A delicious recipe I came across at nookandpantry.blogspot.com/. These bars have warm blueberries on the inside with a crumbly, sweet, and buttery crust. They are easy to make and very satisfying. Try them!
*I would, however, use more sugar than the recipe at Nook & Pantry called for.
A colorful bomarea in the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden. This subtropical vine is native to South America.
The last photo from my recent redwood day-trip...
Redwoods are interesting because they capture fog moisture and cause it to drip down into the forest understory. It's what makes the ferns grow big, and what can soak unprepared hikers (like myself)...
Here's a small sample of the forest at Redwood Regional Park...obviously redwoods, with a few California bay trees mixed in.
As for the garden...not much is happening right now. Some of the daffodils are starting to bloom, and a few magnolias as well, but that's about it. We are patiently awaiting rain here in California - it is needed if we wish to avoid a severe drought...
Rainy weather brings mist to Redwood Regional Park in Oakland, California. This is a great park, full of huge trees, lush ferns, and a flowing creek.
I was so happy to see this super vibrant flower at the San Francisco Botanical Garden...other than that, things aren't too colorful right now. I suppose it must be much worse in other parts of the country, though.
This is one of the coolest plants I've ever seen. The natural geometric pattern is incredible...this specimen was at the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden in California.
This old building (established in 1870) used to be C. Schallhorn's Blacksmith and Wagon-Shop. Located in Fiddletown, a remote village off of Highway 49 in the Gold Country of California, it was a very cool relic of a time long-past.
Fiddletown is a really interesting place. With little traffic, no touristy shops, and few residents, it was a quiet respite from the busy towns of Placerville and Sutter Creek. The town is only about one or two blocks long, and can be walked in a few minutes. There are some neat abandoned buildings, as well as a few structures from the former Chinatown. Definitely a great place to stop by!
Anyone ever notice how some succulents just look like they're exploding from within? This little specimen was at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona.
This is just one of many aloes that can be seen in the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. They are such cool plants!
The most striking one I've seen, however, is the spiral aloe. Its leaves grow in a perfect geometric spiral in multiple rows. Truly a spectacular plant to behold.
Winter is upon us...and with it, rain.
California is a different place in the rainy season: the hills turn green, the wildflowers bloom, and the waterfalls flow. If you ever get the chance to visit the state in March, I would suggest doing so, as you will be greeted with Ireland-like terrain and fields of colorful wildflowers.
I hope winter is going well for everyone else!
