Superb Owl(?) Sunday LVIII

Super Bowl Sunday with a gardening bent, on the heels of Tết (Lunar New Year 2024).

Nope, no owls encountered (and certainly no celebrity, resourceful, self-taught city owls); instead, a metal crane and its pond neighbor goose (and some ducks in the background) out in the 'burbs. Nope, not the football spectacle in Clark County, Nevada; instead, Clark Botanic Garden (see how the universe comes together?). There was not much natural botanical interest this early in February, the day after Tết - because, Winter - but we saw a smattering of nature-inspired sculptures, some pretty vistas, and feathered fowl friends. The Clark is a smaller garden compared to the ones we usually visit, but it offered just enough to let the parentals stretch their legs, get outside on a warmer than average day, see someplace new. I think it could be lovely when it awakens in Spring, and it's nearby, and free(!), so will be easy enough to return to in order to check it out in its full glory.

It was a nice diversion before, and maybe subconscious inspiration for, an impromptu stop at our favorite nursery. At some point since we were last there, they revamped their layout; it felt more spacious, a roomier setting to pick up some seeds, check out plants, for Dad to "come up with the idea" to get Mom an orchid for Valentine's Day.

And then we were finally off to Costco for classic game day food - prepared wings and a veggie platter with a ranch dip (I contemplated getting ingredients to cut into crudites and bake for hot wings, then opted for the easy way out; money for time and ease was well spent) -  followed by a mad dash back to the Mothership, arriving just in time for the coin toss. This was, in our collective memory, the first time, or one of the very rare times, we've ever had typical "American" sport watching faire for the Super Bowl; we've either been out at parties hosted by friends or eaten whatever was in the house, and with Mama Hen at the helm, chances are high that would have been home cooked Vietnamese food. This year, with the big game falling the day after Tết when we were already scheduled to be all together (and with Lil' Bro's friends, many also celebrants of the Lunar New Year, still being with their respective families and not taking on hosting duties) was unusual; we decided to make it an actual event for ourselves. The irony of the most important observance and expression of our cultural identity being the impetus for the most assimilated experience yet of our a most quintessentially American cultural ritual is not lost. Anyway, the food was great for the sibs and me; on the other hand, Papa Rooster and Mama Hen didn't quite "get" the appeal of this dining option (she took a few wings, and I believe had them with some leftover rice; inexplicably, considering how strongly fresh herbs and produce feature in Vietnamese cuisine, Mama Hen seemed incredulous about eating vegetables raw - maybe because they were cruciferous?).

Well, parental food incredulity aside, the rest of us had fun munching and watching the expensive commercials and seeing Taylor's boyfriend (ha!) win a nailbiter in overtime. A fairytale rookie football season for Tay-Tay! Alas, no postgame political endorsements on the field (eye roll). Perhaps there will be opportunities for that come Fall.