Happy Hour : Bunnies & Blossoms
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5164fb_46098e76c17d4d50b578db0decaae20d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_100,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/5164fb_46098e76c17d4d50b578db0decaae20d~mv2.jpg)
The sun is out and doesn't it feel like spring? Around here, there's no rain in the forecast. Maybe for the first time this year. Alameda County officially is drought-free and for the first time in years, we can use a little more water. Happy Days! Sharing a couple of spring ideas today for Happy Hour - one for fun and one hopefully helpful. Let's take a look.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5164fb_5911a861403b48e199703c7e980a81c0~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_49,h_74,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/5164fb_5911a861403b48e199703c7e980a81c0~mv2.png)
@mrs. alonzo (instagram)
Saw this on Instagram and had to copy (top photo). So easy for a fun little gift bag.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5164fb_327387ab9466476fbb5557a9e9932560~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_49,h_70,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/5164fb_327387ab9466476fbb5557a9e9932560~mv2.png)
@mrs. alonzo (instagram)
Arrange the "ears" and tie with ribbon. Add a dot of Elmer's Glue to affix a cotton ball tail. I put a little shredded grass inside to cradle a little gift.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5164fb_282ef839ff3148058ee51ab7f704501c~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_196,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/5164fb_282ef839ff3148058ee51ab7f704501c~mv2.jpg)
Sweet Portland friends Ellin and Fletcher came for tea a few weeks ago. I bought 3 stems of hydrangeas at Safeway and cupcakes at Miette (they hadn't made it to the table when this photo was taken).
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5164fb_4330f61c430d44cba1b1c55d58b82a4e~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_196,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/5164fb_4330f61c430d44cba1b1c55d58b82a4e~mv2.jpg)
A week later, the blooms were wilting fast. I googled about what to do and was surprised to find a quick solution. I'm passing it along in case you don't know.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5164fb_89db8dbe61a34875a106bd89ae9f6170~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_134,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/5164fb_89db8dbe61a34875a106bd89ae9f6170~mv2.jpg)
The solution was really for droopy tulips but it worked for these hydrangeas. First, use a hat pin or thick needle to punch one hole through the stem about an inch below the blossom.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5164fb_71cc043b01f04ded8e80903bd4763180~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_196,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/5164fb_71cc043b01f04ded8e80903bd4763180~mv2.jpg)
Recut the end of the stem an inch or two. Fill the vase with hot water and put the flowers in. About 10 minutes later, they had revived. Who knew?
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5164fb_0ba05750a35a44da963c377d3af919b3~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_150,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/5164fb_0ba05750a35a44da963c377d3af919b3~mv2.jpg)
Can you believe this hydrangea is now three weeks old? The other two stems lasted about 2-1/2 weeks.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5164fb_a6f594a15ab342478e6c2e537478f771~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_170,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/5164fb_a6f594a15ab342478e6c2e537478f771~mv2.jpg)
Around my rooms, a few rabbits have scattered. In the entryway, these cast iron ones look almost like chocolate. Every time I come home, they remind me we have moved into another season, fresh with possibilities.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5164fb_6f7d250baed54975a3c146023a3c3eba~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_196,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/5164fb_6f7d250baed54975a3c146023a3c3eba~mv2.jpg)
Sue gave me these sweet daffodils for an Easter treat. And just like a school kid, I'm going to take next week off so "see" you in two weeks. In the meantime, here's to a wonderful April including a Happy Easter and a Joyous Passover.