Thumbs up for Tulips

So despite a four-day cold snap just when my spring bulbs were really starting to bloom like crazy, my tulips have survived. They're even starting to flourish, and not all of them have opened yet.

These were the first. I think they're Toronto Greigii (low growing)




This one is my favorite of all the tulips I planted. I love the color. I definitely need to buy more of these this fall.












And although I expected more orange in these tulips, they look pretty, especially with the grape hyacinths. When they first came up I thought something had gone terribly wrong, but then I remembered these were the awesome orange and yellow tulips I'd been wondering about.

Although daffodils are still my favorite bulbs, tulips are definitely gaining points this year. Their blooming period definitely feels longer.

Crocuses, Daffodils & Hyacinths, Oh My!

By the end of the day I last posted my first daffodil had opened. And they've kept on going since then. Currently, there are crocuses, daffodils and hyacinths blooming. Is it normal for crocuses to start blooming after the daffodils?

I love daffodils, and although I was dissappointed that the double daffodils never appeared, at least the lovely white and pink daffodils are finally opening.

Some surprises have appeared too. Can anyone fill me in on what this is?

Unfortunately, we're expecting freezing weather for the next few days. So I'm not sure if I'm going to see if the tulips ever bloom or not. Any suggestions? Would trying to protect them help?

Finally, a Bloom!

Finally something is blooming around here - my primrose. Ok, sure, it's inside, but that's exciting too, because I can't remember having a plant bloom indoors before. Especially one that I almost killed. Several daffodils are ready to bust though and I can't hardly stand it! (I loves me some daffodils!) Stay tuned for more garden pics.

Oh Moomin, You Complete....My Kitchen

A mere nine months after dear Hanna and Netta gave me this lovely Moomin clock (kiitos), it is finally displayed in its full glory on the wall. I loooves it! And with that, my kitchen art is complete. I even managed to get the nail in without bending it or chipping the paint, a vast improvement over what usually happens when I go a hammerin'. For more kitchen views see my Flickr page.

My love affair with Moomin (or Muumi as I first knew them) began when I was an exchange student in Norway. I can still hum the theme song although I'm not sure I can write it. Not that I've managed to read more than one or two stories yet, but I just LOVE those characters, as you can tell by my collection of Moomin mugs (top right), glass cards and even hand-towels. Yet another favorite reason for going to Finland is to be able to pick up another mugs or two.

The Cure

I'm kinda, sorta doing the Cure, although I've already fallen behind. This week is the kitchen. I finally did a little organizing and cleaning tonight. It was worth it.

Step 1: I finally got rid of several of the mismatched mugs I've had since college. Step 2: I replaced them with some fun, colorful mugs I found last night.

Funny that something so simple can feel so much better.

Min Forste Hus

0r my first house, for those who don't speak norwegian (neither do I really)



What they say is true, when you find the one you just know. After months of looking, several offers and too many open houses to count, I found it in July 2005. My first house. Sure it only had one bathroom when I desperately coveted an extra half bath, and yes, there are only two bedrooms. In fact, the whole house (not counting the basement or attic) is less than 600 square feet. But it's mine. Or the banks. But whatever.

Since then I've painted my first room (and four more), learned to garden, fixed a dishwasher and am learning not freak out when things break. I've also become obsessed with all things to do with homes and gardens. This space will be a place to save and share the good bits I find and rant and rave about the joys of home ownership.

Green Thumb Sunday

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