Birthday and Bees

I love music. I love Sea of Bees.My ears love listening to her record.

Sacramento Fall, Felines and Flowers

I am always rooting for the underdogs. Sports, bad reviews on movies, a dog that might have 3 legs, 2 teeth and one eye, and if you ask me the Ugly Ducking  the cutest little thing that could hatch himself into this cold dark world.

 Nature creates some unappreciated and sometime rarely noticed beauties.

Look at this moss! Oh my, I could of spent all day with it. Transforming myself to a midtown moss nymph and jumping from patch to patch.

You walk past me. I could be sleeping, dreaming the day away. Maybe I am dancing thru the buds of whispering green.

Portlands Roses, Sacramento Camellias. Have you kissed your Camellia today?

 The years don't run very deep here in our Tree City, but the architectural history of our houses can bring you from a Victorian, Craftsman Bungalow to Queen Annes homes within 2 blocks .

No, this is not a house in Dunsmuir. It is my dream river home that sits a few blocks away from apartment. This house in funky, and I like it! Actually , I love it. I pass it every day on my bike.
I appreciate that I can barely see it from the street.  It is blanketed  with over grown tree limbs , unruly shrubs, wind chimes and many potted plants . 

I am always tempted to leave a note on their door, asking if they ever move could they please let me know. Also, their bio diesel mercedes definitely helps the mojo of this pad !

Look at this awesome wall of greenery! Protecting us from noise, pollutants , street people and city life.

Funky old car , parked under some pines next to a pile of wood. Happy about this.

Who goes there!

I forgot what this plant was called (also a Camellia?). As I was taking a picture of this beautiful bloom, the owner of the house came out to get in her car. She scoffed at why I would want to take a picture of "that bush" Why the hell not! Poor thing has been beat up by the weather, and still rocks it pink sweater!

I can never turn my back on kitty cats. Actually, It was not hard to hear this guy. He followed me and demanded a snuggle and a scratch.

City of Trees, baby. Well as long as you stay in midtown. Once you leave for other parts of Sacramento, It can easily turn to be 'City of Cement'.

Autumn light can be tricky, but flowers are meant to admired at any angle. 

Cats take over midtown. Scurrying the streets and alleys. Look out for our feline friends when you are in a car! MEOW!

I use to pick these flowers for my mom , walking home from the bus stop in Placerville.

This door is..wow! Sacramento River Boat  and native plants carved in this side door.  You can barely see this gem walking down the street. I think the bottom of the house is abandoned, or a basement. 

How could you not cherish a Clover. They bring your luck for goodness sakes!

Are these flowers related to Verbena? So purty.

Squirrels. They could be marmots, vermin , pests , rodents or invaders of your garden or orange tree. But to me , squirrels are friends. I like to click my tongue to the roof of my mouth, and call a squirrels attention.  If you are lucky like me, it will develop  trust and some odd ball communication. Soon enough, they will be eating walnuts and sunflower seeds out of your hands.

Listening , to Neil Young and Crazy Horse

Drinking , mystery red wine. 

Cheers!

Imagine all the people

 I was coming home from a school trip at Great America. Kids on the bus were impatiently passing around a tape deck . It was in my hands, I pushed play and then  'Imagine' came on. I  saw the path of my life curve in front of me. I was a day late to walk this earth with you John, but I didn't need to share the same air to appreciate you . I never liked  The Beatles, and I am glad your broke free from Paul's bummer clutches. You were my first rebel musician, and I am damn lucky I heard you when I did.  

Google Images

Listening to, my cat snoring
Eating, I can't eat anymore today!

For the love of Quince.

The lovely lil big Quince which I have just discovered, has become my new favorite winter fruit.

Quince is a 4,000 year old native fruit to Asia and the Mediterranean. Now it can also be found growing all over the world. A cross between a apple and a pear, this hard bodied big fruit will give you some of the most delicious treats your tongue has ever laid taste on.

In the raw form , a Quince is hard, rough, astringent and very tart. 

But thanks to the astringent tingle, it a great fruit to cook down for baking. Being so tart, it is high in pectin so expect a great jelly and jam dish for your winter delights. In the Middle East, the dried pits are submerged in hot water, and used medicinally to treat sore throats and relieve coughs.

At Magpie cafe , we are sourcing our Organic Quince from Kingbird Farms in Galt, Ca.

Check out our menu. You can find Quince Tarts, Pumpkin Pecan Toast with Quince Jam, and Braised Pork Shoulder with Quince.

Superstition has it that quince seed makes an excellent love charm.

 Sweet flavors to savor.

When shopping for Quince, buy organic. The delicate, thin skinned fruit can soak up pesticides very easily and compromise taste and cooking ability .

Roman author and naturalist, 'Pliny the Elder'  mentions quince as an effective deterrent from the 'evil eye' when carried on one's person.

In Greece, brides ate quince to sweeten their breath for their new husband. In this region, the fruit represents fertility, love, and a long happy marriage.

Easy and fun recipe for your first go at Quince Jam!

Listening to, Mountain Man

Eating, Dark Chocolate and Mint