I'm moving!  For this next phase of my life, I've decided to try something new.  Not sure how long I can keep up a blog after the baby comes (did I mention we're expecting?!!)  My new blog will be at: www.sweetzing.typepad.com

 

I love a good ripe papaya not only for its meaty subtle sweetness, but also for its rich color.  My favorite combo is papaya with blue berries and almond jelly squares.  Topped with whipped cream, oh, such a perfect summer treat!  I've always been lucky as my parents loved having fruit trees in their yard.  By late summer, we'd always send fruit by the bucket to neighbors and friends, filled with plums, peaches, nectarines, and pears.  Then comes the sun drying process for the remainder of the harvest.  And of course, the frozen peaches will provide for smoothies all year round! 

This year, we had quite a little harvest of peaches in our own yard (all credits go to Bill, of course).  I hope the citrius will do just as well.  I am already saving up lemon recipes...  Yes, it will be quite a fruitful year : )

 

 

Freeman, my coworker who is into flea markets and antique shows, brought me a gift, a knockoff version of a cherished childhood toy.  I don't know the instrument, but this windup toy has the girl playing joyfully with an admirable speed.  The one with the girl in the satin blue dress, needing a serious dust off job, has been with me for twenty five years now, given to me by my favorite grandfather.  It is one of very few things I have as a reminder of him.  At the time in China, having such a clever toy was truly an extravagance, not to mention its claim on the box as "the genuine Shanghai doll".  I loved my grandfather, who loved taking me to the park and sharing roasted pine nuts with me. 

 

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Contemplating a handbag...

So I've been a bit lazy on the blogging lately...    What's going on around here?
We've been spending a bit of time in the garden, watching plants thrive and bloom, finding surprises along the way.  After a four day trip to LA (for a beautiful wedding), we came home and found that someone else decided to move in!



With a hurt back, Bill recruited help for his new project, which he built before thinking about how to put it up vertically...  And with half of the trellis in the pool, the men hoisted the 10 ft structure with muscle and might.  I was told "this is the way men work"... 



And back in the craft room after a short recovery from the last minute wedding project rush.  After a trip to Beverly's, I came back wit lots of fabric and a great big ambition to learn sewing.  I am spending the day wrestling with the darn bobbin! 







 

Though today was cold and wet outside, I can't help but think about the coming of spring.  I love this time of the year here when the trees are blooming white and pink, raining petals with the breeze.  And with the changing season, Bill pointed out that we should probably take down the golden holiday wreath at the front door.  Time to create a spring wreath!  I have a peculiar aversion toward wreath made with fake flowers.

So, I was so happy to see this idea from Sunset.com.  A living wreath!  I love this strawberry wreath!

 

I also saw some ideas from Martha Stewart, particularly loving the succulent wreath!



I believe I have a project for next weekend now.