The Friends of the Library hosted a surprisingly interesting program on everyone's favorite vegetable/fruit... The Tomato.

Yes! The one vegetable (actually a fruit) that everyone wants to grow, but is that problem child here in Tahoe.  Learn the techniques required to grow these plants in our cool summers. Topics include proper varietal selection, location in the garden or container, planting options and methods for protecting the young plants and fruit.  Join UCCE Master Gardeners of Lake Tahoe for a free workshop to learn how food can be grown at the Lake.  Participants receive instruction on cultivation techniques, and history/background on the plants being highlighted. Everyone will leave with free plants for their gardens. 

Dave Long shared his passion for gardening with a standing-room only crowd. He also shared tips for the ultimate harvest during Tahoe's 95 day growing season.
While I will never have a green thumb, I thoroughly enjoyed this evening of learning something new.

I have very few photos of my childhood. My parents have been gone for over 30 years and we just didn't capture images, like we do today.

I just received this photo of me from my cousin. One of the greatest gifts my parents gave me was orthodontia! Wow, right?

After our lake hike, we gathered Betty and headed to Edgewood Golf Course for lunch at one of our favorite spots- Brooks'.

Honored by Golf Digest as one of the "Best Golf Pubs" in the world, Brooks' Bar and Deck is home to a setting both striking and serene. Located just off of Edgewood's picturesque 18th hole, Brooks' offers golfers and guests stunning views of all the magic the Sierras have to offer—from sunsets saturated in striking gem tones to the glassy blue waters of the mesmerizing Alpine lake.

Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, this is one of Tahoe's best spots for drinks.
We dined on Salmon Fish & Chips... our favorite! The perfect end to a perfect day.

Wanting to get out in Tahoe, we joined Bob and Jenny for a visit to Eagle Lake... a first for Steve and me.

Leading into the heart of Desolation Wilderness (permit required), the 2 mile round trip moderate Eagle Lake trail offers forest, lake and far reaching views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra high country. This trail climbs gently at first, then ascending a steep set of stone steps. Climb the stairs about 5 minutes to the falls and the short loop trail. Cross the high bridge and enjoy the vista back down the canyon to Emerald Bay.  To continue on to Eagle Lake, follow the trail gradually uphill another half mile or so until you reach a fork.  The right hand trail leads to the lake, resting in a glacial cirque below North Maggies Peak. Trail can be crowded but offers a great workout and good places to picnic near Eagle Lake on big boulders.

We delighted in the sights we saw along the trail. Wild flowers were abundant, if you looked really hard for them.



 
This was this year's first Snow Plant sighting... what a treat!  They are parasites on fungi but they don't kill the fungi. I do love discovering the vibrant color amongst the pines.




We delighted in discovering the Hoary Comma (Polygonia gracilis) butterfly. What a trip when its wings are folded and looking like a dead leaf. So cool. 



And how spectacular is the Wilson's Warbler? These beautiful birds dance around willow and alder thickets, often near water, to the rapid beat of their chattering song. This bright yellow warbler, with a black cap, is one of the smallest warblers in the U.S. and among the most recognizable. They rarely slow down, dashing between shrubs, grabbing insects from one leaf after another, and popping up on low perches to sing. 
And here we are at Eagle Lake... it was breathtakingly beautiful. We so ♥ Tahoe!

Len and Cyndy hosted a spectacular evening send off of dining with some of our most favorite people. We will miss them all as we travel to Alaska all summer.

A dozen enthusiastic friends gathered for an evening of true Tahoe fun.

We began with dinner by returning to AleWorx.



Upon preparing to depart, Steve shared with us that the urinal was a keg. Cyndi and I had to see for ourselves with Bob as our official paparazzo.
Next stop was the Grand Opening for the brand new South Lake Brewing Company.



We were there mainly to rock out to our favorite duo- Ike & Martin. So amazingly fun!

Feeling nostalgic for childhood memories, we headed to Buena Park for lunch.

Since 1934, people have been dining on chicken at Mrs. Knott's Place. I found some pretty thorough history here. In the 1920s, Walter Knott and his wife, Cordelia, sold berries, berry preserves and pies from a roadside stand beside State Route 39, near the small town of Buena Park. In 1934, to make ends meet, Cordelia reluctantly began serving fried chicken dinners on their wedding china. For dessert, Knott's signature Boysenberry Pie was also served to guests dining in the small tea room. From humble beginnings...
Being not a fan of fried chicken, we dined on scrumptious biscuits and a decadent chicken pot pie. Delicious... all of it.

Oh to be by the sea... one of our favorite things to do is get to the beach.

While waiting for our friends, Eric and Brady, to get home from work, we meandered all around the seaside town of Oceanside. Our go-to beach when we lived in Temecula.
The Harbor called to us.



And the flowers were in full bloom- gorgeous!

 


We dined at the Harbor at The Broiler Room. What an ideal spot.