So we went to the farm and had a great weekend. It was one of those times when I just didn't feel like doing anything, more like relax and enjoy, and that's what we did.
Here are some random pictures to share:
When we pulled up, one of 2nd Family's dogs, Kiska, was hanging out under the porch stairs in a little depression she made in ground. It's cool and shady. And she makes us smile, so it's a win/win...
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| Cloudy and overcast |
The weather stayed mostly overcast, which was good to keep the temps down, a bit, upper 80's instead of upper 90's (a regular cold front, LOL). It looked like rain, we hoped it would, but alas it didn't.
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| Dry earth |
The reason we hoped for rain is this...there hasn't been any measurable rain at the farm in almost two weeks. Quickly, the ground starts getting parched and cracks open up. In Houston, parts of the area got a couple of inches last week, we had hoped the farm did too, but 50 miles between here and there had much different weather.
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| Figs |
Figs are doing well, the trees are growing nicely. I made sure and watered all the fruit trees, about 5 gallons each, just to make sure they are OK through the next week, in case rain stays away longer.
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| Passion flowers |
Passion vines with their beautiful flowers are everywhere, so it's nice to see their unique look peeking out here and there.
Speaking of color, these (weeds?) are growing around the property. We thought they would be soft but when we touched them, they are spiky and spiny and have sharp thorns. Not sure what they are but they are pretty and that's fine with us.
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| Arroz con pollo |
We had a big pot of Arroz con Pollo, some black beans with cilantro, homemade flour tortillas and sliced avocado. It kept us full and happy.
It was a nice weekend!
We hope you had a great weekend yourselves!
Lastly, we want to thank you all for the outpouring of kind words that you all left after Saturday's post. It warmed our hearts to read them!
Those purple thingys are not weeds. They are the much desired perennial Sea Holly, AKA Eryngium, which has a good number of species. They're not so common here....more so in the UK. I'm planning on finding space for them for fall planting in my expanded perennial borders. Here in the SF Bay Area, I'm learning that sowing seed and/or planting seedlings is best in the Fall so they can develop roots and spend dormancy during our Winter rains, which provides strong plantings for Spring and Summer gardens...so much to learn. :)
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Ann
Really? That's kinda cool. Why are the much desired? I might have to see how I can multiply them and plant them around other spots. They are kind of sharp and thorny but they are very pretty. Cool, thank you so much!! I'll have to do some googling, ha.
DeleteYour dry parched ground is beginning to look like mine, enjoy the cooler weather.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's amazing how fast in changes in this heat. Yes, our 'cooler' weather, I just saw on the news, it about to end. Next weekend is supposed to be close to 100. Ugh.
DeleteLove all your posts!
ReplyDeleteAww, thanks! Much appreciated!!!
DeleteI am sooo glad that y’all had a happy, restful weekend! Looks like you found all kinds of things to bring a smile.
ReplyDeleteYour figs are growing so well - now if you can just beat the mockingbirds to them when they ripen! But they’ll repay you with their beautiful songs.
Really good photography on those gorgeous passion flowers! You have a real talent there.
And 2nd Man’s talents are at work! That plate of food looks scrumptious - makes my mouth water just looking at it!
Have a great week!
Definitely!!! I did see one fig, well, HALF of a fig, on the ground. Hoping I can beat them to them all. the trees are still kinda small but they will give us a few this year, I'd be ok with that. It's all about the future when they will be large and producing lots! Thank you for the kind words!!
DeleteThose flowers are so lovely, such intricacy and soft colors....I am continually amazed at the beauty Mother Nature produces for us! And dinner looked scrumptious! I also want to say I'm so glad you are monitoring comments! The internet is wonderful in many ways but not so nice in other ways, and there are some very ugly people in the world, as we know. I love reading your blog everyday and nasty comments are just not needed! Have a wonderful week ahead! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great comment, thank you very much. Life's too short for all that negativity, right? And yes, I love seeing the beauty in nature, even weeds, or random plants or just stuff that pops up by itself, is so pretty sometimes. We find beauty where we can. :-)
DeleteBeautiful photos. I love the first one - she is gorgeous. Glad you had a good weekend :-) x
ReplyDeleteShe's a pretty girl. She's getting old, sadly, I think she's about 13 now...but still going strong. She's a fun visitor.
DeleteYes that is a Sea Holly, very good for the bees and other pollinating insects, it grows in areas of good drainage and dosent like its feet in water.
ReplyDeleteA weed is only a plant that is growing in the wrong place :-)
Awesome! Thank you, I've never see it before (or noticed it at least) but it's definitely pretty. And I love your comment about weeds. I'll have to remember that, love it!!
DeleteYour photos are great. I hope that's not some kind of thistle. They are beautiful but can be a pain for bare feet and livestock.
ReplyDeleteNow I have to find something to eat. That plate looks like a Dream Chef's Plate. Mmmmmmmmmm.
Well thank you and thank you! It's got spines on it but it's not terribly sharp. And not growing near where people would walk. And the food was scrumptious for sure. :-)
DeleteI looked up Sea Holly and found this. "Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle) is a species of the genus Cirsium, native throughout most of Europe (north to 66°N, locally 68°N), western Asia (east to the Yenisei Valley), and northwestern Africa (Atlas Mountains).[1][2][3] It is also naturalised in North America and Australia and is as an invasive weed in some areas."
ReplyDeleteOuch! We have them in our pasture and they are taking and over. Hard to get rid of, and every year there are more. We had good coastal grass behind the the stock tank and now the Thistles (thats what we have always called them) are killing it out. I think we probably got them from the hay rolls we brought in. Cow will not eat them maybe goats? Anyone who likes them can have ours.