I always get excited this time of year when I see spring blooms such as the chartreuse foliage unfurling from our ceanothus bush I was sure had died over the winter. Fortunately, I didn’t cut down its homely bare branches.
I spotted yellow primroses in our front yard which I’d forgotten about!
Out our kitchen window I can see our fabulous camellia flowers that remind me of my mother who died too young. She loved their vibrant red color and so do I, even if they leave a mess which I must clean up. Plus, my roses are showing signs of life. They are not planted in the best place for roses because of the minimum light but at least I didn’t prune them too early.
Plus I hear robins echoing their love songs, and bald eagles, both on the Island and in the city. On a walk the other day I saw a couple of spunky hummingbirds chasing a blue jay away from their nest I must assume. Life is exciting in springtime!
You can spot bald eagles by their white heads amidst all the greenery.
I feel like I’m juggling my new novel Mona Lisa Smiles with another new book I’m editing. And I’m pondering another manuscript which has several chapters written. I read once that people who think they can multitask well are wrong. But still my mind buzzes and prods me along.
One author I admire for her super writing in any genre and her flexibility is Suzanne Woods Fisher. I’ve always enjoyed her Amish books. She’s written plenty and has won prestigious awards. I’m fascinated with her series centering around flowers. Perfect for this time of year.
Her soon to be released novel Love on a Whim has the cutest cover I can’t get enough of. Check it out and you’ll see why I feel like eating yummy sweets every time I see it! Pre-order here and save yourself a copy in advance.
“Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher delights with this heartwarming story of love, friendship, family, and the irresistible charm of impulsive decisions.”
Speaking of food, are you ready to change your eating habits to celebrate the arrival of spring? I usually eat a homemade chicken soup for lunch every day but I’m ready to make the switch. How about you? Do you find yourself craving salads and fresh fruit?
Radishes, with their bright peppery taste and deep pink-red color, are practically synonomous with Spring in my family. I like to toss them into an easy salad. Radishes are one of Piper’s favorite treats. She loves chasing them and then gobbling them up. She likes sliced cucumber too! (True story)
SIMPLE RADISH SALAD
Ingredients
1/2 lb. radishes (10 to 15 small radishes)
3 Persian cucumbers
1/4 c. olive oil
2 tbsp. lemon juice
3/4 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper, plus more to taste
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 c. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tbsp. chopped fresh dill
Directions
- Thinly slice the radishes and cucumbers into a large bowl.
- Combine the oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a mason jar, and shake well to combine.
- Pour the dressing over the radishes and cucumbers, tossing to combine. Fold in the green onion, parsley, and dill. Taste for salt and pepper and serve.
Enter my Giveaway by April 22 for a chance to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card plus a copy of my latest novel, Mona Lisa Smiles or another of my books if you’ve already purchased a copy. US only. Winner will be announced Tuesday, April 23 and has three days to respond to my email. Only by responding to my email can you win.
Thank you for the opportunity to enter hope I win would be a nice birthday present. On may 1st.
Happy early birthday Laurel! Mine is May 3rd.
Early-happy birthday, Gail!
Good luck to you, Laurel!
Love spring and the beautiful colors makes me happy being disabled
I’m glad you’re feeling happy!
I love radishes fresh-picked from the garden! Store-bought just aren’t the same!
Yummy! We have radishes in our fridge but not from our garden.
Comment *Awesome giveaway!!
Good luck to you!
Another wonderful giveaway! Loving the warmer weather and beautiful flowers blooming. Spring and fall are my favorite seasons.
This looks like a tasty recipe. I will add to my summer fresh vegetable salad recipes. I look forward to the fun times of summer with friends and family get-togethers. ❤️
I totally agree! I’m loving springtime.
hello, really like your writing! Your books are fun reads.
Wonderful giveaway! Looking forward to eating healthy with summer fruits and vegetables. Strawberries, peaches, tomatoes, peppers, mini cucumbers, etc. Can’t wait to start planting my veggie garden next month.
Thank you so much!
Thank you for the giveaway! The salad sounds good!! I remember my mom making radish sandwiches, just bread, butter, and sliced fresh radishes.
Oh, those sandwiches sound yummy! Healthy too.
Can’t wait for the opportunity to read and review “Mona Lisa Smiles”.
Thank you for the recipe which I will be putting to use as soon as we start picking radishes this year.
What a fabulous giveaway! Entered and hoping to be the extremely fortunate one selected. Thank you for the chance!
I’m wishing you the best of luck! Mona Lisa Smiles Kindle ebook is free if you belong to Kindle Unlimited. I wish I could afford to give everyone a free paperback too!
I love the pictures of the eagle and the primroses. Just beautiful!
Glad you’re enjoying the photos!
Thank you Kate for another great chance at winning one of your books!
Good luck, Linda!
Thanks for the neet giveaway!
You are more than welcome!