I Just Couldn't Help Myself!

The Peony is such a beautiful flower.  It also seems like such a graceful and romantic
flower.

The peonies in my garden  have several buds but only a few have opened so today
while I was at the farmers market and saw bunches of peonies for sale...well, I just
couldn't help myself!

For some reason the colors this year seem more vibrant than usual.  Even the buds on
my plants in the garden seem more vivid.  Growing up on the east coast we had peony
plants in our yard for as long as I can remember and they were always light pink or
dark pink or white.  This year the pinks(even the light pinks)are much more vibrant and
I have even seen a couple of orange and dark maroon peonies!  I will be sticking with
the pinks and whites this year but who knows about next year.

When I first cut or buy peonies I put them in my sap bucket with ice cold water and let
them rest outside for a little while.

When the flowers have rested I bring them inside...

Hmm, these romantic beauties are perfect with old silver...especially not polished...

Have a lovely week!

Summer Bounty

As I have mentioned before, we have a wonderful 

Farmers' Market

in my neighborhood.

Last Sunday as I was walking around the market I couldn’t help

but be inspired by the summer’s bounty. I rejoice in knowing that

all these beautiful fruits and vegetables from the earth are so nutritious

and feed our body with such amazing health and well being.

I hope you are enjoying your summer bounty, as well.

Have a sunny day!

Fence Me In or Don't Fence Me In

I have been trying to make a decision about something and it was very much on my
mind when I went for my usual Sunday morning walk today. It's nothing really
important, but still, I have to make a decision.  You might say I'm on the fence
about this decision.

I always enjoy this walk because it puts me in touch with my neighbors and
neighborhood and I always end up at the Farmers’ Market which is a favorite of
my weekend outings.

As I was walking today I kept noticing all of the different kinds of fences my
neighbors have around their yards. Maybe I just happen to notice it more today
because I’m on the fence about a decision I have to make. You just never know
how things come together!

We certainly have a great variety of fences and lots of roses, hydrangeas, agapanthus,
cactus and tall grasses.  Here are a few that stood out to me this morning...

And look at this sweet little willow fence...

I love the variety.  How about you...Do you have a fence around your yard?  If so,
what is it like?  Or, by any chance, are you trying to make a decision about something?

Today is Farmers' Market Day...

I always look forward to Sunday morning at the farmers’ market. It’s a wonderful
place to meet up with neighbors who I never get a chance to see during the week
because of all our hectic schedules. And, of course the beautiful fresh vegetables and
fruit. Today I arrived very early and many of the farmers were just setting up but
pleasure was already in the air...

 There's something for everyone...

Right now it is strawberry time in California and this makes the market day extra special.
They are all so sweet and plump and juicy...

The peaches are divine... 

There are also, of course, all the extras...like mushrooms...

and chocolate...

And herbs...

Breads and pastries of all sorts...

I’m always captivated by the variety of vegetables...so many different shapes and
colors and sizes...

Some want to make a statement...

And the orchids...

And the flowers....

I love the look of the flowers wrapped in newspaper when you purchase them.
It reminds me of my time in Paris.

I hope you are having a lovely day.