Successful succulents

Despite the hectic nature of most mornings (I love those five extra minutes before getting out of bed, but I sure do pay for them in the frenzy to get to the bus stop), I take a couple minutes here and there to water, groom, and check the progress of my plants.  I'm happy to report they're doing well these days!

[easter cactus]

At about four years, this easter cactus is definitely the oldest of the plants of my modest potted garden.  Last April, when I moved into my apartment, I had to move it inside, and had quite a scare when all the leaves withered up and fell off!  I brought it to my mom's and repotted it there.  And though some of the  main stems dried up and died (background), a couple have survived and are producing new baby leaves!  Hope lives!

[kalanchoe]

I saved some stems from pruning the mother kalanchoe plant at DC's in November, and merely six or seven weeks later, my cuttings are blooming!  Hooray!  I just found out that my mom has red and orange ones, so I may be taking a few more cuttings in the near future.

[christmas cactus]

Finally, the most pleasant surprise.  My mom gifted us each a christmas cactus last winter.  After my move I noticed that the leaves on mine stayed limp and wrinkled, even while the other plants improved. I'd given up hope ... and then glanced at it a week or so ago to find that it'd produced buds -- which is huge, since the easter cactus above hasn't done so the entire time I've had it.  I snapped a quick shot this morning: they're starting to get their color!  Looking forward to blooms soon!

That's the story of my gardening adventures.  My succulent terrarium and other cuttings are doing well (though they're suffering a bit in this cold weather and gloom), as are the spider plants, ivy, and geraniums (will I get flowers anytime soon?).  It's such a wonder to observe the tiniest change in these plants -- news leaves appearing, old ones falling off; buds forming, growing, blooming -- I feel like a proud mother indeed!

Eaton Canyon

Last weekend I organized a hike with some church friends to Eaton Canyon.  It was meant to give us a chance to meet new peeps, get our hike on, and have some alone time (much needed as we enter the rush and bustle of the holidays).  We walked a trail for about a mile, then hiked for another half mile to the waterfall.  It was a beautiful day and the much-earlier-than-usual wake-up was well rewarded.

[gray + brown = love]

[cute little pom pom plants]

[waterfall]

[gnarled oak]

[keepsake acrons]

 I sat under that oak for an hour and listened to the sound of water trickling over leaves and rocks.  I looked up to see blue sky and birds.  I looked down and fell in love with acorns, which I proceeded to collect and stuff in my backpack.  Hope that's not considered stealing.  In any case, I am obsessed with them now and keep them in a glass vase on my coffee table.  To bring the outdoors indoors.  My sweet little autum display. 

It's a great time to be out and about in SoCal.  It's getting cold at night, but the sun's out during the day.  Here's to peaceful weekends and enjoying the coming holidays!

L.A. Flower Market

Back in high school, we sold flower grams, or sometimes, just flowers, as fundraisers.  On the day of the sale, a couple of us would head down to the L.A. Flower Market at 6:00 a.m. to buy bunches and bunches of carnations.

A few weekends ago, I went with Jaxs -- the first time since high school -- to check out what was in season for the wedding reception (family gathering).  These days there's a $1 admission to enter, but, even just to look, it's quite worth it!  Here's just a glimpse of the eye candy:

[street stall w/ sunflowers]

[hydrangeas]

[roses]

[baby's breath]

Worlds and worlds of options!  Jaxs and I pared it all down and collected business cards so that an order could be placed closer to the reception date.  There were even floral supplies vendors, so we took care of containers, too. Success.

If you've never been, I highly recommend a visit!  Don't forget nearby Moscatel's -- which is related to the Michael's chain -- for tons of accessories.  One of the great things about going as an adult is that I can afford more than carnations, and I don't have to go to school right afterwards. (^o^)

The wedding reception was two weeks ago; see how the flowers came out in a future post (once photos are gathered, uploaded, and edited)!

Roses all around!

That the former owner of DC's place was a florist is evident all over the house.  The interior switchplates, handles, and knobs are all garden-related -- slender shovels for pull-handles, rose knobs, and even a rabbit-and-trellis wallpaper border in the laundry room.  Outside, there were ceramic woodland creatures as well as birdhouses and other celestial hangings and 'garden accents.'  (Notice the "were":  I long ago relegated them to that part of the yard closest to the trash bins, though in all likelihood we'll donate or give them away before we toss them -- one man's trash is another man's treasure, right?) I'm still working on extracting the flower-faced pavers. 

Those are the little things that are not necessarily DC's style, and will be switched out by-the-bye.  What's more permanent, and much to our benefit, is the variety of plants on the grounds, that don't. stop. growing.  We -- as well as friends and family -- have all got more than our daily dose of Vitamin C from the orange tree in the backyard.  The bees love the basil tree (yes, its branches are over 1" thick!) and we always see hummingbirds at the plumeria, stephanotis, honeysuckle, hibiscus, and more, whose names I don't yet know.  Last week I did some trimming and collected a few of the roses growing in the front yard into one lovely bouquet, that I brought back to my apartment.  We did a little photo shoot in the afternoon light, and I simply couldn't narrow it down to just one or two to post.  So here are five:

  

  

How I wish that you could smell these roses!  I, for one, am so very grateful to inherit such a lovely garden, especially since my apartment only allows for growing in small pots.  The birds of paradise are now in bloom, new oranges are growing, camellia buds are appearing, and the poinsettia tree is preparing its fiery blossoms for the coming months.  And the roses really never stop blooming.  Onwards, to the winter garden!

Succulents and spider plants

I've kind of been obsessed over plants and planting these past few months.  DC started me off with a potfull of succulents on my birthday, which I left sitting precariously on a narrow window ledge and proceeded to knock off.  The poor things did not recover.

A few months later I treated myself to a couple more on a trip to Ikea:

They started shedding their leaves:  the unfortunate victims of overwatering, methinks.  Within a couple of weeks they began to droop more and more.  I'd find their sad leafdroppings on the table, a little more each day.

The fledgling hydrangea and spearmint cuttings didn't survive my week's absence in Hawaii, and since then I've failed on newer mint, as well as geranium, cuttings.  But I'm still determined to grow a healthy -- and free! -- mini garden!

My single hope is the spider plant that just. doesn't. stop.  I put it on the table that also holds my TV, open the windows to let the southern light in, and water every few days. 

[I deserve a prettier pot!]

And it even makes babies!  I am hoping to plant them in water or pots, and have little holiday prezzies for my coworkers and other friends.  The gift that keeps growing, indeed.  Here's a shot of my prototype, a baby terrarium.

[reused stemless wine glass terrarium]

It's easy to see when I need to water; just fill to rock level.  Peasy!  And super cute!  There will definitely be more of these guys in the future.

Of course I'll continue to collect cuttings from friends and family (and neighbors), too, keeping my fingers crossed for success one of these days.  Wishmeluck!

Freshcut: minty version

On a roll from my recent experiment with the hydrangea cuttings, I remembered that my mother has some spearmint in her backyard that she swears has a lemon scent.  When I was at my folks' house last week, I pinched a couple of stems and brought them home to attempt to finally start my herb garden.

Looks good so far.  In the past week I've seen mini mint leaves sprout.  These small-scale-even-I-can-do-it summer projects are my little happinesses.  My little pots of cuttings are my go-to in the morning as I'm preparing coffee or packing my lunch, as well as in the evening right after I've set my work bags down.  See?  It doesn't take much!

Wanna know what I did with all the mint leaves I plucked off the stems?  Stay tuned for another summer happiness!

Freshcut

It's no secret that hydrangeas are among, and may well be absolutely, my favorites. I spotted a large bush in a corner of Le Chef's backyard, and requested a few globes to bring home.  He happily grabbed the pruners and obliged.  I chose three just-beyond-their-prime stems:

[freshly cut stems]

[ at home, top view]

[at home, side view]

[at home, close up]

I like how antiqued the flowers look, the purples, blues, and greens singed a bit with brown at some of the tips. 

I also trimmed a few of the cuttings and planted them in some fresh potting soil.  Et voila:

[grow, little ones!]

Now, a week or so later, the buds are starting to get a bit greener and have grown a teeny, tiny bit.  I've put the pot on my dining table, which gets a bath of morning light every day, have kept the soil moist, and give it a few encouraging words each day.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they'll survive a four-day absence this (long, for me) weekend.  If not, I know where to go for more!

FO: (slightly) backwards Baktus

Here, as promised, is the full-on photo of the Baktus scarf.  Please nevermind the unwoven ends. 

Pattern: Baktus scarf

Needles: US3 Addi 16" circular

Yarn 1: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock, Camouflage

Yarn 2: ShiBuiKnits sock, Moss

Yarn 3: Regia, olives

Mods:  I basically did the increases and decreases at opposite ends of the work, resulting in a diamond rather than triangle shape.

The width maxes out at 65 stitches across, which is substantial enough for me!

You'll notice that there are three yarns used.  I ran out of my main yarns with 15 stitches on the needles!  Luckily I found a stray leftover skein of the Regia that was in the same color family, so the difference is subtle.

Going through my sock leftovers all at once has shown me that I've knit a lot of socks--at least 20 pairs!  But, I rarely wear the three pairs of socks I have for myself.  It could have something to do with SoCal weather and the fact that I'm in flip flops most of the year, but I've learned that I'm just not a knitted socks kinda gal.  So: no more knitted socks for myself (no matter how cute the pattern).  And much thanks for this pattern!

I leave you with a snapshot of some Queen Anne's Lace that I picked up at the farmers market last Friday (yes, I buy weeds).  I've always loved the daintiness of this flower; I even enjoy its slightly weedy smell.

You should know one thing, though...

...it's hella messy.

Carefree in the capitol

We'd planned our trip to D.C. months ago because DC's vacation time is less flexible than mine.  So there was no real time to be tired from all the packing and moving out.  Before last month's end we were eastbound, to the capitol.

What an exciting descent! 

  

We arrived in the early evening and Metro'd over to Foggy Bottom, from whence it was a 3-minute walk to M2's apartment.  When M2 told me she lived right by the famous Watergate hotel, I didn't think she meant right across the street.  After a home-cooked dinner (so nice after a long day of traveling!), M2 said, "You guys wanna walk over to the Kennedy Center?  It's just five minutes away, and one of my favorite places," she added, encouragingly.  So we went.  Actually, hopped across a couple of streets.  The lights were on, but there were hardly any people about; it felt like we had the whole building to ourselves!  We pointed out various flags at the Hall of States and Hall of Nations, went up to the roof and saw the nighttime skyline, and even glimpsed the Thomas Jefferson memorial in the distance.  Not a bad first night!

DC lived in D.C. for almost five years, so our trip was a homecoming for him -- he didn't have to think twice about which Metro to take and where the stations were located.  He even gave me an old Metro pass, so transportation was a breeze.  (The D.C. Metro stations are really, really clean.  "Of course," says DC, "this is our nation's capitol!"  But I was a little bit disappointed that they all look the same and don't reflect the stop's attractions or history.  I'd rather have a clean station, though, so no real complaints. (^o^))  It was nice to have a guide who, moreover, pointed out the places where he once worked, studied, ate -- lived.  I enjoyed the trip down memory lane with him... but we were there to make new memories, too!

What really made this our trip was that we both got to meet up with our old friends, and in doing so, make new ones.  In addition to hanging out with M2, I got to see my old roommate, who I've not seen in two and a half years.  I also got to see a church friend who relocated after getting married a couple of months ago.  DC got to see his former classmates and co-workers.  And, through one of them, we scored a tour of the Senate side of the Capitol through the personal office of Senator Collins of Maine.  While on our way to her office, we saw Senator Kerry walking down the hall (shoulda snapped a photo)!  And later on, during our tour, DC recognized another senator (whose name escapes me).  We even got to ride the little underground trains between the buildings.  It made me feel very political.

It just so happened that the only week DC was able to travel was the week of the National Cherry Blossom festival.  My brother, after his first visit to D.C., recommended it at this time of year as an alternative to Japan.  At the time I was a little put off because the reason I go to Japan is more for the people than the petals.  Yet when I arrived to see them abloom in all corners and not just designated parks, I understood what my brother meant.  Though the sakura are truly breathtaking in Japan, I am equally fond of the ones in D.C. for the simple fact that they're interspersed among our national monuments.  A perfect, lovely crossing of cultures for me!

 

It was a bit grey and sometimes windy on the days we were out and about.  And although the threat of wet weather remained, the air got warmer as the week progressed.  My goal was to walk the National Mall from the Washington Monument all the way to the Lincoln.  That's a lot of steps!  But each one was totally worth it.  This sounds totally cheesy, but I felt so much happiness and pride to be among the great forefathers, leaders and important times in America's history.  And I soaked up all the quotes engraved on walls and surfaces.  Somewhat surprisingly (to me), my favorites were some of the war memorials.  We went to the WWII, Vietnam, and Korean ones.  Incredibly moving.  Especially seeing veterans reminiscing and honoring, and young schoolchildren exploring and learning. 

 

Friday -- which M2 took off to hang out with us -- started off cloudy and grey, so we decided to visit the National Gallery.  But when we emerged from the Metro station we were met with vivid, blue skies!  It was almost a shame to go indoors, but we did to browse Dutch landscapes, lots of Monets and even a couple of Cezannes, and a very interesting exhibit on Robert Frank's The Americans.  The weather stayed lovely through lunch, which we had in Chinatown (signs in Chinese, but nary a Chinese restaurant in sight!).

Our last full day in the D.C. area brought us to Stafford, Virginia, where we had lunch with some new friends.  Our rental car ended up being a little red Chevy Cobalt -- funny in that it was so not us!  After a lovely afternoon we had some time to stop off in Quantico to visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps.  Among other things, I got to see a display of standard issue items that each Marine gets at boot camp, try picking up a backpack full of gear, and see interactive displays of rankings and insignias. 

  

There was even a Lego version of the Iwo Jima flag raising!  It was another extremely proud moment; I felt a bit better able to understand my younger brother -- who has deployed twice to Iraq and whose contract with the Marines ends this June -- and truly appreciate and honor so many men's and women's sacrifice and service to our country.

What an awesome trip!  In some ways I am jealous of the young students who get to go to Washington, D.C. for a social studies trip; indeed I think it should be required of all students!  But at the same time, had I gone as a junior higher, I woulnd't have appreciated it as I have this trip.  I am glad I got to see the capitol at my own pace and at my own understanding.  And I look forward to coming again!

Another year older

It's a funny thing to say that my birthday kind of snuck up on me this year because, well, the date never changes.  My friends and DC had actually been asking me what restaurant to go to and what I wanted to do for weeks leading up to it (a Friday this year, no less), but I couldn't think of any place, and I could think of only one thing that I really wanted  to do: go apartment hunting (more on this in anther post).

DC surprised me by actually starting off on the day before my birthday, leaving this cute succulent for me to find after work.  He even cut little hearts out and taped them to the vase (awww...)!  You can't see it from the photo, but the top leaves are variegated green and white, with pink tips: so cute!    I'd been wanting a succulent for a while, so it was the perfect gift.

Then, on the day itself (March 6) he presented me with various gifts throughout, when we took breaks from apartment searching.  I was totally spoiled!

One of the gifts was a little stuffed teddy bear, from where he works, which says, "Someone at ***** loves me." Cheesy, also but totally adorable!



Later in the afternoon I opened yet another couple of gifts: a light and a compass, both suitable for my keychain.  No longer will I have to carry my heavy mini Maglight in my bag!  And I will always know what direction I'm going, which will be especially useful in Orange County because I'm always, always lost there.  But DC's reason for gifting them to me was to prepare me for camping!  We'll see, friend, we'll see...



These types of everyday gifts are the best ones for me because I get to use the gift and, in turn, think of the gift-giver, on a daily basis. But moreover, they're items I wouldn't necessarily go out and buy for myself.  So: I'm very grateful.

In the evening we went to Camilo's in Eagle Rock: a place I'd heard of and been meaning to try, but hadn't gotten around to yet.  It was a nice treat!  I liked the decor of the place (we sat in a cozy corner, near the faux fireplace?), service was good, and we had an excellent, romantic meal.  I ordered a penne dish and went on a limb to eat the olives and red peppers in the dish as much as possible; DC had the evening's fish special, and declared it, "Excellent."



During the apartment hunt I requested a pit stop at the local yarn store (LYS) because we were just a couple blocks away.  I picked up a couple self-birthday treats (but really, I was redeeming a store credit that I'd had for nearly a year).  The spring issue of Interweave knits is one of the best I've seen in a while; I like the cover sweater, the ruffle halter, a shrug/sweater, and the shawls featured (sorry I don't recall any of the names).  The yarn is a laceweight cotton made by Araucnia, out of which I plan to knit a summer scarf/shawl.

Over the weekend we had dinner at the izakaya side of Shin Sen Gumi in Fountain Valley, another place I'd seen but never eaten at.  Despite the LONG wait (though pehaps typical for SoCal), I had a good meal with good friends.

Here are a couple of other gifts I received this year, which I totally love.  From my BFF Myko: beer, a purse, and an ecobag (she knows me so well)!  And from Jaxs, a set of napkins and some salve (from Anthopologie, a treat!).

  

The following Monday during our family dinner, Mom prepared a special dish to celebrate both my brother and me.  It was nice to end such a delightful and busy weekend with an intimate, home-cooked meal.

One year, I'll love myself enough to throw me a large party and invite a lot of people.  I've given myself until 35 to do that.  In the meantime, I'm entirely happy with a birthday celebration like the one I just had.  Thanks, friends and fam, for the company, gifts, food, and lovin'!

Feeding on fresh

It's been a weird couple of weeks of weather for us here in Southern California.  Last week saw summerlike temps in th 70s and 80s at the beginning, and rain by Wednesday and through the weekend even into Monday (so many consecutive days of rain is definitely not normal--but we need it)!  We had a bit of a respite from the wetness from yesterday, but it's still pretty chilly (we Califonians think that 50s = brrr).  And it looks like we might get some more rain by the end of the week.

So I feel very lucky to have had sunshine and been able to make it out to today's farmers market, with one of my co-workers, to boot.  I am fortunate to have not one, but two farmers markets each week, right here in Downtown.  Back in the day I used to only window shop; if I made any purchases they'd usually be kettle corn to share with my officemates, and flowers as a treat for myself.

But since my siblings and I started to get together to cook family dinners for our parents and one another over a year ago, I started to buy fruits--especially pluots in the summer--for dessert.  From there I gradually expanded to greens and veggies.  We especially like the golden cherry tomatoes and asparagus.  Another fave is corn.  (Why did I take pics of artichokes and cauliflower, then, you ask?  One can hope!)



As I got more and more into my Love Earth campaign, the bi-weekly farmers market seemed a matter of course: not only was I eating (and feeding my family) local, but taking a brief walk down the street during my lunch hour was also cutting down on trips to the supermarket.  I love it when Love Earth makes my life simpler, too!

Among my resolutions include eating something that I've grown myself, eating along with the seasons, and expanding my cooking repertoire.

I love seeing how the seasons change as different fruits and veggies are available. This week there are bunches of beautiful beets and radishes, artichokes, broccoli and cauliflower, tons of different salad greens, and zucchini.  There is also a booth that sells Asian veggies, like bok choy, eggplant, and all sorts of stuff that I don't know the names for in English--yum!

Fruits-wise, it's vastly citrus and berries.  I am in awe at the variety of citrus there are: tangelo, oro blanco, ruby grapefruit, pomelo, blood orange, navel orange, clementine, satsuma.  And on and on.  I especially like the tasting stations, where you an really appreciate how different each of these looks on the inside, as well as the range of flavors!  My must-go-to is always the ruby grapefruit, but this season the lady at the stall told me that this has been the best oro blanco harvest she's ever had.  So I tried it.  And it's tasty!  So today I bought more!

      

Of course, the flowers are always eye-catchers.  Two weeks ago I brought home some ranunculus, and they're still blooming on my dining table!  I have always thought them adorable but never had any of my own.  Now they are way up there with peonies among my favorites!  Today, the newbies I noticed were huge, taller-than-me branches of budding plum blossom, and bunches of sweet-smelling lilac, which I thought didn't grow out in these warm temps.  It makes me smile to see men in their business suits with a bunch of flowers wrapped in brown craft paper.  Or a lady walking by with an armful of stock or lilies in one arm.  Very Clarissa.

My food resolutions are pretty ambitious, considering my eating habits and purchases thus far have remained squarely in the box of "Familiar."  In fact, I want to start making menus--which, though it can be seen as a sort of staying-in-the-box measure, is intended for me to put more time into what I consume, both digestively and financially.  I must admit that today's purchases were pretty wimpy: a basket of strawberries in addition to the oro blancos.  They will be nice breakfast treats or snacks.

I'm stoked about trying harder and being able to experiment more, with the encouragement of one of my brothers and his girlfriend--who are humanitarian vegetarians--and DC, who simply loves veggies.  Hope to be sharing some of my hits (and misses, as undoubtedly there will be) here!