The drought continues in beautiful Santa Barbara, but this morning a brief shower passes through. All the established plants are happy for any drop of moisture.
The desert plants are filling in a few gaps and putting on an exotic show in the meantime. And of course we are happy to visit in any season.
Foggy mornings give way to brilliant afternoons. There are always gorgeous views from Marcia's villa.
It has only been a couple of months since our last visit, but the changes are dramatic. The spring bloom has given way to the challenges of nurturing a bit of garden in hard times. People are even putting "shower water" to good use (the gallon or so that usually runs down the drain while waiting for the water to heat up).
The summer days have taken me away from the usual routine, including blogging. But a change of scene always brings a new energy along with it.
Some people call these the dog days of summer, but they are pony days too.
Along with a few tomatoes, the garlic has reached its peak. The heads are spectacular and aromatic.
The squash plants struggle on. But there's no keeping a good gardener down even in the worst of conditions!
These are also melancholy days, as the family's matriarch has recently passed on. She was beautiful and youthful in her ninety-fifth year, and I have written about her often on these pages. She was an inspiration, and spent many hours among her own lovely gardens.
"Don't be sad," she would say often in the last days. "I have had a wonderful life!" And though we know that to be true we are sad now anyway.
A garden stroll is good for reflection. For enjoying each nuance of the seasons. For appreciating life.
I find myself glad for the summer days ahead. For time still left for vacation and visiting family.
For the welcoming doors, and cheering talk, and good laughter.
Wishing you a wealth of sunny summer days ahead too!
Jacqueline
