U-Pick

Until visiting Linda in Sequim, WA this last summer, I had no idea about the booming lavender business in Washington State. I'm going again in July to attend the Fête de la lavande (Lavender Festival). Airline tickets are purchased and I'm counting the days.

Maison d’Etre

I was in the Bay Area visiting my daughter this weekend. When I visit, we frequent Rockridge, a trendy community in North Oakland. Maison d'Etre is a cute store that offers items for the home. Of course the french name intrigues me. Maison=House and Etre= (verb) "To Be."

"Maison d’Etre playfully suggests the store’s reason for being, to celebrate life at home. Owners Patty Brunn and Fred Womack, artists, florists, ardent cooks, parents and pet owners have created a unique nvironment focusing on all things home." Info from www.maisondetre.com

Seattle

As you all know, I love the Pacific Northwest and would move there in a heart beat. Here is a shot that I took last summer as I departed Seattle on the Bainbridge Ferry. I was going to visit my dear friend Linda.

I just made reservations to go again in July! I'm not only going to visit my girlfriends but I'll be in Sequim for the Lavender Festival! See the lavender link on the right regarding the festival.

La Tulipe2

Inside la tulipe.

Lucky In Love

Thank you God for bringing me to him. Thank you for that chance meeting in Paris that sealed our fate. Merci mon amour for crossing the deep blue ocean pour moi. I'm lucky to be in love with my best friend.

Bud

I was shocked to see the first bud on the apricot tree. The tree is older than I am and but is still holding up (no, not better than I). It will be a sad day when it comes down. I love this old tree.

I must admit, though, that I have not been the best care taker of it. I did not trim it or treat it this winter and I'm sure it's too late since it is beginning to blossom. First day of spring is 3/20 - just around the corner!

Last June I posted about baking apricot crumble and how it made me miss Mom: http://gardenblessings.blogspot.com/2008/06/apricot-memories.html

Morning Harvest

I am taking a salad to my buddy Patty in Encinitis during my lunch break . Patty recently had serious back surgery and is laid up for a few weeks.

I can't tell you how wonderful it's been for Jean Louis and I to simply go out and pick our meals!

Here we have romaine, endive, arugula and cilantro - all organic. I hope my summer crops turn out this well.

Cactus de Provence

You don't see many cacti in Provence. My Belle Mère (Mother-in-Law) is very proud of the ones in her garden and I took this closeup of one of them. She has to protect them in the winter against the cold, sometimes freezing conditions. I miss her. I miss her garden - even in the winter.

Plant / Krauss win 5 Grammys

I'm out of out of touch in the music world. I had no idea that the legendary Led Zeppelin front man was making music with Blues star, Alison Krauss. The result, quite lovely.

La Tulipe

I've been blessed with a loving husband that brings me flowers. Merci mon amour pour les tulipes!

What a wonderful world...

My Aunt Sandra sent this to me today. I hope it'll make your day a little more wonderful.

Love you guys!

Nancy

Sun Burst

Taken in Genette's backyard in Sequim Washington. I don't know what these are. Linda-any help? Linda is my good buddy that lives in Sequim and she knows plants.

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is a medieval village at the southwestern corner of the mountainous Plateau Vaucluse, 25 km east of Avignon. It is one our favorite places to visit. In the summer months, the streets are lined with tourists to get a glimpse of the mysterious bubbling spring which is the most beautiful color of blue-green that I have ever seen.

I'll never forget my first trip to Provence to to spend the Holidays with Jean Louis and his family. He took me to Fontaine de Vaucluse and I remember it being so cold. This Southern California girl was not used to the cold winters of Provence.

Personally, I like to visit this village because it has my favorite shop to buy Provencal tablecloths (napes). We buy a new one every time we visit. It also has a fabulous santon museum. The picture below was taken in the museum. (more on Santons tomorrow)