tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18609572145530644712024-03-23T06:13:13.252-04:00Who Moved My Cheese Straw?Reflecting on modern etiquette in the ever-evolving South . . .Our Porch in Hillsboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13422641793594143386noreply@blogger.comBlogger292125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860957214553064471.post-84985845925082031742010-07-28T20:36:00.005-04:002010-07-28T20:49:11.725-04:00Blogger RetreatWell, 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.<br />When I return I'll be blogging about these: a pie crust breakthrough (!), a mysterious sterling silver item (!!), peaches, and more . . .<br /><br />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 . . .<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkI50UgyQ280zkyoWQuBRMxfFidQeTEYdlpEgP15rV003zlWN4M5WFBs0b0T0U8yh1RGjOTW8L23CiPEHCCn9MMxF8PqTGpsCUljcOCvnHlTDHYW5ERm00QNdRDJTc7oELl3iNo_UNzoIs/s1600/Skink.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkI50UgyQ280zkyoWQuBRMxfFidQeTEYdlpEgP15rV003zlWN4M5WFBs0b0T0U8yh1RGjOTW8L23CiPEHCCn9MMxF8PqTGpsCUljcOCvnHlTDHYW5ERm00QNdRDJTc7oELl3iNo_UNzoIs/s400/Skink.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499123579557856978" border="0" /></a>Our Porch in Hillsboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13422641793594143386noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860957214553064471.post-71108453002402516172010-07-20T20:21:00.005-04:002010-07-20T20:52:11.701-04:00I expect less from my paper towelsHave 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.<br /><br />And that's why I don't like these:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-BgcX4_bQFGx_xL0J-sNsKI0z2jyGUfsVKBMsAigVTvTcgbyzADD6O4vgLpaLZ0IKGllGjQyeLaU5xUa2RGPEBSy_0478ZImlwn84TA8MhGyZeXUzyeHEIjnsnPoqzoKk-Uoo59YRTCK/s1600/PT1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-BgcX4_bQFGx_xL0J-sNsKI0z2jyGUfsVKBMsAigVTvTcgbyzADD6O4vgLpaLZ0IKGllGjQyeLaU5xUa2RGPEBSy_0478ZImlwn84TA8MhGyZeXUzyeHEIjnsnPoqzoKk-Uoo59YRTCK/s400/PT1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496150047640740034" border="0" /></a>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.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMeNhI3prKcpMyrAoFywcoc8E4bT7Yct71_88dgyIuuofd3nUopUkmBjgzYi2pv_Na2TBPyEuhAppP00sTDf6CAGBWbJlU5sF4OStdGWoAkcEPqNDUVdP32bXLyxkKsnmmglUfU1si2HqV/s1600/PT2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMeNhI3prKcpMyrAoFywcoc8E4bT7Yct71_88dgyIuuofd3nUopUkmBjgzYi2pv_Na2TBPyEuhAppP00sTDf6CAGBWbJlU5sF4OStdGWoAkcEPqNDUVdP32bXLyxkKsnmmglUfU1si2HqV/s400/PT2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496150043330320034" border="0" /></a>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?<br /><br />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 . . .Our Porch in Hillsboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13422641793594143386noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860957214553064471.post-67122177251163464202010-07-19T09:55:00.000-04:002010-07-19T09:55:17.156-04:00Things For People Who Don't Like ThingsCanned 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!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDJ_HYfao87vDEGHqv35qKsfkLo-GROBELLrxvir6yTTcb_eTa3gZ4ZPDUVZyCJWHUdBF7sLUng1U-Hb5cNtqpCGnVoj7WAOiIjzVt2Tt6vl8OlwkQVF9e4SuTjIUZXTKdiHY8T5We0EC/s1600/Can.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDJ_HYfao87vDEGHqv35qKsfkLo-GROBELLrxvir6yTTcb_eTa3gZ4ZPDUVZyCJWHUdBF7sLUng1U-Hb5cNtqpCGnVoj7WAOiIjzVt2Tt6vl8OlwkQVF9e4SuTjIUZXTKdiHY8T5We0EC/s400/Can.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495600485540455714" border="0" /></a>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 <a href="http://whomovedmycheesestraw.blogspot.com/2010/06/pass-salad-comrade.html">Russian Salad</a>) 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.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12t41-KN6nWES6jnfEMHjSu8tLnYJyA8LC7oazMiS4Oo0wZs9hLlheG7PoBAaGKIYvX5eUAq8CYh1m-pGRjJuCOQC7SnsCJYNiItPpM5VWs3ugGiCDB-d-rw1NW2maCw3HtXuubIdgzvj/s1600/canners2.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 217px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12t41-KN6nWES6jnfEMHjSu8tLnYJyA8LC7oazMiS4Oo0wZs9hLlheG7PoBAaGKIYvX5eUAq8CYh1m-pGRjJuCOQC7SnsCJYNiItPpM5VWs3ugGiCDB-d-rw1NW2maCw3HtXuubIdgzvj/s400/canners2.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495604001331768002" border="0" /></a>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!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqBxXqQhHuM5uFn9Qzx5koHF07nCelKm6Y3kYWi3R2GAHyxRVmGNUbHETjzVAHr3NEgHpkKQP33WMbAq83_4yXat3W_MvY0gDv3UUgcjMgWvSUgGZaS5J_s0TSBRIFPUuO2ANu7h9ZeYo/s1600/Klean+Kut.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqBxXqQhHuM5uFn9Qzx5koHF07nCelKm6Y3kYWi3R2GAHyxRVmGNUbHETjzVAHr3NEgHpkKQP33WMbAq83_4yXat3W_MvY0gDv3UUgcjMgWvSUgGZaS5J_s0TSBRIFPUuO2ANu7h9ZeYo/s400/Klean+Kut.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495610694609659250" border="0" /></a>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 . . .<br /><br />I'm off to open some cans while daydreaming of a vacation on Elba!Our Porch in Hillsboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13422641793594143386noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860957214553064471.post-27397035350379266162010-07-15T19:36:00.004-04:002010-07-15T20:07:34.846-04:00Cookies, and Ice Cream, and Toffee, Oh My!Are you looking for a fun, cool summer dessert? Try these Toffee Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches. This is truly a case where <span style="font-style: italic;">the whole is yummier than the sum of its parts</span>. 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! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYF4WbvBiCTJcW3irCBAHwt3ZRtwk4V06lcod_4hMM0_sw12GREBvqFCdBnC4AzBwHJazlXBOREzqpvZ4ZhgsmW0uo_LCOk5ARUsNKiK-DU2FyUg4d0hLY1Sn0A482M8c1RDbYf9TXpRL/s1600/Cookie+Sands.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYF4WbvBiCTJcW3irCBAHwt3ZRtwk4V06lcod_4hMM0_sw12GREBvqFCdBnC4AzBwHJazlXBOREzqpvZ4ZhgsmW0uo_LCOk5ARUsNKiK-DU2FyUg4d0hLY1Sn0A482M8c1RDbYf9TXpRL/s400/Cookie+Sands.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494282859466924418" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Toffee Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The Cookies</span><br /><br />2/3 cup all-purpose flour<br />1/2 teaspoon baking soda<br />1/4 teaspoon cinnamon<br />1/4 teaspoon salt<br />1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar<br />1/3 cup granulated sugar<br />1 egg<br /> 2 teaspoons vanilla<br />1 1/2 cups rolled oats<br />1/2 cup finely chopped chocolate (bitter or semi-sweet)<br /><br />Preheat oven to 350. <br /><br />In small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The Ice Cream</span><br /><br />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). <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The Sandwiches</span><br /><br />Scoop a bit onto a cooled cookie, top with another cookie; repeat. Freeze until the ice cream is solid. Store in an airtight container.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Bon appetit!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">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.</span></span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">There are probably other recipes I need in this cookbook . . .</span></span>Our Porch in Hillsboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13422641793594143386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860957214553064471.post-29893560947202896182010-07-13T20:08:00.004-04:002010-07-13T20:24:53.371-04:00Here's what the stylish women will be packing this fall . . .Have you seen the latest issue of <span style="font-style: italic;">Town and Country</span>? It boldly states: Think Fall. In this spirit, here's a vintage fashion to consider:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-Ns2WIaOPwuCuCWe0czzlJllBj7yo6wOyiILyYKSFSqWRJUXQvdRiK1lEAyXIsOgYJWSvc0HltSJhNKRgYvYyCPbTX6Mgq1wWnuEYeQ9ExwQ_rAiABHjJNlM0Ok9bmEi8jQWUa1INm0D/s1600/Ford+Zephyr+Ad.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 292px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-Ns2WIaOPwuCuCWe0czzlJllBj7yo6wOyiILyYKSFSqWRJUXQvdRiK1lEAyXIsOgYJWSvc0HltSJhNKRgYvYyCPbTX6Mgq1wWnuEYeQ9ExwQ_rAiABHjJNlM0Ok9bmEi8jQWUa1INm0D/s400/Ford+Zephyr+Ad.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493547929005261714" border="0" /></a>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!Our Porch in Hillsboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13422641793594143386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860957214553064471.post-87924960218137052202010-07-11T19:38:00.004-04:002010-07-11T20:13:30.215-04:00This Potato Salad: Sweet!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 <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/30/dining/30mini.html?_r=1&ref=dining">this</a> recipe from the fabulous Mark Bittman. Although it does have an autumnal feel, we like it in summer, too.<br /><br />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!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzc7z1REOQ7wsveBbcHiY86ydp940IY8NTIL-jwfZ0GxlSHs4lSab54PGY5CN_2NOsCAhSVymwr1b_5KDXJtR0xpxjCP9oA-BS4bNjk6_JxhwjTiBP3hAjil4H0S6ycljoWzssa7pdUDR/s1600/Sweet+Pot+salad1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzc7z1REOQ7wsveBbcHiY86ydp940IY8NTIL-jwfZ0GxlSHs4lSab54PGY5CN_2NOsCAhSVymwr1b_5KDXJtR0xpxjCP9oA-BS4bNjk6_JxhwjTiBP3hAjil4H0S6ycljoWzssa7pdUDR/s400/Sweet+Pot+salad1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492798032290802834" border="0" /></a>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 <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/30/dining/30mini.html?_r=1&ref=dining">recipe</a> for detailed instructions on the dressing.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BrG18NJDD-bSRI1kumPVL_PZztmlcU3t63_C0os7hbBzpwzi7ivObLMghhKw8SYuSVlRuT1iVfLglCKvAzl0EtnUtg_Ixjy4GsF4B3TO9Tfy9kYhzHf25wHZzIrJ_9iYhiob9be4ZguZ/s1600/Sweet+Pot+Salad2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BrG18NJDD-bSRI1kumPVL_PZztmlcU3t63_C0os7hbBzpwzi7ivObLMghhKw8SYuSVlRuT1iVfLglCKvAzl0EtnUtg_Ixjy4GsF4B3TO9Tfy9kYhzHf25wHZzIrJ_9iYhiob9be4ZguZ/s400/Sweet+Pot+Salad2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492798042953342242" border="0" /></a>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.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooEXBVTG1cKl-5W5flDv-8ELeUd0cx3jeloaKD5U2WTgmkB1qGRWREqS34iEBsbTqWhxT4LFzKrWAYqiPe1tVa0P2F9P7emm-s7XueDZ3uC-iPVuLioYgczHAVtnTS7BDJbsOuTH85HpO/s1600/Sweet+Potato+Salad3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooEXBVTG1cKl-5W5flDv-8ELeUd0cx3jeloaKD5U2WTgmkB1qGRWREqS34iEBsbTqWhxT4LFzKrWAYqiPe1tVa0P2F9P7emm-s7XueDZ3uC-iPVuLioYgczHAVtnTS7BDJbsOuTH85HpO/s400/Sweet+Potato+Salad3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492798052191179442" border="0" /></a><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>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 . . .<br /><br />Enjoy!Our Porch in Hillsboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13422641793594143386noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860957214553064471.post-12494510518277020612010-07-09T21:48:00.000-04:002010-07-09T21:52:33.383-04:00Oh! How I Could Potter . . . if I only had a shed!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWdzu74yBA3fUyBsmnpuTu0PRqkIEqzZzOKgj_0p20PskzaoTPaBCImz4F44oq5B2ET6gFTLlj4UjQxjZt36v65bMcH8iVxcRp6vBVOCEC0hCz4tWX_9dtmFxRFHWzUgBzJjeJugHn_9a/s1600/Potting+Shed.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 289px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWdzu74yBA3fUyBsmnpuTu0PRqkIEqzZzOKgj_0p20PskzaoTPaBCImz4F44oq5B2ET6gFTLlj4UjQxjZt36v65bMcH8iVxcRp6vBVOCEC0hCz4tWX_9dtmFxRFHWzUgBzJjeJugHn_9a/s400/Potting+Shed.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492074531225223218" border="0" /></a>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:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYP5IQPnG947QbU5X3cobRR1TyFNweObGwoCR7m8KRJliBe270TYKd_E2MU2KRRJXPWAat-dOY8_GcK-LKm2MfRvs-t1zMABpMxViSVzNijpAdJ0zaBD-lcT8hfPRvSrHzEB0DbinRL4Ah/s1600/Garden+Shed+FineHomebuilding.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYP5IQPnG947QbU5X3cobRR1TyFNweObGwoCR7m8KRJliBe270TYKd_E2MU2KRRJXPWAat-dOY8_GcK-LKm2MfRvs-t1zMABpMxViSVzNijpAdJ0zaBD-lcT8hfPRvSrHzEB0DbinRL4Ah/s400/Garden+Shed+FineHomebuilding.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492075602021507682" border="0" /></a>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.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSDRDIY1C4Mlfk5U4h-G3uHq-M226wPFRXbBQ1D4l3aaL_iZ9hdt-ls5mzcuOgG0dhghhnSKkXjyml_8KvfUSqIxSYzVfE6a9BiHYVODBVrdzi6daIpdM1ORUs7y1VhSyCn65xlANYNQR/s1600/Potting+Shed+CtryLiv.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 313px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSDRDIY1C4Mlfk5U4h-G3uHq-M226wPFRXbBQ1D4l3aaL_iZ9hdt-ls5mzcuOgG0dhghhnSKkXjyml_8KvfUSqIxSYzVfE6a9BiHYVODBVrdzi6daIpdM1ORUs7y1VhSyCn65xlANYNQR/s400/Potting+Shed+CtryLiv.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492074541595616338" border="0" /></a>And think of all the seedlings you could start in this lovely shed:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXKu6d-F-1uIsb98Ar0bdPtB3GW-gDEryLx2UQ9Wum0jVARMIXUDjTsVDap2IsXwad5fOOmLWazQ77pTK9avQ_5e2Tj2N6-YcEr8j8ziFRy_IcaX6Ex8YZ144UBlaiOM0jITuWpKch0c-/s1600/Potting+Shed+rc2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXKu6d-F-1uIsb98Ar0bdPtB3GW-gDEryLx2UQ9Wum0jVARMIXUDjTsVDap2IsXwad5fOOmLWazQ77pTK9avQ_5e2Tj2N6-YcEr8j8ziFRy_IcaX6Ex8YZ144UBlaiOM0jITuWpKch0c-/s400/Potting+Shed+rc2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492081513362466450" border="0" /></a>I love the pavers surrounding this one. Isn't it just like a doll house?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjSx-dqf5wV8HWQQ-aiO8lBwl7yOhJ_46jt8t8GhwfinY0QeFHHlJN85C4iLi1VOIMiU9iJeLZTbn4okaQVc1FrOIpUHlmfjfIXqXNcsbiNyQEzqiHm2PKxevr_3BEDj_posT38RP6js9/s1600/Potting+shed+Remodeling+Center.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjSx-dqf5wV8HWQQ-aiO8lBwl7yOhJ_46jt8t8GhwfinY0QeFHHlJN85C4iLi1VOIMiU9iJeLZTbn4okaQVc1FrOIpUHlmfjfIXqXNcsbiNyQEzqiHm2PKxevr_3BEDj_posT38RP6js9/s400/Potting+shed+Remodeling+Center.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492081520795419762" border="0" /></a>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!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEuMUbmVLyvCk7sPQ4i5wy5SC6kL0L-OAiyY1G1JHc1kaehdxvIYhT5LCCx3cgbSQXDeqZ6wjQZOZGe30pGgMoYsQTSeMl_9oew05P-opSUURB8sndsjdZkDv2QfHeEdszo3a8e-PA4DW/s1600/Potting+shed+rc.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEuMUbmVLyvCk7sPQ4i5wy5SC6kL0L-OAiyY1G1JHc1kaehdxvIYhT5LCCx3cgbSQXDeqZ6wjQZOZGe30pGgMoYsQTSeMl_9oew05P-opSUURB8sndsjdZkDv2QfHeEdszo3a8e-PA4DW/s400/Potting+shed+rc.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492081505484856546" border="0" /></a>And what about the interior? Would you opt for a traditional potting bench like this?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfiQcPABKASNQmz0Lzzp87bRMHcBLlF15xlGCe75nx-Lw2p_uXzX2JGJvhFvF5L0uzV9B_vm4M0AklqDIiIOwMfact-TqcMYAiFT_8z42-664GVYjAK9MJfI7gu0tR1FQ2HxpgRKFl5wH/s1600/Potting+bench.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfiQcPABKASNQmz0Lzzp87bRMHcBLlF15xlGCe75nx-Lw2p_uXzX2JGJvhFvF5L0uzV9B_vm4M0AklqDIiIOwMfact-TqcMYAiFT_8z42-664GVYjAK9MJfI7gu0tR1FQ2HxpgRKFl5wH/s400/Potting+bench.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492083739067396274" border="0" /></a>Shelves and crates?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKW_TA2nFp3kuoARU32Xd8ytfStBN0-Qad5CgqreWII-9lT-HE6Q3CArAizQGKGHt350vx_Yde8vdXPDxhyphenhyphen2cJoUDtAPgI2cAGMHE1T-W5_GJD_jz23xKoOe_AEWQShk-llHGTB5Ng06sD/s1600/Potting+Shed+Interior.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 388px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKW_TA2nFp3kuoARU32Xd8ytfStBN0-Qad5CgqreWII-9lT-HE6Q3CArAizQGKGHt350vx_Yde8vdXPDxhyphenhyphen2cJoUDtAPgI2cAGMHE1T-W5_GJD_jz23xKoOe_AEWQShk-llHGTB5Ng06sD/s400/Potting+Shed+Interior.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492074552659860930" border="0" /></a>A rustic sink and shelf?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAFODX9_TgP364biUoysUaKfaE3g89qKSwwTWe3WdkmTfXnfvAI5ThOYCNTmLTZ2Og1vWiiCoLACCDaCefDlcMCqA0mseLzWUzmG-9_y3mP4sn0rXsra5YOl3N5Gf66qsMVLu-NgwHNF-/s1600/potting+shed+sink.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAFODX9_TgP364biUoysUaKfaE3g89qKSwwTWe3WdkmTfXnfvAI5ThOYCNTmLTZ2Og1vWiiCoLACCDaCefDlcMCqA0mseLzWUzmG-9_y3mP4sn0rXsra5YOl3N5Gf66qsMVLu-NgwHNF-/s400/potting+shed+sink.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492086059938862514" border="0" /></a>Or, would you create a real room like this homeowner featured in Southern Living? <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirZByDupKVHxUtxedfzucCpL-U__0ankuf8XOMfGYnow6kRhokTLWRIk9-TjGvE9UtvsS-XG4uQfv7xcNdcYRZEI3o6KoDGl6KxKDNAxgoskyRmzfKtGJPhU4SRINP2tV-8EiqAE1-ea5/s1600/potting-shed-+Southern+Living.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirZByDupKVHxUtxedfzucCpL-U__0ankuf8XOMfGYnow6kRhokTLWRIk9-TjGvE9UtvsS-XG4uQfv7xcNdcYRZEI3o6KoDGl6KxKDNAxgoskyRmzfKtGJPhU4SRINP2tV-8EiqAE1-ea5/s400/potting-shed-+Southern+Living.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492087277081912370" border="0" /></a>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!<br /><br />Happy weekend!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Photo credits: </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/gardens/backyard-landscape-00417000067677/page5.html">Southern Living</a><span style="font-family:arial;">, </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.countryliving.com/homes/house-tours/nova-scotia-country-house-0705">Country Living</a><span style="font-family:arial;">, </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.finehomebuilding.com/assets/uploads/posts/6838/h203-old-time-garden-shed-01_lg.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/6838/an-old-time-garden-shed&usg=__CiequdD0WXZL5aHSI7OoMIvsPN4=&h=285&w=285&sz=25&hl=en&start=13&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=ie0WVc3lgIrT1M:&tbnh=115&tbnw=115&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dgarden%2Bshed%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Dactive%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26tbs%3Disch:1">Fine Homebuilding</a><span style="font-family:arial;">, </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.remodelingcenter.com/exterior-landscape/ideas/garden-shed-ideas/?catref=rem31&page=3">Remodeling Center</a></span>Our Porch in Hillsboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13422641793594143386noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860957214553064471.post-75195669382929016462010-07-07T16:39:00.006-04:002010-07-07T17:27:20.761-04:00Mararoon Madness!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:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2txWZhWFacPSNCRIHakfp9I5RB_LyfQQyUevY5UrRtZ_H12GKDov2Csc7Ug7fUQOJD5W-5SqCN8pQ_yzVhfNwgllHiiQv9i8huOD_SNjTvKnxS2fT_MvDbnbKgy7yKlrHt6bWHGvz3VqV/s1600/1141_recipe_macaroons_l.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2txWZhWFacPSNCRIHakfp9I5RB_LyfQQyUevY5UrRtZ_H12GKDov2Csc7Ug7fUQOJD5W-5SqCN8pQ_yzVhfNwgllHiiQv9i8huOD_SNjTvKnxS2fT_MvDbnbKgy7yKlrHt6bWHGvz3VqV/s400/1141_recipe_macaroons_l.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491273560451745490" border="0" /></a>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 <span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/coconut-macaroons">recipe</a> (seen in the photo above), as does <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/coconut-macaroons-recipe4/index.html">Ina Garten</a>. But, coconut macaroons are not our topic; these are:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NRA4M-ln3u42a-PVnxvr_kMKTeVQAVgyBPFjuouUfZn2RVnCwTWPUYl3sUqGpWCR5r03VhfXIKsvkRi8nGkyzZfNTPl6tjzdOaGjbf-cV1rkkZX__CqowWIkmHjO-C8QYMzULIMRZN9H/s1600/Macaroons+from+sucre.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 378px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NRA4M-ln3u42a-PVnxvr_kMKTeVQAVgyBPFjuouUfZn2RVnCwTWPUYl3sUqGpWCR5r03VhfXIKsvkRi8nGkyzZfNTPl6tjzdOaGjbf-cV1rkkZX__CqowWIkmHjO-C8QYMzULIMRZN9H/s400/Macaroons+from+sucre.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491271164248396066" border="0" /></a>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. <span style="font-style: italic;">Am I the only one who doesn't 'get' macaroons?</span><br /><br />If I <span style="font-style: italic;">did </span>like them and I found myself in New Orleans, I would purchase a selection like the one seen above at <a href="http://www.shopsucre.com/">sucre</a> - aren't they lovely? As it is, though, I'll opt for some of sucre's other delicious offerings.<br /><br />Another day we can chat about other desserts that baffle me - like bread pudding! Until, I'd love to know if you like macaroons . . .Our Porch in Hillsboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13422641793594143386noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860957214553064471.post-54879101452562142292010-07-06T20:27:00.005-04:002010-07-06T20:56:07.209-04:00Red, White, Blue, and YellowWow - 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:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93nRHwWrIgAg5zIpmym1GCsNJMcQktT4fC8xYrjtN1HfpsfHR7zl5VRTlwQ6RHsFV9lXA4vJibR1CL_wNPKhu_hSPH6Qu4tdZXhiYdmMVEBKPGgXjeekOfvCXziVM7REbc5CBhfSf20Pr/s1600/Red+white+blue.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93nRHwWrIgAg5zIpmym1GCsNJMcQktT4fC8xYrjtN1HfpsfHR7zl5VRTlwQ6RHsFV9lXA4vJibR1CL_wNPKhu_hSPH6Qu4tdZXhiYdmMVEBKPGgXjeekOfvCXziVM7REbc5CBhfSf20Pr/s400/Red+white+blue.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490955001311368866" border="0" /></a>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.<br /><br />And we were so excited to see this yellow pair enjoying a tasty <a href="http://www.coleswildbird.com/products.php"><span style="font-style: italic;">hot meats</span></a> dinner:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtky_3X7b-bSdeFjP80CIL7Vef_uyYRvOFyWZCpgjcngAOl2zGutacPT1HgKZTPK1ZoDhp1MTJw31oN5KFMNDRMqgRFSz0-F1F152Pyujys0ZhdP2PPDKaKrpbPyU9YaeF2i4ozvY91j9/s1600/Goldfinches.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 372px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtky_3X7b-bSdeFjP80CIL7Vef_uyYRvOFyWZCpgjcngAOl2zGutacPT1HgKZTPK1ZoDhp1MTJw31oN5KFMNDRMqgRFSz0-F1F152Pyujys0ZhdP2PPDKaKrpbPyU9YaeF2i4ozvY91j9/s400/Goldfinches.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490957083594452338" border="0" /></a>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 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Let-Pigeon-Drive-Bus/dp/078681988X"><span style="font-style: italic;">Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus</span></a>! Not to worry, though, we don't have a bus so his wheedling can't get us into trouble . . .<br /><br />So that's our weekend story - back to the usual routine now, and that includes blogging so I'll see you tomorrow!Our Porch in Hillsboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13422641793594143386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860957214553064471.post-4096304977799917542010-07-01T21:13:00.000-04:002010-07-01T21:15:02.059-04:00Days of Wine and Droppings<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">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.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">~Ernest Hemingway, "Now I Lay Me"</span></span><br /></div><br />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!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VvV4lUkQgoD4CVuAE0ut8uvcAjnOPmj_WJJAT1UTE3l_qknyTAe-4EHgx9pTeX_GIO9BGycM96ljNyV1kiDNUQTD3MMNBEdMKIGYWP4bphqiysxGb1uW5AMs7S9zwxzxImQhN-GUj166/s1600/Catalpa+worm.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VvV4lUkQgoD4CVuAE0ut8uvcAjnOPmj_WJJAT1UTE3l_qknyTAe-4EHgx9pTeX_GIO9BGycM96ljNyV1kiDNUQTD3MMNBEdMKIGYWP4bphqiysxGb1uW5AMs7S9zwxzxImQhN-GUj166/s400/Catalpa+worm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489103355224589682" border="0" /></a>And what are they eating? The leaves on our catalpa trees.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJf9z-LfsdfnUpGtP8y6YWwQbX1b9cnzwxAHE8okKmWSqempf8ZMQBynqV1-EMK4uLkkMFwjXdJwOQ28oeN4rjQB8k7IK1UpW9jGTfyYpLXDkosgirHyK0WvfjXudVlt9YJrrhAe8Pjtm/s1600/Catalpa+beans.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 362px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJf9z-LfsdfnUpGtP8y6YWwQbX1b9cnzwxAHE8okKmWSqempf8ZMQBynqV1-EMK4uLkkMFwjXdJwOQ28oeN4rjQB8k7IK1UpW9jGTfyYpLXDkosgirHyK0WvfjXudVlt9YJrrhAe8Pjtm/s400/Catalpa+beans.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489103339727238322" border="0" /></a>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.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4OZjzNjhNL-3LnBDiVL7MwN6rXokfaDVlwRFgHeEU-kw9MNNomlnHQ5Q08ZAZOlWodMDJvl0xt-xCbB_52xD_wkrLRxcpZw2WVqxy8d7l2WDzXebSKAOxGs9HUA5D4xBx4ONOGBLMGYe/s1600/Catalpa+Beans2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4OZjzNjhNL-3LnBDiVL7MwN6rXokfaDVlwRFgHeEU-kw9MNNomlnHQ5Q08ZAZOlWodMDJvl0xt-xCbB_52xD_wkrLRxcpZw2WVqxy8d7l2WDzXebSKAOxGs9HUA5D4xBx4ONOGBLMGYe/s400/Catalpa+Beans2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489103349538421250" border="0" /></a>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.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWyyytJUwxlTt1neOlUNx1CuqmutzhrLeYMV6U9OtadWMpjQS52PcJydhzUnFaPtJOF_SzpuI4QPU8g4tC1lqFuBLrDUCW3vyfecwyo0LQNWpgiKhwPqeet5HETu-uv7W2HqgGugqRUKn/s1600/Catalpa+Leaves.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWyyytJUwxlTt1neOlUNx1CuqmutzhrLeYMV6U9OtadWMpjQS52PcJydhzUnFaPtJOF_SzpuI4QPU8g4tC1lqFuBLrDUCW3vyfecwyo0LQNWpgiKhwPqeet5HETu-uv7W2HqgGugqRUKn/s400/Catalpa+Leaves.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489103350074300354" border="0" /></a>The caterpillars are prized as fishing worms, and, consequently, catalpas have been planted since the 1870s just for the "worms" - click <a href="http://www.ag.auburn.edu/enpl/bulletins/catalpasphinx/catalpasphinx.htm">here</a> if you're the kind of person who likes details about creepy crawlies or <a href="http://worm-farming.blogspot.com/2007/08/catalpa-worm-farming.html">here</a> 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!<br /><br />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 . . .Our Porch in Hillsboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13422641793594143386noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860957214553064471.post-6451607326861208892010-06-30T20:57:00.006-04:002010-06-30T22:52:24.223-04:00Happy Birthday Emily & Henry!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.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjveA0TtncZDfCInULvqFZWuIeMZjplpfZzmjTBKFO0QUqmNwOS7fo27jGMv7nGIHkBb-3OfWlBb164Z41AjJvgHGyiGFXMiW2uMJm0Fy_2jdQEcnlnTRbitMuazmUnnl9nyu_SlrAtW2N/s1600/Emily+Bronte.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjveA0TtncZDfCInULvqFZWuIeMZjplpfZzmjTBKFO0QUqmNwOS7fo27jGMv7nGIHkBb-3OfWlBb164Z41AjJvgHGyiGFXMiW2uMJm0Fy_2jdQEcnlnTRbitMuazmUnnl9nyu_SlrAtW2N/s400/Emily+Bronte.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488755535933486802" border="0" /></a>Bronte was born in 1918, the middle of the three Bronte sisters. She is best remembered for her brilliant novel, <span style="font-style: italic;">Wuthering Heights</span>. It's been quite a few years since I've read <span style="font-style: italic;">WH</span> 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!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDI7ypk0evCBxFwMnQL-ClFoQY__gkMizS26ycdRfIRhtPTPV9aiazeyZqegEoWUxKTlMNvtDSPo8EkSs962U3u6WC-WBF7sNc5xF95OnY8lXbcVoyODrnhrkBduzvAmsUfLKcuND2Nxl/s1600/WH.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDI7ypk0evCBxFwMnQL-ClFoQY__gkMizS26ycdRfIRhtPTPV9aiazeyZqegEoWUxKTlMNvtDSPo8EkSs962U3u6WC-WBF7sNc5xF95OnY8lXbcVoyODrnhrkBduzvAmsUfLKcuND2Nxl/s400/WH.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488755533991859074" border="0" /></a>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.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjym9mhPVqyG9OOXqcNM1KNwBH3-fdquBC-qAf-dUQ2U56yzw8V3QPS35RZmgxU9MAbvL0vMWOzvaXbuEgdFGsIvllKlYBeXMIlsA5r45mx75ZYJ9rPUSLK7_4C20OL27J1NQwJ3Yl8NJQS/s1600/Ford.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjym9mhPVqyG9OOXqcNM1KNwBH3-fdquBC-qAf-dUQ2U56yzw8V3QPS35RZmgxU9MAbvL0vMWOzvaXbuEgdFGsIvllKlYBeXMIlsA5r45mx75ZYJ9rPUSLK7_4C20OL27J1NQwJ3Yl8NJQS/s400/Ford.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488759769339304066" border="0" /></a><br />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?<br /><br />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 <span style="font-style: italic;">Wuthering Heights</span> - it will make a great read for the upcoming holiday weekend!Our Porch in Hillsboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13422641793594143386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860957214553064471.post-23015382109194921512010-06-29T20:43:00.005-04:002010-06-29T21:08:52.245-04:00And the CSN Giveaway Goes to . . .<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2PW7NBeZE7e9vPS5ZDkJhgVHlnA_qZpPt2AvPrpEEjezeo3LiGcovI0ZokszpJnQupRdsTyo2l-wOtVUV8Sl0o6uU2PcRLIA3cQ7qvvVzc74h4Z2oRxGYajKo3VozcjwbCHVspG-Tt2_/s1600/Blog+winners.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 356px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2PW7NBeZE7e9vPS5ZDkJhgVHlnA_qZpPt2AvPrpEEjezeo3LiGcovI0ZokszpJnQupRdsTyo2l-wOtVUV8Sl0o6uU2PcRLIA3cQ7qvvVzc74h4Z2oRxGYajKo3VozcjwbCHVspG-Tt2_/s400/Blog+winners.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488361110248470274" border="0" /></a>Thanks to the great folks at <a href="http://www.csnlighting.com/">CSN</a> 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 <a href="http://www.csnstores.com/Baking-and-Roasting-Dishes-by-Le-Creuset-C244586.html">cookware.com</a>. <br /><br />And now the moment we've all been waiting for: the winner, chosen by random.org, is <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jennifer</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">M</span> - you can check out her blog <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mommy 2 Monkeys</span> <a href="http://2monkeysmomma.blogspot.com/">here</a>. Congratulations Jennifer! Maybe we'll see your baked ziti in the new dishes on your blog!<br /><br />Thanks again and stop by over the next few days for a chat about napkins and table settings!Our Porch in Hillsboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13422641793594143386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860957214553064471.post-38225728595571070362010-06-27T20:18:00.003-04:002010-06-27T20:22:36.292-04:00Sunday WhitesToday, with triple digit heat, these white blooms were like a cool oasis (especially when viewed from indoors!).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUJGsS4bcQaQHW2hFhC-pWHhIR0LJvLoFeYtZqKszVO3yjSDKyanCLsG3yjLlHUaBmYEmmdfEdqlnZnbLE9Z7yiiZiYb7o_zO7lLdELL480-Ecd3ps5louprIMSQwinYkAiPn3UY07Vex/s1600/Whites.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUJGsS4bcQaQHW2hFhC-pWHhIR0LJvLoFeYtZqKszVO3yjSDKyanCLsG3yjLlHUaBmYEmmdfEdqlnZnbLE9Z7yiiZiYb7o_zO7lLdELL480-Ecd3ps5louprIMSQwinYkAiPn3UY07Vex/s400/Whites.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487612752190363730" border="0" /></a>I'm thinking about planting more 'whites' next year!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4DqffB-XfgaJrjPpAGAv1B_UmkkP6vAsinB1Bf6Xf5WVntLbrSOB-YQ3MXl_NSZwzNvc2fy18j0R_QNYzlAO8SclPP8ZfNX3pk2TES8WZXser1CwUwfsvRfQPhYRinT0YeEbHVd8bzjE/s1600/Phlox.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4DqffB-XfgaJrjPpAGAv1B_UmkkP6vAsinB1Bf6Xf5WVntLbrSOB-YQ3MXl_NSZwzNvc2fy18j0R_QNYzlAO8SclPP8ZfNX3pk2TES8WZXser1CwUwfsvRfQPhYRinT0YeEbHVd8bzjE/s400/Phlox.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487612763490398546" border="0" /></a>Hope you had a great weekend!Our Porch in Hillsboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13422641793594143386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860957214553064471.post-81250057452065694292010-06-26T16:23:00.007-04:002010-06-26T17:24:46.441-04:00Picture yourself in Philadelphia in 1787You'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.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRPNE749EJiZwwd4ijhjjwM7fuI5A0dmdWOyXiWyNvZc5IF3-uT7GZb_pdnAsigyQrVSuP9N1IklT9ILvdehCe89JlT4AZMjvqreXaoOZzJBgehyeoP-IJCAAiGouh8a5ax5VIMFWzSqk/s1600/800px-Independence_Hall_in_Philadelphia+State+House+by+Ferdinand_Richardt+1858-63.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 228px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRPNE749EJiZwwd4ijhjjwM7fuI5A0dmdWOyXiWyNvZc5IF3-uT7GZb_pdnAsigyQrVSuP9N1IklT9ILvdehCe89JlT4AZMjvqreXaoOZzJBgehyeoP-IJCAAiGouh8a5ax5VIMFWzSqk/s400/800px-Independence_Hall_in_Philadelphia+State+House+by+Ferdinand_Richardt+1858-63.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487192986175030962" border="0" /></a>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 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_the_United_States_Constitution">timeline</a>, 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 <a href="http://avalon.law.yale.edu/subject_menus/debcont.asp">here</a> to see what happened on a particular date.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQVgGbPvg3XlpyHQ_dSmixGd7uF6aBWFnIntAikML3QoZmJgiOOdZCLREar5FcXXZeOroHT0cblE9eoe7FzNWJgXRsz424-ctp87UO-vtoOdLNQhDjNSzxyLKN8h0By9gIUo39fQIrcEk/s1600/Constituion+stamp.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQVgGbPvg3XlpyHQ_dSmixGd7uF6aBWFnIntAikML3QoZmJgiOOdZCLREar5FcXXZeOroHT0cblE9eoe7FzNWJgXRsz424-ctp87UO-vtoOdLNQhDjNSzxyLKN8h0By9gIUo39fQIrcEk/s400/Constituion+stamp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487184962637478770" border="0" /></a><br />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 <a href="http://avalon.law.yale.edu/subject_menus/debcont.asp">notes</a>. I'm going to skip ahead . . .<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The painting is </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial;">Independence Hall</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> by Ferdinand Richardt, 1858-1863, </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.whitehouseresearch.org/assetbank-whha/action/viewAsset?id=15">White House Collection</a><span style="font-family: arial;">.</span></span>Our Porch in Hillsboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13422641793594143386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860957214553064471.post-77684526705086748112010-06-24T15:15:00.000-04:002010-06-24T15:16:51.731-04:00Guess Who's Killing My Fern?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!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMG8NToljrRIkUnNu50nYJhxbpsuCAkfEC0q1oJFMmyYOXAzXRLGm-QidH-c1XOVqrHwQ8bo4k3q3nG6RRzByeF3gojVZkEWhawL2oyMhGEoEcvhESqla0ZF4eMNDTanJMwis0t5SJIzQF/s1600/Finch+Eggs+June+24.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMG8NToljrRIkUnNu50nYJhxbpsuCAkfEC0q1oJFMmyYOXAzXRLGm-QidH-c1XOVqrHwQ8bo4k3q3nG6RRzByeF3gojVZkEWhawL2oyMhGEoEcvhESqla0ZF4eMNDTanJMwis0t5SJIzQF/s400/Finch+Eggs+June+24.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486415317008243522" border="0" /></a>It looks like all will end well this year, however, as the happy couple now have five eggs and are eagerly awaiting the arrivals. <br /><br />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 <a href="http://www.birds.cornell.edu/Publications/Birdscope/Spring2007/sparrow_numbers.html">article</a>.<br /><br />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:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><pre>The Bird Watcher<br /><br />In Wall Street once a potent power,<br /> And now a multi-millionaire<br />Alone within a shady bower<br /> In clothes his valet would not wear,<br />He watches bird wings bright the air.<br /><br />The man who mighty mergers planned,<br /> And oil and coal kinglike controlled,<br />With field-glasses in failing hand<br /> Spies downy nestlings five days old,<br />With joy he could not buy for gold.<br /><br />Aye, even childlike is his glee;<br /> But how he crisps with hate and dread<br />And shakes a clawlike fist to see<br /> A kestrel hover overhead:<br />Though he would never shoot it dead.<br /><br />Although his cook afar doth forage<br /> For food to woo his appetite,<br />The old man lives on milk and porridge<br /> And now it is his last delight<br />At eve if one lone linnet lingers.<br /> To pick crushed almonds from his fingers.<br /></pre></div>Our Porch in Hillsboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13422641793594143386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860957214553064471.post-87373820612843705712010-06-23T21:20:00.003-04:002010-06-23T21:31:39.779-04:00Mandy's House is Pink and GreenOkay, 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.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxoy6QjdkrIdFf_gLTt_f8i2FGr5eNMxKhecQr04oluLe0jXljOrN862NI8nh9Sf9pMvV9FT6E0y7WmfwxBr3D-wl2rY2Gx91vX6tDkMRT66Wb_HJbEFL4cGXkiy3-zNNwETd9Q87EAuK/s1600/Mandevilla.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxoy6QjdkrIdFf_gLTt_f8i2FGr5eNMxKhecQr04oluLe0jXljOrN862NI8nh9Sf9pMvV9FT6E0y7WmfwxBr3D-wl2rY2Gx91vX6tDkMRT66Wb_HJbEFL4cGXkiy3-zNNwETd9Q87EAuK/s400/Mandevilla.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486144586243857586" border="0" /></a>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?Our Porch in Hillsboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13422641793594143386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860957214553064471.post-24417531814870310832010-06-22T23:11:00.003-04:002010-06-22T23:30:39.386-04:00If Only Our Neighborhood Had One of These . . .<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghww3lKSyQVBWBBH_W6W2fbjZipriyKQhR2GKPEy0D_-bfHIQx31OPR-5znGXJhc2VoTSsIGc-RSb1Zm3gwvx6SoGqLmE9zBCJP4AYGRd5RtqcZ85IwmjXQy9reqzeTMk8QFSrifsCFXwQ/s1600/Deer+at+Liquor+Drive+Thru+Medicine+Bow.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 332px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghww3lKSyQVBWBBH_W6W2fbjZipriyKQhR2GKPEy0D_-bfHIQx31OPR-5znGXJhc2VoTSsIGc-RSb1Zm3gwvx6SoGqLmE9zBCJP4AYGRd5RtqcZ85IwmjXQy9reqzeTMk8QFSrifsCFXwQ/s400/Deer+at+Liquor+Drive+Thru+Medicine+Bow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485801854555208370" border="0" /></a>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! <br /><br />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 . . .<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">AP Photo, taken in Medicine Bow, Wyoming</span></span>Our Porch in Hillsboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13422641793594143386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860957214553064471.post-9606428097815093602010-06-21T15:13:00.001-04:002010-06-21T16:12:08.061-04:00What?! Another Giveaway! Le Creuset, you say?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!<br /><br />The Caro-Nan giveaway ended last night and the lucky winner (chosen by random.org) is <span style="font-weight: bold;">Paula Michele</span>! Congratulations!<br /><br />And the good news is that I'm hosting <span style="font-weight: bold;">another giveaway</span> that starts right now! It's from the nice people at <span style="font-weight: bold;">CSN</span>. CSN's 200+ stores have everything you need, so whether you're in the market for indoor or outdoor <a href="http://www.csnlighting.com/">lights</a>, 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:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmp8TWVd1SPi9vP6zA-G8N2w5g_HUPvUnS0_ZDcLh3HrNgEQzERdKjkzouTgYhkL991HQCNGcbdwzwPx5LuXO-NYJnBmiVczajXkly2O8arBy07p8A8j7RN0YCSsB8ACKvNWvtFcX0nkOo/s1600/Le+Creuset+pair+caribbean.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmp8TWVd1SPi9vP6zA-G8N2w5g_HUPvUnS0_ZDcLh3HrNgEQzERdKjkzouTgYhkL991HQCNGcbdwzwPx5LuXO-NYJnBmiVczajXkly2O8arBy07p8A8j7RN0YCSsB8ACKvNWvtFcX0nkOo/s400/Le+Creuset+pair+caribbean.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485300821084578690" border="0" /></a>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!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIueuuWjsU9sJCvkaLCAHthYjyiu8bQjN4cPSVWObSRf6YBY67x6il89ovlkVr3VKbB-qGWxPIFIef2PFHew8QmoDykpoGwuIRSdOgl72ieF7637Wa1dsnck8a13me9wFhIGn50mWktjIG/s1600/La+Creuset+pair+yellow.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 369px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIueuuWjsU9sJCvkaLCAHthYjyiu8bQjN4cPSVWObSRf6YBY67x6il89ovlkVr3VKbB-qGWxPIFIef2PFHew8QmoDykpoGwuIRSdOgl72ieF7637Wa1dsnck8a13me9wFhIGn50mWktjIG/s400/La+Creuset+pair+yellow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485300826387609074" border="0" /></a>These are available in many of Le Creuset's yummy colors: Caribbean, Dijon, Cobalt, White, Cherry, Kiwi . . . etc. Check out their <a href="http://www.cookware.com/asp/keyword.asp?sortby=&keyword=le%20creuset%20stoneware%20105%207&maid=&matchtype=&keywordvalue=&minprice=0&maxprice=0&catcount=0&shipsin=&stype=2&command=dosearch&itemsperpage=12&curpage=1&rowcount=352&ListFormat=1&LayoutFormat=1">site</a> to find your perfect color!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Giveaway Nitty-Gritty</span> - 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.<br /><br />For additional entries, do one or both of the following and leave a comment accordingly (the comments will serve as your entries).<br /><ul><li>Blog about this giveaway, with a link to this post</li><li>Follow this blog (if you're already following, leave a comment to let me know you want to enter)</li></ul>The winner will be announced on Tuesday, June 29. Good luck!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Disclosure: I have received no compensation or merchandise from CSN.</span></span></span>Our Porch in Hillsboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13422641793594143386noreply@blogger.com268tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860957214553064471.post-12605360484463375262010-06-20T21:18:00.005-04:002010-06-20T21:55:37.083-04:00Pass the Salad, ComradeLook 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, <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1531779.Square_Meals">Square Meals</a>. 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. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6KsrIl5tmNyK2A2Qk-Idl5wYRwYkHPO3CaL1plOFbhbWKHxteVg6V_Rq-OKzb6MZaakEUj875HNdERfdEUqPSiF3lgAGGmJBwbd70ZaSQ3pT95L_ugipvIjuU5fp21op85MixeoKfThA/s1600/Russian+Sal.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6KsrIl5tmNyK2A2Qk-Idl5wYRwYkHPO3CaL1plOFbhbWKHxteVg6V_Rq-OKzb6MZaakEUj875HNdERfdEUqPSiF3lgAGGmJBwbd70ZaSQ3pT95L_ugipvIjuU5fp21op85MixeoKfThA/s400/Russian+Sal.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485033588228359042" border="0" /></a>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?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MMTjb5m-Y3q5tLCddvtIY8ohMpuPgqKBRmaX8eSwA0xCrpMnTnYW7NCKkapnOj3xUVfFyRMX3eLGPDxGakHgAk26LzMl6BV2t_5mNS7GPPPgEuF7qQXN6H0cKW3KcYToy_UaAh6mX8iL/s1600/Russian+Sal+closeup.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MMTjb5m-Y3q5tLCddvtIY8ohMpuPgqKBRmaX8eSwA0xCrpMnTnYW7NCKkapnOj3xUVfFyRMX3eLGPDxGakHgAk26LzMl6BV2t_5mNS7GPPPgEuF7qQXN6H0cKW3KcYToy_UaAh6mX8iL/s400/Russian+Sal+closeup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485033602066849202" border="0" /></a>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.<br /><br />If you'd to try this sweet, fruity, retro salad - here's the recipe:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Russian Salad</span><br /><br />1 small pkg. lime Jell-O<br />3/4 cup boiling water<br />1 pkg. (3 oz. ) cream cheese<br />14 marshmallows, cut into small pieces<br />1 (8 oz.) can crushed pineapple, with juice<br />1/2 cup evaporated milk<br />1/3 cup mayonnaise (light mayo is fine)<br />3/4 to 1 cup diced bananas<br />1 teaspoon lemon juice<br />1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Enjoy!Our Porch in Hillsboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13422641793594143386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860957214553064471.post-89665792048925904682010-06-18T14:52:00.009-04:002010-06-18T23:35:17.672-04:00The Ice Cube Cometh!And ice doesn't just come in cubes these days - look at these fun shapes!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4A7G4RaLV3kQ-EXZcgpgSnXt6Cp6b-WCKWJ_B0GiLYRwkQ8eQzwTpO-0zRtnh3eYMV7aHTfUdftoOZoAIlTngmyYqUIE7wShX7CBFWEd2wuPHWWtoLgUkTbVLeimkbfdRcPbtEZAr6Ao/s1600/Titanic+ice+tray.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4A7G4RaLV3kQ-EXZcgpgSnXt6Cp6b-WCKWJ_B0GiLYRwkQ8eQzwTpO-0zRtnh3eYMV7aHTfUdftoOZoAIlTngmyYqUIE7wShX7CBFWEd2wuPHWWtoLgUkTbVLeimkbfdRcPbtEZAr6Ao/s400/Titanic+ice+tray.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484195668494191970" border="0" /></a>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?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ydciw3Ezj35lac4ysXHAtQxkI6pxelgl39Xpe2SLOH6FsVhIvgu69U-lkZupMHA4BJCwIIdxkGKsJGaIzgAMhJMYPumqWbu8MqNKfFjvELa6rPKZtxU1N9Hq-1TegjLSQmpgi7DPtxTp/s1600/Ice+kabobs.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ydciw3Ezj35lac4ysXHAtQxkI6pxelgl39Xpe2SLOH6FsVhIvgu69U-lkZupMHA4BJCwIIdxkGKsJGaIzgAMhJMYPumqWbu8MqNKfFjvELa6rPKZtxU1N9Hq-1TegjLSQmpgi7DPtxTp/s400/Ice+kabobs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484195652097416930" border="0" /></a>And how about these ice kabobs? I'd love to find one of these in a tall glass of lemonade or iced tea!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2_ymgCgXLrSSK2oBEzXfP1ygMcsYoOcXTB0SF34lB4qoMh8d_C_fyiZGbuuZVLWnPtEjbDegApeICsFvoK8dWFGDhYi00TRwVabWNoOkQRgLfKYc7mT5x-Hu5Yx3K7Px9w5fU3E1NJuW/s1600/Jewel+ice.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2_ymgCgXLrSSK2oBEzXfP1ygMcsYoOcXTB0SF34lB4qoMh8d_C_fyiZGbuuZVLWnPtEjbDegApeICsFvoK8dWFGDhYi00TRwVabWNoOkQRgLfKYc7mT5x-Hu5Yx3K7Px9w5fU3E1NJuW/s400/Jewel+ice.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484195660783254658" border="0" /></a><br />And finally, the ice jewels! Serve these with carrot juice if you're feeling punny. You can find these clever ice trays, and more, <a href="http://www.worldwidefred.com/icekabobs.htm">here</a>. 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 <a href="http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/browse/Home/Tried-True/Kitchen/Aluminum-Ice-Trays-Set-of-2-Trays/D/30100/P/1:200:2080:20500/I/f04542?emailid=7LG1E213">Vermont Country Store</a>:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtTkCURxBGFjjUuCl7dizz0I5zdS2U3AV0J5tcOk76dMC0ozo_LOl9RXwBqvfmnK0q6fbuKLcP2ohvHKgB-_e8K4ZwRDPviGLglOCRvCr4m8IN4eRnRPzSAPQ8I9WmmumLqzTXXAnnpxb/s1600/aluminum+ice+cube+tray+new.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtTkCURxBGFjjUuCl7dizz0I5zdS2U3AV0J5tcOk76dMC0ozo_LOl9RXwBqvfmnK0q6fbuKLcP2ohvHKgB-_e8K4ZwRDPviGLglOCRvCr4m8IN4eRnRPzSAPQ8I9WmmumLqzTXXAnnpxb/s400/aluminum+ice+cube+tray+new.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484315815266178162" border="0" /></a>And an ice bucket! How about this lovely monogrammed one from <a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/monogrammed-stainless-steel-ice-bucket/?pkey=x%7C4%7C1%7C%7C4%7Cice%7C%7C0&cm_src=SCH">Williams-Sonoma</a>?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnmozF4sC3TSjqui2kTb2tBhP0oRb9t56bgPqlMP9cPyrI6MiVfqS7VTV0jWTfAfVPGpXM6mK0Hm7xk4HPAMO1tj569eLWaPKiB0kBDY-gDAYBXlL5OSg_WzSxQyzbdGX6D5VR-XEA7gv/s1600/Mono+Ice+Bucket.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnmozF4sC3TSjqui2kTb2tBhP0oRb9t56bgPqlMP9cPyrI6MiVfqS7VTV0jWTfAfVPGpXM6mK0Hm7xk4HPAMO1tj569eLWaPKiB0kBDY-gDAYBXlL5OSg_WzSxQyzbdGX6D5VR-XEA7gv/s400/Mono+Ice+Bucket.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484199486288765842" border="0" /></a>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 <a href="http://www.scienceline.org/2008/09/22/ask-soltis-ice-cubes-faster-hot-or-cold-water-mpemba/">here</a> to find out before you fill that ice tray!Our Porch in Hillsboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13422641793594143386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860957214553064471.post-81867804251697878692010-06-17T21:27:00.000-04:002010-06-17T21:32:33.107-04:00I'd like to introduce SharonI 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. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi71BD6gwZ_1a4FXrCZ5stx7z7uxKFU7NCDKdbOZm36gTKq5jEtKGcgDYr5fmTnAkBGMrHl4xjB7Sa0yWghQJZjZps5mF08KWxPv21D1P6WoQUnzxaTPWTfiWHS7KHgx7X7DmAeYmzJftd5/s1600/Rose+of+Sharon.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi71BD6gwZ_1a4FXrCZ5stx7z7uxKFU7NCDKdbOZm36gTKq5jEtKGcgDYr5fmTnAkBGMrHl4xjB7Sa0yWghQJZjZps5mF08KWxPv21D1P6WoQUnzxaTPWTfiWHS7KHgx7X7DmAeYmzJftd5/s400/Rose+of+Sharon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483918422364376754" border="0" /></a>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 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_of_Sharon">Wikipedia</a> 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?Our Porch in Hillsboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13422641793594143386noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860957214553064471.post-23728131798653383192010-06-16T21:36:00.000-04:002010-06-16T21:45:24.117-04:00June's Not Just for Weddings!It's also <span style="font-weight: bold;">Iced Tea Month</span>!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73AzFueYVaKDder3VfRItHsCpS2bPWUv9eV87Fu0XDS2M53Vo-Pd806E89O25VzGws6Dpd6pD6hf6MuWosHiJdJaE2LbZJu4W6vzFIj_Jfz23QYc7XWWkxSMLmiIOjM9Dslgd2bMdlV21/s1600/IT1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73AzFueYVaKDder3VfRItHsCpS2bPWUv9eV87Fu0XDS2M53Vo-Pd806E89O25VzGws6Dpd6pD6hf6MuWosHiJdJaE2LbZJu4W6vzFIj_Jfz23QYc7XWWkxSMLmiIOjM9Dslgd2bMdlV21/s400/IT1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483541892105538098" border="0" /></a>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.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BUwCfItU-9dv33jxoEgxsHDVZWLEDPm8zwtv7rr_LV98J97MPrgN03fOQQ5xYueTgdsbfP8VkGzeN42BwNKFnAPvUWoLZPqSQ80SLJ5km_Xk1dFzcp_3OB1lxbDCJAJzoOWhshVZ3KFe/s1600/IT2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BUwCfItU-9dv33jxoEgxsHDVZWLEDPm8zwtv7rr_LV98J97MPrgN03fOQQ5xYueTgdsbfP8VkGzeN42BwNKFnAPvUWoLZPqSQ80SLJ5km_Xk1dFzcp_3OB1lxbDCJAJzoOWhshVZ3KFe/s400/IT2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483541900175767426" border="0" /></a>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. <span style="font-style: italic;">(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.) </span><br /><br />Here are my tips for perfect iced tea:<br /><ul><li>don't add ice or refrigerate until the tea has cooled (it may make the tea cloudy)</li><li>choose your tea carefully, many teas that are delish hot are not delish iced<br /></li><li>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!</li><li>for basic tea made with tea bags, my favorite is <a href="http://www.luzianne.com/">Luzianne</a> (that's also what they serve at <a href="http://www.bojangles.com/">Bojangles</a> which has legendary iced tea, albeit very sweet!)</li><li>if your tea is cloudy, add a little boiling water<br /></li></ul><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyIHaOkG6r_styeeL3p5R1dSTHSlcAxec5FFcka4iPbacux3KT6J3jAORlyFbBqMoesRyJD9PpRtkG9psE7Q4LyckmDMgvk68JQbrkrRM7CKuKooqzHPCelDU3ljBPERVvXlYuadK298N/s1600/IT+with+spoon.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyIHaOkG6r_styeeL3p5R1dSTHSlcAxec5FFcka4iPbacux3KT6J3jAORlyFbBqMoesRyJD9PpRtkG9psE7Q4LyckmDMgvk68JQbrkrRM7CKuKooqzHPCelDU3ljBPERVvXlYuadK298N/s400/IT+with+spoon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483541906190795970" border="0" /></a>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:<br /><ul><li>when setting the table, it goes on the outer right<br /></li><li>once used, it cannot be placed on the table (this rule applies to any piece of flatware, of course!)</li><li>it remains on the table as long as the beverage does - normally throughout the meal</li><li>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<br /></li></ul>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 <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.wax101.com/UserFiles/2009/8/21/Iced%2520Tea%2520Gel%2520Candle.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.wax101.com/articlelist.asp%3Fvt%3DSubCategory%26SCID%3D656%26Page%3D9%26Candle-Making&usg=__qZk-pFg5dWuhHPbCsGxcQ5lXay4=&h=640&w=480&sz=87&hl=en&start=39&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=905tjsRAqfT2dM:&tbnh=137&tbnw=103&prev=/images%3Fq%3Diced%2Btea%26start%3D20%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26ndsp%3D20%26tbs%3Disch:1">here</a>). Isn't it amazing? I think on a hot day, you might be temporarily fooled by this!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHW5T04nuJXcz5jcJq0_ycUVDVs_bxOWsvYFyctb9sLsyVncYUGPWi4ROeSZpXMkbNmBa3eHNZCJS269QsDMmkaLimlhNw1AZ_t-zpJb8KbHhgXncgqLNL4MHflNiBRq7tD5A54atsnu5C/s1600/Iced+Tea+Gel+Candle.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHW5T04nuJXcz5jcJq0_ycUVDVs_bxOWsvYFyctb9sLsyVncYUGPWi4ROeSZpXMkbNmBa3eHNZCJS269QsDMmkaLimlhNw1AZ_t-zpJb8KbHhgXncgqLNL4MHflNiBRq7tD5A54atsnu5C/s400/Iced+Tea+Gel+Candle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483406266526706370" border="0" /></a>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.Our Porch in Hillsboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13422641793594143386noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860957214553064471.post-54251727027196648992010-06-15T21:02:00.004-04:002010-06-15T21:20:45.685-04:00Caro-Nan Giveaway - The Second BasketSo this is Day Two of my "I Can't Believe It's Been a Year" giveaway. See <a href="http://whomovedmycheesestraw.blogspot.com/2010/06/i-cant-believe-its-been-year-giveaway.html">this post</a> 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.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJPKhWqVM20Ak3TsAdwMQ0XYJ6olBrUEFV98NKo3pN_gwTWF8QhuWO3hTnCJjiJC1ar6E117t5fizy_wVW3vhu_jnP6k4gYyUIzksDqYHkcoEKM3dIHDzJpiiJAHT95Hk4k-C_JEsZAm8/s1600/Caro-nan+houses2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJPKhWqVM20Ak3TsAdwMQ0XYJ6olBrUEFV98NKo3pN_gwTWF8QhuWO3hTnCJjiJC1ar6E117t5fizy_wVW3vhu_jnP6k4gYyUIzksDqYHkcoEKM3dIHDzJpiiJAHT95Hk4k-C_JEsZAm8/s400/Caro-nan+houses2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483171739792719714" border="0" /></a>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!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlTTwRZ_hW9QZBvrnbvjDKgUUmW-kIZHFUkluLNBVaU5zFMn4NO0OQJEX9yVfr0sNSZPjepXJ5bqt2xBoRHmOl7PVkHIvsLPJtbTtZZl9Qxq1_pmqaA-Zk-JUN_nXRMD7ppxHZMIee5JO/s1600/Caro-nan+houses1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlTTwRZ_hW9QZBvrnbvjDKgUUmW-kIZHFUkluLNBVaU5zFMn4NO0OQJEX9yVfr0sNSZPjepXJ5bqt2xBoRHmOl7PVkHIvsLPJtbTtZZl9Qxq1_pmqaA-Zk-JUN_nXRMD7ppxHZMIee5JO/s400/Caro-nan+houses1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483171730644161666" border="0" /></a>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!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetcarZQ-DT0RKDnqpB7vPyawrV0kV8l_bK4sbmKtob_v4UkdsBVglS94sxbPu8mE7AD3IaY4yHJPrzkIKbnufu-MJ7TeHhQPxgE3Cpciph08LVYUpOwu17xHneyRbxbmsU2oEUvKcvSo6/s1600/Caro-nan+houses+with+plants.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 370px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetcarZQ-DT0RKDnqpB7vPyawrV0kV8l_bK4sbmKtob_v4UkdsBVglS94sxbPu8mE7AD3IaY4yHJPrzkIKbnufu-MJ7TeHhQPxgE3Cpciph08LVYUpOwu17xHneyRbxbmsU2oEUvKcvSo6/s400/Caro-nan+houses+with+plants.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483171748321094162" border="0" /></a>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?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcY5Owh3rGgdIHtKhyphenhyphen9miZY8vi9vKI-FCcZ_IzZe4IdHk80byUoA3-z3Z7sk0_AyAdWVo1hUhiuevUpvItRdHs6XN6CwIZBBHq7GgWdrwg6A6AWPu8iH17IiRNd78OeGkdjX0wCAIBrVz/s1600/Caro-nan+houses+lid.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcY5Owh3rGgdIHtKhyphenhyphen9miZY8vi9vKI-FCcZ_IzZe4IdHk80byUoA3-z3Z7sk0_AyAdWVo1hUhiuevUpvItRdHs6XN6CwIZBBHq7GgWdrwg6A6AWPu8iH17IiRNd78OeGkdjX0wCAIBrVz/s400/Caro-nan+houses+lid.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483171746347507234" border="0" /></a>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 <a href="http://whomovedmycheesestraw.blogspot.com/2010/06/i-cant-believe-its-been-year-giveaway.html">enter</a> - I'll e-mail the winner with details about the condition of both baskets so you can make an informed choice!<br /><br />Stop by tomorrow for a chat about Iced Tea Month and that pesky iced beverage spoon!Our Porch in Hillsboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13422641793594143386noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860957214553064471.post-71660262925676074452010-06-14T21:42:00.002-04:002010-06-14T22:18:11.536-04:00The "I can't believe it's been a year" Giveaway!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: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Caro-Nan Bags!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYqyZzrhEdgLeAzeHanxCOvJl4-ZvZ8sLwxVEOHbLg9olp6u-7qG2P-Bs4OeYO7o3G3fTY6so7EoEvM0pwc5XwqXdzXLhkOPHXf0i-UO-iU1YmdUdRgbyea-JRjdQXmF6UhIfhcxri0Ib/s1600/Caro-nan+turtle+bag2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 334px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYqyZzrhEdgLeAzeHanxCOvJl4-ZvZ8sLwxVEOHbLg9olp6u-7qG2P-Bs4OeYO7o3G3fTY6so7EoEvM0pwc5XwqXdzXLhkOPHXf0i-UO-iU1YmdUdRgbyea-JRjdQXmF6UhIfhcxri0Ib/s400/Caro-nan+turtle+bag2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482805040694670578" border="0" /></a>Since blogging about them last August (click <a href="http://whomovedmycheesestraw.blogspot.com/2009/08/vintage-handbags-caro-nan-baskets.html">here</a> 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!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwoGV7PhCESf8dj4ekgY6Fpm2zwjqu38CzsWgWRJDyO88OYX25VEV-m1FNEdyqD_S2WqnjfV0LZ9dBIHLN81fUqBqn1zmwvC3OwUFCZcibJxVMmfMBoJuz89V5idlOgk1G4pc2kYNs7iI/s1600/Caro+giveaway1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwoGV7PhCESf8dj4ekgY6Fpm2zwjqu38CzsWgWRJDyO88OYX25VEV-m1FNEdyqD_S2WqnjfV0LZ9dBIHLN81fUqBqn1zmwvC3OwUFCZcibJxVMmfMBoJuz89V5idlOgk1G4pc2kYNs7iI/s400/Caro+giveaway1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482805906589485522" border="0" /></a>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.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Details:</span><br /><ul><li>The giveaway ends on Sunday, June 20 and the winner will be announced on Monday.<br /></li><li>To enter just leave a comment telling me which posts, or types of post, you liked most this year.<br /></li><li>You can also have a second entry if you're a follower - leave a comment to let me know.<br /></li><li>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.<br /></li><li>Contest is open to those with US or Canadian mailing addresses.</li></ul><br />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.<br /><br />Good luck!Our Porch in Hillsboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13422641793594143386noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860957214553064471.post-66250736939907463762010-06-13T21:36:00.001-04:002010-06-13T21:47:19.595-04:00Find Your Blueberry Thrill!I'm feeling blue this weekend - not sad, just in a blueberry mood. If you're not yet in a blueberry mood, read on . . . <br /><br />Check out this hand-dyed yarn from <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://thepluckyknitter.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/blueberry-queen.jpg&imgrefurl=http://thepluckyknitter.com/index.php/archives/date/2007/09&usg=__d5g8AKyEBUB_at-fzQqke2hONfs=&h=1067&w=1156&sz=162&hl=en&start=3&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=CKJIEbK6VrelvM:&tbnh=138&tbnw=150&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dblueberry%2Bqueen%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26tbs%3Disch:1"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The </span>Plucky Knitter</a>. If I could knit, I would make something yummy with this - it's called 'Blueberry Queen' and really captures the essence of blueberries. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcitJBz-fzD4IPYotB0F5Xh-lV8XOuTRQ05eBIUG2wTye1nOSnsApT_vQk_Vp7G5h20ZaLpd6xlMf89GaV7GWomaogXtXb9l6wql7Sk1HoBSTlhz4NsulwFx8DphqUmPUk9awFwU-GvaXq/s1600/blueberry-queen.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 369px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcitJBz-fzD4IPYotB0F5Xh-lV8XOuTRQ05eBIUG2wTye1nOSnsApT_vQk_Vp7G5h20ZaLpd6xlMf89GaV7GWomaogXtXb9l6wql7Sk1HoBSTlhz4NsulwFx8DphqUmPUk9awFwU-GvaXq/s400/blueberry-queen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482429413987699410" border="0" /></a>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 <a href="http://www.ncblueberrycouncil.org/index.htm">Blueberry Council</a> (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?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNqZa1fDMIs4hNE7ThbDBPJq32puA-HN-oH4rOPlxMN6hRiHC_7gstv4lM7-NQTV1X0nQHpIN6sKEutoPjfilFYauaVjTroimGiHLWA_OOJfdGHYT_88d51dCha3gSB5Qg1wbil9GzZ1K/s1600/1973+blueberry-queen3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 330px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNqZa1fDMIs4hNE7ThbDBPJq32puA-HN-oH4rOPlxMN6hRiHC_7gstv4lM7-NQTV1X0nQHpIN6sKEutoPjfilFYauaVjTroimGiHLWA_OOJfdGHYT_88d51dCha3gSB5Qg1wbil9GzZ1K/s400/1973+blueberry-queen3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482429411048955922" border="0" /></a>To find a blueberry festival close to you, check out the list <a href="http://www.blueberry.org/festivals.htm">here</a>. 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 <a href="http://www.blueberrybluegrass.com/">Stony Plain</a> 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! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnH6ssmuOefSHRzIE9Mv5JE5CaVxoU6QjSeYtl1nQNsHmwxYvbN8_Ww6yU4NY0aoxhxNUTfxTXzMJnGseECt0FCwt4hhphtzfn6ijImtDLN_wE-5HUdut0L7cn_mdgVbeP-ZBEtF6fweLX/s1600/Blueberries.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnH6ssmuOefSHRzIE9Mv5JE5CaVxoU6QjSeYtl1nQNsHmwxYvbN8_Ww6yU4NY0aoxhxNUTfxTXzMJnGseECt0FCwt4hhphtzfn6ijImtDLN_wE-5HUdut0L7cn_mdgVbeP-ZBEtF6fweLX/s400/Blueberries.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482395649777804866" border="0" /></a>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.<br /><br />You'll need two bowls, and here's what you do:<br /><br />In a medium bowl mix the wet ingredients: <br /><ul><li>1 large egg, lightly beaten</li><li>3/4 cup buttermilk</li><li>2/3 cup safflower or canola oil</li><li>1 teaspoon pure vanilla</li></ul>In large mixing bowl, whisk together dry ingredients:<br /><ul><li>2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</li><li>3/4 cup sugar</li><li>2 teaspoons baking powder</li><li>1/2 teaspoon baking soda</li><li>1/4 teaspoon salt</li><li>Zest of one orange or lemon<br /></li></ul><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-Z60TjrNw1iKftwRXrW4hsliTYiALNE3E1j4S8Tk10f6BUTmF_H933jLFbkiqkeRfuNJdzApVcc146mXm6i6pSCPWSqNG84DYhm2H_OsRcHiPTQi2AwhTybwFdL6MtVzpgXrrc9LGSeW/s1600/Blueberry+muffin+dry+ingred.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-Z60TjrNw1iKftwRXrW4hsliTYiALNE3E1j4S8Tk10f6BUTmF_H933jLFbkiqkeRfuNJdzApVcc146mXm6i6pSCPWSqNG84DYhm2H_OsRcHiPTQi2AwhTybwFdL6MtVzpgXrrc9LGSeW/s400/Blueberry+muffin+dry+ingred.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482395658762975890" border="0" /></a>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.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-WjDz0Eq3CkcWvprVFfWdSC1jtBzb6Kb7bJ9RuW6nAMi_ce-MdF3Psq_hnxhmD7f9LuKNbnMa7BKXydsUQXzy-BhvG36CnctJkCL6myZ6E8VYWaTvV1RD1QEAhSzDgH25Jep7z4WePUb/s1600/Blueberry+Muffins+Buttermilk.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-WjDz0Eq3CkcWvprVFfWdSC1jtBzb6Kb7bJ9RuW6nAMi_ce-MdF3Psq_hnxhmD7f9LuKNbnMa7BKXydsUQXzy-BhvG36CnctJkCL6myZ6E8VYWaTvV1RD1QEAhSzDgH25Jep7z4WePUb/s400/Blueberry+Muffins+Buttermilk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482395663231400690" border="0" /></a>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.)<br /><br />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 . . .Our Porch in Hillsboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13422641793594143386noreply@blogger.com1