Roses at the Monastery.

A few years ago my gardening friend Susan invited me along to see the gardens at this local Monastery, and I've been in love with the place ever since.  I spend a few hours each week helping out in the office -- filing, uploading pictures, just general office work. So every week for the past year I've walked through these gardens to the business office and I've been able to see all the gradual changes from season to season. Yesterday the roses were in full bloom and oh how beautiful they were. One of the guards who saw me taking pictures as I left insisted on taking mine. As usual, I'm loaded down with an armful of 'necessities,' including cans of seeds Brother Sebastian gave me. This picture reminds me to get some sun before my daughter's wedding in a few weeks. Not to mention a decent haircut. An eyelid lift would be nice too. Must remember to get a manicure. Pedicure. Lose 5 lbs. Stay calm.

Takoma Park House and Garden Tour, May 5, 2013.

Just a few random shots from the tour, plus a nice funky building in downtown Takoma Park.

A Colorado columbine successfully re-locates to Maryland.

Thanks to Kitt, who a couple of years ago sent me some seeds from her gorgeous patch of Columbines.  I planted the seeds a year ago but nothing happened. I saw this plant growing a few weeks ago and thought at first it was a weed. But my weed-loving instincts told me to let it be. I was rewarded! Only one plant came up (or survived me poking around in the ground nearby) but maybe I'll have more next year. Thanks again Kitt!

"Microbes: The Trillions of Creatures Governing Your Health"

Wow! I just heard an interview with Richard Conniff, author of "Microbes: The Trillions of Creatures Governing Your Health," and now will read the article from start to finish. Anyone who takes a lot of antibiotics should read it too. Article is here.  From the latest issue of Smithsonian magazine. Long Live Magazines!

Illustration by Stephanie Dalton Cowan (Smithsonian magazine, May 2013).

PS: Toss out that Purell while you're at it. I always thought that was such a corporate rip-off anyway.

Clarence! Eight months old and still perfect in every way.

Sweet and Dandy.

I'd really like to hear this song at my daughter's wedding in June but I don't think it's going to happen. (It's complicated, plus I'm not totally sure I understand the lyrics although it is about a wedding and they sure sound happy.) That doesn't mean I can't listen to the song over and over, as I've been doing lately. The music we're having at the wedding will be a couple of singers with guitars, and although it will be lovely I'm sure, I'd be surprised if they could work this in. Here are the lyrics. (And if  you haven't seen the 1972 movie The Harder They Come you might want to try it. It's dated but oh the music!)

Sweet And Dandy by Toots And The Maytals
Etty in the room a cry
Mama say she must wipe her eye
Papa say she no fi foolish
Like she never been to school at all
It is no wonder
It's a perfect pander
While they were dancing in that bar room last night.

Johnson in the room afret
Uncle say he must hold up him head
Aunty say she no fi foolish
Like a no time fi him wedding day
It is no wonder
It's a perfect pander
While they were dancing in that bar room last night.
One pound ten for the wedding cake
Plenty bottle of cola wine
All the people them dress up in a white
Fi go eat out Johnson wedding cake
It is no wonder
It's a perfect pander
While they were dancing in that bar room last night.