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!

Poor Baby

My sweet girl got snake bitten!

Yesterday afternoon she acted like she could barely walk and I couldn't imagine what was wrong.  She had a look on her face like she was sick.  She laid down on her bed that is on the porch and I noticed a bit of swelling on her neck.  I called my husband to come look and we saw the "bite"  of which she would not let you get near with your hand.  So off they went.....20 miles....during another round of heavy downpour to the vet.

He said it was treated in time, 2 shots and pills for follow up should do the trick.

Meanwhile she remains lethargic and pitiful. (the search will take place this afternoon for the varmit)
You can see the (bite) dark spot above the swelling.

She is so afraid of thunder and lightning and has been spending the evening in the chair with me with her head under a blanket.  Last night when it thundered she got off her bed, gave me a look like "what else can happen" and sauntered into the bedroom closet to sleep.

I am looking forward to family arriving for the weekend, so I am off to clean/cook.  Have a good weekend.....I'll see you all soon.  It's a fish fry, crawfish boil weekend.....yum.

Neighborhood Cellar

I spotted this bus recently and wondered.....are they disposing of this bus or actually making a storm cellar? I had a feeling it was being used as a cellar but today I got the answer.

I decided I just had to have a picture of this....you know, the blogger came out of me! Yes, I was at a 4 way stop and yes highway department trucks were lined up on the side of the road when the crazy lady with the camera rolled her window down!
Just as I got focused....a man appeared.  Don't know if he was just coming out from last nights storm or getting ready for round two...tonight!

I'll bet his neighbors are proud he buried the bus!!! It's bound to be the neighborhood cellar!

Forecast......

Rain

Until Further Notice

Will it ever end?

You have the right to remind me that I made this statement when the annual drought arrives!

Sock Feeder

I'm not sure who likes the new feeder more.....me or the finches!  Usually I buy a sock feeder and when it is empty I throw it away....I have bought many in a season!!!  This year TSC had this neat refillable feeder, and believe me I have to fill it at least every other day. They do love thistle. I love to watch the finches cover the feeder they are so beautiful.  And then the fly up into the tree and make the sweetest little chirps.

Have a great day all!