Nobody here really consumes these, they are for decoration and accent purposes – and for taking pictures like this.
December 2007
More Poinsettias
Poinsettias are flowers native to the Pacific coast of America, some parts of central southern Mexico, and a few localities in Guatemala. They are named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States Ambassador to Mexico, who introduced the plant in the U.S. in 1825.
Alternative names for the poinsettia are Mexican flame leaf, Christmas star, Winter rose, Noche Buena and Pascua.
I snapped this at Lowe’s last weekend – click to enlarge.
Cabrillo Beach Jetty
Cabrillo Beach, a popular swimming, fishing and boating area, is the only public beach located within the Port of Los Angeles complex. Inside the breakwater, the water is calm and relaxing, but just outside is the ocean surf where, on a day with a choppy sea, waves crash against the jetty and seawall. The isthmus of Catalina Island can be seen in the distance.
A Confused Easter Lily
Last spring, I bought an Easter Lily to add to our holiday celebration. Afterwards, I cut it back and put it outside to wait until the next springtime. I don’t know what it is, but the lily has already produced a couple of blooms, and there are more to come. I took this photo this afternoon while we were out back to clean the guns after our weekly shoot.
Pizza Time
Today, we ate pizza for dinner. Not store-bought though. This is a homemade 12-inch Gorgonzola cheese, butternut squash and pancetta (Italian bacon) pizza. Man was it good! We went light on the cheese which made it not any less good, but more waistline-friendly.
We started by roasting the squash in the oven to soften and brown it up. Then we sautéed chopped pancetta until rendered and added a little garlic and onions. When the onions became translucent, we set the pancetta aside.
At the same time, we prepared the pizza dough from a brand-name pizza mix packet. The dough was spread out on a floured pizza paddle and the toppings went on. Then, after about 12 minutes on the pre-heated pizza stone, it looked as you see it here. Click for a larger image.
Golden Poinsettia
This picture of some golden poinsettia was taken today during our visit to Lowe’s garden shop. We didn’t buy this one, but I picked up a red poinsettia and a rosemary topiary shaped like a Christmas tree.
