Sunflowers and more sunflowers!

Never have I been so obsessed with sunflowers! I only have three plants this year -- up from one last summer -- but their blooms are prolific. Birds are eating the seeds and the chickens are devouring the leaves I toss into their pen. As for me, I just gaze out the window and delight in them! I keep promising myself that next spring I will plant one of every kind The Seed Bank offers. I'm new at this, but I think they come in oranges, browns, reds and lots of yellows. I will make myself the sunflower expert of Sonoma County, it will become my latest new enthusiasms (of wish I seem to have an unending supply).

Steve heard a radio commentator say that July was the coldest in the Bay Area in 50 years. I write about the weather constantly and I bewail the fate of my little green golf ball tomatoes, and I've even said things like, "I don't remember it ever being this cold since we moved here." Well, we moved to Sonoma County in 1995 and to California (from Illinois) in 1977 -- all years fewer than fifty so I guess I've been speaking the truth. Don't misunderstand -- it's been a gorgeous summer! We've had bright sunny afternoons, lots of breezes and flowers are blooming abundantly. I'm also aware that most of the United Sates is suffering in extreme heat. The only thing I miss is, well, bright red tomatoes that ripen in the heat...

Out amongst them

I've been a bit remiss in my park monitoring duties for Sonoma County Regional Parks. But this morning I walked Brix over (did you get that? I WALKED Brix over TO Maxwell Park) and then we tromped around it and returned home. OK, the total was only about 2.5 miles, but I'm old and that seemed like a nice hour and enough for me. Brix was calm for the entire day, walking does that to dogs.

And then, to my own surprise, I walked eight more blocks this evening. Steve and I stopped in at the Tuesday evening Farmers' Market, a lively event that is almost always well attended. I ate the first corn dog of my life -- somehow I had missed out on that bit of Americana -- instead of the ethnic culinary options available. We are so, so lucky to have so much variety here in Wine Country. The scene was full of energy, enough to carry me all around the Plaza two times, that was the eight blocks.

A long-ago acquaintance of mine, I mean maybe from 30 years ago, was reading from her latest book at one of our independent books stores. It was great to see her again, have her sign my copy and know that now I can settle in to a delicious read. The book: THIS IS GETTING OLD, by Susan Moon, is subtitled, Zen Thoughts on Aging with Humor and Dignity. I'm already recommending it. It's freshly off the presses...

Late spring in Wine Country

Here in northern California we are enjoying one of the longest springs I can remember -- and I've lived here 15 years. Usually the temperature is day after day of '80s, the air conditioner is on and we're beginning to count the days above 90 degrees.

Not true this year! But there are always plants in bloom and the veggies are starting to show their stuff. Here's a Topsy-Turvy tomato plant. The first four blooms are evident.



And radishes Youngest Daughter planted are ready to be sliced into salads.



There's another tomato plant growing in a wine half-barrel. It's beginning to bloom too.



The marigolds add a bit of cheer on the back deck. They can't seem to do anything but smile!



But my favorite photo from today was this one of Demi. Once again, she's working me with those eyes!

A little haunted

Twice a year artists all over Sonoma County open their homes and studios to ARTrails. My daughter and I visited two such venues this afternoon -- a photographer who hand tints his own photos and a cut paper design artist. I got new ideas for projects of my own and hope to check out several additional sites in the spring. Just the driving was spectacular today -- bright red trees everywhere. With the unusually early rain last week and the colder than usual temperatures the colors this fall have been vibrant and inspiring. I don't remember any recent fall in this area being quite this gorgeous.

This evening, in keeping with the season, I collaged the "ghosts" that reside in my own internal home.