Winter growth and winter colors

February 2, 2012 epicureasian

The mild weather this week gave us plenty of colors to look at. Is it too early to hope for spring?

So I had to make sure the bathroom greenhouse was emptied so that the tender plants could get some sun. From the split-personality variegated Pesto Perpetuo basil…

…to the irrepressible Oriental Limelight artemisia and Easy Wave petunias bustin’ out of their pots…

…to the vibrant loropetalum burgeoning with blossoms…

…from an unexpected previous-year volunteer (Sorbet Coconut Swirl Viola)…

…to the unpredictable buds on the Encore Azalea Autumn Monarch…

…and the lovely winter foliage of the Lanai Purple Star verbena.

The signs of spring are everywhere–you just have to look closely.

Coming up next: my 2012 seed orders!

Fitness

Name that exercise?

February 1, 2012 epicureasian

I’ve been scouring the net looking for a particular exercise’s name that has been eluding me. I first experienced it in Transformation Boot Camp, then later at Peak Body. It seems to be a hanging sit-up or crunch in which I’m twisting left and right, tapping the ground with my elbows. The closest I’ve come to finding it is Russian Twist, though I did find one resource that referred to it as a Backwards Crunch (not to be confused with the leg-raising Reverse Crunch).

I did find a whole lot more core builders and strength exercises I want to add to my regimen; with particular emphasis to abs, obliques and glutes.

I also plan on hitting those push-ups, squats, and lunges more regularly, since I’m particularly weak in those areas. The push-up pyramids in PBT are hellish.

General exercise resources:

Specifics:

I will mention here that my first protein shake attempt ended in failure; the whey protein concentrate tends to overpower the drink, and the lack of sweetness really just doesn’t inspire drinkability. I hope to try again with some better ingredients (and minus the vitamin D milk).

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Ye Olde Garden

Winter Yard Works

January 30, 2012 epicureasian

Larkspur, flax, and viola seeds have been planted. We had plenty of mulching, raking and chainsawing to do this weekend. I also accomplished cleaning out the tree ring bed, scattering some marigold seeds in the process. Elsewhere, the mild weather is enticing bulbs and flowers to put out color and growth. Coral Nymph salvia managed to bloom in a protected spot, while the variegated lemon thyme shows off some pink color. The loropetalum in the purple bed is about to burst into fuschia flowers, while the dusty miller grows taller in the pansy bed. I hope to purchase more seeds soon!