Things to come...

 I realize now I was quite mopey about the weather report last week.  Somehow, I survived 😂.  Going forward, we look free of any frosts.  Lows in the 50's, I've got a 2nd batch of tomato seeds going.  First seeds weren't viable (old). Lots of clean-up still, with another round of weed pulling.  I'm so thrilled about the warmer weather & sunshine, I'm NOT complaining.  Listening to music and practically dancing while I do chores out there.  

A little closer. 

Closest.  I'm replacing the covers on the lounger.  I'm surprised the cat isn't asleep on it in this picture - he definitely gets the most use of the outdoor bed.  The top shade cover easily ripped off, the fabric was so weather worn.  I wanted to replace the beige with orange - but went with a neutral Sunbrella fabric, play mushroom. Err, brown.  It's brown.  I decided I can play with color while choosing pillows.  

In other news, the weather had me so stir crazy I applied for a part-time seasonal job.  And shocker, they hired me!  Alden Lane Nursery, our local family owned plant place.  It's been around for 70 years, and I get to be outside with plants and make a few bucks.  I'm looking forward to it, the staff is very nice.

I worry about the uptick in being social, I require downtime after lots of smiling.  

Not with these guys though.  I had the most fantastic visit this weekend from friends Gerhard! and Kyle!  I was too busy yapping to take photos, here's one Gerhard sent.  They are the best, sharing great advice -  they are both botanical encyclopedias.  Not to mention the mad inspiration I get from both of their gardens. 

Their enthusiasm and the warm weather had me on a total joy high!  And I immediately followed their suggestion to add Aloe pictifolia to the little cave in front of the meteor.  I love the speckle & lined edge coloring of this aloe.   Yes, there is a big ol' hole to the right.  I removed Casuarina Cousin It - I realized as we get closer to summer it would get too much sun in that spot.  

And Gerhard suggested the Agave albopilosa would thrive in ground here in a somewhat sheltered spot. Along with Kyle's "How cool would this Dudleya be in the rock" statement.  I need to chip away a bit at the meteor to make sure the Dudleya gets good drainage there. No problem.  

So  a short update from me, a soon to be short term employed person.  I haven't worked for 24 years, I was busy raising the kids and did loads of volunteering at the schools.  I suppose that was a part-time job.  Back in the day  I was a Media Buyer in the advertising world.  Buying air time for tv ads, radio, outdoor -you name it.  

Here is a photo of my friend Holly (left) and I (right) meeting Eddie Van Halen (middle) at the Governor Hotel.  Early 90's I'm guessing. We were SO excited!  Other than meeting some of the Portland TrailBlazers during a commercial shoot (for Dairy Queen commemorative glasses), I didn't rub elbows with the glitterati.  At the time my job included painting hamburger buns for the camera and insuring the DQ ceramic ice cream cone wasn't manhandled. Did you think that was real soft serve in the ads?  I thought it was real, but obviously it would melt.   

I'm a little nervous and excited for the new adventure.  Any tips for heading back to the salt mines?  I've realized to properly see & ring a cash register, I better wear my bifocals.