Practically Summer

We "have" an apartment in Austria. Did I tell you that already? The attic of the 1970-80ish farmhouse at JK's aunt, aunt, and uncle own on the family farmstead is being converted for us. Or rather, we are having it converted. So some days we talk about moving (back) to Austria. But then we have a gloriously sunny day here... and it is hard to muster up the enthusiasm for the farm in winter...even though the summer there is marvelous and the garden would be fabulous.
Yes, Saturday was cool and grey. But Sunday turned out to be sunny and warm, practically summer. Some friends came over and the men built a climbing wall addition to the swingset, while the ladies and the kids went to the farmer's market and bought some lucious strawberries, broccoli (since mine flowered), apples (very tasty but way too expensive), olives, and flowers. I noticed that my staghorn fern grew some new basal frounds.
We had purple walnut sourdough bread, carrots, mushrooms, and broccoli to dip in our fondue. Yum. The kiddo dipped his carrots and broccoli in ketchup. I bought this bundle of branches but I don't remember what the plant is called. Anyone know? In Waldorf education, emphasis is placed upon nature or seasonal tables. Sort of like a nature altar. I have always liked the idea of a seasonal "altar" - ever since we visited a family friend in her beautiful house in France. She had a low chest covered with forced branches, fruits, nuts, and other things. It was so beautiful and so French, somehow. So now I try to keep a little of that natural beauty inside as well. (I am off to the store to load up on fruits, since we already ate most of ours and our oranges from the tree are still NOT RIPE!)