My Mother's Peonies

Mother's Day...and Mom's peonies, transplanted from her NJ garden three years ago have settled in and are blooming.

Her iris are doing well too.

 

Happy Mother's Day.  And visit Today's Flowers #92 for more garden images from around the world

May Day Flowers

May Day it has been a tradition to leave flowers on the doorsteps of special friends.  Back in the day my kids did just that for our neighbor ladies across the street.  And I left some for a work friend who is a great gardener.  I've continued the tradition.  Even tho I just leave the flowers my friends know I've been to their house.  These were this year's bouquets.  Just a tin can wrapped in green paper and tied with a ribbon.

Take a visit to TODAY'S FLOWERS #91 to see more May beauties from around the world.

The Best Souvenir from Paris

I'm having some internet issues on the main computer, so this is a post I've had waiting in the wings about one of my best presents to my husband.

Many, many years ago I bought PFS a timeless gift.  It is a simple leather petit modele agenda.

For many years I replaced the original calendar insert with the smallest Daytimer calendar which fit very well.

But now that he's retired (no pressing engagements but golf) he just uses the address part.  He has used it all these years. At the time it was the least expensive item in Hermes.

 

If you go to Hermes you will see the current model:

"Fauve PM Simple leather agenda cover, 2 7/8" x 3 7/8", one hook for refill, front and back pockets, calfskin $310.00"

I paid waaaay less back in the day.  Still in use,  I think we got our money's worth.

Pink Fluff

This was the view in the garden this week...a pink cloud.  Go to TODAY'S FLOWERS #88 to see more flowers from gardens around the world.

They don't last long, but they are glorious.

Easter Flowers

It's Easter.  Here's what we have for the holiday and Today's Flowers #87.  Have a 'Hoppy" Easter.

Easter Eggs Transformation 2010

This year I marbleized my blown out eggs.  I use a combination of Paas Easter Egg Colors, food coloring, and gold paint.  One batch plain vinegar and Paas, and one with food colors, vinegar and vegetable oil added.

You can see how the oil floats.

 The first pass through the dye was disappointing.  But with each additional dip the results started to appear. This is the first round of dye. 

I use extra long toothpicks stuck in paper towel covered box tops as a drying rack.

The eggs dry and I over-dye with the same or a second color for a deeper effect.  I do this till I like the combination.  Last, I swirl them through the gold paint mix:  hot water and vinegar with the paint globs stirred in.

The results.

All trial and error, but the end result is excellent and they join the Super Clutch. Of course I did seven hard boiled eggs in plain colors for hiding and eating. 

We'll be over run with eating eggs since my daughter did 3 dozen!  Menu for the week:  egg salad, deviled eggs, sardine and egg (my personal favorite), eggs in green salad, tuna casserole, sliced in sandwiches and plain with salt and pepper.
But these are the most fun to make.

Happy Easter!