Finally!  Spring!

Woo-Hoo. The garden center was packed last weekend, and there are actually cars passing wtih vegetation hanging out the back.  The live oak leaves and tassels have finally fallen, the lawn is greening, and flowers are popping up everywhere!

I have some really wonderful new planters for you for the Spring, and, finally, here are the mushrooms I have been promising.

They will add a giggle to your garden. 

Also new for 2008 is this wonderful Topiary Turtle Frame,

just waiting for you to create and plant whatever to make him the most eligible turtle on the block. Some planting directions are on his page.

There is a full collection of black clay pottery from Mexico, which is really elegant and one of a kind, while being extraordinarily well-priced. We have three new crates, and some of the new pieces are already up. The Mateos family is quite famous in Mexico, but virtually unknown here. If you want to prove to one-and-all that you have exquisit taste, this is the gift I recommend, for someone special or for yourself.

Be sure to check out MaChuy cotton.  I have added some embroidered dresses for children, and a couple great peasant shirts for the guys - of course all cotton. There are new blouses with LOTS of embroidery, headpieces, and belts for a fresh look. We also have added some wonderful organic jewelry, made with seeds, pods, and stones like agate, jasper and quartz, to finish that breezy lightweight cotton look.  The blouses are also super nostalgia gifts.

I have added a new section for my dear pal Nellie Hall, who designs a lot of wonderful items in Bali.  She lives there about 3 months a year. She is a truly whimsical soul. Her jewelry is just the beginning. You will find her in the Clothing section.

The Pineda dogs have had new family move in, and you will find them with the Rafael Pineda work.  There is a great little dinosaur named Sebastian who is looking for a better place to sleep, and a kitten named Sassy, who has more attitude than 3 Siamese.

The deer are finally starting their change back to golden coats, and the Dove have arrived, making food calls to anyone who happens to be passing by.  The beautiful red Cardinals, and some bright yellow & black Finches are at the feeders, along with a new pair of nesting Woodpeckers.  ALL the birds make way for the Woodpeckers.  A new Coral Snake showed up this week, and yes, his red & yellow bands touched.  He was very shy however, and slipped back into his hole in the rock wall.  First time I had ever seen him. I am not walking barefoot through the grass without looking these days.

The Porcupine is also back, much bigger, and the Racoons have broken into the new bird feeder. Sigh.

I can't imagine living in any other way!

The kittens are huge.  They were 1 year old April 12th.   Jackson GInger, aka "Snaps" and Ricky Braveheart, aka "Ricky-Do" are a hoot.   Both are arrogant & affectionate. Ricky likes to get on my lap in front of the fire and stretch out on his back, paws akimbo, waiting for a belly rub.

About You

We want you really to enjoy coming here to see what's new, or where Churchill has been. We want you always to feel free to contact us with questions, or suggestions, which you can do easily in the “About Us” section. Mostly, we want to ignite your imagination, and tickle your fancy. We want you to catch yourself smiling as you go through our pages.

Thank you for dropping by!
June 9, 2008

Susan