garden, a trip to the library, and more asparagus

It is hard to believe that Easter is here already - seems to have snuck up on me.  Next thing you know, it will be Mother's Day (a very important holiday - hi Mom!) and then summertime right around the corner.  Spring has sprung in the garden.  The columbine and pentas have been putting on a show for a couple of weeks now, but I've been remiss in tending to them.  Today was a great day for weeding and generally tidying about the garden.  And then having a big glass of organic white wine and reading a magazine while I lounged and listened to the birds in the backyard.  Oh, and talked a bit with Steve-the-backyard-neighbor.

Many of my real-life friends know this already, but I am heading to England this summer for about a month for a summer study trip of the English country house.  So today I went to the library to try to find travel guides for my days in England before/after the actual program.  Sadly lacking, I must say.  So must search out books to reserve or actually *gasp* buy something.  Or maybe just troll the internet for lots of handy advice, maps, etc. for the upcoming jaunt.

More asparagus at the farmers' market this morning.  Along with baby lettuce heads (seems a little odd sounding), spinach, green onions, potatoes, and a mint plant.  My go-to meal of late has been the following:  saute chopped and peeled potatoes in lemon olive oil until crisp and tender (helps if you cover a little to steam them in the pan).  Then add chopped asparagus and saute for about three more minutes until bright green and slightly tender.  Season with sea salt and pepper.  Serve.  Eat while making yummy noises.

Oh, and a current obsession:  Mrs. Meyer's basil hand soap.  Considering stocking up, but that would be just silly (must fight the urge) since it isn't a 'seasonal' scent or anything.  Guess I'm just late to the party in realizing how great this is for kitchen sink hand-washing.