Monday Morning This and That

Sometimes the most

important thing in a whole
day is the rest we take
between two deep breaths,
or the turning inwards in
prayer for five
short minutes.

Etty Hillesum

This weekend was rather quiet. I chose to use it as a time for rest and turning inwards.  Saturday I ran all of my errands.  Came back from the fruit stand with a lot of loot--lemons, watercress, cucumbers, fresh California spinach, vine tomatoes, and sweet potatoes for a beef stew I plan to make.  I also picked up some grapes.  Yes, I know, I was not going to buy them until the summer fruits ran out, but these grapes are different, and I am not sure if I would be able to get them in the winter. 

Although you cannot tell from the photo, these grapes are very small.  The dark ones are called 'Black Table Grapes'.  Although they have a lower sugar content than 'wine grapes', to me they are much sweeter and tastier.  The remind me of the grapes I used to pick on grandma's vine.  The green ones are called 'Green Baby Grapes'.  They are one of the sweetest and best tasting grapes of the fall season. They are full of sugar and must be eaten quickly as they will spoil, but that's not a problem here. 

Several months ago I tried to get a picture of a rather odd  tree across the street from my house, but my old phone would not allow me to send it.  It kept saying something like it was too big.  Now, finally, with my new phone, I am able to show it to you. 

Close up, its olive green leaves look waxy, almost like they are artificial. Each leave is enclosed in edges of yellow, and some are completely yellow, giving them a floral appearance. Any ideas what it is? I'm wondering if it is from China.  I do live one block from little Chinatown. 

As I passed the flower shop Sunday after Church, I couldn't help going in.  This was a part of my loot.

This is my second acquisition.  I couldn't resist.  It looked so colorful...and strange.  It also comes in other colors as well, but this one stood out to me. The woman told me what it is called, but her accent was so thick I didn't get it.  Why is it that I always look for weird?  Anyone have any ideas what it is? 

I also purchased some candles. This store also sells the best scented incense and candles I have ever used. They are made by Yankee Candles.  Has anyone ever tried them?  These candles are not easy to find in my area, and I am lucky to have stumbled upon one that does.  I've discovered that they are usually carried in authorized floral shops. Light one in the living room and the pleasant aroma spreads through the entire house.  And the scents themselves are spectacular....

From left to right--Black coconut, Pink Dragon Fruit, Sage and Citris, True Rose, Golden Sands, another Sage and Citris, and Midsummer Night.  How I ended up with two Sage and Citris, I don't know.  I'd thought I'd picked up Ocean Breeze.  But that's okay.  They all smell fabulous.  

Well, I am off to get ready to go to the center.  

Wishing you all a great week ahead.  Be happy and smile often.