It’s all fun and games, people, until some planet loses a species. You know what I’m sayin? I’m talking about invasive plants–you know, the pretty ones that are easy to grow and spread, and then take over the world? As we plan for fall gardening, let’s do our part to stop these botanical bad guys before they start…
Flowers & Gardens
Bees and Thank You
Dear Readers,
Your response to A Book Deal for Bee Cottage has gob-smacked me, and I am so grateful to you I could bust. If you were wondering, I absolutely do read every single-dingle comment and treasure every word. Yessiree Bob I do. And I really appreciate your feedback on the book’s subtitle (to be continued). I’m not always able to respond individually, but trust me, hun, you are forever on my Love List. These simple bees and bouquets are for you especially. From my house, my garden, and my heart, thank you.
Summer Supper in the Garden at Bee Cottage
At least once a summer I like to have dinner in the garden where we do it up. So we did it up last weekend.
Postcard From Provence No. 2 – A-Painting We Will Go
Plein-air painting is not for sissies, let’s just get that straight right now. Why sit in a comfortable, climate-controlled studio, with actual furniture and an actual bathroom, when you can freeze, burn-up, blow away, be swarmed by Japanese tourists, trip on a tree root trying to get away, sprain your […]
Postcard From Provence No. 1 – Bonjour!
Bonjour from Aix-en-Provence, also known as Aix-and-Pains, though I don’t know why – maybe because it is hard to find a parking place. But that could be many places, non? I did once park here years ago only to return to the car to find it imprisoned by these scary […]
The Inimitable Frances Dittmer
When the smoldering wreckage was found Thursday, our worst fears were confirmed. Frances “Frannie” Dittmer, sole passenger, did not survive. If you want to read about one amazing, smart, talented, funny, art-connoisieur-ing, football-passing gal–and I’m not just saying that–read on…
Thanksgiving Decorating… and Puzzle Winner Announced
Thanksgiving at Rancho La Zaca, 2012. Ideas and inspiration for your holiday decorating.
Joyful, Joyful! Wedding Pictures From Rancho La Zaca (Finally)
Finally I got married (again) at the tender young age of don’t-make-me-say-it. And finally a year (and two weeks) later I am getting around to the photos because so many of you were so adorable to ask. Or maybe you were just been being nice… but JIC, here they are.
Happy Anniversary, Honey! Scenes from the Rehearsal Dinner
I did promise you pictures of the wedding, and here they are a year later. Didn’t want to rush you. Yes dear readers one year ago today my sweetheart and I were fixin’ to get hitched…
Some of My Best Friends Are Dahlias
How can you not love dahlias? My friend’s implication is that dahlias are somehow déclassé. Hmph. I remember when people used to feel that way about hydrangeas, and look what happened to them.
Loving Lotusland, a Garden (and a Gardener) Like No Other
Anybody with the stamina to marry six times is nothing if not energetic. Ganna Walksa was certainly that–and a visionary as well. Her beauty was legend, her voice sublime, her past a touch scandalous, and her portrait a gift from the czar of Russia. But her most fabulous legacy is Lotusland. Prepare to swoon.
Letter From the Loire – Part 2
Ever wonder why the Mona Lisa ended up in France instead of Italy? One of the benefits of travel is you wonder about things like this instead of why you missed the first season of Game of Thrones.