Life Lessons


"Figuring out our gifts in life is part of our journey to becoming enlightened human beings.” – Allison DuBois

Showing posts with label lemons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lemons. Show all posts

Friday, February 16, 2018

Sanctuary

Song - Wish You Were Here by Sierra Eagleson (Pink Floyd Cover)


 So I went out in the garden this morning to feed the birds......




and to check on what needs tending in the yard.......lots! 




And then I spotted a red headed woodpecker on the suet feeder so I ran inside to grab my camera.  But by the time I got back the woodpecker was gone but this little Black Capped Chickadee was there.  So I sat down and watched the animals come and go.










Two ducks appeared in the creek and the female started a wild bathing routine while the male duck looked on. Finally she settled down and swam over to a little island where the male was waiting.





I picked some lemons.....some Grape Hyacinth......and some Camellia's.......




I picked a big bouquet of Daffodils.....both yellow and white.




The Quince bushes are blooming.



 And the white Primrose's are popping up from last year......



The Star Magnolia is sweet and frilly.

Here in California we have not had much rain and even worse - NO SNOW!
I worry that my beloved garden may not have any water this summer and then where will the songbirds play?


"A garden is a grand teacher.  
It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; 
it teaches industry and thrift; 
above all it teaches entire trust."  

--Gertrude Jeckyll



Monday, March 28, 2016

Spring is in the Air

Song -  The Green Green Grass of Home by Joan Baez




Five days ago mama Mourning Dove was sitting on the nest with out any evidence of  babies.



Then this morning, guess who showed up? She was in the nest alone because I think mama was out getting something to eat. I'm going to name her 'lil Debbie Dove.




The Spring garden is full of life.  

The Dogwoods are in full bloom in the shade garden.





The lettuce that Tyler planted last fall is yielding some beautiful plants just ready for eating.




Freesia is bloom in both the front yard and back yard.




The Wisteria is full of blooms and happy bees!





Roses are just starting to burst into bloom.




Hosta's are emerging from their winter sleep.




Dogwoods up close.




 Soloman's Seal fills in the base of the shade garden



Camelia's are just finishing up their blooms.  This plant was left from the original owners of our house and it produces non-stop!  I call them Nancy's blooms.  Maybe 'lil Debby Dove will fly over to Nancy's blooms one day soon?




 Our lovely apple tree is filled with these soft pink blooms.  One of my favorites!




 And of course our lawn is filled, filled, filled with Dandelions.  They remind me of childhood and blowing a wish. 


 Bearded Iris - fist blooms!



 I forget what this ground cover is called but don't these flowers look like they are having a conversation?  And maybe one is sticking his tongue out at the other?




 Even the Japanese Maples are happy that it is Spring!





And here is my little buddy Mika who was walking around the garden with me but then got tangled up in the lemon trees.


"If life gives you lemons, don't settle for simply making lemonade - make a glorious scene at a lemonade stand." -- Elizabeth Gilbert

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

A Winter's Day

Song - I am a Rock by Simon & Garfunkel


Painting and prepping for Christmas has kept me indoors for the last few weeks.  But today I needed to drain some water from the swimming pool due to the amount of rain we have had lately in California!  On my way out to the pool I passed a few beauties....

Even though it is Winter, there is still activity in the garden this time of year.


My Sweet Pea's have begun to climb......


And fragrant Alyssum is growing everywhere!





Camellia's are budding and flowering.  I had just picked three beautiful flowers from this bush which is one of the few remaining plants from the previous owners.  Thank you Nancy!




There is one last leaf left on our Callery Pear trees.



The Rosemary is blooming.......




Mother Ferns are still growing baby ferns......




Lemons are ready for picking.......




The roses are making one final attempt....






My large urns of Salvia are beautiful this time of year......









The Primroses return year after year.....




My Daphne bush is ready to scent the entire garden!





Sweet little Forget Me Not's are blooming everywhere! Little darlin' - I won't forget you!



A few lingering Hydrangea blossoms....



A hopeful Geranium bud......





Time for some tea and garden lemons.....


I know you will find some beauty in your winter day today!

"Every gardener knows under the cloak of winter lies a miracle...a seed waiting to sprout, a bulb opening to light, a bud straining to unfurl.  And the anticipation nurtures our dreams."
 -- Barbara Winkler

Monday, April 7, 2014

Have you had your lemon today?

Song - Lemon Tree by Peter, Paul & Mary

I have gone to several yoga classes in the last few weeks and the instructor encourages everyone to pour themselves some warm water and add some lemon juice.  She claims that it aids in digestion.





But since then, I have been reading more and more about warm lemon water in the morning and all of the benefits.



The health benefits of lemons have been known for centuries.

1. Aids digestion
2. Cleanses your system
3. Boosts your immune system
4. Balances your pH level
5. Clears your skin
6. Energizes you/enhances your mood
7. Promotes healing
8. Freshens breath
9. Hydrates your lymph system
10. Boosts weight loss

So pour yourself a glass of warm filtered water,  then juice 1/2 a lemon into it and enjoy!





(Some people claim that because lemon juice is so acidic that it harms your tooth enamel so just follow your glass of warm lemon water with a glass of fresh water or use a straw.)





Note - you might like to zest your lemon first and keep a container of lemon zest in your freezer to add to pasta or salad dressing!






 "I believe that if life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade...and try to find somebody whose life has given them vodka, and have a party" --Ron White
 




Sunday, February 3, 2013

"Lemonade, Lemonade, just like Grandma used to make"






I like lemons but I especially like lemon trees.  

The aroma when they are in bloom is just majestic.



Occasionally I pick a basket full of ripe lemons for the house.  Just the scent of the lemon rind is amazing.





Right now I have about 8 lemon trees and today I harvested half of the crop so that they have energy for a new batch of fruit.






Freezing Lemon Juice

One other thing about harvesting lemons before pruning... you can freeze fresh squeezed lemon juice in ice cube trays and keep them for many months in the fridge. Freeze them in the ice trays and then bag them up once they are frozen. A great way to have water with lemon!


If you'd like some ideas of what to do with your lemons, particularly Meyer lemons, check out Amy Scattergood’s  100 Things to do with a Meyer Lemon article from the LA Times.


 “I believe when life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade...and try to find someone whose life has given them vodka, and have a party.” --Ron White


Or my personal favorite....

When life gives you lemons, find a kid with a paper cut!

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