A Look Outside ....

Today is the second day painters are here working on the outside of my house. Both my dogs are pretty nervous about the noise and strange people, as usually this neighborhood is calm and quiet. My new dog Charlie is especially scared ... Oh, I realize you have not met Charlie yet! That's another post in a few days .... Anyway, I'm trying to stay inside and catch up on projects so the dogs feel more secure. Charlie and Sarah are right next to me as I type this.

Each year I treat myself to my home-grown artichokes. And each year I take photos of my plants to share with you. Are you thinking, "Oh, no, not those artichoke plants again!!" They started out as a couple little plants from my friend's garden. I didn't realize they got so tall, taller then me. And new plants develop each year! Probably next week I'll have to secure the plants to the fence with bungy cords to keep them from falling over.

The first photo shows one already in bloom. Will have to cook a few today.






On the other side of the fence is a kumquat bush. Pop a kumquat into your mouth for a sweet-sour experience!


Here's another shot of the kumquats, but do you see what I see to the left of center .... blackberries. Couldn't believe how far those plants have spread!


Here's the end of my rhubarb patch and a pretty big rosemary plant. I don't use a lot of rosemary, but do like marinating chicken breast pieces in olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper and chopped rosemary. Then grilling these pieces on the BBQ. So good! And you can guess what we do with rhubarb ... make crisps, sauces, pies, jams. Really great when combined with strawberries.