What I am trying to keep alive this summer

The following is a list of what I am going to try to keep alive this summer. But it is only April you say? Yes, mid-April pretty much means summer has started in Central Florida. Only few things can make it outdoors in the summer heat. I have some leftovers in the garden from winter/spring and some new seeds planted. Some are gambles but you never know for sure if something will work unless you try.
The following is what is happening:

The plans for the summer garden. And yes I know I plant things too close together. I do it because I never really know what is going to make it. It is easy to just thin out what you don’t want. Did I misspell carrot, ha!

Seeds in and ready to go.

Trying a new type of basil. See if this one can tolerate the sun better. It is supposed to taste the same as traditional basil. Why can’t I ever get organic basil ?

Tomato plant leftover from the winter/spring tomatoes. I never have luck with summer tomatoes but why not try again. It is too healthy to pull out.

My Charlie Brown Key Lime tree. It is dying, like the lemon did, but it has looked sad like this for two years so I am holding out hope that it may make it. It has produced some great key limes.

Muscadine grapes are coming back. I am confident they will do well (they always do). The goal this year is to keep it trimmed well so the trellis doesn’t lean forward again this year.

Spring flowers (planted last fall).

I love these guys. They are going on their second year and add great fragrance to the yard.

Mint and rosemary
Who doesn’t love a mint infused cocktail?
Wish me luck!!!

Another day in Edinburgh

For my visit to Edinburgh last year I only scheduled a couple of days dedicated to sightseeing. I wish we would have scheduled more. The beginning of our trip is documented in this post.
I think we would have been able to see more if the weather was slightly warmer. I think the frigid temperatures kept us snuggled at our B & B longer than we normally would have.

Our B & B was wonderful. After reading many reviews, we chose the 94DR. The facilities were at a luxury level but at a 3 star hotel price. Each room is charmingly named after scotch whiskies. We happened to stay in the Macallan. The owners and the others who run the B  & B were extremely friendly and welcoming. They gave us great sightseeing advice and the breakfasts were amazing.

 Honor Bar

One of the popular things to do while in Edinburgh is climb Arthur’s Seat. Arthur’s seat was in walking distance from our B & B and one day we decided to make the climb.

Later in the day we decided it was a good idea to do some more climbing. We ascended up to Calton Hill to see all the monuments and views from there.

Cemetery on the way

As I said earlier, we should have scheduled more time in Edinburgh. We didn’t even get to explore the new town. I guess we have another excuse to go back. See you again someday Edinburgh.

Final Harvest

Today’s harvest will probably be the last until we get early summer tomatoes ( if any). It was probably the best year yet. I wish I know what I did different this year; but I don’t. The great weather and mild winter probably had something to do with it.

Spring is also bringing us herb blooms. 

I am also liking how healthy this lime bush looks. Perhaps I won’t kill all the citrus?


Next up is to see if the blueberry bushes will bring us anything this year. We will see.
For now here is a cat picture….



Gaudí is Good

If you are not familiar with architect Antoni Gaudí then you are missing out. His work under the Modernisme is some of the most unique that you will ever see. The city of Barcelona is a showcase for his work.

Lampposts around Barcelona

Casa Batlló

La Pedrera (Casa Mila)
We were able to tour the inside of La Pedrera or Casa Mila, an apartment building in Barcelona.

One of the most impressive examples of Gaudi’s work is the still unfinished  la Sagrada Família. There really is nothing else like it in the world. Unfortunately the only day we were able to see it, it was closed for some special event. One day I will return to see the inside and maybe it will be complete then.

We both got sick at the end of the trip (nasty stomach virus) so we never made it to Park Güell. I have many reasons to return to Barcelona sometime in the future.