Thursday, May 31, 2012

Thrifty Thursday

A while back,
we put up a clothesline,
after finding out that it cannot be prohibited by our HOA.
One small step for us,
one giant leap for Mother Earth.
Hanging clothes out is one of my very favorite daily tasks.
Out there with the birds singing and the breeze blowing
with the sun warming your back,
it just brings a bit of joy into my life.
What can I say, simple things fill my heart.

I'd been thinking about getting an indoor rack for smaller loads
as well as for hanging unmentionables.
 Along with more humid weather coming our way on a regular basis,
it's handy to have one for inside the house
so that we can still use our dryer less.





Lil' Guy  and I took a trip to the thrift store yesterday
and this was waiting for me.



It fits squarely in our bathtub,
but it could easily be used on the patio in cooler weather.



One quick scrubdown and this $1 bargain was ready to use.
I am one happy chick today!

Hope you find something to brighten your day!



Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Bloomin' Tuesday

Just about a year ago, we had a pump installed.
It's paid for itself in that time.
Big K asked me to find something to surround the exposed pump area.
I found this native grass.




I was told it was blue-eyed grass,
but it's not blue and it doesn't look like
the other blue-eyed grass I have.





Whatever it may be, I love the blooms.




It's so delicate.




Never seen anything like it.





Here's how it started out.



Here's how it looks now.
I could see using this as a border
elsewhere in the garden.





One of the earliest sunflowers in our yard this season.




With the expected rains coming,
I'll be planting more of these throughout the garden.




Native salvia




Thyme in flower






Yup, change is in the air...





Monday, May 28, 2012

Sloppy Poppys

As you celebrate your Memorial holiday
with a picnic or day at the beach,
please remember those who gave all
for our great country.
God Bless Veterans









We will have an indoor picnic today,
as we expect rain.
This is a recipe from 30 Minute Meals,
but as usual, we adapt to our dietary needs.
We call 'em Sloppy Poppys.
It hits the spot with some homemade
potato or carrot salad.
Enjoy!



Sloppy Joe Di Maggios
(Rachael Ray)

1 T olive oil
1 chopped onion
1 T chili powder
3 T Worcestershire
2 lbs. ground turkey
1 T steak seasoning
3 T sucanat
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz.)

Heat oil in deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Add meat and brown.  Add onions and cook to soften,
5-6 minutes.  In a bowl, mix spices, sucanat,
Worcestershire and tomatoes. 
Pour sauce over meat and simmer a few minutes.
Serves 8-10

***For the vegetarian version, I use Boca crumbles and omit
the Worcestershire.  You can also add black beans.

Mary’s Kitchen


Simple Saturdays Blog Hop

circa 2011 The ORIGINAL Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop






Friday, May 25, 2012

Master Gardener Plant Sale

Last weekend,
the local Master Gardeners had their yearly sale.
Always a good reason to visit the extension center.

 










These native mondo grass plants were picked up
for a good price.




This canna was purchased for our dear neighbor
who has a green thumb like you wouldn't believe!

Hope you get to attend some spring garden shows soon!




Thursday, May 24, 2012

Antique Fair

Last weekend, I had time to stroll downtown Bartow,
which is about 20 minutes from where we live.
It's the county seat and once a month
they host an antique fair in the street.
Nothin' wrong with browsing, eh?


It was just cool and shady enough
to be able to wander through
the various offerings. 
I have a need to be outside at least part of each day.




Love the retro look of this set.



I wished I had asked the vendor
what this thing-a-ma-jig was.
Anyone know?

Hope you can enjoy some outside time today!