3.29.2008

baking for a birthday

as I baked this cake today. for my lovely sister-in-law's birthday.
I thought of how it is also a one-year birthday for this adastraland blog.
I always enjoy a reason to bake a cake.





























the cake is a devil's food recipe, from MS. similar to this one.
I included a layer of Nutella on the top of the bottom layer.
And then iced with a simple powdered sugar/cocoa/vanilla glaze.

And here's to one year of this little blog. I'm curious as to what it will
contain in yet another year. I guess every year when the daffodils
are blooming, I'll also have this anniversary to think about. and possibly,
a reason to bake a chocolate cake.

3.20.2008

great things list #9, Spring















today is the Spring Equinox.
First day of Spring.
A season of Hope.
a day that most of us who make daily drudges through winter, look forward to.
though it could still snow, or freeze, basically Spring is here.
I can tell walking outside, I can smell things. the air is actually verdant. b/c the world has thawed. and living outside again.

dreaming of fresh basil on fresh tomatoes, all warm from the sunshine.
the basil sprouts, above. at 17 days.

dreaming of zinnias. in the summer.
















and now the time comes, to start feeling busy because the outdoors must be tended to.

1. move compost pile to garden plot, work into soil at least 2 ft. deep
2. rake up leaf piles that have acted as mulch through winter.
3. plant peas?
4. trim crazy-lady looking shrubs around house.
5. plant pansies in front.
6. buy many cubic feet of peat moss
7. clean up new daffodil bed, around trunk of the Buckeye. line in red bricks.
8. repair, or have repaired, the crumbly edge of concrete front stoop
9. go to greenhouse/nursery, for boost of spring/summer fever. try not to dream bigger than yard allows.
10. plant grass in bare patches of backyard.

Finally, I hope everyone got to read this NYT editorial on Obama and his historic & honest speech about American's racial divide and its ability to be a more perfect union. Or for that matter, read the speech/see the speech. A profile in courage, healing the racial divide, a ray of hope.
I believe in the greatness of this country, its citizenry & its power to lead by example. But I think our country has been, and is being, torn apart by divisions politically, religiously & economically. And so I hope, though our greatness has been fractured, it yet can be rebuilt. By its people & its democratic process. Obama has the strength & integrity to lead us through that.

A chorus of our Union, touched by the better angels of our nature.

3.17.2008

the bunny has an owner
















my niece was born today.
she'll always have to deal with shamrocks on her birthday.

so happy our little A. finally came along.
hope she loves her bunny.

3.14.2008

butterflies, owls & polka-dots















as I've finished the blanket with butterflies,
and beginning a soft bunny. all for the new little one
on her way.















realised, that my little nephew will also need some
presents. during what will be a big shock to his
rather center-of-the-world existence. so while also
planning to buy something with buttons, lights and noises.
decided to make a soft pillow















a polka-dot softie. pillow-cased in owls.

3.12.2008

great things list #8.
















when the sprouts show up.

(its been nine days since planting)

3.11.2008

finally signs of warm things






























daffodils. poppies.

the sun is out today. and it is warm. so warm, I was in flip-flops.
as I took these photos.

I do believe, that I have not yet scowled today. and I will
try not to, when the cold comes back in a few days. I'll
try to leave it behind. with winter.

my goodness, the urge to just be pulling all the mulch from
my plants is huge. but, it will freeze again. it will likely snow again.
so, all I can do is look. and wait.

3.04.2008

great things list #7
















seed starting.

the sunny morning, got me inspired. I've not wanted to
do this on a cloudy, cranky day.

these are the beginnings of Basil. Genovese & Siam.

also. nervous about political events taking place today.
in Ohio & Texas.
damn politics. love it all, in a nail-biting way. here's hoping
what happens today, is what is best for all of us.

3.03.2008

hey march















this picture is from last year. in late February.

today, it is too cold and windy to go outside & find signs of Spring.
but I'm hoping signs exist.

and thanks March, for NOT snowing last night, as predicted. if my seasonally affected mood gets any worse, my scowl will become permanent.