Spring has definitely sprung

Dogs force us to get out and about and that's a very good thing. Nellie and I do vary our path occasionally, but mostly we have a routine and it means passing by familiar houses regularly. Often it's very ho-hum. Same old, same old. But every so often we're startled, and mostly delighted, by something new.

We were hailed today by a very friendly frog, who boldly captured our attention with his wide smile and bon vivant manner. We introduced ourselves and asked to take his picture. He graciously agreed.

 

Further along on our stroll, we came upon a Wisteria in full bloom that was too magnificent to pass by unacknowledged.

But not to be outdone by neighborhood whimsy, there are two critters who reside in my front yard full time. While neither have the rakish air of the frog dandy, they make me smile.

The bunny is perfectly content to watch passersby in the front, secure in the knowledge she can't be easily seen.

The cat's expression is one of perpetual surprise. I expect it's because after all these years, she's STILL not invited into the house, though she keeps an eagle eye on the front door. We feel quite protected.

When it should take 5 minutes...

So...have you ever had that project that should take five minutes and it ends up becoming a thing that drives you slightly nuts? Well, that was today's adventure. I needed to hang something on my backyard wall and on the wall leading up to the front door. Started with with backyard project as a test for the more important hanging in front. And thank Steve, the God of Amiable Fuck Ups, I did. Drilling into stucco or cinder block is a bit different than drilling into good old wood. It took a couple of tries to get the right angle and size screw and...well, you get the idea. Finally success. 

So on to the the main project. I've had this wonderful frog welcome tile, purchased 15 years ago at the Adamson House in Malibu (if you haven't been, look it up -- it's amazing). The day I bought it, I knew exactly where it was going to go and and what would go around it. Yeah, that didn't happen. Then I had the bright idea of hanging it on the way up the front stairs. Et, voilá:

 Makes you smile doesn't she?

Frogs on guard

When Nellie and I set out today, I allowed her to lead the way and I'm so glad I did. She decided to to go UP a street we usually walk down. OK - interesting choice. Then she took a sharp left and we were on a short street that had some eye-popping yards. My favorite was a house with guard frogs -- well that's what it seemed like from the way they were placed at the entrance to the home. Now I have a real fondness for frogs - both living and statuary - so I had to share:

In addition to the wonderful sculptures, that block had a garden that was a vision in purple:

And not to brag, but my garden is no slouch in the purple department:

But back to the fun street, one of the most vivid hibiscus blossoms I've ever seen:

On our next walk, Nellie should lead the way again. She seems to have an eye for fun stuff and wonderful gardens. Or maybe she just wanted to explore a new street. Whatever - it's all good.