Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Dandelion Offerings and Other Spring Fun

Good grief, we are being sent the loveliest of spring weather and afternoons and evenings. I mean, really. Fields dotted with dandelions and wild violets. Lilacs and red buds and dogwoods. Crimson and salmon colored tulips. And our one Virginia Bluebell plant has hit its stride this year - along with the other natives - Spring Beauties and May Apples. Those Bluebells look mighty fine next to my blue bench.

Red, white and blue organic potatoes from Wood Prairie Farm have been planted. I am harvesting arugula every day from our cold frame (yahoeey!). Our oregano is begging to be used for some fish oreganata dish. Rhubarb is close to ready. The community garden is dotted with green here and there - collards, broccoli, cabbages, kale.

My parents were here for a visit and it was so needed and so cherished. We went for walks up at the University, Mint Springs and the Downtown Mall. And we ate at Taste of China. Twice within three days. Have you heard about Peter Chang? (Anyone from Charlottesville will laugh at this question - so it is for my far flung readers, too.)

And ::

This weekend is Historic Garden Week Virginia time! My lofty goals include Staunton gardens on Saturday and taking a day off from work to see the Albemarle-Ivy gardens on Monday.

I'm planning my black walnut guild with lots of edibles that work with the tricky toxicity of a black walnut - mulberries, currants, elderberries and tomatoes. More on that soon.

I bought a plastic Diana lomography lens for my Canon and can't get quiet enough of it. Blurs and saturated colors and lens flares. Perfect for capturing spring!

Some rest and more time with my pile of books - A Summons to Memphis by Peter Taylor; The Fountain Overflows by Rebecca West and The Nick Adams Stories by Ernest Hemingway. Reading in the late evening is best enjoyed with the window open to the mountains and the peepers while ignoring the laundry, dishes and dust bunnies.

4 comments:

Southern Lady said...

Sounds as though you have been busy. I have been enjoying blogging with my windows open, enjoying the breeze and the birds. I think I'll find me a good book though. I've been wanting to read Pat Conroy's, South of Broad. Carla

Tom said...

I don't know how long ago your parents where here, but Mr. Chang left town (or at least Taste of China several weeks ago) -- hope you caught him before he left!

Tracey said...

Yes, Carla, exactly. Though your Greece pics are pretty awesome, as well.

Tom - Yes, I am enjoying the work of the chefs that Chang trained. Foodie friends of mine say they don't see any major downward spiral in quality. Tho' word is he is landing in Short Pump (Richmond) next!

Elsie said...

Can't wait to hear about your edibles/walnut list. We have lots of walnuts and I would love to hear what goes well with them.