They Survived!

Last summer we had the flower beds redone. As the guys were digging out the existing plants, I asked that they please save my jonquil bulbs. When I got home that afternoon there was 5 wal mart plastic bags filled with bulbs on the porch. I couldn't believe that my small bed had that many bulbs. They really needed to be dug up and transplanted but I never got around to it. So as fall approached I knew I needed to get the bulbs in the ground. Finally I tackled the project. I bought a bulb planting little shovel and started digging. When I planted all I wanted I had only used a small portion of one sack......then I wondered....will they live.....will they come up next year?

Yesterday morning I happened to look at the bed and wow, look what I saw!

I went outside to inspect the beauties and found one big bunch that got overlooked.

The bed is filled with shoots popping out of the ground. 

I am so happy to see that they survived.  Now I wonder if the rest of the bulbs still in the sacks will live until next fall?  What do you think?  If they do I am going to plant bulbs everywhere.

All this means that snowfall is approaching.  When they bloom we get snow every year!!! Oh My!

Eagles

Last week I read in our local paper that a pair of eagles had been spotted at a pond near the city. I forgot all about reading it until I was driving by and saw people with binoculars watching the beautiful birds.

Looks like he (or she?) is standing guard.

They never flew while I was there.  Just sat and looked pretty for the camera!

The pond is fenced and I was quiet a ways from them....hence the quality of zooming...

Signs

As I dream of summer, I remember this sign!!  Gotta be my favorite!

I'm linking with Leslie at signs, signs

Milk and Butter

Guess what this is?

Fresh from the cow.......whole milk!

We spent Saturday night with my husband's stepbrother and his new wife. She has a very interesting mother and dad. They live on many acres, off the beaten path, with no electricity or running water. They raise cows, chickens...have a huge garden and are completely self sufficient. They live this lifestyle by choice and are very happy. They raise and sell a rare tea that has strong cancer fighting properties. They have a waiting list of customers wanting the tea. (I wish I had written down the name of it but.....)

This brings me to the milk part of the story. I don't recall ever having fresh whole milk. Brother in law skimmed off the cream, which was 3 or 4 inches deep and asked me if I'd like a taste of the remaining milk. Of course I had to taste, which led to a big glass. It was so delicious. It had a rich taste almost like a malt flavor and I loved it. I could drink that milk everyday. He said they feed the cows the correct foods (don't know what those are) to make them produce the best milk they can. I'd say they are spot on cause it was yummy.

Of course you can't have fresh milk without:

Yes, you're right....butter. And yes, I put it on my biscuit along with homemade strawberry preserves. What a wonderful flavor.

I can't wait to go back and visit them when fresh vegetables are plentiful.  All organic, homegrown locally by family members......Welcome to the family Cathy!

Another Week Gone

Hope you are having a good one!

It's been a busy one for me!

Office work-----ugh!

Soup VS Caramel

I felt the need to tell you that the Fat Burning Soup I made yesterday is delicious.  Filled with cabbage, stewed tomatoes, bell pepper, onion and broth with so much flavor.  I didn't get hungry before bed either.  The recipe states, "eat all you want, the more you eat the more you lose".  (my kind of recipe)

Today I found all the ingredients for Jillian's Water recipe and it is very pleasant.  Just a mild flavored water.  If I can't get the entire 60 oz. down per day I will at least have a pitcher of it ready to drink at all times.....

All this leads up to my husband coming home for lunch and asks me, "have you ever had homemade caramels"?
No, I replied, don't think I have.  A customer gave him a sack which he brought in and said "taste these".  Oh my, folks.....I forgot all about water and soup.....I love caramels but I didn't know they could ever taste this good!

 
The dark ones are cinnamon....haven't tried those yet.

I try, I really do, but bottom line is - my will power is lacking!

Anticipation

I love anticipation!
I think it is a fun emotion.
I had great anticipation about the new year and my work out plan.  I finally got rid of the dust collecting treadmill. In its place is a brand new elliptical.  The twisted knee put that plan on hold (but only temporarily)

The anticipation of planning a vacation is one of  favorites.  I can spend hours reading about the destination, planning and packing.  Oh how I wish I had a date set for my next vacation.....gonna have to work on that one.

This morning I was overcome with anticipation to take a big bite of my poached egg. This one cooked perfectly. Mouth watering, snapped a few shots and then......

In a flash, that egg was gone....so good!

Last but not least I am anticipating having my pantry stocked with all the items needed for my new recipes on the list:
Fat Burning Soup
7 Day Shred Soup
WW Garden Vegetable Soup
Dr. Oz Fat Buster Soup
and
Jillian Michaels, lose 5# in 7 days Water concoction. (60 oz. per day)

I'm not going to live on soup but I will have the ingredients on hand.  I will keep making my meat and potato husband his favorites but some nights I'll have soup!!

'Tis The Season

But not the one you are thinking of.....
In my neck of the woods, it is:

Duck Season

On our Sunday afternoon drive we saw the fields were covered with geese but didn't see any ducks.

As we drove by them, they would get up and fly a few feet then land.

I wish I had some whole ducks that were picked for me.  Boiling a whole duck and using the broth for dressing makes the richest best dressing ever.  I have learned one thing , men don't like to pick ducks. I have friends that give me duck breasts, but aren't interested in picking me any. (Oh well, it doesn't hurt to ask)

My yard is filled with robins.  I love to watch them run about looking for worms and insects.  They have enjoyed splashing and drinking from our little pool.

Is there some sort of calculation to figure when spring will arrive based on the robins? I'm glad they are here.......my yard has been void of any birds for weeks and weeks.

No Frosting Required!

I am not a frosting person.  I think it goes back to childhood.  I remember two cakes that were popular at our house. One was angel food (yum, still love it) and the other was a store bought, loaf shaped, marble pound cake.  I could eat the entire cake (not that big) ha.   It was so moist and delicious.   I've had a bundt cake recipe for years and I pull it out of the file occasionally and always enjoy it while dreaming of that marble pound cake........

Fresh pecans, a touch of cinnamon, moist and delicious. (easy too)

Bundt Cake

1 box yellow cake mix
3/4 cup oil
3/4 cup water
1 box instant vanilla pudding
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp butter extract

Beat together all, except the eggs. Add eggs next, one at a time and then beat 8 minutes. Pour a small amount of oil in pan and add chopped pecans.

Mix 1/4 cup sugar & 2 tsp of cinnamon together. I think I only used about half of this mixture.

Pour in part of batter, sprinkle cinnamon mixture, then repeat.

Bake 350 degrees for 60 minutes.

There is an exception to my statement of not liking frosting......Betsy's Chocolate Cake.
If you haven't made this chocolate cake, you really must!

Annual Slatkin Sale

I am out of my favorite body wash from Bath and Body Works, so I made a quick trip to the store this morning.  Guess what is on sale?  Yep, candles....3 wick jars for $8.00! Can you say bargain?  So of course I had to have a couple.  One for the kitchen and one for the bath or bedroom.  They had good scents on sale this year.  Sometimes it is just leftover christmas ones but these two were too good to pass up.  I mean you know how I love candles.

The body wash was on sale too! I love all of the lavender vanilla products. They are supposed to relax and calm you promoting sleep. I'll have to admit the scent is very calming.

Oh What A Beautiful Morning

When I looked out this morning, I almost broke out in song!

If this is an indication of the day, it is going to be perfect!

I have been limping around since Saturday (twisted my knee again)  I try to use crutches but gosh they hurt almost as much as my knee.  I finally broke down and made an appointment with a specialist for later this month.  I am tired of this knee failing me.  I don't look forward to any part of a knife but everyone assures me it is a breeze.............

Welcome 2012 !

Hard to believe uh?
It was so hard to say 2000 and wow 11 years have literally flown by.  Please slow down years.  You barely get started and then you are gone.
The turkey, ham, dressing, pies, cakes, black eyed peas are all gone....(thank goodness)  I am ready for a big plate of nachos, tacos or spaghetti, how about you.

The holidays were so much fun this year.  Having a two year old around makes them perfect.  I wish you could have seen her eyes when she spotted the pink kitchen Santa left her.  Oh it was fun! 

Sweetpea stayed a few days with Nanny and we sang jingle bells more times than I can count. (that's her favorite)  especially when I danced around and shook the strand of jingle bells (ha)

One of the highlights of the week was taking her for a haircut. She was a little angel.  Sat in the chair and didn't move a muscle.  Once she whispered to me..."nanny, it feels good"....All girl!  I think she would enjoyed a manicure too. (We'll put that on our list)

 Admiring her new "do".

2012 is sure to be a great year, Lila is having a baby brother in May!!!! Yes, Nanny will have 2 granddaughters and two grandsons.....Life is Good.