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sylviahubbard.com/yearly Over 20 books have been added, and more to come! Including new reads for 2024 Join now! and Become a premium sneakreader And other books have been added recently this year To find out about all the benefits of members, please CLICK HERE And there are books to come in 2024 that will be […]
She held up the little plastic dinosaur, her eyes sparkling and full of fun. "Is it a ...cat?" I asked. "No!", she shrieked with laughter, "its a dinosaur!" We played again a couple more times, each time my outrageous suggestions that the stegosaurus or…
She held up the little plastic dinosaur, her eyes sparkling and full of fun. "Is it a ...cat?" I asked. "No!", she shrieked with laughter, "its a dinosaur!" We played again a couple more times, each time my outrageous suggestions that the stegosaurus or the diplodocus were a dog or rabbit got similar reactions.... instant giggling and a loud clear "No"! She picked up the game quickly and now it was her turn to pick up a plastic animal (I think it was a horse) and, trying not to giggle, she asked, "is it a... dog?" On cue, I laughed and said "no!", adding a head slap for greater effect. She looked on, delighted and tried again.
Almost 3 year olds have an almost magical quality about them. They are full of wonder, delight and fascination... endless energy and a sense of awe and amazement as they go about their lives. The impromptu game I played with my new little friend was delightful. She was right there in the moment with me- her whole little being laughing and playing along.
I came away from my morning of interacting with many shining eyed little 3 and 4 year olds, with a deep sense of gratitude and joy. How amazing that that which gives me so much joy is also what I get to call my job! As I recounted my morning when I got home, I couldn't ignore the dull heartache I felt, like a knot in my chest, a sense of longing for years past, a simpler time, when my own children were that age. Soon to be in High School and Middle School, my own are long past the simplicity and utter joy of the genre of peek-a-boo games. Their joy looks and feels different these days - as it should. And as much as each age and stage has had a full circle of highs and lows, trials and tribulations and lots of love and laughter, that little preschool phase holds some of my fondest memories of my children and my role as their mother. I loved their energy, the mischief and laughter in their eyes, their joy at discovering something new or not being phased at something not working right away. I loved holding them and playing with them and listening to them giggle and snort.
I miss my little ones and that time so much it hurts.
Camellia Trees – Winter 2024 – Los Angeles – Southern California After the hottest year on record, we've had another unusually wet winter. Our garden turned a luxurious green with joy. Red camellias, in the captioned photo, blushed as we …
Camellia Trees – Winter 2024 – Los Angeles – Southern California
After the hottest year on record, we've had another unusually wet winter. Our garden turned a luxurious green with joy. Red camellias, in the captioned photo, blushed as we passed by on the way to and from the parking area. With a few exceptions, the succulent plants have also responded well to the soaking.
The growth of the potted Aeonium Mint, shown below, was impressive. Just two plants! Compare its growth since October 2023.
Aeonium Mint February 2024
Aeonium Mint October 2023
Other large potted plants in this open area, shown below, have also responded well to the drenching.
The Aeonium Kiwi, one of my favorite succulents, is also happy. Thankfully, the open area did not flood and drained well.
To prevent the collapse of the Aeonium Haworthii, due to the saturated soil, I had to add support and secure its exposed roots. It closely resembles the Aeonium Kiwi but is all green. Its flowers will be in full bloom in spring, attracting the bees.
Aeonium Kiwi Winter 2024
Aeonium Haworthii Winter 2024
The potted Purple Graptoveria Debbie, below the stairway, has won attention from visitors. Its spring blooms of tiny yellow flowers will add to its beauty.
Purple Graptoveria Debbie Winter 2024
I was happy to see the extra growth of the Foxtail Fern. The latest sprout is extra-long. Did you notice that the potted succulent to the front right is flooded? Following each rainy day, I've had to drain the over-saturated, compact potted soil. I've been closely watching it as I'm concerned about root rot. So far, it appears healthy.
Foxtail Fern Winter 2024
The two plants, featured below, have been this winter season's greatest surprises. Though I've had little success in growing flowering plants, in summer 2022 I fell in love with a white Azalea plant at a local Japanese garden center. The plant adapted well to its new home until the extreme temperatures struck us during summer 2023, scorching its leaves. The leaves that withstood the heat lost their lush green color. After removing all the dead branches and leaves, I prayed that the cooler autumn weather would help to revive the skeletal plant. What a joyous surprise to see the white blooms following the winter rains!
White Azalea Winter 2024
Eggplant Winter 2024
My potted eggplant, rooted in the ground, was the other great surprise. In early October, I cut back the plant following the end of its vegetable-bearing cycle. Four days of continual rainfall at the beginning of February brought it back to full bloom with dense foliage. I'm keeping an eye on all the blossoms. Who knows? I may get one to two vegetables in the spring.
Rainfall makes a great difference to plant life…even succulent plants. Should the gods hear my prayers, this water saturation will carry them through the extreme summer months ahead.
After light rain on Wednesday and Thursday, our local weather forecaster has promised sunshine for the next two weeks. I can't wait to get outdoors again to tend to the garden!
