Chandelier In the Garden

It all started when I found two of these barrel hoops ($4 each) at Building REsources in San Francisco: 

What would you do with a barrel hoop?. 

I know there are some people who think I am bit crazy using this "stuff" but I love the patina and rustic charm.   My creative juices started to flow.  What if I made a chandelier by attaching canning jars to the hoop, putting some candles in those canning jars and hanging it above my table outside under the pergola?
I had to make a trip to Orchard Supply and I splurged $18 on some galvanized chain and some nuts and bolts (wishing I had picked up that rusty chain I saw at an estate sale not long ago...oh well).
My dad came to my rescue by helping me punch holes in the hoop with his drill press. Dads with tools are wonderful. Couldn't have done it without him. That was slick.

My dad with his drill press helping me in his garage.

I wrapped some rusty wire (had it in my stash) to six canning jars in my signature aqua blue color (also had them in my collection). Found out how to date the jars via Minnetrista and discovered most of my jars were produced between 1923 - 1933 with one produced between 1910 - 1923.   How cool is that? They will now live out the rest of their lives as candle holders. Whalaa.. here is my chandelier in the daytime:

and here it is at night:

This simple addition brings such a nice ambiance to our outdoor meals and I love that I only spent $22 on the whole thing. 

The Vancouver Marathon

I am not sure if Adeline decided to run  the Vancouver marathon when she was still pregnant or after she gave birth. But in any case she proposed that we come up to cheer her on and make it a mini family vacation. And that is what we did. 

That's my girl...running her second marathon six months after giving birth. Amazing.

I couldn't be more proud. Misty tears of joy filled my eyes as I clasped the umbrella which protected her 6 month old baby from the sprinkling rain. 

Flowers were blooming everywhere

I don't think the Runners noticed the city bursting with colorful flowers.  But I did.
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Everything was in its prime.

April Blooms

I know we are into May now, but I wanted to share some pictures of April blooms in my garden



I  love spring ...the fresh new growth...the warm sunshine...the cool temperatures....
California has the best climate.