Have I told you lately that I love you….

    Have I told you lately that I love you?  Seriously – that sounds weird coming from a stranger, doesn’t it?   It’s even weirder for me than it is for you to read it coming from me, because actually saying those words out loud, or even typing them here, is not an easy feat.  Never has been.  It’s not that I don’t LOVE things.  It’s not that I don’t show it with my actions to those whom I love.   But the actual speaking of it has always been hard, doesn’t come natural.   I’m no shrink, so I don’t have the answer to that, it is what it is.  I suspect it has roots in my relationship with my father, he who really doesn’t know how to show love and when he does, it just feels wrong.  Or weird.  Maybe weird is the right word there. 
   I love those of you who stop here and join in the conversations. We are each other’s cheerleaders, we are a indeed a community – bloggers and blog readers.  We commiserate, we give helpful tips, we agree and disagree and help each other be open to another point of view. We pray for each other, even if we’re not religious.  In an ever changing world full of strife, disheartening events, negativity… we bring out the better part of our world through sharing the better (and worse) parts of ourselves.  We are never alone – there are others who share our experiences – it’s truly a beautiful thing.
 so Thank You.  

     Yesterday I loaded Frasier and a bunch of buckets and a good shovel into the back of the Jeep and drove down to the “island” where I met up with a good friend, BJ, at her island cottage.  She and her family have been summering there since 1965 – the year I was born.  Now in her mid 80’s she is a dynamo. Her beloved husband passed some years ago and two of her three children moved out of state.  She returns to the cottage each year for the summer, tending her extensive gardens throughout the season, hosting friends on the deck overlooking the water.   We walked around the garden and determined which plants I should take some of to rehome around our cottage yard. I dug them up and brought them over to Stella down the road and spent the rest of the morning replanting, watering, and weeding. 

  

  I love having some of BJ’s glorious garden planted here around Stellas little space.  The plants will always remind me of  friendships, of sharing, of community.   We could get lost in the negativity we are bombarded with regularly through various forms of media, through the reckless and selfish behavior of our own government, the list goes on.  Or, we can adjust our focus, clean the lens, fine tune…. and see all that is truly wonderful in this world, because there is so much of it. 
  In closing, I ask that you say a prayer for blog friend Vicky – she is an amazing, giving, generous soul who has been beating cancer to the curb for almost six years now, living all her moments full, teaching all who read her what grace in the line of fire looks like.  You can find Vicky HERE. 
  Till soon, friends –  

Summer loving… and loving one’s self –

     Recent weather has brought warmer temps, and with warmer temps we dug out the summer clothes and *gasp… even b.a.t.h.i.n.g.s.u.i.t.s.    …..Siiiiiiigh…. that’s a tough one for me.  In my younger years, I could rock the suit.  I’m not really bragging here… I was no Bo Derek or perfect 10.  But what I WAS… was comfortable in a swimsuit.  For one who loves loves loves the water.. wearing a suit was part of my regular summer wardrobe and technically still could be. 

 With menopause came a spare tire I have yet to get rid of – and boy has that put a crimp in my bathing suit style.  I don’t expect to knock socks off with my 52 year old body, but I also don’t want to feel like I’m wearing a floating device around my middle when I’m -not-.  
 So as we spend more time down at Stellas waterfront… I’m inclined to don the suit and wade in, right?  Not.  The damned tire!  I had all good intentions of losing this extra weight by summer time. Surely I had the motivation, surely I would get it done.  
Yeah, Ok – that and $1.50 won’t even get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks. 
So here we are. Summer time.  My favorite season – doing my favorite thing – admiring the water, enjoying the water – being IN the water, ON the water – strolling beaches when I can.  Oh, to be properly clad… and enjoy it.  
  Sitting at water’s edge this weekend, I said to Stella… I said.. Stella?.. it’s ridiculous that I won’t wear a bathing suit just because I don’t look the way I used to.  I’ve been through some stuff, you know?  I’m older, for cripes sake.   I’m lucky to be here, you know?  Why can’t I just enjoy things as they are.. with the suit situation?
And Stella said… “Karen.. you have but one life. Who cares about a few extra pounds. See all those people out there on the water and on the beach in their suits?  Not a ten in the crowd.  A lot of happy people though – enjoying the day they’ve been given.  You’ve been given this day.  Enjoy it. 
This .. is how Stella is gonna help me get my groove back – talking reason and sense back at me. 
 I ordered these two bathing suits (LL Bean and Shore Shapes) …. in the appropriate size and style for my current suiting up situation.  And I’m gonna wear them with pride. 
It’s all good. 

The K-List

    All the rain we had in the month of May has produced incredibly rich plant growth.  Our hay fields are abundant, the border gardens are lush and blooming, and anything I planted within the last two years has doubled and tripled in size.   
     As I look around this farm, which has come such a long way in the past seven years, from  falling down around itself to a completely new life story – I am so deeply grateful for the time we get to spend here.  As is true of any homestead , whether it’s a city flat, a town home or country farm – our time here is limited, we’re all just passing through.   In this particular place I’m reminded that I’m gazing out over fields that were also cherished, worked and cared for by several generations before me,  almost 200 years worth – and I feel blessed. 

Dappled willow  and knockout roses alongside the porch… 
New Dawn roses along the dog yard fence and over the Arch to the side gate… If you’re looking for easy roses because you’re lazy like me in the rose care department, these two varieties are your friend.  Rosa Rugosa is also very easy and hardy. We’ve put four of those at Stella’s waterfront, their fragrance is divine on the salty breezes.  

 Spirea…

Need to look this up.. it had soft white blossoms which are turning to this dusty rose…

Peonies, such a lovely bloom, short lived, messy, and a little heartbreaking to see them topple over as they get top heavy with full bloom.   The avid gardener stakes them up, that’s not me.

The Lantern babies are growing fast… (purple finch)
Meanwhile, down by the sea… we have been enjoying Stella since the sun has reappeared… 
The kids have gone clamming… 
 and we’ve enjoyed a few evening meals with family, too.  
     As I’ve mentioned here before, for many years we’ve dreamed of owning a second home, a little place somewhere in one of the locations we love so much –  the Vineyard  (MV) and Vermont in particular.  Both locations are just approximately 2.5 hours away.  The Vineyard real estate market has gone through the roof with it’s ever growing popularity, so we eventually let go of that.  Vermont is still attainable, but… what  we’re finding is Stella was truly the right choice.. .just 17 miles from the farmstead and doesn’t take longer than 25 minutes to reach from here. 
     We all lead  busy lives and getting away is hard to do with large animal care and business ownership responsibilities.  Both kids now have living quarters and jobs of their own to manage.  We’ve always known that having a place so far away would be difficult to keep up alone, and a lot of work each time we did manage to get there.  How often would we really get to spend time there with all we have going on here..and RELAX?   Because Stella is so close, we can head down there after work, sit and relax and listen to the water lap the shore, watch the boats come and go, the clammers digging for dinner, take a walk around the community.   For all these years we were looking for the best little respite spot, just not in the right places.  Good things come to those who wait.
  The icing on the cake is.. family can join us easily too, as they are also nearby. 
  Meanwhile, back in the kitchen… I made those oatmeal cookies for the kids just because.. and oh wow, just really incredible.  I highly recommend this recipe. It’s easy and fun to make, and these Oatmeal creme pie cookies are so freak’n delicious, it’s pure happiness in your mouth.  Link to recipe HERE.   Just scroll down that post and you’ll find it at the bottom. 
One more recipe to share with you.. found it on FB, looks delish and healthy – win win. 
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 tbsp. oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon, divided
  • kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
  • 3 roma tomatoes, diced
  • 4 slices provolone

DIRECTIONS

  1. In a small bowl, combine oil, juice of ½ lemon (about 2 tablespoons), 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and Italian seasoning and whisk to combine. Transfer to a large re-sealable bag along with chicken. Seal and chill, 30 minutes.
  2. Transfer chicken to a preheated grill and discard excess marinade. Grill chicken over medium-high heat until cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes on each side.
  3. Meanwhile, combine diced tomatoes and remaining juice from ½ lemon. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. While chicken is still on grill, top each breast with 1 slice Provolone and cover grill until cheese is melted, 2 to 3 minutes. Top chicken with tomato mixture and serve.
*recipe and photo found on DELISH site
     
      So much going on in the world, hard to ignore it in search of peace of mind.  I’ve been steering away from watching any news programs lately, not even Anderson Cooper, whom I admire on several levels.  Seems like the wheels are coming off the bus in Washington, where that leads, no one can know right now.  
      The shooting in DC could have been so much worse.  What I am hoping is that it brings the parties together in some way that will stay with them.  Of course an ass like Newt points fingers at a party affiliation, not the nut job that actually did the deed.  Those inflammatory people need to just go away, they only add fuel to the raging fire and contribute nothing of value.  Given his history, a bit hypocritical, just about anything that comes out of his mouth. 
     I want to hope that the powers that be in Washington will remember how we are all humans, all vulnerable, all in need of unity to get through the obstacles of life.  At the end of the day, it’s not a party thing, it’s a humanity thing.  If anything good can come out of events like this, let it be this. A coming together.  Why does it take a horror show like 9/11 to bring it out in us?  Can’t we learn from the past so that it is not repeated?  
 It’s a new day, all… *sigh.   Let’s make it a good one. 
     

Of Fairies and Farm Markets

   My friend Linda and I run a farm and artisan market here in town – it’s a once-monthly affair on the second Saturday of June, July, August and September.   This is one of my great joys in life, seeing friends, neighbors, vendors, artists, even dogs and their people… come together to buy stuff from local farmers and artisans, chat with each other, make new friends, visit with old… I see hugs, smiles, giggles, out-loud laughter –  Just.. all the good stuff of life, you know?

Refreshing, it is.

   The icing on the cake here is the market is held on a farm  owned by the town we live in that has been restored mainly by volunteer power of it’s residents and local businesses.  The husband and I have been a part of the efforts and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing the finished product… a place where the community gathers to enjoy the outdoors and each other through the various events now taking place.  I strongly encourage all of you – in what ever capacity you’re able, and that differs for all of us … to get involved in a project in your community.  The effort doesn’t have to be a huge commitment of time or money – volunteer for what is comfortable for you in a setting and for a cause that you believe in.  Talk about restoring ones faith in humanity… 

    So… about those fairies…. This fairy in particular is a good friend of ours and you may be familiar with her blog – The Herb Shed.    She’s known as Raven… and in character here as Queen Bee. 
  In her fairy life she visits sick children at hospitals, she’s an actress in the Renaissance fairs you may see in the region.. and this was the first time in all these years I’ve known her, that I got to see her in action.   WOW…  not only does she captivate the children, but the young at heart as well.   My husband may still have a little blue glitter stuck to his person 🙂    As soon as she arrives, she is in character, speaking in a completely different accent than the one I am used to.  It’s musical!.. and she is a trained actress, so she projects her voice well. The joy of that for me is.. I can still hear some of it!   Queen Bee was accompanied by her friend from the Glen Wood,  Peasblossom and together they were enchanting. 
 Besides mingling with the crowd, there was story time as the fairies read to the children, including song, and much.. much.. *.*.*.*.GLITTER*.*..*.. 
Some of the children wore their own fairy wings! 
 We will invite the fairies back to the market for sure.
 As for market day, we had glorious weather and the crowds showed up, always rewarding to see plans come to fruition.  The farmers and artisans work hard throughout the year and these markets are so important to their survival.   When you see them advertised or pass by them in your travels, take a few minutes to stop in and browse the market for fresh foods or artisan pieces you and your family can enjoy.  Farm markets are a huge advocate for eating healthy, we need to encourage their existence lest they cease to exist. 

The smiles!…

Is he not the cutest? There’s always one in the crowd who captures my heart.  

 For those of you in the know, you’ll notice my family is dispersed throughout this post.  I so appreciate their support in my endeavors too…

 This month we held a car cruise on the front lawn of the farm to help bring crowds in and to give the men something to do while their wives and children enjoyed the market and fairies…

 All in all, it was a very good day –  if you’re reading this and you came to visit with us at market, a huge thank you for your support.  

Of the Little things, and the bigger things too

    The sun decided to peek out from under all those rain clouds yesterday so I took my traveling buddy down to Stella with the intention of a good walk for both of us and as I suspected, her grass was tall.  My son bought one of those hand mowers, the kind our grandfathers used to have with no motor, just manual push.  He’s been so busy with our company work, and some of that is real manual labor, that I haven’t wanted to burden him with yet another work chore.  So, I have been doing the little lawn myself with that push mower – and I have to say – I’m liking the manual work.  It takes about 45 minutes to get all around Stella’s little self and across the street on our little “parking lot”… or really just the spit of grass.  I have to say it though, I am not Type A with these things, as my two guys are.  There are lines, there are missed blades, the trim work ain’t happen’n through me. 
 Frasier and I sat down and gazed out over the cove once finished, and the smell of fresh cut grass mixed with a salty breeze was heavenly. 

 I saw this quote on instagram, typed it up and framed it.  My plan for this little cottage I call Stella is -respite-.  When you visit and look around, your eyes should be able to find little messages of inspiration, of love, of hope, of peace of mind, enjoyment and appreciation for the little things that can bring big joy in life if you remember to look, to really see and appreciate them.   We get so darn busy in life and we do a good job of complicating things, we could all use the reminder.  What are we here for, after all. 
       A lovely blog friend of mine recommended a post she thought I would enjoy.  I checked it out, read the most recent blog entry,  and loved what the blog writer had to share… her love of old things in particular.   She is also a New Englander, like me.   Here’s where I’m going to be honest although it is not something that pleases me in this case. It’s poignant because of what we are all dealing with on some level if we’re not avoiding the political scene altogether. 
     I decided to scroll through more blog posts by this same blogger to see what other “old” or “New England” things she might be sharing.   What I came across was her opinion on our current President.  To be clear, she has every right, and I certainly blather on here about my own opinion.   In it’s most basic interpretation, she is thrilled with 45.  She feels we finally have a real president she can be proud of.  
       That stopped me in my tracks.  I don’t know this person at all, she is probably a lovely person I would enjoy talking to regarding old things and New England in general, family, whatever and so on.  My feeling toward wanting to read any more of what she has to share immediately changed, though, once I read that  political opinion.  For the life of all that is holy I can’t fathom how anyone can be proud of a man who has shown such awful traits, and yet there are many who approve of him whole heartedly.   I’m not proud of my own judgement of someone who feels that way.  I’m just being honest here even though my reaction certainly is not something to be proud of.    This whole thing makes me sad.   I see people pitted against each other, turning away from each other, shunning each other… because of this situation we are all in.   In my lifetime so far, anyway, never has there been such bitter division over an elected official, let alone the POTUS.   
    I wish we didn’t give one man such power… to do this to all of us.  We the People… we need each other, regardless of political affiliation, regardless of who sits in the Oval office, which party holds more power.  We need to be a part of the series of checks and balances, we shouldn’t turn away from each other. And yet, as in the case of the blogger above, I am compelled.   Sad deal! 
 I love this picture shared on FB.  When I look at it, I see two men who have the grace and dignity and knowledge and caring to be world leaders.   I don’t see perfection when I look at this photo, that is simply not possible given human nature to start with… but… they are free of scandal, they have never in my opinion been disrespectful to the office they hold/held.  While some of their policies may not have had my support,  I never once felt they had any bad intentions and at the very least, have the welfare of We the People as their core concern.   Someone else might look at this picture and revile, just as I do when I see support for 45.   How is it we can see things so differently?   And yet we do. 
That statement above either pisses you off because you agree, 
or pisses you off because you don’t.  Right or wrong?
Who’s to say.  Regardless,  awful that this comes between us, 
We the People. 
May we all get past this great divide and come back together as
a Nation, for the greater good of all. 
 I thank you for stopping by to read my simple musings –  it’s a new day, all, let’s make it a good one. 

The K-List

 I think I’ve just stumbled upon a new post title concept.  Finding appropriate titles can be challenging, especially those that reach all over the place.   From here on, when you see the title “The K-List”,  it will represent one of those ramblers, the kind of post that covers a bunch of stuff, the clutter that currently occupies my thoughts, and  I promise at least one share of something cool I’ve also stumbled upon while out and about or cruising the ‘net.   So perhaps when you see The K-List… grab a cup of coffee or tea if you’re so inclined to join me as I unload all the “stuff” here with you.

   My husband and I embarked on a weight loss journey on January 1st of this year –  We started with the nutrisystem plan and he stuck with it.  I did not, because -all that processed food, loaded with gluten.  I am not a celiac, but I have already proven to myself by trial and ERROR that gluten is not my best friend.  When I eat it, as I occasionally still do because  Cupcakes! Pizza! Fresh baked Bread!… I feel like crap the next day.   Just really blah and the fibromyalgia flares.  So that program did not work for me.   I have lost -0- pounds since we began our quest – still have 15 to lose.   M, however… has lost almost 60 pounds.  Yes 60.   He’s feeling fabulous, looks so much better, more comfortable in everything he does, I’m so very proud of him for his stick-to-it ability.   I need to find some of that for myself.

Yesterday, out in the garden….  which looks quite pathetic lately due to all the rain.

 My relationship with food is tricky.  I LOVE FOOD – so many kinds of it.  I don’t smoke and I don’t drink much.  My go-to for comfort, for anxiety relief, for just pure enjoyment.. is good food.   I love making good food for my people.  Years ago that wasn’t an issue but now?…. because MENOPAUSE… I’ve got this darn spare tire around my middle and it feels gross.

  There are so many worse things in life to be upset about though, so I will continue with my good intentions and the exercise I do manage to accomplish, and perhaps find a little more resolve to obtain my weight loss and better health goals.

 We’ve been making frequent trips to the cottage in between the raindrops –  Met with some of our new neighbors down there, what a lovely group of people.  Father Jim lives nextdoor, and just his title made me a little nervous at first, because we all know I’m not particularly religious.  We’ve come to know he is a very down to earth, warm, funny person, a wonderful neighbor, and his father is a real hoot!   The cottages are fairly close together.  We’re discovering residents for the most part are very friendly and like to socialize.  Others prefer to keep to themselves, and that wish is respected.

 When I visit Stella alone to mow the lawn or vacuum the cottage or  water the plants (not necessary lately!!)  I often bring Frasier  and we walk the loop around the “island”.  He has a bed and toys and bowls in the kitchen.  He loves these trips, it’s almost as if I have a small child in tow again.   * Ask me how much I look forward to having grandchildren to dote on some day.  ** No pressure on my children!! OK maybe a little. ***But not yet!  When you’re ready.  Love you! (I can see the eye rolls  from here)

*Frasier could use a little weight loss too.  I keep saying he’s just fluffy, not fat.

    Someone left an anonymous comment after my last post – it read simply  “BooHoo”.    My initial reaction was insult.  But, you know… this is so true for all of us.  Someone else’s issues aren’t my burden.  When I read a comment like that I feel sorry for the person who  left it…. a someone who can’t appreciate people who care about all of us. 
   
    I’m angry with the current administration because I feel we aren’t being told truths, the little guy is being walked all over, rights are being taken away,  we’re going backwards regarding the environment, equal rights, tolerance, respect.   The lies and bad behavior aren’t just my opinion, they are laid out before all of us coming right from the source.   I’m not crying about it, I’m voicing my opinion, and contributing where I think it will help make a difference.  My intentions and actions are always in favor of a better society for all of us.  I am not -of a party-.  My “party” didn’t lose. Our society is losing, daily, lately.  

      Sharing today  a recipe I found in Southern Livings new Best Drives and Dives publication…

  Missouri’s Pint Size Bakery Oatmeal Creme cookie recipe.  I plan to make this for the next family picnic ….  it is suggested that they be kept in the fridge until served.

Chewy Oatmeal Cookies
Cookies
1 c unsalted butter, softened
1 c firmly packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tbs light molasses
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
2 large eggs
2 c unbleached all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
2 1/4 c uncooked regular oats
Parchment  paper

Marshmallow Fluff Buttercream
1 c unsalted butter, softened
1/2 c powdered sugar
1/8 tsp salt
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1 7 oz jar marshmallow fluff

1. Prepare cookies:  Preheat oven –  350 degrees.  Beat first 6 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, beating until blended. Combine flour, soda, and cinnamon. add to butter mixture, beating at low speed just until blended. Stir in oats.

2. Using a 1 oz scoop, scoop dough, 3 inches apart, onto parchment paper lined  baking sheets.  Chill 20 minutes or until firm.

3. Bake at 350 for 10 to 12 minutes or until a medium golden brown with soft centers.  Cool on pans 5 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire racks; cool completely.

4. Prepare Marshmallow Fluff Buttercream.  When cookies are cool, beat first 4 ingredients until creamy and smooth. Gradually add marshmallow fluff, beating just until blended. Spon about 2 tbs buttercream onto bottoms of 20 cookies. Top with remaining 20 cookies.

Makes 20 cookie sandwiches.

  After mucking stalls this morning and on my way back from the manure dump, I passed one of our favorite spots on the farm to relax and enjoy the summer breezes… the hammocks on the hill.    While it’s drizzly this morning yet again and there’s more rain  in the forecast, I’m reminded there are always, always things to be grateful for.  In this picture, the hay is tall and thick, the grass is green, and the hammocks are there to enjoy in the summer days to come.

 *Recharge your soul with positive thinking. Start your day by affirming that life is good*

Till soon, friends –

We The People

     Let it be known that many of WE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES.. do not believe in shirking our moral responsibility as members of the world community to do our part in protecting and investing in the health of our planet. Many of WE THE PEOPLE were proud to be an integral part of the world effort and collaborations to ensure we are doing all we can to protect what we haven’t already damaged of our world for our children and our childrens children. Many of WE THE PEOPLE believe in our scientists, we believe in FACTS vs. MOTIVES. 

     Sad day for this American, who so desperately wants to be proud of the government that is supposed to represent.. WE…. THE PEOPLE.

And the rain came…

 I cannot remember the last time we had so many days of dreary drizzly grey weather all strung together.  It’s downright depressing.  The gardens are drenched and although very green, also very near drowning. My tomato plants are on the verge of needing replacement and I  just spoke with one of my farm market vendors and they’re having a horrible spring growing season. 
About the only thing in my gardens that are happy are the perennials. 
 The paddocks are mucky, the chicken coop murky… the horses don’t mind the light rain because it keeps the bugs away, but the mucking, quite frankly, sucks. 
 We have babies everywhere…. baby bunnies under the bushes in the backyard, nests all around the outside of the house –  this is the porchlight purple finch nest which once held a cowbird egg but it mysteriously disappeared almost as soon as it appeared.  *ahem.  Mama bird is happily sitting on these eggs as I type. 

 Remember the chickadee babes just a week or so ago? …

See how they’ve grown! Almost ready to leave the nest…


 Here’s a robin I discovered in a pine tree on the edge of one of the hay fields out back…

   Frasier and I have visited the cottage in between the raindrops to get some exercise in – thankfully  Stella is less than 15 miles from here and I’m able to get down there easily whenever it behooves me.  The island neighborhood is perfect for walking….
By the way, this is not my photo… but it IS our cove – the Thimble Islands are out in the distance, there are over 200 of them, some as small as a very large boulder, some have multiple houses on them.  Stella is not visible here, she’s tucked in to the shoreline on the right side mid photo-level.   

Below are a few images (not mine) of homes on some of the Thimbles… they range from tiny to huge and each has it’s own charm.  Each also has it’s own funky commute – small boat access only!  Ugh, think of when you’re baking a cake for company and realize you’ve run out of eggs or milk or toilet paper or garbage bags.  On a rainy day.

 For that reason, I’m grateful Stella’s “island” isn’t really an island. 

 →


 Here’s a new recipe share – Cheesecake cookies, recipe found HERE

    

     And last but not least…. If  we’re friends on FB you’ve noticed I am not spewing quite so much political exasperation lately – there’s just so much of it, all the regurgitating of the offenses is getting really.. really old.  It’s still there, the news is reeling…. what news is fake, what news is worthy, … round and round it goes, and when it will stop, nobody knows.  
What I do know is… we all need to keep a little sense of humor.  Today’s humor served up by none other than the Commander in Chief himself  in a late evening sleep-deprived tweet… his new word , of which is already very popular – it’s gonna be great, it’s yuge, believe me!

 (Sigh*)…. You can’t make this sh*t up.

Celebrations and Cottage Life

   Last night was the perfect example of what I have envisioned Cottage Life to be… simple pleasures,  family togetherness, good  food, laughter, easy conversation, relaxing.  A charming little place to celebrate all that is good in life.  Mission accomplished. 
Happy Birthday, Mom 💗

  I’m proud of this guy right here –  He started the Nutrisystem plan on Jan. 1st  and as of May 28th he has lost 50 lbs.  He’s looking and feeling so much better –  It’s a beautiful thing. 

It’s a Nest Fest * Lavender Honey Cheesecake

    Let’s talk about all those nests I’m finding everywhere.  So many this year, it’s almost bizarre.  What was it about this winter and spring that has every thing proliferating?… including… TICKS.    No exaggeration, as soon as one of my dogs, in particular, Frasier, step  outside they’ve got a tick or two attached to them. And that’s WITH the all natural, non-toxic – basically non-existent tick repellent application.   Bleh. 
Back to those nests – Here are just a few… 
These chickadee babies live in the outhouse birdhouse in the backyard cherry tree right next to the patio.  It’s a small, baby tree, high traffic area …but nevertheless, she persisted. 
      The eggs below  belong to a purple finch – this nest is on the front porch next to my office door. Notice one egg is different than the others.  That’s a cowbird egg.  I just learned that cowbirds, probably due to their -follow the herd- instincts,  lay eggs in other birds nests and then leave them there for the original maker of the nest to raise.   The problem with that is… cowbird babies grow at a faster rate than other smaller birds, which is the kind of nest cowbirds seek out to deposit their eggs – probably for that reason. Survival instincts!… But…  what happens is the cowbird chick  is more demanding of the parent birds and the original eggs/ babies are usually deprived of nourishment and many die.    
     Well the whole idea was cute until I read that part.   I don’t like it at all, but what’s a person to do.  Some say chuck that bad egg out… others say let nature take it’s course.  The law says it’s illegal. (ok then)    I can tell you this…it’s not gonna sit well with me if I am staring at four baby birds starving to death with one big fat baby sitting on top of them taking all the food.  Did I mention they’re right outside my door?  The door I sit next to.. the one I look out over as I work?  The nest is right there.   
    Meanwhile, down by the sea, we have a Carolina Wren nesting on Stella’s Porch …  as far as I can tell, just Carolina Wren eggs in that one. 
   

      Another Spring thing I discovered on Pinterest and shall make perhaps over the weekend… A recipe for a Lavender Honey Cheesecake, doesn’t that sound delicious?   I need to find some culinary lavender, so far, none sold around these parts.   Regarding Pinterest, great resource for all kinds of inspirational things – awesome reference, but what a time suck, hence I limit my visits there to about once a week. 
So, that recipe…  Source is Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons dried lavender flowers, divided
  • 1/4 cup boiling water
  • 1-1/2 cups crushed shortbread cookies (about 21 cookies)
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup honey
  • 1-1/4 cups heavy whipping cream
  • Lavender sugar and fresh mint leaves, optional

Directions

  • 1. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons lavender and water. Cover and steep for 15 minutes. Strain water, discarding lavender. Set aside.
  • 2. Crush remaining lavender flowers. In a small bowl, combine the cookie crumbs, butter and crushed lavender. Press onto the bottom of a greased 9-in. springform pan. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  • 3. For filling, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese and honey until smooth. Gradually beat in lavender water. In another bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form. Fold into filling. Spoon over crust.
  • 4. Refrigerate overnight. Run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; remove sides of pan. Sprinkle with lavender sugar and mint leaves if desired. Yield: 16 servings.

Editor’s Note: Look for dried lavender flowers in spice shops. If using lavender from the garden, make sure it hasn’t been treated with chemicals.

  Another recipe, a little more technical, can be found HERE – not sure which will taste better. This one takes a little more effort.  
 Till soon, Friends –