Colorful Crape Myrtle

Crape Myrtles are exploding with color here in Central Florida right now.



Everywhere we travel around town,
a sea of subtle hues greet us.
These lovely trees dot the landscape from
South Florida all the way up to northern Virgina,
with new varieties being created to withstand more northern conditions.
It seems everyone loves this fantastic bloomer.

In a spectrum of color ranging from crisp white
to deep, dark magenta blooms,
any homeowner can find the perfect shade to add to the garden.

Enjoying full sun, these beauties will keep the flowers coming
through the summer and even into the fall months.

   
Included in the list of Florida-friendly plants,
we have several growing 
in our low-maintenance backyard garden.
Bees and butterflies alike enjoy them almost year-round.




There are a few volunteers in our back bed that need transplanting.
I just love a plant that keeps on giving!

Crape Myrtles can be grown as a shrub,
or if well-pruned, make graceful trees,
allowing the handsome bark to be featured.

With moderate watering needed,
these trees are as easy to care for,
as they are to behold.

We were happy to spy them on vacation in North Carolina,
so we know that when we make our move,
we'll be able to grow them on our property there.
They add a welcoming feeling to any homestead.

Crape Myrtles are one of the best things 
about living in the South.

Here's an informative article about this Southern staple.

Potty Project

We're working on small projects
to make our home more attractive to buyers.
One thing realtors tell sellers is to remove personal photos
and add art pieces instead.
We're not much into art although I love photography,
so I compromised.

These frames were found at one of our favorite thrift stores.

Now, what are the chances that someone who collects otters

would happen upon frames with otters in them?

There are no coincidences...

Another interest of mine is outhouses.

I'm quirky that way.

I had a couple of favorite photos from last year's calendar

and a photo I had taken back on vacation.

The frames were painted a rich chocolate brown.

It may not be everyone's cup of tea,

but we like it.

Still looking for a shelf and a couple of window boxes for above the hamper and potty.

We're gettin' there...

Mac with a Twist

Our grocery store had lobster tails on sale,

Buy One, Get One Free.

We haven't had lobster in years,

but this was a great opportunity to try a new recipe.

I'd seen Ina Garten make some yummy 

 Mac-n-Cheese before on her show.

Since it's one of our favorite comfort foods,

I wanted to try it with a twist.

You can find the original recipe here.

We made the roux with unsalted butter and flour,

just like the original recipe.

We use rice milk instead of cow's milk

to create the cheese sauce.

I didn't have any Gruyere,

so I used our standard Cabot sharp cheddar instead.

I didn't add the breadcrumbs as in the original recipe,

as Big K doesn't care for it that way.

We usually substitute a lot of ingredients in our recipes

due to dietary restrictions and personal preference.

 

I never cooked lobster tails before, but it was easy.

I just steamed them for 15 minutes.

They turned bright red!

Lobster Macaroni and Cheese

(Ina Garten)

Kosher salt

Olive oil

1 pound elbow macaroni

1 quart rice milk

6 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

8 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar, grated (2 cups)

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 1/2 pounds cooked lobster meat

Drizzle oil into a large pot of boiling salted water.

Add the pasta. 

Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan.

In a large pot, melt butter and add the flour.

Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring with a whisk.

Still whisking, add the milk

and cook for a minute or two more,

until thickened and smooth.

Off the heat, add the Cheddar,

1 tablespoon salt, and pepper.

Add the cooked macaroni and lobster and stir well.

Enjoy!

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