Windy Hill hiking

We took the dogs to Windy Hill Open Space Preserve to go on a 7 mile loop with their packs on. As the name suggests, half of this hike was along a very open hill, where the sun was blazing and the winds were quite harsh. The other section of the hike, however, was very different-- full of shade from thick trees and traversing along thin unpaved trails.

Spring blossoms in our yard

Living in California is fantastic. Residents are able to grow a wide range of produce in this climate and our yard is proof of that! We have over 30 types of fruit-bearing trees and bushes and are able to enjoy fresh produce year-round.

I find the fruit trees to be especially beautiful in the spring months. Each tree has it's own gorgeous flower-- the pink peach blossoms, the white pear and orange flowers, and the deep red pomegranate petals. It is such a treat to be able to look outside each day and see such divine nature!

Fresh recipe of the month: Asparagus soup

It is asparagus season! Yesterday I made a delicious cream of asparagus soup in our slow cooker.

-1.5 pounds fresh asparagus

- 4 cups vegetable broth

- 1/2 onion, chopped

- 1 yukon gold potato

- 1/2 cup half and half

- Salt and pepper to taste

Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook for 8 hours at low temperature. Use a ladle to bring soup in small portions to a blender and blend until the entire batch is smooth.