How to Grow African Violets

A well grown African violet is a treat for the eyes.   This is a miniature variety.

To grow this plant, cut the large outer leaves at the base at an angle.

Note that even a damage leaf  will do.

Stick the leaves in a small jar with just enough water to cover the end of the stem. Make sure that only the stem is touching the water -- African violets do not like to keep water on their leaves.

 

Wait until the roots are strong enough before planting them in soil.  Sometimes leaves sprout near the roots.

 

With tender loving care and good soil, you will be delighted to see the   above result.  Have fun.

Source:  Let's Make Something by the airport blog.

Environmental Art

Thorns, camellias, lilacs, yucca leaves and laurel make up the
"Camellia Countessa." (Photo courtesy of Nicole Dextras)

Yucca leaves, flowers and thorns make up this party dress. 

(Photo courtesy of Nicole Dextras)

Laurel leaves, rosehips and assorted leaves and thorns
make for a jaunty waistcoat. 

(Photo courtesy of Nicole Dextras)

Environmental art created by Vancouver-based artist, Nicole Dextras surprises  with the use of natural leaves and flowers.  Who  would want floral prints when we could have them made up with newly blooms.  For the non-material girls, the above will  probably cause furor but  meat lovers will certainly go for the  design of Lady Gaga's outfit. To each his own.  Everyone  has the right to to make his own choice.

A Taste of Mediterranean Menu

This dish  may look quite simple but it can turn  to an exquisite dish if we use eggs of farm grown hens, a decent ham,  Spanish asparagus and extra virgin olive oil.

We can  grill, sauté or steam the asparagus and  fry or poach the eggs but make sure that the asparagus is  cooked al dente.  

Another way of poaching eggs is to cover a cup or a small bowl with transparent plastic  in a way that it overlaps the edges.  Add a little oil where it covers the cup and crack the egg on top.  Close the edges as if it were a candy inside.  Put this wrap in boiling water for 3-4 minutes.  The egg  should be half done in case you want to place it over  the asparagus cooked in an oven.

Enjoy your Mediterranean dish.

http://blogs.elpais.com/el-comidista/

Another Feria de Tapas In Madrid

The VII series of the Feria de Tapas in Madrid has just ended this week-end.  It was  great but as usual it was crammed with people.  There were 39 participating restaurants, and Ron, Beatriz and myself were there and luckily sampled two of the winning tapas. (2nd and 3rd).  Since I came early for the queue to a free entrance for a tapa that cost 1,20 Euros and a similar cost for the regular beer, I was able to take pictures without the crowd.

Here are some pictures to whet your appetite.

1st Prize

2nd Prize

3rd Prize

Southern Lights Festival

The Southern Lights Festival is a family friendly Circus and Street Arts Festival set in the heart of Dorset's Jurassic coast surrounded by beautiful sea views.  There you will see  circus performers and instructors from all over the country coming together for a fantastic weekend of learning and fun.  Last weekend, Mel enjoyed  being there with Andy and his mother, Wendy as guests of Andy's brother Duncan, who was a performer. 

It certainly is a different way of spending a fun weekend.