We're in the midst of a good case of June gloom here in So Cal, with a bit of rain last week and overall, cool temperatures.

But don't tell Samantha that. I'm pretty swamped at work, but did get out last weekend for a couple five mile walks with Miss Noodles. Even though she is a mix of Basenji (African hunting dog) and Chihuahua (perro de Mexico), she apparently is not built to stand the heat. (And by heat, I mean lovely temperatures in the low '70s).She was fading quickly on our walk home, so we stopped periodically for rests in the shade. The walk took a bit longer than I had planned on, but a good time was had by all . . . or at least by me.

My pink calla lilies are back, which always makes me happy, and my monarch butterfly plant is in bloom.

I went on a cooking binge over the weekend - Slow Cooker Soft Taco Stack, Mediteranean soup, chicken and broccoli couscous, curry chicken salad, and a fritatta. Yes, I did share them all with my brother.

I finally watched True Blood - the first season. I enjoyed the Sookie Stackhouse book - Dead Until Dark - that it's based upon. In fact, that was the first book I read for Maggie's Southern Reading Challenge two years ago. You can read my review here .

Been reading alot, knitting a little, and trying to keep up with work deadlines. What have you been up to?