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Blog Night

Blog night is always a good excuse to have friends over. A blog follower requested a recipe that I thought was online. Since I was mistaken, I let her know that I would get the recipe online asap. Fortunately, friends were willing to sample the soup and an evening was scheduled. We have met so many wonderful folks here in Santa Fe. It is always a pleasure to welcome them into our home. We provided the food, they provided the libations. Martinis, wine and craft beer got the evening going. In addition to the lentil/chorizo soup, we began the evening with a warm spinach/artichoke dip (recipe from “The Plaid Goat” days), an “end of the summer caprese”, and a quinoa, arugula and butternut squash salad. We concluded the evening with some lemon curd, berries and gluten-free almond cookies.

A recent freeze here required the picking of all tomato plants in the garden. So, all guests were required to leave with a bag full of garden fresh tomatoes! Here’s to more gatherings with dear friends.

Hiking in the Santa Fe National Forest

ROAD TRIP! Off we went with Jerry for a hike in the Santa Fe National Forest. Located halfway up the road to the ski basin is a great hiking trail. Borrego Trail is the perfect walk in the woods. I’ve never seen Jerry happier. Other happy dogs along the way offered testimony to the lovely scenery. At times, an awesome quietness surrounded you and at other times nature spoke. There is something about walking in the woods that realigns your psyche. Once we descended the mountain, we were greeted by a refreshing stream – a perfect location for a picnic. Next time. We watered Jerry and headed back. The trail makes a triangle. However, we missed a turn and continued up a different path that would have taken us wildly off course. Luckily, three mountain cyclists stopped and reoriented us. Thank God for them. Another watering for Jerry at the stream and we headed toward the car. This was a great outing and I look forward to sharing it with family and friends. Doug, bring your hiking boots.

Dawn in the garden

The garden project is coming along. Abundant sunshine, watering, pruning and music have encouraged our veggies and flowers to grow! Lettuces and herbs were shared the other evening with friends along with a celebratory toast to Mother Earth. A local artisan created the sacred spiral which encourages the garden to grow from the inside out. A strong core results in abundant growth. I hope you have enjoyed watching the progression of the garden. From construction of raised beds to dressing of the greens, this effort has been a delight.

Spring Buds, Garden Progress

Peonies, irises, fox glove, delphiniums, hydrangeas, hollyhocks, veggies, olive trees, Russian sage, columbine, yarrow, blue skies, sheets on the line…

PROGRESS!

Snow has melted, Spring resumes

What a difference a week makes! The garden project has resumed: gravel walkways are being placed, blooms are daring to show their faces, support posts for the clothesline are up, critter proofing continues and supervisor continues to well…supervise. Temps are still too chilly for raised bed plantings at this time. Looks like that will occur around May 20th. We will be calling our “gardener friends” here in Santa Fe for their expertise and help. Dramatic skies and winds indicate a storm system is coming. Hopefully, it will dump some nice rain on our parched landscape. That’s all for now. More photos of our plantings soon.

April showers?

Our winter postcard in April.

Just when we thought winter had made its exit, a snowfall set us straight. Who’d have thought that our largest snowfall of the year would come April 29th? Twelve inches of soft powder blanketed our community. Jerry LOVED IT. Temps are dipping into the 20’s tonight. We’ll see what survives. Boxes are sheltering peonies which were on the verge of blooming. We lost a few tree limbs due to the weight of the snow. Good excuse to stay indoors and binge watch some television. Hope temps are more moderate where you are!

Update from the garden…

The garden project is moving along. Hugo’s handiwork can be seen in the beautiful outdoor dining table: a simple Parson’s design with graphic tiles to top. We are ready for our first gathering.

The waterfall is running once again after a winter rest. “White fish”, “black fish” and the two “orangies” are happy after their dormancy. Little black fish was hiding.

“Critter proofing” the garden is essential. A band of chicken wire will run the entire base of the garden fence. Cue the rabbits! Redwood boards are assembled using these nifty corner devices purchased through Gardener’s Supply Company. Check them out online. Powdered coated aluminum in a dark brown. Clamps are screwed to the inside at measured intervals for PVC pipe which will create the frame for the covers.

Our project manager Jerry is a good supervisor, but not much help.

Retaining blocks have created a nice curved wall.

Lily pads are slowly releasing their leaves as the sunshine coaxes them out of their slumber.

Stucco lath has to be screwed to the bottoms of the bed frames. Once again, critters here are relentless. In this case, GOPHERS!

Laying out the garden plan with spray paint gives a sense of the final vision. Crushed granite walkways, fruit trees, whiskey barrels of flowers, a sculpture piece, clothesline (artistically realized, of course) should bring this garden to full fruition.

Can’t wait for those veggies!

More to come.

Spring has come early in the high desert.

Warm days and cool nights have ushered in spring. It’s been interesting to see what pops up out of the ground. I’m just hoping we don’t get another hard freeze. The dry, crisp air and abundant sunshine are invigorating. Enjoy the photos. More to come.

Grow Your Own!

Location of future garden…

Every garden needs an entrance.

Redwood boards for construction of raised beds…

The climate here in Santa Fe is perfect for growing…abundant sunshine and mild temperatures. The soil is another matter! Creating raised beds is the only option. Eight 4′ X 8′ beds for vegetables, herbs and flowers. Add in some fruit trees, clothesline!, a wind sculpture, chicken wire for critter control and the garden will be complete.

Road Trip with Jerry

Our journey began in Santa Fe. From there, we headed toward Las Vegas – the New Mexico version. Great downtown: a vibrant square with restored buildings, thriving businesses and streets of nice Victorian homes. On to Mora and scenic views…Jerry got a little bored. A few photography stops as we headed through the mountains toward Chimayo. Getting hungry, we decided to stop at the well-known and revered Rancho de Chimayo for some lunch. A full house showed their popularity is still strong. From there on to Las Trampas and eventually back home to Santa Fe. A varied landscape, historical treasures, good food, and Jerry’s company…a great outing in the land of enchantment.