IN THE BEGINNING: MY VERY OWN “GARDEN OF EDEN”

Last year I wrote about full-scale country farming in pricey zip codes. I am thrilled to now show you the results.   But before the inevitable reveal, a bit of background ...  

The project started with a small investment in a composter.  This is my second foray into making use of table scraps (the green stuff; not proteins) plus coffee grounds, etc. Gathering the brown stuff from the garden is easy, plus adding a compost starter. The starter gets things heated up quickly in order to break down the materials -- that and turning the unit every few days and checking the moisture level (damp; never wet).

The unit is on the left; one side holds the finished compost while the other side breaks down the materials seen at center.  Above is a container of scraps to include.

Next was the heavy lifting:  clearing out the designated area of some very woody shrubs planted long ago.  My gardener employed his sons to do this, which took the better part of a day.  Once done, we had a really clear view of what was underneath. The space was then measured (roughly 48' long), at which point a firm cost of this project was determined (always a key piece of info for the hubby).   

  

The photos above and below show the original space, plus the progress as the work was done over a series of days.

In the meantime, I started sowing seeds indoors for the new space ... snap peas, radishes, and carrots.  

And finally it was time to plant.  Honestly I was a bit uncertain as to what should go where or what will even do well in the space.  This first year will definitely be a learning curve.  Here's what the space looks like as of now ...

The big 5: apple, apricot, plum, peach, nectarine plus tomatoes, snap peas and blueberries

Good to know the above?  I'm choosing to ignore this info.  Can't put a price tag on pure enjoyment ... (Courtesy of the WSJ 4.3.15)

Lastly, I must acknowledge that we Californians are in the worst drought in recent history.  So how does that figure in to my plans?  By relying on a drip system delivering water directly to the plants instead of waste from sprinklers. And if I lose plants this year, so be it.  I will just have to buy more....

UPDATE (SIX WEEKS LATER):  Things seem to be doing quite well, I am happy to report.  Even after being gone for three weeks and relying on others to make sure plants were watered, spring is busting out all over!  Some updated photos follow ..plus this is what I'm growing:  tomatoes (6 varieties); blueberries, blackberries, boysenberries; apples/peaches/nectarines/plums/apricots; lettuce; yellow bell peppers; peas; basil; thyme; italian parsley ... who's hungry??

Clockwise from above: Peas (started from seed); first Nectarine; Tomatoes; Blueberries

L-R: Blackberries (unripe); Boysenberries; Peaches

SUMMER 2015 -- WHERE WILL YOU BE?

This time of year finds many of us thinking we need to get some plans together for the coming summer and beyond. Maybe it is "spring cleaning," that certain period where you are incentivized to act.  The days are longer, brighter, warmer and full of looking forward.   With the euro dropping practically daily against the dollar, Europe seems an obvious choice of where to go. Previous calculations for our trip next month have dropped dramatically.  And I have only focused on the hotels, but obviously the benefits extend to meals as well!  Who knows, maybe the hubby will be less inclined to focus on the shopping expenditures (there goes the "mystery savings") ... For fun facts and great travel recommendations, my go to is the WSJ's Life & Culture sections.  Herewith I share some of their experts' recommendations ...  Warsaw, Poland  Wojciech Amar, owner/head chef of Michelin-starred restaurant Atelier Amaro               TO MARKET My favorite market is Hala Mirowska. I buy all my fruits, vegetables, seeds, wheat and nuts from there. I can also order unusual ingredients like herbs, wildflowers and berries.  Plac Mirowski 1 WINE OF THE GODS // Winosfera is a very nice place to go for a great glass of wine. You can also buy some wine to take home with you.  Chłodna 31, Winosfera  SOUTH OF THE BORDER // At Salto, in Hotel Rialto, you can find the winner of the first Polish edition of "Top Chef" cooking. Martin Gimenez Castro creates fantastic seafood and has some great culinary skills.  Wilcza 73 Guilty Treat // We make our smalec [spreadable lard] infused with juniper, prunes, apple and marjoram, then pacotize [Pacojet] it to achieve the white snow and airy consistency that will blow you away. We serve it with burnt hay bread. Atelier Amaro, Agrykola 1 Tomek Rygalik, Designer and architect who runs Studio Rygalik SIT DOWN // Comforty is one of the best furniture showrooms in Warsaw. It's a loft space filled with some of the best contemporary design made in Poland.  B4 Design Corner, Burakowska 4;  LONG HISTORY // The Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews is one of the most important cultural centers in the city. It is a stunning piece of architecture by Finnish architect Rainer Mahlamäki.   Anielewicza 6 SLEEPAWAY // Between Us is an ideal hideaway in the center of Warsaw, catering to admirers of fine design and discreet luxury. I find it a captivating blend of classic 19th-century architecture with contemporary interiors. Bracka 20 FOOD AND WINE // A great place to watch the world go by is Charlotte Chleb i Wino. The concept of the place includes an everyday ritual: The tabletop is lifted and the chairs are replaced with tall stools to change the atmosphere of the space in the evening. Great tartines on the delicious bread-we like the chèvre chaud. Plac Zbawiciela Katarzyna (Kasia) Adamik, Filmmaker  LOST IN FILM // My favorite cinema is Kino Muranów, where there are two theaters and they have a great film selection. Generała Władysława Andersa 5 FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD// Butchery and Wine is a great meat place, with a great wine selection (Zurawia 22 ). And Papu is a Polish fusion restaurant. With a warm interior, it makes you feel a little bit like Christmas every time.  Aleje Niepodległości 132/136 ART AND SOUL // I like the Museum of Modern Art. It is in an old furniture store from the 1960s and I love the building. Panska 3 ACTING OUT // Teatr Nowy is one of the best places to go to see a play ( Madalińskiego 10/16;). The National Opera is worth going to-great productions, great performers (Plac Teatralny 1; ).   Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett, Curator at the Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews BLAST OF THE PAST // The Okopowa Street Jewish Cemetery is the closest you can get to the historic Jewish community of Warsaw. I am responsible for this exhibition of 1,000 years of the history of Polish Jews and I walk into that cemetery and there is my 19th-century gallery, there is my interwar year gallery. For me, it is a living place.  Okopowa 49/51; +48 22 838 26 22 SECRET PARK // Jazdów, behind embassy row on Ujazdowska, is a hidden oasis, a dense idyllic village of Finnish houses.... Wandering the paths of this silent little forest is just bliss. Athens, Greece                                               Argiro Barbarigou, Chef and owner of Papadakis and Homey Treat Spot // Sweet Alchemy Parliaros. There is no better baker or pastry chef in Greece than my friend Stelios Parliaros. When I wanted to learn how to up my game with pastry, I studied with him. He makes perfect truffles, which you can taste and buy at this chic bakery and shop.  Irodotou 24 International Accessories // Luisa. There are two locations in Athens, but my favorite boutique is in Kolonaki, where my restaurant is. It's my go-to shop for designer handbags and shoes. I usually go once a season and stock up on a few perfect items.  Skoufa 15 Great Ingredients // Moiropoulous Dimitrios. This tiny shop is filled with treasures: dried figs, the best feta cheese in Greece, thyme honey from the Peloponnese. Hundreds of products. Emmanouil Benaki, 31, 30-210-3818846 Top Coiff // Love Is in the Hair. Christos Michailidis is the best hairdresser in the city. He cuts the hair of many of the country's biggest celebrities. Kifissia 146 Prince Nikolaos of Greece, Son of King Constantine II Morning Ramble // Parnitha. When I'm feeling adventurous, I wake up before sunrise and head to Parnitha, a forested mountain range north of Athens, for the stunning scenery. On the way back down, the air is filled with the smell of freshly baked bread from little bakeries that offer very tasty koulouria pastries, which I love to have with my morning coffee. Monumental Gallery // Acropolis Museum. It is truly impressive and one of my favorites-a sleek, modern building housing of some of the earliest examples of architecture and sculpture, which were made with one of my preferred materials: marble. Dionysiou Areopagitou 15 Historic Stroll // Plaka and Monastiraki. During warmer months I love to walk around these neighborhoods in Central Athens, with their many little shops and restaurants. The walk ends up at the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos in the ancient Agora. It is the oldest part of the city; it has an intimate feel to it. Charismatic Cafe // Athinai Bistrot. Very close to the Acropolis Museum is this affordable restaurant, which serves excellent Greek dishes with a twist. The produce is all sourced from within the country. Makrigianni 3, 30-21-0922-9210 Movie Scene // Cine Paris. In the summer months, there's a marvelous open-air cinema in Plaka called Cine Paris. It is unique because it's in a rooftop garden and has a view of the Parthenon.Kydathineon 22 Plus Don't Miss... Odeon of Herod Atticus This open-air theater, on the south side of the Acropolis, hosts a number of performances during the annual Athens Festival. Nixon A new hot spot in Kerameikos that's a cocktail bar, restaurant, cinema and concert venue all in one. Queen Calliope Greek-American photographer and stylist Calliope Karvounis just opened a boutique that sells boho-chic clothing and accessories.  Nice 'N' Easy This spot serves delicious salads and other dishes made with ingredients sourced from small organic farms. Lalaounis For beautiful modern versions of ancient Greek jewelry, visit this upscale shop. A for Athens From the terrace of this new boutique hotel, you have stunning views of the city-including the Acropolis, Plaka and Monastiraki Square. Lisbon, Portugal                                                         José Avillez, Michelin-starred chef/owner of five Lisbon restaurants, including Belcanto and Café Lisboa Old-World Transit // Tram 28. Take this vintage yellow tram through old Lisbon. It offers hop-on, hop-off service. But be vigilant; pickpockets are known to work the line. Authentic Finds // A Vida Portuguesa. This beautiful shop was created by journalist Catarina Portas, who had been investigating old Portuguese brands, some of which faced extinction. Don't miss the soaps, the handmade notebooks or the Portuguese Sanjo sneakers. I come here a lot to buy gifts; I also buy a lot of things for my restaurants. Rua Anchieta 11 Romantic Digs // Memmo Alfama Hotel. A hidden treasure, and absolutely perfect for couples. The terrace has one of the best Lisbon views. I'm sure you will enjoy taking a glass of wine there. Travessa das Merceeiras 27 Glorious Vistas // Belvedere São Pedro de Alcântara. This little park is located at the top of the Elevador da Glória funicular. You have a beautiful view of the east side of Lisbon, including Graça, São Vicente de Fora and the Castle of São Jorge. Rua de São Pedro de Alcântara Canned Delights // Conserveira de Lisboa. A traditional tinned-fish shop with amazing wrapping and the joy of a family business. I love the Ventresca tuna fish in olive oil, smoked mackerel fillets and Portuguese sardines in olive oil. Rua dos Bacalhoeiros 34 Alexandra Champalimaud, Lisbon-born interior designer of high-end hotels, homes and restaurants Antiques Atelier // Ricardo do Espirito Santo Silva Foundation Workshop. This workshop is one of the few remaining places where you can learn the rare art of furniture carving. Discover how to hand-tool a reproduction of an 18th-century piece-or purchase one.   Largo das Portas do Sol, 2 Day Trip // Sintra. Drive to the town of Sintra and stop by the 12th-century Palacio da Vila in the center, with its extraordinary painted ceilings. Lunch on the terrace at Tivoli Palácio de Seteais, or stop by the cafe Piriquita for a queijada (a typical pastry) and a bica(espresso). Then move on to Casa Branca, where I buy fine linen and cotton embroidered sheets. Royal Wonder // Palacio Fronteira. A private tour of this late-17th-century house and garden, en route to Sintra, cannot be missed. I have enjoyed many enchanting moments there. Rua São Domingos de Benfica 1 Gem for Jewels // Leitão & Irmão. A great destination for modern silver, elegant porcelain and jewelry at astonishingly fair prices. I buy wedding presents and special gifts here and ship them all over the world. Largo do Chiado 16 e 17 Grand Dining // Restaurante Belcanto. Have lunch next to the opera house in the Chiado district. This place is wonderfully Old World. Sit near the window and order the bacalhau with a glass of simple red wine. Largo de São Carlos 10 Plus Don't Miss... LX Factory. An old factory complex has been turned into a space for cafes, shops, ateliers and galleries. Don't miss the stylish Ler Devagar Bookstore, which retains an original press from the printing shop that used to occupy the space. Campo de Ourique. This under-the-radar neighborhood northwest of the city center brims with a sense of community. Meander tree-lined streets, checking out spots like Casa Pélys, a former photo studio turned into a vintage shop, and Hamburgueria da Parada, a craft-burger kiosk. Júlio Pomar Museum. This tiny new museum, designed by star architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, showcases the oeuvre of Portuguese painter Julio Pomar. Whatever you decide to do, enjoy your travels!

FOUR DAYS IN FLORIDA -- AMAZING TIME AT DAYTONA 500

I can’t believe I went to The Daytona 500.  There -- I've said it (dare I add "vroom, vroom??").  Why the hell would I go given my knowledge of NASCAR (practically nothing)? Well, the obvious answer is that typically where the hubby goes, so do I.  And this is the second-to-last major American sporting event previously not attended (for him but I'm not far behind). Super Bowl/World Series/U.S. Open (Tennis & Golf)/Indy 500/Final Four/College Football Championship/NBA Finals/Stanley Cup Finals/all three legs of The Triple Crown: every one checked off the proverbial list.  The last one?  The Masters, held at a really bad time for those in the C.P.A. profession.  But a really long, loud car race? Chalk it up to good blog material!  Had there only been Spring Training, baseball would have been included in this trip as well. Alas, nothing begins prior to late Feb/early March, so save that for another time.  

We left a day or so early to visit relatives (doesn't everyone have relatives in FL???) who moved from NY to Boynton Beach, so we flew to Ft. Lauderdale and worked our way north. We had a brief but lovely time in the Boynton and Delray Beach communities, with visits to homes both in a planned community and on the Intercoastal.  All of the Florida wisecracks notwithstanding, it is easy to see why living there is appealing to so many.  The weather, no state income taxes, the weather, the beaches ... did I mention the weather? Well, summers are way too hot and humid for me but the rest of the year is very nice.  Remarkably we experienced a rare cold spell, with nighttime temps in the high 30's!

With Shelley & Mike Stone, family in Boynton Beach

For the couple of nights' stay in the Daytona area, we were even further north as all hotel rooms were at a premium, sold-out, and many non-refundable (typical of major sporting events). But I did manage to find two of the best restaurants in the area so our dinners at The Cellar and Spanish River Grill were both delicious and as far away from the ubiquitous chains as possible. 

Prix Fixe Menu; Smoked Salmon starter and Panna Cota dessert

Lunch at Hog Heaven in Daytona

As for the event itself, many folks come for "Race Week" in their enormous RV homes where the cost is roughly $500 for a week's parking place on the Daytona grounds.  The vehicles are huge and modern, and we saw many that had roof-top decks, flat screens, enough generators to charge a small town, and elaborate bbq gear under tents affixed to the RV sides.  For people like us, that would require hiring staff just to assemble! But it certainly looked like folks were having a great time and the beer was flowing well before lunchtime.

I imagine there's some of "mine is bigger than yours" going on here ..

The hubby secured press credentials by virtue of writing his weekly column on Townhall.com. That provided amazing access to seeing the cars up close and personal plus spending time in the Media center for interviews. Saturday's Xfinity race was shorter (120 laps vs. 200 for Sunday's race) and provided an opportunity to explore the venue with considerably fewer fans around. In fact we sat in great seats as the photos & video show; unfortunately, they weren't our actual seats for the race.  Regrettably we had a first-hand look at Kyle Busch's crash that took him out of Sunday's race.  Our real seats were somewhat further away and in tighter seating. We spoke to everyone around us ... this is a real slice of America, unlike the la-la land that we call home. The following photos tell the story of our experience, likely never to be repeated but thoroughly enjoyed! 

Hubby with members of the Thunderbirds, all active military who did the precision flyover pre-race shown below.

Grand Marshall Vince Vaughn

Amy Purdy drove the pace car; she was a DWTS finalist who lost her legs at
age 19 to meningitis.

In the garage seeing the cars up close;  the area is beyond pristine.

Typical fare offered

Talking tires. Each car is allotted 10 tire changes or
40 tires per car x 43 cars is a lot of tires!

Original seats for sale as the venue undergoes a complete makeover (badly needed!)

Kid Rock performed before the race above.  
Video below shows a tire change and refill in 13 seconds!

In front of the winner's trophy

2015 winner Joey Logano

THE IMPORTANCE OR BEING EARNEST (OR DO ONLINE REVIEWS REALLY MATTER)?

“Congratulations, Teri!  You’re in the top 10% of reviewers in Los Angeles!”  Thus read the recent email from Trip Advisor.  This crowning achievement might actually mean something if there were millions of people providing reviews. But with just 11,000 or so reporting out of our huge population (meaning I share this notoriety with 1,100 others), it is neither rare nor newsworthy in my opinion.

Which subject brings me to write about this:  How reliable are sites like Yelp, Trip Advisor, and, for that matter, Frommer's/Fodor's/Lonely Planet?? Do I really care what other people think/experience UNLESS (and this is a big one), I know the person and he/she/they like to travel in the same manner as I?  How much time do I really want to spend on these reviews?!

When it comes to online sources, my go to is Frommer's.  I like the fact that one can access the bullet points by a particular region (When to Go; How to Go; Average Weather; Hotel Ranking from either top or bottom; etc.), and the information is well summarized.  However, there have been numerous occasions where a major hotel we ultimately choose for our stay is not even listed!  So go figure   ...

Regarding Trip Advisor, I will go there and look at a city's list of hotels and then go to the individual websites for more comprehensive info.  Another important detail from that site is not so much how many superlatives are provided but rather how many indicated a bad experience.  One or two negatives might just be from folks who can never be pleased.  But more than a few and you've got my attention.  

I've written before about lists provided by Travel & Leisure and Traveler magazines, plus more recently Departures.  I love my ongoing bucket list of places to go and stay.  I love even more checking each one off the list.  I'm a firm believer in setting travel "goals" as well as keeping a list of countries visited -- although I'm a far cry from getting to all 196 (about a quarter of the way). Did you know that Scotland doesn't count as a country as it is part of the greater U.K.?  And I had to take Grand Caymans out of my total as that doesn't count either.  But Vatican City?  That is a country!

If your goal is a more achievable So Cal locale, go to Terranea on the Palos Verdes Peninsula and have yourself a beautiful stay as I and 61 other executive women did recently for our annual Spa Weekend.  I'd provide more details but I am sworn to secrecy ... The only evidence is this photo from around 4pm on the terrace of our casita.  Caption:  #Lifeisshort #Drinkup.