SWEET SAVANAH

I feel as if I've been holding my breath for the last couple of months.

Our youngest daughter, her sweetheart and his two adorable children decided to relocate from Honolulu, Hawaii to Austin, Texas. We are thrilled to have her back on the mainland after almost 10 years away, but we were a little anxious about a major move in this economic climate. Both Jason and Jessie Jasmine gave up great jobs in Hawaii to relocate. Great jobs and health insurance! Jasmine has a childhood illness that requires regular EKG's and numerous other tests to monitor her heart. She also has to take antibiotic and B-12 injections every 30 days. My worries have been for naught. Both are talented in their respective fields. They hit the ground running and landed jobs right away. Jasmine is working as a therapist in a clinic for children with autism and will also be pursuing her Masters and then her PhD. Jason, a Musician, IT and Sound Engineer has fit right in with the Austin music scene. An added bonus is that we now have grandchildren! Thirteen year old Talon and nine year old Savanah have stolen our hearts.

Last weekend was Savanah's 9th birthday. We packed a picnic lunch and spent the afternoon at Barton Springs.
I baked a three layer vanilla cake, with and apricot glaze and cream cheese frosting.
The kids spent all afternoon swimming in the natural spring pool. The adults relaxed in the warm sun and sipped wine. Savanah said it was her best birthday ever.The other day she looked up at me, smiled and said "You are my new Grandmother". I replied "Yes, I am". She seemed to think about that for a moment and then said "But you don't look like a Grandmother". Have I mentioned how smitten I am with this child?!

Photography By: Ryannan Bryer de Hickman

Sotto Il Monte Vineyards

GARDENING BOOTS....SPRING BLOSSOMS

Recent rains and temps reaching into the 80's have jump started spring here at the house in the hills. Flowering trees and bushes are exploding with blossoms. Time to prune the vines and revisit some of my photos from last year to determine what to add to the garden this time around.
One of the standouts from last season was the "Exotic Love Vine" that I planted from seed.
Mina Lobata "Exotic Love Vine" Renee's Garden

"A rare and vigorous vine with distinctive fleur-de-is shaped leaves and graceful sprays of entrancing blossoms bi-colored in warm coral to creamy yellow." I've had great success with seeds from Renee's Garden, and with names like "Exotic Love and Kiss Me Over The Garden Gate" - who could resist?Tree Ferns - give a softness to the garden - but are not soft to the touch!Mexican Heather provides color all season long as does bougainvillea...................
Always trying to attract the beneficial bees.............................................................

Photography By: Ryannan Bryer de Hickman

Sotto Il Monte Vineyards

Potato, Leek & Fennel Soup

My on going bathroom renovation leaves for little time in the kitchen. This Potato, Leek & Fennel Soup is a variation of a recipe from Cruistot. A French restaurant in Palm Springs.
Add a loaf of crusty French Bread.............................................
A simple salad of fresh baby greens in a Parmesan Crisp..................................
And everyone is happy.................................................................................

Potato, Leek & Fennel Soup

2 tablespoons butter

2 cups sliced leeks (white and pale green parts only)

1 sliced fennel bulb, fronds reserved for garnish

1 box free-range chicken broth

1 pint half and half

2 pounds potatoes, peeled, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

Melt butter in large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add leeks and fennel and sauté until leeks are translucent. Add broth and potatoes - bring to a boil. Reduce heat to meduim-low. Simmer soup until potatoes are very tender, about 25 minutes. Working in batches, purée soup in blender. Return to same pot and season with salt and pepper and stir in Half & Half. Re-warm if necessary. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with reserved fennel fronds.

Photography By: Ryannan Bryer de Hickman

Sotto Il Monte Vineyards