Gardens, lemon balm and nice life

Yesterday I took a walk around the block, as promised,  realizing we're between seasons -- roses finished, daylilies not there yet -- so there's a lot of green.  

The set-up is that trees, shrubs and grass cutting are commonly owned and paid for, tended more or less by HOA board hired "landscapers". Flowers out front and anything at all inside our patios are individual owner operated. 

The landscapers turn into snow removers in winter, which is exactly how they operate with trees and shrubs in summer. It works better with snow, to push, shove, slam and tidy, than with growing plants. Anyway now you know what you're seeing. 

There's quite a bit of cooperation between neighbors, what with exchanging plants and cuttings, so it's a nice flow. Fences indicate back, patio, views 

C, remember giving me this blue solar light you see back there? It's become a local landmark

 

 

Gary will definitely finish planting these annuals in between distractions

 

This is mine, Gary growing collard greens outside my gate because he ran out of space, with, inside the fence,  my Japanese maple which I rescued from his tender mercies years ago.  

It's a nice neighborhood. 

And yesterday because I'm worth it, I made lemon balm cookies from a link at Magpie's Mumblings blog, which is well worth a visit. Mostly textiles, but not always.

Fresh picked lemon balm to mince 

And here's the cast of characters. I can tolerate butter and sugar, I must be well again!

This is half the dough, the other half, the roll in parchment paper you see left of the sheet of cookies, in the freezer for when I need more. 

They're good, though I'd like more lemony flavor and might sprinkle lemon zest on the top of the next batch.

And I've been thinking about age and assumptions about it. I'm old, and that's fine, and I hate it when other old people take credit for being old. I do take care of myself. I'm also lucky. A recurring stiff neck is not a big deal. Plenty of people are just as wise about self care, and not as lucky.

But your DNA is a huge part of everything, from physical to mental health. I'm blessed with a nimble and resilient mind, and a body still in pretty good working order. I didn't earn it, but I do take care of what I've been given. It's a treasure.

Anyway here's a snapshot bio

Harney's tea, expensive and worth fitting into my modest budget, because I love a strong cup of English breakfast or All India blend, milk, no sugar.  One of those small luxuries that make a difference.

And here's my coffee table this morning

Cookbook by Nigel Slater currently giving me some very good ideas, Kindle on which I'm rereading Mrs Dalloway, Haggard Hawks puzzle book and fancy notebook, saved for me by librarian friend from the book sale, with favorite pilot pen for puzzle assistance, lovely freecycled tray,  set for breakfast, with nonskid teapot mat made by a friend, handwoven napkin from another friend,  favorite Chinese dishes, pita bread stuffed with soft dried apricots, morning vital potassium supplement, doctor's orders.

My current life today anyway! It's good. Consider all the connections just on the breakfast tray. 

Happy day everyone, enjoy whatever your day is about! Thanks for being there and especially for comments and emails. They're treasures, too.