Here’s another panoramic view of Catalina Island taken this time from Ryan Park in Rancho Palos Verdes. The golf course and park is located on the west side of Hawthorne Boulevard, just beyond the crest of the hill. Click the image for the full-sized panorama.
Cymbidiums became popular in Europe during the Victorian era. One feature that makes the plant so popular is the fact that it can survive during cold temperatures (as low as 7Ëš C or 45Ëš F). Orchid hobbyists in temperate climates appreciate the fact that they can bloom in winter, when few other orchids are blooming.
Only a few Cymbidium species are commonly grown in nurseries, due to the popularity of hybrids. Most are to be found in botanical gardens or in their ever shrinking natural habitat.
These were in the hot house orchid section at Lowe’s. Click on the image to enlarge.
When the sunlight hits them, these ice plant blossoms open their vibrant petals for all to see. The ice plant is commonly used as ground cover and to stabilize slopes. Originating in South Africa, large cells in the leaves of these plants sparkle like granules of ice in the sun, hence its common name. These were spotted in Lowe’s over the weekend. Click for a bigger view.
Wow was it hot today! Especially for a March 11. We clocked the thermometer at a warm 93 degrees in the back yard. Too warm and nice to be inside, so we fixed our Sunday dinner outside. We had baked acorn squash, grilled asparagus and broccoli and the main entree was honey-mustard glazed pork tenderloin. Man was that good!
Today’s gourmet meal consisted of homemade gnocchi (Italian-style potato dumplings) and meatballs simmered in a simple marinara sauce. This was our first attempt at making gnocchi and (if I do say so myself) they were wonderful. The ground chicken and turkey meatballs, however, came from the frozen foods section of the supermarket. Although the meatballs were OK, we’re sure we could do better — and will next time using freshly ground beef and sweet pork sausage. I’ll probably add this meal to our recipe pages when we make the entire meal from fresh ingredients.
The gnocchi are made by first baking a couple of potatoes (about a pound’s worth). When the potatoes cool down, scoop out the potato and discard the skins. Mash the potatoes and mix with an egg and flour. To make the individual gnocchi, roll about a heaping tablespoon in your hands (use flour so the potato doesn’t stick to your hands). When the gnocchi are ready, drop them into boiling water. When the gnocchi float to the top, they are done. Scoop them out using a slotted spoon into serving bowls. Ladle the meatballs and sauce over the gnocchi and garnish with a little Romano or Parmesan cheese.
Click on the image for a larger view.
Last spring we had several flowers from what I thought was a Saint Louie Louie daffodil. Actually, it is probably a Sugarbird Daffodil. This year, we’re getting at least two of them, as you can see. Click on the photo for a larger image of these two daffodils.
