1103 - Poppy

In early March, between downpours that seemed to last for days, I photographed this poppy blooming at the top of the gardens.

It is a hardy perennial that has been in the gardens since we were first able to reach this area after terracing the hillside five or so years ago.

1102 - Camellia

The two camellias at the bottom, left of the gardens are going into bloom. I suspect our warm January and February have encouraged their early flowering.

1102 - Tac

In late February, I was photographing the gardens when Tac insisted I pet her, instead.

Here, she waits impatiently for me to put down the camera and give her attention on "the petting wall," a section of the retaining wall they have learned I come to whenever I want to pet them.

In the early mornings and evenings, I frequently stand here, hearing them crashing through the gardens before I spot them running up to be petted.

Today is Tac and Toe's birthday.