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Signs of SPRING.

March 9, 2014 40 Comments
EGGS………one should snatch if they do not want one of these to appear!

EGGS………one should snatch if they do not want one of these to appear!

A new baby dove…………just in time for SPRING!

A new baby dove…………just in time for SPRING!

A very fragrant flower…….the name escapes me at the moment!
A very fragrant flower…….the name escapes me at the moment!

 

Lets make our way down to the chicken coop via the fountain in the PIAZZA and the pizza oven that will one day be covered with Creeping Fig.

Lets make our way down to the chicken coop via the fountain in the PIAZZA and the pizza oven that will one day be covered with Creeping Fig.

 

The arbor over the BRIDGE OF SIGHS……….yes, thats right I named it after that bridge in VENICE!The potato vine should cover by the end of summer!Can you spy the old marble sink down yonder?Well,I found that in FIRENZE( FLORENCE),Italy years ago and couldn't leave it behind!So, here it sits waiting for me to find the perfect faucet……..its only been in the good old USA with me for 20 years!How many more years until I find the perfect faucet?I think I need to go back…….back to the land where it came from.I need to go back and search for the perfect faucet.I shall go back……………but when?

The arbor over the BRIDGE OF SIGHS……….yes, thats right I named it after that bridge in VENICE!The potato vine should cover by the end of summer!Can you spy the old marble sink down yonder?Well,I found that in  FLORENCE,Italy years ago and couldn’t leave it behind!So, here it sits waiting for me to find the perfect faucet……..its only been in the good old USA with me for 20 years!How many more years until I find the perfect faucet?I think I need to go back…….back to the land where it came from.I need to go back and search for the perfect faucet.I shall go back……………but when?

SIR WINSTON,always at my side in the garden.A beautiful dog…………so loyal.Today, I was in the coop trying to get a good snap for all of you of the chicks and Mister Grey and the door blew open.There Winston sat guarding the entrance to the coop in case a chick decided to go a far……..no way could they pass him.He was on duty and knew what to do!GOOD BOY WINSTON!

SIR WINSTON,always at my side in the garden.A beautiful dog…………so loyal.Today, I was in the coop trying to get a good snap for all of you of the chicks and Mister Grey and the door blew open.There Winston sat guarding the entrance to the coop in case a chick decided to go a far……..no way could they pass him.He was on duty and knew what to do!GOOD BOY WINSTON!

As we made our way to the coop we spied this B E A U T Y!

As we made our way to the coop we spied this B E A U T Y!

GIUDO, the BAD BOY DOVE that lives with the HENS.He announced our arrival to the GIRLS!

GIUDO, the BAD BOY DOVE that lives with the HENS.He announced our arrival to the GIRLS!

The GIRLS……..getting on in age.I have lost track now but at least 8 years old………maybe older.They still do their work.How long does a chicken live?Anyone know?

The GIRLS……..getting on in age.I have lost track now but at least 8 years old………maybe older.They still do their work.How long does a chicken live?Anyone know?

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40 Comments

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  • Jody Brettkelly
    · Reply

    March 17, 2014 at 10:33 PM

    You have doves in your garden??? That is incredibly, it’s a veritable wonderland there. I’m sure Winston as his name suggest reigns supreme in good times and bad. Your photos are stunning

    • contessa
      · Reply

      March 18, 2014 at 5:59 AM

      That baby dove is up for adoption…………any takers?I deliver!

  • Jennifer
    · Reply

    March 17, 2014 at 4:22 PM

    I love, love, love your new look. It’s so beautiful and works so well!! Bravo! Your garden is gorgeous and your little dog is a charmer!! Looking forward to lunch. xo

    • contessa
      · Reply

      March 17, 2014 at 6:37 PM

      THANK ~ YOU and ME too!!!
      XXX

  • Heather in Arles
    · Reply

    March 13, 2014 at 3:51 AM

    Oh my goodness gracious, I love the new site!! And am a wee bit jealous…The tag-line works! 🙂 Better than what I came up with!!!
    Gros bisous and congratulations!!!!!

    • contessa
      · Reply

      March 13, 2014 at 5:18 AM

      MERCI……………!!!!!!

  • Jill James
    · Reply

    March 12, 2014 at 2:01 PM

    What a lovely garden you have, early spring is always such joy in the garden. Your photography is wonderful, very inspiring. Thank you.

    • contessa
      · Reply

      March 12, 2014 at 2:53 PM

      THANK you for popping IN to say Hello!I really have no idea what I am doing BUT I do love my garden so maybe that helps!

  • theresa
    · Reply

    March 12, 2014 at 12:28 PM

    Thank you for the walk-thru. LOVE LOVE LOVE the new photo of you on the left of your site under the ‘Subscribe’ heading. WOW! Just beautiful! You’ve never looked so lovely!

    • La Contessa
      · Reply

      March 12, 2014 at 12:43 PM

      That whole experience was BEYOND BEYOND.Thank You for checking in………and your lovely words!
      XOXO

  • Marsha @ Splenderosa
    · Reply

    March 12, 2014 at 9:27 AM

    Contessa, do you know Penelope Bianchi in Montecito? A totally awesome woman, like you in so many ways. I absolutely love this post and the close-ups of the chickens, eggs, marble sink (awaiting faucets) of Winston and the one of Guido! I would give anything to have all these lovely creatures in my back yard…but I do have wild rabbits whom I feed each afternoon and love doing it. I’m drinking water and eating lettuce right along with them. I absolutely adore YOU!

    • La Contessa
      · Reply

      March 12, 2014 at 12:40 PM

      MARSHA,
      Looks like you skipped the comment section here!!!PENELOPE, has left TWO comments!YES< I have met her twice now!She lives down the street from where my AUNT lived for many years!She knew my AUNT!I met her through her BLOG………how I found her I cannot quite recall could have been LOST IN ARLES!Anyway,Penelope and I share a lot in common!WE now both own the same RED DRESS I wore in the PARIS photo shoot!Plus, we found the necklace too………I sent her photos to have the Opera coat made!WE ARE TWINS in more ways then one!She even has gotten the CAPS down with my exclamations!!!!Right off the bat she reminded me of ME!!!!!!The way she writes and her love of animals.I was lucky enough to be escorted through LOTUSLAND by her!I adore the fact you ask if I know her!I DO!Just mailed her a belated birthday box today!
      Love the connections we make here in BLOGLAND!

  • Principessa
    · Reply

    March 11, 2014 at 8:47 PM

    Soooooooo love the arbor. Can imagine the splendor by summer’s end. Will be spectacular …..just like you. What a SPRING TREAT. hugs P

    • La Contessa
      · Reply

      March 12, 2014 at 12:32 PM

      Why THANK YOU!
      The garden is starting to pop!
      XOXO

      • Penelope Bianchi
        · Reply

        March 12, 2014 at 11:45 PM

        BRAVO!! There are a few beautiful sights around here! I am not as good as you are with my iPhone camera! but they will be coming!!

        Yowzers! I love the baby dove!

  • contessa
    · Reply

    March 11, 2014 at 4:34 PM

    MADAME PPP……………you mean the marble sink……………and yes if this weather continues an APEROL SPRITZ we shall do then bite into a home made pizza.Sound good?I will be in touch!

  • Piedmont Pembroke Parent
    · Reply

    March 11, 2014 at 3:32 PM

    Ahh Contessa,

    Such a delight to read your musings and enjoy spring photos on this new site!
    Winston is worthy companion, a responsible, intelligent helper! Great job with those chickens.
    What a wonderful idea…the bridge of sighs in your garden. Oh for a trip to Venice again! The concrete sink transported from Florence…wish I was there having aperol spritz in the piazza!
    Your post was truly enjoyable and long overdue!

    PPP

  • Mala
    · Reply

    March 11, 2014 at 2:07 PM

    LOVE ALL THE PHOTOS!!!

    • contessa
      · Reply

      March 11, 2014 at 4:31 PM

      SO, happy to make you happy!These last few days have been INSPIRATIONAL!

  • tara dillard
    · Reply

    March 11, 2014 at 2:03 PM

    Pic of your boys, ALONE, speaks volumes about YOU !!!! Love it all, pure narrative from the pics chosen.

    Have only seen gray doves here in my 30 years.

    My hens are 2 years old and doing great, making my life great.

    That fragrant white flower is Clematis armandii….evergreen clematis.

    Creeping fig has been hit hard this winter. Do you have the annual English daisies? Mine are starting to grow…..too exciting awaiting the blooms.

    A little back rub to your hens, hugs to Sir Winston. Kisses to you.

    Garden & Be Well, XO Tara

    • contessa
      · Reply

      March 11, 2014 at 4:30 PM

      YES!Thats it…….ARMANDII.Now, maybe the fact I have written it I will remember it!

      I will keep gardening to stay well.Does put me in a good mood to work in the garden!Especially, when i have my creatures beside me!

      XOXOXO

  • Jan Schechter
    · Reply

    March 11, 2014 at 2:00 PM

    You are a marvelous photographer! I am desperate for any signs of spring out here in Philadelphia. We still have snow on the ground. So I will savor your precious photos!-Jan

    • contessa
      · Reply

      March 11, 2014 at 4:26 PM

      IT’s coming to YOU………I will send some blossoms your way!HANG IN THERE!!!

  • Paul Clancy
    · Reply

    March 11, 2014 at 11:08 AM

    Glad to see Winston was there to accompany you on such an adventure throught he garden:) The clematis is looking wonderful in flower and the scent, intoxicating!
    Paul

    • contessa
      · Reply

      March 11, 2014 at 4:25 PM

      Hello Paul……..so you KNOW that fragrant Clematis!
      It truly is as you said, “INTOXICATING!”

    • Paul Clancy
      · Reply

      March 12, 2014 at 8:58 AM

      I am pretty sure its Clematis armandii. We thought we had lost ours but the scent always reminds us that it climbed way over the far side of the apple tree where its fragrance fills the garden each spring.

  • Linda T
    · Reply

    March 11, 2014 at 9:25 AM

    Love the new site!

    • contessa
      · Reply

      March 11, 2014 at 4:24 PM

      ME TOO!
      Comment Box nightmare is over!

  • Sarah
    · Reply

    March 11, 2014 at 5:21 AM

    Beautiful new blog page Contessa and your garden inspires me to do more with mine. Absolutely love the shot of the pink tulip – Divino!
    Sarah xx

    • La Contessa
      · Reply

      March 11, 2014 at 7:00 AM

      The Pink tulip is DIVINO I agree and so far the beautiful deer haven’t attacked them!They ate the rest however…….one day was the life of my tulips…….just one day!!!
      Gorgeous creatures like gorgeous flowers!
      XXXX

  • Tamera Beardsley
    · Reply

    March 10, 2014 at 1:05 PM

    I love the changes you have made here …. it’s looking Fabulous my dear!!

    xoxo
    Tamera

    • contessa
      · Reply

      March 10, 2014 at 5:07 PM

      THANK ~ YOU!
      Lovely to know you are out there……………xxx

  • contessa
    · Reply

    March 10, 2014 at 8:47 AM

    FANTASTIC!You received and made a comment happen!

    I am so HAPPY to be part of your day today!

    I know a THANK YOU note has been written……..will be delivered soon!He Loved it!

    Welcome to Vintage HEN HOUSE!

    XXX

  • jewels
    · Reply

    March 10, 2014 at 8:19 AM

    So wonderful to visit your garden! With my coffee this morning.

  • Penelope Bianchi
    · Reply

    March 9, 2014 at 11:38 PM

    Winston is such a fine dog! He is a corgi!! We have 3 Corgi mixes! There is a “Corgi mix rescue” called “forepaws”!@!

    Pete from the side of the highway(with his sister……she went to Palm Beach, Florida) rescued by a college girl on her way back to college ; Luna; from a shelter in South Texas; the volunteer had to put her on the plane at 3 am…..it would be 128 by 9 am!!

    and the latest one; seen by my friend going down the onramp of the freeway from a dreadful part of downtown LA!! Janine saved her!

    La Contessa is the best! Do you have baby chicks? (as well as the baby dove?)

    I am sending you something!!

    XXOO

    Penelope

    • contessa
      · Reply

      March 10, 2014 at 8:44 AM

      I know you do Penelope,but I did not know about FOREPAWS!!!

      We have had baby chicks many times,in fact this bunch were all hatched here on the land!I have eight chickens now and one rooster.They are all brothers and sisters……….and one AUNT I Believe!I had 15 babies hatch under one Mother once,I need to find that PHOTO to show you.We take the eggs away daily so no babies for awhile………this SPRING I think we will get some new chicks as the ITALIAN husband has been talking about it!

      Would you like a baby dove?Thats one thing your missing!A DOVECOTE needs to be built…….just like at Lotusland!!!I will DELIVER to you!

      XOXOXO

    • Penelope Bianchi
      · Reply

      March 12, 2014 at 12:32 AM

      this has gone haywire 4 times! I am trying again!

      We have hatched all of ours! (the Belgian chickens) and my Italian husband was as excited when our first chick hatched 25 years ago in Pasadena! I swear; he woke me up at 5 in the morning ! You would have thought we had discovered “uranium”!

      So wonderful! There really isn’t anything as divine as an “Italian husband”!!

      Nothing even close! And we cannot clone them! (I looked into it)!

      Just hold them close……treasure them!

      Our five Belgian roosters have done such a good job protecting our hens………(ten hens!!)

      We may have some chicks soon!

      Gwen (remember her…..(the director of Lotusland) is engaged! I think you met her boyfriend?

      Anyway; he is divine! I am going to have some kind of party for her! I want you to come! (in your red outfit!)

      So; what is your schedule this spring and summer? what shall we do?

      Penny

  • Loree
    · Reply

    March 9, 2014 at 11:41 AM

    Oh what a beautiful garden you have. As for that tulip, it is simply gorgeous. Sir Winston looks like he’s a really good, smart dog.

    • contessa
      · Reply

      March 10, 2014 at 8:35 AM

      YES, Winston is a gem!

  • Lisa Self
    · Reply

    March 9, 2014 at 10:00 AM

    How fun to see those photos! At 7000 ft here at home in Durango it is still brown and cold ( drought , should have snow) . Beautiful blue sky though with snow capped mountains in the distance.

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