Who Moved My Cheese Straw?

Blogger Retreat

2010-07-28T20:36:00.005-04:00

Well, where have I been for the past week? Certainly not in the blogosphere - and this trend is likely to continue for a week or two. So this isn't a retreat in the sense of lots of bloggers gathering in a touristy locale for a long weekend - or a blogger retreating in defeat in the 'Grande Armee Leaving Russia' tradition. It's just me taking a short break during a particularly hectic period.
When I return I'll be blogging about these: a pie crust breakthrough (!), a mysterious sterling silver item (!!), peaches, and more . . .

Hope you're enjoying the last week of July and I look forward to catching up soon! And now, I'm going to skink away . . .

I expect less from my paper towels

2010-07-20T20:21:00.005-04:00

Have you given much thought to your paper towels today? Probably not, as paper towels fall into the same category as bath tubs and scissors - the Uncomplicated Things That Always Work category. The beauty of these things is that we don't have to think about them and there are no decisions to make while using them.

And that's why I don't like these:

My husband purchased these recently because our normal 'select-a-size' white paper towels were out of stock. These have a retro-ish design and the ubiquitous 'Live-Love-Laugh' motto sprinkled over each sheet.

Are they supposed to be inspirational? To provide you with a subliminal wake-up call whenever you wipe up a spill? You know, you're thinking about whether that red wine will stain the floor and suddenly you see the word 'Live' and think, "Today is the first day of the rest of my life . . . and, gosh-darnit, I'm gonna make the most of it!" Or maybe other people find these cheery without taking the message to heart?

If you're a fan of these, I'd love to hear from you! As for me, I just want plain, white PTs with no message! I'm off to spill something in hopes of using the last of this roll . . .

Things For People Who Don't Like Things

2010-07-19T09:55:00.000-04:00

Canned food with pop-top lids! Whose idea was this? If I manufactured canned food, I would realize that my product is not the favorite of most cooks these days - it's hard to compete with fresh-from-the-garden and flash-frozen produce. Knowing this, I would not antagonize my customers with these pull tabs that are guaranteed to break nails and create spills when they're finally tugged open!

My pantry isn't stocked with lots of canned items and I bet yours isn't either, but sometimes even the best cook needs a can of beans or crushed tomatoes or (as was the case recently when I made Russian Salad) canned pineapple. And canned fish may also be in your larder - either tuna, or some smaller, smellier fish like the ones being canned below in 1915.

As a side note - I'm going to think of this woman the next time I have a tedious job to do. Imagine having to arrange little fish in little cans all day! When you think of the pop-top can in this light, it seems a small thing, but the point is, until recently most cans were can opener ready. And while some, like the pineapple, can be opened with a can opener on the other end, many cannot. Take tuna - the opposite end is rounded so you're forced to use the pull-tab which (for me, anyway) guarantees a little blob of tuna flying across the counter. It's not like there's a shortage of can openers - they're widely available and cheap. And, as the ad below (from 1902) says, a sure method to avoid blood poisoning!

This is my message to you people who make canned food - stop putting pull-tabs on your cans! Go back to the standard can and let us use our trusty openers. After all, that's what Napoleon had in mind when he prepared for the Russian campaign by stocking up on canned food! And we all know how well things ended for him . . .

I'm off to open some cans while daydreaming of a vacation on Elba!

Cookies, and Ice Cream, and Toffee, Oh My!

2010-07-15T19:36:00.004-04:00

Are you looking for a fun, cool summer dessert? Try these Toffee Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches. This is truly a case where the whole is yummier than the sum of its parts. The cookies are delish as is the ice cream, but together they are fabulous. The ones in the photo are a bit wonky - it's not easy to photograph ice cream in July, but you can work a bit harder to make yours more symmetrical and they'll be picture-perfect!

Toffee Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

The Cookies

2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup finely chopped chocolate (bitter or semi-sweet)

Preheat oven to 350.

In small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

In large bowl, beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mix well. Stir in the flour mixture until just combined. Stir in the oats and chocolate. Drop by tablespoon-size balls onto ungreased baking sheet, leaving 3 inches between cookies. (You'll have approximately 24.) Bake 10-12 minutes. Transfer to a rack and cool completely.

The Ice Cream

Soften one pint of vanilla ice cream (homemade, if you're feeling ambitious!) until it can be stirred. Make sure it does not entirely melt. Add one cup crushed toffee bits (found in the chocolate chip section).

The Sandwiches

Scoop a bit onto a cooled cookie, top with another cookie; repeat. Freeze until the ice cream is solid. Store in an airtight container.

Leah's notes: I used self-rising flour in place of the flour/salt/baking soda and the cookies were perfect. I used semi-sweet chocolate chunks and roughly chopped them. Next time I will reduce the amount of toffee bits - maybe 3/4 cup to one pint ice cream. The ice cream was very soft with a full cup of toffee and consequently melts very quickly once it's removed from the freezer.

Bon appetit!

Recipe credit: A friend cut this recipe from a local paper - I believe the article was a cookbook review, but the clipping I have doesn't name the book or author. If you know the source, please pass it on. There are probably other recipes I need in this cookbook . . .

Here's what the stylish women will be packing this fall . . .

2010-07-13T20:08:00.004-04:00

Have you seen the latest issue of Town and Country? It boldly states: Think Fall. In this spirit, here's a vintage fashion to consider:

Isn't this a great advertisement for the Ford Zephyr? I'm not sure which is more fascinating - the undergarments that give her that Fifties shape or the shotgun. I wonder if readers at the time paid any attention to the car? So, as you sweat through another July week (or maybe that's just me . . . you may be a 'glistener'), think ahead to cool, crisp October days . . . and keep this ad in mind when you're planning your fall wardrobe!

This Potato Salad: Sweet!

2010-07-11T19:38:00.004-04:00

Nothing says picnic like a big bowl of potato salad and here's a salad that's perfect for picnicking - it's even best served at room temperature! It's a Sweet Potato and Black Bean salad that's based on this recipe from the fabulous Mark Bittman. Although it does have an autumnal feel, we like it in summer, too.

Here's my version for summer. Chop 4 medium sweet potatoes and one large purple onion in 1-inch chunks. Toss with EVOO, kosher salt, and fresh ground pepper (~2 T. EVOO). And remember Julia's advice: don't crowd the pan!

Roast at 400 for 30-40 minutes. Let potatoes and onions cool on the pan. Prepare the dressing: EVOO, lime juice, one clove minced garlic, several dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper or chopped chili/pepper. (Use your own judgment for amounts - roughly the juice of two limes and twice that much oil. Refer to the original recipe for detailed instructions on the dressing.)

Toss roasted vegetables with 2 cups cooked black beans (or 1 can rinsed/drained black beans) and other vegetables of your choice. I always use red and/or yellow pepper and sometimes fresh corn (cooked, of course). Toss with dressing and lots of chopped cilantro. Season as needed.

This is an easy salad that is perfect with Tex-Mex meals or grilled chicken - or as a meal by itself. And it's perfect if you have a surplus of cilantro . . .

Enjoy!

Oh! How I Could Potter . . . if I only had a shed!

2010-07-09T21:48:00.000-04:00

Are you a lucky gardener? By lucky I don't mean a gardener with a green thumb or a moderate climate - I mean one with a proper Potting Shed! My dream garden has a cozy, shady nook where an adorable potting shed awaits with a brick floor, a big farm sink, shelves laden with pots and lovely garden tools, and maybe a tiny area for making tea. Here are some sheds I'd be happy to call my gardening home:

Okay, even in my dream garden, the potting shed isn't as nice as the one above. But, wouldn't it be great to relax on the little porch after completing some grueling garden tasks? Or would you prefer the more rustic setting below? I love the heart-shaped details on the chimney.

And think of all the seedlings you could start in this lovely shed:

I love the pavers surrounding this one. Isn't it just like a doll house?

The next one is a hybrid of the previous two - lots of adjustable glass panels with a cottage-y appeal. And the pink bike is a must!

And what about the interior? Would you opt for a traditional potting bench like this?

Shelves and crates?

A rustic sink and shelf?

Or, would you create a real room like this homeowner featured in Southern Living?

Of course, not every guest would be happy spending the night in the shed, but it might be the perfect spot for a post-weeding nap! And the great thing about not (yet!) having a potting shed is that I can spend lots of time thinking about the perfect one - where to put it, what style, etc. . . . and that's a great thing when you're doing those summer garden tasks. It even makes deadheading more fun!

Happy weekend!

Photo credits: Southern Living, Country Living, Fine Homebuilding, Remodeling Center

Mararoon Madness!

2010-07-07T16:39:00.006-04:00

As you might guess from reading this blog, I like desserts. I bet you do, too! So, I'm asking - do you like macaroons? Not the macaroons of your childhood - those mounds of crunchy-chewy coconut:

I can't remember the last time I had a coconut macaroon, maybe it's time to whip up a batch. I've never made them, but they're very simple. Martha Stewart has a yummy recipe (seen in the photo above), as does Ina Garten. But, coconut macaroons are not our topic; these are:

The French macaroon - much more delicate and very, very popular. I like the idea of these macaroons - beautiful colors, creamy fillings, the just-right size, a name that's fun-to-say (you're trying it now, aren't you? ma-ca-roooooon). But, that's where the love ends . . . I don't really like the taste. I don't dislike it; they just seem more pretty than yummy. Am I the only one who doesn't 'get' macaroons?

If I did like them and I found myself in New Orleans, I would purchase a selection like the one seen above at sucre - aren't they lovely? As it is, though, I'll opt for some of sucre's other delicious offerings.

Another day we can chat about other desserts that baffle me - like bread pudding! Until, I'd love to know if you like macaroons . . .

Red, White, Blue, and Yellow

2010-07-06T20:27:00.005-04:00

Wow - where did the last four days go? Hope your July 4th holiday was fun and festive. Here's a peek at ours. First, a true summer combination of Red, White, and Blue:

A visit to the Saturday morning FM (where I was feeling quite superior because I usually don't get out and about before 8am on Saturday!) followed by an unexpected gift of produce from a gardening friend brought lots of blueberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, and snap beans. And the white in this case is heavy cream from a local dairy . . . I mean, what's a holiday without real whipped cream? So our menu over the past few days has been heavy on the red, green, and blue with a dollop of white.

And we were so excited to see this yellow pair enjoying a tasty hot meats dinner:

Yes, the very-cheery goldfinches! This is the first year we've seen them at our feeders and they are stopping by each day . . . and, don't miss their drab friend hiding below. It's a comical dove who walks the whole length of the wall to reach the feeder - he lands on the opposite end of the wall and promenades to the feeder, sort of like an Italian stroll before a nice meal. For some reason he reminds me of the pigeon in Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! Not to worry, though, we don't have a bus so his wheedling can't get us into trouble . . .

So that's our weekend story - back to the usual routine now, and that includes blogging so I'll see you tomorrow!

Days of Wine and Droppings

2010-07-01T21:13:00.000-04:00

I listened to him snore for a long time and then I stopped listening to him snore and listened to the silk-worms eating. They ate steadily, making a dropping in the leaves.
~Ernest Hemingway, "Now I Lay Me"

And that sums up what's going on in our little world this week (well, unlike Nick Adams we're not sleeping on straw on the floor, but otherwise . . .). The worms are back and they're munching away audibly - it's mostly the droppings you hear, or feel - if you're forgetful and walk beneath the trees!

And what are they eating? The leaves on our catalpa trees.

Catalpas are beautiful and strange. They have broad, heart-shaped leaves, lots of white blooms in spring, and in early summer these long beans (9"+) begin to grow. They're a bit like giant green bean trees at this stage.

And around July 1 each year, the catalpa sphinx caterpillar invades and begins defoliating. Within a week or two the leaves will be totally gone - leaving the bean and bare leaf 'skeletons'. Then the leaves begin to grow back and the whole process repeats.

The caterpillars are prized as fishing worms, and, consequently, catalpas have been planted since the 1870s just for the "worms" - click here if you're the kind of person who likes details about creepy crawlies or here if you'd like to start your own worm farm. Despite the worms, catalpas are wonderful trees and you might like one in your own garden - one word of caution though, the bean pods turn brown and drop so be prepared for a bit of raking!

And that's my worm-tale for this Thursday! Hope you're getting ready for a great July 4th weekend - just don't walk under the catalpas . . .

Happy Birthday Emily & Henry!

2010-06-30T20:57:00.006-04:00

Today, June 30, is the birthday of two famous people - of course, many famous people were born on this day, but I'm think of only two. They're an unlikely pair - an English writer who died young after catching a cold at her brother's funeral and an American inventor who revolutionized the workforce and made reliable automobiles affordable to the masses. Can you guess? The latter, of course, is Henry Ford. The former may be a bit trickier, so here's a hint: Heathcliff. Just the name is swoonsome, isn't it? And he sprang from the creative mind of Emily Bronte.

Bronte was born in 1918, the middle of the three Bronte sisters. She is best remembered for her brilliant novel, Wuthering Heights. It's been quite a few years since I've read WH or watched the classic film version with the unforgettable Laurence Olivier, but I think it's time to revisit one or both! If you've seen the movie, but not read the novel - or vice versa - be warned, the endings are quite different. And what would Emily think of the Hollywood ending? Possibly not much!

Fifteen years after Emily's death, Henry Ford was born just outside Detroit, Michigan. He became a household name with the introduction of the Model T in 1908. Just ten years later, half of all cars in America were Model T's. My husband and I spotted this antique Ford last winter. It's not a Model T, but it's certainly from Henry's era.

And, if these colors are authentic (well, the chartreuse is doubtful) this was made after Ford's famous directive that customers could have any color they liked, as long as it was black. Ford's innovations didn't stop at the drawing board, he initiated a 40 hour workweek and minimum wages, and was quite the visionary. His interests included plastics, engineered wood, airplanes, and ethanol (Ford's first ethanol-powered car was produced in 1942!). And like most famous creative-types, he had his quirks as well. I mean, who else would want a test tube containing Thomas Edison's last breath?

So happy birthday to Emily & Henry - and thanks for the entertainment and transportation. And you can celebrate in your own way by driving your hybrid Fusion to your local bookshop and purchasing Wuthering Heights - it will make a great read for the upcoming holiday weekend!

And the CSN Giveaway Goes to . . .

2010-06-29T20:43:00.005-04:00

Thanks to the great folks at CSN for sponsoring this fun giveaway! And thanks to all who entered. I enjoyed reading the many ways you would use the Le Creuset bakers! And for those who didn't win - remember you can still purchase these at CSN's cookware.com.

And now the moment we've all been waiting for: the winner, chosen by random.org, is Jennifer M - you can check out her blog Mommy 2 Monkeys here. Congratulations Jennifer! Maybe we'll see your baked ziti in the new dishes on your blog!

Thanks again and stop by over the next few days for a chat about napkins and table settings!

Sunday Whites

2010-06-27T20:18:00.003-04:00

Today, with triple digit heat, these white blooms were like a cool oasis (especially when viewed from indoors!).

I'm thinking about planting more 'whites' next year!

Hope you had a great weekend!

Picture yourself in Philadelphia in 1787

2010-06-26T16:23:00.007-04:00

You're a delegate to the Federalist Convention and you're debating the content of what will become our Constitution. You've been there over a month already; it's hot, crowded, expensive. It seems that the convention will certainly last through the summer and perhaps well into autumn. Indeed, creating a new government is not for the faint of heart.

Fast forward to today . . . we know the result of the Constitutional Convention and much has been written about the convention itself. Additionally, many details are available online. Wikipedia has an excellent timeline, for those who like to see history in an organized way. And we can also access a day-by-day record of the convention. Madison's notes on the debates are available online at the Yale Law Library. Click here to see what happened on a particular date.

I was interested to read the notes from today (June 26) - among other topics, the delegates discussed term lengths for congress (aka the 2nd branch) and salary options. What if they had agreed to two year terms instead of six? Or if Dr. Franklin had persuaded the group to pay congress no salary? If you'd like to know what happens next - check out Madison's notes. I'm going to skip ahead . . .

The painting is Independence Hall by Ferdinand Richardt, 1858-1863, White House Collection.

Guess Who's Killing My Fern?

2010-06-24T15:15:00.000-04:00

The Finches, that's who! Yes, Mr. & Mrs. House Finch, of the Long Island Finches, have set up housekeeping in one of our hanging ferns and are starting a family. Last season, they summered in a different location on our property and had a sad encounter with a King snake. The resulting death of their little ones has made them a bit wary, and consequently, we don't have the heart to interfere with their little home this season . . . and as the mother-to-be gets very upset if we touch the fern that houses her nest we've been neglecting it as evidenced by its lackluster appearance!

It looks like all will end well this year, however, as the happy couple now have five eggs and are eagerly awaiting the arrivals.

And by the way, if you live in the eastern half of the US and have house finches in your neighborhood, they are also part of the Long Island clan. Did you know that seventy years ago there were no house finches in the eastern part of the country? In 1940, some from California were released on Long Island and within fifty years they had spread across the eastern US and southern Canada - with their numbers in the millions. If you'd like to read more about the House Finch and how its spread affected other birds, check out this article.

So, stay tuned for progress updates over the next few weeks. And since we'll be watching these little birds, you might like this poem about bird watching from Robert Service:

The Bird Watcher

In Wall Street once a potent power,
    And now a multi-millionaire
Alone within a shady bower
    In clothes his valet would not wear,
He watches bird wings bright the air.

The man who mighty mergers planned,
    And oil and coal kinglike controlled,
With field-glasses in failing hand
    Spies downy nestlings five days old,
With joy he could not buy for gold.

Aye, even childlike is his glee;
    But how he crisps with hate and dread
And shakes a clawlike fist to see
    A kestrel hover overhead:
Though he would never shoot it dead.

Although his cook afar doth forage
    For food to woo his appetite,
The old man lives on milk and porridge
    And now it is his last delight
At eve if one lone linnet lingers.
    To pick crushed almonds from his fingers.

Mandy's House is Pink and Green

2010-06-23T21:20:00.003-04:00

Okay, so it's not really Mandy's house that's pink and green - it's my fabulous Mandevilla! Ever since I grew hyacinth beans a few years ago, I've been hooked on vines. They're easy, showy, and fun to watch because they grow so quickly.

And it's not too late to add one to your summer garden . . . so check them out the next time you're at your local garden shop! I'd love to know your favorite plant this summer . . . perhaps it's a mandevilla of another color?

If Only Our Neighborhood Had One of These . . .

2010-06-22T23:11:00.003-04:00

No, it's not the Drive-in Liquor store that interests me - it's the customers. Today I had to shoo away three deer who had nudged through my kitchen garden barriers and were leisurely munching. Actually shoo away is not exactly accurate; I spotted them while brushing my teeth and ran onto the upstairs porch - toothbrush in hand - to throw a pair of flip-flops at them. Not my most graceful, dignified moment!

If only we had a drive-in liquor store to occupy them . . . I'm sure they'd choose a little Southern Comfort over my cucumbers! And I could be a little more Grace Kelly and a little less fish wife . . .

AP Photo, taken in Medicine Bow, Wyoming

What?! Another Giveaway! Le Creuset, you say?

2010-06-21T15:13:00.001-04:00

Today is the first day of summer and the longest day of the year (as in the most hours of sunlight . . . not as in the day when everything goes wrong and you can't wait for it to be over, or as in the epic WWII movie The Longest Day!). And what better way to celebrate Midsummer than with Giveaways!

The Caro-Nan giveaway ended last night and the lucky winner (chosen by random.org) is Paula Michele! Congratulations!

And the good news is that I'm hosting another giveaway that starts right now! It's from the nice people at CSN. CSN's 200+ stores have everything you need, so whether you're in the market for indoor or outdoor lights, small appliances, or baby items, check them out. Our giveaway this week is from their cookware site and it's something I know you'll love:
A set of Le Creuset stoneware baking dishes! The larger dish is 10.5" x 7" and the smaller is 7" x 5" - perfect for summer meals. I'm imagining the larger one piled high with grilled corn on the cob!

These are available in many of Le Creuset's yummy colors: Caribbean, Dijon, Cobalt, White, Cherry, Kiwi . . . etc. Check out their site to find your perfect color!

The Giveaway Nitty-Gritty - The Giveaway ends at midnight June 28 and is open to readers in the US and Canada. To enter, simply leave a comment telling me how you would use these fabulous bakers.

For additional entries, do one or both of the following and leave a comment accordingly (the comments will serve as your entries).

Blog about this giveaway, with a link to this post
Follow this blog (if you're already following, leave a comment to let me know you want to enter)

The winner will be announced on Tuesday, June 29. Good luck!

Disclosure: I have received no compensation or merchandise from CSN.

Pass the Salad, Comrade

2010-06-20T21:18:00.005-04:00

Look what's in our fridge this weekend! It's a truly nostalgic food - one that Jane and Michael Stern call "preeminently modern" in their classic cookbook of bygone foods, Square Meals. It's jiggly, almost foolproof, and comes in fabulous colors that are not-found-in-nature. Have you guessed? It's Jell-O! Actually it's not plain Jell-O . . . it's a congealed salad. Yes, that staple of '60s suburbia. This particular salad was prepared by my mom for years and I still love it - and I think you will, too.

I'm adding this to my list of foods that are really tricky to photograph; Jell-O has nudged soup from the top of the list! But, you can get an idea of how colorful this salad is - and also don't miss my grandmother's Fire King bowl - what better dish for a congealed salad?

The really funny thing about this salad is its name: Russian Salad. Of course, calling this a salad is a stretch - it's not a salad in the fresh, crispy, lightly prepared sense. But, it is a salad in the 'wouldn't be perfect as a main course' sense. Actually, we like it as a cool, summer dessert. And why is it called Russian Salad? Who knows? The Cold War apparently held a fascination with cooks - just look at the recipes from the '50s and '60s that have nothing to do with real Russian food: Russian Dressing, Russian Tea (of course this is made with space-age Tang!), and this salad.

If you'd to try this sweet, fruity, retro salad - here's the recipe:

Russian Salad

1 small pkg. lime Jell-O
3/4 cup boiling water
1 pkg. (3 oz. ) cream cheese
14 marshmallows, cut into small pieces
1 (8 oz.) can crushed pineapple, with juice
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/3 cup mayonnaise (light mayo is fine)
3/4 to 1 cup diced bananas
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped

Combine Jell-O, boiling water, cream cheese, and marshmallows over low heat and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat and cool. In a small bowl, toss bananas with lemon juice, set aside. Add pineapple, milk, and mayonnaise to Jell-O mixture, mix well. Fold in bananas and nuts. Chill.

Enjoy!

The Ice Cube Cometh!

2010-06-18T14:52:00.009-04:00

And ice doesn't just come in cubes these days - look at these fun shapes!

How cute are these Gin & Titonic ice cubes? The tray makes one iceberg for each ship, so no guest will feel left out . . . or, as bartender, you can mix them up any way you like. Would you prefer three icebergs or two ships in your White Russian?

And how about these ice kabobs? I'd love to find one of these in a tall glass of lemonade or iced tea!

And finally, the ice jewels! Serve these with carrot juice if you're feeling punny. You can find these clever ice trays, and more, here. I think the ice kabobs are my favorite! And if you're going for a Mad Men feel for your summer parties, you'll need a retro ice tray, like this one from Vermont Country Store:
And an ice bucket! How about this lovely monogrammed one from Williams-Sonoma?
So don't underestimate the importance of ice in your summer drinks! And remember, Aristotle and Sir Francis Bacon believed warm water freezes faster than cold. Were they right? Click here to find out before you fill that ice tray!

I'd like to introduce Sharon

2010-06-17T21:27:00.000-04:00

I know you'll like her - she's a real rose. She's also the perfect guest - knows just when to appear and always leaves long before you're tired of her.

Sharon has a long and interesting history, too; she's the inspiration for poems and novels and songs. She's rather modest though, so if you want to know more, check out her Wikipedia page. And finally, she's quite photogenic as you can see. I snapped this photo of her this morning and think it captures her loveliness. What do you think?

June's Not Just for Weddings!

2010-06-16T21:36:00.000-04:00

It's also Iced Tea Month!

Wow - a whole month devoted to that wonderful, refreshing drink. There's a great line in 'Steel Magnolias' about iced tea - Dolly Parton's character (remember her, the hairdresser?) calls it the House Wine of the South. I loved that because it's really true. In the South we love our iced tea, and we drink it year round. It's hard for Southerners visiting other parts of the country in the off-season because you can't get a glass of brewed tea - you can get Snapple, but not tea.

So, how do you make a great pitcher of iced tea? The same exact way you make a good cup of hot tea - bring cold water to a boil, add your tea (leaves or bags), and steep. Most iced teas steep for 3 to 5 minutes, but you can experiment. Once the tea is brewed, add cool water until it's the desired strength. (Note about the photos: the tea in the pitcher above appears really strong, but is actually perfect. Tea appears much darker in photographs - at least in mine - so water it down a bit if you're going to take pics - that's what I did with the tea in the glasses.)

Here are my tips for perfect iced tea:

don't add ice or refrigerate until the tea has cooled (it may make the tea cloudy)
choose your tea carefully, many teas that are delish hot are not delish iced
keeping in mind the previous point, if your favorite flavored tea doesn't work well iced, try brewing it with half black tea - the result may be perfect!
for basic tea made with tea bags, my favorite is Luzianne (that's also what they serve at Bojangles which has legendary iced tea, albeit very sweet!)
if your tea is cloudy, add a little boiling water

And that brings up the Iced Tea Spoon - or as it's properly known, the Iced Beverage Spoon. Whenever I teach a dining etiquette course, questions inevitably arise about the Iced Tea Spoon. Here's what you need to know about it:

when setting the table, it goes on the outer right
once used, it cannot be placed on the table (this rule applies to any piece of flatware, of course!)
it remains on the table as long as the beverage does - normally throughout the meal
the problem that arises frequently is that as the table is cleared, there is nothing on which to place the iced beverage spoon (for example, during the dessert course . . . and you can't enjoy that lemon chess pie without a nice glass of tea!) - the correct place for the spoon in this situation is in the glass - it may seem a bit awkward, but it's preferable to leaving a tea stain on your hostess' lovely tablecloth

And that's iced tea in a nutshell. Perhaps another time we can talk about sun tea, and sweet tea, and tea with mint . . . and your favorite ways to make iced tea! And, if you're feeling crafty you can also celebrate Iced Tea Month by making your own Iced Tea candle (directions here). Isn't it amazing? I think on a hot day, you might be temporarily fooled by this!

So as we quickly move into summer, try to keep a pitcher of iced tea close at hand! You won't be sorry . . . and I'm off to have a glass now.

Caro-Nan Giveaway - The Second Basket

2010-06-15T21:02:00.004-04:00

So this is Day Two of my "I Can't Believe It's Been a Year" giveaway. See this post for details or to enter. Perhaps you didn't enter yesterday because the turtle bag is not your thing? Well, here's the second basket purse - it has the classic Caro-Nan buildings on the lid.

Caro-Nan traveled to different cities and personalized the baskets by painting the names of local landmarks and shops (including, of course, the shop that carried Caro-Nan!) and this one has a particularly detailed painting. This one features the Bonnet Shop and Book Nook - perhaps one of you will know these shops and tell us the city!

This one also has a bit of damage as seen here. I would still carry this as a handbag, but you could also find decorative uses for it - you'll see the hastily arranged plants to give you an idea. (Not to worry - the red fabric interior is well protected!)

One other thing that is really special about this Caro-Nan is the mirror inside the lid - and the original owner's name on an address label. Isn't that sweet?

Again, thanks to all of you who visited my blog over the past year and especially to those who commented and e-mailed. And good luck to all of you who enter - I'll e-mail the winner with details about the condition of both baskets so you can make an informed choice!

Stop by tomorrow for a chat about Iced Tea Month and that pesky iced beverage spoon!

The "I can't believe it's been a year" Giveaway!

2010-06-14T21:42:00.002-04:00

Today is my blogoversary - or, more accurately, the anniversary of this blog! To celebrate the first twelve months of blogging bliss, I'm having a giveaway. I thought the most appropriate giveaway would be something that really had a connection to my blog - the most obvious thing would be cheese straws, but I know you can make your own, so . . . I'm going with the second logical choice. The search item that brings the most visitors to my blog is also what inspires the most e-mails. And that item is: Caro-Nan Bags!

Since blogging about them last August (click here to read that post), I've gotten at least one e-mail each week from someone who likes them, loves them, remembers them, wants them . . . or all of the above. This enthusiasm was catching and I confess I've added a few Caro-Nans to my closet since then!

So, to say thanks to all the friendly bloggers and blog-readers who welcomed me and my blog, I'm giving away a Caro-Nan Basket Purse! I've also found out a few things about Caro-Nan during the past year and I'll share those with you later in the week. The giveaway winner will have a choice between two bags - the first is shown today and the second will make its debut on this blog tomorrow.

The Details:

The giveaway ends on Sunday, June 20 and the winner will be announced on Monday.
To enter just leave a comment telling me which posts, or types of post, you liked most this year.
You can also have a second entry if you're a follower - leave a comment to let me know.
If you don't have a blog or profile with an e-mail address, please leave your contact e-mail info in your comment, or send it to me via email, so I can contact you if you win.
Contest is open to those with US or Canadian mailing addresses.

Finally, please keep in mind the age of Caro-Nan bags - they're 40+ years old and have the wear expected from a well-loved, vintage item.

Good luck!

Find Your Blueberry Thrill!

2010-06-13T21:36:00.001-04:00

I'm feeling blue this weekend - not sad, just in a blueberry mood. If you're not yet in a blueberry mood, read on . . .

Check out this hand-dyed yarn from The Plucky Knitter. If I could knit, I would make something yummy with this - it's called 'Blueberry Queen' and really captures the essence of blueberries.

But, perhaps we should move on to real berries. Is it blueberry season where you live? It's just beginning here and I discovered that NC is the fourth largest blueberry producer - this tasty fact is from the NC Blueberry Council (who knew we had a BC?). And as you might guess, we also have a blueberry festival to celebrate this fabulous fruit. And, of course, every good food festival deserves a queen - here's Pamela Ann Norris, the NC Blueberry Queen from 1973. I wonder where she is now - is she in a blueberry mood?

To find a blueberry festival close to you, check out the list here. I was surprised at the number of cities that celebrate the little blueberry - some even take their festivals to another level - like the town of Stony Plain in Alberta that combines blueberries with bluegrass for a three day event. You'll also find parades, pageants, cook-offs, and, of course, lots of delicious blueberries!

What did I do with my blueberries this weekend? Besides eating them by the handful and on salads and cereal, I made some tasty muffins. I like this recipe because the muffins are moist, but not too sweet.

You'll need two bowls, and here's what you do:

In a medium bowl mix the wet ingredients:

1 large egg, lightly beaten
3/4 cup buttermilk
2/3 cup safflower or canola oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla

In large mixing bowl, whisk together dry ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
Zest of one orange or lemon

With large spatula, toss 1 1/2 to 2 cups blueberries in flour mixture. Gently add wet ingredients. Stir only until mixed. Fill a 12-muffin pan with mixture (I use baking papers because they're easy; if baking directly in muffin pan, you'll need to butter and flour the pan.). Bake at 375 for 20 min. or until toothpick inserted in center of muffin comes out clean.

I know you'll like these muffins - they're great for breakfast and they only take minutes to make. (If you're using frozen berries, don't thaw them because they'll leave blue streaks in the batter - also you'll need to increase the baking time just a bit.)

So, I hope you're feeling a little blue now, too. I'd love to hear your favorite recipe for blueberries . . . and, stop by tomorrow for a special announcement! I'm off to have a muffin . . .

What's cheery on the porch on a summer evening?

2010-06-11T20:31:00.004-04:00

Here's a hint - they're round with a cheery soft glow:

You're guessing lights? Correct! Seven or eight years ago we decided to put lights around the perimeter of the ceiling of our upstairs porch. We bought some really cute dragonfly lights from Smith & Hawken (don't you miss them?) and used them for several years.

When they too rusty and tatty to use, we purchased some outdoor lights with small, round globes - these were festive, but fragile - and after losing several globes each year to breakage we decided to toss those at the end of last season.

So this year we were unsure what to do and I happened to see these strings of paper lanterns at Target. They're larger than the lights we've used previously and this led us to hang them lower with the shades visible from the street. We're very pleased with the effect and hope they last for several seasons.

If you need some great lighting on your patio, porch, garden, or deck - check out the selection at Target. They're sure to have a style that suits you - flower pots, old-fashioned globes, paper shades (like ours or in bright party colors), lanterns . . . and hurry, so you can enjoy them all summer!

Even Educated Fleas Love Him! Happy Birthday, Cole!

2010-06-09T21:56:00.001-04:00

June 9 is a red letter day for American music - it's the birthday of composer-lyricist Cole Porter! I'm a big fan of the Great American Songbook and Cole Porter is one of my favorite composers. His lyrics are so clever, and as my husband likes to joke - his slaw's not bad, either!

Here's a snippet from one of his many hits: 'Every Time We Say Goodbye'

When you're near
There's such an air
of Spring about it
I can hear a lark somewhere
Begin to sing about it
There's no love song finer
But how strange the change
From major to minor
Every time we say goodbye

Of course, reading the lyrics doesn't really show the brilliance of the song, but Rod Stewart does a nice version on his 'The Great American Songbook' album. The Ella Fitzgerald songbook series also features several of Porter's greats, including 'Easy to Love'. And any singer who performs standards includes one or more of Porter's works - and then, we can't forget 'Kiss Me, Kate' the highly entertaining musical based on Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew - the point of all this being, you don't have to look far or listen long to hear a little Cole Porter.

And when you're in New York, you can enjoy Cole Porter in a more intimate manner by having a drink within reach of his piano; the Steinway permanently resides in the lobby of the Waldorf=Astoria.* You can gaze at the piano while thinking of the intricate rhymes in 'You're the Top' - after all, who else could smoothly combine references to all these in one song: Mahatma Gandhi, Napoleon Brandy, Louvre Museum, Colosseum, Waldorf salad, Berlin ballad, Mae West's shoulder . . .

And here's the perfect birthday cake to go with the piano - it's from Jean Marie's Pattisserie in Great Neck, NY. I haven't visited Jean Marie's, or Great Neck for that matter, but a friend tells me their Napoleons are heavenly, so I'm sure the piano cake is quite yummy! Mr. Porter would probably compose a quick ditty about it!

Finally, if you're in the mood for a little YouTube, check out this wonderful rendition of 'You're the Top' as sung by Diana Rigg.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05pAP1kQ_JM&feature=fvsr

Or this original recording of Cole Porter himself from 1934:

Happy Birthday, Mr. Porter, and thanks for the songs!

*not a typo, the - has been replaced with the = , perhaps to stop people saying, "meet me at the hyphen"!

Good-bye, old friend! No, actually, au revoir . . .

2010-06-08T21:17:00.003-04:00

The old friend in this case is not a person, but rather an article of clothing. In fact, it's my favorite gardening shirt . . . and today was its last hurrah. I've been working day and night on a project that's progressing much too slowly and today I decided to take a short gardening break and enjoy the lovely mild weather. (Isn't that just the way with the garden? When you have lots of time to garden the weather is brutally cold or hot or wet, but on days when you shouldn't even think about the garden the weather is perfect!)

So today I had to admit that this shirt is just too worn and I'm a little sad because it's the best thing ever to wear while gardening. It's perfect under my gardening apron; it's soft as only a laundered-hundreds-of-times cotton shirt can be; the long sleeves protect my arms from scratches, bugs, and the sun (sadly, it's not so much the cancer threat that worries me as more freckles!).

And thinking of the history of this shirt, I am reminded of a few nostalgic things:

the years when my husband wore a suit every day (of course, this was originally his shirt)
the time when Abercrombie and Fitch really was a Gentleman's Outfitter and their catalogs didn't require plain, brown wrappers
the years when we still had a good local tailor who would turn collars and cuffs for less than $10! (and yes, these were turned before I inherited the shirt)

And one final tribute to this well-made garment - after years and years of use, it still has all the original buttons!

So what's next for this ripped and torn shirt? The fabric is so friendly, or, as they say in textiles, it has a great hand - so I'm turning it into a pillow for the hammock! I'll let you know how it turns out . . . in the meantime I'll be breaking in a new shirt from my husband's Old Shirt Collection. If only I could find a good use for those early '90s military-stripe ties!

Can't wait for the new season of Mad Men?

2010-06-07T21:20:00.010-04:00

Do you have July 25 circled on your calendar? I do, because that's when the new season of Mad Men premieres! But, what's a fan to do until then? Mad Men Yourself, of course!

That's what I've done and now I'm popping over to your house for a nice cup of tea and a long chat about Season 3! How do you like my new red purse? I'm thinking of it as an authentic Kelly bag. But, back to Mad Men, if you're a fan of the show, you must check out the Mad Men site on AMC. And even if you're not a fan (which must mean you've yet to watch the show!), you'll enjoy exploring the '60s side of your personality with the Mad Men Yourself feature.

And if you'd like a little Don Draper for your desk, get in line to purchase the Barbie Mad Men collection that goes on sale in July. You'll need to be a big fan of the show and of Barbie for these - they're $75 each . . . and in the world of Mad Men that could buy quite a few drinks, not to mention smokes!

So, don't worry, July 25 will be here before you know it! Think of the interim as an opportunity to rewatch Season 3 - I know it's on the top of my Netflix list. And now I'm back in my Mad Men mode, but this time in formal attire for a night on the town (no wild encounters in the coat check closet, though . . .).

See you in July!

I Know Why the Caged Bloom Sings . . .

2010-06-05T18:27:00.004-04:00

. . . because it's safe and free from predators!

Like the one that made this tell-tale print:

Our neighbors have decided to take a serious approach to our deer problem - while we're going to spray diligently this summer, they're opting for something more rigorous! The fence is temporary, but actually has three security levels! And so far it's working . . .

Next year we're considering a joint, permanent fence across the back of our two yards which will leave the fronts unprotected, but will disrupt the nightly migration route of the herd which now numbers 11+. Isn't that amazing? No deer 7 or 8 years ago and now an honest-to-goodness herd. And due to historic district restrictions, we're limited in how we approach the problem which leads to creative solutions like this. So far all plants are alive and well this year, including these lovely hydrangeas.

They're the neighbors, too, and are not caged! But, they're very close to the house and are well established so leaving them exposed is less risky. Fingers crossed . . .

Since I gave up on hydrangeas a few years ago, these are the next-best-thing so I really hope they continue to thrive!

Hope you have a great weekend and stay cool (and I mean that in the 'drink lots of water on hot, humid days like this' way - not in the high school yearbook way, although I'm sure you are '2 cool 2 B 4gotten'!).

War Paint!

2010-06-04T19:17:00.000-04:00

A word to the wise, when you see marks like these point towards your driveway,

and War Paint like this in your garden,

be prepared for something like this!

Yes the builder-possible-future-neighbor who was responsible for the Hideous Pole can now be thanked for this! I didn't do a follow-up post about the HP because I was just too mad thinking about this $450k project (at least that's the price his website states - most on our street would say that's a builder's rosy over-over-estimate . . . but that's another rant, isn't it?) whose owner is too parsimonious to spend $3k putting the lines underground like we all did. Even after the three families who are affected by the HP offered to pay 3/4 of the cost . . . is there anything less appealing than someone who's really cheap??

But, back to the hole at hand. The nice crew from PSNC Energy is making every effort to dig their big hole and lay their pipes without damaging my Knock-outs. Yay for them! Yay for me!

And it is a big hole - the photo doesn't capture the depth, but suffice it to say it took a crew of six and a backhoe over 2 hours to do this . . . And for me the appeal of a new, planned neighborhood is strong this week!

That's what Friday brought to our house - I hope the weekend brings something fun to yours!

Blogger's Note: No one in our neighborhood reads my blog, so my doubtful comments about the building project can remain sub rosa!

Cupcake Love

2010-06-03T22:51:00.000-04:00

Okay, I have a confession that's not directly related to cupcakes. In middle school I was a big Captain & Tennille fan and for some reason when I typed in 'cupcake love' it reminded me of 'Muskrat Love' - if you're too young to remember that "classic", be glad - as it was recently voted one of the worst songs of all time! Nevertheless, once the tune is in your head, it's impossible to remove so now I'm imaging a rewrite that goes something like this:

Cupcake Suzy, Cupcake Sam
Do the jitterbug at a Cupcake Stand
And they're yum-my, Sam is so chummy!

And they whisk and they twirl and they bake them
Munchin' and crunchin' the frosting
Floating like the heavens above
Looks like Cupcake Love . . .

Oh! You're still here? I was afraid the song would send you running to another blog. So back to cupcake love - everyone knows there's a lot of cupcake love out there these days. Cupcakes must be the most tony dessert around. They're popping up all over the blogosphere, cupcake shops are in almost every town, cupcake cookbooks are best sellers, and even Visa uses them in their ads:

For Christmas this year, I hope to make some yummy felted cupcakes, like the red velvet one below:

And very soon I'll be taking a cupcake class where I may learn to make these: (!)

As for the cupcakes we baked yesterday, the recipe is here. (Follow the advice of many reviewers and only fill the cups 2/3! I usually make half a recipe which yields 18 cupcakes.)

The frosting is an old stand-by from The Southern Living Cookbook. It has a wonderful tangy chocolate flavor without tasting like raw powdered sugar - it's great for cakes of all sizes!

Sour Cream-Chocolate Frosting

1 (12-ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
4 to 5 tablespoons milk

Melt chips in top of double boiler (or microwave, if you're diligent and check it often!). Cool.

Combine melted chocolate and sour cream. Add sugar alternately with milk, beating at medium speed of an electric mixer until smooth.

Enjoy and have a cupcake-y day!

What's Cheery from the Kitchen? Cupcakes!

2010-06-02T21:35:00.002-04:00

On a day when there were too many things on my plate, I decided to take a break and bake! Doesn't baking just cheer you up?

And these buttermilk cupcakes were just the thing to use up some buttermilk left from the weekend! I added one of our favorite frostings: Chocolate Sour Cream (incredibly yummy!).

Here are the results! (Ignore the poor quality photo - chocolate frosting is very hard to photograph. I definitely plan to improve my cuisine photography skills soon!)

Stop back tomorrow for the recipes . . . and some exciting cupcake news!

Feeling Guilty About Spouting Off

2010-06-01T21:34:00.000-04:00

Yes, I am feeling a bit guilty - or at least ambivalent - about this spout:

It belongs to a lovely sterling teapot. The teapot belongs to us - or at least it did until we recently sold it in what many would think was an unsentimental, rash, mercenary gesture. After all, it's a family piece (albeit from a family member whose monogram we do not recognize . . .), and it's truly beautiful, and we love sterling items - so what were we thinking?

It's even an older, heavier teapot from the 1930s (see the ivory insulators on the handle!), which we also love. But, the problem is that tea from a silver pot isn't nearly as delicious as from a china one ~ gasp! Who could have guessed?

How can this be? What do you think tea lovers? Do you prefer tea from a silver teapot? So, our teapot and the rest of its set have a new home and we're purchasing another sterling item that we love with the proceeds . . . upgrading our collection, if you will.

And I'll be enjoying a cup of Formosa Oolong from my old ceramic teapot in the morning . . . and trying not to notice the empty spot on the sideboard.

Note: If you like this pattern, it's called Plymouth and was made by Gorham and several other sterling manufacturers.

"I know not what course others may take . . .

2010-05-30T12:40:00.000-04:00

. . . but, as for me, give me liberty or give me death." ~ Patrick Henry

And that's what Memorial Day is all about, isn't it? Remembering those who died for our liberty.

What began as a way to honor those who died in the Civil War is now a holiday to remember all the men and women who died in military service. And as this 1909 postcard shows us, flying the flag is the perfect way to acknowledge the holiday (and don't worry, the dress code is now a bit more relaxed . . . jackets, ties, and corsets are optional when raising the flag).

If you're interested in a more active way to mark the day, check for local parades or ceremonies or click here to find the closest National Cemetery holding a Memorial Day ceremony. And, however you choose to celebrate, I hope you have a great holiday!

Golden Gate Cemetery, San Bruno, California

What's better than a vintage tablecloth with no holes or stains?

2010-05-27T16:59:00.001-04:00

One with holes and stains, of course! I'm not talking about your Sunday-best antique damasks - because they are better without flaws. But, an everyday vintage cloth that has a few problems is wonderful - you needn't worry about ruining it by using it.

Over the years I've purchased many vintage cloths from antique shops and eBay and often select ones with small holes or stains, like the one above. The less-than-pristine condition makes them really affordable and I don't flinch when spills occur. It's quite liberating - throw it on the ground, eat messy outdoor foods . . . no problem. The funny thing is that lots of use has never added a stain or tear to any of these cloths, which leads my husband to think we should be this cavalier with new ones as well. This just goes to show you can sometimes live happily with someone who has a different world view . . .

As the summer is officially arriving this weekend, consider a picnic with some great food, friends or family, and an old tablecloth. We recently packed this rolling cooler and small bag and headed out for a leisurely lunch.

En route to our destination, we passed a lovely colonial church and graveyard and decided to stop there instead. Yes, we are those people - the ones who love old graveyards!

And this one dates to colonial times and even has a picnic table, which was much friendlier once it was covered with our old cloth!

We dined in breezy shade, with tombstones on one side (see the really old markers above!) and the lovely brick church on the other.

And a few pretty blooms mixed in here and there.

Now I'm in a picnic mood and hope to enjoy a few more before the weather gets really steamy! My little, holey cloth has been washed and is back in the trunk of the car - just in case we need it! And I'm off to look for a new, old cloth on eBay . . .

Is This How You Imagined Shangri-La?

2010-05-26T21:43:00.000-04:00

We all know Shangri-La is a fictional place*, yet it brings to mind a blissful, mysterious, locale. One man, however, had a more specific vision of Shangri-La and spent years turning that vision into reality.

The man was Henry L. Warren, a tobacco farmer from Prospect Hill, NC and the result of his vision can be enjoyed by travelers to this day. His Shangri-La was created from local stone and found objects and the 'town' grew to include 27 buildings - each featuring a unique design.

I first saw Shangri-La about twenty years ago and when a recent trip took me past it, I stopped to take photos to share with you. If you're ever traveling between Hillsborough, NC and Danville, VA you can stop and experience it for yourself!

You'll be amazed at Mr. Warren's ingenuity and dedication. He died in the late 1970s and, yet, his work lives on in this magical little town.

If you visit, don't miss the walkways embedded with arrowheads - hundreds of them, in varying patterns.

This quote from Sam Walter Foss' famous poem sums up this little Shangri-La . . . and I'd say Henry Warren embodied it!

*We're not counting Camp David, which was originally named Shangri-La by FDR

Dust Off Those Tap Shoes - Today's a Holiday!

2010-05-25T20:40:00.008-04:00

That's right, all you Fred & Ginger wannabes - today is National Tap Dance Day! It's no coincidence that today is also the birthday of Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson who was born in Richmond, Virginia in 1878. Bojangles is often credited with changing the style of tap dancing - from a flat-footed shuffle to an on-the-toes precision. He's also remembered for coining the phrase "everything's copacetic" . . . which is probably how his audience felt while watching his performances!

As a girl I took tap and ballet lessons and have taken tap again as an adult. Luckily, I never had aspirations of being a professional (if you saw me dance, you'd know just how lucky!), but I still love to tap. Perhaps tap dancing will emerge again as a popular entertainment . . . there must be lots of movie-goers who would prefer to see a rousing Gene Kelly number over another teen-age haunted house flick.

So, who's your favorite tap dancer? How about your favorite dance movie? I can't really choose a favorite, but am especially fond of all the Fred & Ginger films. In honor of National Tap Dance Day - here's a great clip from Swing Time.

Happy Tapping~~~~~ shuffle, ball, change~~~~~~shuffle, ball, change~~~~~~~ remember, everything's copacetic when you're dancing!

On this day in 1819. . .

2010-05-24T22:12:00.000-04:00

. . . a Queen was born. If you're not sure which Queen, here's a hint: a British Queen. That really narrows it down as the 19th century saw the same person on the throne from 1837 through the end of the century. Yes, the Queen in question is Victoria. She may be primarily remembered for two things - her long reign (63 years!) and her decades-long mourning for Prince Albert, but there's so much more to appreciate about Queen Victoria.

And while Hollywood isn't usually the first place to look for historical accuracy, I think you wouldn't go wrong starting with The Young Victoria and perhaps ending with Mrs. Brown. (Okay, I know there are questions about the accuracy of MB, but it's a great movie. If you're not convinced, here's another fact - it stars Judi Dench!) And The Young Victoria leads me to think of the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, who teamed up with Martin Scorsese to create the movie. I recently saw the Duchess of York at a fundraising luncheon and she spoke about the movie, primarily in the context of keeping dreams alive and working towards them - even if it takes 17 years before they come to fruition (as it did for the movie).

And on the subject of Sarah Ferguson, recent news stories aside, she is an engaging speaker. She was warm and funny and forthcoming about her mistakes without indulging in the usual tell-all. If you have an opportunity to see her, my advice is to go - you don't need to be a Royal Watcher to appreciate her message - or share her affection for Queen Victoria.

And if you're still not convinced about The Young Victoria, I have one more surprise up my sleeve. The screenplay was written by Julian Fellowes who wrote Gosford Park, which is one of my favorite movies. (Monarch of the Glen fans also know Fellowes for his portrayal of Kilwillie, famous for his Gentleman's Relish and deep pockets.)

So, my tribute to Queen Victoria has rambled quite a bit, proof that English teachers are right - you need an outline before writing. For a different sort of tribute that doesn't ramble at all, check out the special tea honoring Queen Victoria's birthday at Eastlake Victorian. You'll want to sit down and enjoy the fare . . .

The Rabbit Has a Charming Face, but . . .

2010-05-22T17:10:00.000-04:00

The rabbit has a charming face,

Its private life is a disgrace.
I really dare not name to you
The awful things that rabbits do.

The Rabbit (1925), Anonymous

Isn't this a charming little poem? Although it's unclear to this modern reader how the rabbit disgraces himself, or herself, as the case may be. What comes promptly to mind, though, is the way rabbits hop around at dusk and nibble their way through the tastiest young leaves. Disgraceful! Did you know that rabbits eat up to one pound of greens each day?

What I'd like to find is a civilized rabbit like Br'er Rabbit or the White Rabbit - one dressed in formal wear who has more pressing issues than sneaking around mooching our plants.

What we actually have, though, is a pretty smart rabbit - one might even say he's no Dumb Bunny! This year he's only eating plants we don't want - like this volunteer violet. Do you have a problem with violets? They pop up in one little corner of our yard, both in the grass and in the beds - and even though some might not consider them a weed, they are a weed to me. (Doesn't that have a bit of a Godfather sound? Kind of like "you're dead to me", except that "you're a weed to me" isn't quite as ominous - or is it if you're the violet? If someone said that to you, would that make you shrink?)

So here's hoping our bunny sticks to the violets and hollyhocks (also volunteers, but that's an interesting story for another day)! This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship . . . and I might even re-write The Rabbit poem:

Our bunny has a charming face
He hops around with joy and grace.
You won't believe what he can do,
The weeds are gone when he is through.

Sundials . . . !!

2010-05-21T21:21:00.005-04:00

Remember the clocks made of flowers that we discussed earlier this week? Well, let's continue that theme with a brief chat about sundials. We all know a few basic sundial facts: sundials tell time using the sun, they're often seen in gardens, and they're a really old technology (in fact, Wikipedia tells us they've been used since 700BC). But, what I wanted to share is the work of an incredibly talented British dialist - David Harber.

I've been a fan of David Harber's amazing sundials, armillaries, and fountains since seeing his work in a garden magazine five or six years ago. Periodically I visit his website to drool over the sundials and see what fabulous new items he has created.

How lovely to be able to envision and make sundials and statuary that are so beautiful, traditional, and yet innovative? Perhaps in my next life I can be an artistic dialist like David Harber.

Or perhaps I will awake one morning to find one of these in my garden - perhaps an armillary like the one above that can be customized for an anniversary or other special occasion.

Or perhaps a moondial like the one below. I could sit beside it on summer nights and read appropriate books - for some reason The Hound of the Baskervilles comes to mind!

I hope you like David Harber's work as much as I do. These few photos are just the tip of the gnomon* so rush over to his website and prepare to be dazzled!

*The gnomon is the straight edge that creates the shadow

Going Down the Wrong Path . . .

2010-05-18T21:14:00.004-04:00

Wouldn't you love to be on this path - even if it turned out to be the wrong path? Well, tonight I'm on a different path and so must make this very brief. I started a new work project today which is great, but I underestimated how quickly it would gather steam . . . so hopefully a better post tomorrow when I have time to really chat about sun dials.

Until then, check out some other dreamy garden paths at Veranda (just because the magazine's gone doesn't mean we can't still enjoy it online!).

Does Your Garden Have a Clock?

2010-05-17T19:54:00.008-04:00

Most gardens do not have clocks - in fact, that may be one of the best things about gardens. How can you relax and enjoy the flowers and butterflies and birds if you're watching the clock? But, alas, we aren't always at leisure to spend all day lollygagging, so if you're thinking of adding a timepiece to your garden to keep you on schedule, you'll find some inspiration below!

The most famous floral clock is likely the one in Geneva (above & below) - no surprise there, as Swiss watches are the best it follows that the best floral timepiece would also be Swiss. The plantings are routinely changed as these photos show. I love the varying heights and the giant hands. The second hand is the largest in the world at 2.5 meters (for the metrically-impaired, like myself, that's over 8 feet)!

Melbourne, Australia also boasts a stunning floral clock in the Queen Victoria Gardens. Interestingly, the clock was donated to the city by a group of Swiss watchmakers in 1966.

The floral clock in Canada's Niagara Parks is (according to the Park website) photographed almost as often as the Falls! Plantings are changed twice a year and the background design is altered as well.

Finally, if you're interested in growing your own clock, the Missouri Botanical Garden gives you an inside look at how theirs was created.

I love the plants on the hands. Check out their Behind the Scenes site for step-by-step photos.

If an 8-12' clock doesn't fit into your garden plans, stop by tomorrow and we'll look at some fabulous sun dials! I'm off to wind my watch . . .

The Grasshopper Dreams of the Wright House

2010-05-16T20:11:00.008-04:00

Remember the fable of the Ant and the Grasshopper? Well, this weekend I was the grasshopper! We've just returned from a weekend away; it was one of those spur-of-the-moment trips that was really fun, but because we had not planned ahead there are now lots of things to do to prepare for the week ahead. Meanwhile, those of you who didn't play all weekend are ready for Monday and will start the week rested, with an empty laundry basket and a full larder. Oh well . . . spontaneity often has a price and tomorrow I'll tell you if this weekend was worth the price!

The next time you decide to take a mini-holiday you might consider getting away to an architectural masterpiece. The May issue of Town & Country has an article about the Frank Lloyd Wright homes that are now open for overnight guests. Here are some highlights:

The Seth Peterson Cottage (above) is a dreamy Wright creation that overlooks Mirror Lake in Wisconsin. For around $300 per night, the whole 880 sq. ft. house can be yours. The house is also open for tours and special events. The Palmer House in Ann Arbor (below) is much larger and sleeps six. It can be rented from $400 per night or by the week (this includes the separate Tea House!).

Imagine spending a cozy Saturday with friends in the room above. And, you're not limited to these two, check out these Frank Lloyd Wright rentals as well:

The Bernard Schwartz House in Two Rivers, WI
The Penfield House in Willoughby Hills, OH

I'm off to unpack and dream of the Seth Peterson Cottage on Mirror Lake - I just hope my dream doesn't include pesky, hard-working ants . . .

Care to Join Me in Celebrating National Etiquette Week?

2010-05-13T20:25:00.005-04:00

That's right, this is National Etiquette Week . . . and, yes, there apparently is a week for everything! In addition to being National Better Hearing & Speech Month and National Salad Month and National Salsa Month (I guess that's a double celebration if you're having a taco salad), May also includes the following week-long celebrations (this list is far from inclusive):

Bread Pudding Recipe Exchange Week (which proves fact is stranger than fiction)
National Wildflower Week
Salute to Mom's 35+ Week (I'm guessing only young looking 45ish moms participate in this)
National Safe Boating Week
Nursing / Tourism / Stay at Home Moms / Drinking Water / International Whistler's / etc. Week!

So, I have mixed feelings about National Etiquette Week because there are so many 'weeks' that there is little significance. And, mainly, having a designated week implies that etiquette will not be in the forefront of our lives the remaining 51 weeks. And what should one do if N.E.W. overlaps a special daily celebration? For instance, did you celebrate Robert's Rules of Order Day May 3 - I think that should fall during N.E.W. - after all Robert is all about politeness.

However, since this is the official week to celebrate Etiquette (that's right, with a capital E), I wanted to share a few thoughts. My etiquette credentials are from the Emily Post Institute and I have a soft spot for Emily. Although she passed away more than 40 years ago, her work lives on. Today the Emily Post Institute authors etiquette guides for children, adults, weddings, golf, and other aspects of modern life and you will breeze through every situation politely with the standard, blue etiquette book (now in its 17th edition . . . which says it all).

I love the poster below; it's a London Underground message from 1918 and really captures the essence of etiquette with the last sentence and the word selfish. It's so simple - etiquette is not being selfish. Putting the feelings or needs of others before your own - common courtesies sometimes, bigger sacrifices other times. Regardless, the message hasn't changed - don't be selfish!
I like these transport posters because being in crowded public spaces often brings out the rudester in us all . . . as this 1944 poster reveals:

And there's something oddly reassuring when you discover that rude behavior isn't new - rude people are like the poor, always with us. The goal for us, therefore, is to rise above the unmannered fray and keep our polite cool in even the most trying times!

So that's my message about etiquette this week. You all know the rules and we can talk about nuances another day. For now, enjoy these etiquette words of wisdom from the witty, pithy, clever Miss Manners.

Accepting discomfort cheerfully is the basic rule of picnic behavior. If one is unalterably opposed to being bitten, sunburnt, and having sand mixed with one's food, one should not go picnicking.

In response to a query regarding the proper way to address wedding gifts:
The custom is to address all prewedding presents to the bride-to-be, and those sent after the marriage to the couple. Nowadays some people may take offense at this, as a sign of inequality. Nowadays some people will take offense at anything. However, sending people presents goes a long way toward mitigating any offense.

People who boast that they "never apologize, never explain" or who claim that "love is never having to say you're sorry" ought to be ashamed of themselves and admit it and ask forgiveness.

Achoo! Why is my blog post so brief today?

2010-05-12T20:33:00.004-04:00

No, it's not a cold . . . but I did sneeze over and over again today. Here's a hint at how I whiled away ten hours:

Cleaning the porches! If you live in an area without large amounts of pollen, this may not seem like an all day job. But, by mid-May our porches are covered with the sticky, dirty, grayish-yellow menace and the best way we've found to remove it is to clear everything off and mop the floors, then hose and scrub all the furniture . . . and boy is it a job!

Half the furniture is from the upstairs porch and my husband devised a great method for lowering it down with ropes. So that's a big chore for him, but when everything is clean it's really fun to watch the rockers and sofa rise to the second story. And that's just what I'm going to do myself - I'm clean and I'm going up to bed while I can still move!

Stop by tomorrow for a little etiquette chat . . .

****************

It has become that time of evening when people sit on their porches, rocking gently and talking gently and watching the street and the standing up into their sphere of possession of the trees, of bird hung havens, hangars. - James Agee, A Death in the Family

Don't Let Your Newspaper Melt!

2010-05-11T21:11:00.005-04:00

It's that time of year again - warm weather is on the way and your days will be filled with picnics, cookouts (aka barbecues, for our friends north of the Mason-Dixon), and grocery shopping in the sweltering sun. In other words, it's Cooler Season! And when you get your favorite cooler out of the garage, basement, or attic it may need a little TLC. You're on your own for the cleaning, but here's a great tip if your cooler smells, well, less than fresh:

Put a few sheets of newspaper in it and close it for a few days - the ink will absorb the smells and your cooler will be as good as new! (This works for any plastic item - go ahead, try it!) And for bag coolers like the one seen above, it's a great thing to leave newspaper in the cooler when it isn't in use as small amounts of water often hide in the corners and the paper will take care of that, too!

And if you're in the market for a more exotic cooler - check out the selection at Hammacher Schlemmer. They offer this model that's can be controlled remotely:

Think how great this would be at your next family picnic - no more serving drinks on a tray, simply grab the remote and send the cooler over instead! The drawback is that your guests must be within forty feet of the remote control. Not to worry though, if you and your beverages need to travel longer distances. There's a cooler that will let you ride into the sunset with plenty of ice and several bottles of pop:

That's right - it's a cooler vehicle! Imagine a car lot full of these beauties - each one with a 13 m.p.h sign on the handle bars . . . and to paraphrase Henry Ford, you can have any color you like as long as it's red. So don't take your cooler for granted this summer - it doesn't have to be boring and it certainly doesn't have to be stuffy . . .

Must run, I'm off to snag some papers from the recycling bin - oh, I just had a thought, maybe I can convert our recycling bin into a remote controlled bin. What do you think?

Big C, Little C, What Begins With C?

2010-05-10T21:54:00.004-04:00

Yesterday during a local college graduation, I heard one woman's story with 'C' words. In her case, the words were Cancer and Cookies - words that make us cringe and smile. You may wonder, as her audience did, what message connects pediatric cancer with baking and how, or indeed if, that translates to a take-away for the Class of 2010. But, the two things are connected and the connection is germane to the graduates. And it's a message I think you'll appreciate as well.

The speaker was Gretchen Holt who founded a charity to raise money for pediatric cancer research after her son was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. She discovered the secret of cancer economics - new and better treatments will only be discovered if more money is spent on research. And from this sobering truth an idea was born for a giant bake sale - 96,000 cookies baked and sold in a few weeks. This raised over $400,000 and the idea for a more permanent method of raising funds and awareness was born.

Today Cookies for Kids' Cancer is a well-known charity. Like many brilliant ideas it's simple: hold local bake sales and pool the proceeds. You can get involved by hosting your own bake sale or purchasing cookies (gift packages are available): www.cookiesforkidscancer.org.

So what was Gretchen's message for the graduates? That we can't know what our future will hold, but the skills we develop along the way can stand us in good stead when we face life's inevitable crises. She specifically spoke to the skills learned in four years at a small college - researching a situation/problem at the onset, finding mentors who will offer their expertise and support, giving 100%, and approaching problems creatively. Gretchen's message was much more eloquent, but I hope I've conveyed a bit of its spirit.

On the Road with the Duchess

2010-05-07T12:37:00.008-04:00

So, the Duchess in question is Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York and we're not really on the road together . . . you may have guessed that! But, I am on the road for a few days and so is the Duchess and I did have a close encounter with her at a wonderful fundraising event in Greenville, NC a few days ago. And she is visiting five other cities while in the US and I'm visiting my mom so more about Fergie when I return home.

Meanwhile I thought you might like to know that today (May 7) is not only my mother's birthday, but also the day that Joan of Arc ended the Siege of Orleans in 1429 by leading the French Army to victory during the Hundred Years' War. Saint Joan remains an inspirational figure centuries later - perhaps because she is proof that one small person can make a difference.

And you don't have to be a martyr who is burned at the stake to do it. Although I'd almost be willing to go that far to be immortalized by Rossetti as Joan was (above).

And one final word about my mother (did I mention it's her birthday?) and Joan of Arc - my mother's wedding silver is the Joan of Arc pattern seen above - isn't it lovely? It's a great pattern that debuted in 1940 and is still in production - it has lots of great serving pieces and is always available on eBay! Keep it in mind if you're looking for a new sterling pattern to collect.

Happy Friday!

First, Do No Harm

2010-05-04T10:16:00.001-04:00

First, Do No Harm - this sums up Garden Etiquette, don't you think? When you visit a garden, whether public or private, you simply need to observe common courtesies and common sense. So here's my quick list of Etiquette Guidelines for garden tours, public gardens, and the garden down the street.

In public gardens, follow the rules. These may include walking on paths rather than grass, no sports (this is a garden, after all, and not a park - and just imagine what a soccer ball in the irises will do!), no littering (obviously!), no fishing/feeding wildlife (again, not a park), and no food. Each public garden has its own rules so check at the visitor center or watch for posted signs.

Do NOT walk in the flower beds - this applies to any garden. This applies to children and pets, too! Gardeners work hard for that loamy, perfect soil and don't want it trampled and compacted.
Do NOT pick flowers or take cuttings unless invited. This seems to be a common complaint during garden tours. A friend found a visitor to her garden scooping up a plant with a plastic spork during a garden tour a few years back . . . can you imagine? The Spork Lady even had a pocketful of sandwich bags to transport her booty . . .
Watch your children, just as you would if visiting someone's home - they shouldn't pick or tear or eat (and I add that from personal experience with a pansy-loving 3-year old) flowers/foliage, throw mulch (a favorite activity of some toddlers we know) or walk through the beds. Many public gardens have areas just for children with flowers they can touch and smell . . . check it out! My advice to garden tour hosts - have an area for children - maybe a small container of water with floating toys or bottles of bubbles in a grassy area where they can play, or some cut flowers that they can smell and touch. After all, you could be cultivating a new generation of gardeners!
And for garden tour hosts - don't be offended by visitors who make negative comments or who are not interested in your prized roses. It's not personal. Also, if you're participating in a large tour anticipate the problems - for instance, someone will probably ask to use your restroom or peek inside your house. A former co-worker who's an old pro at this tells visitors that their insurance doesn't allow tour visitors inside the house . . . it probably doesn't fool the guests, but it does work. Also, if the weather is warm (as it often is during garden tour season), a nice touch is to have water or lemonade for guests . . . your thoughtfulness may inspire the Spork Lady to sheath her spork!

I hope you enjoy the spring gardening season. I'd love to hear your thoughts about Garden Etiquette . . . or your war stories!

Gardens pictured: Biltmore and Sarah P. Duke

The British are coming, the British are coming . . . on PBS!

2010-05-02T18:06:00.006-04:00

You're probably thinking that the British are always on PBS, so what's the big deal. But, let me tell you why I'm so excited! Foyle's War is back . . . yes, tonight on Mystery! another series of Foyle's War begins. I don't normally blog about television - in the first place, most shows are not 'must watch' for me or even 'can watch if bored' and, in the second place, there are countless sites that feature amateur critiques and discussions. Having said that, I just had to chat about FW.

It's hands-down my favorite show (even Mad Men pales in comparison). And I'm not the only one who loves this show - The Wall Street Journal called it "a triumph from start to finish." And that's just the point, we thought it was finished when Series 5 was broadcast last year. And now it's back!!

For those unfamiliar with FW, here's why it's a triumph - it combines the best British mystery with a realistic, and very human, look at World War II Britain. It's not just a period piece - although it is meticulously researched and beautifully filmed. The plots are clever and interesting and the characters aren't simply stereotypes - evil villains & Nazis, tough cops, and patriotic war-time citizens. Oh yeah, and I should mention the show's creator (and writer of many episodes) is the very talented Anthony Horowitz - famous for his Alex Ryder books as well as creating another popular British mystery show, Midsomer Murders based on the novels of Caroline Graham.

So set aside a few hours tonight to enjoy this most enjoyable show. Or, add the earlier series to your Netflix list - or, better yet, do both! And if you really get hooked on Foyle, I highly recommend the soundtrack . . . it's as addictive as the show!

Etiquette: It Started In the Garden

2010-04-30T21:38:00.000-04:00

No, I don't mean the Garden of Eden. Although perhaps there are some etiquette issues there with the apple and the serpent and . . . well, you can draw your own conclusions. I'm talking about the concept of etiquette and the origin of the word itself.

And of course, no one can pinpoint the moment when informal etiquette arose - perhaps when a caveman offered his cave-mate the choicest morsel of woolly mammoth, thus setting an example followed to this day. What we do know is that formal etiquette originated in the French royal court in the 16th and 17th centuries. (Another day we'll talk about the year 1669 - when dining knives lost their points!)

But, back to France and specifically to the Palace of Versailles. Louis XIV’s gardener posted signs, or tickets (etiquettes), telling people to keep off the newly seeded lawns; the courtiers ignored these signs until the King issued an edict commanding everyone to “keep within the etiquettes” and the modern term was born.

Today most public gardens have similar signs, although the penalties for breaking the rules is less severe.

So, have a seat on this cozy bench and think about garden etiquette and I'll join you tomorrow to continue this chat.

Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good May . . .

2010-04-28T20:43:00.002-04:00

. . . without celebrating National Poetry Month, that is. That's right, there are only a few days left in April and I couldn't let the month pass without mentioning National Poetry Month. My intention was to blog about it on the first, but like an April Fool, I neglected to . . .

But, there's still time to focus on your favorite poems - or maybe discover a new favorite! I love the official NPM poster, seen above. The lines from Wallace Stevens' Final Soliloquy of the Interior Paramour were slightly familiar, so the poster led me to find the whole poem which is delightful. You can read it in its entirety here. The Academy of American Poets sponsors the celebration and you will find lots of interesting poems and activities on their website: poets.org.

And for those who find poetry out-dated and boring, this modern twist on William Blake's Jerusalem might change your mind:

I think Blake would approve of the portrayal of the 'satanic mills', and if you saw the movie Calendar Girls you'll appreciate the snippet of the ladies from the Women's Institute. If you like this rendition of the famous poem-as-hymn, check out the YouTuber's other videos - he has some fabulous performances of other classic poems (like Marlowe's Come Live With Me and the darkly comic Tim Turpin).

There is always room in a busy day for a little poetry, so set aside a few minutes before the month ends to enjoy a great poem - as for me, I'm off to check out the Poems on the Range!

A Porkchop Walks Into a Bar . . .

2010-04-27T21:30:00.006-04:00

. . . and the bartender says, "I'm sorry, we don't serve food."

I hope you liked this little joke - it never fails to crack me up. At a previous stage in my career I was a technology trainer and on a (seemingly) regular basis my classes would be halted due to technical issues. The students and I were often held hostage while someone from IT tried to fix the problem.
Have you ever tried to keep a group of adults (who were mostly forced to attend in the first place) happy in similar circumstances? If so, you'll know the value of a good joke - and by good I mean one that is appropriate for all audiences and not offensive to anyone (including porkchops and yo momma) and is moderately funny. The porkchop joke was always my go-to joke and I highly recommend it.

Here are a few other tried and true bar jokes:

Two peanuts walk into a bar . . . and one was a-salted.

Charles Dickens walks into a pub and orders a martini. The bartender asks, "Olive or twist?"

A skeleton walks into a bar and says, "Give me a beer and a mop!"

Hope these gave you a chuckle and I'd love to hear your favorite jokes. I'll leave you with a sneak peek of this iris and later in the week I'll reveal why it's special:

Pickled Bird of Paradise

2010-04-26T18:20:00.003-04:00

If Peter Piper picked a peck of crocked plants,
Where's the peck of crocked plants Peter Piper picked?

Bet you can't answer that one! Where would one find a peck of crocked plants? If the plant in question is a Bird of Paradise and the quantity is a bit more than a peck (20 gallons actually, which is 10 pecks) - then the answer is on my porch, of course! Remember the antique pickle crock we purchased last fall? (You can read about it here.) It's now the home for a lovely Bird of Paradise. This BofP should not be confused with the other birds who love the porch and make their nests in every available flowerpot - I'm referring to the nervy little Carolina wrens!

As we'll still in pollen season, the rest of the porch is quite dirty, but in a week or two we'll have it spic and span and can enjoy this new addition. And hopefully this plant will not be too large to come inside next winter . . .

Hope your week is off to a great start - as promised, garden etiquette is coming up in a few days (I was sidetracked by a busy, fun weekend)!

The Good, the Fresh, the Hot, and the Hideous

2010-04-22T09:40:00.000-04:00

I'm off on a short road trip later today and will, therefore, be away from the blogworld until Saturday or Sunday. While I'm away, I'll be thinking of these things that occupied me over the past few days.

A little spring cleaning brought organization to my sideboard drawers, including this big improvement. This antique tea set has rattled every time the bottom drawer was opened - for several years. Now it's nestled in its own basket ~ shhhh.

Also in the 'good' category - this little teacup ornament that was hiding behind some napkin rings. Once forgotten, but now waiting to grace next year's Christmas tree!

On the fresh side, the first herbs from our kitchen garden. Well, we've had rosemary all winter, but the others spent the cold months under heavy plastic and have emerged green and healthy.

During this week of fabulous cool spring weather, you might wonder what was hot. This feeder, that's what. It holds Hot Meats! From the Cole's company, Hot Meats are sunflower meats coated in hot chili peppers . . . squirrels won't touch them! Our birds love the Hot Meats though (and, yes, that's an orange slice on the other hook.).

So this brings us to the hideous - this pole and transformer. If this is what's the norm in your neighborhood then it's not unappealing, it's just what is. But, our end of the block has had underground utilities for almost twenty years and this pole is a new and unwelcome change. And I'm not even showing you the guy wire with its fluorescent orange sleeve! So, we'll have to wait and see how this little drama unfolds.

That's what's going on in my world. I hope things in your world are cheery! I'll be back over the weekend to chat about garden etiquette.

Two Birthdays Each Year? How Regal!

2010-04-21T13:24:00.009-04:00

While many women over 40 try to ignore their birthdays, Britain's Queen Elizabeth celebrates two each year! Personally, I love birthdays and would be happy to have two annually, especially if each came with a 21 gun salute and lots of champagne (the champagne is a guess, but wouldn't you have a little bubbly if you were a queen?)! The Queen's actual birthday is today - April 21, or should I say 21 April.

She's 84 and, as seen in these photos famously taken by Annie Leibovitz at Buckingham Palace a few years ago, as regal as ever.

Her official birthday will be celebrated in June with the Trooping of the Colour - find out more about her birthday celebrations here. You might also like this series originally seen on PBS: Windsor Castle: A Royal Year. You'll see how the castle staff prepares for state dinners (don't miss the footman standing on the table to light the candles), spring cleaning (in case you're not sure how to dust that suit of armor or 3 ton chandelier), and other interesting events. Of course, it's available on Netflix, too!

And if royal jewels are more your style, you'll enjoy Geoffrey Munn's fabulous book on Tiaras:

This lush book is 400+ pages of beautiful tiaras with interesting backgrounds on the designs and women who wore them (including members of the British, French, and Russian royal families). Don't be put off by my less-than-perfect pics, the book itself is dreamy!

While not limited to the Queen's jewels, it has fascinating details about many tiaras worn by her and other family members. And what better royal treatment for yourself than a few hours spent with lovely diamonds!

Finally, I have a few royal connections myself (she wrote tongue-in-check), my mother portrayed Queen Elizabeth a few years ago in a local spoof of Keeping Up Appearances (and this would be the time to mention that she's not 84!). Also I'll be seeing a minor royal at a fundraiser in a few weeks . . . more about that after the event. So, in honor of the Queen's birthday, treat yourself a little royally today! As for me, I'm ringing for the lady-in-waiting to bring my champagne . . .

One of the these things is not like the others - & that's not dandy!

2010-04-20T12:17:00.008-04:00

This week my Dianthus / Pinks are in full bloom and that makes me very happy. Pinks are such an easy plant to grow - requiring little attention and delivering big color each spring. This variety is called Maiden Bloom and it has performed really well for us - from eight small plants six years ago to this spreading group of blooms! There's one little problem this year, however. Can you spot it?

Take a closer look - see that familiar fluffy white lollipop?! That's right - it's a dandelion! Little spring weeds are inevitable and usually quickly removed, but this year lots of pesky dandelions are popping up in the lawn and flower beds - did I mention there are lots of them?! We've never had a problem with dandelions before and I have a theory, but, alas, cannot reveal it in the interest of neighbor relations!

So, what to do with a dandelion like this? The obvious answer is to remove it before it gets to this point, but I didn't see it. Isn't that just like a weed? Keeping its head down during the early stages? I could just leave it, but the thought of those seeds blowing over the garden and becoming 50 tiny dandelion plants is just too much . . .

So while I ponder my attack, you might want to think about adding Pinks / Dianthus to your garden - there are so many great ones from which to choose and here's a sampling:

Photos courtesy All Americas Selection & NCCE.

I'm thinking of a word . . .

2010-04-18T21:27:00.001-04:00

Laura of White Spray Paint fame asked a simple question about the plants pictured on my post yesterday. Her question exposes the reason I'll never have a true garden blog - I don't always know the names of the plants in our garden! In my mind, I'm the kind of gardener who keeps a fabulous garden journal - complete with notes, drawings, little seed packets, maybe even pressed flowers . . . you know the type of journal. In reality, I have three journals - each one containing some sketchy notes and lots of empty pages. One year I actually did great drawings of several beds, but as fate would have it those beds were redesigned when we hired a landscape designer the following spring and I've yet to capture the new beds. It's only been five years though . . .

But, back to Laura's question about the plants - what are they? I know the general name of all but one - the one pictured above. And it's not that easy to identify a plant if you don't already know the name - it's like finding a word in the dictionary if you don't know how to spell it. What's especially annoying is that I have known - and should know - the name of this because it's not some exotic plant - it's as common as jasmine or a Lady Banks rose!

This train of thought took me back to middle school and our perennial substitute teacher Mrs. Harris (I've changed her name for obvious reasons). Whenever a teacher was absent, Mrs. Harris filled in. She was an elderly lady who came to school dressed for church - suit with matching shoes, perfectly applied makeup (and by perfect I don't mean lightly), handbag with scarf tied to the handle. She never looked at a lesson plan, but rather had her own diversions to keep us busy. One was the Dictionary Race. She'd say a word and the first student to find it in the dictionary won. I loved this game - my secret was to start with with the dictionary opened at the middle. But, mostly we 'worked on' Spelling - remember Spelling? The purpose is to learn new words - definitions and spelling. Well, the way we studied Spelling with Mrs. Harris was for her to sit serenely at her desk and say, "I'm thinking of a word . . ." Then we would guess until someone correctly named the word and she'd check it off her list and say, "I'm thinking of a word . . ." as if she was saying that phrase for the first time. Even 5th graders knew how pointless this was, but it was a fun break from routine studying. So today I'm recreating this by sitting at my desk and saying, "I'm thinking of a plant . . ." And, I'll be waiting for someone out there to shout out the right word! And if you don't hurry I'll have to touch up my foundation or rouge!

As for the other plants, they are: Cherry Laurel (Otto Luyken), Camellia (this was already planted when we moved in and I don't know the variety, but it's a late bloomer and not as susceptible to blight as our December bloomers), Hawthorn (again not sure of the variety - I thought it was a Winter King, but when I looked it up in Dirr's the foliage is different).

So, Laura thanks for the question that led me down memory lane (that's M.E.M.O.R.Y., memory). Let's see who answers . . .

What's Cheerier Than Lots of White Blooms?

2010-04-17T19:57:00.005-04:00

Okay, I don't have an answer to that, but here's a peek at some cheery white blooms around our garden (feel free not to notice the sad foliage on the cherry laurel).

The funny thing about these plants is that I didn't realize we had so many white spring bloomers - obviously that says something about my garden planning . . . hope you're enjoying great April weather this weekend!

It's a Bloom Storm!

2010-04-16T21:07:00.004-04:00

Get out your see-through umbrella because there's a storm on the way that you'll want to see! Yesterday while visiting a friend, I saw these covering her lawn:

Despite the large number of blooms on the ground, there are more to come:

So for a few days, the tree is a lovely Spring Pink and Green!

Hope some lovely blooms come your way this weekend!

Brining: It's So 2009!

2010-04-13T20:10:00.002-04:00

As the title of this post suggests, I'm not a brining convert. In theory brining is a tasty idea - who wouldn't want juicier, saltier meats? In practice, however, I don't think there's a noticeable difference in a dish that was brined and one that was cooked properly without brining. For several years now, cooks have been inundated with recipes and products for brining - from Cooks Illustrated to FoodTV to Williams-Sonoma. And speaking of Williams-Sonoma, have you seen their brining bags?

Their photo, seen above, shows the bag in action. Now, I'm a big fan of Williams-Sonoma and, in fact, purchased something in their store over the weekend. However, the brining bag strikes me as a bit over the top - it's just a big zip-top bag. W-S lists its features as: heavy-duty to prevent punctures, re-usable (if you choose to hand wash and dry), double zipper to prevent leaks. In other words, it's the same as the Ziploc bags you can purchase at any grocery store or even the commercial-grade Ziploc bags available at Cabela's (who knew Cabela's customers need to keep things fresh?). So at $4 a piece, why would someone buy the Williams-Sonoma bags? Seeing these a few months ago just cemented by theory about brining. Once you can purchase unnecessary accoutrements for a trend, it's Jumped the Shark.

All trends wax and wane, and I think brining peaked last Thanksgiving and will shortly be on the decline. This leads us to the big question - what will be the next big food trend? I hope it's not more of the weird food combinations like chocolate-covered bacon or Krispy Kreme bread pudding (honestly . . . I've seen this on the menu at a local restaurant) that keep popping up. My prediction? Salt slabs.

In the Himalayas, slabs of salt are mined and cut just like granite and the resulting plates or bricks are beautiful and sturdy - perfect for cooking, prepping, and serving. They retain heat and impart only a mild saltiness, much less than you normally add during cooking. You can check them out at Salt News and purchase them at many gourmet shops (including Dean & Deluca, where the ones shown above are now specially priced). Even eBay has some nice sources for salt blocks.

So let's trade in our brining buckets, bags, and injectors for a few beautiful salt slabs. And if you're feeling adventurous, toss in your cedar grilling planks, too!

Liberty of London for Target . . . but, not for me

2010-04-12T22:10:00.001-04:00

Too young to remember the British Invasion? You know . . . the Beatles on Ed Sullivan and all that? Me, too, but not to worry because there's a new wave of British goodness coming your way. The famous and fabulous Liberty of London has arrived!
That's right, the iconic designs and fabrics that made Liberty famous on both sides of the Atlantic are now available in the US. The flagship London store, seen below, is a wonderful mix of modern and classic - offering everything from designer clothes to antique arts and crafts furniture, and, of course, their beautiful Tana Lawn fabrics which I always coveted during my smocking days!

Having been a huge fan of Liberty for years, I was really excited to learn that Target was going to carry a line of Liberty items. Classic Liberty designs have been used to create bedding, lingerie, and all types of housewares. And apparently this line has been quite a hit because most items are sold out in the local Target stores and online. I've visited four different locations (sadly, to no avail) looking for this teapot:
That's not as drastic as it sounds, I was close to the different stores for other reasons (really!). The quality of the clothing/fabric items may not be a high as items purchased at Liberty - but, then again, the price isn't as high either. If you'd like to add a little Liberty to your home or wardrobe, check out the whole Liberty of London collection here and visit your local Target for items not seen online - the garden and storage items are especially appealing!

And Liberty's British Invasion doesn't stop with Target - M A C Cosmetics is also collaborating with them on a fun range of makeup and accessories inspired by those classic Liberty designs. Check out the collection here.

The lipgloss is especially fun, although it hardly compares to the teapot!

Hope your week is off to a great start . . . and maybe I'll see you at Target!

Birds Do It, Bees Do It . . . & I Wish They'd Stop!

2010-04-10T20:43:00.004-04:00

Actually I don't care who does it, but I'd like to see less pollen from reproducing plants! Actually that's not a true statement, I don't mind seeing it - it's breathing it that's the problem. This past week brought the highest pollen count in recent memory in this part of NC. Last weekend's burst of summer temps caused almost everything to bloom at once and the resulting pollen haze was stifling - at least for the allergy-prone (like me!).

Luckily a brief rain has washed away much of the offending yellow stuff, but here are a few pictures to give you an idea (these were sent by a friend and I'm unsure of the source).

The photo above was taken at Pullen Park in Raleigh; the swirling pollen is rather pretty - at a distance! If you're ever in the area, stop by Pullen Park to ride the famous carousel or take a turn on the paddle boats (I suggest waiting until the pollen season has past).

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the worst of the pollen has washed away - normally we have about six weeks of it so perhaps this year we'll only have two or three. In the meantime, I'm keeping my allergy medicine close at hand!

Hope your weekend is filled with clean air.

Have You Drawn a Bird Today?

2010-04-08T20:22:00.001-04:00

Quick, you still have a few hours! Yes, it's April 8, a.k.a. Draw a Bird Day, the day set aside each year to try your hand at a little avian art. According to Wikipedia, DAB Day was started in the '40s as a morale booster and continues today (it's unclear why drawing birds was thought to boost morale - perhaps spending time in the great outdoors or simply the fact that it was an activity with little or no associated cost?). The drawings can be any media and any skill level - this is one time when effort is the most important factor. I don't know why I even said that . . . of course there are no rules.

Flickr has several sets of DAB Day pics - check one out here. Some cities, like Hartford, have their own ways to mark the day and, of course, there's a Facebook page (if you visit, don't miss the charming French drawing guide). And for a little professional inspiration look to Dr. Seuss and John James Audubon (click here to see this chromolithograph appraised on Antiques Roadshow!).

So, I'm off to draw a bird . . . how about you?

Springtime Wish List

2010-04-07T19:26:00.000-04:00

What's almost as good as having tulips, Lenten roses (aka hellebore), and other lovely spring flowers in your garden? Having friends and neighbors who plant them and let you enjoy - and photograph - them!

Here are some plants I'd like to see in my own garden next year - especially the tulips! (Now that I know the chicken wire trick . . . )

In case you haven't heard of this squirrel-thwarting technique, come a little closer and I'll whisper it: you place chicken wire over the soil after bulbs are planted - according to my sources, your bulbs are then safe from digging critters! shhh~~

So even though my garden is a bit bare this spring (or I should say all the color comes from daffodils because they're deer-proof!), I've been enjoying the beautiful flowers growing in other gardens. And, I'm putting these on my wish list for next year . . . because by then I'm sure we will have the deer/squirrel situation under control!

What's blooming in your neighborhood this week?

It's spring and my fancy lightly turns to thoughts of . . .

2010-04-06T20:57:00.000-04:00

. . . flip-flops!

I confess, I'm a flip-flopaholic. As I no longer go in to an office each day, my wardrobe has devolved - more casual clothes that are perfect for gardening, grilling, etc. and, for spring and summer: flip-flops. I must disagree with the less-than-favorable comments in a recent issue of InStyle - if they're cute, I think flip-flops can work with dresses, shorts, pants, almost any casual outfit (I do stop short of wedding gowns and visits to the White House). If you also like flip-flops, you should check out Eliza B.

What makes these different from most flip-flops? For starters, they come in the cheeriest fabrics, patterns and colors. And you can customize them. Want velvet? Or cute cork wedges? Or . . . monograms?? (Notice the monogram on the pairs below - how great would it be to have your monogram spell W.O.W.?!)

The other great thing about Eliza B flip-flops is that they're made like shoes (as they say, like fine English shoes) - they fit well, last for years, and are comfortable enough to wear when you're standing and walking all day (even on uneven cobblestones)! A far cry from the cheap rubbery ones with the big squarish bottoms . . .

So, now you know my shoe secret . . . what are your favorite summer shoes? Do you have a flip-flop recommendation?

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T10:00:00.000-04:00

In 1739, Charles Wesley captured the essence of the day:

Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say: Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens and earth, reply, Alleluia!

Wishing you a glorious Easter!

The Obligatory Daffodil Post & Poem

2010-04-01T20:50:00.000-04:00

Finally all my daffodils are blooming and I feel compelled to blog about them - I promise this is the last time this spring! They're just so cheery, though, aren't they? And when you pass a large display of them like this one . . .

. . . you must think of William Wordsworth's famous poem, "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" (or I should say I always think of it and then can only recall the first few lines). If you've also been trying to remember this classic spring poem, here goes:

I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud ~ William Wordsworth, 1802

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine
and twinkle on the Milky Way,
They stretched in never-ending line
along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
in such a jocund company:
I gazed - and gazed - but little thought
what wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

Thanks for stopping by today, I'm off to lie on the couch and dream of golden, dancing daffodils! Hope you'll join in the reverie . . .

Please note: the giant daffodil is not real; do not be alarmed! It's actually a beautiful sculpture at nearby Fearrington Village.

Seville's Holy Week - Semana Santa

2010-03-29T19:06:00.001-04:00

As Christians around the world mark the last few days of Lent, the Spanish town of Seville draws crowds of up to one million to witness the centuries old processions of Semana Santa. I've never been to Spain, but would love to see the Holy Week celebrations in Seville. During these eight days, 57 brotherhoods/fraternities process to the Cathedral of Seville carrying floats (two or more per brotherhood) representing the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ and the Virgin Mary.

The brotherhoods go back as far as the 14th century and are generally connected to a parish or church and leave from there on their pilgrimage to the Cathedral. There are more than 60 processions in total, with many different routes, often through narrow streets with tight turns. Much practice is needed to successfully maneuver the giant floats which are adorned with flowers, fabric - and even candles - that sway and flicker as the float moves.

Some of the floats date to the 17th century and all are enormously heavy - many weighing more than two tons. They are carried through the streets of Seville on the backs of costaleros who are beneath the floats, hidden from sight. The processions may take up to eight hours and each costalero bears about 100+ pounds while shuffling along in the dark.

On Good Friday the processions begin at midnight and continue throughout the night with large crowds following. The Holy Week processions are so important that apartments overlooking the routes rent and sell for a premium.

So here's hoping I'll be in Seville next year - maybe I'll see you there. And, if you've attended the Semana Santa, I'd love to hear all about it!

For more photographs and a look behind the scenes, visit Spain on Line or Explore Seville or, our usual standby for info, Wikipedia.

Have Books Turned Your Brain?

2010-03-28T16:17:00.000-04:00

"She is too fond of books, and it has turned her brain." ~ Louisa May Alcott

If you're feeling like Alcott's subject, here are some alternative uses for your books. Of course, I'm not recommending re-purposing the books you love, but these are great uses for the many unloved, never-to-be-read-again books that appear at book sales, estate sales, the back of your guest room closet, etc.

I saw the first idea a few days ago at GardenDesigns + More. This is a lovely blog that you'll enjoy exploring - whether you have a garden or just love great design. Isn't this a wonderful idea for recycling old books?

Or how about this work titled Altered Books by book artist Sally Cole.

Or this adorable Book Lady/Chicken I saw recently at a local book shop (McIntyre's Fine Books - more about it later in the week). Her dress is made of book pages and is the latest in haute couture for the reading crowd!

Or these stunning works from Su Blackwell? Check out her website for more examples of her work and her current exhibitions, including one in New York right now!

It's difficult to choose between her Alice (above, complete with rabbit hole) and the birds below . . .

And what about the work of the amazing Brian Dettmer - see what he does with whole sets of encyclopedias?

Check out his website for galleries that carry his work. If there is one near you, you'll want to drop by!

So these are just a few ideas to consider before taking those old books to Goodwill.

Happy book hunting and reading, or cutting . . .

Serendipitous Friday!

2010-03-26T20:40:00.005-04:00

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Friday is the most promising day of the week.

Okay, so I borrowed a bit of that from Jane Austen, but don't you think it's true? Weekends are great, of course, but Friday holds the promise of the weekend - relaxing Friday night knowing you can sleep in the next day or perhaps starting the weekend a few hours early - that seems more rewarding than Saturday itself . . . The odd thing about this is that I don't even have a regular job now, I'm not committed to a five-day routine, but I still look forward to weekends and wake up on Fridays feeling a bit excited about what might be in store. And today turned out to be a great day - a mid-morning change of plans led to:

Lunch and tea with my husband at a fun cafe:

Some beautiful spring blooms spotted while I was out and about. The tree-lined drive at the top of this post is stunning in real life, unfortunately this house is on a busy road and it was difficult to get a good picture - this one was taken from the sun roof! As for the flowering shrub below, I can't think of its name - it's been driving me crazy all afternoon. If you can identify it, please help! I'd love to have this in my garden . . .

And finally a detour this afternoon led to the discovery of a book sale for a nearby library. We love book sales and this one was great - lots and lots of well-organized books at ridiculously low prices. Here's our stash (yes, they provided shopping bags and building-to-car umbrella service!).

So now I'm ending the day with my new (old) books and one of these:

And, I'm not thinking about the things that were left undone because of these last-minute diversions. After all, what's the point of a play-day if you're going to feel guilty later?

I hope your weekend contains a bit of serendipitous fun!

Brown-Edged Wafers: Yum!

2010-03-25T19:49:00.004-04:00

Would you prefer a cookie that's: 1) foolproof, 2) easy to make, 3) a cookie classic, 4) so delicious everyone wants the recipe, or 5) A and C? No need to fret over the answer because Brown-Edged Wafers are all of the above! This simple, buttery cookie is certain to become a favorite. The cookies are crunchy and pretty - perfect to accompany fresh fruit or ice cream (or both . . . so many possibilities). Feel free to ignore the holey texture of my batch; I was interrupted while creaming the butter and sugar and resumed the process an hour later - usually they texture is finer . . . really.

You might remember the store-bought version (from Nabisco, I think). These are so much better. Plus, a friend told me those were actually called 'Brown Edge Cookies' so perhaps the people at Nabisco were embarrassed at their grammar mistake and decided to halt production (although the folks at Reynolds don't seem to notice their mistake with 'Wax Paper' - I mean if the paper was made of wax as the name implies it wouldn't work very well . . . but, enough about my pet grammar peeves).

Here's the recipe:

Brown-Edged Wafers

Heat oven to 350.

1 cup salted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 egg whites (unbeaten)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon vanilla (optional)

Cream butter. Add sugar, beating until fluffy. Add egg whites, one at a time, blending well. Stir in flour. Stir in vanilla, if using.

Drop by teaspoon (I use a small scoop - it's easy and precise) on ungreased cookie sheet, at least two inches apart. Bake until edges are brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool one minute on sheet then remove to cooling rack (don't cool completely on baking sheet as they will crumble).

Yield: 2 dozen unless you eat lots of batter!

I hope you'll try these this weekend - I'm off to make a pot of tea and have one now!

Join me in Botswana, Ma (or Ra, as the case may be)

2010-03-24T19:58:00.007-04:00

Okay, we're talking about the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency - if you've read the books you know I really mean Mma and not Ma, but since watching the great television adaptation I just think of it as Ma. And who hasn't read at least one of the books? For a while they were a staple of every book club and always on the best seller lists. And there are lots of them, so if you get hooked on authors or series (as I often do!), Alexander McCall Smith is a great choice for you.

If you don't subscribe to HBO or have access to BBC programming, you possibly missed the fabulous TV version - but it's available on DVD, so add it to your must-watch list! It's one of the best adaptations I've seen on the big or small screen. Jill Scott is perfect as Mma Ramotswe - yes, I said perfect!

And as you expect from the BBC, the production is first-rate. The cast and locales are exactly as you imagine when you read the novels - right down to the ubiquitous bush tea! But, not to worry if you haven't read the books - they aren't a pre-requisite for enjoying the show. And, the series has two advantages over the books: a great soundtrack and cheery and clever animated titles. Airside designed beautiful opening / closing titles that reflect the action and characters in each episode. Click here for their website or here to see the titles complete with music.

So, if you're looking for a good book or show - check out the No. 1 Ladies. If you're a fan of the books or television series, I'd love to hear from you!

Tuesday's Garden: Double, Ruffle, Old!

2010-03-23T20:35:00.004-04:00

What's going on in the garden this week? Lots of daffodils and for some reason, I never get tired of them. I also can't remember which ones are planted where, so it's always a bit of a surprise when they open. This ruffly is a fave:

As are these that were blowing in the wind this afternoon (yes, it sounds nice, but it makes the photographers job a bit tough).

Here's what I wanted to show you, though - these are doubles. That's right, two blooms on each one!

And finally, here's a picture of a nest that I hoped was something unique. Boy was I wrong! It's a squirrel's nest (apologies to squirrel lovers) - and an old one at that . . . What this tree needs is gentrification, perhaps replace this nest with a cardinal's nest - then I'll have a nice photo to share!

Hope your week is off to a nice start!

Why is this vine so sad?

2010-03-21T17:27:00.001-04:00

Can a vine be sad? I don't know, but this one is weeping . . .

Yesterday my husband and I spent the day in nearby Winston-Salem - it's about an hour away and a great place for a one-day getaway (or staycation, in 2009 parlance!). There are several antique shops that we like to investigate, including the one where we bought our giant pickle crock. No luck this time, however (although that could also be interpreted as lucky). We stopped at Old Salem and while walking through the town saw this vine.

On closer inspection, you'll see what we saw - it's weeping! Many vines 'weep' when pruned, especially this time of year. I'm not sure if this vine was pruned yesterday or the day before, but it was certainly 'bleeding sap' (as old gardening books say).

The vine itself was very pretty - bare and twisted and intricately surrounding the fence. But when the drops of sap caught the sunlight, it was positively sparkling. The sap from some vines is an irritant while the sap from grape vines is used in cosmetics (in French it's called les vignes pleurent - doesn't that sound nicer than grape vine sap?). Companies like Caudalie use many parts of the grape plant, including the seeds and sap, in products that tone, firm, and cleanse. So, if you have vines to prune this Spring, watch for the oozing sap . . . you might even check your favorite garden book or website beforehand to see if the sap is harmful or beneficial - it could keep you from weeping!

The End ~~

Peter Piper Picked a Pile of Pitas . . . freshly baked, of course!

2010-03-19T20:32:00.000-04:00

Do you like pita bread? I'm guessing you said yes, because who doesn't like it? The next question is a bit trickier . . . have you ever baked pita bread? No? It's so easy . . . since first trying this recipe last week, I've baked it twice. Yum!

I saw this recipe several months ago at The Fresh Loaf and am glad I finally baked it. It's the easiest yeast bread I've ever made and a great recipe to try if you are new to baking. And if you have kids I think they will like this because you put the dough in the oven as flat circles and in five minutes it's puffed into the two-sided pita we know and love. To be honest, I rather like watching this myself . . .

You can get the full recipe here at The Fresh Loaf, plus there are step-by-step photos and lots of good info. (FYI - I used half wheat flour and half regular and loved the results!) While taking pictures of my pitas in the bread basket, I was reminded of the Operation game - remember the bread basket? It turns out this game is still pretty popular and has its own Wikipedia page.

I learned quite a few things about Operation today - first, the original 1965 version featured a smoking doctor on the box. This is now prized by collectors. Look at the doctor - isn't he scary?

Second, Operation-themed costumes are pretty popular - that's something to keep in mind next October. Finally, there are websites that show you how to turn the Operation board into other games. I'm not including links to those because if you're that kind of Mr. Fix-it person you'll know where to find these instructions . . . and if you're not, I don't want to be responsible for injuries when you re-wire the board. (It's not fun when your nose lights up!)

Hope you have a great weekend - with or without pita in your bread basket.

Put your little grey cells to work on this mystery . . .

2010-03-18T16:17:00.017-04:00

Three years ago at an auction of items belonging to Agatha Christie, one lucky lady paid $150 (100 British pounds) for an old leather trunk. The trunk bears the initials CMM, which the new owner now knows are those of Christie's mother - Clara Margaret Miller. Wouldn't you love to own an item like this from the estate of Dame Agatha? Perhaps she traveled with it on the Orient Express or kept manuscripts for new novels in it while on working on digs in Iraq with her husband, archaeologist Max Mallowan . . . or, oh! the possibilities are endless.

The owner of the trunk must be a patient person - the trunk was locked and, though she suspected something was inside, she did not force it open until recently. Could you stand to wait three years? When it was opened it revealed another mystery - a locked strongbox.

And when it was opened, it revealed true treasure, and not just the 'valuable to a fan' kind of treasure. But, the treasure of legends - gold, silver, diamonds!

The box contained 50 gold coins and the jewelry seen above. The ring is thought to be Christie's mother's engagement ring. What a marvelous surprise! And for those of us who think all the great antiques have been discovered - here's proof we're wrong. So, find an auction near you and look for hidden treasure . . .

Click here to read the entire story or click here for details on visiting Agatha Christie's home, Greenway, seen above (including the mural painted by an American GI during WWII).

As for me, I'm off to look for treasure of a smaller kind . . . my well-read copy of 4:50 from Paddington.

The March Star

2010-03-16T20:03:00.004-04:00

Dear March, come in!
How glad I am!
I looked for you before.
Put down your hat --
You must have walked --
How out of breath you are!

Emily Dickinson captured my thoughts exactly with her whimsical poem about March! I am so glad March finally came and I was looking for it for weeks . . .

And, when it came, it brought blooms for our Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata).

For the first time in several years the blooms were not damaged by late ice or frost - and so they are perfectly white and really lovely in the stark winter landscape.

If you're looking for a small ornamental tree (zones 4-9), consider this graceful early bloomer. It's easy to grow and, according to a neighbor, easy to propagate . . . I'll be trying this myself in a few weeks and will let you know!

In the meantime, I'm off to read Emily's poem in its entirety (click here).

The Lost Weekend: Boots, Blackmail, & Drugs!

2010-03-15T14:54:00.006-04:00

Well, I'm back from an unexpected hiatus - at least back for a short post. A few days ago I woke up with a horrible cold - not the normal kind of cold (shall we say common cold) that lets you get on with your normal life even though you're not feeling your best. No, this was a flu-like cold that just zapped all my energy, made my head feel hot and heavy, and left me feeling quite sorry for myself. You know how it is, if you're really sick you just deal with it, but when you're just a little sick it can really bring out your mopey side - or maybe that's just me . . .

So, in the end I took OTC medicine that contains a large dose of pseudoephedrine and while it relieved the stuffy-hot-head, three days of it really made me feel jittery and strange - which is where the blackmail comes in. I had this weird dream - twice - where this relative of a friend of a friend was an evil blackmailer. She was known as the Wedding Blackmailer because she recorded wedding guests making snarky comments about the bride/groom/wedding/reception and then make them pay large sums to keep quiet. Isn't that bizarre?

But, here was the good thing about the weekend:

I had just found this great bath foam at Target - it's from Boots, the British drug store. I didn't even know Target carried Boots - perhaps I should check out their cosmetic section more often. This is the best bubble bath; it's scented with Bergamot, Sage, and Lavender . . . heavenly! A hot tub filled with this is just the thing for a tiresome cold. Especially when combined with a great magazine:

Luckily the latest issue of BBC Homes and Antiques arrived last week! So there's always a bright spot - and perhaps the bright spot here is that even though I fell asleep in the tub, I didn't slide under the water . . . that might have resulted in a longer hiatus!

Check back tomorrow for something less self-indulgent ~ cough, cough. Hope your week is off to a great start!

Alice Fever Spreads to J Peterman

2010-03-10T20:04:00.006-05:00

Have you seen the new Alice in Wonderland movie? Whether you plan to or not, you might enjoy browsing through the new J. Peterman catalog.

It features an Alice-themed tea table on the cover - just a bit of cheery March Madness! And, as always, the catalog is an interesting read - and if you're in the market for WWII cotton Army drawers or a flirty dress from the '40s or '50s, you'll find it here. Here's my favorite item:

These are very similar to Dansko clogs (which I love on days when I'm on my feet for hours!), but have this great floral pattern and wooden soles. Here's my dilemma: would I wear these almost every day during the spring and summer or would they be relegated to the back of the closet because in real life they are more clown/housefrau than in the catalog? Because I don't think there will be any middle ground with these . . .

Click here to check out the J. Peterman catalog - and feel free to offer comments about the clogs!

I wouldn't blame The Dish for running away with this Spoon!

2010-03-09T18:16:00.000-05:00

Who wouldn't want to steal away with this charming Georgian sterling spoon? It's a coffee spoon with a perfect little 'B' monogrammed on the back. It's one of a pair purchased on eBay several years ago.

It's difficult to see from the photo, but the bowl is quite worn from years of use.

It's a sweet 5 3/8" - just right for a small cup of tea or coffee.

The hallmarks tell us it was made in London in 1825 - just imagine, someone could have used this spoon to stir tea while reading about Thomas Jefferson's death in the newspaper! And now it's used to stir my tea . . .

Collectors often overlook spoons because they're so plentiful. But, sometimes they're also so delightful and usually quite affordable - especially if monogrammed. If you're interested in learning more about English sterling, consider purchasing a copy of Jackson's Hallmarks - it's a lifesaver when you're antiquing (online or in real life!).

Thanks for stopping by and meeting my little spoon! What things have you collected that brighten your day?

Happy Monday + Quiz Answers!

2010-03-08T17:07:00.003-05:00

I hope you're having a great Monday - the sun is out here and Spring seems imminent. And some would say it's about time! Here are the answers to yesterday's television theme song quiz:

Til the one day when the lady met this fellow, and they knew that it was much more than a hunch
This is perhaps the easiest question on the quiz - the answer is The Brady Bunch. We won't mention the recurring squabble that possibly nixed The Today Show reunion last week . . .

Their house is a museum, when people come to see 'um
The next line might help here: "They really are a scre-um . . ." The Addams Family, of course. Based on characters created by Charles Addams, this show was pretty clever (or at least it seemed that way to me watching it in reruns as a kid). I still like the finger clicks ~snap~snap.

In West Philadelphia born and raised, on the playground is where I spent most of my days
Will Smith fans may recognize this as the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme, sung by Smith himself. Who could have predicted his move from rapper-turned sitcom star to Oscar-nominated actor? Now that's jiggy . . . or do I mean fresh?

Hills that is. Swimmin' pools, movie stars.
Another easy one - at least if you're my age. The Beverly Hillbillies seemed to be in syndication forever . . . even as a kid this show was too dumb to watch, but somehow you watched it anyway. Great theme song, though!

Bad boys, bad boys, whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna go when they come for you?
This is the theme from COPS - a show no one admits watching, yet it's in its 22nd season!

Set a course for adventure, your mind on a new romance.
Did you recognize this line from The Love Boat theme? It was sung by Jack Jones and written by Paul Williams - how '70s is that?
They laugh alike, they talk alike. At times they even walk alike.
This is from The Patty Duke Show - which was a staple on TVLand in the early days. Trivia Note: Patty Duke was once married to John Astin from The Addams Family! Perhaps it didn't work out because he liked hot dogs and she preferred Crepe Suzette . . .
Rain and wind and weather. Hell-bent for leather . . .
Rawhide - 'nuff said.
Come and knock on our door. We've been waiting for you. Where the kisses are hers and hers and his.
Picture John Ritter/Jack Tripper prat-falling over an ottoman and you've got the answer: Three's Company.
So let's make the most of this beautiful day. Since we're together we might as well say . . .
Pardon me while I change into my indoor shoes - oh, and, the answer is Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood.

Feeling up to answering the bonus questions?
Ground floor perfumery, stationery and leather goods
This British show has been shown continuously on PBS stations for decades, while in the UK it is not popular at all . . . perhaps it's the same factor that causes German television stations to show Hogan's Heroes and Dallas? Regardless, the show is Are You Being Served? and you either love it or can't bear to watch it at all.
Well, now, take down your fishin' pole, and meet me at The Fishin' Hole. We may not get a bite all day, but don't you rush away.
Finally, these are the lyrics from The Andy Griffith Show theme - who knew it wasn't just whistling?

Thanks for joining me on this television theme quiz - I'd love to hear your comments about the shows or their themes!

Fish Don't Fry in the Kitchen, Beans Don't Burn on the Grill

2010-03-07T19:08:00.000-05:00

Did you recognize that line from the Jefferson's television show theme song? If you grew up in the '70s or '80s, like me, you may be able to sing the whole song (which is officially called 'Movin' On Up' and was written and sung by Ja'net Du Bois of Good Times fame). Writing about the Gilligan's Island theme last week made me think of all the television shows from the past that had great themes - often better than the actual shows! I thought it might be fun to have a little quiz about theme songs - can you name the show based on these lyrics?

Til the one day when the lady met this fellow, and they knew that it was much more than a hunch

Their house is a museum, when people come to see 'um

In West Philadelphia born and raised, on the playground is where I spent most of my days

Hills that is. Swimmin' pools, movie stars.

Bad boys, bad boys, whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna go when they come for you?

Set a course for adventure, your mind on a new romance.

They laugh alike, they talk alike. At times they even walk alike.

Rain and wind and weather. Hell-bent for leather . . .

Come and knock on our door. We've been waiting for you. Where the kisses are hers and hers and his.

So let's make the most of this beautiful day. Since we're together we might as well say . . .

Bonus questions - the first is for fan of Britcoms and the second is tricky because the lyrics were not used on the television show.

Ground floor perfumery, stationery and leather goods

Well, now, take down your fishin' pole, and meet me at The Fishin' Hole. We may not get a bite all day, but don't you rush away.

Thanks for joining me on this theme show sing-a-long! Tune in tomorrow for the answers.

Who You Callin' Yeller?!

2010-03-06T20:53:00.004-05:00

Just a peek at a few of the early bloomers in our garden this Saturday. Two cheery yellows! First a closeup of the small blooms on Leatherleaf Mahonia. This plant can be invasive, but I am hooked on it because the deer won't touch it due to its prickly, leathery leaves (hence the name . . .). It blooms in winter and even though these blooms were a bit damaged by the snow and ice, the plant is still attractive. I'm making a bit of a Mahonia Wall at the edge of the woods behind our house - this is where the local deer gang cross into our yard and I'm hoping this will deter them. So the evergreen leaves and winter blooms are a bonus and I'll keep you posted on the effectiveness of this prickly barrier!

The other yellow bloomer this week is seen below. Like many people, I love daffodils. While I've planted many different varieties in the front gardens, these are growing in the woods behind our house. They just pop up throughout the woods and bloom weeks earlier than the ones I've planted. We always wonder who planted them and how long ago . . .

Often we see daffodils growing around old houses that have been vacant for decades - sometimes the houses have disappeared altogether, but a few trees and clumps of daffodils remain. What a great reminder of the people who once lived there . . .

Hope you're enjoying your weekend!

Three Minis I Love This March!

2010-03-05T21:52:00.001-05:00

As March blows in this week, I'm thinking about minis. What kind of minis you ask? There are lots of minis - some might even say many minis - but, here are three that I love this week.

First the adorable and sporty Mini Cooper. I don't own one, but did consider purchasing one a few years ago - and may consider one the next time I'm car shopping. After all, what's not to like? They're really cute, fun to drive, and (according to our friends at Consumer Reports) safe.

You can choose one of the standard colors such as British Racing Green, Chili Red, or Laser Blue as seen above. But something about the Mini Cooper cries out for a little customization and this is what makes them so appealing. From the Austin Powers Union Jack version . . .

. . . to this one-of-a-kind George Harrison version, the possibilities are endless. And how cheery to see this in your driveway?

Next there's Minnie Mouse! Would you believe she's almost 70? Yet, she's still the fun-loving, multi-talented (have you seen her dance?), mouse we've grown to love. Always stylish and usually cheerful, she brings a smile wherever she goes (and how many of us can say that . . . )! She's always up for an adventure and even prepared for inclement weather with an umbrella that matches her outfit! Now that takes a bit of planning . . .

There is one final mini that's been really nice to have around this week, and that's the minneola! A cross between a pomelo and a tangerine, these golden citrus fruits are perfect for snacking or salads. They're easy to peel, consistently yummy, and loaded with Vitamin C (of course!).

Any weekend is good if minneolas are on the menu.

Have a great weekend!

Which Action Figure Is the Most Polite?

2010-03-03T19:33:00.001-05:00

Is it G. I. Joe . . . or someone/thing from Star Wars? No! It's Jane Austen. Action figures have come a long way from the bags of grubby little army men who couldn't even raise an arm (much less their Arms!). Today there are all types of action figures - from angry mobs of villagers complete with torches and pitchforks to Carl Jung to Edgar Allen Poe (complete with raven). My favorite, though, is the Jane Austen figure.

Available from the fun folks at Archie McPhee, Jane comes with here very own lapdesk and quill pen. She can perch on the edge of your chair as you're reading Persuasion or stand on your desk as a little muse when you're writing . . . the possibilities are endless. Wherever she goes in your world, the Jane figure will be gracious and well-mannered (not rolling in the dirt like the army men). And, there's sure to be polite, witty conversation when you and Jane share a pot of tea!

So, if you can't travel to Jane's home (seen above), bring a little Jane to your world with this fun desk accessory. Personally, I plan to purchase Jane and the famous consulting detective seen below . . . perhaps a little romance will be afoot!

Fresh Ginger Cake - Episode Two

2010-03-01T17:06:00.002-05:00

At the end of yesterday's episode, our heroine was confronted with a smoky disaster as the Ginger Cake spilled onto the oven coils and began to burn! If only The Professor was at hand - he'd know the best solution. Feeling less cheery than Mary Ann, and certainly less glamorous than Ginger, (in fact, actually feeling like the bumbling Gilligan), our baker bravely opened the oven door, used a fish spatula to lift the cake pan and slid a cookie sheet underneath. Then using the fish spatula, with its long made-for-the-grill handle, she pushed the batter off the coils and scooped up as much as she could. Hooray! The smoking ceased and, although the batter continued to overflow, the cake cooked and was really quite yummy.

Another happy ending!

So, that's what happened to me this weekend when I made this fabulous Fresh Ginger Cake. A friend gave me this recipe several years ago and she doubles it and bakes it in a tube pan. The first time I made this, I used two 9" pans and the cakes were good, but a bit flat. Since then I've made it twice and tried different pans and this time thought I'd try one 9" pan - the batter only filled the pan half-way so I thought it would be perfect. Boy was I wrong! Anyway, the cake was still delish - very moist and slightly chewy - a perfect combination of cake and gingerbread.

If you'd like to try it, here's the recipe. You're on your own deciding what size pan . . .

Fresh Ginger Cake

1 1/2 cups self-rising flour (if using all-purpose, add 1 t. baking powder and 1/4 t. salt)

1 large egg, room temperature & lightly beaten
3/4 cup light molasses
1/4 cup dark corn syrup
1/2 cup water
4 ounces (one stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons lemon zest
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger (no need to thaw before grating if frozen)

Preheat oven to 350.

Grease and flour baking pan(s)

Stir together molasses, corn syrup, and water in small bowl. Set aside. Cream butter on medium speed until fluffy. Add sugar and cream for 2-3 minutes until mixture is lighter in color and fluffy. Add the egg and cream another 1-2 minutes. Remove bowl from mixer (if using stand mixer).

Scrape down sides and stir in ginger and lemon zest. With spatula, add 1/4 flour and stir to mix. Then add 1/3 molasses mixture and stir to mix. Repeat, alternating dry and liquid ingredients. Pour into pans and bake for 35 - 37 minutes or until sides begin to contract. (If using a 9" pan, allow ten extra minutes for smoke to clear and emergency oven scraping!)

Cool in pan on rack for 10 minutes. Remove and cool completely.

Garnish with powdered sugar. Optionally you can serve with candied ginger and whipped cream (1 cup heavy cream, 3 T. powdered sugar, 1 t. ground ginger). Yum!!

And remember, don't eat too much or you won't be ready for your early summer swimsuit photos.

Thanks for sharing my cooking adventures. What's going on in your kitchen this week?

If You Freeze Ginger . . .

2010-02-28T15:44:00.001-05:00

. . . where does that leave Mary Ann?

Sorry for the lame joke, but I always think of it when I'm freezing or thawing ginger - and it cracks me up (which certainly says something about me . . . but what?). And this brings me to our topic, which is actually a two-parter.

Here's a little song (to the tune of the Gilligan's Island Theme) that serves a hint for tomorrow's post. You really need to sing along . . .

Just come right back and you'll hear a tale,
A tale of a fateful bake,
That started from this southern town,
When I thought, "cake I'll make."

The chef was a mighty baking girl,
Ingredients at hand,
Her Kitchen Aid was standing by,
With greased and floured pan.

The batter started rising high,
The oven it was hot,
If not for the courage of the fearless cook,
The cake it would be not, the cake it would be not.

The cook saw smoke through the door of this uncharted oven aisle,
With Ginger Root, the Butter, too, the Broken Egg and his Wife,
The Cake Flour, the Molasses and Lemon Zest,
Here on the kitchen isle!

So join us here Mon-day my friend,
You're sure to get a smile,
From ginger cake that went astray,
Here on my kitchen isle!

Tune in tomorrow to see how this:

And this:

Ended up like this . . . (and, no, unfortunately I did not have the cookie sheet under the cake pan in the beginning!).

Happy Baking and see you tomorrow!

Not All Moss Is Created Equal

2010-02-27T17:27:00.000-05:00

So what do we know about moss? It likes wet areas, it comes in lots of fabulous green colors, and it is rarely seen on a rolling stone. I've been on a bit of a moss-roll myself this week - taking lots of pictures of moss growing in the wooded area by our house. As we don't normally have moss growing in our yard, it has a certain attraction - especially its vivid colors.

My little moss is nothing, though, compared to the moss used by talented 'green artists' like Anna Garforth. Her moss designs are seen below:

Aren't they wonderful? I've only seen them in photos, but would love to see them in person.

Check out her website for more pictures of her fascinating work (she does amazing things with leaves as well . . .).

And then there's the master of vegitecture, Patrick Blanc. His designs are growing in major cities the world over and his website gives you a glimpse into his magical world.

Of course, his vertical gardens are not entirely moss . . .

Click here to see the step-by-step installation of a recent project in Melbourne.

I hope you enjoyed these mossy finds. Happy Saturday!

Happy Birthday Levi . . . and thanks!

2010-02-26T20:22:00.006-05:00

Today is a red-letter day for everyone who wears jeans; it's the birthday of Levi Strauss who is, of course, the Father of Blue Jeans. He traveled west during the early days of the Gold Rush, hoping to make his fortune outfitting the miners. In 1873, he partnered with tailor Jacob Davis to patent the pants with metal rivets that would make his name a household word. They've been worn by everyone from Gary Cooper:

To Marilyn Monroe:
To the Gremlin:

Today Levi's remain popular and highly collectible. Levi Strauss & Co. has an amazing archive of jeans, including a pair from 1906 that was recently found in an old bunkhouse. Read about them here. (You may remember them from the History Channel or eBay - where they sold for over $46,000!)

So, whether you prefer boyfriend jeans like Jennifer, or a Gremlin with riveted-denim seats, celebrate Levi's birthday by wearing your favorite jeans!

Hope you have a comfy weekend!

What's Cheery in the February Garden?

2010-02-25T17:52:00.005-05:00

Are you tired of this winter? I am! It's been colder than normal, wetter than normal, and rather dreary - or at least that's how it seems here in the last week of February. Perhaps the problem with my outlook results from spending too much time inside. After all, if you really look there are always cheery things to be found in the garden. Here are three that I found this afternoon.

These Star Magnolia buds! This is always the first tree to bloom in our yard and each year the buds almost get zapped with a late cold snap. So far, so good . . .

This daffodil! I love daffodils and this is the first to bloom this year. So, so cheery!!

And I saved the best for last - look at this great green and orange. This moss and fungi are growing in a wooded area in our neighbor's yard. Just when you think everything is brown, you look down and spot this . . . so perhaps the moral of this story is to look down? Sort of a twist on stopping to smell the roses - looking down to find the unexpected pops of color?

What's cheery in your garden (or world) today?