I waffled after supper last night. Had to try out the new waffle maker, didn't I? I whipped up a batch of waffle batter and got to waffling. It took a few tries (and a few messes) to get the quantity of batter in the maker so it spread to the edges and didn't ooze out making said messes. If I'd done better at filling the squares the last two waffles probably would have been full instead of partial, but I cooled them, wrapped them in the lovely green Reynolds Wrap, and froze them overnight. This morning I slid them into a couple freezer bags and then put half of the burritos, half of the waffles, and half of the fruit pops downstairs in the freezer.
Oh, I didn't show you the fruit pops? You know I'm a fruit-aholic, right? I love fresh fruit and fruit in almost any form, so I was trolling through the books on my Kindle and came upon a couple of ice pop recipe books I'd forgotten about. When I was in Walmart the other day I bought a store-brand bag of frozen sweet cherries (they're prepitted, it was a no-brainer) and a quart of fresh strawberries so I whipped up a batch of cherry pops (the dark red ones) and strawberry pops (the pink ones). Then, realizing that two pops molds take up lots of freezer room, I carefully extracted half of each and swapped them so there are 4 of each flavor in each mold. That meant I can stash half of them downstairs and make room upstairs. (brilliant, if I do say so myself)
This morning as I finished breakfast and reading the paper a few big raindrops fell making splorts and bubbles in the birdbath; I was lucky enough to catch one of each in a single shot. And even in the rain a Goldfinch came for some nyjer seed. I'm a big fan of the high contrast and sharp lines between the colors.
Durwood and I conferred, tomorrow the tomato gets it. We're going to pick it and share it tomorrow. I hope it tastes as good as it looks. None of the others are turning pink yet but a few are a pale yellow-green so soon.
July 28--Skip Brown, West Virginia Morning Biking. In the dawn blue light, Sarah and Skip pedaled up the road that carved a sinuous path through the hills. They crested a rise just as the sun peeked over the horizon. They stopped to catch their breath and watched the mist rise like wraiths into the warming day. West Virginia was a constant surprise. Neither one of them had anticipated its beauty or the gracious friendliness of the people. Sarah smiled to see the long downhill ahead. Her legs already ached and they had barely begun the day's ride.
I got a nice surprise when I got to work yesterday. Over the weekend Mrs. Boss sold all three of our high-pressure steel SCUBA tanks and for almost full asking price. That'll cover my weekend away and even help with any shortfall in my stash for my week at The Clearing at the end of September. We decided that it was foolish to store those tanks when, if I want to go diving (which I won't because I'm not going to risk my ankle on slippery rocks and uneven entries), I can use a tank from the dive shop. Thanks everso, Mrs. Boss. Time to head out. Later, dudes & dudettes.
--Barbara
A few days ago Durwood ate the last homemade frozen waffle and a few days before that the last breakfast burrito went. That meant he had to think about what to eat when he got up. Horrors. Well, I got a dozen eggs for 38 cents, had some breakfast sausage in the freezer, bought a 20 pack of flour tortillas (because the last batch was made with mistakenly-bought white corn tortillas--tasty but they broke apart when eaten), and Durwood had gotten a bunch of cheese on a "twofer" deal. We had all the ingredients in-house, plus that appetizing green Reynolds Wrap, so last night after supper I made 16 breakfast burritos. Durwood tried to dissuade me from doing it in the evening but I timed myself and with frozen diced bell peppers and having him dice the onion, it only took an hour from start to finish. Piece of cake. Tonight I plan to try out the new, non-Belgian waffle iron I got at Walmart last weekend so he'll have a bag of frozen waffles too. I know it sounds like a lot of work for something we can buy but I'm convinced that the things I make for the freezer are much healthier (and I know they have less salt), less expensive per serving, and tastier than the stuff that comes out of a box. Plus it makes me feel like I'm taking real good care of him.
(Okay, got my week's lunches put together so I don't forget them.)
Lots is going on outside these days. The sun's coming up a little later (boo!) but that means it's still behind the big tree in back so I can take pretty early morning pictures like this (yay!).
We saw what we think is an Orchard Oriole at the jelly yesterday. I didn't have time to look in a bird book yet but I think that's what it is.
Durwood's first tomato is reddening fast. It won't surprise me if he gets to eat it before the weekend's over.
The Stargazer Lily's still blooming, not gazing at the stars because the three big blossoms are too heavy for the spindly stalk but I still think they're gorgeous and, boy, do they smell great.
There's a dark and shiny bead-thing on the Lantana. I don't know what it is. Any gardeners out there have a clue?
We saw a hummingbird visit a couple times yesterday so Durwood made some fresh birdie juice, a double batch, so the feeder's nice and full for any future visits. And there's an adolescent bunny frequenting the weeds growing between the patio stones. Plus the marauding squirrels and the veritable horde of chipmunks that dine on everything no matter how high it's hung.
No knitting. Maybe tomorrow.
July 27 (already)--Michael Kevin Daly, Kayaker. Gail watched the foamy white water get closer to the bow of her kayak. She knew that the water wasn't moving toward her, she was moving toward it but the roar of it echoing off the riverside rocks drowned out coherent thought. What had the instructor said? For a moment she couldn't remember if she was supposed to aim at the rocks or at the place between them. She shook her head and let her body take the lead. She cinched her PFD tighter and paddled like a madwoman for the narrow gap between the boulders that forced the fast-moving water aside. In the space of one long breath she was through, spit out and down into the quiet water below the rapids. All of a sudden she realized that she was grinning and hoping there would be more white water before the take out point.
I would love to learn to kayak, it looks like such a peaceful way to spend an afternoon on the water. I'm feeling a lot happier and a lot more energetic. That Monday talking-to must have done the trick. Oh, probably making plans to be away on Saturday and Sunday nights ALL BY MYSELF helped too. Since April 1 I haven't really been anywhere except home and work and I need the break. I found a cheap room in a 1950s era motel in Sturgeon Bay and plan to just knit and chill for a couple days. Ahhh, I can't wait.
--Barbara
... to drag myself into a better mood. Because I got on the scale (Monday is Weigh-In Day chez moi) to discover that I've lost 9# in the last week. Even if I subtract 2# for the clothes I was wearing when I got weighed in the doc's office last week, 7# is still a terrific number. Even if I didn't stick to the plan perfectly, this is a triumph. So I should feel better, right? (sit up straight, open your eyes wide, pull yourself up by your bra straps, Barbara, you did good and ate well; eating like this is not a punishment, you even had ice cream and chocolate, just less of it, so grow up and get over yourself)
In other good news, a tomato is pinking up. It's the first one that appeared on the bush tomato plant. I noticed that it was just barely orange-y-pink last night when I was grilling out and this morning it's obvious that reddening is happening. Durwood is ecstatic.
I think I killed the celery. It was going great guns so I potted it and watered it (maybe too much) and it's puckering up and dying. *sigh* And things were going so well. Guess I potted it too soon and most likely overwatered it. We'll try again.
But avocado pit #2 has totally split and sent out a root (sorry about the picture looking like it belongs in Gray's Anatomy or Ripley's Believe it or Not), and avocado pit #1 has cracked. Those are very good things, right? *nods firmly* Right.
When I set up the new sprinkler yesterday afternoon (which works great) I noticed a flower up by the retaining wall. I thought it was a Morning Glory but after I lit the charcoal I went up there (the safe way so I didn't hurt my ankle) to discover a Petunia. I wonder where it came from? Well, I'm sure a Petunia seed got pooped there by a bird but I didn't think they'd grow from seed that quickly. It's very pretty--white with a lilac splotch on it--I should probably move it so the lawn mowers don't mow it, although they're not mowing in that area because of the grass seed. I'll leave it, I guess, until the seeds sprout and need mowing.
Yesterday I felt guilty that I hadn't knit since Friday Night so I cast on Sudoku Strip #5, mostly because Aunt B hinted that I should get the damned thing done so I can move on, kick that project off the top of the guilt-making list. She's very smart. Thanks for the boot to the behind--and needles, Aunt B. (I don't know why this picture is sideways; I've tried to fix it but had no luck.)
July 25--Michael Kevin Daly, Skier.
White powder,
blue sky,
dry snow,
crisp air
cold enough to freeze your nose
seems far away
from today's muggy heat.
I say I won't complain
when the pendulum's swung
the other way
but I always do.
~~~~~
Yep, every mid-winter I swear I won't complain when it's hot and every mid-summer I swear I won't complain when it's cold but I always do. Always. I'm predictable that way. The weather-guesser lady said last night that it'll be cooler and less muggy by midweek. I hope she's right for once. Toodle-oo.
--Barbara
Remember I said that I've been crabby lately? Well, yesterday wasn't any better and I didn't do any knitting or sewing or anything else worth taking a picture of or talking about. I did a single load of laundry and cut out a pattern for a swimsuit bottom for LC but you don't want to see laundry, especially since it's still in the dryer, and I didn't cut out the lining for the bottoms and don't know her waist and leg measurements for the elastic so that didn't go anywhere either. I'm blaming the absolutely dreadful hot and HUMID weather we've had lately for my malaise.
Supper was the only thing that made the day bearable. We had a quarter of that marinated grilled pork tenderloin left so we sliced it and a handful of baby carrots, quartered another handful of sugar snap peas, and sliced up the smallest of the yellow squash, along with a bit of onion to make a stir fry. Served over rice and sprinkled with a few toasted sesame seeds it was a tour de force of fridge raiding--and Weight Watcher-y as all get out. (Which reminds me I need to put the sauce I made into a "recipe" so I don't have to keep doing it ingredient by ingredient every time.)
This morning a Downy Woodpecker came for a late breakfast. I love their black and white coloring. They look so neat and tidy, and ready for a formal party.
July 24--Michael Kevin Daly, Runner. The young woman ran up Pecan Street, earbuds in her ears, a faraway look on her face. Myra watched from the deep shade of her porch. "Look at her running in the heat of the day," she said. Her sister-in-law Lydia set her iced tea glass on a coaster on the rattan table between their rockers. "Mm-hm. You'd think her brain would be boiling in this heat. At least she has the sense to stay on the shady side of the street." Myra nodded. "And neither Joe MacFarlane nor Fido can pester her over here. I swear that man feels he can have an opinion about everyone and every thing and that dog has ruined my rose bushes more than once." "You mean peed on them, don't you?" Lydia looked across the street at the MacFarlane place. "What's that lying in Joe's yard? It looks like a bundle of laundry there next to the mailbox." Myra glanced over and stood up so fast her chair fell over. "It's Joe. Lydia, call 9-1-1. I'm going over to see what I can do." Her voice trailed after her as she ran down the steps and started across the lawn.
And that's it. I haven't knit a stitch since Friday night. (I know, *gasp*) I went to Walmart earlier for a new sprinkler. I got the most expensive cheap one so if it doesn't work next year I won't feel like I'm throwing money away when I buy a new one, and I got the second-cheapest waffle maker so I can make some non-Belgian waffles to freeze for Durwood's breakfast. He likes toasting them and then spreading jam on them for breakfast or a snack. Maybe I'll brave the heat and go hook up the new sprinkler...
--Barbara
Two of the three stargazer lily buds have opened. They're so pretty, aren't they? It's still beastly hot and muggy. I tried to fix the lawn sprinkler so I could easily water the grass seed I spread around last weekend but had no luck. Oh, it came apart all right, it's the putting back together part I'm having trouble with. I didn't reach the fling-it-at-the-wall level of frustration but I did reach the buy-another-one-for-now stage. I'll be doing that tomorrow.
The other night I made a couple Christmas stocking hexagons. I haven't woven in the tails yet and I will do that before I make another one. Even though there are only 16 of them to make, 16 is too many to sit and weave in the tails if I leave it until the end.
Last night I finished the July Seamen's Cowl. I really like the rust solid yarn with the green and rust variegated, and I still have plenty of the green variegated left to make a mitten and stocking for the Advent Garland. Yay!
I've rejoined Weight Watchers and they have, once again, completely re-engineered their program which means that all of the recipes that I'd laboriously typed in last time have gone down the WW drain with the old PointsPlus program. Grrr. The most frustrating part was that their hotline person led me to believe if I reactivated my old account instead of opening a new one I'd have access to all of the stuff I'd put in before. NOT. They did give me 2 weeks free for my frustration, which is nice, but I'm back at square one nevertheless. The other annoying thing is there isn't a printed program, it's all online. Evidently everyone has a Smartphone so they can just put in foods and get the points right on there, no pesky paper book for Durwood to thumb through when he's planning supper. We did order a couple cookbooks and a points calculator so help is on the way. I hate being old and crabby about this, but I still like to hold a manual in my hand when I want to look stuff up. We'll see if I'm happier on Monday (weigh in day) since I've been kind of hitting the program most of the week with a few random tangents. The cool thing is that things like points for the Hardee's chicken strips I had on the way to Knitting Guild on Thursday are online as is the pizza we get every Tuesday and finish on Friday so that'll make it a lot easier to have a normal eating life. (I'd like to say that I'm crabby, I've been crabby for about a week, so do not construe this rant as a slam on the WW program, it's me. I'll adjust.)
July 23--Michael Kevin Daly, Golfer. The ball disappeared as it rose, the dimpled white cloud behind it hiding it in plain sight like a magic trick. Jean squinted into the distance watching for her ball to reappear. She hoped it was somewhere on the fairway, in the middle would be good. Just not in the rough or the sand trap, she prayed, or the water. She heard a sound behind her and turned to find her ball rolling to a stop six feet behind where she had teed off.
This is exactly how I imagine things would go if I ever tried to play golf. I think I'll go fling the laundry around. Oh, I almost forgot, I got a phone call this morning and the young man on the other end said, "Hi, Grandma, I was in a car accident." "Really?" I said, "that's funny because our grandson is 3 months old and can't talk much less drive or make phone calls. You have the wrong number." Now I'm sorry I didn't play along a bit before I told him to go pound sand. Missed opportunity.
--Barbara
Did I mention that it's muggy? And hot? Also steamy and broiling. According to my dashboard thermometer this afternoon it was 100 degrees. I don't think it really was, probably in the mid-90s but seeing that "100" there in green numbers made me think "hey, I got 100% today" like a doofus. Must have been the heat... or the humidity.
I finished the July Preemie Hat #4 at work yesterday. It's so tiny, it looks like a Christmas ornament, in fact that's what a couple of the knitters at Guild thought it was. (it was sprinkling rain so we met in the church basement instead of in the park, thank heavens.) Today I bagged up all four July hats and dropped them off at the Information Desk at the local hospital with a NICU where one of the Guild members works.
Speaking of Guild, the clouds looked amazing when I drove home last night so I pulled into the parking lot behind our house where I've got a more unobstructed view. It looked even cooler than this but I hope you get the idea.
The one surviving nasturtium is thriving, I even remember to water it when I water the tomatoes just about every day. Fingers crossed that these three lily buds open up soon before any rampaging chipmunk takes it into its head to scale the stalk and nibble the buds.
July 22--Skip Gandy, Fisherman. Lena sat in the shadow of the sea grape watching the fisherman. He gathered the net, coiled his body, and then cast the net into the sea. The weighted edge spread and dropped into the shallow water to trap bait fish. The sun set while he fished, his bronze body silhouetted against the flaming sky. Golden droplets flew from his hands as they worked. Lena wanted to fish, she knew she could throw the net and learn to take fish back to the village.
Lame. Lame, lame, lame. I blame the heat. The humidity too. You'd think that it wouldn't matter since I'm closed in an air conditioned house but it does. I think I'll go rifle the downstairs freezer to see what meat I can thaw out to put on the grill tomorrow. Our favorite parking lot produce grower, Sunny Hill Farms started selling sweet corn the other day and I might have bought a few ears for us to eat tomorrow. We'll need grilled meat to go with it, don't you think? Nighty-night.
--Barbara
At the end of yesterday's post I thought about making sun tea so I nipped downstairs, grabbed a couple wide-mouth quart jars and lids, the decaf tea, and came up to assemble it. I snapped off some chocolate mint to put into one jar and some apple mint for the other, then I dangled three tea bags in each one, filled it with cool water, screwed on the lids, and put them out on the patio table. Fifteen minutes later when I came back into the kitchen after dressing this is what I saw. When I got home after work the tea was mahogany colored and pretty darned good. I think next time I'll put in another tea bag because it's a little weak when poured over ice but, all in all, I'm happy with the results. I filled a water bottle halfway with tea before bed last night, laid it on an angle in the freezer, and will top it up with liquid tea before I leave for work. That way I'll have cold, undiluted tea to drink at Knitting Guild this evening. (don't worry, I'll figure out a way to keep it semi-frozen through the day)
I was busy enough at work yesterday that this little piddly bit is all I got done of July Preemie Hat #4--and it's the smallest size of all. After supper I crocheted another stocking hexagon. I confess that I haven't made one a day since last Friday but I hope to keep making them more frequently from now on.
I am happy to report that not all of the stargazer lilies died or got eaten after all. One is just opening and has a bud. The other lily has three buds on it. Yay and Hooray also Hallelujah.
A few baby milkweeds have sprouted where I sprinkled the seeds from the Wildlife Sanctuary, and one has a pretty copper beetle on it. Not a Japanese beetle. Whew.
July 21--Skip Gandy, Regatta.
like drowned rockets
sailboats chase each other
on the wind
up to the buoy
around
and back
they lean away
to catch the slightest edge
of speed
for bragging rights
and a tarnished
loving cup
~~~~~
We're having a thunderstorm. It got so dark it looked like night and we just had one whale of a boomer. Unfortunately the storm is not blowing in cooler weather, it's just pumping up the humidity. This is why I'm wearing shorts and a tank top to work today. I'm taking a denim shirt to wear in the well-air-conditioned store but it's just too hot and muggy for denim capris even indoors. Stay cool. Drink lots of water, Gatorade, or tea.
--Barbara
I waffled after supper last night. Had to try out the new waffle maker, didn't I? I whipped up a batch of waffle batter and got to waffling. It took a few tries (and a few messes) to get the quantity of batter in the maker so it spread to the edges and didn't ooze out making said messes. If I'd done better at filling the squares the last two waffles probably would have been full instead of partial, but I cooled them, wrapped them in the lovely green Reynolds Wrap, and froze them overnight. This morning I slid them into a couple freezer bags and then put half of the burritos, half of the waffles, and half of the fruit pops downstairs in the freezer.
Oh, I didn't show you the fruit pops? You know I'm a fruit-aholic, right? I love fresh fruit and fruit in almost any form, so I was trolling through the books on my Kindle and came upon a couple of ice pop recipe books I'd forgotten about. When I was in Walmart the other day I bought a store-brand bag of frozen sweet cherries (they're prepitted, it was a no-brainer) and a quart of fresh strawberries so I whipped up a batch of cherry pops (the dark red ones) and strawberry pops (the pink ones). Then, realizing that two pops molds take up lots of freezer room, I carefully extracted half of each and swapped them so there are 4 of each flavor in each mold. That meant I can stash half of them downstairs and make room upstairs. (brilliant, if I do say so myself)
This morning as I finished breakfast and reading the paper a few big raindrops fell making splorts and bubbles in the birdbath; I was lucky enough to catch one of each in a single shot. And even in the rain a Goldfinch came for some nyjer seed. I'm a big fan of the high contrast and sharp lines between the colors.
