The lawn hasn't been mowed since we moved in... which is just as well, since daddy never taught his girls how to handle a lawnmower and R.'s been busy with other house projects. Meanwhile, the rainy winter has transformed everything from a crunchy mess of brown straw and weeds into an absolutely verdant yard of... well, grass and weeds. Nature can do her thing for now. Meanwhile, Bowdu is happy to tamp down a little patch of clovers for a cushioned spot in the sunshine, perfect for an afternoon nap. We're observing and learning the cycle of happenings in the garden -- or what will be garden, when I finally find the time and energy (and worm castings) to plot other plants alongside the existing flora. So far, we have some gorgeous pink lily-things that appeared in the fall and a clump of delphinium-like stalks in the back. Several calla lilies that recently bloomed were also a nice surprise.

The lemons that dangle over the fence from one neighbor's side are quite welcome, and we definitely make use of them. My feelings regarding the plums from the other neighbor are more mixed. The trees growing on our side of the fence seems to be an extension of the same plant in their yard, which would lend support to the rumor that plum trees are difficult to get rid of. I'm not wild about the fruit, especially when it's produced in such massive quantities that we could never consume it all, but I have to admit that the flowers are pretty sweet and therefore soften my opinion of this plant. For now, at least.

And then there's these little yellow flowers that have sprung up all around the border of the yard. I'm assuming that they're weedy wildflowers, since they're all over the most unkempt lawns in Berkeley. But hey, Bowdu's happy to relax amongst those dainty yellow blossoms, it's so cute, and it's spring! Let 'em bloom. Why not?

It might be hard to see from this picture, but there's a two-tone effect going with the back wall (with the built-in bookshelf) and the rest of the living room walls. For my first time painting a house, I think I did a damn good job.

R.'s been busy with the other half of the house. It wouldn't be fair of me to post pictures of his work just yet, but let's just say... he hasn't been slacking!

A more substantive update to come later.