Do, Re, Mi

 

Belgium does a few things well, after all.

Springtime Revisited

Here's a shot of 772 Hilton Road in its previous incarnation, just prior to the partial demolition and rebuilding. The date is about this time in 2004.

And here we are in mid-April of 2009:

And, for a small bonus, here's a close-up of DW's flowering arbor:

DW is pleased.

April 18 1906 - 2009

We all are familiar with the "Painted Ladies" of San Francisco, on Alamo Square:

Here's a somewhat earlier shot, taken on 18 April 1906. Notice the contrasts.

Temperature Going Up To 80F

The lovely mail lady backed her truck up to the front door today. Said she had to deliver a package. Then, she said "You have a wonderful little oasis up here. Quiet, lots of flowers, great rose smells. Reminds me of the mother's house."

 

'








That's very nice.

A New Week Begins

Take a deep breath, a long view, and growing patience. The stock markets move, as always:

HI MOM

That's Neat!

American Improvisation

Rest In Peace

Morris T. C. Winnacker

1991 - 2009

Cherry Blossom Time in D.C.

But, we're not doing badly in the 94595 (a little LA lingo there.) DW reminds me that we have three types of Cherry trees. I respond, of course, with "I know. Two types in the back, and one type in front."
In the back:

In the front:

And, oh yes, we're under the direct path from Seattle to Los Angeles

You should look closely for the contrail, or click to expand.

(Or, just trust me, okay?)

More Springtime

DW received a pre-birthday present yesterday! Please meet Mr. Murphy, whose job is to overlook the gardens in front of HiltonHouse.

And there is plenty to overlook, with the roses starting to bloom and the cherry trees beginning their annual April blossom explosions.

Meanwhile, DD's two West Lawn cherry trees, much different varieties, are in blossom at the same time.

It's fun to watch. Lots of fun.

THIS is what is was all about

I actually saw the Benny Goodman Band on the Boardwalk at Atlantic City.

Honda Hybrid Insight

 

  Just click here 

It's a  whole lot of fun, but I'm not sure how environmentally conscious it is.

New Addition to the Extended Kikuchi Family

Please meet Jue & Satoshi's new daughter, Yuna. Welcome, Yuna!

(note the Kikuchi nose :-)

More Spring 2009 Stuff

Seen from afar, under cloudy skies, DD's weepingcherry tree appears dormant. Close inspection, however, reveals little buds with signs of life. Even closer inspection reveals even more...real cherry blossoms!

Thank you, DD.

More Signs of Spring

(I'm having trouble placing text)

Anyway, up at top is the first red leaf of the Japanese Maple.

The groundcover is Periwinkle, now in full bloom.

The white cluster is from the potato bush (?) on the side of the garage.

And the white thingy with the beautiful center may be a zinnea (help!) and it opens to sunlight.

Lots of Spring fun so far.

Springtime 2009

I shall have some new pics of the red-leaf Japanese Maple and, perhaps, the cherry trees soon. In the meantime, I was struck by the following:

"Lonely Red Umbrella"

Another Early Sign

Those are the first leaves of the season on Hisako's Japanese Maple. Soon, there will be more. (Perhaps, from another tree.)

(Click to enlarge. This is important for this pic, since the detail only shows when enlarged.)

For Dog Lovers

 

Something to make you chuckle on a foggy Sunday.

All Publicity Is Good (as long as they spell my name write)

 

http://www.businessinsider.com/uh-oh-white-house-seeks-economic-advice-from-twitter-2009-3

(at least Twitter uses tinyurl)

Thursday's Moon Halo

The halo is apparently caused by zillions of ice crystals in the sky. Some say that the number of stars inside the halo indicate the number of days before the next storm. Don't know about that; just know that it was a wonderful sight.