On her birthday I'm wishing Cynthia the peace of mind to feel safe reuniting with our friends and family. Our 40 wonderful years together have been interrupted by PTSD episodes that worsened with the passage of time. The terrifying (to her) evacuation from the #mountainfire was too much. She hasn't been home since, living out of her car and hotels, avoiding contact with friends and family. My classes with #nami helped me understand what we're dealing with, and what not to do. For those of you with loved ones in similar circumstances the classes are free. They just ask that you spread the word to fight the stigma and shame of #mentalhealth problems. On her birthday that's what I'm doing. While missing her.
Forgot to celebrate Bear's birthday a few weeks ago, although he celebrated by digging out a gopher. Today he got his hair done. He's changed in 16 years, but his smile is the same.
Aeonium 'Voodoo', hybridized by #southerncaliforniahorticulturalsociety 1983 Horticulturist of the Year Jack Catlin. Putting on a Spring show, Southern California style in my garden . The foliage image is of a mass of seedlings I've been slowly editing.
#aeoniumvoodoo
Cured my peonies envy by growing my own. Today it bloomed!
In Nov 2024 I put some Itoh peony plugs in the sales shed for protection from predicted high winds. The next day the #mountainfire burned everything. I didn't give up on these blackened balls of coir, and this week they're starting to thank me. More buds are showing. #itohpeony #imnotdeadyet
Tour Apricot Lane Farms Habitat areas Saturday, March 21! For the first time, #southerncaliforniahorticulturalsociety has arranged for a tour of the 19 acres tended by the Habitat Team. Stops will include Pollywog Pond, a new Channel Islands area and the first viewing of Elderberry Creek, a former concrete swale reconfigured with meanders, sinkholes and a natural bottom planted with California Natives. Advance reservation required through . See you there!
If the glove don't fit... (Where have I heard that before?) CPR training at work today. I managed to save Ray Ray, the Black CPR dummy's life, but putting on the surgical gloves didn't go well.
Into the cooler before the heat! I cut some branches for the floral wizards, Aprille Curtis & Steve Gerischer to arrange for tonight's lecture by John & Molly Chester of #thebiggestlittlefarm for the #southerncaliforniahorticulturalsociety . At the LA Zoo Auditorium. Still time to sign up for Zoom or in person attendance!
Topped up my ❤️ over Valentine's Week with the grandkids. Here's the math:
1 little guy who lights up when he sees me. +
2 Princesses helping in the vegetable garden +
3rd place in the Pinewood Derby! +
4 new hats for my posse +
5 sidewalk cracks jumped over +
60 minutes watching a hockey lesson+
7 "Some assembly required" projects done+
8 steppingstones laid in DG +
15 plants transplanted +
16 1st graders I read 2 stories to +
1 First grade Valentine's Day show. (They sang L-O-V-E love) =
One very happy Grandpa
A birthday weekend to remember with joy! My sisters (Idyllwild CA & Santa Fe NM) and brother (Burlingame CA) all traveled to Somis , spending my birthday weekend helping me with projects that had been neglected since the #mountainfire . When a crusty old unicycle surfaced the question arose: Can big brother still???(Barely. Next time I'll wear sneakers.) Great birthday dinner at #carraraspastries , with a candle in a Chocolate/Nutella gelato.
