You Never Know What You'll Find When You Clean

I didn't realize I hadn't posted yesterday till Momo called this evening and pointed it out.

I was busy most of the day cleaning house so I could do Biology homework. I decided I couldn't concentrate or even begin to study until I had rid the house of the accumulation of dog hair. Blue is a long-haired dog, and according to the amount of dog hair I retrieved from the floor and carpet, should be bald about now.


Anyway--I always move the sofa to get the tumbleweed-like dog hair that tries to hide from the vacuum, and out came this lizard! I ran for the camera and snapped this picture. I then decided I could get a much better look with the zoom lens, and when I left the room, he did as well.



I found him in the kitchen this evening when I was making a Banana Cream Pie (gotta get that potassium any way we can). I hollered for JB and then the lizard ran under the stove!

I saw this as a perfect opportunity to go dump my accumulation of vegetable peelings in the com poster and check on the garden and see how the cantaloupes were doing.

Thomas was perched on the deck railing when I went out. He's is looking a bit sad these days. Could it be because a lack of rain has caused his catnip to almost dry up completely?

The lack of rain has really lessened the blooms on the crepe myrtles as well. The picture below is from '05. Can you tell the difference?


While I was outside exploring, the lizard came out to bask in the sunlight on the kitchen floor and JB scooped him up and set him free outdoors.
I was really glad to hear that. I was beginning to fear I could couldn't go barefoot in my own house anymore because of creepy crawly things that may dart across the floor.

Spread a Little Magic

A Little Ginger Folklore:
During the Middle Ages, ginger was often used as a preservative. Because baked goods made with ginger did not spoil as quickly, they were thought to be magical!



Frosted Ginger Creams

1/4 cup shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/3 cup Grandma's Molasses
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/3 cup water

In a large mixing bowl, cream sugar and shortening. Beat in egg and molasses. Combine the flour, ginger, cinnamon and cloves; gradually add to creamed mixture alternately with water (dough will be soft). Drop by teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto greased baking sheets. Bake at 400 degrees for 7-8 minutes or until tops are cracked.

Frosting:
1-1/2 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 Tablespoons butter, softened
1 cup plus 3 Tablespoons confectioner's sugar
2 teaspoons lemon juice

Beat cream cheese, butter and confectioner's sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla and enough lemon juice to achieve spreading consistency. Frost cookies. Store in refrigerator.
Yield: 4 dozen




I had every intention of posting this recipe yesterday as promised, but my keyboard went belly up when we moved the computer to the sewing room.
I replaced the keyboard (with an ergonomic one!) while I was in the big city doing the Math and Biology thing.

It's Always Better When You Share

I finished the bag by Friday night's get-together. My little friend seems pleased.

We've been eating leftovers for several days now.
JB decided Blue might enjoy some pasta, so he tied his ears up to keep them out of the sauce. Kind of looks like a samurai dog, doesn't he?

I made the Iced Ginger Creams yesterday to satisfy my sweet tooth
and I doubled the recipe so I could share with the in-laws and out-laws.
The recipe only makes 4 dozen.

I know 4 dozen is a lot, but these are so good you have to share.
They're refrigerator cookies and so wonderful with coffee.
Recipe to come, I promise!

Looks like we're on the tail-end of these Banana Nut Muffins, too.
Very quick to throw together and great to grab on the way out the door.
I'll post this recipe later, too. Only takes about 2 very ripe bananas.

Jb made this beautiful maple base for my crystal cake dome when the bottom got broken.
He's so good with making things work exactly so.

Idle Hands Are the Devil's Playground...

Remember some time back when I mentioned sucking it up and finishing school?

Well, I'm right in the thick of things as of Monday. I'm trudging through and working my brain.

Today, on the the 20 minute ride to school I suffered a flat tire and Pop had to come rescue me. Two hours and four tires later, I was on my way to school. Just in time for Biology Lab. Oh boy!

When I'm not at school or studying, I'm sewing.

I made this eyeglass case out of that mothball-smelling fabric I got from the estate sale a week ago. I'm making a matching wine bag for my little friend for her 60th birthday. (photo to come)

Here's the dress from that vintage fabric. The neckline is a tad low, so I added an inset of Batten burg lace. I haven't decided on the hemline. What do you think of a handkerchief hemline?


I still have gardening--in spit of the lack of rain--to provide a diversion to studies.
Don't you just love Hibiscus?

And when I really can't decide what to do with myself, I just swing on the back deck.

How Does Your Garden Grow

I figured out what had happened to my tomatoes upon closer inspection. This weird serpent-like fellow has been having a feast.

Not without repercussions, as luck would have it. It appears--after further research--that he is on his way to meet his maker. Those white thingeys on him are actually wasp larvae and are feeding on him from the inside out. How gross! Read more here.



Cucumbers are looking very strange these days.

Not much good for most things, so JB has become a bit more creative.

The Best Things Come In Small Packages

Look, its a walnettolope.

I saved seeds from a particularly tasty melon I purchased last year and planted some in my garden. And the melon I purchased last year was a full-grown normal size melon.
Maybe it's the lack of rain or maybe, just perhaps, we have come up with a gourmet miniature melon...

Fresh From the Garden Pizza

I snatched this recipe from my pal, Imperatix.
You can make it, too--check it out here.

Almost Paradise

Our little kingdom is what I call it. Friends have called it Shangrala...

We do seem to be a haven for animals of all types.

Can you find the Bumblebee in this picture? He's busy pollinating this Rose of Sharon.
I think that's a Japanese Beetle, in flight, on the left.

I understand that Bumblebees won't sting you.
Or maybe only those with white faces will... I'm not sure.

I think the heat brings out the weeds and the strange looking bugs.
I'm not sure what this thing is, but he was discovered
climbing up the new buds on my Hibiscus.

Such beautiful big, vibrant blooms.

Bright green and yellow and obviously a stow-away,
I photographed this little guy inside, traveling on the down comforter.
(Yes, I sleep with a down comforter...
the other half of the night when I'm not having hot flashes.)

My Coleman Cooler

So what happened to those products that used to offer such a wonderful guarantee?
I have Coleman cooler that qualifies. This stainless steel cooler that offers a 120 year guarantee...

I Hope Today Smells Better

This fabulous frock I had put together in June was completed the evening prior to my trip to Texas. Needless to say, it stayed.
JB had helped me pin so the princess seams would be more form-fitting. The dress was photographed before I had completed the handkerchief hemline and flutter-style cap sleeves.

My youngest daughter, Jeni, spotted the dress in my suitcase and thought it quite lovely so, I gave it to her. She's 21 and it looked beautiful on her. I tried to photograph her, but she dodged me. (Miss Jessica compares me to the paparazzi and often warns potential subjects.)

I have sewed for the girls since they were very small.

I made bathing suits and bikinis for them when they were little girls and needed so many.
The backyard in this picture is the same one I visited during my trip. Of course now it belongs to the nurse and the trees are much bigger.

Ready for a new sewing project, I went to a yard sale Friday and scarfed up some marvelous vintage fabric. LOTS of fabric actually... about 5 washing machine loads.

Once I got it home, the old musty smell crept into the farthest corners of my home. I have washed and dried every single piece of fabric and Febreezed the house repeatedly. The last lot of fabric is soaking in a solution of vinegar and baking soda now.

The culprit may very well be this piece of fabric. It's wild isn't it?

I found it in a plastic bag with this pattern, dated 1973. The dress was all cut out so I had to sew it up. It, too, is now soaking in the baking soda and vinegar.

More or (less) Hormones

The hot flashes are becoming less frequent. I think I'm going to be okay.
But, just to show that I do have a sense of humor about the whole thing, I am sharing a different perspective.

The Hormone Hostage knows that there are days in the month when all he has to do is open his mouth and he takes his life into his own hands. This is a handy guide that should be as common as a driver's license in the wallet of every husband, boyfriend, co-worker, or significant other. Dangerous: Safer: Safest: Ultra Safe: What's for dinner? Can I help you with dinner? Where would you like to go for dinner? Here, have some wine. Are you wearing that? Wow, you sure look good in brown! Wow! Look at you! Here, have some wine. What are you so worked up about? Could we be overreacting? Here's my paycheck. Here, have some wine. Should you be eating that? You know, there are lots of apples left. Can I get you a piece of chocolate with that? Here, have some wine. What did you do all day? I hope you didn't over-do it today. I've always loved you in that robe! Here, have some wine. 13 THINGS PMS STANDS FOR: 1. Pass My Shotgun 2. Psychotic Mood Swing 3. Perpetual Munching Spree 4. Puffy Mid-Section 5. People Make me Sick 6. Provide Me with Sweets 7. Pardon My Sobbing 8. Pimples May Surface 9. Pass My Sweats 10. Pissy Mood Syndrome 11. Pack My Stuff AND MY FAVORITE ONE 12. Potential Murder Suspect

---

There Is A Season

How often does an amaryllis bloom in summer?

I always thought they were seasonal--winter and around Christmas. But while I was playing mother hen in Texas, JB emailed me this picture of his gardening talents.

See How They Run...

Looks like Haji is feeling empowered since he has learned he can make the deer scatter.

It reminds me of when I first introduced city-dog Elijah Blue to rural living. He, too, was empowered when he learned he could scare cows. (Not to worry, JB had a come-to-Jesus meeting with him shortly thereafter and the cow chasing was nipped in the bud.)

As far as Haji chasing deer, he'll never catch them. But in the meantime, maybe he'll end up saving some of my plants.

Heat and Hot Flashes

With temperatures in the mid 90s every day, my Desert Lotus is thriving.












My tomatoes don't respond as well to the heat though.





Turns out, I don't either.




While in Texas, my nurse friend convinced me to quit taking the hormones I've been accustomed to for about four years now. My daughters have expressed concerns for some time as well, so I thought why not?

I'm coming up on two weeks now and the worst of it is the hot flashes. During the day, its tolerable. But at night, it's covers on and covers off the entire night.

I'm opting for some herbal remedies today. Anyone got any ideas?

Still Scratching My Head...

Since I live in tobacco country, this sign was a shocker. Seems the good folks in this Texas town have banned smoking from all public places. A violation will cost you $500!

Miss Jessica pointed out that instead of seeing smokers light up inside a restaurant's "designated smoking area" or bar, you'll see them all hanging out 20 feet from the establishment's main entrance, as per the new smoking ban... sort of like the smoking alleys we remember associated with high school in the 70s.

Having lived in this area for some 18 years or so, I was quickly reminded of the thinking of the city officials. This city still rates as one of the highest in the nation for teenage births. Do you think they'll ever figure out the importance of sex education and birth control (rather than just teaching abstinence)?

The city also boasts 3 universities and several colleges.
I noticed this sign not far from one...




I still believe Texas has the most beautiful baby-blue sky I have ever seen.

A sky which can cloud up quickly, threatening bad weather, but never produce the first drop of rain.

Full Circle

It's good to be home.




My luggage arrived a mere 36 hours behind me. I have never been so excited about dirty clothes in my life!



My Black-eyed Susans--and all other growing things--have exploded in my absence.

I have plenty of catching up to do.






While JB admitted that domestic chores were about to whip him, he did an excellent job and now has a deeper appreciation of just what it takes to be a domestic goddess.

Getting My Second Wind

I hooked up with my Texas women's cult last night.

I had looked for phone numbers in the city's fat phonebook earlier this week and found only one of them listed. After a tongue lashing for "friendship negligence" she immediately suggested an impromptu dinner gathering so we could all catch up.


Rejuvenated, I hung up the phone and anticipated a real meal.

There's seems to be a discrepancy in this apartment as to what qualifies as a meal. The kitchen IS small and the cooking utensils limited. But I am bound and determined to find a small rice cooker--so I can demonstrate adaptability and acceptance.

I have a bit of trouble with acceptance--so she gets it honest. I taught her to treat people fairly and be honest so you start each day with a clear conscience. But I failed to effectively cover the finer points of interaction with those individuals who are somewhat unfamiliar with these concepts. But, I'm still dealing with that one myself.

Honesty is a tough one. Human nature makes us see what we want to see and hear what we want to hear. And perhaps to have a tendency to say what we think the other person wants to hear. It's just easier and causes fewer uncomfortable situations.

I've always been accused of blunt honesty. However, here lately, I open my mouth and my brain is still sorting out the proper words.

My daughter hasn't hesitated to bring this to my attention on several occasions. She's a bit impatient, like her mother.

As I maneuver through midlife, I realize it is more important to choose your words carefully. The message gets across in a very diplomatic sense and there! It's on the table. It's like labor's deep cleansing breath.

And just like the end result of labor, it creates a much different world.

Still Here In Texas

When I packed up all my toys and moved to Virginia six years ago, I left behind my crazy friend (the nurse) that had been a part of my life since the girls were in diapers. She helped me pack for the big move, sobbing the entire time.

I sold her my house, complete with 5 cats. The cats were old then and have finished their life in my absence. The house looks like the nurse's house now. The only reminder I have of that family with two little girls is the writing just outside the kitchen door, in the garage, that notated the height and date as my daughters grew.

I've walked the block or so to her back patio for morning coffee a couple of times since I've been here. It gives me a break in the action and allows me to be outside. The backyard was always a haven for me... an escape from the chaos that comes with a family.

Cruising The City

I've rode with my daughter a time or two since I've got here... in her new car. This one replaced the car that hit a brick mailbox some months back.

She's not the reckless type, really, but has managed to total 3 cars. I think I totaled one by the time I was her age. But I didn't grow up in the city.

I wish I could convince her to come back to Virginia with me. And I am fully aware it is for selfish reasons... my peace of mind. If she were closer I could watch over her, take care of her. But she is strong-willed like her mother, so my guess is she will continue to live in this over-priced studio apartment in Texas. I've alerted the apartment management to repairs that have been neglected--I can't help but think they're taking advantage of the younger folks. I assure you, my voice dripped honey when I carried the broken shelf from the refrigerator and let them know the freezer was dripping a pan of water a day. I'm thinking the apartment manager is ready for me to go back to wherever I came from.

My flight left this morning... without me. I do miss home, JB and Momo and Pop. But my business is not finished here. I can't leave just yet.

I need to teach this pretty young lady how to cook in an efficiency kitchen. But first, she has to learn that she MUST eat.

She's A Grown Up Now

I'm in Texas.

Even though I had lived here some 20 years, it all seems so foreign now. I'm staying at my oldest daughter's apartment.

While she recovers, I'm busying myself with cleaning. Housekeeping keeps the mind, as well as the hands, busy.

I can't help but envy the parents of small children and toddlers. Life was much, much simpler then. When they're younger, you can fix things quickly ...keep their world safe more easily ...make decisions for them.

It's a reflex to want to make decisions for your child. Sadly enough, there comes a point and time when we must come to terms with the fact the child is no child.

That Which Makes Us Different

This "horned" tomato wasn't exactly what I had in mind when I planned our garden this year.

I was hoping for bright red slicers I could layer over mounds of crispy lettuce and Turkey bacon. Definitely not this devilish tomato that more closely resembles animation than a vegetable.

When the first plant was put in the ground, I was anticipating the taste of homegrown goodness. But I can't bring myself to eat this one. It just doesn't look right.

So, he sat upon the windowsill in the kitchen and became a conversation piece.

JB felt the little guy needed a face to go with those horns. Being the eternal optimist, I suggested a rabbit look. With Sharpie in hand, JB created his rabbit rendition.

While making pea salad for the cookout yesterday, I came across a carrot from the same gene pool and showed it to JB.


Within an instant, the tomato lost it's shine.

Rub It In

This has got to be the absolute best seasoning for pork I have come across. I did this Friday for our weekly get-together and have been feeling guilty all weekend for not sharing it with you sooner. I have used it on ribs and pork chops with great results. On Friday, I made pork kabobs with Granny Smith apples and white onions. It was delish!

Here's the spice rub:

2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons (Chinese) five-spice powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1/2 teaspoon Lowrys seasoned pepper

Mix all ingredients in bowl. Rub spice mixture over meat (about 2-3 pounds) and refrigerate until ready to grill. If desired, you can lightly baste with the molasses glaze below.

Molasses Glaze:
1/2 cup catsup
2 tablespoons Grandma's Molasses
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon soy sauce
several dashes bottle hot pepper sauce.

Must Keep Going

It sounds like a raceway here with the all the buzzing from June Bugs. They bounce off the house and anything else in their path.
I remember catching June Bugs when I was a kid and tying a string to one of their legs. I'd then hold on to the string and have a live kite. How mean! Wonder who thought of that idea initially??



Nowadays, I'd just like to photograph them--and they never slow down or stop.

Do you think generations of June Bugs have warned their young to NEVER stop, lest they have a string tied to their leg for children's entertainment?