GDQsZLogEV895iugWyKu_-5heuBFFasmxxrQteO8v047G2xJZXndwwAAZYvU2EIXmZkIHXwWsNWclhl85WXptZmdlZXog/s1600/IMG_9046+Huntington+Celebration+Garden.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirolUjcyp1EschSG3TbtlPvmOmparrImY8yeBTqGeqlBON_GDQsZLogEV895iugWyKu_-5heuBFFasmxxrQteO8v047G2xJZXndwwAAZYvU2EIXmZkIHXwWsNWclhl85WXptZmdlZXog/s400/IMG_9046+Huntington+Celebration+Garden.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The aptly named 'Celebration Garden' is a tapestry of color. The minimalistic linear water feature straddles modern and traditional, with grace. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Acacia cognata</i> 'Cousin Itt' overflows the edges of a large urn. It serves as a sentry to one of many seating areas.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGdr4etawv-CgbTlW91uIGCldJMsPtD81SQG4BkeKYZqJUvDY2CYZV4r4xzkC1vkMmUpOwLE_PSVFAlZPKg2v9VYSP4gQw7rc0I8vnze8u74ce785HVuBJhjDopNSbyP30_XoTonDfQ/s1600/IMG_9052+Sweeps+of+color+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGdr4etawv-CgbTlW91uIGCldJMsPtD81SQG4BkeKYZqJUvDY2CYZV4r4xzkC1vkMmUpOwLE_PSVFAlZPKg2v9VYSP4gQw7rc0I8vnze8u74ce785HVuBJhjDopNSbyP30_XoTonDfQ/s320/IMG_9052+Sweeps+of+color+.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Think diversity. I</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ntensely planted</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">s waths of color offer visual rhythm, discourages weeds and encourages pollinators. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigixMsKKBeZJi2oNS9xe-Xn-4Mc6QIuExOX2kO8Vovglfw7pqzfFMtDgd9XEwX4ywWpYEBwd2_L8pM3-9N-y9XPLAZkRSSMU2KjBUWlyLVKC_WgpGnp6GUptov4TT_4BzyHGnZsEtMiA/s1600/IMG_9058+Sedona.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigixMsKKBeZJi2oNS9xe-Xn-4Mc6QIuExOX2kO8Vovglfw7pqzfFMtDgd9XEwX4ywWpYEBwd2_L8pM3-9N-y9XPLAZkRSSMU2KjBUWlyLVKC_WgpGnp6GUptov4TT_4BzyHGnZsEtMiA/s320/IMG_9058+Sedona.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Always choose plants with significance. The first time I noticed <i>hesperaloe parviflora </i> (Red Yucca) was on assignment for a cover story on the home of an anonymous billionaire in Sedona. I see this nearly carefree plant- and my heart skips a beat. I have some 'brakelights' variety just waiting for my garden helper's wrist to climb the back canyon where they will enchant from the distance.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyI8Sz89QfK6X4KUUXpC79w0Ne-jJJxOpZ2cFt1MYLx3N5SfaqGrnA6RE_4CH_QzkT_dRkvrmLt3GL0me7g2_1XJdmWlP5WfPhdSTU6DFvNC5lH7rYbyeXQehsEWycIetrmkejTOUFVQ/s1600/IMG_9068+Matalija+close+up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyI8Sz89QfK6X4KUUXpC79w0Ne-jJJxOpZ2cFt1MYLx3N5SfaqGrnA6RE_4CH_QzkT_dRkvrmLt3GL0me7g2_1XJdmWlP5WfPhdSTU6DFvNC5lH7rYbyeXQehsEWycIetrmkejTOUFVQ/s320/IMG_9068+Matalija+close+up.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the parking lot are stands of blooming <i>Romneya Coulteri,( </i>Matalija poppy). A California native, the outsized flower, oft compared to fried ostrich eggs in appearace, when it is in bloom, it commands attention.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #363636; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16px;">Two very lovely young women, one from San Diego, the other from Los Angeles had planned a day at the gardens. It is something hard for us in mild climates to imagine gardens not being open 24/7. (I did the same thing in England. I showed up at the Gardens of the Rose one week before 10,000 roses were to burst in to bloom.) </span><br />
<span style="color: #363636; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCtYhp6GABeXchCwCxc-aQIZBCY_m6cYKileErXlqPojqq9zbcCnDCMHu-ANw9CcL7IgBjrggJjfuVh1N4JIpclwGR6mwCGz4zD1-VgZlohR4G2swRbvM5ppbwAowTrSPfvIoKAHCEg/s1600/carrots1695+Sasse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCtYhp6GABeXchCwCxc-aQIZBCY_m6cYKileErXlqPojqq9zbcCnDCMHu-ANw9CcL7IgBjrggJjfuVh1N4JIpclwGR6mwCGz4zD1-VgZlohR4G2swRbvM5ppbwAowTrSPfvIoKAHCEg/s1600/carrots1695+Sasse.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by <a href="http://www.genesasse.com/">Gene Sasse,</a> who introduced me to Tom Carruth</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #363636; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For all Tom has done for me- his generous spirit - in my first baking adventure in ever so long, I took him a carrot cake from a family recipe. It really is GOOD. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #363636; font-size: 16px;"></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Carrot Wedding Cake</span></b><br />
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<div class="MsoHeader">
From Collection of Lydia Plunk<o:p></o:p></div>
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Makes Three 9” Cake Layers<o:p></o:p></div>
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Butter and flour (or
use Parchment paper) Cake Pans<br />
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2 Cups Flour<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2 tsp Baking Powder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1 ½ tsp Baking Soda<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1 tsp Salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2 tsp Cinnamon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">½ tsp Nutmeg <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2 Cups Sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sift dry
ingredients thoroughly. <br />
Set aside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1 ½ Cups Vegetable Oil<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">4 eggs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2 Cups Grated Carrots<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">8 Ounces Crushed Pineapple<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">½ Cups chopped Walnuts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Emulsify
vegetable oil and eggs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mix in
carrots, pineapple, and if desired, walnuts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Make a well
in dry ingredients. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Pour well
blended wet ingredients into dry- gently turning until well blended. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bake for 40
minutes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Let cool for
10 minutes longer, then turn out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When
thoroughly cool, frost. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Cream Cheese Frosting <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">½ Cup Butter, softened<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">8 Ounces Cream Cheese, softened<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2 tsp Vanilla<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Cream
together <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1 Box Powdered Sugar, sifted<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Whip into
cream cheese until fluffy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Half and Half (Small amount)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If necessary
for a lighter consistency, add a Tblsp at a time <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> My "</span>Secrets"- Freshly ground spices are amazing. Use
glazed walnuts instead of regular (throw more on side if you think not enough
is just right). If available, use fresh
pineapple instead of canned. Golden raisins are sublime addition when adding
walnuts to batter.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #1b0431; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Until we meet again, Thank You for all YOU do to make the world more beautiful </i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #1b0431; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #1b0431; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><i style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #1b0431; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><b>Lydia </b></i></div>
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<br />Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03215242522396155812noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2353280526628627983.post-27867813147105839172016-05-11T00:30:00.001-07:002016-05-11T00:30:12.250-07:00Leaders in Garden Renaisance~ Village Nurseries Open House~ Nicholas Staddon~ Part 3 or 3<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>"Brothers, what we do in life... echoes in eternity. " </i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Russell Crowe, as Maximus, in the film </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Gladiator</span></i></b></span></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RMTBIveR_qiA-FtKPCUZQG65uFFi9drsunQiojK4zBau7dGgUPdsJht1xngsj5FiBuOEjOV_z8FDFI2Ef_DpIMEPC6w2kYXo8VWFu_QeEkGI1etMgigWoG5aIlLyywZFpnRNhUzpKw/s1600/Gladiator+Home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RMTBIveR_qiA-FtKPCUZQG65uFFi9drsunQiojK4zBau7dGgUPdsJht1xngsj5FiBuOEjOV_z8FDFI2Ef_DpIMEPC6w2kYXo8VWFu_QeEkGI1etMgigWoG5aIlLyywZFpnRNhUzpKw/s400/Gladiator+Home.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image of the Road leading home for the Gladiator. Image by Greg Weeks on YSVoice</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Elysium. In Greek and Roman literature, this was home in the afterlife. Paradise. Nicholas Staddon teaches how to live in Paradise. Here. Now. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: justify;">Nicholas Staddon honed his brand of ode- to- garden -joy in his lifetime of travels and adventures putting him in continuous contact with nature. He's not a man to shrink in challenging horticultural times. He says " Truth be known, I've never seen more interest in gardening since I've lived here." </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTUwzvpYSqX7oRWkxLsmvf9B4e4KdXSRjJBszeqTLKbHrW6WPHMSpJTDOsS4pQRH8Pbkpso1PG4ZkVZTQWzkwOPkksL5pGMHM-JL2m6gPO8WaLry7nN9GzasEfaLm81WXVI3KJYhqKg/s1600/Nicholas_Staddon_Hinkley_Garden_8511_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTUwzvpYSqX7oRWkxLsmvf9B4e4KdXSRjJBszeqTLKbHrW6WPHMSpJTDOsS4pQRH8Pbkpso1PG4ZkVZTQWzkwOPkksL5pGMHM-JL2m6gPO8WaLry7nN9GzasEfaLm81WXVI3KJYhqKg/s320/Nicholas_Staddon_Hinkley_Garden_8511_crop.jpg" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicholas Staddon, </td></tr>
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Nicholas's specialty is studying the evolving American Vision of Paradise. Then sharing it with eager audiences eager for heaven while still here on earth. This is a quick history, of how the shadow of one man was shaped to influence this generation of gardeners. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9m0Q__YYggyy-ZBb4WKXFJytZQxdT5dtacHRmRdUdQuDvpSVHeoA2EGbW-g1aL80sw86Ge_LfUwN_cTVMOkeZzVkzWzClQqGxeDvXbhhXNlF6oWzXDF1F801ah_2Qx8gpZGIQot051A/s1600/8432518041_7e40eee520_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9m0Q__YYggyy-ZBb4WKXFJytZQxdT5dtacHRmRdUdQuDvpSVHeoA2EGbW-g1aL80sw86Ge_LfUwN_cTVMOkeZzVkzWzClQqGxeDvXbhhXNlF6oWzXDF1F801ah_2Qx8gpZGIQot051A/s320/8432518041_7e40eee520_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cottage Garden with pet. Image by <a href="http://www.tesselaar.com/home/">Tesselaar USA</a>. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">His horticulture education began under Grannie Staddon. She told him, when he was a wee lad, that "Plants are like people. Very social." </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWutBmClxf9Tt8a5NFc2IOhNFxYTHSQF9k_7wzNmrBHSvqubH3SXveBhOme-snTjdP8R_JQniZ9f5AZ3cYQGecDCj92EBCBzfZXfKF5BHnD4uIG6iiB5X5-h0zuRmqC4fJArxMAUKWA/s1600/Detail+of+two+falconers+from+De+arte+venandi+cum+avibus%252C+1240%2527s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWutBmClxf9Tt8a5NFc2IOhNFxYTHSQF9k_7wzNmrBHSvqubH3SXveBhOme-snTjdP8R_JQniZ9f5AZ3cYQGecDCj92EBCBzfZXfKF5BHnD4uIG6iiB5X5-h0zuRmqC4fJArxMAUKWA/s1600/Detail+of+two+falconers+from+De+arte+venandi+cum+avibus%252C+1240%2527s.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of The Art of Hunting with Birds, by Frederick II, 1240</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As a young adult, during the height of the cold war, Nicholas found a job putting the ancient art of Falconry to modern use. He explains "<span lang="EN">I was under contract to the USAFE … United
States Air Force Eur</span>ope. Working on the front line base to keep the runways
clear of birds,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We were using falcons and other means to scare the birds away.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">At that time, jet fighters and bombers in the area were suffering numerous bird strikes, most of them happening during takeoff and landing."</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He reports "Within three years
of the falconry project commencing, zero bird strikes were being reported in the
confines of the base perimeter." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beach landscape. Image by Nicholas Staddon</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was time for Nicholas to do what Englishmen are known to do. Become a sailor. "</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was working on privately owned ships, working the
summers in the Mediterranean, then coming across to the Caribbean for the winter
months. " </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">He was in Ft. Lauderdale when he found and fell madly in love with the woman he calls his bride. The couple wasn't anchored to the Eastern coastline. Nicholas began his true horticultural calling by working in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico. His understanding of the range of plant materials, climate- and differing desires by every category of people- Nicholas's brain is a catalog of what is possible. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Mexico Curb appeal. My own image</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Landing in the Southwest, i</span><span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">t was a time when it was trendy to uproot traditional gardens, replacing them with zeriscapes. Gardens became sparsely populated plots of ground with native plants whose stick-like in appearance flopped over.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">The metamorphosis of gardening over the next 5 years yielded wisdom so helpful in our age of challenged resources. A garden is sustainable only if it is loved and loves you back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"> Residents</span><span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"> began to put back more traditional- feeling gardens. Growers were helpful in developing blowsier, bloomier- climate appropriate cultivars. Expectations were more reliably met by brand name labels. Landscape designers and installers developed techniques to squeeze every inch of performance out of micro- investments in time, cost and sweat-equity. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.villagenurserieslc.com/">Village Nurseries</a> installed several demo gardens to demonstrate lush-low water gardens.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">Fast forward to now. The world has changed, but the desire for emotional satisfaction from a garden will be with us as long as there are gardens. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Nicholas sees this as a golden age of great opportunity. Gardens are not merely beautiful, but personal. They are ever more reflective of the enhanced value Americans insist from our outdoor spaces. Flowers are not just to be seen, they are to perfume the air and call in pollinators. We've relaxed a bit as consumers, we've learned to be okay with a few munched leaves if it means we can use less chemicals. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>This trend away from perfection is reflected in high -end dinnerware by Anna Weatherley. A single plate retailing for in excess of $500 each, the leaves are painted with signs of bugs having dined on foilage. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Whether your taste is like this shaded side yard in Sierra Madre, or the golden tones set off by green cypress on the top image (we'll chat about a truly marvelous one for today's gardens shortly) shout to heaven that we live here. Now. Where most problems have solutions so that personal gardens can be places that will live on after us, shaping generations to come. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Speaking of cypress. Here is the closing scene from Gladiator, when the classic tale of good vs evil ends with the centurions lift the dying general for his trip to meet his family in Elysium. A scene that as the general's hand sweeps through the wheat field... when Nicholas' bride began to weep ... Nicholas did what plant geeks do. Express astonishment that she was weeping when, by golly, there was this astonishing stand of 150' high Italian Cypress on the screen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you to the entire crew at <a href="https://www.villagenurserieslc.com/">Village Nurseries Landscape Centers</a>, which made this 3 part series possible. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #1b0431; text-align: left;"><i>Until we meet again, Thank You for all YOU do to make the world more beautiful </i></span><br style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #1b0431; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #1b0431; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #1b0431; text-align: left;"></span><i style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #1b0431; text-align: left;"><b>Lydia </b></i></span></div>
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<br />Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03215242522396155812noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2353280526628627983.post-77876127879521238572016-05-06T10:04:00.001-07:002016-05-06T11:03:18.920-07:00 Leaders in the Gardening Renaisance~ Village Nurseries Open House ~ Anthony Tesselaar ~ Part 2 of 3 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">"What a desolate place would be a world without a flower! It would be a face without a smile, a feast without a welcome. Are not flowers the stars of the earth, and are not our stars the flowers of the heaven. "</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; text-align: center;">~A. J. Balfour </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Anthony Tesselaar is his name. Easy care roses are his claim to fame. With distribution planted around the globe, the firm he and wife Sheryl, branded <a href="http://www.tesselaar.com/">with his name </a>,is headquartered in Australia. His team is dedicated to pleasing the new generation of gardeners who demand high -end beauty for for the thriftiest time-stressed gardeners. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flower Carpet Roses now come in a rainbow of colors</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">The horticultural titan works hard so gardeners don't have to. </span>Tesselaar<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: start;"> Flower Carpet Roses look deceptively dainty; but they are no sissies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">At the Village Nurseries Open House, he explained the rigorous testing process- the years devoted to creating plants which land on the market in "over-night" success. Then he served a course on what it takes to garden successfully in sun-challenged climates. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The test gardens are in Silvan, roughly an hour's drive outside Melbourne. Here, distinctive plant varieties are trialed over a multitude of seasons. Peak performance under harsh conditions of hot weather and little water, with nary a blemish, is what elevates a contender to a winner worthy of wearing the company logo. One planting of Flower Carpet roses was dug in a 108 F day. Successfully.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mr. Tesselaar smiled as he shared what is needed to boost performance in the hotter, drier weather of recent years.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Most gardens are traditionally over-watered. Many are as luxurious when consuming 35% less water. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Don't let trees die. In a real pinch- trees can survive on 25% of normal irrigation.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Watering systems timed to drip intermittently allow for water retention where intended. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Be generous with mulch. 3 " is most effective to insulate soil moisture and temperature.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tesselaar's Carpet Flower Roses marries beauty with efficiency. Most are self-cleaning bushes, blooming up to 10 months out of 12, with only periodic pruning. If size isn't an issue, it is said some go as long as 3 years between heavy prunings. Grown on their own roots, it is asserted that some landscapers (don't faint) mow with tractor blades set on high.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Glenda Bona, Master Gardener transplanted to Henderson, Nevada- as Red Carpet Roses thrive in full-sun at the Adelaide, Australia Airport- Mr. Tesselaar suggests this could be the rose for you. Their two-tier root system promises high hopes to make it through desert conditions. Just like your grandchildren, baby them at first- then wean the water as they are ready. These roses are as rugged as a cowboys.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A shout-out to Diane Blazek, Executive Director, the <a href="http://ngb.org/">National Garden Bureau. </a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzRw8HOpuJUyN_5xW3bVSnPvThmTpuqqVs5Gzfgy4dG4vDUb2PXwpy2e4gYpEXbKFw0ZopR5g7uOJtuasNJk-uYHSTnQLJwsAT56ztXbk-auZgrJqSgl1wRh1QBt2fjlEqVBpS7cu1A/s1600/MPGC-logo_350x350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzRw8HOpuJUyN_5xW3bVSnPvThmTpuqqVs5Gzfgy4dG4vDUb2PXwpy2e4gYpEXbKFw0ZopR5g7uOJtuasNJk-uYHSTnQLJwsAT56ztXbk-auZgrJqSgl1wRh1QBt2fjlEqVBpS7cu1A/s200/MPGC-logo_350x350.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She is on a campaign for us to"Bee aware". Join the movement to heighten awareness of habitats for pollinators. Learn more and register <a href="http://millionpollinatorgardens.org/">here. </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">City of Diamond Bar Residents- watch the gestation of the Red Carpet Roses filling in our NEW water-wise median plantings, the miracle of growth as catalogued in Ladera Ranch:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEdFk1bM6XiMJfCc0WkK_0P2PjDVeIJKUzclldLkN4b71oeDyy_nVJoi1Mppst-L6i8W5BAHsAVb9CpSS9L_ibheVEfDeC06OvtnRJGXzaQws9IfJed0-jjzvEPfI3hGdRlk7j9R66Q/s1600/Flower+Carpet+Stubs+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEdFk1bM6XiMJfCc0WkK_0P2PjDVeIJKUzclldLkN4b71oeDyy_nVJoi1Mppst-L6i8W5BAHsAVb9CpSS9L_ibheVEfDeC06OvtnRJGXzaQws9IfJed0-jjzvEPfI3hGdRlk7j9R66Q/s200/Flower+Carpet+Stubs+.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">From stubs</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBODUhzRQHAe36DeiKDMi5mUo62f8gDUa0fh3XQIdRqNi443PNPtFQ7BCpVM1Zuv-Jt4DFsediRzgi1emJ5REY9bQEVG615wdo7JTx9HFHd6macsIM-vVTOHC_zreCAEn3WB7SyNxoPw/s1600/Flower+Carpet+New+Growth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBODUhzRQHAe36DeiKDMi5mUo62f8gDUa0fh3XQIdRqNi443PNPtFQ7BCpVM1Zuv-Jt4DFsediRzgi1emJ5REY9bQEVG615wdo7JTx9HFHd6macsIM-vVTOHC_zreCAEn3WB7SyNxoPw/s200/Flower+Carpet+New+Growth.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To toddling roses</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To buxom beauties.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The beauty of roses is more than their petals. They are problem-solvers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Municipalities take note. Planting groundcover roses en masse may save lives. Not more than waist high, is there any more beautiful way to discourage jay-walking than fear that roses might scratch? In their 2004 report, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that just over 4,700 pedestrians were killed and another 68,000 injured in pedestrian- vehicle incidents that year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Golf courses and event centers, take note. Roses are crowd-control experts. Here a mixed planting of Carpet Roses pleasantly guides strollers down the pathway, while simultaneously providing an effective border between ambling and splashdown.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOlepOhrTwn3gKhwlxT0o6XNoforTo2Cst9LO5kQS_QqMh2M_a7KqNwuF3ZtIi44f-hFRb_z3he0LmR6tXbYQ8_7Xnt3VkAgbcbvHPct4oXYB5I3hhjZfodtHWS7m3bILrbRbQFRjHA/s1600/5789683741_750bdc23ca_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOlepOhrTwn3gKhwlxT0o6XNoforTo2Cst9LO5kQS_QqMh2M_a7KqNwuF3ZtIi44f-hFRb_z3he0LmR6tXbYQ8_7Xnt3VkAgbcbvHPct4oXYB5I3hhjZfodtHWS7m3bILrbRbQFRjHA/s1600/5789683741_750bdc23ca_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Homeowners, take note. Flower Carpet roses are beautiful, non-invasive groundcover. Requiring mininal water, pruning or chemical feedings- these are first in class back-friendly slope holders.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #1b0431; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , sans-serif;">Next up- Notes for the talk by Nicholas Staddon, Plantsman and Living Saint of US Gardeners. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #1b0431; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Until we meet again, Thank You for all YOU do to make the world more beautiful </i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #1b0431; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #1b0431; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , sans-serif;"></span><i style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #1b0431; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lydia </span></b></i><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #1b0431; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">* A special thanks to Judie Brower, fellow<a href="http://www.gardenwriters.org/"> GWA</a> member, who expedited the images from the Tesslaar Image Gallery . </span><br />
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<br />Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03215242522396155812noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2353280526628627983.post-29617209449788061992016-05-04T15:19:00.001-07:002016-05-04T15:42:14.222-07:00Leaders in the Gardening Renaissance ~ Village Nurseries Dry-Lush Open House Part 1 of 3 <div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CL Fornari "gets it". Landscapes nourish body, mind, heart and soul. </td></tr>
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Writing from the opposite corner of our country, one of my personal heroes is <a href="http://www.gardenlady.com/books/">CL Fornari</a>. She says<br />
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<i>"Many of us see a gardening revival going on. Maybe it's a response to our oh-so-digital world where we are all connected and working all the time. Or maybe it's a reaction to the fact that there aren't many places where we can be in touch with the natural world on a frequent basis. It could be that we're all longing for simpler times...I don't know. But I do know that there's a new 'back to the land' thing going on. People want to create healthy, restorative environments. They long for safe, flavorful food. And they want to be creative inside and outside. All of this adds up to people of all ages putting hands in the dirt."</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81rKQkg-3Biva-Nhm27VlH8Errhe1774jUv_Ia41Jngs4F-34nVXbSarC5Xi7owNbeLjfP0YjKdKn5g8Q140dguRt36B386nBBc65MhOZIzTPARv8Bvz7vo5PF1jYxbsiI-IwiPd0Yg/s1600/IMG_8888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81rKQkg-3Biva-Nhm27VlH8Errhe1774jUv_Ia41Jngs4F-34nVXbSarC5Xi7owNbeLjfP0YjKdKn5g8Q140dguRt36B386nBBc65MhOZIzTPARv8Bvz7vo5PF1jYxbsiI-IwiPd0Yg/s320/IMG_8888.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberries with flowers displayed together at event. </td></tr>
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CL's spirit was with me when I opened the invitation to Village Nurseries Customer Appreciation Day. This amazing company's commitment to providing quality plant material is matched by their generous spirit. These events are always informative, joyous celebrations tailored to those fortunate enough to make a living spreading the gospel of gardening. In California, this means promoting plantings dry in thirst, yet lush in look.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEd7bAY7iNQLcvGaSPe6ARhW-wAFbuvMVXHdvi37185ng6xi8L5_plVVBC7uYcfg5dotoINNQS-0ObRG7AxNv7jnh-eHeeeKRvFoVrAo5CLjWV1IgufU6Bu9f3uqPboyG5-W35zJ2jg/s1600/IMG_8861+High+color+low+water.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEd7bAY7iNQLcvGaSPe6ARhW-wAFbuvMVXHdvi37185ng6xi8L5_plVVBC7uYcfg5dotoINNQS-0ObRG7AxNv7jnh-eHeeeKRvFoVrAo5CLjWV1IgufU6Bu9f3uqPboyG5-W35zJ2jg/s320/IMG_8861+High+color+low+water.JPG" width="314" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For the event, a series of low-water lush plantings was assembled </td></tr>
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Village Nurseries Garden Centers Customer Appreciation Day gathers the galaxy of horticultural business interests; branded labels, garden designers, installers, big box retailers, public garden maintenance crews. And some very fortunate garden communicators.<br />
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When the invitation announced the open house would feature two bright stars in the plant galaxy, men who believe in can-do attitude, Anthony Tesselaar and Nicholas Stadddon.... I could barely contain the anticipation... <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6qlv2Ntr_wU3aMm8SCWpMFwzg20d02wRkIiM99-9sD2G4edDYDLGZ_UWjuo54EtkrbBdT41UXlyAIgIGQraS8TCnG_1D5xGlXwL_qZ5LuWFjxUHHvy6UDylBmWUS3EINccWBX-EYiw/s1600/IMG_8883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6qlv2Ntr_wU3aMm8SCWpMFwzg20d02wRkIiM99-9sD2G4edDYDLGZ_UWjuo54EtkrbBdT41UXlyAIgIGQraS8TCnG_1D5xGlXwL_qZ5LuWFjxUHHvy6UDylBmWUS3EINccWBX-EYiw/s200/IMG_8883.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suzie Weist and Nicholas Staddon happily announced prize winners</td></tr>
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It was secondary that the firm was offering good odds that attending meant guests would come home with plant and soil amendment samples... possibly even a 50" flat screen TV.<br />
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Libations flowed to a full Italian lunch served by <a href="http://www.carolinasitalianrestaurant.com/">Carolina's Italian Restaurant </a>. Before the program, seated at umbrella shaded tables, over 100 guests traded stories of an industry on the upswing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_QBFNLMSB6Sy1Rhjew8IfGah-04Rha_-yCMARKZaqpIQtJRbCKPIv62K8UThlMYFV7yw4pZeM3msTb_E6oXcCSIol96qhVwmDf20LhzZ6LNhvgHvegy0nrbH5K9ty8xLv3y2zJI3Rw/s1600/Garden+Design+spring+2016+front+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_QBFNLMSB6Sy1Rhjew8IfGah-04Rha_-yCMARKZaqpIQtJRbCKPIv62K8UThlMYFV7yw4pZeM3msTb_E6oXcCSIol96qhVwmDf20LhzZ6LNhvgHvegy0nrbH5K9ty8xLv3y2zJI3Rw/s320/Garden+Design+spring+2016+front+cover.jpg" width="264" /></a></td></tr>
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Jim Peterson, editor of the swoon-inducing publication, <a href="http://www.gardendesign.com/">Garden Design Magazine</a> was on hand. With no advertising, printed on high quality paper, with images and stories which are both timely and evergreen, this truly is one of the best investments a person with interest in U.S. gardens can make.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9U27-f0pKq35nv5xqDiq2v9_zpNRNZ8gUauoi2zOEPbrmNDWBv_f1awGvKIupIQ-q0slw5zuPskQ2H58QDc_qqyubWaSxANVIT7fmW5PKQC-dV3-_UxCh912ntriNAFDu_9f-IudZwQ/s1600/Debra+Lee+Baldwin+groundbreaker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9U27-f0pKq35nv5xqDiq2v9_zpNRNZ8gUauoi2zOEPbrmNDWBv_f1awGvKIupIQ-q0slw5zuPskQ2H58QDc_qqyubWaSxANVIT7fmW5PKQC-dV3-_UxCh912ntriNAFDu_9f-IudZwQ/s400/Debra+Lee+Baldwin+groundbreaker.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The Reigning Queen of Succulents, surrounded by her subjects. Image by Josh Endres .<br />
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In the current issue is a feature on one of the first people I met through <a href="http://gardenwriters.org/">GWA</a> (Now the Association for Garden Communicators), Debra Lee Baldwin.<br />
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Village Nurseries success was earned the old fashioned way. Vision, hard work and building relationships.To learn more about the California Garden Centers, please link <a href="https://www.villagenurserieslc.com/">here</a>.<br />
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Next up- Notes for the talk by Anthony Tesselaar, the man responsible for low maintenance roses which will thrive in hellstrips.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Until we meet again, Thank You for all YOU do to make the world more beautiful </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<i><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lydia </span></b></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">* A special thanks to Garden Design Magazine for allowing us to share the last 2 images in this post. </span><br />
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<br />Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03215242522396155812noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2353280526628627983.post-44878939018881596972016-04-27T23:14:00.001-07:002016-04-28T17:02:02.573-07:00The New Garden Loves The Color Wheel. Let's Talk about Brown <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is hard to imagine a slogan which did more to harm California agricultural interests and gardening enthusiasm than the slogan on this sign.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-J0vduuxoIolm-ZwV9cHVj9Lbi0ZWRp8K6TxVGABGTa9fMgGXdmrnGybxmh26r9Thee6uHRvhap4VhnrXpCBdgjS99YUiFsvdnVG8C25H3CXGQBqh4uO-eGozwbdeC_GBpvgwTBzMw/s1600/Brown+is+new+green+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-J0vduuxoIolm-ZwV9cHVj9Lbi0ZWRp8K6TxVGABGTa9fMgGXdmrnGybxmh26r9Thee6uHRvhap4VhnrXpCBdgjS99YUiFsvdnVG8C25H3CXGQBqh4uO-eGozwbdeC_GBpvgwTBzMw/s1600/Brown+is+new+green+sign.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NO!</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">I am not a drought denier. I am the wife of an engineer. The kind of man who harnessed creativity to science to make real things which never existed outside a dream. Inventions hard to roll out on the tongue, like </span><a href="http://patents.justia.com/inventor/gerald-w-plunk" style="text-align: justify;"> automated video imagery database using photogammetry</a><span style="text-align: justify;">. Gerry has accomplished feats I shall never fully comprehend. But observing him solve problems for 40 years, he taught me that scientific opinion is not a firm monument in the way of the 10 Commandments. Observations change. Goals change. Knowledge changes. The more knowledge man obtains- the more profound the case for God's existence. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">He has given man great power- but not the power to change brown to green like Jesus turned water into wine. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrgPF9jVnUcYacOL7GDzlRRr9oTdZTq8CgUOeeayehpiGEQnvv-SDgCPSSytWYvLeCep2PT3BbYsq7jgCO7ZV5pNzX-Mt1z8U1Ndck-APqla7ZVIFyeaWjH0JNr8aay0khkLmpTpNpw/s1600/IMG_8844+catepillar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrgPF9jVnUcYacOL7GDzlRRr9oTdZTq8CgUOeeayehpiGEQnvv-SDgCPSSytWYvLeCep2PT3BbYsq7jgCO7ZV5pNzX-Mt1z8U1Ndck-APqla7ZVIFyeaWjH0JNr8aay0khkLmpTpNpw/s320/IMG_8844+catepillar.JPG" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sage green wall is the perfect foil for 'Love and Wishes' Salvia (from the Sunset Collection), milkweed and the monarch butterfly</td></tr>
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California history may record 2015 as the year of the year of California's drought-induced clinical garden depression. On signs and billboards, paid for by the taxpayer, that "Brown is the new green. " Hogwash. Who says? Science. The color spectrum. The color wheel.</div>
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT9kAoTway_5dnw-6gh16BP-LLHD8ayYNHVs-Pzu0GzD6aZVsvD" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for isaac newton color wheel" border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT9kAoTway_5dnw-6gh16BP-LLHD8ayYNHVs-Pzu0GzD6aZVsvD" /></a></div>
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In 1666, Sir Isaac Newton looked up from his study of falling apples to rationally arrange the structural relationship of colors to each other. Since then, the study of color is of encyclopedic range. However, not until the great water panic of 2015, has man panicked into hallucinating that brown and green are interchangable. Here's the truth:<br />
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Greens are composed of differing portions of blue and yellow. <br />
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According to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shades_of_brown">Wikipedia</a><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"> </span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">"<b style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">Brown</b><span style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"> is a composite </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; text-decoration: none;" title="Color">color</a><span style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"> which can be produced by combining red, yellow and black,</span><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-1" style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shades_of_brown#cite_note-1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;">[1]</a></sup><span style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"> or by a combination of </span><a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_(color)" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; text-decoration: none;" title="Orange (color)">orange</a><span style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"> and </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; text-decoration: none;" title="Black">blac</a>k."</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWmGuznyI8sJo59I5K9n6e3cn1ArfSwUMs8XhuJ9SjHf0_DGhYPcbDCyalMzNXolN2AjJ4AEJezQkFumZbkQ9QJFSwSXNbHcohTTsg-q43vlOt_GIY6sWWns_Kw2vokLFLl7hEmlTZQ/s1600/IMG_9042+squirrel+at+Hungington.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWmGuznyI8sJo59I5K9n6e3cn1ArfSwUMs8XhuJ9SjHf0_DGhYPcbDCyalMzNXolN2AjJ4AEJezQkFumZbkQ9QJFSwSXNbHcohTTsg-q43vlOt_GIY6sWWns_Kw2vokLFLl7hEmlTZQ/s320/IMG_9042+squirrel+at+Hungington.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brown squirrel. Green lawn. </td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Which is the ideal to predominate in a garden? Isn't it cheerier to see the brown squirrel leaping across a green lawn than it were a green rodent scampering across brown thatch? </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">In <i>Ode: Intimations of Immortality From Recollections of Early Childhood</i>, Williams Wordsworth did not reflect on love in a scratchy hayfield. Rather he wrote: </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><i>What thought the radiance which was once so bright</i></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><i>Be now forever taken from my sight, </i></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><i>Though nothing can bring back the hour</i></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>Of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><i>We will grieve not, father find</i></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><i>Strength in what remains behind</i></span></div>
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Brown has its honored place in gardens. Brown tree trunks, branches and composting leaves lead the eyes through the garden, leaving us in contemplative rest. But beware: brown in the garden should be like black in a home. Not so much as to be oppressive.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiY1222omR1p0cVPmsGSLpXerzM4NwfXaztV5IEHQ0bqCVj2Iv5_tAZt6GZS9Cn_KVo_RgGuIn-743xe5zjmG2Zv90OXTxF92y951trm59pWpAUj8GKTu-gvThsXxMgyLLhYPz-ujYHQ/s1600/IMG_5470+compost+tea+jar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiY1222omR1p0cVPmsGSLpXerzM4NwfXaztV5IEHQ0bqCVj2Iv5_tAZt6GZS9Cn_KVo_RgGuIn-743xe5zjmG2Zv90OXTxF92y951trm59pWpAUj8GKTu-gvThsXxMgyLLhYPz-ujYHQ/s320/IMG_5470+compost+tea+jar.JPG" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite brown is compost tea for the garden</td></tr>
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The quality manure tea bags <a href="http://www.manuretea.com/">Annie Haven </a>makes on the family ranch tickle an amber liquid to quench the garden. Hint: make sure the family does not switch this brew with the family sweet tea: not unless you don't ever wish to be in charge of refreshments. Again. Ever.<br />
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The drought humbled us. The cost of water made us rethink our gardens. But it did not kill our desire for beautiful spaces. Instead, it makes us crave the sustaining beauty of gardens even more.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQuq1eSH6GSxuC10lOGKYjD_3xuoiwdMBCtPiKRIfZ2KmQdche3IODJriKMVr3nQ8hz0tgAeb2A4t8e4SWK8k0PuAv0aMCcBtVXvJ55hbLBeONvecl2sWPmvV0sbA8-wdHfv8NZRgng/s1600/IMG_9046+Huntington+Celebration+Garden.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQuq1eSH6GSxuC10lOGKYjD_3xuoiwdMBCtPiKRIfZ2KmQdche3IODJriKMVr3nQ8hz0tgAeb2A4t8e4SWK8k0PuAv0aMCcBtVXvJ55hbLBeONvecl2sWPmvV0sbA8-wdHfv8NZRgng/s320/IMG_9046+Huntington+Celebration+Garden.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Celebration Garden at the Huntington </td></tr>
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Stay tuned. My prediction for the Spring of 2016 is the start of the Great Gardening Revival. Intelligent by design, beautiful by desire. <br />
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<i>Until we meet again, thank YOU for all You do to make the world more beautiful. </i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lydia </span></i><br />
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<br />Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03215242522396155812noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2353280526628627983.post-4005517826697893872016-04-23T23:22:00.000-07:002016-04-25T11:41:16.786-07:00Get Your Ticket for California Dreamin' this Mother's Day Weekend <div>
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<i>"Gardening is the art that uses flower and plants as paint, and the soil and sky as canvas."</i></div>
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<i>~ Elizabeth Murray </i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPu8-S-QvBoxXoWOO1dmFomhrZSb0L06g-VYG8Oj1BtUIPsQooZdA8o7sB6vOX4cdsTAcYy6JK7SVy4WsfVhfsR51BAAi6c077bQWGoyNfckC9EiTKRDdq5BBsci9txQWPzQ5Tp-u8Hg/s1600/RSSM+Rose+Society.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPu8-S-QvBoxXoWOO1dmFomhrZSb0L06g-VYG8Oj1BtUIPsQooZdA8o7sB6vOX4cdsTAcYy6JK7SVy4WsfVhfsR51BAAi6c077bQWGoyNfckC9EiTKRDdq5BBsci9txQWPzQ5Tp-u8Hg/s400/RSSM+Rose+Society.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iamge from Previous Tour, courtesy of RSSM </td></tr>
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The Rose Society of Saddleback Mountain (RSSM), a non-profit American Rose Society (ARS) affiliate, is pleased to announce the<a href="http://www.rosesrosesroses.org/documents/GT2016/RSSM_Flyer_3_8_2016.pdf"> 25th Elegant and Enchanting Garden Tour. </a></div>
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Where: South Orange County </div>
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When: Saturday, May 7, 2016 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM</div>
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What: Four unique and innovative private gardens </div>
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Don't let the sponsoring organization's name restrict your imagination in what the tour features. The event is about more than roses. It is about the full-spectrum of the opportunities to create beauty. And happiness. In personal gardens. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJub9Fhl65aJ6D06JrzuCTYBRJJMC3YwqJBdg-Ef2VMY8JGBR-g5MaxZ_FsKJUMQJrnbsUxOa3X3j4IiYgnOD8ecqNyoe8vP3Zd-Mh3EWs2Eq4lZNm6jQ1iI9NOpUjxVt_iRoExLq9iw/s1600/IMG_9021+bluff+view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJub9Fhl65aJ6D06JrzuCTYBRJJMC3YwqJBdg-Ef2VMY8JGBR-g5MaxZ_FsKJUMQJrnbsUxOa3X3j4IiYgnOD8ecqNyoe8vP3Zd-Mh3EWs2Eq4lZNm6jQ1iI9NOpUjxVt_iRoExLq9iw/s400/IMG_9021+bluff+view.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cliffside home of Rick and Julie Borgens included a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean</td></tr>
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The garden selection process is rigourous. RSSM master gardeners select sites for variety, special features, and floral elegance. The tour date promises gardens blooming in full spring splendor with magnificent floral and plant displays, garden architecture, and ideas for environmentally sound garden practices.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Fj9CB0YMQ_DtgM0xgFbuAgEQybWA_6X9UoPMbdcRDk_oOjReqXwwe679YfrraCIMEz9bFR-5HnDVfxigAWgnGlf7Su6x0XeV7wZu2irgtW46VouxpY4jOehGIZ37y6o3Vas501wqag/s1600/IMG_8950+fountain.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Fj9CB0YMQ_DtgM0xgFbuAgEQybWA_6X9UoPMbdcRDk_oOjReqXwwe679YfrraCIMEz9bFR-5HnDVfxigAWgnGlf7Su6x0XeV7wZu2irgtW46VouxpY4jOehGIZ37y6o3Vas501wqag/s320/IMG_8950+fountain.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very traditional garden vignette in the garden of Patricia and Steve Buice</td></tr>
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The RSSM Elegant and Enchanting Tour is a unique opportunity to go behind the gates of some very special private properties not normally open to the public. While the pictures are from past tours, let the descriptives of two whet your appetite for this year's gardens.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXIw96hSy564OcPOuo3PxFiardqDpRoqxaWXya5gJx7pEQ63vA1Go4V7y7PD8GrOtGGp4bu4VWtNon_nFdQFcn3GPXkVy3Hxb5UC-DrI6r8kf-Oi6AE6_WLpUV_1gMTv-NBzCXehSRA/s1600/IMG_8941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXIw96hSy564OcPOuo3PxFiardqDpRoqxaWXya5gJx7pEQ63vA1Go4V7y7PD8GrOtGGp4bu4VWtNon_nFdQFcn3GPXkVy3Hxb5UC-DrI6r8kf-Oi6AE6_WLpUV_1gMTv-NBzCXehSRA/s400/IMG_8941.JPG" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't this the best Mission Project display by Patricia and Steve Buice </td></tr>
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The 2016 tour theme is California Gardens/California Dreamin’. This year's selected gardens include a hillside San Clemente California ranch with the diversity of plantings our region is known for. Besides the vegetable garden, the landscape is abundantly planted with specimen California trees, fruit trees, roses, Pride of Madeira, and aloes. It is a sanctuary for birds and pollinators.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UZroO7M-rCbGhgcgPl9Q_pdfsMo_JgkCqTzK4V5QPT_D3o1_JTgZl1NjHlLXQ_QNRIXpj2H6-mUkaGGwjvLYDJOaqebjns0PWQH2T3cQ_mOeOKbDeLkut7hyphenhyphen8yTgwsnxy5Qj2BP5oQ/s1600/IMG_8861+magenta+hot+pink.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UZroO7M-rCbGhgcgPl9Q_pdfsMo_JgkCqTzK4V5QPT_D3o1_JTgZl1NjHlLXQ_QNRIXpj2H6-mUkaGGwjvLYDJOaqebjns0PWQH2T3cQ_mOeOKbDeLkut7hyphenhyphen8yTgwsnxy5Qj2BP5oQ/s400/IMG_8861+magenta+hot+pink.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garden Designer Dawn Saunders arranged plants with a masterful eye towards color and ease of maintenance. The garden has been photographed by a MAJOR publication for release at a later date.</td></tr>
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This year, plan on visiting a discrete upper San Clemente stucco home. Ornamentation includes beautiful Spanish tiles. The owner, a landscape architect, has an incredible collection of succulents. The<i> piece de resistance</i>: a rose climbing over the garden wall, the adjacent fountain luring visitors down the garden path.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6cwRPoF1D7Yyut1xZC0SmNvwbFwLUsG902Sa8BzLCn3brnFcSc8DQWBDrK7vXvWs7756kaABnAfq93UbFhORZysSSVrbTe9APa_j289HczOzaOaOsoBL8HZEj-xjk1eF3c0nvUQLsKQ/s1600/IMG_2860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6cwRPoF1D7Yyut1xZC0SmNvwbFwLUsG902Sa8BzLCn3brnFcSc8DQWBDrK7vXvWs7756kaABnAfq93UbFhORZysSSVrbTe9APa_j289HczOzaOaOsoBL8HZEj-xjk1eF3c0nvUQLsKQ/s320/IMG_2860.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The remarkable garden of Maria del Carmen Calvo led to <a href="http://www.lydiaplunk.com/pdfs/Painterly%20Oasis%20AprilMay15.pdf">cover article</a> for Western Art and Architecture. </td></tr>
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Tickets from prior tours have funded more than $50,000 in scholarships.RSSM funds Horticulture and Plant Science-related scholarships for college and university students at Cal State</div>
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University Fullerton, Saddleback College, Cal Poly Pomona, and other institutions.<br />
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Purchased in advance, tickets are only are $25.00. To order tickets, visit the RSSM
website</div>
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<a href="http://www.rosesrosesroses.org/" target="_blank">www.rosesrosesroses.org</a> or call <a href="tel:949-837-2141" target="_blank" title="" value="+19498372141">949-837-2141</a><br />
<a href="tel:949-837-2141" target="_blank" title="" value="+19498372141"><br /></a>
<a href="tel:949-837-2141" target="_blank" title="" value="+19498372141">The day of the event, tickets will be available for $30 each, at the residence located at 3 Maracay, San Clemente, CA 92672.</a><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 15.6px;"></b><br />
<a href="tel:949-837-2141" target="_blank" title="" value="+19498372141"><br /></a>
<a href="tel:949-837-2141" target="_blank" title="" value="+19498372141"><br /></a></div>
Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03215242522396155812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2353280526628627983.post-33422506922204503292016-03-22T23:10:00.002-07:002016-04-07T05:21:33.874-07:00Romance in the Garden - Seal Beach Presentation<div style="text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"What I do and what I drink</span></i></div>
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<i style="text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #330000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">include thee</span></span></i><br />
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<i style="text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #330000;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">as the wine must taste of its own grapes."</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">~Elizabeth Barrett Browning</i></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Romance in the Garden.</i> This was the promised topic to present the Leisure World Garden Club of Seal Beach. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><img height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOcep32KUgkTwuy9gKW27v_jjPvd4fjorZ6Oe5Hbla2BDuPaxGm8P8v-FPUg_Xx9aeC9n_7ptHxFbJZ6clCGCDuvDsVz4t53X2chKJEUzpJeVuLnnBn2PaOABHtNVl4jaRpuWmB3UHUQ/s400/IMG_4389.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Sunset from our backyard</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Preparing for the talk, visions of romantic moments tumbled through my conscience. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> So varied the experience of a romantic setting; there are as many possibilities as moments in life. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTp-g_82Jwk9gCb7354zrIHMj6lOqWTlDJuliwFONm_7lUK0hSO1LwhGe5bsVSn_XKHGYq5hhcyVccLGsq5eKKs5yZBHYkv9sR4W2yeQq3ZA-1fyFxpGZsYURzX7YKEKWYerniDAsQEg/s1600/Brueghel+Jan__de_Oude_en_Peter_Paul_Rubens+-+Adam+and+Eve+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #fff2cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTp-g_82Jwk9gCb7354zrIHMj6lOqWTlDJuliwFONm_7lUK0hSO1LwhGe5bsVSn_XKHGYq5hhcyVccLGsq5eKKs5yZBHYkv9sR4W2yeQq3ZA-1fyFxpGZsYURzX7YKEKWYerniDAsQEg/s400/Brueghel+Jan__de_Oude_en_Peter_Paul_Rubens+-+Adam+and+Eve+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;"> Peter Paul Rubens and Jan Brueghel the Elder,<i> The Garden of Eden</i>(1615) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Time to stop. Think. "What is the common thread?" I asked myself. How do I explain the sublime beauty of why love made real requires more than passion? More than scheming. More than hard work. </span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoqQ2dzq7J-zHkdUrVT-5yiDZK2Q9clPdOU0ioThRXksf9-zYGqSmK9T3sM1jToaQ0xmdgm-0sr8MeFo1IhzXaBUGkW5Zrx0Jq3cvgUUciHq_z553Gd2m_iF2tAmdKpMer1ixpajzxg/s1600/Reno+lawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #fff2cc; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoqQ2dzq7J-zHkdUrVT-5yiDZK2Q9clPdOU0ioThRXksf9-zYGqSmK9T3sM1jToaQ0xmdgm-0sr8MeFo1IhzXaBUGkW5Zrx0Jq3cvgUUciHq_z553Gd2m_iF2tAmdKpMer1ixpajzxg/s320/Reno+lawn.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Reno loves, and is loved.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;">My thesis is that the divine difference between man and beast is that while both are capable of love, only humans are capable of romance .</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq900bsq1ff_UbLNPV2qbeVEZGiaUSMtBiShr0fNnYLY31zZYi1Fs6RhFNjqwo_9uraK-nudFjcAclHyqMMKSqmAROPCtf0gDrPuhVnxcGxoZllJcC40MzbuK4IHYpUboSKQzK-rJQbw/s1600/img_0425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #fff2cc; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq900bsq1ff_UbLNPV2qbeVEZGiaUSMtBiShr0fNnYLY31zZYi1Fs6RhFNjqwo_9uraK-nudFjcAclHyqMMKSqmAROPCtf0gDrPuhVnxcGxoZllJcC40MzbuK4IHYpUboSKQzK-rJQbw/s400/img_0425.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">May 2011. My husband with our dogs</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> Our dogs give us love. We give our dogs love. Only my husband and I are capable of romance with the other. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxQ2udd8EaLQoMAiuSAt_5X1HCxWi1Yn69ffwtcA5QJcU7tU1D-YJbgZP-pZUY50G621aTDp1VnYDv9IbC1_0KBasT3p7LyWH1i6ySlDCenogMUgOpj4iFgJ8aZmWbda5AVqZRvkdmQ/s1600/Color.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #fff2cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxQ2udd8EaLQoMAiuSAt_5X1HCxWi1Yn69ffwtcA5QJcU7tU1D-YJbgZP-pZUY50G621aTDp1VnYDv9IbC1_0KBasT3p7LyWH1i6ySlDCenogMUgOpj4iFgJ8aZmWbda5AVqZRvkdmQ/s400/Color.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">My neighbor, Sandra, when she looks over the fence, this is her bird's- eye view of our garden in middle spring.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16tJ4AP_jgJLSslExGzg_a4TYXCJo_KuSJ8FXz3L3xrMlC69CRF03U25Gb5E9Grl4BKpHcHotj6dzOnITJdmGsyELwbhUDo6RzNsfh0O04Sk7YqHDqMHuFAy6BFZoynI6GwG4V8k8QQ/s1600/IMG_8712+Hellstrip.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #fff2cc; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16tJ4AP_jgJLSslExGzg_a4TYXCJo_KuSJ8FXz3L3xrMlC69CRF03U25Gb5E9Grl4BKpHcHotj6dzOnITJdmGsyELwbhUDo6RzNsfh0O04Sk7YqHDqMHuFAy6BFZoynI6GwG4V8k8QQ/s400/IMG_8712+Hellstrip.JPG" width="266" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Just because the heat bares down hard here, calling this a "hell strip" isn't accurate. </span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Truth is beauty. Beauty is truth. Romance is both. When romance emanates from the garden, it fills the world with what the world needs more of. Doesn't it? </span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">Gardens begin with a bit of dirt. A vision of what could be,
if only... </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Through desire, mystery. With anticipation. And excitement...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgBLjtN4JvvkmHDnyflcNZzzn9NOpvsUw5VdrMPplR6-OGBPQsiXLNK3gMkYSiKLNqkrwx1xI2AHAdPCLvwXrmajD2XgEuDckpwD9F_0TuhtLUw11cch3AZL5NSrU1TE9OKEACZKG_8hU/s1600/50+ft+bouquet+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #fff2cc; clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgBLjtN4JvvkmHDnyflcNZzzn9NOpvsUw5VdrMPplR6-OGBPQsiXLNK3gMkYSiKLNqkrwx1xI2AHAdPCLvwXrmajD2XgEuDckpwD9F_0TuhtLUw11cch3AZL5NSrU1TE9OKEACZKG_8hU/s400/50+ft+bouquet+2.JPG" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Pruning is an opportunity for fragrant bouquets</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 21.4667px;">Romance elevates the ordinary to extraordinary. By imagining beautiful gardens, and finding ways to incorporate inspiration, in a way which is authentic to our lives, this is the </span><span style="line-height: 21.4667px;">truest path to happiness in this life. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 21.4667px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 21.4667px;">The slide presentation was filled with examples from my own garden, as well as my scouting and writing career. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">From just a pot to over an acre- plots, g</span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 21.4667px;">ardens begin with a bit of dirt. A vision of what could be, if only... </span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 21.4667px;">Through desire, mystery. With anticipation. And excitement... a romantic garden is accessible to all. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 21.4667px;">Some potted roses, live mint and a copy of Denise Schreiber's delightful spiral bound <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Eat-Your-Roses-Lavender-Delicious/dp/098196155X">Eat Your Roses</a></i> were given out as prizes to the wonderful audience, who blessed me with their time and attention. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNpej_l7_8ktjM2VWQ1aeUx-LSYaVCrq5WyfiO1zw_UcVN0vmBSRGPYphWagff9ZpA1001SlVrnmffs-qF0CU0peKB575xJRBE4QTLHSWeBA5M9ZkVn1cidpZo0t9IUKxGjUYeJ_znQ/s1600/IMG_8772+judy+lydia+trisha.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #fff2cc; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNpej_l7_8ktjM2VWQ1aeUx-LSYaVCrq5WyfiO1zw_UcVN0vmBSRGPYphWagff9ZpA1001SlVrnmffs-qF0CU0peKB575xJRBE4QTLHSWeBA5M9ZkVn1cidpZo0t9IUKxGjUYeJ_znQ/s320/IMG_8772+judy+lydia+trisha.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">(L-R) Judy Duvall, Me and Trisha Bowler. </span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Until we meet again, THANK YOU for all you do to make the world more beautiful. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i><b><span style="font-family: "kunstler script"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lydia</span></span><i> </i></b></span><br />
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Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03215242522396155812noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2353280526628627983.post-89689505621600875212016-02-14T18:01:00.003-08:002016-02-14T18:04:11.552-08:00Extraordinary Ordinary <div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; display: inline; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 14px/20px "trebuchet" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet our heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" </em></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; display: inline; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 14px/20px "trebuchet" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><em><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "georgia";">~Matthew 6:26</span></em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5vmfdXa3zZ_pErpNsNglkLgj_KRrlBK4D_S7Kv5uBI0xJFoEPpw0QVrBfjTVib-RUmLh6MWL6MxziBlI2Ms_zJ0RnqxskEHfx726ofF_r70ymDOFHzKdqm4RA6JVWwFpjwJgAmUB9A/s1600/IMG_8628+Red+shouldered+hawk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5vmfdXa3zZ_pErpNsNglkLgj_KRrlBK4D_S7Kv5uBI0xJFoEPpw0QVrBfjTVib-RUmLh6MWL6MxziBlI2Ms_zJ0RnqxskEHfx726ofF_r70ymDOFHzKdqm4RA6JVWwFpjwJgAmUB9A/s400/IMG_8628+Red+shouldered+hawk.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Look who is back. The Red- shouldered hawk. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkjZgMO2tmq7KilPldFcb_yyyvVshDH01cG1al_aqq5_6yZodgqHLsZfgCmj5MMa7O8CEMEizS5DXTFz3dBPbZQuk66zIq5lSMbrMl1SPB_Uy4oF1wWHnDQq-pSqfpHFF1wktqwvv-w/s1600/IMG_8630+Red+Shouldered+hawk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkjZgMO2tmq7KilPldFcb_yyyvVshDH01cG1al_aqq5_6yZodgqHLsZfgCmj5MMa7O8CEMEizS5DXTFz3dBPbZQuk66zIq5lSMbrMl1SPB_Uy4oF1wWHnDQq-pSqfpHFF1wktqwvv-w/s400/IMG_8630+Red+Shouldered+hawk.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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He let me walk fairly close to him before taking off across the valley, annoyed with my stalking him with the camera. </div>
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In the potted- up ficus tree just outside the sliding door to the back, a hummingbird nest is awaiting new occupants. I've read these tiny wonders will re-use a nest. So we hope. </div>
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We've had Robins visit us before. But not in flocks like over the past few weeks. <br />
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At times there have been dozens. Too many to count. Taking turns with the dove and finch at the water features. Hopping about the lawn and keeping a look out from high places. <br />
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One year Weeks Roses mailed me a Dick Clark rose. It is tall and nearly ever-blooming. Even in the semi-shaded spot. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gerry's sister Nancy</td></tr>
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Recently, we got together with Gerry's side of the family at <a href="http://www.samsfishcamp.com/">Fish Camp Restaurant</a> in Huntington Beach. His sister and her granddaughter popped in from Wyoming for a visit with Nancy's mom. Melva Plunk, while Billie and Eric went to see her side of the family in Kentucky. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tyler and our niece, Abby are a longtime "item"</td></tr>
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Our waiter wasn't around for a group shot, so Gerry did the honors. <br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Back at home, Easter ( or if you prefer, Spring) Cactus- hybrid <em>Rhipsalidopsis gaetneri</em> <span style="color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 16.8px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">is a happy camper on the patio table. </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WeLJss3NPe39fj_rhhBjv_4LZxdzT9NyTQJam4IFQtvadOgfn0x-vGgKWUt5GHg_jezOQVWnqmC-vthSQ6mwQuRCQRhqJDwAai2xUlxvYhKv3ZqcplkMInwANuwP00ja1EjaAjKdVg/s1600/IMG_8644+Robins+finch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WeLJss3NPe39fj_rhhBjv_4LZxdzT9NyTQJam4IFQtvadOgfn0x-vGgKWUt5GHg_jezOQVWnqmC-vthSQ6mwQuRCQRhqJDwAai2xUlxvYhKv3ZqcplkMInwANuwP00ja1EjaAjKdVg/s400/IMG_8644+Robins+finch.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I can't speak for anyone else's window on the world, but this was mine this morning. Finch at the feeder. Robins at the bird bath. Matilija Poppy, <em>Romneya coulteri, </em> has naturalized in the back canyon. With 3 surgeries in 6 months, I've been banned from climbing uneven ground until the muscles have stabilized. I'll have to hire help to thin the stand which is choking one of our fig trees. <br />
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The dove on the gate reminds me how fortunate I am. Time "off" turned into a time to get my life in order. To prioritize. To make peace and gather strength. To decide in the wisdom of Matthew 6:26. The most useless way to occupy time is with worry. Like a rocking chair, it will keep you busy, but won't solve a thing. </div>
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<em>Until we meet again, Thank YOU for all YOU do to make the world more beautiful. </em></div>
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<em>Lydia </em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglhY-vQafu2RTdm0kj08amwrOgLZbxaFoFTqD872rw1FGxdKwv_Wri9osb5IwKr0jyNCVwWqvbk_uVDS7uoxl92U1dVgxO1sGDr6476ZF0of-yTyIXdnfl8zaILY9VxoF8BhA1ujCXdw/s1600/IMG_8428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<br />Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03215242522396155812noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2353280526628627983.post-5042739584603595452015-05-28T00:27:00.000-07:002015-05-28T00:27:20.686-07:002015 Garden Conservancy Open Days ~ Pasadena ~ The Reardon Family Garden <br />
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<i><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">“ I associate the word "wild" with wildflowers, wild roses, things in fields that haven't been hurt yet! So let's be things in fields that have healed and that have grown. Let's be wild.” </span></i></div>
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<i style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">― </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4114218.C_JoyBell_C_" style="color: #666600; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">C. JoyBell C.</a></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZaOZQkcQFrCF64sk_7IwlTFXb4DpmN14KzMf2brzw4LtHYTcSB63OvzW8Y7ZycMyxkTJIom6UclkutrWYSaE2cEOJwuvSQlJKUg4fkIIV0wZHMblseon6U28IF5_YaIJBv93w9oU8bQ/s1600/Reardon+South+Pas+2011+Google+E.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZaOZQkcQFrCF64sk_7IwlTFXb4DpmN14KzMf2brzw4LtHYTcSB63OvzW8Y7ZycMyxkTJIom6UclkutrWYSaE2cEOJwuvSQlJKUg4fkIIV0wZHMblseon6U28IF5_YaIJBv93w9oU8bQ/s400/Reardon+South+Pas+2011+Google+E.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loads of dirt and recycled concrete were brought in </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You gotta love Google Earth. In 2011, their cameras documented that moment in time when the outline of a new garden to surround to the 1926 South Pasadena home of George and Susan Reardon was fresh. "The bones" preserved for posterity. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmeWQsfEjQsOAFdDNhIKpQQtjwyIf_4mK5jZ5jHmUB8-0h3-pHKgO81_bkqSQ679AQIkItFnTooHLr7un0sXpbBuEhujPyIgVS52QzdXPufgpCNY7GJjeE2uKkMrpEnZeJpSYtFJHpg/s1600/IMG_7044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmeWQsfEjQsOAFdDNhIKpQQtjwyIf_4mK5jZ5jHmUB8-0h3-pHKgO81_bkqSQ679AQIkItFnTooHLr7un0sXpbBuEhujPyIgVS52QzdXPufgpCNY7GJjeE2uKkMrpEnZeJpSYtFJHpg/s400/IMG_7044.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Espalier apples and sages hint at the abundance beyond </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fast forward to 2015. The design by Marco Barrantes of La Loma Development Company filled out like Marilyn Monroe. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsIAZ9vjaTyNR3Jg2ufqL1G_6tD9SX_FvkpxR2AAagk_JSn55DaT8CEJ7agaNuDKzfPkXs8pHkAYi_geoipFLag67EjoMtm_S4BKHJipyhqQ9ifTDOrxh2vvflYXLlrKK7Ojw1_AKwg/s1600/IMG_7047+Flowers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsIAZ9vjaTyNR3Jg2ufqL1G_6tD9SX_FvkpxR2AAagk_JSn55DaT8CEJ7agaNuDKzfPkXs8pHkAYi_geoipFLag67EjoMtm_S4BKHJipyhqQ9ifTDOrxh2vvflYXLlrKK7Ojw1_AKwg/s320/IMG_7047+Flowers.JPG" width="213" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Open Garden Day- The infamous L.A. smog washed away by rain the day before. Walking from where I had parked- I noted the air was warm and scented with roses, sage and freshly mown grass. This must be one of the best smelling neighborhoods in America. A bouquet of freshly picked flowers graced the check-in table. Things have certainly changed since a sloping lawn was replaced with a wild garden. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pass through rustic redwood gate hung from pillars of river rock. Let your imagination run wild at the delight of countryside established on what was once a large- but ordinary- suburban lot.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Z2NSsikgtv7QNpkNhE-_60bdKZ1E5Rwukw9yeM6CcKXsaFxKMhyE_mNixUAJxm6TYqXBO65Y6MkVX6hqfm_J9ma0BCDrzsuZMw2WMd94x3aAQilPwSUB3p1btIRIIcAL-UyIl9v-_A/s1600/IMG_7055+architecture+closer+in.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Z2NSsikgtv7QNpkNhE-_60bdKZ1E5Rwukw9yeM6CcKXsaFxKMhyE_mNixUAJxm6TYqXBO65Y6MkVX6hqfm_J9ma0BCDrzsuZMw2WMd94x3aAQilPwSUB3p1btIRIIcAL-UyIl9v-_A/s400/IMG_7055+architecture+closer+in.JPG" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Despite a dignified exterior- this a garden where the wild heart flourishes. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9iy5gCdQfQ0Yh4SUEJ1IIBESii5UQjd-_MAjRNl6p4aD73aLosA6xVfOYmgeniobiLdmXGpYGusvjH7sljxwixGhtf7MZdVdrB5WDSr8eMUuS5nGnuvYMDumOiElJpMAaccOlpOCxNw/s1600/IMG_7051+Fennel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9iy5gCdQfQ0Yh4SUEJ1IIBESii5UQjd-_MAjRNl6p4aD73aLosA6xVfOYmgeniobiLdmXGpYGusvjH7sljxwixGhtf7MZdVdrB5WDSr8eMUuS5nGnuvYMDumOiElJpMAaccOlpOCxNw/s400/IMG_7051+Fennel.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With irrigation lines laid below grade level, the efficiency of water works unseen. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfBMzu5c5AoJrd602Pm0m_w8x3jELrieTG7xxpemYlmOjacUpmRJ431qvGMv3kDs2PnOsIbQLjpJLAoPTTD8_6rkupw7fHXQksov-fgM_U6B9h_OOcIPnQ3WYYaRAVWmkhVAvI9WKrA/s1600/IMG_7052+Blueberries+and+fennel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfBMzu5c5AoJrd602Pm0m_w8x3jELrieTG7xxpemYlmOjacUpmRJ431qvGMv3kDs2PnOsIbQLjpJLAoPTTD8_6rkupw7fHXQksov-fgM_U6B9h_OOcIPnQ3WYYaRAVWmkhVAvI9WKrA/s400/IMG_7052+Blueberries+and+fennel.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Blueberries inter-planted with fennel- who'd have thunk? Lovers of nature. People who revel in perfume of place. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIuqasaEH53dvjBkLcNRWkEMyjMBVUkPqwL7Pf0Cu6F94t_WoPwH8d4KXCKBQsxD30wpgw4J6Tb1RF4cRlXHqYwZVs8vZ_v46YykiiD_Kd8r9k2dAdPTBg6tD9ttXGqckBTQgCsVG0A/s1600/IMG_7078+seed+for+next+year.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIuqasaEH53dvjBkLcNRWkEMyjMBVUkPqwL7Pf0Cu6F94t_WoPwH8d4KXCKBQsxD30wpgw4J6Tb1RF4cRlXHqYwZVs8vZ_v46YykiiD_Kd8r9k2dAdPTBg6tD9ttXGqckBTQgCsVG0A/s320/IMG_7078+seed+for+next+year.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> George says he "Lets the garden do its thing." With California poppies, fennel, lettuces and onions free to re-seed where they are happiest, this garden is optimistic- and lower maintenance than one would imagine from the visual abundance. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcdeYfpSk3tr6DMRZ63xNbk2L5CJgrWzHfHQUdfBThEKXXWpyj_qbj34Sa7fFFUXOdtGO16U0v-wRqma2FvxKHhz_4vmiZungToUu49MM8OGsYFwhWCfyjatQC5gvF3a63cnksgapUg/s1600/IMG_7058+succulent+lined+pathway.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcdeYfpSk3tr6DMRZ63xNbk2L5CJgrWzHfHQUdfBThEKXXWpyj_qbj34Sa7fFFUXOdtGO16U0v-wRqma2FvxKHhz_4vmiZungToUu49MM8OGsYFwhWCfyjatQC5gvF3a63cnksgapUg/s320/IMG_7058+succulent+lined+pathway.JPG" width="213" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Succulents form a tapestry along the transition from front to back gardens</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Recycling goes chic. Urbanite- recycled concrete- generously forms walls and pathways. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hPXraqGiXUHG_rz-y2Gk0E2ktoURJSq6ynWqUNCgKfkDmjCfnlS7DV_xK7rQM-dQ_SjmminoObhPgMrMxguRhk1IaxPIilh9egOR92RKAWfoCo286YxT4dob7UOqqiGK_bc3CV1Kkw/s1600/IMG_7080+yellow+line.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hPXraqGiXUHG_rz-y2Gk0E2ktoURJSq6ynWqUNCgKfkDmjCfnlS7DV_xK7rQM-dQ_SjmminoObhPgMrMxguRhk1IaxPIilh9egOR92RKAWfoCo286YxT4dob7UOqqiGK_bc3CV1Kkw/s320/IMG_7080+yellow+line.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A yellow stripe hints at the provenance of this stepping stone.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;">George remembers the craftsman in charge of paving. He worked with pride. Picking pieces carefully; chiseling profiles and... </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMfxiVDVjvcTGydjzSTJxIn0qnf3JgLTGmdjEbK-jAEwo2JSi__silQ1LB7qiY8OSqMS6cNsoQSbpe9VoEzNP4eojhxOa0aw2JOi3Ww9t2_ByE2PpDLLVF-QV0kSjp-AfgdXAVq3eMw/s1600/IMG_7081+underside+topside.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMfxiVDVjvcTGydjzSTJxIn0qnf3JgLTGmdjEbK-jAEwo2JSi__silQ1LB7qiY8OSqMS6cNsoQSbpe9VoEzNP4eojhxOa0aw2JOi3Ww9t2_ByE2PpDLLVF-QV0kSjp-AfgdXAVq3eMw/s320/IMG_7081+underside+topside.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Decomposed granite between steps </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sometimes reversing top to bottom for artistic effect. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A trip to Italy was the inspiration for a fully retractable patio sail. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On the patio table were the official before and after garden photos. While before was perfectly civilized- the wildness of the after is more compelling. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddFjNyDyD8afdqatW93W_gdj9f3v0mKStBjDBc4cfr7flu6YFz24SkQX23zF3B6kSVCsjF5JOaf0Oyt0Qp50183cT02h6HeDpelgFUOBQb3mVuP4DZqHKkNPvNKccbocK-yNe4XB8hA/s1600/IMG_7064+Meadow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddFjNyDyD8afdqatW93W_gdj9f3v0mKStBjDBc4cfr7flu6YFz24SkQX23zF3B6kSVCsjF5JOaf0Oyt0Qp50183cT02h6HeDpelgFUOBQb3mVuP4DZqHKkNPvNKccbocK-yNe4XB8hA/s400/IMG_7064+Meadow.JPG" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The wildflower meadow is at its springtime height of beauty. Full of life. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A dragonfly</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A bee </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> But the <i>piece de resistance-</i> a standard pool was re-imagined as a dipping pond. The owners' son promising he likes this better. "It cools the temps." This is a favorite spot to "Bring your book when it's a 110 degrees and just sit on the rocks." Or jump in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">His father explained the pool is still under there somewhere. The new bottom is lined with a rubber gasket. The coping hidden beneath a berm through which water is filtered and recirculated </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> There is a magic in this place. It is very eco-correct. But that isn't what I thought of. What I thought of is the romance of walking out the door to pick greens for salads, herbs for dressings and fresh flowers to fill vases. I thought of all the novels such a garden could inspire- everyone of them with romance at the heart of the story. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <i>Until we meet again, Thank YOU for all YOU do to make the world more beautiful. </i></span><br />
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<br />Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03215242522396155812noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2353280526628627983.post-60701591881480509092015-05-23T10:36:00.001-07:002015-05-23T10:56:07.862-07:002015 Garden Conservancy Open Days~ Pasadena~ The Parterres<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"What I gained by being in France was learning to be better satisfied with my own country." </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>~ Samuel Johnson </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>(1709- 1784) </i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBUkYYuDPt3RUNRXk5xL84RVsmtn0Jga1vZJmYQol9i24MSVM74yYA3DD6Qo-RmaI2CBXfglnkuv9SdBNTr41xyk3Rq47cIqvC0Up-iHG83Q4KZWL6eAH2NHm7F70OVjM4xl58tfFdg/s1600/IMG_7019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBUkYYuDPt3RUNRXk5xL84RVsmtn0Jga1vZJmYQol9i24MSVM74yYA3DD6Qo-RmaI2CBXfglnkuv9SdBNTr41xyk3Rq47cIqvC0Up-iHG83Q4KZWL6eAH2NHm7F70OVjM4xl58tfFdg/s320/IMG_7019.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The current owners are caretakers of the home's history</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">WWI. Katherine Kissinger served our armed forces as an ambulance driver. In France, she met Lt. Colonel Lansing Beach. After the war, the newly married couple settled into happily-ever-after in Pasadena, California. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8erLfeh6x5QODJEcm7f1K-cawA2ayLYJ5fpELo2iQeYm-0yszODdvu7Y3b3kEdiupzp_xJdDBYnAFTcaebdHtGp2PmAry-FRHAoOLivFf58ftiZYTdsui2yuBeGrSLsORajKoT4L4Jg/s1600/IMG_7017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8erLfeh6x5QODJEcm7f1K-cawA2ayLYJ5fpELo2iQeYm-0yszODdvu7Y3b3kEdiupzp_xJdDBYnAFTcaebdHtGp2PmAry-FRHAoOLivFf58ftiZYTdsui2yuBeGrSLsORajKoT4L4Jg/s400/IMG_7017.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was 1927, the heart of the Period Revival Era. The ambiance of the Arroyo, graced with with craftsman houses and an abundance of trees, was the perfect locale to spend the rest of their lives together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The architectural team of David Witmer and Loyall Watson were hired to bring the charm of where the couple fell in love, French Countryside. to the home. Witmer, with military connections, was co-chief designer of The Pentagon. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Imagine looking down on the orderly abundance of the garden from the second story</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The simplicity of design is the perfect foil to what my friend Alexandra, who lived in France for several years, describes as modern French fashion aesthetic. The emphasis of is on the quality of materials, eschewing superfluous ornamentation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In 2011, Rhett Judice and Brad Hanson bought the structurally sound home and set about restoring the homes and gardens. Ever respectful to the past, the home's signature graciousness is ever-modern.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dining room features hand painted walls by Rhett Judice</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muted colors and views to the garden enhance the friendliness of the living room</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0VQtmvuUP_opr50vojDmUojcwmhDuL2HZnzR40jSO1sLKNNMLMH7HMlynX7suZz2zkmbQc_L5-GVy27DTqkY5UT8lbcKNgdcd4MlG1iiNWmj7o9OYdMhcrtBFzxizoXdQQ5NVR2ahg/s320/IMG_7023+Library.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A library with a view to the garden</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0VQtmvuUP_opr50vojDmUojcwmhDuL2HZnzR40jSO1sLKNNMLMH7HMlynX7suZz2zkmbQc_L5-GVy27DTqkY5UT8lbcKNgdcd4MlG1iiNWmj7o9OYdMhcrtBFzxizoXdQQ5NVR2ahg/s1600/IMG_7023+Library.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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Parterres comes from the French word for "on the ground". This formal style of largely level and symmetrical gardens designed on axis where the geometry is defined by gravel paths is largely credited to Claude Mollet. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHzHTCsac9jpNYBj0p6ETtqy7MiHNfOe-kBmEyxSIkrPcPr-IGTphQDjbJmW2abymknVwMZqrFl9av2fzljPj6faZfxUD5Ql0cscGpnKlcACiAaNfLRq_YUKwBiugz3jNhjqo0clyrQ/s1600/IMG_7026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHzHTCsac9jpNYBj0p6ETtqy7MiHNfOe-kBmEyxSIkrPcPr-IGTphQDjbJmW2abymknVwMZqrFl9av2fzljPj6faZfxUD5Ql0cscGpnKlcACiAaNfLRq_YUKwBiugz3jNhjqo0clyrQ/s400/IMG_7026.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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That was 500 years ago. The style's straightforward clarity of design makes it relatable across millennia.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The deep blue adds dramatic input to the space</td></tr>
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A garden should never be viewed in one go. Like an interesting person, it should have a bit of mystery. Little nooks, such as the walkway toward the guest house, offer delightful diversion.<br />
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The Parterres offers several lessons in the opportunities for successful artistic garden expression. <br />
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Foreground. Middleground. Background. The elements of this vignette extends the visual size of the scene past the global armillary, through the arch, letting the eye rest on the donkey's tail sedum. </div>
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The grillwork opening in the garden wall allows the garden and home to literally be seen as a framed work of art. </div>
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The service area at the end of the gravel driveway is treated as a destination point. All gardens have storage best kept out of site. The curtains on the right- inexpensive and effective.<br />
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In 2014, the City of Pasadena recognized the ongoing importance of the property with a landmark decision under the Mills Act.<br />
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Rhett Judice specializes in Interior Architecture and Design. He is well-known for his restoration and decoration of church interiors. He can be contacted<a href="http://rhettjudice.com/"> here</a><br />
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<i>Until we meet again, Thank YOU for all YOU do to make the world more beautiful. </i><br />
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<i>Lydia </i><br />
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<br />Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03215242522396155812noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2353280526628627983.post-33239202848912344902015-05-06T00:54:00.002-07:002015-05-06T01:07:38.284-07:00Rose Society of Saddleback Mountain~ Sneak Peak of The 2015 Elegant and Enchanting Garden Tour~ Part III<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"You can't really have a relationship with God unless you have your hands in the garden."</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>~ Georgia S. </i></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The garden is like Georgia, effervescent</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Meet Georgia. Once a chef in one of the most celebrated restaurants in the world, it is the San Clemente garden she shares with her husband and two daughters which gives her the most joy. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBshJck9ldYKJjTw6gAYY8TSZlPYtJHIHJi47cN9l05ZLb2IgVjPLm8_hsUX7Hzkm3z2hREuE_3Z-l1T-99tdcxLWwe5qWJUGTffVVVzFnOfNng-1nqiMPK266c88X-ArfQh0wCJbA-A/s1600/IMG_6925+before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBshJck9ldYKJjTw6gAYY8TSZlPYtJHIHJi47cN9l05ZLb2IgVjPLm8_hsUX7Hzkm3z2hREuE_3Z-l1T-99tdcxLWwe5qWJUGTffVVVzFnOfNng-1nqiMPK266c88X-ArfQh0wCJbA-A/s400/IMG_6925+before.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before- a yard</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">Once a resident of Chicago, while she does not miss the frigid winters, her landscaping aesthetic was honed wandering about dazzling displays at the </span><a href="http://www.chicagobotanic.org/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">Chicago Botanic Garden.</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"> When she and her husband, Allan, looked for a home on the southern coastal tip of Orange County- they wanted a home with a decent-sized yard. When it came time to make the garden their own, her husband said</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Do it right. I don't want you to ever look back with regrets."</span> </b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhythm and texture </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Down went the block wall, out went the grass. In came the creativity of someone used to creating recipes where the sum is more than the individual parts. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After- a garden</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The look is lush- but the environmental footprint is light. Georgia believes "You can't waste water when watering by hand because you have to be honest with yourself about how much is used." </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMP0wdy61oGvlgUzzMWn-MjhvshgQo2umiAQLB50AbWOsmWw5T9dGqX02xAq4DTBF2mszHB-d1sAUD5VVDBmS-BxpbzRZZCO4okYxQ20I8a9s69wXv3InPqltQnvQA-X6FGk68iA1Sw/s1600/IMG_6938+reclaimed+lounge+chair.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMP0wdy61oGvlgUzzMWn-MjhvshgQo2umiAQLB50AbWOsmWw5T9dGqX02xAq4DTBF2mszHB-d1sAUD5VVDBmS-BxpbzRZZCO4okYxQ20I8a9s69wXv3InPqltQnvQA-X6FGk68iA1Sw/s1600/IMG_6938+reclaimed+lounge+chair.JPG" height="320" width="279" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The lounge chairs were sourced off the Internet. That they were made from wood reclaimed from waters where timber operations once floated lumber to market: a lesson in miracles made real from unlikely sources. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> A lesson in gratitude courtesy of feathered friends: B</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">irds don't need fancy houses.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Use what you have on-hand.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8b9WgbnylQzOZBQ56IfRMUk4hnCkwSPwt4u7-25n1wU4xRqLwzke1bebgrDFA2L31lC5pp_OJ_3mmUoXOvLTlT_2qP_j_eWCdPC-7OokvO5pePqrRcj5lHceVjK8XRBieX5ygy93r6w/s1600/IMG_6931+Pond+elevation.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8b9WgbnylQzOZBQ56IfRMUk4hnCkwSPwt4u7-25n1wU4xRqLwzke1bebgrDFA2L31lC5pp_OJ_3mmUoXOvLTlT_2qP_j_eWCdPC-7OokvO5pePqrRcj5lHceVjK8XRBieX5ygy93r6w/s1600/IMG_6931+Pond+elevation.JPG" height="245" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> A pond features two small waterfalls at each end. Using solar power and managing the hours it runs in daylight to when they are outside reaps the most enjoyment at the lowest cost. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Pretty is very important." Smart is equally so. The homeowners' obsessive attention to detail makes this garden both. For example- the low retaining wall is more conducive to efficient use of water than slopes. It also creates a visually cohesive match to the elevation rise required for the waterfall at the garden's edge. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Locally- Georgia recommends the Lake Forest/ El Toro <a href="http://www.greenthumbinternational.net/">Green Thumb Nursery </a> as having the best selection in pond supplies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Home-schooling Clarissa and Audrey, Georgia uses the garden to enhance lesson plans and draw the family together. This is a family garden. One where on Sunday pizza is made on the barbecue.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mandevilla trained beneath barbecue island </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Meet Clarissa. A Renaissance-woman in training. At 4 minutes into the video you'll see the sisters bonding over pizza. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Little sis' is pretty good with designing fairy garden and cooking. Check out her food blog<a href="http://www.thatharpistcancook.com/"> here</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There is more to this garden- but you MUST simply come to the Open Garden Tour to experience what a treasure this family has created. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Until we meet again- Thank YOU for all YOU do to make the world more beautiful.</i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.466667175293px;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span><i style="line-height: 21.466667175293px;">This family garden is just one of five gardens The Rose Society of Saddleback Mountain is featuring in support of Plant Biology Science and Horticultural Scholarships at local universities and colleges. </i></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.466667175293px;"><i>Date: Saturday, May 09, 2015</i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.466667175293px;"><i>Time: 10 AM until 4 PM</i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.466667175293px;"><i>To order Tickets for the self-guided tour, or for more information, please click<a href="http://www.rosesrosesroses.org/gardentour2015.php" style="color: #956839;"> here</a>, or phone (949) 837- 2141. </i></span></div>
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Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03215242522396155812noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2353280526628627983.post-19623371702929320022015-04-25T14:57:00.002-07:002015-04-26T07:35:32.594-07:00Rose Society of Saddleback Mountain~ Sneak Peek of The Elegant and Enchanting Garden Tour 2015~ Part II<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff3db;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> A tiny hummingbird rests on a gurgling fountain</td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is not a fragment in all of Nature, for every relative fragment of one thing is a full harmonious unit in itself."</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~John Muir</span></i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">European Country architecture embraced in California</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">Fire~Water. Sunshine~Shade. Active~ Passive. Hilltop~ Valley. Walk through a garden of seeming contrasts bound into a harmonious whole.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">It wasn't always so. Like Eliza Doolittle in <i>My Fair Lady</i>, this was a garden in need of someone with vision and tenacity to take charge for it to maximize its potential. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Enter Michel and Jo Faris. They looked past obvious difficulties (steep terrain and ivy strangling gardens composed of hodgepodge plantings) to the lists of assets. Mature trees- there were already towering redwoods, ancient coast live oaks and monumental eucalyptus. The plant collections (camellias, roses and azaleas) were impressive in number. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This was a garden meant to multi-task. It was graced with space and a sense of place. The couple decided they wanted to take on the task. They would guide <i>Le Reve</i> (The Dream) to its best possible self.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here follows a sampling of how they filled weekends for the last eight years:</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTAkdeXGtw2zbSWNR4qB__aIJ17HRyvAYM8cAItnT4ZGk4PrGxSGBgZE4W8I8apW7ZZCMnVEYrVo7S_HA2gxjNVHsjKnkNnXBH3ZN1HKQIVvLSpvd4vSRY0IZHv0Tli805TgVNkjxGw/s1600/IMG_6862+Dry+stream+bed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTAkdeXGtw2zbSWNR4qB__aIJ17HRyvAYM8cAItnT4ZGk4PrGxSGBgZE4W8I8apW7ZZCMnVEYrVo7S_HA2gxjNVHsjKnkNnXBH3ZN1HKQIVvLSpvd4vSRY0IZHv0Tli805TgVNkjxGw/s1600/IMG_6862+Dry+stream+bed.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A gently arched rail echoes the window detail on house</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When the rains come, water tumbles down a seasonal stream bed. The element of water is not just liquid- it is an auditory connection to earth. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6RhshnfQxkBwyv0azi0-WZrjuTnZ9EcG6RBb0yGJWpWdzr7GaiXN0m52ysFM9cY_UC8oURISsRzzIR8YY8BsZQR-Pqa8zgTV75VmTNXQq2f3II4i4-kslYDgqVkcbEfk7NmQyhSrRdQ/s1600/IMG_6874+nasturtium+field+next+door.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6RhshnfQxkBwyv0azi0-WZrjuTnZ9EcG6RBb0yGJWpWdzr7GaiXN0m52ysFM9cY_UC8oURISsRzzIR8YY8BsZQR-Pqa8zgTV75VmTNXQq2f3II4i4-kslYDgqVkcbEfk7NmQyhSrRdQ/s1600/IMG_6874+nasturtium+field+next+door.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The borrowed landscape has a wildness to it, enhancing the sense of space</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It dissipates through a neighboring field of wild nasturtium. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Existing roses were moved to sunnier locations</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like solving a Rubik's Cube, Michel enacted a plan which respected "what works best in which areas." He made note of the mini-ecosystems and determined which were friendliest to specific plants, then went to work. Roses, lingering unhappily in shade, were gathered and moved to higher, sunnier spots. The camellias are happier where roses pouted. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The shaded lower elevations are naturally moisture retentive. Filling in along pathways with groupings of ferns and hydrangeas maximized the potential for long-term success. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A most delicious groundcover- mints are allowed to run free in one corner of the garden</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1b0431;">Mint is a rather loved as shade-tolerant ground cover to tip-toe through. On occasion, </span><span style="color: #1b0431;"> </span><span style="color: #1b0431;">as Michel shaves them short, </span><span style="color: #1b0431;">the scents of some half-a-dozen varieties are released into the air. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1b0431; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Passing by a leptospermum (so large and floriferous I was tempted to ask if the New Zealand tea tree was fed steroids for fertilizer), we paused at one of their fruit trees. Jo handed me a pineapple guava blossom to taste. <i>Oh, joy!</i> It was like petals infused with cinnamon. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtG4D1shkAPlyyCaSpUijeEz3n1vJADawSd6WzD2cDUIe4haHWfdKihFT6NHAqGdqTWgyUZwVi1wgjRLAVe4VwrOB8Jh8U3EX30TMCcKv4XeVzETWJNI_Rb4IdVbCR2Eqv8qqRGk_DNA/s1600/IMG_6875+Tree+fern+trunk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtG4D1shkAPlyyCaSpUijeEz3n1vJADawSd6WzD2cDUIe4haHWfdKihFT6NHAqGdqTWgyUZwVi1wgjRLAVe4VwrOB8Jh8U3EX30TMCcKv4XeVzETWJNI_Rb4IdVbCR2Eqv8qqRGk_DNA/s1600/IMG_6875+Tree+fern+trunk.JPG" height="400" width="251" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Conservationists at heart, not much is torn out of the garden. A tree fern dies: the trunk is reincarnated as snag to hang a lantern from. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Jo is convinced. When she told her builder to "clean off the rocks and use them" for the backwall of the pool, "the contractor must have thought I was crazy."</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSOPw58lLZH0iZiT_z9cjAEZdPUt6gUlGQes0QOYCKRpRnAYRObV0d4mvQjZBp2z6JKg4GxHFuNG9k4XxofxBFyNhvp_AykbpDcfRwAEl5hi_ZtBxw8RDzedqh93g0MkQDHIlmOTghg/s1600/IMG_6879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSOPw58lLZH0iZiT_z9cjAEZdPUt6gUlGQes0QOYCKRpRnAYRObV0d4mvQjZBp2z6JKg4GxHFuNG9k4XxofxBFyNhvp_AykbpDcfRwAEl5hi_ZtBxw8RDzedqh93g0MkQDHIlmOTghg/s1600/IMG_6879.JPG" height="292" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Colorful lanterns add charm </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When an over-shaded spot of </span><span style="font-size: small;"> lawn was removed from the vale, much more practical decomposed granite became the flooring for a newly developed greet-and- eat space. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The table is a braai- the lid lifts to expose a barbecue grill.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For this couple, South Africa is more than an abstraction. It is a place embedded in their hearts. Not only is it where Michel was born, they were married on the shores of the Crocodile River. Their home and garden are filled with references and remembrances this other land they both love. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvFnVNB5J_PJxmMEMwzjuRf_j_0w_NzHd2czddzOUidtwguXsViCxRIKxTP2q_abpkqejsHAOKBMnX9ny742blFOxARO9bSh0Nv4f7n4mMSh_XcI3ty2AQWD0kIIyTW8foEBuZa9PUw/s1600/IMG_6878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78nEzAIslPRL7J5h6tyCObWx2-CNT75HwsssbYNy36fRrd4ffFQchjMgrE3VungVAZe_VYWFZtlvYGSkSXgmTYg2QY5okXati4W7Bt5-MvP9IJNs2_9Ci-hkiDGjsMVsIiBysW6creg/s1600/IMG_6877+barbecue+table.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78nEzAIslPRL7J5h6tyCObWx2-CNT75HwsssbYNy36fRrd4ffFQchjMgrE3VungVAZe_VYWFZtlvYGSkSXgmTYg2QY5okXati4W7Bt5-MvP9IJNs2_9Ci-hkiDGjsMVsIiBysW6creg/s1600/IMG_6877+barbecue+table.JPG" height="400" width="243" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #1b0431; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jo spent months hunting on the internet for a braai- Afrikaans for the favored barbecue in her husband's homeland. This style of casual entertainment fits perfectly in Southern California. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFbbMnne-kj1XD0GDJ2ChW2s2EDSmvqBMIlep7NJWeVInvmY72kHleEkox6xxJEbIj-4CssEtGqd-RM_YLdZxOQMPZ3ztDJAtHx2S_HBaoE4uf1pRUZi-mwo-Q6qzcz_pYUKjNJkjoQ/s1600/IMG_6903+flowering+shade.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFbbMnne-kj1XD0GDJ2ChW2s2EDSmvqBMIlep7NJWeVInvmY72kHleEkox6xxJEbIj-4CssEtGqd-RM_YLdZxOQMPZ3ztDJAtHx2S_HBaoE4uf1pRUZi-mwo-Q6qzcz_pYUKjNJkjoQ/s1600/IMG_6903+flowering+shade.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We leave you with scenes from where they start the day. On the stoep. The Afrikaans nomenclature for the small porch where coffee is sipped and the joys of nature marveled at.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvb2TLu7RQIPKJhZrSK5WB3HYmA63hqAtkUPic_QfvNRXjz9RQciscekYY08W7c3sc3koc6digTsrcG2r03omvOc1H0-AAyvRbXTwxM4tdY4CsdAaZXTXFrpZbnXQW4akHcZWD-jgdBA/s1600/IMG_6909+patio+feeder.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvb2TLu7RQIPKJhZrSK5WB3HYmA63hqAtkUPic_QfvNRXjz9RQciscekYY08W7c3sc3koc6digTsrcG2r03omvOc1H0-AAyvRbXTwxM4tdY4CsdAaZXTXFrpZbnXQW4akHcZWD-jgdBA/s1600/IMG_6909+patio+feeder.JPG" height="251" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;">What they see~ One day, hummingbirds may be dancing for position at the feeder. Another day, a Cooper's hawk may be nesting nearby. Everyday, there is a good deal to be said of the virtues of a garden such as this. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMtaSC9neHTyYB_AuzIGxVwzCZG5wDN3Yq1_d9Tm8wL0IjNQvtEQjbzWF5YH3qZAMf-vB5rD4nSEfNqoVmO0r-4oyjE5XTaiWAY7hvB_FD8s6xInh3NrqBL4yRWdg70FMMH744GdAzA/s1600/IMG_6838+Isabella+and+Bandit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMtaSC9neHTyYB_AuzIGxVwzCZG5wDN3Yq1_d9Tm8wL0IjNQvtEQjbzWF5YH3qZAMf-vB5rD4nSEfNqoVmO0r-4oyjE5XTaiWAY7hvB_FD8s6xInh3NrqBL4yRWdg70FMMH744GdAzA/s1600/IMG_6838+Isabella+and+Bandit.JPG" height="400" width="308" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Isabella and 'Bandit' at home </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">None more important than the values it imparts to a child. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvQ9P7Z3aMa7iycM5QPv2tkEqix-cJY_mVZf06z7oGrgv0l1ElJEbRSHEao1CXLf1Jz60vD4ej_GH9bW0mQACtXKkIkt5SEXgMcTpvYaDlbp4E2uPsnr1SvsKczLUkfPw_a48YIf2KA/s1600/IMG_6857+Playhouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvQ9P7Z3aMa7iycM5QPv2tkEqix-cJY_mVZf06z7oGrgv0l1ElJEbRSHEao1CXLf1Jz60vD4ej_GH9bW0mQACtXKkIkt5SEXgMcTpvYaDlbp4E2uPsnr1SvsKczLUkfPw_a48YIf2KA/s1600/IMG_6857+Playhouse.JPG" height="331" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A shower curtain for a door to playhouse was mom's idea.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By what she sees her parents create, this daughter of good fortune will grow to know that for success, hard work is not an option. Beauty is born of blood and sweat. In patience and pride.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next up is a totally different, but equally wonderful garden, in San Clemente. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Until we meet again- Thank YOU for all YOU do to make the world more beautiful.</i></span></div>
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<i style="line-height: 21.466667175293px;">The Faris family garden is just one of five gardens The Rose Society of Saddleback Mountain is featuring in support of Plant Biology Science and Horticultural Scholarships at local universities and colleges. </i></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.466667175293px;"><i>Date: Saturday, May 09, 2015</i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.466667175293px;"><i>Time: 10 AM until 4 PM</i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.466667175293px;"><i>To order Tickets for the self-guided tour, or for more information, please click<a href="http://www.rosesrosesroses.org/gardentour2015.php" style="color: #956839;"> here</a>, or phone (949) 837- 2141. </i></span></div>
Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03215242522396155812noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2353280526628627983.post-54502884470211486022015-04-23T22:39:00.000-07:002015-04-25T10:48:33.927-07:00Rose Society of Saddleback Mountain ~ Sneak Peak of The 2015 Elegant and Enchanting Garden Tour ~ Part 1 <br />
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<i>"There is a serene and settled majesty to woodland scenery that enters into the soul and delights and elevates it, and fills it with noble inclinations."</i></div>
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<i>~Washington Irving</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvav-UAFjV3X9txSAfaQmDVDS_bi0enkvzmdK9xsaBSgUzWRAZYpQ-rzH3mVsP3I09Qg00zm9QvM6QIes7wZ28_YhA0hyM3GmsewHjzpeJCG4R2sZgTZXtv6ItK_40SYmYypIDr7DHhg/s1600/IMG_6834+Jo+Michelle+Faris+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvav-UAFjV3X9txSAfaQmDVDS_bi0enkvzmdK9xsaBSgUzWRAZYpQ-rzH3mVsP3I09Qg00zm9QvM6QIes7wZ28_YhA0hyM3GmsewHjzpeJCG4R2sZgTZXtv6ItK_40SYmYypIDr7DHhg/s1600/IMG_6834+Jo+Michelle+Faris+.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption(L) Michel was born in South Africa. His education completed in Italy. (R) Jo is a California girl</td></tr>
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Once upon a time, not so long ago, in 2007, Michel and Jo Faris were searching for their dream home when they came upon a property on the end of a cul de sac in San Juan Capistrano. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLEbW9i67CGVs2rmG9fwEPqGBaUpRBXxhfZvbiSTBCd5uPxUVwvQpPY4Y_puY-uLeGN1I1pmSCZTiuuL_uKfL9gwTJ9MU0ylmZg7bQP-bH3l3p0xhO9oRTU7banjsIeDUUz5HPO4cFQ/s1600/IMG_6825+House+faux+bridge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLEbW9i67CGVs2rmG9fwEPqGBaUpRBXxhfZvbiSTBCd5uPxUVwvQpPY4Y_puY-uLeGN1I1pmSCZTiuuL_uKfL9gwTJ9MU0ylmZg7bQP-bH3l3p0xhO9oRTU7banjsIeDUUz5HPO4cFQ/s1600/IMG_6825+House+faux+bridge.JPG" height="276" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> A faux bridge of timber extends the sense of space to their uniquely charming property</td></tr>
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The house itself features "good bones." Designed by Brion S. Jeannette, an architect known for location- specific custom homes, he made the most of a difficult lot, one slashed by a steep ravine and heavily wooded. With the garage and main entrance to one side, the couple recognized the unique opportunity to both create their own view, while retaining their privacy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOmPamX5sUT56RdOsKDh2RHlIIbfgZMaZjzRnQBBEUZ6IIr7UksjWPdak5JlaCpWONtg_bIjdYitP9c7JSPtIM5i0PbZqaOyXjk00XWgMiP8E0i-NG-9rwQGZ-PV9L4MrRp4lLHvcSA/s1600/IMG_6911_+Le+Reve.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOmPamX5sUT56RdOsKDh2RHlIIbfgZMaZjzRnQBBEUZ6IIr7UksjWPdak5JlaCpWONtg_bIjdYitP9c7JSPtIM5i0PbZqaOyXjk00XWgMiP8E0i-NG-9rwQGZ-PV9L4MrRp4lLHvcSA/s1600/IMG_6911_+Le+Reve.JPG" height="278" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The roses are in bud. They be in full bloom for the tour.</td></tr>
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The garden would take a lot of work. It was overrun with ivy. Unkempt. The plant collections in disarray. None of which phased this couple.<br />
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Perhaps his instincts for guiding the property were formed as a little boy. Michel smiles, remembering "I followed mom with a little shovel."<br />
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Side by side, in collaboration with each other, the couple worked tirelessly to release the full beauty and usefulness of the garden setting.<br />
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Eight years later, the gates of 'Le Reve', French for <i>The Dream, </i>will open for the charitable event.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5J-I3K86Qp8Ik2iVGuMXoAc332vCbSPfSA-kgMhXlPUDvvJyoMCFx-f-s9TU4aNTp9AuCo31TpgPcYCm_lG3Wx_zoXVerPGlJx0HBpX5E00HWrA3IxuZ-1iWfT2KvK66sreOqKJD_g/s1600/IMG_6869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5J-I3K86Qp8Ik2iVGuMXoAc332vCbSPfSA-kgMhXlPUDvvJyoMCFx-f-s9TU4aNTp9AuCo31TpgPcYCm_lG3Wx_zoXVerPGlJx0HBpX5E00HWrA3IxuZ-1iWfT2KvK66sreOqKJD_g/s1600/IMG_6869.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isabella loves the tree swing</td></tr>
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If you come, you will experience the fairy tale qualities to the home and garden shared by Michel, Jo and their absolutely charming daughter, Isabella .<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSaM5b8FzJI8xoJmInRPJfJ_-AUcAeaP2-Q4m-FpuHXwccoXhwMXjP-hNLJPi5f0-0SxFhWQej46VZz8XER_nOWhwztieB5Tb5cSw7GckG8YKzO0FJWa6ZXNYK6ZaptCBBsf8oyKqIfA/s1600/IMG_6829+Hedge+to+front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSaM5b8FzJI8xoJmInRPJfJ_-AUcAeaP2-Q4m-FpuHXwccoXhwMXjP-hNLJPi5f0-0SxFhWQej46VZz8XER_nOWhwztieB5Tb5cSw7GckG8YKzO0FJWa6ZXNYK6ZaptCBBsf8oyKqIfA/s1600/IMG_6829+Hedge+to+front.JPG" height="289" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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Walking up the driveway, when it is in bloom,there is no escaping the sweet scent of jasmine. Tied to a wooden grid, its practical purpose, to mask the mismatched fencing on the property line, discretely.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNrgflwCw_8zc6AO9kQRqg5gb7BoBjgpEzYjkMMkQVxRFct7X3xDnP45mXI8C5FCJ0l8bnySgfjurk5utZc6LzK92yV7K-wQgkFxvVj1GfUd6kM7wASvfan0i9Jj_bjazItesBd_xXQ/s1600/IMG_6853.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNrgflwCw_8zc6AO9kQRqg5gb7BoBjgpEzYjkMMkQVxRFct7X3xDnP45mXI8C5FCJ0l8bnySgfjurk5utZc6LzK92yV7K-wQgkFxvVj1GfUd6kM7wASvfan0i9Jj_bjazItesBd_xXQ/s1600/IMG_6853.JPG" height="277" width="400" /></a></div>
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Bougainvillea and grapes now entwine a simple arbor. The pots beneath brake balls in flight before they can escape a small sports lawn.</div>
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There is a story on the ironwork above the garage... </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzQ7e6Lk4btbemr2YvdfRVFhDnT173guym2bifP5G5l8wiThp6OtidhPNO0WzMZwZSJ8CfQvjiZqZIbTHvJXgOETtQc3qrq8sa9LQ9PPY0WgU1DpQ2jYNSitXnuEujL3lywoxj778DQ/s1600/IMG_6835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzQ7e6Lk4btbemr2YvdfRVFhDnT173guym2bifP5G5l8wiThp6OtidhPNO0WzMZwZSJ8CfQvjiZqZIbTHvJXgOETtQc3qrq8sa9LQ9PPY0WgU1DpQ2jYNSitXnuEujL3lywoxj778DQ/s1600/IMG_6835.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The symmetry of the architecture repeated in matching potted plants at the entrance.</span></span></td></tr>
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It was repurposed from railing removed when the stoop at the main entrance was made friendlier through enlarging its footprint. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3I5AdqbfM6ZvtL4aM08CG6Y7qcvnTrB7HH61Lj9PJlaFvRYSTioZsZUO1asn0PxVEtA7sGb-AZsVx_mwQD-jzgAZNmQsP-nz_KrVqjtcPLEqgZi4UZm37uxEct3YlXM-1PPg5Df3kQ/s1600/IMG_6845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3I5AdqbfM6ZvtL4aM08CG6Y7qcvnTrB7HH61Lj9PJlaFvRYSTioZsZUO1asn0PxVEtA7sGb-AZsVx_mwQD-jzgAZNmQsP-nz_KrVqjtcPLEqgZi4UZm37uxEct3YlXM-1PPg5Df3kQ/s1600/IMG_6845.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Every window in the home is oriented towards a garden view. Jo says if one pays attention that even in the mild Southern California climate "There are four distinct seasons." <br />
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More about this wondrous garden, and the people who dreamed her into being, in my next post.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #1b0431; line-height: 21.466667175293px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Until we meet again, Thank YOU for all YOU do to make the world more beautiful. </span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 21.466667175293px;"><i>The Faris family garden is just one of five gardens The Rose Society of Saddleback Mountain is featuring in support of Plant Biology Science and Horticultural Scholarships at local universities and colleges. </i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.466667175293px;"><i>Date: Saturday, May 09, 2015</i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.466667175293px;"><i>Time: 10 AM until 4 PM</i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21.466667175293px;"><i>To order Tickets for the self-guided tour, or for more information, please click<a href="http://www.rosesrosesroses.org/gardentour2015.php" style="color: #956839;"> here</a>, or phone (949) 837- 2141. </i></span><br />
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Lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03215242522396155812noreply@blogger.com3