This is the story of our adventures -- every day and extraordinary; our dreams -- tiny and grand; our gardens -- ornamental and sustaining; this is the story of our journey.  We are a family of four living a mindful, simple life here in Los Angeles County.  We are green, conscious, and forward thinking.  We keep an eye on the past because some of the best things have already been done and bear repeating.  Walk and talk with us, have a glass of wine, taste a peach or a tomato, blow some bubbles and watch them drift up over the canyon ridge.  Enjoy!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Life Under the Oaks






I love the oak canopy that is both natural air conditioning and a green mosaic on a blue-sky canvas.  The trees around our home are grand and gnarled, majestic and magical, broad and bent.  This time of the year they are oak worms, oak leaves, and oak pollen.  And I'm really over that trifecta!  Later in the year, the acorn drop will sound like a hail storm on our sky lights; we'll sit on the deck with caution.  Yesterday Gregg decided it wasn't too late in the season (late Spring this year)to  reduce the load, let in some more light, open up our sky-view.  I'm glad he can (he is an aborist!), and does, do this heavy and hard work.  I just wish he'd clean up after! [Note, the fourth picture above is obviously NOT of an oak -- it's a privet -- Gregg also trimmed it -- just in time to minimize it's amazing pollen drop!]





Gregg is not only the tree guy around here -- he is also Mr. Dough Boy! Tonight he made pita breads to go with the kofte the girls and I made.






Earlier today the girls decoupaged some bird houses that Gam brought them. We cut and tore pictures/colors/patterns from catalogs and used diluted school glue. Gregorie asked how the birds get inside since "The hole is so small, Ma!" Alex decided she didn't want a bird to live in hers; she wants to keep it inside "as a decoration," because otherwise, "The birds will poop on my pretty house!" I'll take pictures of the finished houses and add them tomorrow -- they came out great!






Yesterday we went to the playground and park and the girls ran and ran in the grass.







When we got home Alex decided she hadn't had enough exercise for the day and decided to do some bench (block?) pressing (wink, Lindsey - funny how things seem to echo), after, of course, she changed into appropriate princess attire (yes, Andi, that is the dress she wore to your wedding 4 years ago!).



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