Monday, June 25, 2012

Garden Delights

As I said yesterday, I have been busy in the garden.  Below are pictures of a few of my favorite things blooming right now.

French Hollyhocks
 Santolina

 Yarrow

 Provence Lavender

 Unknown...
Nasturtiums

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Summertime

Well, I have fallen off of the haiku wagon and haven't written one in months.  17 syllables, 3 lines, seems so easy but I think I just got bored with them and lost inspiration.  A friend has encouraged me to pick it up and not worry about not completing my goal of one a day.  I think I will.

I have been on summer break from school and both jobs and it has been wonderful!  I have tackled some obstacles in my home.  The mudroom, the storage room, and an infrequently used theatre which have been holding rooms for everything in transition in or out of the house, as well as anything that doesn't have a normal home.  I have also done a lot of weeding, planting, transplanting, composting with llama poo, and mulching.  My yard looks pretty awesome right now!  I even made a new and improved compost bin.  Finally, I have even had time to try some new recipes and make a few crafts.  It has been a much needed break from things I have to do and much needed time to do things I want to do!  We also took a week's houseboat vacation with some friends to Norris Lake in Tennessee.

Here are a few of the recipes I've tried...

Low-carb Layla's Hamburger Cabbage Stir-fry







Duck and Goat cheese pizza


This is my take on a favorite from Expressions Wine Bar (no longer in business).  My hubby bought some free-range duck and roasted it and this was the perfect solution for leftovers...

Whole wheat pizza dough rolled out to make a thin crust
brushed with olive oil and a little pesto sauce, fresh chopped garlic, rosemary, oregano and salt and pepper
added dried cherries, sliced red onion, mushrooms, goat cheese, duck slices, and mozzarella
Baked at 350 for about 18 minutes.  It was wonderful with a good glass of red wine!



I'll add more photos of crafts soon...
It's time for me to grab a glass of wine and go watch my chickens dine before it is their bedtime.