Blossoms from my studio window

I had to share a stunning tree blooming outside my studio window.
I can't get enough and neither can the bees.
The showers of blossoms blow me away!

Building my raised garden box

I love my power tools!

I pre-drilled the holes, then screwed together the 6'x6' box...

and placed it on the 6'x6' area of earth I dug up a few days ago.

I excavated a little bit around the edge so the box would sit nicely in the earth. Then I added organic cotton boll compost, some extra phosphorous and organic vegetable garden food. I had taken my soil test results to Good Earth Garden Center and they told me what to add.
You can also see the little path I built last week so I could walk between my two plots. The first garden bed was already in place from a previous owner, but it also needed the soil amendments.

Soon I will plant my spinach, arugula and carrots! (just have to construct my wire guards to keep the squirrels out first)

Happy 40th Earth Day!

The twist & spout is a great design product AND helps you get a bit greener! I love the look of the handle/spout on a glass 'O' (safeway organics) lemon soda bottle. I think I'll slowly collect a few bottles, each for different plant food and just switch out the top.

The kitties agree its fab!

Clouds, Gardening, Rain and Reading

Today I used my new push reel mower for the first time. I had so much fun -- I mowed the whole lawn (which is a lot of mowing). Fun you say? Yes! I'm one of those people that have a hard time going to a gym just to work out. However, if its productive work - I love it! It felt great and my Fiskars manual mower is fabulous!!!

I also managed to get the new 6'x6' addition to my little garden plot started (earth turned, grass out, soon it'll be 6'x12') before the rain started. Such a nice spring thunderstorm even though it didn't last long. I sat on the front porch watching the rain come down while the sun shined -- a special experience I relish. And I snuck in another chapter from "Out Stealing Horses" by Per Peterson --
a book I highly recommend.

Vintage Postcard Find

One of my favorite weekend activities is to peruse
vintage / thrift shop / antique shops ...
Here is my find from yesterday - a postcard of Niagra Falls.

hoping for sun

We all have enjoyed this sunny week, but the weather report is calling for rain today into this weekend! I know we need it but I was really hoping it would be another gorgeous day so I could work outside. I just bought a push / reel mower and am looking forward to the exercise and the smell of freshly cut grass. As I write this the sun shines brightly, but as I look up at Pikes Peak, I see heavy clouds covering it... and headed our way.

Hope you have a great weekend whatever the weather may be in your neck of the woods!

Spring Flowers & Pruning

This morning I was outside in the sunny weather pruning the Russian Sage. I must say that's one of the most delightful tasks -- I love the smell of sage! I also am trying to figure out what this blooming shrub/tree is -- there are two planted in front of the house. They are packed in with lilac and spirea.

One of the surprises of spring in a new home is finding out what plants and shrubs have been planted in the past. I have at least 5 rose bushes around the house planted by some previous owner - how exciting!

Happy Belated Oestre

I have to admit I love dying eggs in the spring. My favorite kinds of dye are natural - like onion skins, cabbage, coffee, beets.... don't forget the vinegar!

Pale Blue & Yellow

In the Spring, I love pale blues and yellows with thin layers and lace...
I made the necklace from stones I bought at the Denver bead show in September. Very happy to finally be wearing them!

Have a great weekend!

chicken pot pie in dutch oven

I finally got to use my little blue le creuset dutch oven when I baked my first chicken pot pie. I used organic free-range chicken from Wholefoods, with organic corn/peas/carrots and some cream of corn soup as the base. And I learned that no matter how many layers of butter you incorporate into filo dough, its still not puff pastry.
Turned out tasty though.

champagne mangoes

came across these champagne mangoes at Wholefoods recently... so delicious, the fruit just melts in my mouth!

antique market find

I am so excited about my Red Wing vase! I found it for $5 and I just love the shape and color.




Happy Easter, Spring or whatever you celebrate!
A time for renewal and joy for the spring green poking out.

currently working on...

I created a poster for a summer of printmaking and creative contraptions children's art classes. Stephie Morton is a dedicated and inspiring lady - more info about her programs here.