Precipitation

Because it's Saturday I considered showing you pictures of outdoor activities like hiking and biking. But because we expect thundershowers all weekend, that would be cruel. And because I don't have a picture of someone reading by a fireplace in a cozy nook, here's a picture of petals from a Pink Cloud Flowering Cherry tree settling in a puddle. You follow my logic.

I know it's a Pink Cloud Flowering Cherry tree because that's what it said on the tag I found on one of the trees lining Palm Terrace. You'd think palm trees would line Palm Terrace and you'd be right. But so do Pink Cloud Flowering Cherry trees. Now's the time to see them, if the rain doesn't knock all the petals into the snow.

The weather reports say it's possible we'll have snow in elevations as low as 500 ft today. That's about the elevation of my front yard. It's been about 62 years since the last time that happened, which was not only before I moved here but before I was born. The only snow I've seen in ages has been the snow on the mountains. Pretty, but not exactly touchable from my place.

Sunday Garden

A neighborhood stroll reveals this pretty patio along a stretch of Palm Terrace where, even on a gray day, almost every yard looks lovely.

I take a few pictures. The birdies tweet. I put the camera away. I stare. Finally, in sadness, I wipe the drool from my chin and slink away.

I've always wanted to have a green thumb, but if wishes were gardens I'd have a gorgeous yard instead of one where I experiment with methods of herbaceous homicide. Everything I've planted over the past three years is dead or in the process of dying. (So in case you were wondering, no, this is not my yard.)

I once had enthusiasm. I used it to tear out healthy plants planted by the previous owner and plant the things I wanted. You know what happened.

So how does one start over? What's my first move (besides hiring a landscaper)? Should I take a class? Read a book? Rip out what's left and apply gravel?