Baby Fruit and an Owl

 

The other day I was pleased to see that my cherry and apple trees are overflowing with small, green fruit!  All of the rain and snow that we received has really helped the gardens.  The bees have been buzzing around the citrus blossoms, doing a thorough and complete job of pollinating.  I will have a bumper crop of Meyer Lemons this year.  It's a satisfying feeling to see your future food stored in a thriving backyard orchard.

It's amazing how fast the fruit develops.  Soon the apricots will also be ready to harvest.  It's a dance to let the sun sweeten them before any observant wildlife decides to visit for a feast.  I will probably line them up on my kitchen counter soon, and let them ripen there.

My neighbor discovered a family of owls nesting in a Eucalyptus tree on our street.  They are such magnificent creatures.  Here is a photo she snapped of the male.  Look at those eyes!  They blend in very closely with the branches and leaves on the tree.  It can be very difficult to spot them.  I love the sound they make at night, when we are sleeping.

How is your garden growing?  

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Palm Springs: A Special Show at The Purple Room

  

A couple of weekends ago I took a last-minute trip to Palm Springs to see Tommy Tune and Lucie Arnaz doing a talk at The Purple Room.  Although the show was sold out, I phoned the box office and left a message.  I let them know that I had toured with Tommy and Lucie in "My One and Only," and asked if there was any standing room available.  

Within a few minutes, I received a call back.  The woman was very helpful and friendly.  She told me that they do get cancelations, and she would let me know.  She called me back shortly, excited to tell me she had received one!  Thrilled, I grabbed the latest available table. ( It's a supper club.)  I paid for my show ticket over the phone.

I had to shower and dress in twenty minutes in order to leave by 2:00 p.m.  I fed the dogs early, put on some quick make-up, chose a vintage gown from my closet, and began the two and a half to three-hour drive.  With very little traffic, I was in downtown Palm Springs by 4:30 p.m.  

It was easy to park, and a quick walk to the entrance of The Purple Room.  The dinner was excellent.  I selected the steak and potato.  The green salad with berries was fantastic, and the raspberry moscato tasted expensive and divine.  I ordered a foamy cappuccino for dessert.  I really enjoyed the performance.  I ran into Tommy's partner, Peter, meandering through the tables before the show.  He invited me to come back to see them in the lobby after the curtain dropped.   It was emotional and special to chat with Master Tune for a few minutes.  "Stephenie!  You always just appear!" he exclaimed.   Tommy gifted each of us one of these gorgeous purple signed prints.  I cherish mine; his artwork is so poignant.  

I didn't have time to arrange a sitter for the dogs, so I made the reverse trip back home to the cottage.  Next time, I will stay up at the cabin.  It's on the way, and only an hour and a half from Palm Springs.  Now I know.  Palm Springs has wonderful history, it's filled with retired entertainers, and has a show business feel that I love.  The audience was very theatrical.  Can't wait to return...

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Gardening Chores and Gorgeous Flowers

 

We had some snow in this month up at the cabin.  I was worried about my tulips and daffodils, but they did just fine, and are still standing tall and proud.  I love seeing the bulbs push through the soil in Spring.  Soon the purple Lilacs will be in full bloom.  Their fragrance is intoxicating!  They grow wild in our area.

Today I met with a man who owns a tree service.  His crew will trim a few of my trees to prepare for the warmer weather.  He told me, "We will make it look very nice."   I can tell that they will, and am excited to get it all done.  I pulled weeds last week and filled two large green waste bins.  I still have more work to do, but the most difficult portions are finished.  

Have you been puttering around in your garden?  What's in bloom?

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Gorgeous Gardens in Santa Barbara

 

Pulling into the secluded parking lot at The Simpson House Inn, the first thing I noticed was the lush garden.  Everything was bright green and in full bloom.  The privacy around the estate makes it feel rich and serene.  It's situated on a quiet street, just a block from town.  

The fresh red roses at the breakfast table were a loving touch.  Last time I was there I sat out on the patio.  The white wicker furniture and floral pillows make it so comfortable.  It's a completely relaxing and rejuvenating environment.

This pathway led me down from my upstairs suite to the main house.  I love the flagstone pathways and healthy ferns.  There is beauty everywhere you look.  It is such an inspiration to stay there. 

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Spending the Night in Santa Barbara

 

I dropped the dogs off at their boarding facility at 7:45 a.m., and arrived in Santa Barbara at nine-thirty.  My first stop was the zoo.  I had an appointment.   I had purchased my ticket by phone, as well as one for the train.

It's a gorgeous zoo.  It feels like you're in a lush garden.  I especially enjoyed the gorilla and giraffe exhibits.  There was a sweet red fox curled up tightly, sleeping on a stump.  I spent two hours at the zoo, then headed back to my car.  I had loaded my beach cruiser on the bike rack, so I was able to take a long and scenic ride along the stunning beach bike path.  I stopped at the pier and had a delicious bacon cheeseburger.   We had a great view of the kayakers through the window.

After checking in at the hotel, and enjoying some incredible food and conversation, I put on my vintage dress and headed to The Granada Theater.  My next activity was to see Anastacia.  The late choreographer was a dancer friend of mine, Peggy Hickey.  I used to stay at her house in Burbank.  She did a fantastic job.  The audience cheered for the ballet sections.  I loved the scenery and the music.

The next morning, I took the Santa Barbara Trolley Tour.  I bought my ticket online through Viator.  It was a fabulous experience.  The neighborhood near the mission was exquisite.  The homes are all Spanish style, like my parents had.  Our tour guide, Joey, revealed  several interesting stories about the residents and landmarks in Santa Barbara.  I can't wait to return!

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