Friday evening stroll...

past the Smooching tree

And, over to the Veg-patch to check

the cucumbers and tomatoes

You know what this Means, right? It means all the tomatoes

in his Garden are going to turn red at the same time!

Unlike the cucumbers... They're doing it just right. I get

two Perfect cucumbers every day, which is just right!

But it's okay... Because when all these babies are

ripe, I'll be ready with a great Vinaigrette!

Look! I'm so excited about these English boxwoods I found today. At LA Reynolds,

boxwoods this size are priced $125, each. However, we bumped into a little garden

shop today where these 18" Boxwoods were marked $55, each and Half off! I couldn't

believe he wasn't Grabbing them as fast as I was. When I asked why he was Hesitating, he

said the Instructor giving the Master gardener class he's taking said during last night's class

never to buy Ball and burlap plants because during the process of harvesting them, 70%

of the root structure is lost. Obviously, I talked him into disregarding that advice! 

It's evening now... Time for the Sunset to drip down the trees...

and, for the Lightening bugs to begin floating on the breeze!

See the lightening Bugs there on the leaves?

In this area of the Garden it's all about Hostas and ferns

Over here by the Creek it's all about the hydrangea. These however, are

not my Favorite. I like the variegated Leaves but the blooms... Not so much!

These lacecap Hydrangea are really not my

favorite either. And yet, he keeps planting them!

But this... This is my favorite!

I'm about Five minutes too late to see the Ducks in the creek. I can

hear them but they've Moved too far up along now for me to see

I swear I can hear them Thanking me for the dinner I put out for them!

Fish need dinner too!

Always amazes me how Grown-in all these plants around the pond

become in Summertime - because there is Nothing here in winter!

Someone just finished Mowing - Time to pick

my cucumbers and get inside to begin dinner

I almost don't want to go inside. I love this View!

And, this Gorgeous hydrangea in front of

the pool. It gets prettier every day!

Perfect mix of Two of my favorite colors!

All the deck Plants are growing crazy!

They provide the Perfect view from the spa

The roses have Never done better. Keeping them up here on the deck

and away from the Deer is really working out for me this year!

Don't Miss This!

Do not miss this Opportunity to enter to Win a couple of amazing prizes and to Make a big fat difference here

Summer Green!

I've been holding out on you! While tonight is

your First look at these green Summer beauties...

We've been eating Fresh-picked-from-the-vine Cucumbers for two weeks now! Every night, a cucumber each. Yum! This fence around the tomatoes (to keep the critters away) turned out to be Perfect for his cucumbers. Of course, he says he Planned it this way! All those Sweet bloomers means we'll be having Cucumbers for a while...

Happy Fourth of July!

And, on the Fourth of July my brownies can only be eaten in Star shapes!

William's coming over Later. He's not a fan of Chocolate but maybe

the Cuteness factor will make him want to have one of my brownies

Maybe...

This is why it's a Good thing I have a job. Without my job I would

probably do things like this all day long. Until I ran out of blue M&M's,

that is. Seriously, I'm all out of blue M&M's. What do I do now?

I almost Forgot I had these... These will work!

See? There! Perfectly Patriotic now!

Just a guess, but I'm thinking the Guy cleaning my pool

right now would Enjoy one of my patriotic brownies...

Before I run out there though, I think these Bits need to be put away

for later... I see them Chunked up over vanilla ice cream for desert tonight

A run for the Border!

The South Carolina border, that is!

Why? For fireworks, of course! Fireworks that

for some reason are frowned upon in the North State

Frowned upon as in Illegal. But this is why we come... Mortar bombs! Big bang, tons of

pretty Colors - All make for my own Private fireworks show from the comfort

of our driveway, and without the Crowds. A perfect way to Celebrate!

Of course, how much fun we have always depends on how cool John Q. Law

is willing to be... Fortunately, we live out in the sticks. Oh, look! Scary in a Box!

And, they charge lots for it too... Eternal damnation isn't what I'm looking for though

Shoots Flaming Balls... Hum. Think we'll have to skip this one too

These are Interesting but somehow I think blowing up the Flag on

Independence Day, or any other day for that matter, is just wrong

Now these... I need!

And, that's one Huge roll of Firecrackers!

Okay, we've Spent enough now to keep the Pirates here

in braids and Rum, so it's time for us to go!

Can't drive back through Charlotte without a trip to Trader Joe's! This is exactly

why there is always a clean Cooler in the back of my SUV - Brie fillo rolls!

And, my Cooler is especially for these!

I know what we're having for Dinner tonight!

Well, Hello there!

We made a Trip from Kansas to California much like this in 1985,

except my Dad drove my MGB right up into the back of the truck

This one from California seems to be going the Wrong way... I can't remember

whether or not my MBG had those cute little MG mud flaps. The fact that some dirt-

bag stole my Sweet black, 1980 Limited Edition MGB makes everything else

about it a little Difficult to remember. Well, except for those hot Summer nights

cruisin' with the top down. I remember pretty much every Minute of those times! 

It's dinner time! I boiled our Trader Joe's Hofbrau bratwurst in a

bottle of Sam Adams and then finished them on the Grill

Yummy!

Retro-desert time!

I put all that Nervous energy I was feeling after Dad's surgery to work last week by

cleaning out every Drawer and cabinet in the house. Way back in the Pantry I found this

When I was fifteen, my Tante Renate gave this Betty Crocker

recipe card box to my mom. I can't be certain but I believe I remember

something about each packet of Cards arriving separately, until the box set

was Complete, A, to Z. What I do remember clearly though, is spending hours

upon hours reading these cards and studying the photographs. Eventually, I began

to use this box of recipes to Learn to cook with my mom. Good times. That's what it

was - Good times. Kinda funny now how this one packet of, Lite recipes is still sealed.

If I received this box today, it would be the First packet of cards I would open!

Look at this! I haven't thought about this in a Million years. Or, at

least 24! But I remember making this pie over and Over again. As if

it were yesterday. It's called, Lite n' Fruity pie. Pretty simple too. Just

a (4-serving) box of Jell-O, 1 tub of Cool Whip and a graham cracker crust

I made this pie a lot the year I graduated High school

in Kansas. And, the following year when I married in 1985, it

was one of the First deserts I made for my new husband

See the date at the bottom of the page?

(click photo to enlarge)

I'm thinking it's high Time to revisit the past!

Look how much the Packaging graphics

for Cool Whip have changed since 1984

These packets of Marigold seeds were in my Old recipe box too. They are

marked, Packed for 1987. How fun is that! I wonder if they would sprout...

Look! Someone has been Busy in the garage this afternoon... The last

four doors have Magically been painted. I'm really hoping some retro-Pie

will help him forget that by my changing the Style of the doors, we had to replace

every door in the house instead of just the Three that were damaged. He is

not convinced yet, but I think the extra Effort and expense is Worth it! 

I love the look of the New doors. Very much! 

Time for a walk around the gardens... The giant

hostas of Summer are calling my name!

Have you ever seen Hostas so amazing?

His day lilies are nice too. I couldn't Wait to have him add them to the garden.

Until he told me the blooms only last a day. Hence, the name, day lilies!

Back to Lite n' Fruity pie making! Adding 2/3 cups boiling water to Jell-O

dissolve Jell-O in boiling water - then I add 2 cups of ice

cubes and Stir until Jell-O is thickened - about 2 minutes

Brandon called so I stirred a bit longer than I should have!

Now, mix in one Tub of thawed Cool Whip to thickened Jell-O

Mix up until Evenly combined

Chill 20 minutes until mixture is

just Semi-set. Then it's time to Fill a shell!

This brings back such Memories! Carefree summers, newly married,

and no thoughts whatsoever about Cool Whip being evil...

Now, it's off to Chill 4 hours or Overnight. Something tells me we're not

going the four hours because Someone has already asked me if it's done yet!

See? It's only been Three hours. Sure smells fresh and

Fruity, that is for sure! Just the way it did 24-years ago

24 years too long. Yum... Come to Mommy!

Okay. Gotta stop now. June just slipped in July. And, it's back to the

Chilly-zone for our Retro-pie. Until tomorrow my sweet, Fluffy little friend!

3,700 shows, and Counting!

It's been a Blurry few days since dad's Successful bypass surgery. Made blurrier by being 3,318 miles from his front door, of course. Despite what's been going on in my Heart and in my head about him, I've managed to move through the Hours and do what my dad asked me to do instead of Catching that 6AM flight out of Raleigh on Tuesday.... Stay put, go to work and do, My thing.

So on Friday, between my calling Mom and taking her calls to Update us - and by the way, Mom's doing an amazing job, staying Strong and being dad's rock - Terry and I did see America. Without the Airstream...

Honestly, we planned Not to go. I was fine just letting the Ticket price be our donation to the North Carolina Children's Home society this year since they put on the show. We didn't change our minds until two Hours after the show began - after staring at the walls and Worrying about dad began to take its toll. This, as it turned out, was our best Decision about the event since just as we arrived, the sky opened up and Cleared the stage and the park. Since our little camping loveseat was completely dry and my massive golf Umbrella I always have in the truck promised to keep us that way, we stepped right up to a spot front and center of the stage, and waited out the storm. After it passed, we Found ourselves with the Best spot at the show! After the tarps were removed from the Equipment and the stage was dried, America put on a show that was well Worth waiting for!

America, the band, puts on 100 shows each year. What is perhaps

more Impressive is that they've done this for Thirty-seven years!

I hope you'll Enjoy these photos as much as I did taking them

And now, a little of my Favorite America song. Just for you...

Soggy beginning...

... to what turned out to be a Great show!

Fortunately, we arrived Late and therefore, quite prepared

Unlike others. Such as this Couple underneath their garbage can liner

Or this trio huddled together Underneath a blanket acting more like

a Coffee filter. And, we were certainly better equipped than the

woman you see there on the right Seeking shelter under the hedge!

Yea, Dad!

aka, Superman

While his Cake bakes...

While his Father's Day cake bakes, we're taking a Spin around

the garden. The first thing I notice is the Cucumber going crazy!

I sliced up the one he brought in Last night for our sandwiches this

afternoon. And, there are probably a Dozen more that will be ready soon!

The fence around our raised bed Veg-garden this year is a turn-

off but without it, there would be no produce produced! Between the

cute Raccoons and the sweet deer, our garden doesn't stand a chance!

Down at the pond...

... the Ferns are giant and the water plants and Hostas are blooming!

The moss on this Birdbath has taken off

with all the Rain we've had lately...

I (much) prefer Mophead hydrangeas but the man I love keeps planting

these Lacecap hydrangeas instead. There is one beautiful Mophead in the

garden for me. One. But I'm working on him... Because I never give up!

Now, this lacecap Hydrangea by the pool equipment

house is a beautiful pink/Purple color, and I do like it!

The Japanese magnolia in the front yard is about to Bloom

Coming around to the back yard again, we see our duck-Trio is here for lunch!

That was quick! They've left plenty for the Deer I know will be by later

Off to the Creek they go! 1 waddle-waddle, 2 Waddle-waddle, 3 waddle-waddle

Thanks for stopping by. See you again Real soon!

My strawberry Bundt cake is done so it's Time to break out all those Doilies

I picked up at Cake Art in Georgia. But not these, they're way too small!

Fortunately, I have no shortage of Cake stands to work

with so these Small ones won't go to waste!

Now, this size is Perfect for today...

I intended to stay Put today but I can't call this Yummy cake complete

without adding fresh Strawberries and whipped topping to finish... So I

may have to make a quick Trip to the market. But first, it's Pool time!

Feast your Eyes!

Suddenly, and kinda without trying, my Plate rack is almost

full of Fire King Jade-ite! As Martha would say, It's a Good Thing!

I love Summer hours at Hanes and having Fridays off. Especially

on Fridays when my mail lady brings me packages like this one!

How sweet is seller-Karen's note? God Bless, dear, she says...

I say, He has. God blessed me with her beautiful and Perfect jade-ite!

As soon as the Closet doors were back up in William's old room this morning I

began the task of organizing all of the closets Upstairs. I filled six huge Leaf bags

full of stuff that just Needed to go... Everything else is exactly where it belongs. It just

feels Amazing to be rid of the Clutter. Honestly, my duvet collection was Out of control!  

Look! The new Door is up, which means project, convert-Empty-bedroom

is complete! I love the new door style I selected and the sweet man I married

even went the extra mile to replace all the old Brass hinges (on all 7 new doors!)

with new brushed nickel ones to match the Door knobs. He doesn't miss a trick! Huh?

Look, Mom...

... No Hair!

William just stopped by to show us his New haircut!

I like it... I'm sure I'll find words as soon as the Shock wears off...

Charmed!

Last weekend, I saw these in an antique shop in Statesville. I wanted

them. Actually, I want a Stack of them! But in Statesville they were not

Perfect. And, they were marked $41. Each! Which I find just silly! So I passed...

Good thing I did too. Why? Because I was able to pick Up two perfect Fire King Charm

luncheon plates through e-Bay for just $39. Two for one little price. And, these come to

me from a really nice seller in Kansas too. So... Two down. Only twenty-eight to go!     

Charmed. For sure!

Until I can get a Spot cleared for them in my kitchen

cabinet, (and until I have More) this will just have to do!

Our Graduate!

Here is your Grandson, all graduated from High School now. He had to work

on Saturday so we did his Mellow Mushroom dinner tonight. I brought along the

package of Goodies and the check you sent for him. He especially likes the Monkey!

This is what every Conservative mom that voted for the First time in

1984 wants... Her child to graduate from Ronald W. Reagan High School

William's class is the First class to finish all Four

years at this Beautiful new high school

Seeing William with the graduation Monkey you sent reminded

me of the graduation Monkey you gave me so many years ago...

There are many days I cannot find my Keys but there's never been

a day in Twenty-five years I didn't know where this Monkey was

I slipped!

Before I share my Slip with you... Take a look at this!

This is why I need to buy Stock in Clorox wipes immediately

Bing knows this trick Drives me crazy. It's probably Payback for locking

him in the house and out of the Solarium while I'm away at work

So here is the slip. I Confess... I went back to Seller-Steve for a few

more Fire King jade-ite restaurantware chili bowls, and They're here!

Yes. I do think I have enough bowls! Now it's time

to Concentrate on plates. I'm thinking Charm...

I may need to Consider clearing out another cabinet though

because, the Truth is, there are a few More pieces coming!

Awww, Look! Someone added Roses today to the

hydrangeas he brought me from the Garden last weekend

Come on, Bing. Let's call Wednesday a wrap and go Snuggle...

Besides, your Butt really does need to come off my counter tops now!

Saturday find!

We are on the mailing list with an Auction house in Wilksboro. Last week, we received a flier announcing an Estate auction at a home up there. Last night we planned to take off early this morning to arrive by the 9:30AM start time for the auction. However, this morning, we remembered we had an appointment to have the new Carpeting installed in William's room at 9AM. Although this delayed us a couple of Hours, we decided to go any way.

The auction was a bust. When we arrived at noon and looked through the House and outside at what was left to be auctioned, I quickly decided that there was nothing I would take into my house - and, even the Stuff we saw sitting around the Bidders (that was already auctioned) didn't Impress me either. So we left and drove into Wilksboro to piddle through our Favorite antique mall there - Wilksboro Antique Mall.

It's one of the Few antique malls with a decent Fire King Jade-ite

selection. And, right now, everything in this Case is 20% off!

I took a pass on the Jade-ite because I still have several e-Bay auctions

going my way... But in the next room, This caught my eye in a Big way! Can't

you just see it at a Party covered in Cupcakes or stacked up with finger

sandwiches? Or what about displaying a Massive tiered cake atop it? This would

be a Caterer's dream too! Functional, and a Conversation piece to boot!

Truly, the biggest Cake stand I've ever seen. And, you know what

a Fan I am of cake stands! But when I looked a little closer, I discovered

this is no Ordinary cake stand... It's a Lazy Susan and it's in Perfect condition!

Now I know what it is! 23" glass Lazy susan by the United States glass company...

But the price on the card is blank so I went to talk with the shop owner about

it... Turns out it Belongs to an 80-year old woman who bought it new in 1956. He

said he doesn't believe she ever Used it either. I think I would like to have it!

I am Loving all this yellow kitchenware too!

Upstairs, I found this Red themed kitchen - Too cute!

If you're searching for Fiestaware, Wilksboro Antique Mall is your place!

They also have the most Beautiful German Cuckoo clock I have ever seen. And,

having been Born and raised there, I've seen lots of German cuckoo clocks!

We love taking the Road to wherever it leads us. Today, the back-

road from Wilksboro lead us to Hiddenite. Who knew?

Not much to see in Hiddenite, but this is cute...

Very cute! Just out in someones back Yard, along the road

The shopkeeper at Wilksboro Antique Mall said the little old lady selling

the glass Lazy Susan brought it into his shop in the Original 1956

box. Even has her name on it, and the original Packing material!

That was Great because it made it easier to bring it home!

I love it!

Makes me want to have a Party...

Start a catering Company or...

Bake a Massive tiered cake!

Oh! I almost forgot... I did find a few more pieces of Jade-ite today...

These four Charm luncheon plates caught my eye right away. They are

on my Wish-list. I've heard they are pretty Pricey, and remain so since a lot

of the Fire King Jade-ite still available is being bought up by the Japanese

Yup. That is $41 each plate. To me, that's just Crazy-talk. Hopefully, for

this Shopkeeper in Statesville, the Japanese tourists will find her soon...

This is the Toaster oven you want! I found it at Costco last night

and since all of my other appliances are Kitchenaid, it was a must

have. I took the Emerson I bought last week back to Target tonight

Someone just came in from the Garden and brought me his first Hydrangeas!

My croutons are done - it's Salad time!

It was a Day!

This is how much Rain fell with last night's storm. As I lowered the Umbrellas on

the deck I noticed that he left his empty Iced tea cup on the railing. I meant to take it into

the house with me, but didn't. This morning, I found it almost full. That's a Lotta rain!

I had a rather Crappy morning. I set the Kitchen ablaze frying bacon. I plan

to duplicate an Incredible spinach salad recipe (Here) for dinner on Sunday and

thought since I was frying Bacon for breakfast this morning, I would fry a little extra

to hold over for the salad. But... all my plans to Save a little time went up in Smoke, so

to speak, when I accidently moved the plate covered in Paper towels (to drain the bacon)

too close to the gas burner Flame. Poof! Before I knew it, the paper towels were on fire

and it was all Quite scary. I had to think Fast to get the flaming plate off my New countertop

and out of the kitchen. Taking the plate over to the Sink wasn't an option since I'm not exactly

sure what damage Fire will do to my new Corian sink either. Finally, it came to me! Throw the

flaming plate into the garbage can! And, that's what I did. Problem solved... After smothering

the plate with a towel, I grabbed the smoking can and rushed it into the garage. Where was T

while all of this was going on? He was in the den trying to catch a frightened Bluebird. Yes! As

we took our breakfast we heard quite a commotion coming from the chimney flue over the

Gas log set. When we muted the Television, we could clearly hear there was a trapped bird

fluttering about inside. What to do? Well, I went into the Kitchen to put away our dishes

and fry up the extra Bacon for my salad. And, then, catch the Kitchen on fire! Any way,

when I rushed the Garbage can into the garage I almost Tripped over this sweet little

face standing at the door! After we got the Bird out of the den, and my kitchen was

back in order we took our new little furry Friend for a ride. The collar meant

there had to be a Family nearby she belonged to. But which family was it?

We drove through the Neighborhood knocking on doors for about an

hour without any luck. We couldn't take her home again because Bing was

already going nuts and I could even Think of leaving her outside to fend for

herself. So we went to the Forsyth animal shelter to turn her in. However, having

worked for an animal shelter, an Experience at seventeen I will NEVER forget, I

asked the woman there First what would become of kitty. Specifically, after seeing

the Aquarium room full of Kittens just as cute as this one behind her, I asked if they

were a Kill shelter. I think I surprised her, but eventually the woman Admitted that

they do take Federal money so they do, humanely euthanize animals that Cannot be

placed within ONE WEEK! One week? That's all? I heard her say Someone about

doing what they can to get the Animals adopted, but I was walking away too fast to

hear how that story ended. When he saw me coming out of the Shelter the same way

I went in... with Kitty, he knew we were on to a Plan B. Plan B was to stop at the

craft Store for a piece of neon Poster board and to take Kitty back home for a

meal. As we pulled into the driveway we both Looked into the carrier and saw

kitty was Crashed. I carried the carrier back into the garage and Hijacked a can

of Fancy Feast from Bing's stash. After giving kitty a bowl of Fancy Feast and a

fresh bowls of water I sat down to Fashion up a sign with my neon poster board

that read, Found Kitten! Please call to claim - and I gave my Cell phone number.

Within an hour we had a Call but unfortunately, it was someone looking for

another kitten that didn't fit this Kitty's description. Without another call before

dinner, we made our way through the Neighborhood again and with the help of our

neighbor, who thought she knew about where this Kitty might belong, we were

able to find its owner. I suggested to the family's nanny, who answered the

door, that they either Keep sweet kitty-puss inside (which I believe is where all pets

belong, unless they own a Horse!) or at least invest another $1.00 for her collar

to include a little make-it-yourself Phone number ID tag. Otherwise, I told her,

I will just have to keep this sweet Creature as my own. Nanny explained that she's

been Looking for kitty all day, and that she must have escaped through the dog door

Speaking of Creatures...

Jade-ite, day Two!

Came home this Evening to find another e-Bay box waiting! Nine, cute-

as-a-Button berry bowls and Four more restaurantware chili bowls all for

me! This time, sold by a lovely man in Indiana. I've never been to Indiana but

Seller Steve tells me that's where there is a Church that decided to liquidate

all the wonderful Fire King Jade-ite stashed in the kitchen. Lucky me!

Check out that Packaging! I love e-Bay sellers that actually give a Darn about

getting the stuff I pay for to me in one piece... Or in my case, 13 pieces! By the

way, Steve's church is also selling 100 of These. I wish I had a use for them!

First time I've ever Seen or touched a Jade-ite berry bowl, and I like!

I like them Very much!

Seller Steve tells me that he has More of

these... That's great. Because I may need more!

Welcome home, Sweet Jade-ite!

Someone sent me an e-mail to Ask just how the Utensils in my

crock on the Island stand up so straight. Despite what it looks like,

it's not Magic! It is a little embarrassing though. You see... 

It's Rice! Why is it embarrassing? Because as I poured a

brand new, whole bag of Rice into my crock and it became

clear to him what I was doing, the Man I love reminded me

that there are People in the world starving for whom this

amount of rice is more than a Month's worth of food 

I feel Terrible. And, I apologize. Clearly, I wasn't thinking!

Another dinner Salad!

Someone cannot get enough of my Home-made croutons!

And this little Sweetie is back tonight because She can't get enough

of the cracked corn we put down by the pond for the Ducks. Please, stay

away from his Hostas so he won't yell at me for attracting you... That's all I ask!

I add a chopped Egg to his favorite

Thousand Island dressing and he loves it!

He wants America for Father's Day!

Last night, when I asked the man who has Everything (everything being Me!) what he wanted to do for Father's Day he said, I'd like to go see America.

So I said, Me too, let's buy that Airstream Flying Cloud we shopped in Greensboro a few weeks ago and just Take off! Then, silence. And then, the look. Then, he rolled his eyes at me and walking away, Mumbled something about, this is what he gets for Marrying someone younger.

Turns out, America, the Band is coming to Greensboro on the 26th and he very much wants to hear them play. But unlike the last time This came up, I do remember America! So we're going. I just bought our tickets. Sadly, there are no VIP packages offered, and worse, the Concert will be outside, which means I better rush out to buy one of these quick!

As it turns out, the Concert benefits the North Carolina Children's Home society so that's a Reason to go! That and the fact that I've been known to enjoy a song or two by America.

Although, I have to admit, even though America released records well into the 80's, every song they play takes me Back to, and sounds like, A Horse with No Name, which was on their very first Album in 1971. I remember that song because it was very popular the year we left Germany to live in Kansas while dad served in Vietnam. Even at five, I couldn't get enough of American radio. As I recall, I didn't forget all the words to, I'm leaving on a Jet plane or Bye-bye-Miss-American-pie until I was at least thirty!

So we're off to see America. Sans the new Airstream...

Hopefully, this experience will earn me something great, like This fabulous trade-off I earned going to see Three Dog Night with him last year!

I won't be Looking any more!

There is something you may Not know about me.

I have a secret.... I've been hunting Fire King Jade-ite dinnerware and restaurantware since Three minutes after Martha Stewart first mentioned it on her show. That was what? Fifteen years ago, right? I don't mind telling you, it's been a Frustrating 15-year hunt!

See, I prefer to buy things New. And, I won't buy anything that's not Perfect, which only adds to the Frustration of my Impossible hunt. You throw my unwillingness to Compromise on top of the fact that Jade-ite is pretty hard to find and Impossible to find in quantity and you basically have Fifteen years of doing without. And, let me tell you, it's hard to do Without when you're as obsessed with this stuff as I am. How obsessed? Like, fantasizing about being transported back to the 1950's with today's Income to buy-out every store, obsessed. Or, daydreaming about Discovering an old, abandoned cafeteria full of Jade-ite restaurantware and being invited to take all that I can load into a truck, obsessed. No... not to Sell for profit, just to Own for me! Lately, I have been considering Stalking yard sales, but I'm not there quite yet. Why? Because there's still e-Bay!

I have resisted e-Bay all these years. Mostly, because I have been resistant to letting Go of my dreams of stumbling on a ton of Jade-ite for free. But also because I can't stand the stories. The stories told by the Lucky few who have actually stumbled into the abandoned cafeteria, or bought up the Estates full of Jade-ite from little old ladies that wanted to pay them to haul off all those old, Simple and cheap green dishes they think no one in their right Mind would pay money for.

However, after seeing Pie Near Woman's Jade-ite collection on her blog last year I decided that if she has to acquire it through e-Bay, then my dreams of owning a Collection like the one she Enjoys probably won't come to me any other way either. I mean, daydreaming and Fantasizing will only get me so far. Right? And, I'm not getting any Younger (sigh), and I'm not about to take up Yard sale stalking as a hobby. Truth is, the prices on e-Bay beat everything I've ever seen offered in any of the Antique store we've been to, and the Quality and selection is Far better too. Gee, I'm starting to sound like a commercial for e-Bay. Believe me, I'm not happy about it either!
What I am happy about is This:

My very First purchase of e-Bay Fire King Jade-ite

restaurantware! And, the best part is that the seller was just

as Fabulous as the pieces he sold me! Feast your eyes on Perfect,

never-been-used, which Qualifies them as new in my book, Jade-ite!

And, I have just the Spot to display them... Move over, Pyrex!

Until today I'd never seen Jade-ite restaurantware in person. It's quite

a bit heavier than household Jade-ite, which makes me Love it even more!

I especially love this Fat little bead (lip) around the rim of this Chili bowl...

You can tell the every-day Jade-ite bowl, meant for household use is a little

smaller and the edge is Straight, without the cute fat rim. I will be sticking

with the Restaurantware from now on but I'm still glad to have these!

So I won't be Looking to antique stores for Jade-ite any more. Why

should I?, with Sellers like Jay Hisle out there, I'm sticking with e-Bay! See

what other Jade-ite pieces Jay is selling Here But if you Bid against me

I'll be unhappy ... Because I have a Cabinet to fill. Stay tuned!

Make this Salad!

Can you Guess what I'm making for dinner? Cubed

organic Monterey sourdough tossed with Olive oil, sea salt

and Cracked black pepper should give it away. Does it? Give up?

My home-made Croutons can only mean dinner is Salad!

Okay, here is the deal... Last week I was invited to a Pampered Chef party. I know that I am Forbidden to attend those parties but the Hostess is one of my Favorite people at work and she just had a Baby in March. A sweet little girl I was dying to see. And, to hold. And, to rock to sleep.

So I forgot that I own at least Two of everything The Pampered Chef sells, (and in too many cases, three or four of Every single item) broke all the rules and went to the show. Just to see the Baby, of course.

And, boy! Am I ever glad I did... The recipe the Consultant prepared for us was Amazing. It's called Thai Chicken stir-fry salad. Get it Here. I could not get enough. I ate so much I was almost embarrassed. Fortunately, everyone else was having the Same problem I was.

Here is the Trick though... The salad dressing, Kraft's Creamy Poppyseed, used for this Recipe, the one that makes my eyes Roll back into my head like this one I told you about Here does... Well, in our area it's only sold at Walmart. At first, I didn't believe it. But after avoiding going to Walmart and driving to Four different grocery markets instead, I finally Gave in and went where I was told. And, that's exactly where I found it!

I modified the recipe a bit by Trading the chicken for a rib-eye. I didn't really want

to, but since we had chicken for Dinner last night, I had no choice. Also, to me, this

dressing could only be made Better by including strawberries. So I did! I also traded the

spinach for Romaine. Finally, as much as he Hates it, I just couldn't not add Bleu cheese!

I bought Five bottles. Something tells me I need to Stock up. If it's only sold

at Walmart it could mean Kraft plans to do something Crazy like discontinue

it! Any way, I allowed the Peanuts to stay and added a Roma tomato too

The Pampered Chef consultant added fresh Ginger and a little

crushed Garlic to the dressing so I'm doing the same. You know what

they say... If it ain't Broke...! Give it a little Twirl with a whisk, and let

the dressing rest for 15-20 minutes to allow the Flavors to marry

I now pronounce you, Ginger, garlic and

creamy Poppyseed dressing. Yum!

Using my egg slicer to Slice strawberries is a good thing!

While the steak Sizzles on the grill I'll take a look

around the deck. I enjoy these Cat's whiskers so much. Not

to mention that Gorgeous potted boxwood!

All of my rose bushes are Full of bloomers; however, so far, only

these on the Deck have survived the Deer that visit at night.

Steak's done! Oh, this is gonna be So good! He hates bleu cheese so I'm taking a risk

here... But since I never tell him how to Garden, I think he should just trust me to

know what's Best for this recipe. Right? Right! And, if that logic doesn't work for

me, then I'll just deny I used it at all. That's worked more than a Few times!

There's never been more Flavor in one dish. I promise you that!

The best part of Watching him enjoy this salad was seeing the Extra effort

he went to not to Miss a bite of the bleu cheese crumbles. I call this a Success!

While I did the Dishes... I saw that someone else was just Starting her early

dinner outside. Please, please do me a Favor and avoid his Hostas and my roses!

Yes, there was a Sunday!

I did not post last night because I wanted the Weekend blog to be about D-Day. As it should be. But, there was Shopping on Saturday and a bit on Sunday as well...

As you know, I've been on the Hunt for something to set atop the Music cabinet I found for the dining room. I had something specific in Mind; however, the Best price I found so far has been $1,500, and that's a bit much for something whose only purpose in my Life will be to exercise my Dusting skills. Therefore, when I saw this English ironstone tureen and underplate in Perfect condition yesterday, I decided to call an End to my search.

I already decided it would be Mine before inquiring the price or before the Dealer began his pitch. Nevertheless, I was polite and let him blather on about it. Who knows if it really is part of an estate out of Connecticut, or if what he was asking really was Less than he paid... And, who cares that he supposedly had a Friend on his way down from Maine this week to see it? Not me. Those facts, if indeed they are facts, sir... Are Irrelevant!

He named his price, I offered $25.00 less and he accepted. Because that's how it's done according to a Wise man that once told me, he who names Price first always loses. I'm better at it than most. And, I am especially better at it than the Man I married. He always, always names his Price first. And, because his offers are usually way, way too High, my dearest is always successful in making his Dealers very happy. It's the argument you hear between Us all the time... He says he doesn't Care if the item can be had for less because he only Offers what he is willing to pay. I think that's just Silly. Buying a piece for Less means I can buy More. It's called, Janet-math!

Although, I will say he's Better at it than now than he's been in the past. In so much that he's Learning to call me over to close his Deals for him. He's a work in progress. But you already knew that.

Any way, Tureen dealer is some friend, huh? I hope he called his Buddy in Maine and told him not to waste the trip!

The Reed and Barton soldered silver bowl is a Bedford find...

It has a Railroad stamp on it. Soldered pieces are quite a bit heavier

than normal silverplate, to withstand heavy use. These pieces often were

used in Hotels and on railroads. I have no particular use for the bowl. I just

liked the decoration on the rim. But I could see taking it to the Florist to have

an arrangement put into it, to use as a centerpiece or Filling it with fruit or a

fragrant holiday potpourri. And, it doesn't look bad here. So I think I'll keep it!

D-Day. 65 years ago Today

We traveled to Bedford, Virginia early this morning to attend

the ceremony to commemorate the 65th anniversary of D-Day

Read about the Memorial here

There were Veterans from all branches of the

armed Services and some from other countries too

D-Day Veterans - Real American heros

All of this is new since our Last visit

Long way from Abilene, Kansas. Huh?

On the ceiling above Eisenhower is this mosaic

He has a great view...

Airborne all the way!

There were Two Ranger Battalions at D-Day...

Brandon always tells me, Rangers Lead the Way, Mom! Now he's

at Ft. Benning about to begin Ranger training. Life sure is funny sometimes

The Big Red One was there too

Lots of Interactive displays to check out here today

Everything a Soldier may have had with him that day

The smell of this GP-Medium sure was familiar! I will never forget

that Camping trip we took in Germany using one of these tents!

We decided to Explore Bedford for a while to let the Crowd thin out a bit. It's

pretty much what you Expect to find if you turned your watch back to 1956

Back at the Memorial for a last look and Quick trip through the gift shop

These quick Bursts of air push water up and there is

a Zinging sound to simulate bullets hitting the water 

I don't care for that Sound too much or thinking about

the Horror those men encountered on that

beach. The horror my Grandfather faced on that beach

Crowd is almost gone now. I enjoy monuments More when they are quiet

There is a movement underway to have this Monument become part

of the National monument system. I think that's a splendid idea. Bedford is

struggling to keep the monument maintained and it Deserves better treatment

It deserves the Best treatment and upkeep!

We noticed this Statue again on the way in and I wanted

to get a closer look as we Walked back to the truck

I'm glad we made the Trip. Worth the effort today!

Such an incredibly Haunting statue

After the Memorial we headed toward Lynchburg... On the way,

we stopped at Rick's Antiques and General Store in Forest, VA. There

was lots to see! The best part was all the Old fixtures and display cases

Uber-cute!

View of Langley Fountain on the James River in Lynchburg, Virginia

At the base of Memorial Terrace is this lovely fountain

Going up? Yup! I'll race ya...

We found Lynchburg museum at the Top of our run

Looking back down Over my shoulder I see the Fountain again

On our Way back down now...

This time, we'll stop to read the monuments

Like this one. It's the memorial to those

from Lynchburg lost in WWII

My plan is to Sleep in tomorrow. Wish me Luck!

Congratulations, Paige and James!

Paige graduated from her Houston High School

today. At sixteen, and full year early - Way to go!

Let's Monkey around...

Remember these fabulous Cake pans I picked up at Cake Art down

in Georgia? Well, I decided to finally wash them and put them away

this evening. But before I put away that one in the Middle, I had to try

this recipe recommended by Pioneer Woman for Monkey Bread

I've never made or Eaten monkey bread. But I say it's high time! Here

we go: 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup brown Sugar, 3 cans of Biscuits (not the flaky

kind) two teaspoons cinnamon and 2 sticks of butter. That's it! Nothing to it...

Cut biscuits into quarters

Add cinnamon to 1 cup sugar in Gallon-size zippy bag

Drop quartered biscuit pieces into Cinnamon/sugar

mixture and Shake it. Shake it good... Great. Now I've

got the Whip-it song by Devo stuck in my head. Darn!

It required a few Shakes but eventually, all

the pieces separated and were coated perfectly

Spread evenly into my pan

Add 1/2 cup Brown sugar to 2 sticks (1 cup) of unsalted butter

Remember... Not a low-Fat recipe!

Cook over med-High heat and stir until mixture turns one color

Pour over sugared Biscuit pieces

I know... I didn't think it looked Right either but

we must Trust the recipe. Calm down and Carry on!

I said, Calm Down!

Breathe. Now, bake at 350 for forty minutes or until Top is dark brown

Pie Near Woman said to give it a few Love-taps to

loosen it from the pan. Let me tell you... Took more than a

few Love-taps, but it did come Loose just before I declared war

Next time, I will spray the Pan. Then perhaps my Monkey Bread

will resemble the one she made. Clearly, this does not look as purdy

But it tastes just fine! And, it's such a Perfect little after-dinner desert

I love ending my Day on a successful note!

Cover your Eyes!

When I ordered all the new Windows for the house, I chose to eliminate all the grids in the design of the old windows to help Expand our views. Grid lines were welcome in California where anything that distracted from the fact that we were Surrounded on all sides and shared a Fence with five different neighbors (yes, that IS possible!) was necessary.

But here, where the purchase of the House was all about the property first, and especially the no-Neighbors-at-all backyard views, haing Grids on the windows was the Last thing I wanted. I've never regretted my decision. Until tonight...

When, while doing dishes, I was

confronted by Squirrel penis!

And, nuts too!

Modesty amongst our Squirrel population seems to have gone

out with my desire for Grid lines on our windows because they're

letting it all Hang out! And, how do you like that Squirrel-proof

bird feeder? It's just doing a Dandy job. Don't you think?

Thank you for Tucking away your goodies...

Yes! I am talking about you. Didn't your

Momma teach you any manners?

I'm going to have to have a Chat with her!

It's a Hit!

It's official!

The Crock Pot BBQ pit is a hit. 

Hands down, the best Ribs. Ever.

Getting the ribs out of the Crock proved to be a bit of

a Challenge since they Fell apart as soon as I touched them

But who says that's a Bad thing?

Kinda puts to rest my whole, I-can't-stand-meat-on-the-bone-argument

Rarely are my arguments Proven so wrong...

Okay, he's not willing to Wait another minute so I better plate this!

I was thrown Off by his request for

mashed potatoes. But I went with it...

Okay, okay. I twisted my Own arm... I believe

that I will try a little after all. And, so should You!

Ribs!

You know what This means... It means that I'm finally going to cook Ribs in my

fairly new Crock Pot BBQ Pit! I came home at Lunch to make it happen. It's situations

like this that make me Love my 7-minute commute. Home for Lunch. Always a Good thing!

Another good thing... My new Corian deep sink!

No other place in my Kitchen I would dare do this! Which makes

me wish I had this Sink when the boys were little. This would indeed

make a great baby-bath sink. Or a Fabulous puppy-washing sink. But we

won't Go there... Tried that, and found out there's only room in this house

for one High-maintenance b!tch and that's me! So I'll stick to washing ribs...

Ha! I can be as Messy as I want and use all the Rubs I want too!

Rub-a-Dub-Dub, three Racks in a tub

I love this! I don't care for Pork or any meat on a

bone, but even I have to admit this is kinda cool!

Off we go!

See ya in a Few hours... Gotta get back to work!

I can't tell... Do you think it's the Baffle on my birdfeeder that has this

little Guy stopped in his tracks outside the Solarium. Or something else?

Something like the scent of Ribs cooking away in the Solarium, perhaps? Could just

be seeing me walk by the window. But my Money's on the ribs... Oh, Look! Our little

Crock Pot BBQ Pit sure has been busy this afternoon. I think it's Time for sauce!

This is called Country Boy's Num Num Sauce and trust me, it's

pretty Great! I never heard of it before Costco offered it as a Demo item

last year. Since then, there's always been a Bottle in our refrigerator!

If a little is good, More will be better

Falling off the bones already...

Imagine what another hour simmering in this Sauce will do for it!

This is for MC...

Yes! I was happy to Donate our old set of flatware to the WMO

project last weekend. Mostly because he needed a set and I've been

looking for an Excuse to buy this set... Find it Here! I picked up Two sets for

a Service of eight. Because it's just the two of us now. I know. Makes no sense!

Airborne Brandon!

Available for purchase at Brandon's graduation from Airborne school were these photos of the class as they readied for their first Jump. My order arrived in today's Mail...

Here is our Brandon headed into the plane

I know it's Wrong, but this is still what I see...

Loving days like This!

Couldn't go to Costco this afternoon without stopping in

at Home Goods. I just can't. I haven't tried, but I already know

I can't. I'm glad I did because a new St. Francis was there waiting for

me! T returned the last one I bought. He said the scale was all wrong for

his Garden. I knew he was right so I let it go... We agree this is Much better! 

It's days like this one that make me Forget that

it's been raining off and on for Three weeks!

My fish didn't mind the Rain as much as I did!

St. Francis would want me to Forgive the weather. So I shall.

Besides, rain makes for great Green!

And, this is Pretty great green!

I hardly Complain at all on days like this!

Hardly...

You can't see them but Four ducks just flew into the

area by the pond. It's their Dinnertime now

This afternoon I learned that the Spiky yellow

plant is Carolina Lupine, which I find is divine!

I think those are the Last two blooms on the clematis by

the fountain. The next time it Blooms will be late summer...

I'm in no particular Hurry for it, believe me! 

What a beautiful Day this was today! 

We took dinner out on the Deck this evening and the whole

time we were Watched by that squirrel on that chair down there

(click to enlarge)

Pretty Fantastic!

and, no Piggy after-taste!

84!

Order of the day...

Got my 84 early this morning so this was pretty Much the plan for today!

Oh! And, this! Ever since I picked up the Crock Pot BBQ Pit I have wanted to try

making Babyback ribs. Despite the fact that I don't care for Pork or meat on a bone

So as I floated around in the Perfect 84 degrees, I began thinking about what else

I might prepare for Dinner that doesn't have that Piggy after-taste I so dislike

As much as I hated to leave my spot and all the beautiful Sunshine, we did. It was 

the Quickest trip to Costco I think we've ever made! One new cordless Phone set, two

boxes of trash can liners, three bottles of Clorox II, one massive bucket of

Chlorine tablets and this marinated Flank steak later, we were Out of there! 

The pool was Calling my name so this prep took all of Ten seconds

And, while I did More of this...

Our flank Steak did this...

Yum!

As soon as the Peppers and onion cook down it'll be Dinnertime!

A big Break!

After far too many weeks of spring Rain we finally got a big break today. Bright sunshine and not a Cloud in the sky! So you know Where I spent the day... Outside, of course! At first, it was just a lot of me outside Shuttling things over to William's new apartment. But eventually, Me-time did arrive. And, it was Fantastic!

The sky pencils by the Pool doubled in height this Spring

I prefer the pool at 84 degrees but I was

more than Happy for the 82 it was today!

I was against Sky pencils when he planted them. I thought

they were all Wrong for this spot

But once again, the one of us that knows Gardening knew best

His delphinium Deserves another look today!

Such a beautiful Lavender color

This yellow-Spiky plants seems to have come Up overnight!

I don't know what This plant is... But I like it!

Saturday Morning with my Bing!

Good Morning!

Some people have guard Dogs. We have Bing. He growls at the FedEx guy,

and, he's growling in bed this morning because someone just Pulled into

the neighbors Driveway across the street. It's not ADT that keeps us safe...

I think I'm about to be Pounced!

Come on, Bing! Let's get our Day started and go watch

the Birdies from the solarium over a little breakfast. I'm

guessing you'd like to have some Fancy Feast...

Finally Friday!

This will be a Strange weekend for me... It's the weekend we become Empty nesters. The first weekend in Twenty-one years that our house will Sleep only two. I am exactly the same age my Mom was when I moved out at Eighteen. Feels strange... 

Looks like I'm not the only one about to Clear the nest...

These teenagers are on their Way out too! I bet that when I

peek in on this Nesting box tomorrow it'll be empty. Kinda like

the third Bedroom upstairs that Overlooks this beautiful garden

Man! For some reason, this was a Long, short week! I'm not the only one

that Feels this way either... Everyone at the Office was feeling it too. Can't say

why the week seemed to Drag but it did. Now that the week is Behind me it's time

to unwind in the Garden. Nothing relaxes me Better than seeing my ducks enjoying

their Dinner by the pond! Some people Relax with wine, for me it's this!

Seeing bloomers Helps too!

Fortunately for me... There are Lots to see!

Everywhere and all Around!

I get why people Love azaleas so much...

Is there anything Better than these late-Blooming azaleas?

I enjoy how this red Azalea hugs the Corner of this garden bed

Oh my! The fire Lily has decided to Join us!

I love Delphinium, especially this Lavender color!

Delphinium is part of the Buttercup family - too Cute

As you can See... I have not yet Won the battle of the two Pine

trees to be planted. Nevertheless, I love coming home to this View!

See this Face? This is the face of the Kitty that searched for

his Buddy all night long. The face of the kitty that kept me Awake all

night while he searched... See? I'm not the only one missing Brandon!

Outside tonight I found more Purple bloomers waiting for me

I love these Rhododendrons. We picked them up at a Produce stand

in Cana, Virginia a few years ago and they Love this spot in our garden

The climbing Rose on the split-rail fence in the front yard is taking off too

It's called Fourth of July, and it shows!

We tend to buy plants and Trees first, without having a specific Plan in mind for where

they might Fit in our gardens. Usually, it's not a problem because they Speak up pretty quick

after we get them Home to tell us where they belong... But that hasn't been the case with these cute

little blue Pine trees. For six months they've been sitting on the steps on the Deck waiting for us to

agree. Six months we've been going Around about these trees. He says they Spoke to being planted

on either side of Cousin It, aka the Canadian Hemlock. I disagree. To me, they say here...

But he disagrees. And, to be truthful, I really don't want to Block the view of

the Firepit we enjoy from the Solarium. But I absolutely don't like them on either

side of Cousin It, because I think he's a Star and should own his Garden stage

without any Distraction of his beauty. Especially in Winter when he's all Lit up!

So we'll see if these are in the Ground in my spot or his spot tomorrow. So far, it's been three hours

since I last moved them back into my Spot. Who will win? He says it'll be the one that actually plants

them. Now I'm seriously Considering locating his shovel and putting on my Gardening boots!

But who has Time to plant trees when there are Ducks to play with?

There was a Saturday!

After running some Errands together on Saturday morning, Brandon let us know he intended to spend the afternoon and evening with some of his Friends from ASU. As difficult as it was not to tell him that I wished he would spend Every minute of his weekend pass at home with us, and as much as I wanted to ask him to tell his friends Not to travel down, over and from All around to come see him, I kept quiet and let Brandon go. But I won't lie. It sucked. Sure, I got to cook him Dinner and we went to see the new Terminator movie together on Friday night but I wanted ALL of the long weekend with Brandon... I imagined hanging out at the pool, grilling lunch and dinners on the BBQ and late-afternoon Badminton marathons in the front yard. But when it didn't Happen, we made other plans.

We decided to have lunch at the Blue Bird Diner in Mt. Airy and then head into Hillsville, Virginia to roam the antiques Fair and flea market going on up there. On the way home we stopped at Several of our favorite produce stands in Cana for farm-Fresh fruit and Veggies. We both missed Brandon and weren't quite in the Mood, but we made the most of our day together. Last night when Brandon called he said that he Wished he'd stayed with us on Saturday instead of going out with his friends. Hum...

On the way to Mt. Airy 

I know they call this Pilot Mountain but I can't help but think of

the mountain Richard Dreyfus made in the movie Close Encounters

So to me, this will always be Mashed Potato Mountain

Since there was no one at this Booth I wanted to leave

a note that said, Be here or Miss the sale! 

Then there was the Guy... First of all, I have to say that I could smell his Potions before

I ever saw his booth... I smelled them from Four booths away and over the Kettle Corn couple

from South Carolina too! So his claim there of, Pain relief without the stinky smell seemed

a bit Ridiculous to me. I hope that sucker, I mean, Customer didn't buy too Much of it! 

I know it's 2009, but I imagine this is what the snake Oil salesman of the 1800's might

have looked like. Without the Modern-day marketing tools such as the surgical Scrubs and

catchy, "Dr. Feelgood" tagline employed by this one. I wondered if he has Something that might

help improve his Vision to perhaps eliminate the need for the Two pair of glasses he's wearing  

On the way home we stopped to watch this Little family cross the road

Fortunately, they all made it Across to safety!

Buddies reunited!

After five long months...

Best walk in the Garden in a while...

Could not Wait to get home this evening for the Obvious reason... BRANDON'S HOME! But there's always the Spin I take around the gardens to see what's new to Look forward to as well. Tonight I noticed immediately that the Rhododendron hedge is about to Burst open in bloom

Because it's Full of blooms!

In a few days this will be an Explosion of purple!

Looks like we have an Early bird bloomer down here by the Arbor!

And, a late-Bloomer in this azalea that's just about to Pop too!

I love this Time of year... Everything is Gorgeous in the garden and

we can Enjoy it without the extreme Heat that summer brings

I love this time of year for Tadpoles in the pond too!

Every day they are bigger, and Fewer!

Love, love, love Hostas!

and, the way the Evening sun plays in the creek

Every branch is green and Reaching

and the Ferns are awake and Amazing!

It's super-cool over here in the Woodline. This has been

the Best walk in the garden in a while...

Because at the end of my round this evening I see Brandon

in the front yard where he's Walking off his run!

Army Training, Sir. Seeing Brandon do PT in his boots, I just

can't get that line from the movie Stripes out of my head!

No day off from PT for this Soldier

And, that's okay. But I think it's Shower time now!

It's Memorial day weekend and you Know what that means...

it means this family flies Extra flags!

while setting the Table in the solarium Brandon walked up to

greet Bing who was sitting in the window Watching him with me

Brandon said he loves his Dad's garden place...

Some things Never change... I'm cooking, which

means Brandon's in the kitchen with me

It's dinnertime now. And, where's Bing? Right here

on the table - positioned as close to Brandon as he can get

Bing watched Brandon's every bite and didn't leave the Table until he did

Brandon's home. There is Peace and calm again...

and Bing wearing Dogtags

Brandon says this is the Only way to ensure his clothes remain his after

Laundry exercises. That won't be a Problem here at home!

Ready for Brandon!

Tomorrow morning, Brandon will be home. Tomorrow

night he will be back in his Own bed... I cannot Wait!

Best $25 I spent all week!

There are some Great deals posted to the on-line HbI employee classifieds, and on Tuesday I reeled one in! 

I don't know how I missed it when they First hit the market but apparently, Crock Pot (Rival) put out a BBQ pit-style slow Cooker a couple of years ago. Who knew? Evidently, a girl at work knew because she Bought one at Macy*s... For $130.00.

Fortunately for me, she only used it twice and Decided to list it for sale this week for $25, or best offer. I quickly looked it up on-line, read the First customer review I found, (it was a Rave!) and promptly called to Offer her the asking price. After dinner tonight I can confirm for you that it was the Best $25 I spent all week! My friend in Monterey was so excited about it that she asked me to Find her one too, and I did! There are a few listed on e-Bay but most of them list Shipping costs exceeding the cost of the machine! So I searched Craig's List and quickly found one in Glendale for only $15! MC's son lives in Riverside so he's Picking it up tonight. Yea!

The only downside to my new Appliance is that it cannot be used on top of my new Corian island or countertops. Luckily, I haven't yet gotten around to giving away the old Butcher block that topped my kitchen island before, so I was able to station the Cooker on it out in the solarium. Problem solved! 

Any way, I decided to Brine my chicken overnight. I've brined plenty of Turkeys but I've never bothered to brine my Chickens - big Mistake! And, one I vow Never to make again.

1/2 cup Kosher salt, 1/2 cup sugar, Plenty of garlic, some Trader

Joe's chopped basil and Lemon slices go into a Garbage bag  

Add one Whole fryer (I slid a few Lemon slices under the skin) and

one Gallon of cold water. Tie the bag and refrigerate 6-12 hours

Clearly, this Roaster is big enough to hold a Variety of things... I'm thinking

small Turkey, Boston butt, several cornish Hens and maybe two Large chickens!

But for today's maiden Voyage, it's just

this Solo-chicken. See ya in Four hours!

Gotta get back to Work now...

Gracious! The solarium Smells ah-Mazing! Lemon, basil

and Garlic - Yum! And, this is why... I love that it Browned!

I will be Brining and roasting my chickens This way from now on!

Next, we try the Babyback ribs recipe... Stay tuned! 

Someone was Very busy today!

Not only did he Clean the pool, trim and mow the Property but he also

put up Brandon's Airborne graduation gift to us in the hall to the den. I think

someone has Earned himself a roast chicken dinner. What do you think?

Martha just Cost me $400

Must have This

Just watched today's Martha Stewart episode where she featured this Kitchenaid

90th anniversary edition of their Artisan stand mixer. The beautiful Glass bowl and

stunning, Glossy candy apple red Color makes me drool. Darn Martha! 

I have absolutely No idea how to Justify it yet but I must have one!

A little calm...

Calm washes over me with just One look out my Kitchen window...

This time of year there are always Ducks

napping on the lawn. Heaven.

After dinner we ran a few Errands and parked next to the Mystery Machine!

No. Really!

We saw a Shaggy get out with two Girls that might pass

for Velma and Daphne, but Scooby must have stayed home

Sad... But glad to be Home!

This was the Saddest sight yesterday... It was so hard to say Good-bye again. We followed

Brandon out of the hotel Parking lot, and after this light turned Green he went right and we went

Left. But we didn't get too far because just Five minutes later Brandon called to say he missed us already,

and that he forgot to take the Tide we picked up for him at the Commissary out of my truck. After a few

minutes of, we can Turn around/no, don't, it's too much Trouble/I miss you/we miss you too, we turned

around for One more hug and to deliver the Tide. And, that turned into Lunch, and a few more hugs! 

Eventually though we did have to let Brandon get back to his Army life and hit the

road for our Long drive back home. We logged 1,402 miles this trip! On the way home

we stopped back by the Antique shop we shopped in Greenville, SC on the way down. I'd

been thinking of a Little crock I saw but didn't take with me. I remembered the Lady said they

were open on Sunday until five o'clock. The extra hour we Spent with Brandon coupled with Atlanta

traffic and the fact that it Rained the whole way didn't make it Easy but we pulled off at Exit 46C at

4:57PM and made it just in time before they Closed! I think T was worried I was going back for the

Yoda but it truly was all about this crock. Don't have a Spot picked out for it yet, but it was a Must have!

Yes, I know the new white I picked out for the Kitchen is too white... He's almost agreed to repaint

Here is another Must have! This is my Favorite bagged salad mix... I buy it

at Costco at least 2-3 times a week. Sometimes more. Why? It's the dressing! A yummy

salad Dressing I've been hunting three years, since I discovered this salad mix. It's not sold

in Stores. At least it's not Sold in stores between Virginia and Georgia. Because I've looked!

But last week I found it on line, Here! 

My order was Delivered while we were away... 

I'm so happy! And, I'm sending you a couple of Bottles

too! Then, I'm ordering Another case... Or three!

While I was at work Today someone was

working Hard to put the yards back together

Because a lot happens around here in Four days. Whether we're

here to see it or not! Like this for Instance... We don't eat them

but that's just because the Critters get there before we do! 

Standing here on the deck in the Breeze, I swear I just heard... Welcome back!

It's so Good to be back!

My, how his Hostas have grown!

I can't see the Pond any more, they're so big!

Last time I saw this Hosta there was a Big rock

in front of it! Can't see the rock any more...

The forest is Completely dark now that all the leaves are

back. I love the way it Smells and how cool it is over there 

Oh Look! We have Toe-mat-tee-oes now!

And, the pink Mountain Laurel bloomed while we were away too...

Hello fishies!

St. Francis has a Ladybug in his hair!

(click photo to enlarge) 

I've missed my View!

Last of the Dogwood blossoms... Always signals the End of spring

And, what a Spring it's been!

The little Japanese maple in front of the Livingroom

window is full of pretty Leaves now. Look at those Reds!

My ducks are glad we're Home again too!

Yup! I sure do miss Brandon but it's good to be Home and back to this view!