Here is a bowl of plums from a tree in my son’s backyard in Venice, CA. They no longer exist. They were delicious.

And here is a view of Janet’s and my street in Venice, CA.

Swinging chandelier…

Belly up foot stool…

Worried Hector…

We drove up to Rhinebeck to the lovely Oblong Book Store and stayed overnight at a B&B last Saturday–there were thousands and thousands of fireflies out. I’ve never seen so many fireflies. A bull frog was rumbling away all night. I had forgotten that sound, it’s been so long.

The next day we went to Olana, Frederick Church’s Picturesque land full of views and trees and curves and hills and wild flowers and sky and rivers and his fabulous, goofy house. Heaven.

Hector enjoyed the ride.

Today was it: Linden Tree Day! Hector and I sat beneath the perfumed trees this morning and breathed in springtime. Last night, walking home from dinner at Nice Matin, Janet and I were hit with the scent at the top of the hill on West End and 79th. My favorite day of the year.

So, we have really sold our apartment! We’re renting a small place in NY and moving most of our lives to Venice, CA! One more month of what has become our New York backyard, Riverside Park. It’s like having a huge, fabulous garden without having to dig or prune. I will miss the swamp full of irises, hibiscus and, once, parrots! I’ll miss the hawks. I’ll miss the sparrow nest in the tree trunk. And the dying Japanese pines that the woodpeckers like. The weird flowering cherry tree that flowers in December and in the spring, too. I won’t miss the Lindens, though. I plan to be in the city for Linden Day every year, no matter what! It’s coming up soon…
Here is a picture of a variety of roses I love, but do not know the name of.

And here are some blossoms from a chestnut tree. They look almost like orchids.

(thanks daily dish)