Last fall, I planted five black leaved crepe myrtle. They
were expensive and I thought that I had lost them all with
our cold winter. Three came back up when it got warmer and
one of them is blooming. The blooms are an off shade of
red and they are very pretty against the black leaves. I
am so glad they survived.

We are enjoying fresh tomatoes every day and the basil has
absolutely gone wild. It keeps popping up all over the
yard. I potted some and perhaps I can keep it going all winter. I have mint and curry plants but the squash expired
early on.

Last night, we went to a dinner party for Hazel, who turned
seventy yesterday. She is still pretty and full of sass.
Phyllis cooked Mexican and there were platters of enchiladas,
tacos, black beans, rice and some amazing vegan enchiladas,
pico de gallo and a rich layered dessert. The presentation
was beautiful on a table draped in Serapes with twin bouquets of mixed sunflowers and roses. I haven't had that
many carbs in ages and I slept like a log.

It made me feel ambitious and I might have a dinner party
with Chinese food in September. I will buy the food, because I don't want to spend all my energy cooking and not
have a good time at my own party. It spoils the fun if
you cook all day and are left with a mountain of dirty
dishes.