It's Wednesday and What's Outside My Kitchen Window?

The week is going fast. Last week went even faster. I don't think I've shared a recipe since the end of April, so I hope I do much better this week.

Almost two years ago, we purchased a small house to "flip" (you know, renovate and then sell for a profit). How did we know the market would take a dive. We finally sold it (nope, didn't make a profit) and closed escrow on Monday. That afternoon I bought a new camera, a Nikon D60. I have never used anything more complicated than a point-and-shoot, so my photos may not even be any better with a better camera, but be patient with me. I think the photos this morning are better than they have been, but it just could be that it's sunny instead of cloudy and dreary.

So, the rain has finally stopped. It's been sunny since last Sunday. Cooler, but sunny still. And with the sun, my flowers and plant are finally starting to emerge and grow.

The anticipation is over. Yes, here she is in all her glory. My first water lily of the season...



And her pond sisters are starting to bloom, as well...



They all seem to thrive sharing the small space with the six goldfish...



I love that pond and I'm so glad Tom put it in last year. I also love the pergola Tom built. It is two years old this spring and the wisteria is nearly covering the entire top portion. And, since I found my Buddhist monk with his begging bowl and the Gregorian windchime, it is my favorite place to sit in the evening as the sun is going down...



As for my garden...well, my poor basil is still standing, but sadly has become a bug buffet...



but I am resisting using any pesticides because I have a nice bunch of three different kinds of basil growing in a pot on the patio and I believe in sharing, oh yeah, and not using poison...



I've planted dill three times so far and twice they have all drowned from too much rain, but, finally, I have dill to use for cooking, along with Texas tarragon and thyme...



Although my potted sage plant seems pretty happy, this third year will probably be it's last...



I have blossoms on my tomatoes although they are still a little puny from the cold and rain, but the squash is doing well and I will be looking for little tiny zucchini in the next week...



The herbs in my garden are thriving, particularly the chives and oregano. I've used some of the Italian parsley, but it's still small. But the rosemary is completely out of control and desperately needs some TLC. I'll have to get to that this week!



I will leave you with one more photo...a full view of the pond and surrounding yard. It's not as green as we'd like it yet...too much rain, too many weeds, not enough grass, but it takes time. We've only been in this house since October of 2006, not quite 3 years. When we moved in, there was nothing in the back yard at all...literally nothing...except the shed and an 8 X 8 concrete slab patio outside the back door. There wasn't a tree or shrub or flower anywhere, just a lawn which consisted of mostly weeds and a little Bermuda grass. I think we've done pretty well for such a short period of time...



For more Kitchen Window Wednesday, visit Debbie @ The Friday Friends. Debbie started and promotes Kitchen Window Wednesday.

You might also want to take a look at Karen's garden @ Karen Cooks. The girl is seriously going to have a fine garden!