About Janice

I love California, both in and out of my garden. My passions are gardening and photography. My goal is to make Plum Bird Corner a happy place to visit often.

A Melted Root Beer Float?

Root beer and milkI definitely have a sweet tooth, and sometimes I just need something sweet. This is a recipe, that I think I invented, and it certainly satisfies my craving. It’s low in calories as well.

Ingredients

Root Beer and Milk

That’s it

Simply pour root beer into a glass and add four ounces of milk. Stir and enjoy.

I use diet root beer and non fat milk, but you can vary that if you wish.

It tastes like a melted root beer float, and I love it.

I hope you’ll give it a try.

City of Brea Art Gallery Exhibit

P1020155This gorgeous art piece titled Apricot Champagne Ball was created by the Steven Gandolfo/Jean Salatino studio. It is one of many beautiful pieces being shown in the exhibit by the Association of Clay and Glass Artists of California. Martin and I took part in a Saddleback College field trip to this show at the City of Brea Art Gallery. Below are photos of some ceramic pieces we also enjoyed seeing.

P1020173Stars in her eyes by Isolde CortesP1020170Floral Pod 2 by Mark Hendrickson

P1020162Cloudy Day Butter Dome by Rachel Ashman

P1020156One of several amazing hand built pieces by Cheryl Tall

There were so many beautiful glass and clay pieces in the exhibition. I certainly encourage you to go see this exhibition before it ends on March 6.

How a Hummingbird Changed My Plans

P1020143My plan for the morning was to spend time reading the manual that came with my new camera. I wanted to study the chapter on short focal length photography, because I use a lot of close up photos in my blog, and still have a lot to learn. When I finished my reading, I took a few practice photos in the house, and then planned to go outside and practice some more of what I’d just learned. How quickly plans can change!

On January 20 I posted, How to Make Hummingbird Food, and this morning, through our kitchen window, we spotted one of our little flock sitting on a nest. Suddenly, instead of taking close ups, I was taking long focal shots, so I wouldn’t disturb the little mother. I turned out the kitchen light and watched her as she flew back and forth between the feeder and her nest.

P1020123-1Here you can see her, head down in the nest feeding her babies. I felt a little guilty spying on her, but she was so amazing to watch.

P1020127-1Here she is a little later taking a nap after all of her hard work. I was very careful not to get too close, and I’m happy she chose a quiet side of the house, where she can be safe and protected, hidden away in the leaves of the Night Blooming Jasmine. My job is to keep the hummingbird feeder full, while my husband Martin, keeps the water fountains filled with fresh, clean water. Being able to observe this little hummingbird is a very special reward for our efforts.

 

 

 

 

 

Coffee With an Author

100_3963This morning we rode our scooters to meet our friend Norman Page for coffee, and to receive our copies of his latest book, The Park Bench Affair. This is Norm’s tenth book. Here he’s signing our copies.100_3966My husband, Martin, is happy to receive a signed copy.

100_3968-1After coffee and a chat, the three of us went on an enjoyable ride through Laguna Beach and north on Pacific Coast Highway to Crystal Cove in Newport Beach. On our way home, we made a stop at Norm’s welcoming house, where he made us post-ride mocha coffee.

As well as being a published author, Norm is also a talented artist, craftsman, and furniture maker. In the photo below you can see one of the miniature boats he created. Everywhere you look, you spot one of his many paintings or projects.

100_3972

A Perfect Valentine’s Day

P1020087
This is one of the beautiful red roses I discovered when I woke early on Valentine’s Day. I’m an early riser and usually get up and journal first thing in the morning. The roses were placed on the table where I like to sit and write.

P1020098After breakfast we headed off for a ride on Snowy and Big Orange. In this area of Southern California, we’re always either going uphill or down. Here we’re in Newport Coast, which is in fact hilly with a view of the coast. Near the top we pulled over to take a few photos.

P1020097You can see that we were above the roof tops, looking out to the ocean. That is Catalina Island in the distance. It was a spectacular view and we took the time to enjoy and appreciate it, before returning to the lower elevations, and home.