Hump Day–And All Is Well

The snow is falling outside, although the weatherman insisted we would only see rain.  I prefer the snow.  It silently falls and covers the ground to make for a quiet peaceful world.  It is a wet snow and I know that it will not stay long.  The rains that I know will come later today will melt it away in record time if the slightly above freezing temperatures don’t do it in sooner.  Yet for now I will enjoy it.

 

The wet weather will keep me inside today.  Working on items for my etsy shop as well as tending a pot of beans I put on for supper.  And if time allows I plan to whip up a batch of schnetka for nibbling with coffee later on this afternoon.  All in all I know I have plenty to keep me well beyond busy for the day. 

 

Still I long for the warmer weather and the chance to get myself outdoors and my hands into the earth.  I found my columbine starting to come up the other day.  I want to be sure and tend any brave flowers that may be peeking up from their winters rest a bit too early.  Covering with a blanket of mulch so that old man winter will not have the chance to nip them and keep them from their full potential when the weather truly is warmer in the months to come. 

 

I was sure to fill all bird feeders yesterday before the weather did turn as I knew the birds would appreciate the extra attention and goodies while the weather was a bit nasty.  I love my feathered friends so.  The joy they bring to me is more than I can express.  They truly are special little creatures and something I believe so many do not take the time to stop and enjoy.  But aren't there so many things that the average man does not stop and realize each day.   That is the true sadness in the world.  That it is all right at our finger tips yet we are too busy with trivial often worthless things to see the beauty of simplicity.  But then anyone who has read any of my prior readings knows that is one of my soapboxes. 

 

Blessings to you and yours this blessed Wednesday.  May you have a moment to enjoy a simply joy.

Nineteen and Counting

I haven’t posted in a while but that does not mean that I have not been a busy girl (although I feel more like a busy old lady).  My esty shop has been keeping me on my toes.  Seven rune orders last month and although I could do it faster, I prefer to do it the old fashion way…. by hand. 
 

Yule is only 19 days away and I am happy to say I have all my shopping done.  Now it is time to write my Yule cards, wrap all those presents and start my holiday baking.  The weather has been so warm here though that I have been far from a mood to bake.  But I do have a few new recipes I want to try.  Plus the dry weather lends itself wonderfully to doing some of my goodies. 
 

I guess if you believe in the end of the Mayan calendar the nineteen  and counting could be a countdown to the end… I choose to believe otherwise.  A change?…. Possibly…. hopefully…. It sure could not hurt.  I am ready for some positive changes… some goodness… some fun… And what better time to achieve such a goal then during the Yule time. 
 

And of course in nineteen days, my most favorite event of all… The shortest day of the year…… which means…. A return to the sun.  A return to more sunshine and longer days…. See there is always something good to look forward to.

Blessings,

Autumn’s Here and All is Well

Finally it looks like the feeling of Fall is coming back to us.  A brisk cold front is to hit about mid afternoon with the temperatures falling quickly.  It just doesn’t seem right… almost Halloween and temperatures in the upper 80’s.  Then the following weekend we will fall back with our clocks all making the time of year seem balanced. 

I am so looking forward to the new year.  I know I mentioned it before but a slight bit of normalcy seems to be creeping back into our lives and it is such a welcomed thing.  I have been busy with rune making.  Two sets to ship off next week and another two already for November.  The crafting of my runes has brought me much solace.  Much like needlepoint used to, yet my eyes are not as young as they once were.  I guess I am gradually falling into my later years.  Signs are everywhere of the fact that I am older.  I swore I would never say the words…. “Well when I was younger”…. but they seem to come out of my mouth more and more. 

The cooler weather has also brought the ability to cook back to me.  Although it seems that my children will not be with me this Thanksgiving I have the fever in me to start planning.  The pecans appear to be ample this year which is a good thing as last year they were scarce with the heat and such.  I have a few new recipes that I want to try out so soon I will be warming my house with the oven as well as filling it with smells of the season
. 

The vanilla sugar as well as the homemade vanilla has already been set back as well as the scented warming pads to give to friends and family.  Yes I have been keeping myself busy which as always is a good thing.  This time of year is always a welcomed time.  I smile in content of the time to nestle down with a  good cup of tea, a wooly blanket, and a good book.  Here’s hoping you as well are finding a little bit of joy in the wonder of Autumn and the coming of the new year.

The March Towards Yule

I can hardly believe that it has been so long since I last posted. Reading back over the last few entries it seemed that each time I promised to return and become more frequent again yet it seemed that instead I only was gone longer.  No more excuses.  It is what it is.  I was doing other things.

A couple weeks ago I celebrated the milestone of my 50th birthday.  Last year as I wrote about this event I spoke of all the things I intended to do throughout the year to prepare myself for the event.  This too did not come to pass.  Yet I have to say that spending my 50th birthday on the shores of Jamaica was not a bad way to end a year that let’s just say was not what I had anticipated.

As November 1st rolled around I could feel the change.  Since I began celebrating the new year at this time, I feel more in tune with the natural revolution of the year.  The new year seemed to come with much clarity.  Although the feeling of hibernation which was well in the air due to the coming of the winter chill, I could still sense a relief; as if things were lighter and possibly brighter.

Now Yule is upon us.  The smell of gingerbread feels the air, as well as home baked breads and fresh pots of home make stews.  I love this time of year as I spend so much of my time in the kitchen.  Many of the gifts that I give to friends and family consist of cooking.   It is a way I feel I can put a bit of myself into the present.

There is much to talk about as my absence has been long.  Yet for now I will not stay long.  I will not promise as before that I will be back again in the capacity that I had at earlier times, yet I will do my best to write when I have the time.  I have missed so many of you, from reading your own musings on your own sites as well as the wonderful comments that you leave on occasion  on mine.  Some of you have taken the time to write to me via email and to you I say thank you for your thoughts and well wishes.  And to the new followers who have become a part of Mother Moon I say welcome.  Til next time, I hope that your days are filled with warmth and a good helping of the holiday spirit.

 

Blessings,

Mother Moon    

Blessed Lammas

With the heat that Summer brought to so many of us this year, I am happy to celebrate Lammas today.  It is with Lammas that we start to usher in the Autumn or harvest time of the year and slowly say our goodbyes to Summer. 

Slowly we will begin to see our days grow shorter which in turn will allow us to cool a bit more in the dark hours. Flowers and some garden plants will get a bit of a reprieve from the heat and possibly produce a bit of a second harvest if some are lucky.

To many today will be a day when they are in their kitchen baking a fresh loaf of bread to help them celebrate Lammas.  Any bread recipe can be altered to suit, simply by adding cornmeal.   Below is a recipe I often use.

Lammas Bread

1 cup cornmeal

4 cups flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup honey

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cream of tarter

4 Tablespoons Butter

2 cups Buttermilk

Sift together the dry ingredients. Make a hole in the center of the dry mix and dice in the butter.  Pour in the buttermilk.  Mix together until a soft dough is achieved.  Turn onto a floured board and knead gently until combined.  Place on a floured bake sheet and score the top if desired.  Bake at 425 for 30 minutes.  Turn off the oven and leave in the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.  Enjoy…

Here is wishing all of you a blessed and joyous Lammas.  May each of you begin to enjoy a bountiful harvest as well as the cooling that Autumn brings.

 

Blessings

Mother Moon

Musical Mondays - Happy Pie Day

I have never been much of a cake person, unless of course you are talking about a traditional birthday cake with yummy butter cream frosting. Of course my favorite is a tres leche cake which I honestly believe I could eat until I was swelled up like a tick and would literally pop if someone touched me.

A wonderful friend of mine once had one made for my birthday and it completely blew me away. It was by far the biggest cake I had ever seen. When she presented it to me it actually brought tears to my eyes. First because I grew up in a home where birthdays and such were seldom celebrated and second when I took my first bite I actually thought I had went to cake heaven.

But cake is not what I wish to discuss today. Today it is all about Pie. I honesty will say that I am much more a pie person than a cake person. I cannot resist the wonderful taste of fresh homemade pastry crust out of the oven. When I was young I worked in a small restaurant that was known for its homemade pies. I often would help the cook prepare them on Saturdays and remember vividly how any leftover pie crust would be rolled out and carefully cut into smaller pieces and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar for treats. The only thing that made it better was the occasional leftover coconut cream filling that you could spread over the top and enjoy.

Speaking of coconut cream, this is by far my favorite kind of pie. Homemade of course. Warm cooked coconut pudding filled with lots of coconut. A meringue that is at least 3 inches high, then sprinkled with more coconut on top and browned just right. Makes my mouth water just to write about it. Of course there are so many other kinds of pie that are just as good.

I remember my grandma's fresh apple pie. She was always one of those women who believed in a nice thick pie, not a thin meager one. A trait she passed on to me as well. Plenty of fruit and/or filling was always present in any pie she prepared. Her apple pie was always served warm with a little milk poured over it. Once again yummy.

Yet it was her Lemon pie that moved me more than any. It was a treat that often she would make just for me. She knew how much as a child I loved it. Just the right tartness and plenty of meringue. There are still times when I feel her presence and the faint smell of Lemon pie is in the air. It always makes me smile.

I could go on talking about pie all day as there are not any flavors I can think of right off that do not make me smile and wish for a piece. Whether it be custard, peach, cherry, or rhubarb, it is all a wonderful thing. So happy Pie day.

Ok I will admit it is not actually pie day but pi day. Pi as some of you may know is the ratio of circumference to the diameter of a circle. Yet with my love of math (which lacks in all areas) I had to place some positive spin on things. Thus I figure if I placed it with pie which I love to eat and music which I love to listen to... it had to spruce it up somewhat.... So sit down with a nice cup of coffee or tea if you prefer and enjoy the musical interpretation of pi (or pie as I like to think of it). If a slice of pie is readily available enjoy it also.

Note to ponder: March 14th is also Albert Einstein's birthday.. How fitting don't you think. A man with a mind above all of us... So I lift my cup and fork to you as well Albert. Happy birthday... enjoy your day along the string of time that I am so sure you exist on.

Company's Coming

When last I wrote I spoke of the warm weather and the wonderful signs of the coming spring.  Many of you spoke of the long cold visits from old man winter which you have experienced thus far.  A few of you even told me to be careful what I say as winter is not over yet and he could still come knocking on my doorstep eager to come and stay a while.

Well I think that may be the case.  Although we are still enjoying the 70 degree weather today, tomorrow we start to fall.  By the beginning of the week we should be well in the deep freeze and if it continues as it looks it will, a  nice coating of ice and/or sleet will be what we have. 

I am of course preparing for the weather they say we may get and hope that all my preparation is in vain.  Where I would love to have a gentle snow fall with a nice cup of rich hot chocolate at hand, the idea of an ice storm does not interest me in any way.  We have managed ourselves through some the last few years and it always does such damage to the willows and other trees as well. 

I will admit though that I marvel at the strength that the willow has shown me.  She bends so deep with the weight of such a burden that the ice gives.  Yet as the ice melts she once again lifts herself towards the sky.  She knows that in order to survive one has to learn to be flexible and not rigid.  A good lesson for all of us I think.

My birds have been overly active as well; another sign that we are more than likely in store for a good cold spell.  I trust their predictions of what is to come far more than I do the weather man's assumptions.  I know that they watch the sky in all their scientific manner.  Yet nothing can compare with the keen sense that a small creature has.  They are so more attentive and aware of the subtle changes long before they even occur.  A wonderful mystery of mother earth that I truly love to witness.

So it looks like I may be having more company next week as old man winter comes to sit a spell with me.  I already have a small bunch of bananas sitting on my cabinet ripening.  A nice loaf of fresh banana bread sounds good with a hot cup of English breakfast tea.  My son gave me a William Sonoma gift card for Christmas and I finally decided what I would purchase with it. 

A wonderful little cast iron crock just the right size for Vincent and I and a Tunisian Tagine.  I am eager to try both of them out.  A nice pot of stew for the crock and some braised short ribs for the other.  Cold weather always makes me want to bake bread too.  Maybe I will finally try that recipe for rosemary bread I have...

So although they say it is going to possibly be nasty I am looking forward to it.  My only wish is that I could have the lot of you over for a cup of tea and some of that fresh banana bread.  Needless to say Vincent does not care for it much and I do not need to eat it all alone.  I guess my son will once again get some of his momma's leftovers...

Wishing all of you a wonderful weekend with blessings and joy. 

Why I Am So Thankful - Reflections on Thanksgiving

Last week I enjoyed my home being full with the sounds of laughter, crying, screaming and more.  Yes my grandkids were down for a few days as well as others.  It is always nice to have a house full of people.  The life it adds to air is priceless. 

We did the usual.. Watched Alice In Wonderland, the new one of course.  Their momma had not seen it yet so of course we had to watch it with her.  We read stories, colored pictures, and played for hours.  Vincent shared a new toy with them.  Needless to say they loved it and spent most of the day before Thanksgiving outdoors.  Yet it was a wonderful 80 degree day; something one does not experience much in Oklahoma in mid November.  

 Of course though the following day was to bring colder tempertures so we were sure to take a few moments to fill all the bird feeders as well as leave some corn out for the other animals that may wander through the yard on Thanksgiving.   

The feast went wonderful.  A tradional meal of turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole and so on.  But the highlight for me was a wonderful 4 layer Carrot cake that my oldest son made.  He is not an avid baker but every so often he gets a wild hair and when he does his result is always totally yummy.  I have already put an order in for this to be my birthday cake and present from him for the remainder of my days.  It was totally made from scratch even to the point of grating his own cinnamon.  Believe me it tasted soooo good. 

As soon as all the fun started it was over and the house was once again silent except for Winston and I.  Yet there are many things to do.  Christmas cards to write, presents to wrap and goodies to make.  I hope all of you had as wonderful of a holiday as I was blessed with. 

Preparing To Be Thankful

This week the holiday season officially begins. Many are preparing to go and visit friends and/or family and share with them Thanksgiving dinner. Turkeys will be bought and roasted, fried, and/or BBQ (although a BBQ turkey, just doesn't sound right). A variety of side dishes from candied yams to oyster dressing will be prepared and many of us will sit down to fill ourselves with all the yummy flavors of the season.

Eating is definitely one of my favorite parts of Thanksgiving; that and the ritual of preparing the feast.  I have opted for an organic bird this year.  Trying to accommodate every one's taste buds can be a bit of a challenge yet I think I have it handled.   An array of dressing, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, giblet gravy, green bean casserole, corn on the cob, homemade rolls, cranberry sauce, and of course the deserts will all be present. 

Then there is the Macy’s parade Thanksgiving morning which for many (especially us older ones) is somewhat of a tradition. Of course it is not quite what it used to be. I remember vividly watching all morning long Thanksgiving day. Eagerly waiting for each huge balloon to come by. The last time I watched there were not nearly as many balloons and most of the time was spent with whoever hosted the televised event. Maybe I am just becoming a crabby old person but it just did not seem as good as in younger years. :-)

Football is also a big thing on Thanksgiving day although for us here in Oklahoma it will occur a few days later. A couple years back Bedlam (Oklahoma University and Oklahoma State University) agreed to play their game the weekend after Thanksgiving. This is really great as it is a big game anyway and to place it during this time just makes it that more special. With each of my children representing one corner of the great football triangle (OU, OSU, and UT) it lends itself for some great times. Football also gives the men a good excuse to nod off to sleep after eating to their hearts content. Blaming it on the turkey of course, yet I heard the other day that there is little if any truth to this claim.

So what are your plans for Thanksgiving? Are there any traditions that you share on a yearly basis? Whatever they may be here is wishing you and yours a wonderful blessed time.

Early Sunday Mornings - Autumn in the Air

Fall  is most definitely in the air.  Finally mornings where I can actually enjoy my morning coffee once more on the back porch as the sun comes over the  horizon.  Early morning temperatures in the 50's with just that touch of coldness that the hot coffee seems to divert so nicely.  I love it.  I keep telling everyone that fall is going to be early this year and they look at me as if I am crazy.

Yet I am holding to my prediction.  I see far too many signs to not think so.  The birds are gathering much sooner than usual as well as the neighborhood squirrels.  Even the trees seem to be showing me signs that the heat of summer is taking an early exit.  I am eager for the cooler times... the slower times... the times that I can putter around in my kitchen cooking all sorts of goodies and what not.  I love the smells of a busy kitchen.  You all know what I am talking about... It brings back memories of grandma houses, family gatherings and so on.  It seems that a busy kitchen can always make one smile.

Believe it or not I am already busily working on my Christmas/Yule gifts and it looks to be another year where I will be done early with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the season properly... in the kitchen of course.  I love when that happens as it gives one the chance to really enjoy the festive time as it should be enjoyed; without stress and in a relaxed manner. 

Yet even before Yule there is Halloween and Thanksgiving.  Another good excuse to be in the kitchen or busy working around the house.  I am of course looking forward to Mrs. B's 30 days of Halloween as I am sure many others of you are.  There is the Practical Magic Party on September 25th and the all the other goodies that come up between now and then.  This always seems to be an active time in blog land or at least with all the ones that I seem to be connected with.  So much going on.. so many great ideas to be found... and so many wonderful things to just be a part of.

And to think it is all just beginning.... enjoy

PS:  Don't forget about the wonderful giveaways over at Ewitch - Winners will be chosen this next week. 

Mind Body and Soul - First Anniversary Giveaway

It is hard for me to believe that in a few short weeks I will have been blogging for a year. My how time does fly when one is having fun. On July 16th, 2009 I published my first post on Mother Moon. Little did I know at that time just how many blessings it would bring to me. I have evolved in so many ways during this time. I have had the wonderful pleasure of meeting so many truly wonderful people. Many who have touched me in ways they will never know. Some I consider close friends, some wise counselors that give me the words I need just at the right time, some gifted and talented in a multitude of genres, and some so much more then they realize. Regardless all have given me so many blessings.

In honor of this celebration, I would like to share a little of myself with those who follow me and those who have been so many things to me over the last 365 days. Of course a giveaway is what I had in mind. I do wish that I could send something to each and every one of you as I have so enjoyed this experience so far, knowing that it could not have been what it has been for me if you were not involved. Yet I have to be reasonable.

I call this giveaway one of Mind Body and Soul. As I stated earlier over the last year I have evolved in so many ways. Each change has reflected itself back on the three areas of Mind Body and Soul. Some of the change has been subtle, only enhancing something which was already present in me. Other changes have been a bit more noticeable, bringing out in me things which I had not experienced before.

I will be giving away a total of three Goodie Boxes.  Each will be filled with items reflecting back on the areas of Mind Body and Soul and how they connect with me. 

The first Goodie Box will represent Mind: This represents the inner spiritual me and the exploration which I have been on over the last year. In my first post I spoke of my beliefs and the need I felt to be true to myself and the things I believed or at least had question about. I wanted to come out of the closet so to speak and for once in my life voice so many of the thoughts and views I had. Well needless to say I have been doing just that. It is a continuous journey which I am even more excited about today.

The recipient of this gift will receive The Deviant Moon Tarot by Patrick Valenza. I purchased this set earlier in the year because I felt led to. Yet when I received them, I realized that my intuition was not telling me to purchase them for myself, yet as a gift for someone else. Thus I feel whoever does receive this gift will be the one to whom they were meant to go. Along with the cards will come, a hand crafted bag to carry the cards as well as a custom made spread sheet. Candles, incense, and other little goodies will also accompany the contents.

The second Goodie Box will represent Body: What better way to represent the body then by food. Many of you already know that the kitchen is one of my most favorite places to be. I truly love to cook and even more to serve what I have prepared to others. I have never been that good at telling someone I love them to their face, yet I can sure fill their tummy to where they know I care.

The recipient of this gift will receive a package filled with many of my kitchen creations. From jams and jellies, to homemade vanilla, vanilla sugar, meringues, recipes, utensils, and more… it is my hope to share a little of the joy that I feel in my kitchen with someone. Of course when the winner is choosen I will also have a few questions in regards to what a favorite may be and try my best to fit the request into the contents.

The third and last Goodie Box will represent Soul: When I think of the soul I think of a place of peace and tranquility. Yes the soul can be restless yet there is always one thing that can soothe it back to a relaxing state of peace and contentment. For me this one thing is nature, or more precise, my garden. There is no better way to calm me then to let me go outdoors and play in the dirt, or gaze upon the beauty that is always there regardless of the season or the weather.

The recipient of this gift will receive a basket filled with items representing the out of doors and more specifically my garden. An assortment of seeds cultivated from my past and current garden flowers, flower pots, a dried flower arrangement designed from flowers taken from my garden, original note cards designed with my garden photography, as well as so many other little trinkets will be sent their way. It is my way of sharing a piece of my peace with you.

Of course any who know of my giveaways know that there is always other little items tossed in the box besides those mentioned. A few of the things which will be tucked into each box are: homemade prayer beads, homemade lashed willow ornament, a tin which contains an assortment of my yummy meringues, and other little things that I am sure I will find or think of as time passes.

Now for the Rules and details: The giveaway starts today and runs through July 18th. The winners will be chosen on Monday July 19th and notified via email. Therefore with each entry please make sure that your email address is accessible via your profile or leave it within the comment.

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   First - one must be a current follower of Mother Moon. If you are not already following just sign up when you enter.
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  Second – For one entry leave a comment about something that touches your Mind Body or Soul
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  Next – Additional entries can be obtained in the following manner

1. 
   
    Post about the giveaway – An additional 2 entries will be given to anyone who posts about the giveaway. Be sure to comment if you do post a blog entry and leave the URL. You need only comment once about the post as I put all names in a bucket and draw.
2. 
   
   Place a Giveaway Button on your site – An additional 2 entries will be given to anyone who places a Button on their home page with a link back to Mother Moon and the Giveaway details. Be sure to comment if you do post a button.

Thank you once again for making this last year such a wonderful experience for me. As I am currently working on many of the items that will be given away, more pictures will be posted during the next few weeks. Blessings to all of you.

Apricots, Sandplums, and Giveaways

Summer is in full swing at our house. My table is covered with newspaper and apricots. Which means that the first of my week will be spent making jam and other baked yummies. It is also the time of year when the sandplum starts to ripen. If you have never had sandplum jelly you are missing out on a grand treat. Usually these little critters are found along the roadside while taking a drive through the Oklahoma country side. Although I will admit that I have a few hidey holes that I know of where they reside in the middle of a field. None the less, they are a wild bush that one usually does not plant themselves. It is my intent also this week to get a good mess of these little goodies and put up some much coveted jelly.

I haven’t even begun to talk about the peaches, which are also starting to show their pretty little faces in the farmer’s markets. Usually though I try to go to a self pick orchard as the prices are a bit more reasonable. Needless to say I will have a busy week ahead of me.

Last week my mother and sister were visiting so many of my routine activities were put on the sidelines as I enjoyed the time with family. My grandkids will also be visiting in a few weeks so I have to attempt to get as much as I can done in the time at hand.

The days have been hideously hot and humid here this last week and look to continue through this week. Last week an abundant rain came at the beginning of the week, dumping up to 14 inches in some places just north of us. We managed to get 3 inches which we greatly appreciated as it gave a nice long drink of water to our pond and also to my flowers which lie outside the area of my ability to water. It also helped the grass to awaken and start to grow which means more mowing. It seems there is always something to do in the yard. I have been taking my early mornings to water and do any gardening that may need tending. The humidity has left its calling card each morning by placing a heavy dew on the grass which I have to say the mosquitoes love to play in. Yet it has been nice to be able to greet the sun each morning as it starts its climb into the sky. The quiet and peacefulness of morning is one of my most cherished times of day.

July 16th marks my one year anniversary and I am in the process of putting together some goodies to give away to all of you who have been with me throughout this time and also to the new ones who will come. I am hoping to post the details and the beginning of my list of goodies in the next couple days. I have so enjoyed getting to know so many of you and thank you so much for sharing in this journey with me.

Speaking of giveaways, last week I received a wonderful surprise in the mail from a recent giveaway I had the pleasure to win. Faerwillow over at Serendipity send me a wonderful package of goodies. I received fairy note cards, sea shells, a beautiful rock shaped like a heart, a wonderful treat from her children and so much more. She is a wonderful caring person whom has blessed me in so many ways. I urge you if you have not visited her site, you should take a stroll on over and see. I can assure you that you will likewise receive a wonderful treat.

The apricots are calling, I best end this and begin my work. Take care and enjoy your day. Many blessings to all of you

Farmer Market Wednesday - A Day Late

A day late, I know. It is Thursday and the title states Farmer Market Wednesday. What can I say I had my days mixed up again… Although the majority of our days have started out in the upper 70s and quickly rising to the mid 90’s yesterday was much different. The day started out a bit muggy yet some clouds rolled in and even some light rain. It was just enough to keep the morning and early afternoon nice and cool.

We decided to take the bike and enjoy the pleasant weather so it was doubly fun. The ride in the misty light rain was quite refreshing. The abundance of what is available seems to still be the spring veggies. Don’t get me wrong I am in no way complaining. I love the cabbage, onions and varieties of lettuce that are available now. Alas my cabbage lady was not there so I was unable to get a new variety to try. Hopefully she will be there next week. My mother will be down visiting then so she will get to venture with me when I go out. I really think she will enjoy the variety of things we have to choose from.

Of course I purchased a good stock of cherry tomatoes. Vincent and I can’t seem to get enough of these things. They have been so favorable this spring. I think next spring I am going to try my hand at a couple bushes here at the house so we will have them on a 24/7 basis. There is nothing better for a hot summer lunch then a piece of buttered rye bread with thinly sliced tomatoes and a little salt and pepper.

I found some wonderful baby squash. A few yellow, a couple zucchini and one of my favorite the 8 ball. If you have never had one I urge you to try it. I discovered grilled squash last year and cannot get enough of it. You can count on having a post in regards to the many different ways to prepare it in the future.

I also found a couple ladies who were selling dip mixes. Of course this was a tasting booth so seeing that I tasted a good lot of them I figured that I should purchase one. I brought one home which is called Jack and the Bean dip. I will tell you right now I really do not know why it is called that. It is a mixture of Onions, Jalapenos, tomatoes, garlic, cayenne, cumin, paprika, oregano, thyme and pepper. The great thing about this is that is exactly what is in it and nothing else. There is no salt, msg, or preservatives. Something I am always looking for.

I made up a batch yesterday for Vincent and I to snack around on. Below is the recipe. I will have to be honest after doing so all I could think was is I could dry my own ingredients and make this myself. This of course would allow me to play around with the ingredients, which is something I love doing.

Combine 1 cup of sour cream and one cup of mayonnaise with 3 Tablespoons of the mix. I added a fresh chopped up jalapeño for a little extra kick. Mix and serve. Of course we started eating on it immediately yet I think it would be best if it sat for a bit to let the flavors mingle. Next time I also plan on trying it with fat free sour cream and maybe a different mayonnaise. I have been dying for an excuse to try the olive oil or fat free variety. We ate it with carrots and pretzels, yet I think sliced cucumbers or celery would also go nicely. I also think it would work great as a sandwich spread on maybe a turkey and provolone. Needless to say it was yummy.

Until next week, enjoy yourself and eat something fresh… Not only is it good for you but it taste so good.

Early Morning Potty Breaks

With the new addition to our family my schedule has been a bit challenged this last week. Don’t get me wrong I have loved his presence and think that it is exactly what Vincent and I needed. Winston has been a wonderful addition to our little home despite the 3 am potty breaks he seems to enjoy. He seems to be acclimating well to his new surroundings and is even slowly making friends with Sunny and Sweetie. Sweetie and he seem to well on their way to a good friendship, which seems a bit odd as Sweetie usually acts like she is too good to be friends with anyone…

This morning he assisted me in rising a bit earlier than I normally do. The weather has been so warm these past few days that it was nice to be outdoors and enjoy it a bit. I brewed the coffee and tidied up the kitchen, enjoyed my first cup on the back porch in the cool weather, then decided to come in and write. It has been quite enjoyable. Winston on the other hand has already kicked back and went back to sleep on the floor next to me. Ah, the life of a puppy.

We decided to train him to a crate as Vincent is as crazy about him as me and really wants to occasionally take him to work with him. It is working out quite well. Because we knew that he would grow in size and we did not want to purchase a multitude of crates, we choose a large one from the beginning. Winston has already learned that the crate is his place and occasionally during the day will crawl inside to take a short nap. Yet when evening comes it is slid into our bedroom and placed next to my side of the bed (isn’t it always the momma who has to tend the baby…).

Spoiled? Yes he is. But then we always knew that we would spoil our children… Goodness I swore that I would not ever be that way with an animal… It is a good thing that eventually he will grow into a large dog. He will not have to worry about any of those silly outfits that the little dogs are seen wearing. At least let’s hope he won’t. Be forewarned that there will be plenty of pictures of our little guy… that is if he stands still long enough.

Other than Winston, this last week has been filled with yard work. Although the Oklahoma winds have been at their best (30-40 mph) we have still been out all week cleaning. Vincent has mainly been working around the pond and trimming the willows that were damaged from the earlier ice storm and I have been clearing my area for the fairy garden I am working on. Both are looking wonderful. I really should have taken some before and after photos. I was not aware of how different it is going to look when it is all finished. Many of my flowers that I planted from seed last summer are starting to come up. I am so excited about this. I scattered them all around the pond and on the perimeter of the property. Color sprinkled throughout the yard can do wonders for the view.

Soon I will start on the additions to my fairy garden. Flowers, a bench, chimes, feeders, stones and more are all planned. Don’t worry when it is complete I will be sure and post a picture. Because it will be shaded mostly I am going to have to think in regards to the flowers that I choose to grow. It does get some sun yet I would say for the most part it is partly shade to shade.

This weekend brings the holiday of Easter. I am still trying to think of a way I can justify coloring eggs, seeing that my grandkids are over 700 miles away. I did purchase the eggs, just in case I get a wild hair and just do it… A visit to the mothers this weekend is also on the schedule. I will spend Saturday working on the food that we are going to be taking up with us. I found some wonderful strawberries. I figured strawberry shortcake with homemade whip cream sounded yummy. Tomorrow my eldest son and his family are coming over for dinner. It is always nice to see them. A relaxing afternoon visiting with some food off the grill sounds nice. It has been a good week thus far.

Hope that likewise it has been an enjoyable one for all of you. Here is hoping that the weekend finds you in good spirits and lots of blessings. I know that some of you have seen some heavy rains. Hopefully the weekend will bring drier conditions and a visit from Mr. Sun. Wishing you a wonderful holiday and many blessings to you and yours.