Category Archives: Posts

garden plot: planting seeds

February 18, 2015Postsemma clover, gardens of lake merritt, toddler gardensusan

Today we went to our garden plot to check it out and see if we could start planting. We were happy to see that the soil looked good and found worms in the dirt. We watered and played around with a hoe. We decided to start with some bee friendly flowers and parsley. Next up is sugar peas. We covered our seeds with dirt and then straw to keep moisture in. We met some friendly master gardeners and talked about what to plant when and came home with some great info. I think Emma Clover is excited. I know that I am. ^_^

We love to visit the Lake Merritt gardens and today we saw five turtles in the big pond and two mallards in the smaller one. It really is a great place to hang out with little kids.

today I am happy

February 17, 2015Postsemma clover, family, happiness, little bear, susan magnolia, wood toyssusan

Today I am happy. It is my Dad’s birthday. My Mom was in the hospital and is released today to go home. Together they can celebrate. This picture was taken last month during our visit.

My little family here in Oakland is warm and well fed and glad to be together. We just found out that we are all set to start growing at the toddler garden. We have lots of seeds and enthusiastic to get our hands dirty.

Emma has been collecting lovely wooden toys for each Little Bear character. When she receives a new one she introduces them to the others. It is sweet.

It is a bright day in my heart even if outside it is cloudy. Emma and I still find all the magnolias and sakura blooming and the cute little gnomes on the electrical poles. Little signs of growth and happiness. ^_^

rain clouds over the lake

February 10, 2015Postslake merritt, oakland, rainsusan

It rained for a few days. It was fine except for one time I wanted to go out on an adventure. It was Friday afternoon and my plan was to go to S.F. Unfortunately I was soaked within a few minutes of leaving the house. The wind blew water at me and the easy-to-carry-in-my-bag umbrella I chose to bring kept blowing inside out. I thought I would be fine in my leather boots rather than my Tretorn rain boots and even my socks got wet. I suppose if one has good rain gear, then one should use it. I ended up hiding in Whole Foods, having not made it downtown or to a movie theatre or any other cool place to hang out sans child. At least they have sticky buns and hot drinks. ^_^

Lately in photos

February 8, 2015Postsemma clover, magnolias, maiki, puzzlessusan

Hanging out with my favorite peeps.

Magnolia gazing at Mosswood park.

We picked up some puzzles at the Reuse Center and Emma spends her days working on them.

Made a little mouse to play with Lowly Worm. Not yet stuffed but does have a cute little flower basket. Emma loves this Richard Scarry craft book!

visiting a baby hippo

February 2, 2015Postsbarbara, emma clover, hippo, la zoosusan

The L.A. Zoo welcomed a baby hippo last Halloween and we paid him a visit! We were glued to the adorable interactions of mama Mara and her little calf. The baby hippo nibbled on mama’s ears, climbed on her back and swam around her while we oohed and aahed. I was glad to hear Emma giggling and enjoying herself right along with us and even though we stayed for at least a half hour it was hard for us to walk away. It was an amazing experience for me and I honestly wish we could go back, and this time with a good camera. ^_^