Our tree dweller

Gwynnie in the pepper tree. When we move, both kitties will miss that tree.

Garage sale day

All of Mission Hills had a garage sale this Saturday, and Ms. Foziewisp and I got some of our wares in on the action -- and much of it sold! Yay! Pardon the blurry picture...

My office assistant

My little Gwynnie is always on time, and I forgive her for sleeping on the job because she is so darn cute!

German botanical illustration

I'd never heard her name before until today's Google doodle. But what beautiful illustrations! And isn't it interesting how many Germans are into botany? Hmm. Is there some obvious reason I'm unaware of?

A painting showing the metamorphosis of Thysania agrippina produced in 1705. 

A plate taken from Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium.

And this is the illustrator herself...Maria Sibylla Merian (2 April 1647 – 13 January 1717).



Peace, love, and pupae!
Robin

Birthday lunch at DaoFu

Every year, my friend Sherri and I celebrate each other’s b-days with a lunch out. It’s usually to one of two places, but this year we colored outside the lines and went to DaoFu. They make the best homemade tofu in town. They also start you out with this awesome salad with raspberry dressing and fresh tofu (warm creamy deliciousness), and there’s always homemade ice cream for dessert. Lunch is served: a tofu rice bowl, and veggies in citrus sauce with tofu. Yum!

La Tartine Gourmande is on it's way

Just ordered this cookbook. Have been looking at it for a while. Such beautiful food. And I love this bright, pastel-colored kitchen. (The video takes a bit to load...)

A beautiful food store

I’d been hearing about Bristol Farms grocery store from my belle mere, but had never gone. This weekend, I made my way over there. It’s tucked into a shopping center in UTC/La Jolla. It’s like Whole Foods, but with a more worldly, slightly European bent. Jellies and mustards and crackers galore, and a produce section that you just want to photograph. So I did…

The way these radishes are arranged: pure art!

Gorgeous golden beets…

…and red beets…all perfectly washed and arranged…

…and Swiss chard. Of course, why would you hide the blazing red stems when you can face them out?

And they sell these English bowls that I love. Next trip, I’ll have to get one.

I was such a goon in there, too. In Produce, this poor guy is doing his job as I wax on about how lovely everything looks! And that it was my first time in the store, and how beautiful the store is, and did he arrange those radishes? He did not because, well, he worked in the café, but he did say, “Welcome!” I have to admit I love me a fine grocery store, even if on this trip I got a wee bit crazy in the aisles. This might be the perfect time to say: I need to get out more!

Happy grocery shopping,

R.