There's No Place Like Home

My favorite time of year is when my flowers bloom. I love Breck's of Holland. Normally tulips get weaker each year. A few years ago I ordered Breck's tulip collection. A few months ago I dug up twice as many as I bought. I split them into two flower boxes and replanted them. Free tulips, and so beautiful.

Because I live in deer country, I have to protect my beauties with anti-deer netting. The voracious deer will happily graze any unprotected tulips.

Mules Ears in the Forest

The Soup Springs Campground in the Modoc National Forest provided grand vistas and beautiful flowers. A surprise was Mule's Ears, named for the long, ear-shaped leaves. The flowers are a cross between a giant daisy or a very small sunf lower. They are bright, cheerful, and very common along the hiking trail. On our hike home, the flowers provided a welcome food source or resting place for a wide variety of insects. I was happy to see the insects on the flowers, and not around our hiking party.

Conquest Sacramento: Travels of a Military Sort

Military miniatures gaming offers the intellectual challenge of chess with the added challenge of maneuvering units against one or more opponents. The miniatures and landscapes are a tangible artistic accomplishment. More photos to follow.