A Bucket Load of Photos

I've had a big case of blogging blahs. I'm not sure why I decided to take some photos and post but here they are. I think I did this for my sisters who ask what's growing. Read on if you dare. This is when this really turns into a family blog.

Basil about to flower so I'd better start clipping and either drying or make some pesto. I need you Dori to help me make your delish pesto.

The zucchini is producing well and we are fortunate to really like this vegetable. My little bell peppers are so small, a very old plant, but they do turn red and are so sweet.

1 year old jasmine plants have bloomed well and fragranced the back yard with their heavenly aroma. They are climbing well.

I know this looks so tacky but it's what I do so the sun won't scorch the gardenia.

My precious mom loved gardenias and so do I.

Zucchini plants.

Bougainvillea never fails to gladden my heart with it's intense color.

My surprise to realize my cherry tomato is orange. This really tastes good.

Okay sisters, here's what you've been waiting fore...the Cape Plumbago. It's growing like mad even with all my trimming. Such an outstanding blue color.

Here's T.kitty eating outside with Cisco watching from within. There is no truce between the cats so we just keep them separated. Plus, I didn't tell you that a couple of weeks ago Hazel went AWOL and was gone from one evening until about 11 a.m. the next morning. Oh how we fretted. Cats haven't been allowed outside since and they sorely miss their outside time.

Ive become quite fond of T.kitty but she is so, so frightened. She came within 3 feet of me to eat this weekend but I dared not move. I'm trying to win her over. I just know she would love my kitty-caresses.

Did you remember my desire for a bell jar - cloche? I've seen a few but they have been more pricey than I want to invest. Well, I found this and I think it once fit onto a cheese board. Do you think I can get away with it being a cloche?

Oh, here we are back at more plants. This purple beauty was just starting to bloom as Cindy left so she'll want this update.

What a fun time at grand-Tessa's talent show at school. Her group did a fun dance routine. I was too far away to get a good picture. They danced to Walk Like An Egyptian.

We had an enjoyable evening when grand Bryan was inducted into
National Honor Society. Yeah Bryan!

Just a couple more funnies of Cisco and Hazel napping on the end tables.

I've always liked the looks of these stair baskets and wanted one.
Well, to my delight I found one on a thrifting trip a couple weeks ago.
After having it a while I decided I didn't really want it so it's on its way to
The Painted Porch.

There you go with a little update.
I'm spending time trying to prepare for the family reunion and feeling blessed. Sending you dears love, MomEtc.

Kissed Cindy goodbye at the airport yesterday and then missed her all day. I warned her I'm not good at goodbyes and would call often. So thankful for the ability to talk to all my long-distant family; it helps my heart so much.

Here's just a few little images of the week that were captured on the cell phone.

Trevlyn's generosity of FRESH eggs from her "girls". Another great chop salad from Cindy. She is the QUEEN OF SALADS! I'll post the recipe at Knight's In The Kitchen as soon as I get it.

Fun day in Scottsdale first at PV Town Hall to see an exhibition by Dave McGary. I'll have to get you more info on that soon.

The Borgata is always interesting and we really like Two Plates Full for fun and colorful inspiration.

Next we went to Kierland Commons for more fun shopping. I did the window shopping routine but that too was fun. At Anthropology I spotted this book On Guerrilla Gardening and decided that is the way I garden. Planting and growing anything, anywhere it or I want it. Random. This pillow was from Crate and Barrel, more flowers and colors. Just waiting to see if Cindy or Skippie make something like this.

And this chair at Anthropology also caught my attention. Loved it. Didn't even look at the price tag. I'll just have to admire it from afar. I think I'm sold on flowers.

Today my little grandgirl had an upset tummy and couldn't go to school so we're together. I'm off to read to her from an American girl book (garage sale find) in the sunshine filled backyard. Would love to hear what you're up to today. Wishing you happiness.

This And That...

Can I be brief???? Attempting. Saturday evening great swim and barbecue at Bishop Bagley's. Beautiful remodeled kitchen, well done Sh'ree, and delightful friends with which to visit. Sunday, Father's Day was a lovely church day and I always look forward to the children singing "I'm So Glad When Daddy Comes Home". After my ward meetings were over I ran to the singles ward and partook of their Munch and Mingle and SLK's good lesson. All that was topped with a delicious Low Country Boil and family fun at the Nally's that evening. Monday the AZ grands and Trevlyn were here for a mid morning swim and Barro's pizza for lunch. Barro's is such a family tradition. Love having the grands here. Wish, wish more lived closer!!! Today, Tuesday is cloudy, so far and it made Kirby and my walk so much more comfortable. I'm taking sister-friend Kendra M to a doctor appointment. This beautiful lady lives with M.S. and in spite of that has the best outlook and beautiful smile. Her dear husband is our ward scout leader and has all the boys from the ward at camp this week so it is a privilege to step in for him and help Kindra. When I posted about what the family was up to I forgot to add the photo of Dori's garden. I just LOVE when the next generation carries on the traditions. I hear Andy and Annette's corn is as high as an elephants thigh :) Happy wishes to all.

Half of Dori's garden. Well done Girl!!!

This And That...

Today I'm "growing" my sourdough starter and you may just be on the receiving end of this. I hope I can remember who asked for one of my starters!!! I'm also making the San Fransisco style sourdough bread. The recipe is here, you just have to scroll down a bit to find it. Actually, the two previous post are soooo worth a look at. I highly recommend these recipes!

Now just a bit of photo catch up on last week. SLK and I joined the singles ward at Oceanside Ice rink in the east valley. One of the members of the ward plays on a club hockey team and a large group of the members turned out to support him and the team for the ward Family Home Evening activity. It was a great game, we won, our guy scored the first 4 goals and it was freezing. Even I kept a sweater on the entire time and loved it.
SLK with the help of Mark took out the remaining stump of my only shade tree. Aaahhh the sadness of lost shade by the pool but I know it was a very messy tree. So appreciate that good help Mark.They found a nest-with-egg. Trevlyn said it was probably a dove nest since they are known for making rather shabby nests and this was loose and shabby. They put it back, along with a found egg on the ground that we figured fell out. If that egg/birdie survives it will probably have shaken-birdie-syndrome.

Jake and Tessa enjoyed the overnighter. We ate out at Chile's Friday and the kids menu there is always a hit with our grands. Evening swim followed and it's always fun to swim and watch the sky turn dark and the blue pool light turn on. These photos are from Saturday morning.

Jake and Grandpa made a run to LaMar's donut shop early then both headed off to clean the church building. What a happy surprise to see how enthused a 10 year old could be to do that. A blessing all around. Here are my pool aliens.

After tree removal and swim came the big move. Linny's old, huge, metal, heavy office desk was moved to Jake's room/house. I think Jake's best find was a small bottle of men's cologne in the desk drawer. It was still good and he's loving it. My best find was a tin of King Leo peppermint sticks. Yes, they were still good too. I didn't need them now did I!!

Here's Jake, the desk and the just painted room. They are fast workers! How fun to have Aunt Linny's hand-me-down desk and Aunt Dori's hand-me-down pole lamp. What treasures.

Wishing you a happy Monday. 3

Hello Monday

Just reporting in so certain family members that are dearly loved won't fret over no new post. I'm stretching here since I don't have much to share. This photo of a biplane weather vane is cool since it reflects back on our childhood home in Nez Perce, Idaho, our crop duster dad and a similar weather vane on our home. Thought you'd enjoy it.
Off to do errands, especially visiting Dr. Greg and getting some allergy med for scratching Kirby.

Oh I could tell you I tried to put up another (2nd) match stick shade outside my East facing kitchen window. It's extremely rocky and uneven there but with shade, hammer and nails I hauled the ladder around (hitting Kirby, ouch) and wasn't successful which surprised me. Only a small fall and no damage. I'll try again. What I was successful at was finding a nest of ants and my poor ankle is still smarting from a couple of bites. Nasty little things. I sprayed them . . . so there.

Busy Time

I am safely home. Grateful for the visit, the fun, the love. Busy time right now and hope to share details and photos of the trip soon. I actually feel no pressure to blog right now so call if you need to hear from me.

Warm Cocoon

Leisurely morning with family, flowers and trusty dog.
Lunch at Macayo's - killer Baja sauce on green corn tamale and chili relleno.
Shopping for authentic zori's - found at Wal*greens.
Deals at Ross.
Two more paint samples from Home De*pot.
Painting sample patches. I think I've found thee one. Warm Cocoon.
Loving Cindy's eye for design and color. Great talent and she so freely shares.
Me greatly appreciative.
The best left-overs for dinner on the patio.
Citrus blossoms entertaining my nose.
Windows open and cool breeze.
Feeling very thankful!

1.17.09

What fun to find that talented daughter Trevlyn gave me a blog over while I was sleeping. Love it and thanks much Sweetie.

Last night I watched, again, You've Got Mail. I've lost count how many times I've seen it and it just may be one movie I will never tire of. It's also fun to discover new things about the movie...like just what great music there is in it. And the final scene, try to name the flowers in the park...for you flower fans like me. And that Brinckley, such a fun dog.

Wishing you a wonderful Saturday (...the day to get ready for Sunday). 3

Lucky Day

I had my morning planned out and then got a call that changed it a bit. SLK needed his laptop and asked me to meet him halfway to pass it off. Of course I dashed off and gladly did that but due to another appointment I lost my walk time with Kirby. We'll handle it. On the way home there was a car in front of me with this personalized licence plate - LUKYDAY. I love it. What a great attitude about each and every day. And after a couple of days of running around for the ward Christmas party I did get lucky and found good, old fashioned jingle bells at Wally's. Did you know I was sustained as ward activities chair with a ward dinner for 250 people and program to put together in just 12 days!!! Boy am I grateful to great friends who are helping with this...bless their hearts.

How To Tell If . . .

. . . you are Mom's favorite!
Hope your Saturday has been good. 3

He's Got The Whole World In His Hands

I've been having some opinions about Earth Day, going "green" and myself. I'm just a little too busy to put it all together this week. Do you think it inappropriate to do an Earth Day post the week after? I send you love and wishes for doing all things as well as possible. Smiling big. Happy day. 3

Need A New Car?

VW CAR FOR SALE IN IRELAND

The following is an actual advertisement in an Irish Newspaper..!
Car for sale - In Ireland
1985 Blue Volkswagen Golf
Only 15 km
Only first gear and reverse used
Never driven hard
Original tires
Original brakes
Original fuel and oil
Only 1 driver
Owner wishing to sell due to employment lay-off
Photo Attached




And by-the-way, I've always wanted to go to Ireland. Bed and Breakfast, tours, walks, better remember to bring an umbrella; there's a reason it is so lushly green. Thanks Wendy T. for sharing this with me.

Dreaming

This past week I've been thinking and talking about picnic tables. When I live in an area with such a long season of temperate weather that is conducive to outdoor eating I really think such a table - that could fit a boat-load of family - would be appropriate and fun. Almost seems necessary :)

But why get a picnic table (unless some generous person gifted me with a ginormous one like Jody received) when I could have a table and assorted chairs. Come to think of it, I am already on my way to a supply of assorted chairs. Do you think this is too grandiose of/for me? I happen to love it. This first table even comes with the umbrella hole in the center which would be very handy.

Fresh from the country backyard. I'm feeling this. Spread that potluck out and enjoy. What specialty would you bring to my table...food wise?

Seats 12!!! I could fill this baby up real fast and I like the brick patio. Notice the "Papa" palm in the background. Sweet memories.
Anyone know of an old table waiting for curb-side pick up that I could bring home and paint this delightful robins egg blue. The grands could help me distress the edges.

Well, it doesn't hurt to dream does it? Can you come over for a family dinner outside. The blankets on the grass worked pretty well didn't they? 3

I Wasn't Expecting Any of This

I looked up from preparing dinner to see two ducks enjoying a dip in my pool. This is the third time to my knowledge that we've had such visitors. I wasn't expecting this.
A few weeks ago I bought a head of red cabbage. That's always funny since it's purple. Anyway, I used it several times in salads but then left it wrapped in a baggie knowing cabbage has a long shelf life in the refrig. Well, what a surprise when I just got it out and found that it had sprouted. It's practically blooming and rather beautiful. Now I wasn't expecting that either. Have you ever seen a cabbage do this? It had been a clean cut, entirely cut off the top third of the cabbage head.Last night the N's brought our lovely Miss T over for the evening so they could have a dinner out prior to Saturday night stake conference session. They brought along Snowball. I wasn't expecting that either. All turned out well and you won't be surprised that I had the Hollywood treats out and had begun training. . . without permission but figured it'd be fine.
These were all surprises I liked. Keeping life interesting. I still can't get over that cabbage.