Apologies to our blog followers (our parents and about 3 other people)

Clearly, I have not done the best job keeping the blog up-to-date and fresh for our legions of fans. My apologies. If you ever decide to start reading this blog again, I promise -- but don't hold me to it -- to provide more timely updates.

Next week, we head to Montana for my "little" brother's wedding. We should have some great pictures and stories since we plan to spend a day on the river (yes, Soma will be wearing a doggie life jacket), drink excessively, and hang with family that I don't get to see often enough.

Now for a June update. Summer has arrived to Seattle. In fact, we've tied a record for consecutive days without rain. Our garden, which is in its first year and isn't quite established, is looking great and growing like crazy. Here's a peek:

Woodland garden under a cedar in our backyard.
The grass is going to be a multi-year project. Ugh! I hate grass!

I'm sad to say that I don't know what kind of shrub/tree this is, but it's gorgeous and covered sounds like a beehive with all the honey bees flying from flower to flower.

First lily of the season!

Nasturtiums! Ready for salad!

Crocosmias just waiting to bloom!

Front garden with the path we put in last fall. Next year, the garden should be fuller and more established, but it looks pretty good already!

The garden path with mature roses along the house.

One of my favorite plants: Himalayan Honeysuckle

Allium and other plants around the bird bath.
In case you are wondering why the water is dirty, I change it every couple of days but the neighborhood crows keep using it like a toilet. So much for my nice urban habitat.

Allium close up.

Rhododendron bloom in the backyard (this picture was taken about a month ago).

One thing that I've learned about gardening is that vegetable gardening is hard. Unlike perennials and a few annuals, it requires thought and planning and continued maintenance. First Lady Obama makes it look so easy! I guess it is when you have a staff.

Anyway, we grew arugula, kale, and two different types of lettuce but without a ton of success (except for the arugula). Luckily, my tomato plants are doing well and some pepper plants are blooming already. We'll see how it goes, but I'm a little pessimistic about my chances of lowering our grocery bill by growing our own food.

Until next time!