I have a prolific crop of green beans/string beans this year. My friend Mike shared some Roma II seeds and I got three good 20+ feet rows. These are a bush bean which I usually don't grow, but these jewels have really changed my mind. Tasty, easy to snap and produces like crazy even with the lack of rain.
Since I am not crazy about green beans boiled down to mush, I have been experimenting with a few ways of cooking these beans. I have settled on one in which the flavor can be adjusted by the seasoning. In a large dutch oven, fry 3 slices of bacon (I have tried both pork and beef bacon with great results), add the beans a handful at a time stirring to turn and coat well with the grease from the bacon. Season to taste - I add a little salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic and onion. Do not add water. Cover and reduce heat to medium low. The beans cook in their own juice, remain crispy and are full of flavor. Try your favorite seasoning.
Also have an over abundance of zucchini. Any recipes are welcome as I have tried just about everything. My favorite so far is a Paul Dean recipe for stuffed zucchini made with spinach. Also really like scrambled sausage with zucchini and tomatoes. Would love to receive your favorite!
Monday, May 23, 2011
I Miss My Granddaddy!
A couple of months ago Hubby and I were at the Buggytown Auction when several cages of rabbits came up for bid. I made the statement that I would like to have some rabbits and I got "The Look" - you know the one that says "have you lost your mind?" Well, I let it drop and we came home with a couple of chickens instead. I haven't mentioned those cute little balls of fur that can be cuddled like no chicken ever could and I went on about my business.
On Friday afternoon I was talking to my granddaughter in Dahlonega about her upcoming visit and things we would like to do. Hubby comes in and the little one asked to speak to him. She wanted a rabbit - a brown rabbit! I thought to myself as I listened to them talk that she was wishing in the wind. After about thirty minutes of haggling back and forth over money and upkeep, hubby handed me the phone after which we said our goodbyes. Hubby advised me we were going to the sale barn to get some rabbits. My three granddaughters have far surpassed me in manipulating their PawPaw - even from 150 miles away they have more influence!
Off to Buggytown Auction we went and home we came 4 hours later with 5 chickens and 3 rabbits. They all spent the night in the "keeper" pen, but I knew that was not to be their new home. Off to Tractor supply we went for wire, feed and a bottle waterer. By Saturday afternoon those little bunnies had a wonderful home and plenty of feed and water and have really settled in nicely. The youngest two granddaughters had to come see the new "pets" and make sure they were settled in okay. After two days of multiple visits and all the moving, they have had a quiet day to adjust and rest just in time for the older two grandchildren to arrive mid week.
Rabbits do make good pets, but when I said we were finally going to have some good rabbit stew, my daughter in law looked at me like I was delirious. She vowed never to eat any rabbit and neither would the girls. She'll never know the difference as I will fry those offspring in a heartbeat and tell them it is chicken. Nothing is better on cold wet winter nights than a pot of rabbit stew!
Next I would like to add a couple of Pygmy goats to my menagerie, but the middle granddaughter is begging for a horse. That I do believe will be Pawpaw's waterloo and he has said he will never have another horse. We will see!
Until next time. . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Monday, May 9, 2011
Alabama
Hubby and I travelled to Alabama over the weekend for the wedding of a dear cousin and his lovely bride. We met a lot of terrific people whose company we enjoyed all weekend. The food at both the rehearsal dinner and the reception was exceptional. The bride and groom entertained through all the festivities and still managed time for each other. A lot of good memories were established by this unique pair. Their love for each other, their God, their family and their friends was expressed throughout the rehearsal, wedding and reception. I came home feeling blessed to have witnessed the occasion.
Mother's Day was bittersweet as I was not with either of my children as hubby and I travelled home. Spoke with both though and I know as they know they are very much loved and have given me great joy. I feel blessed to have such a wonderful daughter and daughter-in-law. They are both good mothers, wives and daughters. The same applies to my son and son-in-law. I know I have the love of my family and I can think of no greater gift on Mother's day.
I received a most delightful tub of Impatiens from my youngest granddaughters. Impatiens is my most favorite summer flowers. Also known as jewel leaf, this is one of my favorite herbs as it has both aesthetic and medicinal value. Whether the girls realized the double value of their gift is doubtful, but that tub sure made me smile!
Before I close this little note I feel the need to ask for prayers for the people of Alabama. The tornado damage is very widespread in this state as we witnessed through our drive through central and north Alabama. I have been told that the southern parts of the state were damaged much worse than the areas I saw. An insurance adjuster I spoke with during my stay said the damage was more like the results of a hurricane. Recovery is still on going and many people are still homeless and doing without.
Until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Mother's Day was bittersweet as I was not with either of my children as hubby and I travelled home. Spoke with both though and I know as they know they are very much loved and have given me great joy. I feel blessed to have such a wonderful daughter and daughter-in-law. They are both good mothers, wives and daughters. The same applies to my son and son-in-law. I know I have the love of my family and I can think of no greater gift on Mother's day.
I received a most delightful tub of Impatiens from my youngest granddaughters. Impatiens is my most favorite summer flowers. Also known as jewel leaf, this is one of my favorite herbs as it has both aesthetic and medicinal value. Whether the girls realized the double value of their gift is doubtful, but that tub sure made me smile!
Before I close this little note I feel the need to ask for prayers for the people of Alabama. The tornado damage is very widespread in this state as we witnessed through our drive through central and north Alabama. I have been told that the southern parts of the state were damaged much worse than the areas I saw. An insurance adjuster I spoke with during my stay said the damage was more like the results of a hurricane. Recovery is still on going and many people are still homeless and doing without.
Until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Perspective
Many times I am childlike in my thoughts.
I have seen the many pictures of the damage caused by the recent tornados and after the initial shock and the roads were cleared, I visited some of the disaster sites. However, until a friend sent me a video made from a plane did I ponder the significance of the human race in relation to this storm. The people in the video appeared to be equivalent to the ants on a glorified anthill and the storm path nothing more than a boot kick along the surface of the earth.
The sight brought to mind how truly unimportant we are in the whole scheme of things and all those material possessions may make us feel better and puff up with pride, but in actuality they have little value in the overall picture. I grieve with my fellow human beings and I pray for the safety of those left without homes, families, and friends. Very seldom do we witness the physical power of our mighty God and it is a frightening thing. The Bible tells us that our God is one of love, but also advises us not to provoke Him to anger.
I do not pretend to understand the purpose of the storms, but I do see so much love, sharing, concern and joy in the people of our community that has been hidden behind a hard shell of protection. Sometimes we all have to have a slap in the face to wake us up to the needs of others.
God told man to go forth and be fruitful and multiply and man surely did that. But the Bible also says that he counts the hairs on our head and so I know he has me in his hands as he does my fellow ant people.
I have come closer to understanding the fear, the loss, and the grief of those people who suffer through the hurricanes, the tsunamis, the earthquakes, the floods.
I have seen the many pictures of the damage caused by the recent tornados and after the initial shock and the roads were cleared, I visited some of the disaster sites. However, until a friend sent me a video made from a plane did I ponder the significance of the human race in relation to this storm. The people in the video appeared to be equivalent to the ants on a glorified anthill and the storm path nothing more than a boot kick along the surface of the earth.
The sight brought to mind how truly unimportant we are in the whole scheme of things and all those material possessions may make us feel better and puff up with pride, but in actuality they have little value in the overall picture. I grieve with my fellow human beings and I pray for the safety of those left without homes, families, and friends. Very seldom do we witness the physical power of our mighty God and it is a frightening thing. The Bible tells us that our God is one of love, but also advises us not to provoke Him to anger.
I do not pretend to understand the purpose of the storms, but I do see so much love, sharing, concern and joy in the people of our community that has been hidden behind a hard shell of protection. Sometimes we all have to have a slap in the face to wake us up to the needs of others.
God told man to go forth and be fruitful and multiply and man surely did that. But the Bible also says that he counts the hairs on our head and so I know he has me in his hands as he does my fellow ant people.
I have come closer to understanding the fear, the loss, and the grief of those people who suffer through the hurricanes, the tsunamis, the earthquakes, the floods.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Glads
Email received recently
Belle,
I planted glads a few weeks ago and they haven't come up. My friends are already sprouting. what could be the problem?
Uphappy
Dig them up and replant - you probably planted them upside down and they will sprout to the center of the earth. No, glad bulbs can be tricky. Make sure the web side is down and the crown up. Plant is fertile soil theat has been well worked - soil should be loose and not compacted.
Good luck!
Belle,
I planted glads a few weeks ago and they haven't come up. My friends are already sprouting. what could be the problem?
Uphappy
Dig them up and replant - you probably planted them upside down and they will sprout to the center of the earth. No, glad bulbs can be tricky. Make sure the web side is down and the crown up. Plant is fertile soil theat has been well worked - soil should be loose and not compacted.
Good luck!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Two weeks ago a very thoughtful neighbor gifted me with 20 biddies. It was an unsolicited and wonderful surprise from this man with a heart of gold.
Several weeks ago a neighbors dog killed ten of my laying hens and a rooster. These are pets that I raised and nurtured for over a year. The dog's owner offered to pay me for the hens, but having no idea the value to put on my friends, I told them no. I replaced my Rhode Island Reds with a few Barred Rock hens that were already laying.
My gift arrived. A mixture of Rhode Island Red, Red Sexlink and Big Reds, these little biddies became my focus of attention for days. I wanted to make sure they were safe, warm and well fed and watered. The little ones settled in quickly. On Saturday I went out to check their feed and water only to find a 6 foot black snake had eaten seven of my little ones. My heart fell. Sunday was a repeat only this four footer only ate three before being caught. I still have 10 little ones which during the week have relaxed once again and are happily running up and down their pen. In a couple of weeks they will be too big for the snakes to swallow and I can stop worrying so much.
I think this may have been the reason my egg production dropped from four a day to two a day. I have some well fed snakes in my area. The coyote pups have been born also. I hear their cries late at night and in the early morning in the woods behind the barn. I am waiting on them also as I know they will be coming my way in search of food.
I don't think I shall get too attached to the biddies or the new chickens. Mother Nature is not kind to my heart. And yes, I know all about the survival instinct, but I still don't like it.
Until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Several weeks ago a neighbors dog killed ten of my laying hens and a rooster. These are pets that I raised and nurtured for over a year. The dog's owner offered to pay me for the hens, but having no idea the value to put on my friends, I told them no. I replaced my Rhode Island Reds with a few Barred Rock hens that were already laying.
My gift arrived. A mixture of Rhode Island Red, Red Sexlink and Big Reds, these little biddies became my focus of attention for days. I wanted to make sure they were safe, warm and well fed and watered. The little ones settled in quickly. On Saturday I went out to check their feed and water only to find a 6 foot black snake had eaten seven of my little ones. My heart fell. Sunday was a repeat only this four footer only ate three before being caught. I still have 10 little ones which during the week have relaxed once again and are happily running up and down their pen. In a couple of weeks they will be too big for the snakes to swallow and I can stop worrying so much.
I think this may have been the reason my egg production dropped from four a day to two a day. I have some well fed snakes in my area. The coyote pups have been born also. I hear their cries late at night and in the early morning in the woods behind the barn. I am waiting on them also as I know they will be coming my way in search of food.
I don't think I shall get too attached to the biddies or the new chickens. Mother Nature is not kind to my heart. And yes, I know all about the survival instinct, but I still don't like it.
Until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Faith
"Help me to believe what I know" Dr. Dilday
"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." Matthew 21:22
Strengthen my faith O Lord, that I may be free to do thy work!
"That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." 1Corinthians 2:5
"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." Matthew 21:22
Strengthen my faith O Lord, that I may be free to do thy work!
"That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." 1Corinthians 2:5
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Wow!
I witnessed a wonderful light show put on by our heavenly Father. It was such a sight! The sound effects were outstanding and intimidating. The lights went out just as the performance started enabling us to get the full benefit of the show without distraction. The little ones were a bit frightened and had to have some extra attention, but while hubby slept through it all I watched as the show was exhibited through each and every window.
I am sorry for all the damage done by the high winds - that is actually my least favorite thing about a storm. I can hear it but I can't see it - just the effects of its might. A full bodied storm test all my senses - sight, smell, hearing, taste and feel. Last night's storm would be considered full bodied.
The crisp bright morning displayed a washed and clean world. Even the pollen was gone even though I know it will be back.
I remember the storms of my childhood and can't remember but one or two times that I was actually awed and frightened by the storms. I cannot remember any of the magnitude that we have experienced in the last few years even though part of that may be because of the extensive media coverage now available. In the fifties and early sixties I was only aware of the damage done to my house and maybe a neighbor or two. With today's advancements in television I can see the devastation for miles around.
As with a concert, I enjoyed it while it lasted, but have no desire to see the same thing again too soon. I hope God has finished with his spring cleaning and now I will get back to mine.
Until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
I am sorry for all the damage done by the high winds - that is actually my least favorite thing about a storm. I can hear it but I can't see it - just the effects of its might. A full bodied storm test all my senses - sight, smell, hearing, taste and feel. Last night's storm would be considered full bodied.
The crisp bright morning displayed a washed and clean world. Even the pollen was gone even though I know it will be back.
I remember the storms of my childhood and can't remember but one or two times that I was actually awed and frightened by the storms. I cannot remember any of the magnitude that we have experienced in the last few years even though part of that may be because of the extensive media coverage now available. In the fifties and early sixties I was only aware of the damage done to my house and maybe a neighbor or two. With today's advancements in television I can see the devastation for miles around.
As with a concert, I enjoyed it while it lasted, but have no desire to see the same thing again too soon. I hope God has finished with his spring cleaning and now I will get back to mine.
Until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Pet Peeves
Irritating little things, tree tag blossoms are everywhere. Filled with pollen, these little tags can make a huge mess!
Wet mail caused by a leaking mailbox caused by a young man with a ball bat.
Long winded story tellers.
People who have been there and done that no matter where or what it is you are about to do.
Indecisive people - "I'm hungry", "What do you want to eat?", "It doesn't matter, you decide." , "That really isn's what I wanted.".
Wet mail caused by a leaking mailbox caused by a young man with a ball bat.
Long winded story tellers.
People who have been there and done that no matter where or what it is you are about to do.
Indecisive people - "I'm hungry", "What do you want to eat?", "It doesn't matter, you decide." , "That really isn's what I wanted.".
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Spring Cleaning
I am not a housekeeper! I hate house work - vacuuming, dusting, mopping, scrubbing. So when it is time for spring cleaning I do a thorough job hoping it will last till I just can't take it anymore and do a little more.
A fireplace produces so much more dust and grime than the heater and the grime is hard to remove from windows and picture glass. I use dishwasher liquid for cutting the greasy grime on glass. A quarter cup in a gallon of water will clean most anything without streaking. To disinfect as you clean add a quarter cup of bleach to the water in addition to the dishwasher liquid. I haven't found a brand yet that causes any chemical reaction and your glass will be clean and disinfected. This works on walls also, but make sure the paint will withstand the wash.
I have taken out the drawers of all the cabinets and cleaned. My aunt used to clean, then seal the drawers with a quick coat of varnish - a friend also does this as part of her spring routine. I am not that dedicated, but I do not like dust, dirt and grime. A Q-tip for the corners of picture glass gets the little dust motes that try to run and hide. Q-tips are also good for cleaning the crevices of picture frames and corners of drawers and cabinets.
A large mounted white tail dominates the fireplace. His ears gather dust as does his neck and antlers. I am not aware of any solution to clean the ole boy, so he just gets a good dusting. If any of you know of a way to clean him without damaging his pelt, I would love to hear from you.
Break time is over, so back to work I go. Enjoyed the visit and until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
A fireplace produces so much more dust and grime than the heater and the grime is hard to remove from windows and picture glass. I use dishwasher liquid for cutting the greasy grime on glass. A quarter cup in a gallon of water will clean most anything without streaking. To disinfect as you clean add a quarter cup of bleach to the water in addition to the dishwasher liquid. I haven't found a brand yet that causes any chemical reaction and your glass will be clean and disinfected. This works on walls also, but make sure the paint will withstand the wash.
I have taken out the drawers of all the cabinets and cleaned. My aunt used to clean, then seal the drawers with a quick coat of varnish - a friend also does this as part of her spring routine. I am not that dedicated, but I do not like dust, dirt and grime. A Q-tip for the corners of picture glass gets the little dust motes that try to run and hide. Q-tips are also good for cleaning the crevices of picture frames and corners of drawers and cabinets.
A large mounted white tail dominates the fireplace. His ears gather dust as does his neck and antlers. I am not aware of any solution to clean the ole boy, so he just gets a good dusting. If any of you know of a way to clean him without damaging his pelt, I would love to hear from you.
Break time is over, so back to work I go. Enjoyed the visit and until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Monday, March 28, 2011
Asparagus
Okay, so my asparagus is slow in producing, but it is early and I have gotten more than 2 dozen healthy shoots off the 12 crowns I put in last year. I knew it would be a slow process and the 3rd year is the first year of usable production. Due to my elevated anticipation, I was hoping for at least 2 dozen shoots to devour a week and am therefore let down. However, with the past few days rain and more on the horizan followed by some bright warm sunshine, I may yet meet my anticipated harvest.
A New Series
A new idea is niggling at my thoughts. Madame Rose and Lady Lily along with old lady Hydrangea, wise old Jewel Leaf and perky Miss Petunia have all got something up their foliage. Keep eyes and ears open for a new series in the making!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Gardening - Vegetable and Fauna
Onions look great, potatoes are shooting straight up, squash and beans look terrific! According to the two or three Almanacs Dad insist we go by for planting, the first week of April will see tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers in the ground. Hope to find some healthy broccoli to add to the mix this year. I would love some limas, but I hate to shell them so they will continue to come from the grocery store.
Have you tried the Cherokee Purple tomato? A real tasty treat - meaty, acidic and full of flavor. Next to my all time favorite, the Rutger, the Purple is my favorite.
Added a Japanese Maple to my garden this week along with a Butterfly Bush. I love flowering shrubs. The banana trees came back with several additional babies along the sides. I cut the slips off before the first freeze and potted those - I managed to get seven - which grew well in my dining room this winter. Now I have several to share. I think I will leave the Sago palms in their containers this year. They do not do well at all in our cold temperatures and I don't like to keep digging them up and then replanting. I will see how they fair over the summer and decide in the fall. I have been told they do well in containers year round.
I need to move a couple of Forsythia which should be safe to do now that the blooms have dropped. Like the azalea, the Forsythia does not like to be "handled" until right after the blooms drop. I have found they refuse to bloom if you wait until summer or fall to prune or relocate, so that is another project for the weekend or the first of the week.
My Easter Lilies are very proficient this year and have multiplied several times over. The same is true of my Hostas. I read last week that after they break the ground, they can be dug,separated, and replanted. Since mine are so thick I think this will be an additional project. This to do list should get me through the week and back into planting the following week.
The pollen is so thick right now, I can't work outside too long. I am hoping for rain over the weekend to bring relief to these allergies.
Until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Have you tried the Cherokee Purple tomato? A real tasty treat - meaty, acidic and full of flavor. Next to my all time favorite, the Rutger, the Purple is my favorite.
Added a Japanese Maple to my garden this week along with a Butterfly Bush. I love flowering shrubs. The banana trees came back with several additional babies along the sides. I cut the slips off before the first freeze and potted those - I managed to get seven - which grew well in my dining room this winter. Now I have several to share. I think I will leave the Sago palms in their containers this year. They do not do well at all in our cold temperatures and I don't like to keep digging them up and then replanting. I will see how they fair over the summer and decide in the fall. I have been told they do well in containers year round.
I need to move a couple of Forsythia which should be safe to do now that the blooms have dropped. Like the azalea, the Forsythia does not like to be "handled" until right after the blooms drop. I have found they refuse to bloom if you wait until summer or fall to prune or relocate, so that is another project for the weekend or the first of the week.
My Easter Lilies are very proficient this year and have multiplied several times over. The same is true of my Hostas. I read last week that after they break the ground, they can be dug,separated, and replanted. Since mine are so thick I think this will be an additional project. This to do list should get me through the week and back into planting the following week.
The pollen is so thick right now, I can't work outside too long. I am hoping for rain over the weekend to bring relief to these allergies.
Until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Friday, March 18, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
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