In Bloom

I haven't had a garden since I was growing up in Connecticut so I was delighted that our new apartment came with a small back yard. We didn't move in until June and didn't get around to planting anything until mid-July. Thinking of the growing seasons in New England, I didn't really expect that much to grow. However, in the Bay area, we see sunny warm weather in October and all my wildflowers are currently in bloom. How lovely!

Grown Gifts

Last Sunday was my 26th birthday and I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with my friend Susan. She cooked a delicious lunch for me and we spent 4 hours talking about anything and everything. Besides purchased gifts (a seal and wax and a wand!) she sent me home with some gifts grown in her yard.

I had been admiring the centerpiece flower on the table while we were eating and then I got to take it home in a cute little former balsamic vinegar jar. A week later this little guy is still going strong. 

These handpicked apples are truly delicious. I didn't think there would be that much of a difference between the store bought apples, but I'll take these little ones any day. They are flavorful, juicy and not at all mealy--just the way an apple should be.

*All photos in this post were made with a Fujifilm Instax Mini 7S camera.