The story in our family is that Mom would make the requested strawberry shortcake for a birthday, but since it had to be kept refrigerated until after dinner, when we saw it there after school she would pretend that we were dreaming and say, “Cake? What cake? There’s no cake there,” so that we could all enjoy the “surprise” later. Mom is gone now, but What-cake lives on. Here’s the one, almost exactly like she used to make, from my recent birthday.

For more ruby redness in photos around the world, click HERE.

My daughter brought some Meyer lemons from her friend’s lemon tree in California. We gave lots away and still had plenty. They taste stronger and sweeter than regular lemons. And so beautiful, as well. For more interesting shadows from all points of view, click HERE.

I just heard that the Shadow Shot site’s muse, Tracy AKA Harriet, is having computer trouble. Oh no! Hope it’s solved soon.

Another post from the archives for Ruby Tuesday. This photo is one of my top faves, taken at a small town Northern California farmers market years ago. Hope you enjoy this depiction of abundance and the brilliant beauty of summer, which will come again! For more rubiness around the world, click HERE.

It’s winter here in Seattle and the two weeks of snow is gone, but summer is far away and seems almost impossible, somehow. But here are strawberries from July, sweet as sugar, to feast the eyes on, at least. For more ideas about the color red, click HERE.

At the Farmers Market late in the summer, what could be redder than these peppers? Click HERE for more Ruby Tuesday possibilities. Thanks to all those who leave comments; I really appreciate it.

We went to the Puyallup Fair, the huge one near Seattle that means the summer is pretty much over, but not today—oh, no, a perfect summer day, and so wonderful for photos. Lots of dahlias exhibited, too. Hope you like the photos.

And all of these qualify for Ruby Tuesday (click HERE for more Ruby Tuesday photos) as well.

Today is Ruby Tuesday! I took these the other day and saved the photo for today. They are Tristar and so sweet. The daughter plants seem to produce more than last year’s old, tired plants. For more Ruby Tuesday photos, click here.

We’re having a housewarming party tomorrow for the new place in Normandy Park. Can’t have a party without a vegetable plate. Isn’t it pretty?

Here are some scallions getting ready to bloom. I planted some seeds three years ago, and was surprised to find they come back every year, even spreading little new ones by seed. So firm and vigorous looking! In the back you can see some grape hyacinths, also an easy to grow and welcome sight in the spring.

These plants overwintered in this mild-frost winter. They were very easy to start from seed. So cheerful and colorful in the early spring sunshine!