Natural Beauty And Food!

Spring has sprung, and by that I mean it's HOT.

Today it was 101, I think.

The heat does not stop these beauties from blooming up a storm!

They are actually our neighbor's bougainvilleas, but

they abundantly and joyously share themselves with us.

In fact, they are in the perfect spot so I can see them

out our master bathroom window while I'm getting ready in the morning.

Here's another view from our backyard.

I like the interesting clouds

and the palm trees.

It's quite green in our neighborhood in spite of being a desert

locale.  One pleasant truth about living in an established

community is that the plants and trees are mature!

These are our own Chinese Elm Trees in the backyard.

Our backyard isn't huge, but these trees (and our fountain)

 make it feel like an oasis. 

Chinese Elm Trees have this neat flaky bark.

It's beautiful.

My Dad left this little avocado tree with me

and it hasn't died yet!  

In fact, it's getting happier!

We also have little spiky friends.

Before I ran out of gluten-free flour and couldn't find any more,

I made the most delicious vegan gluten-free cinnamon raisin bread!

Here's how it looked before baking . . . 

And here it is in all its glory after baking!

I also made some veggie stew . . . 

And twice-baked smashed potatoes.

All these photos are making me hungry.

It was a delectable meal!

Mac & cheese hasn't been easy to find,
so when I found some boxes of Annie's mac & cheese,
 I bought them for Greg.

They were little peace signs
(we could all use more PEACE these days!)

We laughed at the box.

It says, "Push tail to open".

Ha!

I also made a fabulous new "cheese" spread.

The first batch I made was better than my favorite vegan "cheese"

spread I bought at the specialty grocery store that was quite a splurge.

This stuff was cheaper and better!

Although I admit that I made it again the day before yesterday and I

didn't do as well.  It's good, but not mouth-watering like the first batch.

I'll have to figure out what I did the first time and do it again!

The cats are still enjoying our staying-at-home.

Seeing this photo reminds me that I should update you . . . 

I've been mostly out of the boot for about a week,

and I'm doing okay.  I'm trying to increase my level of activity slowly.

My ankles feel about the same as they did before the boot.

I see the orthopedist again tomorrow.

Greg has not been able to play Foosball with his Foosball friends,

but he's trying to keep his skills up!

We are doing fine in all this COVID19 weirdness.

My sweet friend Hannah made

us these beautiful blue face masks and dropped them off.

Claude approves!

Though she left her long hairs all over the face masks,

which greatly annoyed our noses when we wore them.

They work great!

Though they didn't help us actually get any of the stuff

on the list.  Good thing I have a full pantry from a habit

of stocking up!

Sprout's has their bulk items in bags - smart.

My Dad has gotten into sewing and he made me this cute kitty

cover for ice packs.  It's helpful, since I have two injured ankles!

And it's SWEET and makes me smile.

That's all for today!

I hope you are HEALTHY and CONTENT even in 

concerning and uncertain circumstances.