Paddling on Gun Lake

Went for a paddle for an hour or so this morning on Gun Lake in Fort Snelling park. Saw beaver dams (and heard evidence of habitation when we got too close), bald eagles (and nests), herons and yellow-headed blackbirds.

Sunday in the garden

A somewhat successful Sunday afternoon in the garden, resulting in unseasonal sunburn (from pulling dandilions). Planted the needy marigolds along with a native 'Fothergillia' that reminds me of Aussie bottlebrush. Also planted a lilac – though a little wary, given that I was constantly pruning one last year that is planted in an unfortunate position behind the garage ... couldn't resist the thought of the fragrance. Monday night and just enjoyed a glass or two of wine and too much cheese with Lynn and Katie. Lynn dropped off a bunch of hostas which will hopefully survive the shady front yard.

Dim Sum at Jun Bo

Met up with James and Jackie (Jemma and Jack), Nicole and Matt (Oscar and Kate) and Katie for a long overdue yum cha. Nothing like raucous Chinatown, but no great difference in the menu.

Good intentions and needy marigolds

Didn't quite kill these little guys yet - but looking sad after a warm week. Still to get them into the ground (more lawn repair taking precedence).

Summer storms

My little 1 megapixel Canon doesn't do it justice, but the summer storms with their beautiful afternoon light have arrived.

Adirondacks

Garden furniture courtesy of George Bush's economic stimulus package. Yes, not only was there a refund from the IRS this year, but George deposited $600 in my bank account to encourage me to help kickstart the stagnating economy. Happy to oblige, I ordered these chairs from a local furniture maker, who used various types of reclaimed cedar. Have given them a test run inbetween my Spring gardening efforts.

Lawn repair

Spent a morning last weekend hoeing (sp?) the (many) dead yellow patches of what once was grass in a pre-three-dog-house landscape. Of course, I have neglected to subsequently 'water twice a day', so there's less than a 50% chance that my efforts will be rewarded.

Tutu goes to the salon

Sadly can't see the full extent of my labors, but Tutu had her annual de-shag a couple of weeks back. I don't think she's too pleased, but it does make her look a shadow of her former self! Fin has yet to go under the knife.

Flamingos

Spent Wednesday to Friday last week in San Diego at a 'Women's Leadership Conference'. It was held on Coronado (a not-quite island attached by a narrow neck to the mainland). It was busy enough that I didn't get to dip my toes in the Pacific, though we were treated to a lovely dinner at a famous hotel on the posh side of the island (sadly not the side we were staying on!) 'Hotel Del Coronado'. Flamingos spotted having a dip in the hotel grounds.

Spring

Missed April ... the days are definitely stretching out. Surprised to see tulips sprouting in one or two places in the yard. Managed to prune the apple tree but yet to attend to grass repair!