Aunt Joan

We just lost our very favorite Aunt Joan to illness and aging on July 17th. She was such a sweetheart, full of joy and sparkles, and loved birds. At one time, she owned about eleven parrots and cockatoos. She had a rascal named Ralph and a Scarlet Macaw named Valentine who loved to talk. They were just like kids and would sqawk at Joan when we were talking on the phone. She'd tap their cages with the " Big Bird Stick' and they would temporarily quiet down. One of her cockatoos talked like a CB radio because his former owner was a trucker. In her honor we will plant a special tree on our property as a living memorial. There the native birds may gather and sing their special songs and we will remember dear auntie.

Green Beans and Lettuce

I just couldn't resist planting more green beans in the garden. My grandson Blake just loves to eat the tender baby beans. He tells me, " Nona, I am really, really hungry!" I offer him choices but the only treat that will do is to pick a tiny bean and than pick another...and another. Lettuce is another crop that can be planted now. I found lettuce seeds for five cents apiece and planted some in containers. They have already popped out of the ground after five days! What vegetables do you like to plant in July?

Heat Wave and Trout

Central California is experiencing a heat wave: 106 degrees in the shade. Living in the Santa Cruz Mountains this kind of heat means many gardening chores simmer for another day. The gardens were watered in the cool of the evening and we've checked to make sure no plant was forgotten. It's just too hot to do much of anything but sit by a fan. Here's a great way to get out and enjoy the sweltering weather. We like to go to Henry Cowell Park in Felton and take a leisurely walk to the river. We all get in the river and go river walking in the cool water. After awhile the shore beckons and we sit on the beach and squish our toes into the damp sand. Ahh relaxation! There's fishing, hiking, and exploring to add to our fun. We wanted to share a picture of the first fish our grandson, Blake ever caught. It was a trout caught in Loch Lomond, fishing with his Mama. They breaded the fish, fried it and Blake really loved the flavor. Any good fish stories out there?

Happy Independence Day