Cherries

I was planning on being full of despair if it was another hideous, cold day today, but it's not, so instead I'm just really tired. The sun really takes it out of you, when you know it's just right there outside your window!!!

Seriously though, this spring has sucked it big time as far as the weather goes. I'd say we held up pretty well as a people, we Portlanders, but sadly the cherries did not. I have some in my tree, but at least 30% less than last year and they are all green and tiny if not rotten and shriveled. Those cherries up there in the photo are from California, where the sun still shines and plants don't just die on you like traitors. Just kidding cherry tree! I know it's not your fault. But I am a little pissed at the sun for being so distant and flakey. 

Meanwhile, the raspberry bushes are out in full force. We have this routine where every day I go out and eat all of the ripe ones off the bush, and then the next day there is a whole new batch ready for me. It's perfect. I get to eat just enough to not get a stomach ache, and then the slightly unripe ones can get enough love from the plant to ripen for the next day. The few that escape my discovery and become overripe go to the chickens who are bat shit crazy for them. They, unlike the bluebirds, aren't smart enough to pick them on their own- YET. But luckily for them I like to watch them scramble around with raspberries on their beaks and I feed them by hand. The little darlings. 

One last thing: how good does this recipe look? I love her. I'm going to make that soon-ish.

Small Potatoes

In my family, we call new potatoes Charlie Boys. I found some of the tiniest ones I have ever seen at the market today and bought them just for the hell of it. I have posed them next to a grape and a raspberry to provide context of how very small they are. I plan on adding them to a special recipe tonight- beef with herbs, white wine and mustard. I'm taking the goose pot out for a test spin and it only seemed right to making something french in it. It also seemed right to make such a feast tonight as we finally signed the papers and are real life homeowners (or as my friend Grey says, "homo-ners" the way only a gay person can).

As you can see in the photos, I have started a new hobby: terrarium-ing. These are my first two and I plan on making one million. Please note the blooming air plants and the fancy glass containers that both cost $1 (kind of like the goose pot). I don't know if the plants I selected all have the same requirements as far as light and water go (I actually do know and they are all different-SHEESH.) but I am crossing my fingers and trying to cater to their needs as best as I can.

And, finally, a gratuitous shot of Jacky Scrapple in front of a bowl of cherries from the tree. Don't worry, the season is almost over and then I will be forced to take photos of something else.