It's Time to Order the Tulips

If you don't already know, tulips are my fav, fav, favorite flower.  I have an affinity for may different types of flowers, but in the end, tulips are my very favorite.  In the mail yesterday I received my annual edition of Dutch Gardens catalog.  (www.dutchgardens.com).  Needless to say, I spent a good deal of time perusing the pages.  Tulips by the dozens in every shape, size and color.







These are the Casa Grande Tulips.  These grow to softball size.  Plant them a little further apart than regular tulips.  I definitely want to give these a try.



Parade Golden.



Parade Red.



Pink Impression.



Ivory Floradale.

 These are just a few of the selection available.  I particularly like the standard, solid colored tulips.  But there are many hybrids available.  Of the hybrids I like the the Elegant Lady, seen below.

And the Silver Parrot, below.

And the Dallas, below.

I have had good luck ordering bulbs from Dutch Gardens.  I do not have good luck with the packaged bulbs that you can buy in big box retail or home improvement centers.  These bulbs either do not produce flowers at all or produce undersized flowers that are less than impressive.  I believe the problem comes from the fact that these bulbs are treated with some sort of chemical that retards their growth so that they will last longer in the stores.  Whatever the chemical, it definitely affects what is produced in the end.

Here is some information taken from the Dutch Garden website about how they grow their bulbs in Holland.



Holland's soils and climate are ideal for producing flower bulbs.

 "Most Dutch Gardens bulbs are grown along the northwest coast of Holland in the bulb-growing area known as the Northern Sand District. There are thousands of family farms in this region, all of which grow flower bulbs. Most of these farms have been in the same family for many generations, and the farmers' pride in the land and in the bulbs they produce is very strong. Growing bulbs for market is a business but it is also a passion."

So if you love tulips like I do, or if you would like to give them a try for the first time, I would definitely recommend placing an order with Dutch Gardens.

Valerie's Birthday Party

I have a birthday party to attend tonight for Steven's sister, Valerie.  She is spending a few days in DC before returning to Dallas and today happens to be her birthday.  There is a small gathering planned for this evening at the Dewey Street address.  I picked up a few things for this soiree today during an errand run.


Since we are all so consumed with social media these days, I thought she would get a kick out of this card.



I even personalized it for her.

I picked up a luscious Robiola Bosina Alta Langa.  This is a fresh, soft ripened cheese made with two milks: cow and sheep’s milk. Square shaped, each cheese is individually wrapped, therefore easy to handle. Soft, creamy and lightly fragrant due to the delicate balance of the two milks. It is important to serve at room temperature in order to better savor the fullness of it’s taste. From the Piedmont region.  The English Fig fruit puree will compliment the cheese perfectly.  We will serve this on freshly baked and sliced baguette.

 

Some Tutti Fruity from Lush.  This box contains Miranda Soap (divinely fruity hand and body soap, with fresh, organic kiwi fruit and reviving bergamot and myrrh essential oils), and a Happy Hippy Shower Gel (mellow-yellow hair and body gel with freshly squeezed grapefruits.)  The Cheesecake Caramels from Dean & Deluca are self-explanatory -- AND delicious.



I put this cute sticker on a little pink giftbag I got from CVS to present her gifts.

I also picked up some watermelon sald and tomatoes and mozzarella salad from the deli at Dean & Deluca.  Should be a fun time for all!

Valerie's Birthday Party

I have a birthday party to attend tonight for Steven's sister, Valerie.  She is spending a few days in DC before returning to Dallas and today happens to be her birthday.  There is a small gathering planned for this evening at the Dewey Street address.  I picked up a few things for this soiree today during an errand run.


Since we are all so consumed with social media these days, I thought she would get a kick out of this card.



I even personalized it for her.

I picked up a luscious Robiola Bosina Alta Langa.  This is a fresh, soft ripened cheese made with two milks: cow and sheep’s milk. Square shaped, each cheese is individually wrapped, therefore easy to handle. Soft, creamy and lightly fragrant due to the delicate balance of the two milks. It is important to serve at room temperature in order to better savor the fullness of it’s taste. From the Piedmont region.  The English Fig fruit puree will compliment the cheese perfectly.  We will serve this on freshly baked and sliced baguette.

 

Some Tutti Fruity from Lush.  This box contains Miranda Soap (divinely fruity hand and body soap, with fresh, organic kiwi fruit and reviving bergamot and myrrh essential oils), and a Happy Hippy Shower Gel (mellow-yellow hair and body gel with freshly squeezed grapefruits.)  The Cheesecake Caramels from Dean & Deluca are self-explanatory -- AND delicious.



I put this cute sticker on a little pink giftbag I got from CVS to present her gifts.

I also picked up some watermelon sald and tomatoes and mozzarella salad from the deli at Dean & Deluca.  Should be a fun time for all!

Baxter Goes to BWI

Last night, Steven and his sister Valerie flew back to Washington through BWI.  Their Southwest flight was originally scheduled to arrive at 8:00 PM, however, as is usually the case these days, it was delayed.  Baxter and I were on the BW Parkway when Steven called and said they would be late, so we exited at Arundel Mills and picked up dinner at Maiwand Kabob for everyone.  (www.maiwandkabob.com)

This is the chicken kabob platter.  I got three of these.  It includes a green/cucumber salad with yogurt dressing, grilled onions and tomato, a heap of long grain rice, a cup of cucumber-infused dressing that’s great for dipping, and a 10-inch circle-shaped piece of tandoori bread.  In a word - Incredible!  Just delicious.  I will be driving back for more of this, possibly even this weekend.

It took about 20 minutes for all three orders to be prepared.  We arrived at the airport a little after 8:00 and circled and circled and circled waiting for them to make it through baggage claim and to curbside.  Finally, around 9:00 I got a call that they were at Southwest Curbside Pickup Area A3.  Someone was very patient while we circled the airport and then was very happy to see the weary travelers.  His name is Baxter!

This picture is a little out of focus but I took it while driving, which was probably not a good idea.  But he was being such a good boy that I had to get a picture.

Baxter Goes to BWI

Last night, Steven and his sister Valerie flew back to Washington through BWI.  Their Southwest flight was originally scheduled to arrive at 8:00 PM, however, as is usually the case these days, it was delayed.  Baxter and I were on the BW Parkway when Steven called and said they would be late, so we exited at Arundel Mills and picked up dinner at Maiwand Kabob for everyone.  (www.maiwandkabob.com)

This is the chicken kabob platter.  I got three of these.  It includes a green/cucumber salad with yogurt dressing, grilled onions and tomato, a heap of long grain rice, a cup of cucumber-infused dressing that’s great for dipping, and a 10-inch circle-shaped piece of tandoori bread.  In a word - Incredible!  Just delicious.  I will be driving back for more of this, possibly even this weekend.

It took about 20 minutes for all three orders to be prepared.  We arrived at the airport a little after 8:00 and circled and circled and circled waiting for them to make it through baggage claim and to curbside.  Finally, around 9:00 I got a call that they were at Southwest Curbside Pickup Area A3.  Someone was very patient while we circled the airport and then was very happy to see the weary travelers.  His name is Baxter!

This picture is a little out of focus but I took it while driving, which was probably not a good idea.  But he was being such a good boy that I had to get a picture.

New Orleans, Round Three

Thursday was my final day in New Orleans.  I was up early and out the door because there was a lot I wanted to get done before I returned home.



Cafe Du Monde was the first stop of the day on Thursday.  It was quite a few blocks from the hotel.  But I was out and on my way early so it was not yet so hot and humid that is was unbearable.  The big attraction here is the beignets.  There are 3 beignets per order, so I placed an order for two, giving me six beignets, and a small decaf coffee.  I must admit that these are quite tasty.  Especially with coffee.  Keeping an ever watchful eye on my blood sugar, I only had one beignet and took the remaining five back to the hotel room.  Later that night I had a hankering for a bite of another beignet and when I opened the bag, to my surprise, there was only one left.  I wondered what happened to the other four?  Then Steven came out of the bathroom with powdered sugar all over his face and I had my answer.  I guess he really likes beignets.  And who could blame him.  They are delicious.

Across the street from Cafe Du Monde was this beautiful park.  This was the sign posted at the entrance.  It is known as "Jackson Square."

I loved this oversized planter with the vine planting.  It is like a giant Chia Pet!!  I would love to have one of these at Crest Avenue.



And this magnificent palm.



When I entered the square, I found myself surrounded by these beautifully manicured gardens.  In the distance is St. Louis Cathedral.  Here is a blurb about this historic landmark taken from the cathedrals website:

"Few cities in the world are so identified by a building as is New Orleans. The city is instantly recognized by our cathedral and its position overlooking Jackson Square. The Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis King of France is the oldest Catholic cathedral in continual use in the United States. As the caretakers of the Historic place of worship, we constantly battle the elements and the aging of the Cathedral with ongoing conservation and restoration."

Another shot from Jackson Square.  I love these beautiful tropical plants.

On the way back to the hotel, the sky started to look a little ominous again.

And, before I knew it, the rains came.  Lots of lightning and thunder.  What I found most interesting about the storms in New Orleans was how long they lasted.  When we have thunder and lightning storms in the Mid-Atlantic, they usually hit hard and then quickly move out.  Not so here.  They go on and on and on.

Below are a few pictures of the storm on Thursday.



The storm eventually made its way through the city and I was able to make it back to the hotel.  I decided to stop in the CVS from yesterdays post and pick up a libation for the evening. 

I decided to go with the Skinny Girl 4-pack Margaritas.  These are really, really good.  No sugar.  They are a scant 37.3 calories per bottle.  I am constantly keeping check of my blood sugar level, so these were perfect.

And so, there you have it.  A recap of my tour through the Big Easy.  It was a fun trip.  It's always fun to go somewhere new and explore all the area has to offer.

Next trip will be to Las Vegas in January.  It has been a few years since I've been to Las Vegas, so I'm sure I'll have lots to blog about.

New Orleans, Round Three

Thursday was my final day in New Orleans.  I was up early and out the door because there was a lot I wanted to get done before I returned home.



Cafe Du Monde was the first stop of the day on Thursday.  It was quite a few blocks from the hotel.  But I was out and on my way early so it was not yet so hot and humid that is was unbearable.  The big attraction here is the beignets.  There are 3 beignets per order, so I placed an order for two, giving me six beignets, and a small decaf coffee.  I must admit that these are quite tasty.  Especially with coffee.  Keeping an ever watchful eye on my blood sugar, I only had one beignet and took the remaining five back to the hotel room.  Later that night I had a hankering for a bite of another beignet and when I opened the bag, to my surprise, there was only one left.  I wondered what happened to the other four?  Then Steven came out of the bathroom with powdered sugar all over his face and I had my answer.  I guess he really likes beignets.  And who could blame him.  They are delicious.

Across the street from Cafe Du Monde was this beautiful park.  This was the sign posted at the entrance.  It is known as "Jackson Square."

I loved this oversized planter with the vine planting.  It is like a giant Chia Pet!!  I would love to have one of these at Crest Avenue.



And this magnificent palm.



When I entered the square, I found myself surrounded by these beautifully manicured gardens.  In the distance is St. Louis Cathedral.  Here is a blurb about this historic landmark taken from the cathedrals website:

"Few cities in the world are so identified by a building as is New Orleans. The city is instantly recognized by our cathedral and its position overlooking Jackson Square. The Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis King of France is the oldest Catholic cathedral in continual use in the United States. As the caretakers of the Historic place of worship, we constantly battle the elements and the aging of the Cathedral with ongoing conservation and restoration."

Another shot from Jackson Square.  I love these beautiful tropical plants.

On the way back to the hotel, the sky started to look a little ominous again.

And, before I knew it, the rains came.  Lots of lightning and thunder.  What I found most interesting about the storms in New Orleans was how long they lasted.  When we have thunder and lightning storms in the Mid-Atlantic, they usually hit hard and then quickly move out.  Not so here.  They go on and on and on.

Below are a few pictures of the storm on Thursday.



The storm eventually made its way through the city and I was able to make it back to the hotel.  I decided to stop in the CVS from yesterdays post and pick up a libation for the evening. 

I decided to go with the Skinny Girl 4-pack Margaritas.  These are really, really good.  No sugar.  They are a scant 37.3 calories per bottle.  I am constantly keeping check of my blood sugar level, so these were perfect.

And so, there you have it.  A recap of my tour through the Big Easy.  It was a fun trip.  It's always fun to go somewhere new and explore all the area has to offer.

Next trip will be to Las Vegas in January.  It has been a few years since I've been to Las Vegas, so I'm sure I'll have lots to blog about.