Termites!

I just got an estimate to have my little cottage fumigated for termites.  It's an older home, built in the 1940's.  The man who gave did the inspection told me that it needs to be tented.  Fortunately, it's a very small house.  They will also be replacing some of the wood on the chicken coop and will replace the back door.  Maintenance is a constant when you own property.

It will be a relief when it is all finished.  I need to trim the conifers near the front porch so that they don't touch the wood posts.  The material will be pulled taut between the posts and the trees.  I have electric shears that work very well, and they are light and easy to carry. 

I remember when we first moved to California from Seattle, Washington, my parents decided not to purchase an older, Spanish style home.  Their offer had been accepted, but the  house that didn't pass the termite inspection.  Instead, they chose a newer home that was not as charming, but it was in excellent condition and in the top school district.

 Many years later, they found another Spanish style home in a fantastic neighborhood.  It was worth the wait.  We didn't know the area when they discovered the first place.  I'm glad now they didn't get it.  In retrospect, I can see that it wasn't located in a very appealing neighborhood.  My whole destiny would have been different regarding friends, dance training and schools.  In those days we thought the whole house would fall down if you had termites.   

Have you ever had them at your residence?  They are common in California. 

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Tree Trimming Estimate and Garden Update

carpet of apple blossoms in Wrightwood, California

The other day I had an arborist come and look at the mature oak and pine trees on my property and give me an estimate.  My neighbors and I agreed on what to do with some older oak trees on the boundary line. They  have struggled with a beetle.  They look very sick; it's sad.  The drought  caused them a lot of stress.  Fortunately, we had a tremendous amount of snow this past season.  It has made all the difference.  The soil is like chocolate cake!

healthy and strong rhubarb

We worked out a plan that everyone was happy with, and then I got an additional estimate for the trees that I own.  Most of these homes are on one lot.  Since I purchased four lots, there are many, many trees.  My favorites are the cypress.  They have such a special look and feel.  The man trimming the trees told me that they look very healthy, too.  I just love them.

a walk along the river bed

The rhubarb is growing like mad!  Little baby shoots uncurl overnight.  It really multiplies.  The apricots are ready to pick, and I spotted my first tomato on the vine.  Gardening is so nurturing and rewarding.  I feel fortunate to live in a climate that is so conducive to growing food.  I am also thankful that I bought property at such an excellent price.  It was a sound investment.

What are you growing?    

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Long Hard Hours, Weeding

I have been spending most of my time raking leaves and pulling weeds.  I love the gorgeous land at the cabin, but it is a big responsibility.  Fortunately, the mulch has made it very easy to pull out the long, green grasses.  Cleaning up the property is excellent exercise, and it makes me grateful for my ballet discipline.

I put  the cherry trees into the ground, and planted the the grape vine.  I also divided the sage, which has expanded in size. The leaves have gotten huge!  They are so fragrant.  I love using them to season chicken and stuffing.  Sage tea  makes a gentle bath herb, too.

I had another close  call with Lula.  An Australian cattle dog which has the wild  Dingo ancestry  burst through an short electric fence into our yard yesterday when we were practicing obedience training.  The dog has been acting very aggressive towards her.  He's dominant and obsessed.  I used my voice to yell like a banshee and the dog ran back home.  It looks like I will be putting up some redwood fencing there for safety and security.  I constantly carry pepper spray and have it in my hand.  The officer from Animal Control suggested that I get a dog catcher tool.  If you take pictures, they will issue a citation.  After the last attack from another nearby house, I have no patience for any further incidents.   

It's been challenging to see how many people here are ignoring the restrictions and having parties, refusing to practice social distancing, and it seems that almost none of them wear masks.  I just sigh.  I am fortunate to live alone and can pick up my produce at the co op.  Everyone there is very respectful and conscientious.  I've even had a lot of people roll their eyes and make sarcastic comments when they see my mask.  I experienced many of the Covid-19 symptoms last November, after my cruise to the Mediterranean.  We were in Italy and Spain, and there were so many people on board from China.  On the plane ride home, I felt a sense of panic and became extremely ill. I couldn't stop coughing for fifteen hours on the flight.  I remember how difficult it was for me to carry my purse at the airport.  It felt SO heavy, and I didn't know why.  Now I do.  After departing I  felt like I needed a wheelchair.  My photo at customs looked like that of  a drug addict.  I got better after resting for five days, eating lots of garlic and preparing  healthy foods.  I definitely wear a mask now, after reading all of the stories about the doctors, nurses, and people who have died from this virus.

Are you staying healthy?   

A Tiny Garden In The Mountains

the Jeffrey Pines smell like vanilla

I planted a miniature garden last week, up at the cabin.  It's a petite rectangle, which I encircled with pine cones.   A few of my neighbors have noticed it, and commented that it looks pretty.  I wanted something simple and natural for people to see when they walked by, or rode their bikes.  I brought  up a couple of my mom's animal figurines from her old house.  They really work well with the trees.  The seller left behind a ceramic duck that I added, too.  I love the old, majestic oaks.  They are so wise and ancient. 

I dug up and relocated some of the irises that had multiplied at the pink cottage.  I transplanted several lilac seedlings that were sprouting underneath the deck.  I also bought a couple of six packs of hollyhocks, and spaced them wide, since they will get huge.

one of my neighbor's gardens

I plan to add geraniums, sage, oregano, lemon thyme and cilantro.  I chose plants that need very little water, since I have to lug it up the hill.  I may buy a long extension hose.  How's your garden doing?

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.

The Rhubarb Is Teeming With Life!

As some of you know, I have tried to grow rhubarb in the past, but without success.  I've always wanted to grow it.  It's not easy in our climate.  This year, the stalks are starting to swell, and it is nearly ready to harvest.  I am thrilled.  You have to wait for two years in order for the plant to develop the size and vigor it needs.  The first year they are kind of spindly.  They look like celery. 

the smaller ones on the right are new growth

I put these bulbs in last winter.  Because we've had a wonderful rainy season, the plant seems much happier is very vibrant.  Fortunately, the temperatures haven't been too high.   I feed it homemade compost tea, and  mulch it with straw.  The red wiggler worms have done an excellent job of nourishing the soil. 

a nearby apple tree in full bloom

It looks like I will be able to bake a rhubarb crisp in the near future.  It is usually very expensive in our grocery stores, so I am super excited to finally be able to produce it.  Have you tried planting rhubarb?

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.  

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Feeling More Determined To Stay Home In California

As I was driving home today, I heard on the radio that the beaches in LA County have now reopened, with restrictions.  As I listened to the criteria, I felt a knot in my stomach.  I am still going to proceed very cautiously, and watch the numbers.  I love the beach, too, but I still wouldn't risk going right now.

I went for an early morning bike ride with Lula this morning.  I stopped and chatted with a local in front of his home  about the virus.  He told me about a man that he used to work with, they installed  power lines.  He mentionedd that this employee was a recluse, and  lived alone.  During the pandemic, he went to the store, came home, and was dead in four days.  I listened to the story and felt shocked.
 
After finishing the tale, he came towards me to shake hands and introduce himself.  "Oh, no!  I can't," I explained.  I told him that I follow social distancing and am afraid of catching the virus.  Many people still are wanting to stand physically close to others.  It makes me very nervous. 

I see families mixing with other households, and people letting their kids play together.  Most of them aren't wearing masks.  I still wouldn't.  To me, it isn't worth the risk.  I recently had a flashback to my kindergarten days.  I was five years old, and living in Seattle, WA.  My mother received a phone call telling  her that one of the children in my class had contacted chicken pox.  My mother thanked the caller profusely and  looked my skin over carefully. To her relief, she didn't find any marks. I remember asking her, "What's chicken pox?"  I thought it had something to do with looking like a chicken.

The next morning, I woke up covered with pink spots.  My mom called the woman back, and it turns out that nearly everyone in our class had it.  I will never forget how quickly it had spread.  It seemed to happen overnight.  I remember the scabs, the itching, the lotion, and my mother fretting.  At least once you had contacted it, you were immune.  It was SO contagious!  You couldn't see it or feel it. 

With this virus, it's so much more dangerous.  My sense is that it is just as easy to contact, and just as persistent.  I feel fortunate that I have my own home and enjoy being in it.  I am able to exercise outside at quiet, private times.  I am thankful to enjoy cooking, reading, knitting and homemaking. 

How are you doing?  Do you know anyone who has had the virus? 

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.

  

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A Walk In The Sunshine Through The Evergreens

the lake reflecting the sun

This is one of my favorite places to walk.  I snapped some photos to show you...

The homes all have so much charm and character.  They are all different, and each one has its own personality.  I love all the trees and land.  It makes you feel protected.

I met some friendly dog walkers.  We stopped and chatted about hiking, our favorite trails, and discussed our dogs.  .

Do you have a favorite place to walk or bike where you live?

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but  comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.

Riding Your Bicycle In The Mountains

I have been really enjoying the new bike rack.  It's exciting to load  and head off to different locations.  It's so much safer than having to ride on a highway or through a busy, high traffic area.  Although right now, there are very few cars out on the road. 

these 15 foot tall lilacs are blooming in my garden

The lilacs are in bloom everywhere.  I love them.  Their gorgeous hues of purple, lavender  and white catch my eye as I walk Lula through our tree lined neighborhood.  Their heady fragrance is divine.  I picked a bouquet and placed them in a crystal vase that the seller had kindly left behind in the kitchen cupboard.  They smell heavenly.

The snow has melted, and the earth is warm.  Families are busy planting their gardens.  I love seeing the children connecting with nature and learning to grow their own food.  Vegetable and flower seedlings are flying off the shelves! 

How is the weather where you live?  Have you been spending more time outside? 

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated. 

Thankful For Soapmaking Skills During This Pandemic

public restrooms in Santa Monica, California

 
The other day I made a batch of soap.  I am so glad that I stocked up and ordered plenty of the oils and butters that I needed.   Like most of us, I never realized that this virus was coming.  It is now even more important  to wash our hands and face regularly.  It gives me comfort to know that I have plenty of soap stored in my cupboard, curing on the racks, and ready to use in the bathroom.

I had a little bit of trouble with my scale.   I think it needs a new battery.  It's so important to weigh all of your ingredients carefully,  and it's critical to be accurate.  It took several tries, but I finally got the scale to give me the exact reading that I needed. 

sinks on the island of Capri, Italy

For this batch I used: olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, lye and distilled water.  I added some Energy fragrance oil at trace.  It's been sitting in the molds on the kitchen table for a few days, under slabs of cardboard and a terry cloth towel.  I plan to put them into the freezer this afternoon and pop them out of the molds this evening.

After that, they will cure on the racks for several weeks.  It's so enjoyable to have mild, fragrant soaps that you have made yourself.  The bars moisturize your skin instead of drying it out or irritating it.  It took me a while to build up the nerve to start making it, but I am so glad that I did.       

Do you have enough soap at your house?  Do make your own, or do you buy it?

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.

Keeping Up On Hair and Nails During the Virus

Today I felt motivated to put some fresh henna in my hair.  The grey roots have been growing in, and I like to bump up the color with red, natural Avigail Henna.  At this stage of my life, I have to leave it on for four hours, to successfully cover the grey.  It always makes me feel happier and brighter once it's done, though.  My ends could use a trim, but I will hide them by braiding my hair and sweeping it up on top of my head.

I haven't been manicuring my nails since the pandemic hit, but today I will.  After they are scrubbed clean, I will carefully polish them with my favorite mauve color.  It's the little things that make us feel feminine and attractive. 

How are your hair and nails looking these days?  Are you doing your own maintenance at home?   

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please reply in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.

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