Let The Fun Begin

Tomorrow is a long day of travel......but Saturday morning my view should be this.......

Maybe even this.....

Very possibly with one or all of these sitting next to me......

Only worry in the world is the tide gonna reach my chair......

See you soon!

Second Blooms

I love crepe myrtles....I really do.  We had a bit of landscaping done this summer and  they planted 2 nice sized crepe myrtles.  It was 100 degrees at the time, hot wind blowing and the bushes began to suffer.  The leaves started to curl, the blooms were wilted so I got out the pruning shears (actually my scissors).  I cut off all of the blooms and watered the heck out of them.  In no time they began to perk up.  You know transplanting during the blooming season is very hard on plants, much less when the weather is so HOT.

Buds began to reappear:



And blooms opened:



And once again the crepe myrtle blooms:



I trim the blooms off every year when they start to die and get two sets of beauty. I read this in southern living years ago and I'm here to tell you this trick works!! I love it.

Pastel Visitors

I almost missed these two beauties.....





Aren't their colors perfect?

Sometimes you just have to slowdown and look closely to see the beauty right before your eyes.

Side Salad

I've had a page tagged in one of my cookbooks just waiting until I had fresh tomatoes and cucumbers.  After my visit to the farmers market this week I decided to use the cherry tomatoes for this salad.

I knew I would love it cause it has vinegar in it. 



I wasn't disappointed.....it was delicious. (all gone now)

Marinated Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Dressing:
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
3 T sugar
1 T olive oil
1 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper

Salad:
2 cups chopped tomatoes
2 cups chopped cucumbers
1/2 cup finely chopped onion

Combine dressing ingredients and mix well. Combine salad ingredients. Add dressing to salad and mix. Marinate 4 to 24 hours (if you can stay out of it)

I made half a recipe since I figured I would be the only one eating it. Perfect side salad for almost anything.

Magicicada

I try to get outside early in the morning to water the tomatoes, shrubs, flowers, etc. This morning I thought it sure was loud outside. Then I spotted this:



Looked up in the tree and saw another:



I decided this must be the year of the locust. So I came inside and googled year of the locust.....first line of the article was, Do not call Cicada locust. They are not locust!

I wonder if it would be acceptable to call them Katydid?  That's what we always called them/ha
I remember being a Brownie Scout and our meeting place was a little building in the middle of many pine trees.  The year the katydids came we all had a race to see who could collect the most from the trees.  We had so much fun.  The pine trees were covered with them.

From Wikipedia:

The nymphs of the periodical cicadas live underground, often at depths of 30 cm (1 ft) or more, feeding on the juices of plant roots. They stay immobile and go through five development stages before constructing an exit tunnel in the spring of their 13th or 17th year. These exit tunnels have a diameter of about 1–1.5 cm (0.4–0.6 in).

The nymphs emerge on a Spring evening when the soil temperature at about 20 cm (8 in) depth is above 17 °C (63 °F). In most years, this works out to late April or early May in far southern states, and late May to early June in the far northern states. Emerging nymphs climb to a suitable place on the nearby vegetation to complete their transformation into an adult cicada. They molt one last time and then spend about six days in the leaves waiting for their exoskeleton to harden completely. Just after this final molt, the teneral adults are white, but darken within an hour.

Adult periodical cicadas live only for a few weeks—by mid-July, all have disappeared. Their short adult life has one purpose: reproduction. The males "sing" a species-specific mating song; like other cicadas, they produce loud sounds using their tymbals. Singing males of a single Magicicada species form aggregations (choruses) that are sexually attractive to females. Males in these choruses alternate bouts of singing with short flights from tree to tree in search of receptive females. Most matings occur in "chorus" trees.

Receptive females respond to the calls of conspecific males with timed wing-flicks, which attract the males for mating. The sounds of a "chorus"—a group of males—can be deafening and reach 100 dB. In addition to their "calling" or "congregating" song, males produce a distinctive courtship song when approaching an individual female.

After mating, the female cuts V-shaped slits in the bark of young twigs and lays approximately 20 eggs in each, for a total of 600 or more eggs. After about six to ten weeks, the eggs hatch and the newborn nymphs drop to the ground, where they burrow and begin another 13 or 17-year cycle.

Pretty amazing I think.

The ones I am hearing belong to Brood XIX, The Great Southern Brood:  AL, AR, GA, IN, IL, KY, TN, LA, MO, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN, VA.

If you hear them (and believe me you will, if they are in your area)  take the kids out and teach them about the Cicada....it will be 13 years before they reappear!

Farmers Market

After seeing Paula and Bobby Deen frying squash this weekend, I couldn't get it off my mind.  I had to have fresh squash.  My taste buds would not rest until squash was given to them.  ha

Yesterday I went straight to Spring Park where the local farmers market is, in search of squash.  I was just in time and bought the last they had.  You see, the market is a small one.  I think it was larger earlier in the season, but is winding down.







The gentleman that I bought the squash from gave me double what I needed and added a basket of cherry tomatoes to my order. You don't get treatment like that from a store......These farmers have somehow kept there products alive through 100 degree weather with not much rain.... The squash was delicious!



Have you visited a market this summer?

Wordless Wednesday

80 Degrees

Yes, it was 80 degrees for a short while yesterday.  We had a nice rain and the temperature dropped to a very pleasant 80.  It was wonderful.  I turned the a/c off, opened the door and enjoyed  fresh air.



Trixie even went outdoors and enjoyed some time out of the house!

Five deer came out and grazed around the pond. Hummingbirds were circling the feeders making that neat little squeaking noise that I love to hear.

We all enjoyed the break from 100+.

Did you happen to see the moon last night? It was beautiful. Full and oh so bright.



Have a great Friday. I'm going out to mow the yard. I love to mow after a rain, no dust!

Sweet Tea

Relief!
We need a break from this heat wave!!
Iced tea doesn't stay in the pitcher long these days.

Last night I was reading the new issue of Food Network Magazine and saw a section on Tea Tips....thought I would share them with you.

• Don't squeeze tea bags when removing them: The tannins will make your tea taste bitter, plus the bag could break.  (I always squeeze mine....today I won't)
• Brew with filtered or bottle water - the mineral in tap water can make tea bitter or cloudy. (wondered why mine got cloudy....another use for my brita filter)
• Cover iced tea before refrigerating so it won't absorb flavors and aromas from other food...(never covered mine)
• Drink the tea within two to three days....(no problem here)
• Serve chilled tea in a pitcher without ice to avoid diluting the flavor: add ice to the serving glasses.

I didn't know there was so much to know about a simple pitcher of tea/ha

Now let's talk brand of tea.  You know how faithful I am to brands!  It's always been Lipton for me. 
Last week as I was in the tea section of Wal Mart a gentleman made the comment he was looking for Luzianne and I replied, "I'm a Lipton fan".  He said he was in a restaurant and commented on how great their tea tasted and they said it was Luzianne.  I noticed he put a large box of Lipton in his buggy and walked on....lol

I think I've told you about Paula Deen's Sweet Tea recipe being so good but didn't share it with you;

Bring 4 cups water to a boil , add 2 family size tea bags, turn off heat, place lid on and allow to steep for 1 hour.  Remove tea bags (don't squeeze), pour into a pitcher, add 1 cup sugar and 4 cups of cold water.  I use 1/2 cup, seems sweet enough to me.

Well that sums up Tea 101 for today.  Mine has been steeping for an hour so I'm off to add the sugar.
Have a great day and try to stay cool!

Hello Everyone!

Are you as busy as I am? 
 I hope you are having as much fun as I have been having. I've missed you and have to get caught up with what is going on in blog land......computer time is just hard to come by!
 I promise to  share photos of the past two weeks with you but for now I have to tell you about the book I finished last night!

"You don't have to be a sports fan or a war-history buff to devour this book - you just have to love great storytelling." Rebecca Skloot

"This one-in-a-billion story....seems designed to wrench from self-respecting critics all the blurby adjectives we normally try to avoid: It is amazing, unforgettable, gripping, harrowing, chilling, and inspiring." New York   (Amen)

This book is at the top of my all time favorites.  It's the kind that years from now when someone asks me for a recommendation of a good read, I will automatically say "Unbroken".  

I feel it is just a matter of time before a movie is made of this remarkable man's life.  I  want you all to read it.....NOW.....what are you waiting for?  ha

Shish-Ka-Bob

I don't know why I don't cook ka-bobs more often....cause I love them so very much!
I tried a new marinade that will be used many, many more times. I wanted to share it with you;

Ginger-Soy Marinade

1/2 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp minced garlic
2 tsp minced fresh ginger
1 tsp freshly grated lemon peel

Place all ingredients in food-safe plastic bag with steak and refrigerate for 6 to 24 hours.



The meat was so tender it was hard to remove it from the skewer without falling apart. I know those little steaks from Sam's are tender and delicious and don't know if the marinade contributed to the tenderness but it was definitely one of the best ka-bobs ever from my grill.

We had a much welcomed relief from the extreme heat today....rain, 75 degrees.....very, very pleasant!
I wish we could have a day like today often.

Mean Green!

They appear overnight and do much damage........



On most evenings I water my tomato plants and look carefully around the pots for "the sign"



The sign is easily spotted unlike the worm....I skipped one evening and darn if that wasn't the night they devoured the tops of my plants. They go for the newest leaves and can strip a plant in no time! They blend with the leaves and stems and are very hard to see. If you do find one, keep searching, there will be more.



I am baffled at where these critters come from?

BLT + E

BLTs are just my all time favorite sandwich.  Especially when the tomatoes are vine ripened and oh so fresh.
But have you ever made BLTs for breakfast?  If not you really must try them.  Beat an egg as if to make omelet, cook until set and add to your BLT.....oh my, so delicious!



You will thank me for this one!

 Beware, they are habit forming!

Elle Dee Photography

Wouldn't you love to have a dear friend that was the most talented person you know?  Lucky for my daughter, Carrie, she has just such a friend.  This friend, Lindsay, has also started a photography business.  She loves to experiment with lighting, new equipment, etc.  Guess who gets to be the subject on many occasions?  Yep you guessed it, my sweetpea.

Last night she wanted to try her new lens out.  Now folks these pictures give Nanny chills.  Lindsay has always been able to capture Lila's personality and I am able to sit at the computer and just soak it all up.

If you have a minute, click on this link and take a look at the extremely talented work by elle dee photography. 

http://elledeephotographyblog.blogspot.com/

Good, uh?
If you have a need for some great photos give them a call.  I promise you will not be disappointed!

Special pictures of mother and daughter!!   Today is Carrie's  birthday and I want to wish her the best possible birthday ever.  I hope you are having a wonderful day. Just  know that you are loved and appreciated more than words can express!

Daily Dose of Lycopene

It's the time of the year for a good dose of lycopene, one of the most powerful natural antioxidants.  Lycopene has been shown to improve the skin's ability to protect against harmful UV rays. With the heat wave we are having, we need all of the protection we can have against the harmful rays.

 I love, love sliced tomatoes sprinkled with salt, pepper then chilled. A plate of these beauties goes well with any meal (in my opinion). 
South Arkansas grows the best tomatoes you can ask for. I look forward to buying a box to have until my tomatoes are ripe. The green ones in the picture below are mine....not yet ripe. I will enjoy Warren tomatoes in the meantime.





I have been battling vertigo this week.....have you ever had it?  Awful!  Sunday I didn't move from the bed.  Laid very still facing the front, not turning head in the least.  Monday I staggered around and finally went to the Dr.  I couldn't imagine what was wrong with me.  I'm thankful it wasn't anything serious.  He gave me some exercises to do to help.  Can't believe there are exercises for dizziness.....I don't think they burn many calories but oh well if I can walk straight and turn my head again I'll be happy!!

The Uncola

7Up has always been a favorite of mine. Growing up there weren't many illnesses or problems a cold 7UP couldn't cure...(this came from my mom) I grew to believe this through the years.

I was so excited when Celebrity Apprentice had the 7Up Retro challenge. I love both of the Retro packaging and this week they were on the shelves at Wal Mart. I opted to buy John Rich's 80's carton.

Isn't it cool?




Next time I'll buy Marlee's 70's design.

I'm going to save a can or two of each. Bound to be collectible don't you think?

My Sweetpea

Last week was another fun, special visit with family.

It was my daughter's last week of work, therefore the last time for Lila and I to run around the city alone. From now on there will be three generations of girls having fun, fun, together.

We did the usual; shopping, park, spray park, reading many books.
Lila's vocabulary is growing in leaps and bounds. For instance, she can tell you who the president is....rockomama. It's just so cute and fun to talk to her. 21 months old, going on 4! How many times did I hear..."how about, (pause) read a book". She loves her books and I am so glad that she has developed this love.

Notice the pink fingernails.....she brought me the polish and said...this, this.  So of course nanny obliged and painting those sweet little nails.

So now it's back to mowing, cooking, cleaning and counting the days until I see Sweetpea.

Problem Not Solved

I still cannot comment!!! It takes me to the sign in screen then back to comment where it is written by anonymous.  Can't even comment as anonymous.  I don't know how I was able to create post!!
Is anyone else having this problem?  Were you able to resolve it?

Frustrated!!

Blogger.......what's the problem?

Does anyone know what the heck is going on with blogger?  I haven't been able to sign in for over a week.  I couldn't comment or create a new post!!!  And then just now out of the blue, I get the comment that I must sign in.....DUH.....

I've been here....I've been trying to read your blogs....I've been trying to comment.....I've been pulling my hair out!  

Maybe....just maybe, whatever the problem was has been repaired. 

Ok, I'm off to catch up with you all!

Nanny

p.s. I'm in the HOT state of Texas trying to stay cool.  
Posts to follow soon!

Here We Go Again

Day after day after day!!!!

Salido Creek

When we had the flooding last month I headed to the creek to see it flowing.  And flowing it was!  There was no one there on this particular day but since the weather has warmed up, I'll bet the rope is being put to the test.





Look at the steps built to get out to the rope....pretty good uh?



Can you just imagine how much fun is had by swinging out and dropping into the fresh cool water? I'm going to have to go back and get some action shots.

Did you ever swim in a creek?  The only time I did was at Eureka Springs where the water is frigid but we had so much fun. 

Have a great Friday all.

Messy!

How did I become so messy? Why do I use every bowl I have to make one casserole? Why am I so slow?

I had our dinner planned and ready to assemble. Pioneer Woman's Chicken Spaghetti. Yum! No big task, pretty simple. Then I started using bowls like crazy and before I knew it the kitchen was awful. Plus it took me forever to boil, chop, stir, grate and finally pour it in the casseroles. I used to be fast and neat in the kitchen, I really did. What happended? It's not age is it? Don't answer that.... Do any of you have these issues?



Luckily this recipe makes enough for dinner tonight and one for the freezer. So some night soon, I'll pop it out of the freezer and hopefully won't make a mess just adding cheese on top and baking.



If you haven't tried this wonderful dish I am including the link here.  I did notice that PW only used 1 bowl, 1 measuring cup, 1 colander, and 1 pan........wow, she's good!

Time Flies.......

Where did the last week go?  Honestly, I feel like I blinked and it was gone.

Company for a couple of days, run errands, visit the nursery for hanging baskets, get a haircut, clean house, pay bills..........and not a minute to spare for the computer. 

I stepped outdoors last week and was just taken away by the fragrance of honeysuckle and wild hedges.  They are in full bloom and smell so sweet! My yard seems to be surrounded with these and I'm loving it.





My hostas are growing in leaps and bounds. I guess the rain and cool weather are just perfect for them. This one is taller and fuller than it has ever been. Isn't it beautiful?



I found great hanging baskets this year. I decided I wanted a change from the usual petunias. The combinations caught my eye. I love all of the colors.





I couldn't resist this lovely pink basket when the lady told me not to water it.....let it be relatively dry....I can handle that....ha



Well I am off to visit all of you and see what your week was like.
Hope you are having a great Monday!

Beware

Late at night while you're sleeping....poison ivy comes creeping.....

Do any of you remember this song? Since I saw this dangerous vine I have been singing Poison Ivy. 

I can't believe I walked right by this tree.  I trembled when I saw it.  I have become so allergic to ivy in the last few years.  I use to run to the Dr. and get a shot but my present Dr. doesn't like to give steroid shots....too many side effects!  He says use this cream, blah, blah, blah.




Anyway to make a long story short, I was talking to an old friend one day and she said, "girl all you need is vitamin e hairspray to cure your outbreak".  Needless to say I headed straight for the beauty supply store to purchase this spray.  Guess what?  It worked.  Just spray the area, it dries and leaves a film on your skin....I sprayed mine often....  Talk about an inexpensive cure!



That tree is not in my yard......or it would be soaked in roundup by now!!!

Have a good day all and beware of the ivy!!

Macro Monday - Dandelion

Weeds thrive where grass dares to grow

Join Lisa with many great Macro Monday shots at Lisa's Chaos

Wishing you all a wonderful Monday



Map Dot

Yes, I live in a small community sometimes called a Map Dot! We have 3 traffic lights, 4 gas stations , 3 banks, 3 dollar stores and one grocery store.  The closing of I40 from Little Rock to Memphis has been an event to say the least.  All west bound traffic has been rerouted through our community.  Poor truckers reported on the evening news that it took them 4 1/2 hours to drive 120 miles yesterday.  The stop lights are not helping.



Traffic was backed up for 8 miles yesterday.........
There was a total of 10 state troopers at two stop lights...directing the truckers. I got a laugh from this man in the middle of the highway, map in hand, getting directions.



As they inch along, they have had ample time to see the countryside and floodwater.

This shot sums it up. Hip boots on sleeves rolled up, trying to save as many homes as possible. These guys are walking up a driveway between the following two houses.




Look at the fence....they just moved in this house recently. For insurance purposes they had to build the foundation up...I know they are thankful!


This cabin was built on 8 foot stilts....





Have a good Friday all!