Here are some more firsts of the season: the first tomato, ironically on a volunteer plant from last year, and the first balloon flower (Platycodon) bud.

One of my gardening goals is to create a traditional cottage garden around the house, and we’re well on the way to it.

E has been hard at work repainting and trimming the shed, which is coming along nicely.

Last but not least, Misu is always busy tracking prey.  Yesterday she caught a large juvenile bird, much to the dismay of the whole bird ‘hood.  She’s a fierce jungle kitty.