end of the year and looking ahead

another year

lots of new

lots of old..... revisited, refashioned, re-examined

changes ahead

all amazingly good!

*

barn study #2

5"x7"

mixed media collage

antique book covers, book pages, maps, digital print, and thread

*

 Looking back I began the year in need of a serious re-boot and did just that. 

I believe that the courage came with reviewing "The Artist's Way",  making a commitment to spending time everyday in the studio and writing clear goals for myself. 

As I look toward the year ahead I am reminded that, again, I need to establish new goals, set time aside daily for creativity, and write to unlock it. But most importantly I need to live by this:

clear out

communicate

create

accept

prosper

one step at a time.

*

Happy 2015 ahead!

at table - thankful

Lewis Bay, Cape Cod

November 8, 2014

*

Can't help it.

This time of year always brings a flood of memories. Family, friends, friends that are family, family that are friends...  and all the years - on two coasts - of gatherings around tables filled with food. Shared stories, shared laughter, and lots of shared song.

It is life at a human pace, each of us relishing the simple joy of being together - 

"At Table".

The tables where we watched our children grow up and the tables where we collectively shared the loss of those suddenly not present any more. 

Our shared table has always been about our shared friendships.

And I am so very thankful for that.

And for all the fabulous food as well!

Once again, our gathering will be small this year. Just six for dinner.

Tyler requested we have two old favorites from Thanksgivings past -

A fried turkey - from our Florida years - 

and 

lobster bisque - a nod to ol' Cape Cod. 

And, of course, there will always be a wink to our L.A. years whenever mashed potatoes are served!

So, as we approach another holiday season I tip my hat to the past and look ahead to the many changes that will inevitably find their way into our lives in the coming year.

*

Lobster Bisque*

*from the cookbook "City Cuisine"by Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger.  

This is a commitment. 

A BIG commitment. 

There are 2 stocks to be made, 3 straining/pressings, not to mention a Cuisinart blade to be sacrificed!!

But it is well worth all the effort because it is the most sublime lobster bisque you will ever have.

*

Stage 1

Make @ 5 cups of fish stock. 

Okay - you can buy it..... but please do not use a canned version. You can buy fresh fish stock at Whole Foods, which, in a pinch, is quite tasty.... but....... your own will, undoubtedly, be much better. 

Freeze it if necessary. I tend to make this soup in stages over the course of a few weeks. 

Stage 2 

Boil up four 1 1/2 lb lobsters. Let cool and then remove and reserve the tail and claw meat. Do this over a large bowl saving all the drippings/shells. 

You can save the lobster meat for another use or put a big chunk of it in the bisque when serving.

(That's what I like to do.) 

Freeze the lobster meat.

the beginning to a great stock - crushed lobster shells

Now the fun begins!

Put all the shells and bodies in a large plastic bag. Using a mallet or hammer, crush them up as best you can. Then grind them as fine as possible, along with any reserved drippings, in a food processor. This is best done in batches. And if you have an old blade ... use that one.

Feel free to freeze the ground up shells if you want to wait for the next step.

Stage 3 - the actual stock

8 tab butter

1/4 c olive oil

2 med onions, finely chopped

2 carrots, peeled and chopped

3 stalks of celery, chopped

1 1/2 tsp salt

2 c dry white wine

1 c Maderia 

5 c fish stock (the one you made... or bought)

3 c. tomato juice

1 head of garlic, with skins, cut into quarters

1/2 bunch fresh parsley

1 tbl black peppercorns

2 bay leaves

1 1/2 tsp dried tarragon

1 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

Melt the butter and the oil in a large stockpot over med/high heat. Cook onions, carrots, celery and salt until golden - @ 10 min.  Stir in the crushed shells, white wine, and Maderia. Turn the heat to high and cook until the liquid is reduced by half.

Add the fish stock and tomato juice. Bring to a boil and carefully skim and discard foam that rises to the surface. Add the remaining ingredients and cook at a simmer, uncovered, for 1 hr and 15 min.

Strain through fine sieve and refrigerate the stock up to 2 days or freeze it.

Approximately 7 1/2 c of delicious lobster stock

*

 Stage 4 - Making the bisque

2 tbl butter

12 shallots, thinly sliced

12 mushrooms, thinly sliced

1 c brandy

1 c Maderia

6 c lobster stock

1 1/2 c heavy cream

1/4 tsp fresh lemon juice

dash of tabasco

Beurre Manié: 1 tbl softened butter, 2 tbl flour. Mix together with your fingers to create a smooth paste.

saute the shallots and mushrooms in butter and oil

*

Melt the butter in a large stockpot over med/high heat. Salute shallots till golden. Add mushrooms and cook over high heat until lightly browned.

Remove from the heat and add the brandy and Maderia, reserving 1/4 c of each for the final seasoning. Cook over high heat until the liquid is reduced by half. Add lobster stock and return to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook, uncovered,  for @ 30 min - depending on the strength of your stock. (Weaker stocks will need to cook longer to concentrate the flavor). Occasionally skim and discard foam that rises to the top.

When the broth has a strong, almost salty, lobster flavor, add the cream and bring it back to a boil, skimming foam occasionally. Press the beurre manié on to the end of a whisk and whisk into the broth until dissolved. Cook for an added 5 minutes over high heat, whisking occasionally. 

take a deep breath. you are almost there.......

Strain through a sieve, pressing with the back of a ladle to extract all the deliciousness. 

I tend to stop here and refrigerate until the next day - which would be Thanksgiving - and do the reheating / finishing right before serving. But - it's your choice.

Season the bisque with lemon juice, reserved brandy and Maderia, and Tabasco.

Serve.

*

Happy Thanksgiving!!

our little Thanksgiving

November, 2013

in the studio - and so it begins

presenting sketches at our first rehearsal - "Barefoot in the Park"

Trinity Rep

Providence, RI

*

Seems crazy but I've really climbed on this bus again! 

And, once more, I'm thrilled with the ride.

Deep into the early 60's now and trying to make sense of the play's relevancy. "Barefoot in the Park" is like a little jewel box - kept in a private place, unchanged, naive. 

It is about expectations, communication, love in a box, and balancing it all.
Life.

It is interesting to me how Neil Simon creates character. He simply presents reality - everyday moments - and mixes it with a wink of sarcasm. Very Seinfeld like. He wants the audience to see their  own flaws, their own humanness. He truly has an American sensibility.

*

So, here I am designing my 2nd show in 4 months after a 24 year hiatus.......

and I was asked to design another in February.

Life.

*

The show opens Thanksgiving week. 

I have so much to be thankful for!

*

My inspiration for the show

a collage by Richard Hamilton

34 years of adventure!

Just one of the sunsets we have shared

Horseneck Beach, MA

*

Wow! 

We have been together longer than either of us were apart. 

We have lived in over 13 residences in 6 states - and yes, have packed and moved just as many times, have raised 1 son,  3 dogs and 2 cats, had 3 motorhomes and have had approximately 10 careers between us.

Truth be told - other  than having another child - I don't believe we are done with that list yet!

34 years of shared experiences.

Some exhilarating, some difficult and some life changing. But - each one shared.

I definitely don't remember each anniversary but I think I will remember this one.

It was another tiny adventure that both relaxed and exhausted us

.... proving that what we really need is sometimes just outside our door.

*

A beautiful fall day and the plan was to explore the Blackstone River Valley Bikeway.

 The POD is also the perfect day trip vehicle - bikes strapped to the back, a refrigerator for water and  snacks and a comfy place to change into bike gear or simply put one's feet up in - especially after the 20 mile ride.

*

Much of the bikeway follows the "tow way" along what was once the Blackstone Canal - a transport canal built in 1828 between Providence and Worcester. 

Remnants of the canal

Lincoln, RI

*

One of the few unpaved off shoots of the bikeway

*

One of the dams along the Blackstone River

Smithfield, RI

*

The fully paved bike path wound its way alongside the Blackstone River. It was extremely well maintained and there were a fair amount of other riders (of all ages) as well as a few runners and rollerbladers. There are a number of places to access the path with good parking so it seems like it is really part of the community.

The path is fairly level all the way althou from the point where we started there is a large downhill to the river.... which, of course, meant an even larger uphill at the end of the ride!

We ended the day parked overlooking the lake in Lincoln Woods State Park. Sitting in the cab of our POD we shared a beer and some crackers as the sun began it's graceful bow into the tree tops. 

Another day, another year, another adventure awaits!

*

Lincoln Woods State Park

Lincoln, RI

*

on the street - another POD adventure

Along the Rail Trail  - Eastham

* 

Grabbing another long weekend to "test" our rig we headed to Cape Cod. A one night stop over mid-cape to see "33 Variations" at the Cotuit Center for the Arts. A beautifully constructed play that takes it's life and flight from an amazing folio of music! The production was well done and the music,  which is practically another character in the play, was superb. 

The stop over allowed us to also test street sleeping.....

The POD was parked on the the street in front of the home of friends and we spent the night in it. Okay, it was only Yarmouthport.... not even some small city...... and it was only the voices of children walking to the bus in the morning that woke us.

But - we need to work up to those bigger challenges because I do know that Tim will, at some point, have us sleeping on the streets of NYC before we are done!!

Stealth camping!

All in all it worked well. The windows on the POD are darkened so even with the shades up it is quite  private. In the morning we made our coffee, dressed and headed out early to our real destination for the weekend.

*

The "POD"

slowly outfitting it with all the necessities

*

 Atlantic Oaks Campground in Eastham is a beautiful and quiet spot that backs up to the Cape Cod Rail Trail. The camp was very quiet this time of year and we secured a spot in the far back that is normally a tent spot. The POD is only 19' long so we can easily fit in smaller, more out of the way places than most rigs..... which is exactly what we love about it!

Since our last adventure we have been refining the necessities that need to be on board. Tim added a back ladder/bike rack combo, redid the lighting, we bought some folding camp chairs that are actually comfortable (!), and worked out better storage options.

We kept the food options to a minimum, making eggs (the perfect food) a big part of most meals. Egg salad, fried egg sandwiches, eggs and salmon. Of course lots of snacks and granola bars, and we did have the saddlebag for the bike so that we could pick up items if needed. 

*

LeCount Hollow

*

. 

The set up at camp was quick - another good thing about the POD. We did hook up to water at the tent site but we did not have electricity. Knowing that the eve temps were going to be in the low 50's we were still experimenting with how long the battery would last if we had the heat on.

Once all settled we got on our bikes and headed out to the trail. It was a perfect day for biking - full sun with a chilly fall breeze. In the shade of the trail it was actually quite cool. The trail is lined with oak and pine trees and traverses a few ponds and wetlands, The leaves were all beginning to change and the smell of pine needles and damp earth were strong and delicious! 

The focus of the day was totally outward - outside ourselves. And even though we rode side by side for much of the way - we were silent, in awe of our surroundings and just taking in all the visuals being delivered to us. Calming and invigorating at the same time.

It was only 5 miles to the end of the actual trail from where we began so we headed east to the National Seashore along LeCount Hollow Rd. and then up Ocean View Rd. to Cahoon Hollow.

Breathtaking views.

A pristine sky and a forever ocean seen from up high on the dunes. We spotted a lone seal not too far from shore at LeCount and, I do believe, it was the same one that emerged along the shore at Cahoon. I think he was following us.

*

 Along the Rail Trail - Wellfleet

*

Good thing we had the saddle bag with us, and good thing it was on Tim's bike, because as we started back on the trail in Wellfleet I remarked that we "did not have ANY beer" in the POD. 

Personally, I knew that the first thing I wanted when we got back to the campground was a refreshing beer and some Cape Cod Potato Chips. 

Did I mention that I grabbed those at the beer store?

And just as I thought we were heading into our last 5 miles before I could get my hands on that icy beer, Tim pointed to the Marconi Beach sign and we headed off the trail again. 

Glad we did because the ride in was wide open and sunny and the road was lined with scrub pines. 

We did, eventually, get back to the campground. After a full day biking in the wind and sunshine my legs really hurt! We rode around 20 miles total. Tim has been biking indoors every morning for the last 5 (?) years....... not me. I would like to think it is because I am too busy to have that kind of routine and stick to it...... but, truthfully, it is probably because I am too lazy. 

Beer, aspirin, and a little nap made my legs feel normal again

*

Marconi Beach 

*

The next morning we had planned to bike south on the trail, however, we woke to rain. Rain drops coated the windows and we turned inward. It was a new experience for us in the POD - a full day of rain. We took it slow - taking our time to make breakfast and shower. 

We added an umbrella and some packable rain gear to our list of necessary items to have on board! Live and learn.

With fully charged iPads we were quite content in our POD.

Tiny living. Tiny adventures.

*

Atlantic Oaks Campground

Eastham, MA

*

on the street - refueling

Horseneck Beach State Park

Wesport, MA

*

The last 4 months have been busy ones; wonderfully challenging, often nerve-wracking, and yet quite enjoyable. Last June (it seems so long ago!) I set myself some lofty goals and I am happy to say that I reached each one.
Yes, I am actually taking a moment to pat myself on the back..... just a moment.

And now it's time to write the new goals - for the week, for the month, and for the balance of 2014.

*

However..... first I needed to empty my brain, breath deep, walk slowly and refuel.

Our new "POD" 

pure bliss in (way) under 160 sq ft!

*

We headed out to Horseneck State Park for 3 days of camping/relaxing at the ocean. Horseneck State Reservation is @ 600 acres of barrier beach and salt marshes facing Buzzard's Bay. There is a paved trail for walking and biking from the public beach along the dunes to the state campground. The campground is situated on the edge of a wide beach strewn with tumbled rocks and large bleached clam shells. Facing south and open to the sea winds, the campground can feel a bit exposed - but it was the perfect spot for us this time.

We planned this little camping trip for a number of reasons - most of which were for the change of venue/relaxing aspects - but also we wanted to try our hand at "dry camping" - no electric or water hook ups - to see how long our on board water, propane, battery etc. would hold.
An experiment in tiny living.
The weather was stellar the entire time we were there. The first day was clear, sunny, and extremely windy - white caps on all the waves and a horizon filled with both wind and kite surfers! It was spectacular to see.

Once we were situated in our camp site, we walked out to and around Goosebury Island, a small, rocky island of low vegetation. The island is connected to the mainland by a short causeway that separates Horseneck Beach and East Beach. The island is uninhabited now, althou it was used mostly for grazing goats at the turn of the century and did have some small summer cottages up until a hurricane in the 30's.
There is one trail that runs up the center of the island and, of course, the entire perimeter of rocky beach to traverse and explore. The low lying brush is filled with rose hips, sumac, goldenrod, and various thorny thickets and berries. Looming above the vegetation are 2 towers - leftover remnants of WWII that have now simply become canvases - other than that it is only sky, sea, and distances seen beyond.

One can see Cuttyhunk off in the distance (@ 6 mi away).

*

.

Abandoned WWII outposts
Gooseberry Island

Low vegetation at Goosebury Island
Wesport, MA

Looking back toward Horseneck Beach from Goosebury Island
Westport, MA

*

The following morning, almost cloud free, sunny and calm, we set off along East Beach to Westport Point and then headed out to explore further along Buzzard's Bay. We stumbled upon Allen's Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, over 600 acres of protected beach, fields, woodlands, ponds and marshes. We walked the Beach Loop Trail which took us along Little Beach - which definitely was NOT little and looked more like the barrier beaches of Sanibel than New England - and then inland along Allen's Pond and the salt marshes.
It was a beautiful walk - maybe 7 miles - and we were rewarded with finding a small bayside restaurant, aptly named The Bayside. A couple of refreshing and delicious beers from Buzzard's Bay Brewing (just down the street in Westport) and a tuna salad sandwich made the last few miles back to the campground an easy stroll.

Little Beach

Wesport, MA

Allen's Pond Wildlife Sanctury

Westport, MA

*

So how did the experiment work?

Our fresh water lasted for 2 showers each, all the kitchen clean ups, and bathroom needs - with some to spare. Food was simple - we had brought along some soup, bread, yogurt (all made at home) but we did use the stove each morning for coffee, eggs, and grilling toast. And one night we made pasta and a stove top chicken parmesan.  Based on the modest cooking we did, our propane and battery needs did not drain us either. Because it was so temperate we did not need any heating power on this trip so we will need to test that on another late season getaway. Without an electric hook up our phones were easy to charge using the cigarette lighter in the van, however, we learned that iPads will not charge that way.....

We were also able to think about things we would like to have along with us on future trips - our bicycles, better outdoor chairs/cushions, bath mat, tablecloth, additional kitchen needs, warm gloves, and possibly some changes to the lighting. We will add these for our next trip .... which is already being planned.

*

All around the trip was a success!
We woke with the sun and wandered for miles every day, relaxed, watched butterflies and birds along the shore, collected shells and rocks, sat on abandoned chairs left on the beach, talked, enjoyed each sunset, cooked, read by the light of the iPads each evening, went to bed early and slept oh so well.

*

Sunset
Horseneck Beach

*

in the studio - a finish line of sorts

Trinity Repertory Theatre

Providence, RI

*

Done.

First preview was last night. My work on this show is completed.
 Overall -  I am pleased.
The costumes are my work, my vision. I bare myself and hope they do the production justice. "Costume Designer"..... my name in a program again after an entirely different lifetime of years. To once again be a part of a team of talented people all telling a story. 

My head spins at the serendipity.

Having been given this opportunity was like waking from a beautiful dream and realizing that dream was actually real.  The words, the process, the research,  and getting to know all the people that have made this possible has been a most enlightening experience.  I am so grateful. 

Being capable of ushering my vision of this show into reality is the result of a lifetime of learning.  In beginning of this project I made a deal with myself saying, "Okay, creative self, you take care of the quality and I will take care of the environment." I believe it has taken the wisdom of age to be able to do that - separating my two halves and allowing them to coexist. An artist really needs both of them to get along.....

These last few months were not without anxiety - self imposed pressures, angst, doubt, second guessing, and lots of sleeplessness. Not sure if that ever goes away - maybe its best to always have a bit of doubt just to keep the artist inside honest and continually striving. And I was surprised last week - at the end of tech and all seemed close to completion - to find I was experiencing a bit of postpartum depression! Ah... the birth was suddenly behind me and I was alone again. 

Definitely did not see that coming!

*

So off it goes. 

My work is done.

in the garden - managing expectations

Japanese eggplant

Providence, RI

*

In the garden my mother was a strict realist. 

Whenever she would plant something she would blow it a kiss and say, 

"Good luck. If it lives.... it lives. If it dies.... it dies."

I am trying to channel that sentiment.

Herbs - no problem. All seem to flourish.

Japanese eggplant - Harvested one, 2 more on the plant and a few additional flowers look promising.

Onions - Harvested at least 8 so far. They are now curing. More to come.

Tomatoes - Nothing ripe yet althou there are at least 3 - 4 tomatoes on each of the plants. 

I am hopeful.

Cucumbers

Providence, RI

Cucumbers - Harvested one. There are currently some new tiny babies .... but the current rains and lack of sunshine seem to have stopped all growth. I have concerns.

Female squash blossom with "baby"

Providence, RI

Patty Pan Squash - Okay, big learning curve on these. Last month saw sooooo many blossoms - but they kept falling off. Every day I would pick up 10 or more and yet no fruit! 

Finally read about the difference between male and female blossoms - duh!

Seems that the female blossoms take a long time to actually arrive at the party..... the males get there early to attract the bees.

So after weeks of worry, checking my blossoms every morning to see if a female had arrived, and wondering if I would need to hand pollinate - I suddenly found one "with child"!

At this point I have 4 patty pan squash......

Patty Pan Squash

Providence, RI

Pumpkins - Well those female blossoms still have not arrived! The stems of the plants look like something is eating away at them..... like a lack of nourishment. The soil? Ants? Missing mineral?

My dreams of a new pumpkin patch are seeming thwarted........

However, I live in hope. 

And try not to cost average each tiny vegetable that I harvest from my little garden in the city.

on the street - a weekend in the country

Naumkeag

Stockbridge, MA

*

Being in the mountains is both exhilarating and calming.  The majesty of the hills and the spectacular vistas are a feast for your eyes and your heart races along with awe. Yet, at the same time, the palette of a million greens and the soft infinity of rolling peaks calms one's spirit. 

It is a very healthy place to be.

We spent an afternoon at Mass MoCA in North Adams, MA with Tyler and Amy. We had gone there specifically to see the Darren Waterston installation, "Filthy Lucre" which was fascinating in both it's vision and it's commentary. Most likely because of "Ivanov",  the beauty/discord of "unsustainable opulence" rang out loud and clear! 

It is interesting when one notices a synergy of themes reoccurring in one's own life.....

All of us were enthralled by another artist/exhibit as well; Izhar Patkin, "The Wandering Veil".  There was a series of rooms filled with wall size paintings (14x22x28) done in ink on layers of pleated tulle!

Couldn't figure out how he did them.... printed? airbrush/stencil? Wow.

They were magical! 

*

Tim and I then headed to Stockbridge, MA for an few days. We visited Naumkeag, a 48 acre gilded age estate built in 1885 and owned by the Choate family. The surviving daughter, Mabel, donated it to the Trustees of Reservations in 1959. The landscaping and gardens are spectacular - a culmination of over 30 years of work by the landscape architect, Fletcher Steele who was truly ahead of his time. By using the land itself and various architectural elements he defines the space and creates a wonderfully tranquil environment. 

It was a very overcast morning yet we wandered through the gardens for hours. Each of us finding our own paths of beauty.

It was here - at Naumkeag - in the bedroom of Mabel Choate, facing the Oak Lawn that Tim and I received a FaceTime call from Tyler and Amy giving us the news of their engagement!

Luckily, there were no others around and the docent was kind enough to let us enjoy the moment.

As the brochure says -

"preserving the aura of good times and gracious living."

*

We saw a beautiful and extremely well sung production of "A Little Night Music" at the Berkshire Theatre Festival, costumes designed by our good friend, David Murin. (!) 

Had a relaxing dinner and evening with him as well. So fun to meet up with old friends and share a table, great food, and - always - lots of laughter! 

*

Whenever we get in the car and travel, even short distances, to explore either new or familiar places we always find ourselves talking again about our old GMC motorhome or our (wish we did not sell) Roadtrek. 

We must look down the road and listen to our hearts.

*

south end of Naumkeag 

Stockbridge, MA

at table - an engagement

*

our favorite people

somewhere in the Berkshires

July 12, 2014

the day before their engagement

*

It is actually quite fitting that Tyler proposed to Amy after making her breakfast on Sunday morning. I don't know what he served but I'm sure it was delicious and was made with special care - especially that morning.

Everyone gets comfortable and relaxes when there is good food to share.  

Good Food + Love = Lasting Memories

*

We could not have asked for a better son and are so happy that he found the perfect complement in Amy. (whom we just happen to adore as well!!)

Here's to all the wonderful memories they will create over a lifetime! 

*

in the studio - calm before the storm

Fireworks

India Point Park

Providence, RI

*

There is a lull between when you hear a firework being set off and it actually exploding. A brief stillness connecting the ground with the trajectory and then, finally, it reaches the right altitude 

and

 BANG.  

*

I am currently in that kind of lull, that quiet moment when everything has been put into motion and one waits for it to actually begin. Two weeks till we start building the costumes, 3 weeks till rehearsals start.

Sketches are done, all copies have been made for the costume

shop, the fabric is bought, lists are made.......

And now I worry. 

A lot.

Second guessing; will it work? is it too bold? is it not bold enough? is the palette too tight? 

is my vision clear? does it need to be clear?

Ugh!!!

Obviously, I need to let it go for the next few weeks and focus elsewhere.

*

Having cleaned my studio of everything to do with the play (at least until Aug 4th) 

I am now trying to immerse myself again in my art work. Feed the mind. 

Looking thru my sketchbooks for ideas and pulling out and re-connecting 

with unfinished experiments. 

It's a puzzle to unlock.

Then it will be a puzzle to create.

I also worked on my Gallery page. 

I grouped the art work into categories - Past Work, Portraits, Stitched - with each 

having their own page. 

I also added the start of an artist's statement ...... or maybe it's the whole thing.

Don't know.

*

in the garden - just flowers and more

Ahhh - a welcome to summer and all that it brings.

*

Florida Sunflowers

grown by my good friend Janet! 

*

more of those amazing Sunflowers!

You are a sunflower, my friend!

*

Iris and Peonies from my garden.

Finally the sun came out and the iris and the peonies were the first to show up! 

Both are so fleeting in their bloom that I always cut a lot of them to have in the house to enjoy.

*

Pink Peonies

Had an amazing crop of peonies this season - both deep pink and a very pale pink. 

For 3 weeks straight I had vases in every room filled with them.

They are so beautiful and their scent is sweet and filled with summer.

*

Blue Hydrangea

Nothing says New England, and Cape Cod, more than a hydrangea to me. 

I planted this one last year after we moved in and it is coming along beautifully. I added 2 more this spring and hope for 

more blooms next year. 

*

White Speedwell

These are so delicate and pretty and, along with the purple Salvia, they are magnets for bees!

I think next year I am going to put some of these in right next to the vegetables .......

a little extra help with pollination would not be a bad thing!

*

White Hydrangea

I inherited a large one of these with the house last year and I divided it into 3 - all of which have almost doubled in size.

I also added another late in the summer. Hydrangeas are so continually prolific adding color and texture to the garden all summer long. 

And I still have some of last years' blooms dried and sitting in a vase on top of the refrigerator.

*

The lilies - both the Daylily and Lilium varieties - have just begun to bloom along with the Shasta Daisies, Cone Flowers, and Astilbe. 

All of these will continue blooming throughout the season.

By July they should all be joined by the rest of the players; the flowering Hostas, Lianthus, Sedum, Coreopsis, Butterfly Bush, and Rose of Sharon.

*

And lest we forget the veggies!

*

Cipollini  Onions

This is my first time with onions and I am trying both Cipollini and one called South Carolina Sweets.

So far... so good.

 *

Pumpkins to be

Yes, ever since my "accidental" pumpkin patch (in Columbus, OH) I have been a fan and wanting to try it again.

So here we go...... Dried the seeds from my Halloween pumpkins last year and we currently have @ 10 healthy plants and lots of blossoms (hoping those bees find those blossoms)! I also planted Long Pie Pumpkin (also from seeds I had dried) which are currently looking just as good. 

I may have another urban pumpkin patch on my hands.

If so - we luckily have lots of children in the neighborhood and they can come pick their own Jack-O-Lantern.

*

Also growing well in the garden is patty pan squash, cucumbers, tomatoes (in pots on the deck), Japanese eggplant, 

and lots of herbs.

and, of course, the gardener.

Providence, RI

June, 2014

*