A New Garden

We are cleaning up our backyard. Rafael has been thinking and drawing, working on a solution for a big space in a cold climate.



We are going to be able to reuse much of the brick and the pavers that were part of the original garden in the 1940s. This makes me happy, because it's green and resourceful and shabby-chic trendy and all that, but also because it preserves the choices of the original owners who left the house to us, and I like to think that they are pleased by the changes.

Dinner Party

We had a lovely dinner party a few nights ago, but we only took pictures of the kids. Great food-blogging skills, Mama!

First course:
Avocados and vinaigrette



Main course:
Baked Tilapia with Ginger-chili Mayonnaise



Sides:
Zucchini Fritters
Roasted Asparagus and Mushrooms



Dessert:
Pear Tarte, again!



Drinks:
Cosmopolitans
Russian River Pinot Noir



Big girls love cosmopolitans. Little girls love grandpas, even when they are not their own.

Solitude

Does it mean that I'm a bad mother if all I wish for is some quiet time alone?

Rose Garden

These roses grow wild in our wild garden.


They don't get much sun. We never water them. They bloom in a cold climate.


They never fail to remind me of the gifts and graces of our day-to-day-life.

Happy Mother's Day

Look at the sweet card they made for me!

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme

I have always wanted plant herbs in the garden, and I think I will try to do so this year. Rosemary does very well here, and oregano does too. I love lavender, but the French kind, not the English. It will look lovely near the roses if it will stick there.

It's not hot enough for basil. Thyme and chives ought to do fine. What else should I try? Any suggestions or advice?