My mother has slowly won me over. I now love plants. It fascinates me to see the variety of flora in different locales but also the similarities. I was surprised to see plants that I knew from Zimbabwe in Brazil. Arizona offered a wonderful array of plant life in its many landscapes. I particularly liked this pink-tipped grass, which I've learned is called muhlenbergia.

In Sedona, we saw prickly pear cacti, a familiar sight for this Zimbabwean.  We also saw century plants, agave americana. 

Prickly Pear

Century Plants

Near the end of the century plant's lifecycle (which is about thirty years, not a century as the American Pioneers thought), the plant grows a really tall stalk, which looks like a giant stalk of asparagus. This stalk can be up to 30 feet tall! That tall stalk you see in the picture below? Yep, that's a century plant!

Of course, one can't be near the Sonoran desert without noticing the incredible Saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea).  I did not expect to see hills covered with Saguaros, nor did I realize that they are so tall!!!

Apparently, the tallest recorded Saguaro was 87 feet tall before it was blown over in a storm. They don't grow arms until they are least 75 years old, and some never do! Most live about 150 years. Saguaros have expandable ribs to help them store water. A large Saguaro can store up to 6 tons of water, accommodated by expanding its ribs, but it can also lose up to 2/3 of its water and still live. I also learned from the Phoenix Botanical Gardens that Saguaros have "rain roots", which are additional roots that grow within an hour after rainfall to allow the Saguaro to absorb as much rainwater as possible. 

Val and I also learned about the relationship between the Palo Verde tree and the Saguaro cactus. Apparently (I wouldn't know), it was observed that a Saguaro often grew under a Palo Verde tree. Birds might have been feeding baby birds in the branches of the Palo Verde tree, and seeds dropped. The Palo Verde tree then acted as a "nurse plant" for the Saguaro. Eventually, the Saguaro might outlive the Palo Verde, because the Saguaro has a shallower root system and the Palo Verde will not get enough water. 

Palo Verde and Saguaro

Sometimes, noticing the plants had additional benefits...we saw a jack rabbit! 

Green

Baby Carrots

Aloe

Grow Where You Are Planted!

I've always appreciated gardens, but it has only been in the last few years that I have had a interest in being a gardener.  I didn't really have the freedom to indulge this in the UK.  However, I have a lovely little patio now, and I want to take advantage of the space and the gorgeous spring.

After I finished teaching for today (which is an entire story also), Martha and I headed to Lowes to start Project Beautiful.

When reaching for a pot, Martha inadvertently dumped some very chilly rainwater on me.  We both started howling with laughter.  I don't think the other patrons knew what to make of us.

Neither of us have gardened much, but we are both from gardening families.  You might say the gardening urge has been dormant until now.  It is only recently starting to bloom.  We are budding horticulturalists.  (Haha...the plant puns have been "sprouting" all day!)  Just please don't call us "blooming idiots!"  

We made our difficult decisions (so many flowers!) and went home with our starter garden.  I had Martha take some pictures, because my Mother will be so amazed!  

I also purchased two large pots and some seeds.  Hopefully, I will be showing you some sprouts in a few weeks!  I've planted carrots in one and spring onions in the other.  

Morphing into My Mother...

I love my momma (and miss her!) and I find myself thinking that I am turning into her!  (By the way, I think that would be a great thing because she is pretty awesome.)  This morning, as I sat in my little breakfast nook, enjoying coffee and banana bread, I was thrilled to see a cardinal in the bush outside my window.  The other day, I saw a bird flitting about and thought, "Hmm...I should get a bird book and start finding out what some of these birds are named."  (Haha....Mom, you never thought you would hear those words!)

I am even attempting to grow a green thumb, among other things.  Mom has always had lovely flowers, both inside and outside our home.  I may bring beautiful flowers home, but they don't always stay that way!  I think I'm a compulsive over-waterer.  

I now am the proud owner of three African violets, one yellow primrose, and one peace lily.  I have googled "how to take care of African violets" and I hope I'll do the job well!  I am being especially careful to read the watering instructions!

My spring and summer goal is to get some potted plants for my patio (love that alliteration!) and hopefully some succulents for inside the house.  

I have always loved Zimbabwean gardens.  Aunt Liz, a member of our Zimbabwean "family," has always had gorgeous gardens.  If I could have a fraction of her skill, I'd be happy!  Here are some pictures from her lovely veranda.  

My own little veranda won't compare to this, unfortunately.  First, I don't have this much space and second, I don't live in the right latitude to make this possible year round! however, I will endeavor to make my little corner of M-burg beautiful and green.

Birthday Blessings

Monday didn't go quite as I planned, but it ended wonderfully.  Snow started falling at about two in the afternoon.  Val and I had planned to go to campus to hear a guest lecturer, but I was exhausted.  Val told me I should lie down and take it easy.  When I woke from a nap, it was 7 p.m. and the snow was still falling.  Rather than venture out, we stayed in and made a vegetarian version of my mother's chicken gravy (so...gravy and peas and carrots) and baking powder biscuits.  It was a perfect warming meal for a beautiful evening.  

It felt like a wonderful lead-in to my twenty ninth birthday.

My parents and I were able to skype at 8, which was a great way to start my day.  The rest of my day was fairly un-birthdayish, as I worked on lesson preparations and paperwork for my new job.  The snow started melting and had dissipated by the time I left for an afternoon at Barnes and Noble with Val.  She spoiled me with a birthday latte and treat at the cafe.  

I left Val at 5:30 to meet my sister for a surprise birthday outing.  Val was going to a lecture on campus and was then going back to her parents' home.  I got home and had a surprise waiting at my front door!

My parents arranged for a beautiful potted gerbana daisy to be delivered today. I can't wait for spring!  I'm looking forward to creating a container garden on my little balcony and this little plant can be my first!  Thanks, Mom and Dad!

My sister arrived and gave me a wonderful spa treat basket, and included the hugest mug I have ever seen!  :) I'm drinking my Twinings of London Orange Cinnamon and Spice tea out of it right now.  

Joy and I then headed off to a "undisclosed" location for dinner.  She took me to the Melting Pot, a fondue restaurant.  We were there a few minutes before Val walked in the door!  Sneaky girls!  Then another good friend, Marleen, joined us as well!  My sweet sister planned a wonderful girls dinner out.  Several girls couldn't make it but we four had a great dinner.  We shared a cheese fondue, followed by a chocolate fondue for dessert. 

It has been a special day.  I'm so thankful for the amazing people in my life and especially in my family!

This one's for the Deere

Once again, our lawn was in need of maintenance.  I'm the only one who cuts the grass at any point, and it had been a while.  I don't know if the process of getting out the lawn mower really translates, so I decided to revert to pictures once more.  I'll break it down into steps for you :-)

Step One: Put on the Wellies.  Wellington boots.  Wellieboots.  Gummies.  Gumboots. Barnboots.  Sheepboots.  Whatever you call them, they are a very important part of a garden in England.  (Mine are also a fashion statement of a sort!)  They make me feel safe between lawnmowers, snails, slugs, spiders, and all the less pleasant things our neighborhood fox likes to track through the garden.

Step Two: Get the lawnmower out of it's little storage shed.  Seriously, we have a collapsable lawnmower.  It still makes me shake my head.

Step Three: Connect the lawnmower to an electric outlet.  Again, boggles my American/Zimbabwean mind.  It just doesn't seem right to unplug the toaster so I can then plug in the lawnmower to cut the grass.  Those words don't belong in the same sentence.  

Step 4: Unfold the handle and tighten the screws to hold it in place.

Step Five: Attach the basket to collect the grass cuttings. 

And last but not least, pull a lever and push the big orange button and you're off.  However, be very careful not to run over the power cord with the lawnmower.  I've not done it myself, but I can't imagine that would have a nice outcome.  

And to my dear uncle and cousin with the lawncare business, I try.  I really try to stripe the lawn and make it look all pretty, but it's nearly impossible in my tiny yard!  I do think of you every time I try. <3

We Have Green!

At long last, we have finally gotten some green growth in our garden that isn't a weed!  Our seedlings, which we so carefully planted 30 cm apart as instructed on the packets, have started to sprout!

As soon as Joanne noticed the new little splashes of colour, she revealed how well she knows me.  "Come now, Hope, it's time to update the blog.  Go take some pictures!"  I dutifully followed her instructions! :)

Life

I really wonder what you think of my life.  Especially days like today.  Grab a cuppa and settle in for a story.

A and I went to Green Street, a very Pakistani area of London.  (For football fans, yes, this is the Green Street of the Green Street Hooligans.  We also walked through West Ham park today.)  I was given a saree by a friend, a lovely blue saree, but she and I have very different builds, and I needed to get a blouse made to go with it.  There are three parts to this outfit, a petticoat (known as many things but the easiest for me to remember is langa), a blouse (called choli), and the long material that wraps around the body, which is the saree.  I had the saree and langa but needed the langa to be shortened and the choli to be made.  Now, you may wonder where this is going.  After all, do I really need a saree?  Well, no, not unless there is a special occasion..  But, having the choli made seemed like a good reason for an outing, and A and I figured perhaps we could strike up some friendships at the tailorshop.

Of course, it was pouring rain.  A and I decided to take two buses, rather than trudge through the pouring rain and arrive drenched.  We hopped on the first bus.  The oyster card reader wasn't working, so essentially, we rode for free.  We hopped off at the appropriate stop and walked to the next bus stop, which was very nearby.  Then, we waited.  And waited.  Ten minutes might not seem like a long time, but waiting for a bus in the rain makes it seem like an eternity.  Finally, our bus came and we got on.  We walked up to the top and two things became very apparent.  1) We couldn't see out the windows because they were completely foggy.  2) Everyone else on the upper deck was male.  Every time that happens, I always do a double take and wonder if London has instituted gender segregated buses.

We went maybe six stops before the bus driver pulled over and announced there was something wrong with the engine.  He was communicating with headquarters to diagnose the problem.  And we waited.  Some people got off, but A and I figured...If another bus isn't coming yet, why wait in the rain when we could wait in the dry interior of the bus.  About fifteen minutes later, another bus arrived and we were able to reach our destination without too much difficulty.

We arrived at the tailor's.  First of all, I'll enlighten you by telling you that "Butt" is a Pakistani name.  However, it is nigh impossible not to giggle when the sign on the shop says "Butt Ladies Tailor Upstairs."  I don't care how culturally sensitive you are, that is truly ironic.  We walked into the shop and there was an older Pakistani man sitting there.  After his "How can I help you?" I launched into my story about my reason for being there.  He nodded the whole way through and then said, "I don't follow."  I reiterated my saga, a bit more slowly and less detailed.  "Ah, you need to go upstairs."

We go upstairs.  There is another older Pakistani man working at a table.  "How can I help you?"  And, blah blah blah, I explain myself again.  Clarifications were needed.  Then he directs me downstairs to pick out the material I need for the blouse.  A and I try to match the material, but couldn't decide between two.  We go back upstairs and ask the tailor his opinion.  I never expected to make fashion decisions based on a 65 year old Pakistani man's opinions, but hey, it's his trade.  We agree on one, he tells me to get three yards, and back downstairs I go.  I tell the man downstairs my choice, he measures, cuts, and hands the material.  Back upstairs.

More chatting with the tailor about the details of the choli.  The neckline I want, the sleeve length, the lining, and the measurements, the date it will be done, the cost, etc.  He showed me an example of one he had finished making. Then, he turned to me suddenly with a concerned expression.  "Do you know how to wrap saree?"  I smiled and laughed.  "No, but I have lots of friends who can show me."  "Oh, very good.  It's ok, you know.  That one there is one I made for another white woman."  That comment struck me as both sweet and hilarious.  It was as though he was trying to reassure me that he wasn't saying I shouldn't wear a saree, he just wanted to be sure I knew how.

After we settled up, A and I left the shop and carried on walking along Green Street for a bit.  We hoped to strike up some conversations but most people were busy doing their shopping for eid, the day of feasting at the end of Ramadan.

We also saw the sweetest shoes.  You can't really tell from the picture, but these shoes are so little!  

When my little niece Anna gets a bit bigger, she might have to get a pair of these from her crazy Auntie Hope.  

We also stopped for lunch at Vijay's Chawalla All Vegetarian restaurant.  I do love the variety of foods I have in London.  I had aloo paratha, which is a potato filled bread sort of thing that I can't describe well but love (although spinach paratha is even better) and vegetable samosas.  

To me, looking at a menu like this is exciting.  I learn so much, even it's just by asking the waiter about different words.  I know you all don't really need to know the details of my dietary life, but it makes me laugh to consider today:

Breakfast: Special K cereal with bananas and a cup of coffee (very American meal)

Lunch: Aloo Paratha and samosas (Very Indian)

Dinner: Fish and chips and peas (Very English)

On the way home, A and I stopped by a colleague's house.  She and her husband made tea for us and also was able to give me some snapdragon seedlings for the garden!  It was very nice and I also have a source to go for gardening help!  

I hope you've enjoyed this long recap of my day :)  

Gardening: Take 2

Today was my day off.  It was so hectic but good.  As I sit here, I realize I'm becoming my father.  After a long hard day, all I wanted was a Pepsi.

Before my day took off with a bang, I thought I'd be good and do Pilates.  I'm trying to be more consistent with getting exercise and mornings are a good time.  So I did 50 minutes of Pilates.  Finally, I'm starting to realize I DO have some muscle!  I could hold teaser for perhaps the first time ever! (Teaser is a move where basically you are sitting on the mat and your upper and lower body form a V.)

Well, Joanne and I got breakfast and then walked to the bank and then to HomeBase (think HomeDepot) to get some gardening things.  (Pause for one moment.  My family keeps emailing me saying...?!?! Hope? Bike rides and gardening?  Now listen here, dear family, I've always enjoyed biking!  Need I remind you that I grew up riding my bike several kilometers to a stable to then ride horses for a few hours? And as for the gardening, I did help my mother garden, mostly without complaining!  Additionally, am I not the one who convinced my two younger cousins to "clean up the barn" because I thought it was too dirty for the cows to live in?  Ok, resume.)

So we spent about £30 on gardening things and managed to entertain the staff there.  We bought seeds for our flower bed, new gloves, a potted plant, weed kill, plant food....We also bought a huge bag of potting soil, dreading the thought that we had to carry our purchases the 1.3 miles home.  The men at HomeBase did seem to be skeptical, but as the one told us, "I used to know a woman who did kickboxing.  I was terrified of her.  Ever since then, I haven't dared to doubt a woman's strength."  Wise man.

We were equally wise.  We took the bus, which wasn't direct, but saved us part of the trip.  We also walked by a fruit and veg stand, and added onions, apples, and apricots to our handfuls.  (That part wasn't wise.)

Once home, we ate a quick lunch and dug in (pun intended) to the gardening.  We had to pull lots of weeds, cut back the most impossible bush with huge thorns (we have marks to show for our efforts) and planted some seeds.

This is what we took turns carrying home!  

If that wasn't enough, we then walked to Paul and Claire's, another 20 minute walk, to check on their house and feed the fish, and then to the high road to get some groceries.  By the time we go to Tesco, we were so hungry we just bought a frozen pizza and Pepsis for dinner.  (Another sign of my genetic heritage.)  Hopefully soon we will have some little sprouts to show in our flower bed, aside from the few little flowers that have withstood the destructive power of weeds through the years.  I'll be sure to post pictures :)

I posted my picture from my bike ride yesterday on Facebook.  A friend in a very dry climate commented on the greenness of the park in envy.  Michele, I had to laugh.  We clearly live in different climates.  I take the green for granted.  What I notice and celebrate is the blue clear sky!  

New Growth!

I'm so happy!  Our garden is finally, FINALLY, growing something other than weeds.  Our tiny little tomato plant has grown a lot in the last month and we are starting to see some tiny little green tomatoes!

I'm sure this will inspire me to get back into the garden and attack the weeds that are threatening to overtake once more.  Fortunately, my housemate Joanne (who is my fellow gardener-neophyte) is now home from her holiday travels.  On our next day off, we shall tackle the flower beds once more.