Here in southern New England we are continuing the warm trend. It was such a mild winter, I don't think I wore my warmest winter coat more than 5 times and most of those were to home New England Patriots' games where I knew I'd be outside for at least 4 hours. Plus, I haven't had to scrape off the ice on the car windshield or shovel off snow which I was doing at least 3 times a week last winter!
Now it's the ides of March and the temp this week is 60-74degrees. Amazingly wonderful. We'll all be sooo spoiled when next winter rolls around. Usually in March I'm visiting my son who lives just north of Atlanta with his family, enjoying weather in the 60s, and wishing I could relocate south for good. We usually fly back home to a foot of snow on the ground and cover ourselves with gloves, scarves, and hats when landing at Logan international airport. Lately I've noticed the temperatures in both places are not all that far apart.
Will be setting out some new bird houses this week-end. They've already started nests in some of the older ones. A few look pretty sad, I'm sure the birds will enjoy new digs. The male cardinal visits the suet daily, unfortunately banging into the kitchen window repeatedly trying to scare away it's own reflection... is it really that dumb or is this an instinctive thing? We've tried hanging things in the window to no avail, it still does this every year.
I plan on buying some new kites (these are great for the little ones) and will enjoy flying them over the next few weeks with the granddaughters. (Traditionally we have very windy springs.) They're old enough now to hold onto them and even get them up into the air with minimal help. Lots of laughs, fresh air, and gives them a great sense of accomplishment. Makes for great photo ops too.
Newport, RI has a Kite Festival at Brenton Point on the Drive, check it out (2012 festival). It's for the family and Free!
You don't have to wait for this date though, as you can find people flying kites on this knoll above the sea on any day of the week . The wind here always cooperates.
Speaking of salads..... I will be planting more arugula this year. It goes fresh from the garden right onto the salad plate... with its distinctively nutty flavor. These tender greens are also good mixed in with a warm potato salad and add a delicious flavor to homemade pizza! It's easy to grow from seed but doesn't tolerate the heat so I can only grow it in the spring and early fall. I've started to save the plastic containers that berries come in. They make great containers for the garden greens I'll be harvesting.
I love arugula fresh from the garden....
Whisk 2 teaspoons each whole-grain mustard and white wine vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste in a large bowl
Slowly drizzle in 3 tablespoons olive oil, whisking
Add 3 bunches torn arugula and1/3 cup chopped toasted walnuts and toss.
Other options:Omit the nuts, and use bacon pieces instead or,
toss with chopped fresh tomato (marinated first in balsamic), and top with feta cheese. Another great combo, toss the arugula with chopped kalamata olives and top with shredded mozzarella.
My daffodils out front have started to bloom, the earliest I can remember. Tomorrow, I'll pick a small bouquet for the table. Bright yellow just screams Spring!
I really am itching to get planting but the "planting calendar" states I should wait until the end of the month..... March 30th for peas (calendar) which is always the first vegetable seeds I get into the ground. I plant them in a small raised bed (seeds 2 inches apart and 2 inches deep). I get good germination by over nighting them in a container on paper towels soaked in warm water.The tendrils catch the wire fencing in the middle so I get two rows. The grandkids love to pick and eat them right off the vine. So tender and sweet. I'd love to plant annuals early to add color to the now forlorn gardens but I've learned that New England springs are very fickle.. any earlier than mid May can mean disaster, no matter what the temp. All it would take is one frosty night to damage them all. (been there, done that). So, it is kind of bittersweet to have the temptation of warm sunny weather in respect to New England gardening. Common sense must prevail.
Hostas have just started to break ground.
Now it's the ides of March and the temp this week is 60-74degrees. Amazingly wonderful. We'll all be sooo spoiled when next winter rolls around. Usually in March I'm visiting my son who lives just north of Atlanta with his family, enjoying weather in the 60s, and wishing I could relocate south for good. We usually fly back home to a foot of snow on the ground and cover ourselves with gloves, scarves, and hats when landing at Logan international airport. Lately I've noticed the temperatures in both places are not all that far apart.
Will be setting out some new bird houses this week-end. They've already started nests in some of the older ones. A few look pretty sad, I'm sure the birds will enjoy new digs. The male cardinal visits the suet daily, unfortunately banging into the kitchen window repeatedly trying to scare away it's own reflection... is it really that dumb or is this an instinctive thing? We've tried hanging things in the window to no avail, it still does this every year.
I plan on buying some new kites (these are great for the little ones) and will enjoy flying them over the next few weeks with the granddaughters. (Traditionally we have very windy springs.) They're old enough now to hold onto them and even get them up into the air with minimal help. Lots of laughs, fresh air, and gives them a great sense of accomplishment. Makes for great photo ops too.
Newport, RI has a Kite Festival at Brenton Point on the Drive, check it out (2012 festival). It's for the family and Free!
You don't have to wait for this date though, as you can find people flying kites on this knoll above the sea on any day of the week . The wind here always cooperates.
I just enjoyed another fantastic meal at Margaret's (my new favorite) Restaurant on Main St in Fairhaven, MA. It's in a small historic house down by the water...casual and super friendly. We carry in a bottle of wine (BYOB), sit at our favorite table in the back by a window and know we'll get great service and always delicious food. They always surprise us with mouthwatering descriptions of their specials.. and never disappoint. I usually start with my personal favorite, mesclun greens with Balsamic, tomatoes, olives, onions, croutons and mozzarella....Jud's favorite is the traditional Caesar,(both generously portioned and made to order). Their most popular appetizer is the crab cakes, rightfully so. (it's not unusual for these to sell out early). This time I had their chili (made with grilled vegetables and just the right amount of spice). He enjoyed the tenderloin (came with a couple of ravioli stuffed with crispy chopped portabella and basil with truffle oil and a balsamic glaze). Also on his plate were pea pods and a helping of their delicious garlic mashed potatoes. A summer favorite is the penne dish with baby spinach and chunks of lobster.
If you're driving towards Cape Cod, plug it into your GPS and stop in on the way, you won't be sorry.
If you're driving towards Cape Cod, plug it into your GPS and stop in on the way, you won't be sorry.
Speaking of salads..... I will be planting more arugula this year. It goes fresh from the garden right onto the salad plate... with its distinctively nutty flavor. These tender greens are also good mixed in with a warm potato salad and add a delicious flavor to homemade pizza! It's easy to grow from seed but doesn't tolerate the heat so I can only grow it in the spring and early fall. I've started to save the plastic containers that berries come in. They make great containers for the garden greens I'll be harvesting.
I love arugula fresh from the garden....
Whisk 2 teaspoons each whole-grain mustard and white wine vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste in a large bowl
Slowly drizzle in 3 tablespoons olive oil, whisking
Add 3 bunches torn arugula and1/3 cup chopped toasted walnuts and toss.
Other options:Omit the nuts, and use bacon pieces instead or,
toss with chopped fresh tomato (marinated first in balsamic), and top with feta cheese. Another great combo, toss the arugula with chopped kalamata olives and top with shredded mozzarella.
My daffodils out front have started to bloom, the earliest I can remember. Tomorrow, I'll pick a small bouquet for the table. Bright yellow just screams Spring!
I really am itching to get planting but the "planting calendar" states I should wait until the end of the month..... March 30th for peas (calendar) which is always the first vegetable seeds I get into the ground. I plant them in a small raised bed (seeds 2 inches apart and 2 inches deep). I get good germination by over nighting them in a container on paper towels soaked in warm water.The tendrils catch the wire fencing in the middle so I get two rows. The grandkids love to pick and eat them right off the vine. So tender and sweet. I'd love to plant annuals early to add color to the now forlorn gardens but I've learned that New England springs are very fickle.. any earlier than mid May can mean disaster, no matter what the temp. All it would take is one frosty night to damage them all. (been there, done that). So, it is kind of bittersweet to have the temptation of warm sunny weather in respect to New England gardening. Common sense must prevail.
Hostas have just started to break ground.
Did you know there's a "GOLDEN TIARA HOSTA"
Have a good week-end.
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