On the cusp

Another end to this thing called winter is fast approaching and while the fall and early winter were relatively mild, the end has been fierce with its gusting winds and frigid air.  Those who read my blog regularly know that February is my least favorite month, but it is there so there you go! There are things in life that must be dealt with and deal with it we shall! 

According to the knowledgeable meteorologist, we are to have a pollen burst (whatever that is) brought on by the early warm temperatures followed by the recent frigid temperatures. Every spring is a pollen burst when plagued with allergies.  One can only hope that the "burst" will be fast and short!

My car is already tarnished with a coat of yellow which definitely does not accentuate the carbonite gray nor is it a welcome accessory to the matte black interior (doesn't matter if the windows are never down, the crap sneaks in through the air ducts!).

Anxious for the warming temps and visions of summer, hubby and I uncovered the pool and BAM! the frigid temps rolled in and picking those dreams right out of the air and scattering them northward! As much as I would love a thick blanket of snow, it is too close to Spring for me to welcome it with bated breathe and open arms. 

I trimmed the dead protective leaves of my banana tree right before this perilous weather and sit here wondering if those lovely green leaves will make a comeback giving my little feathered friends a perch when the weather does warm.  Most of the fruit trees and flowering shrubs bloomed only to  freeze in these devilish temps leaving it iffy if there will be pears or plums this year with few if any azaleas.

Yes, I am tired of soups and breads (potato, broccoli and cheese, cabbage and sausage, chili, vegetable, taco) I crave grilled chicken, steak, salmon and even burgers with a fresh salad on the side! 

I am ready to say goodbye to winter and "Hello" Spring! Thanks for visiting and remember to 

Keep Smilin!

Rainy Days and Discoveries

It has been a while since we had a real good rainy day.  Yesterday was one of those days and after I remembered how to act on a rainy day, it was so relaxing.  Rainy days are for doing absolutely nothing!  Just plop down, put on your most comfortable clothes, say no to housework and cooking and enjoy - a movie, a book, or a nap.  The laundry called me early, but one look at the overcast skies and the slow drizzling rain and I plopped. 

I started a new author, John Sandford.  I picked up one of his "Prey" books and was taken to the Twin Cities of Minnesota and a group of Indians bent on revenge.  A good read needing only a hot cup of coffee and a honey bun to get me through my morning.  Thank goodness I had a pot of vegetable soup in the fridge made earlier in the week and perfect for rainy days.  The phone didn't ring, no visitors came knocking, and even the pups were quiet and happy to snooze on their bean bag. 

Hubby came in for a late lunch.  After taking care of a little business, he too settled down for a short nap.  We have taken spontaneous trips over the years and are in the mood for another excursion.  Biloxi is calling, but that is quite a ride for a short weekend so that was put on hold for a month or so.  We decided on a new restaurant for this weekend and found a diamond in Steve's Steak and Seafood.

Steve's is located in a strip mall in Macon on Arkwright.  Just below Carreba's and Outback, this gentleman has secrets.  Neither of us tried the steaks, but hubby ordered "all you can eat" catfish for $12.95 and was pleasantly surprised with the results.  They were tender, delicious and very flavorful.  The couple at the adjourning table ordered crab legs and he advised they were delicious as well.  My grilled shrimp were seasoned and cooked perfectly.  The real potato fries and unsweetened cole slaw made a delightful dinner.  A good recommendation for good food and excellent service and Steve came out to make sure the food was up to par.  A trip back soon to try the steaks and crab legs.

Off to do Saturday chores, so until next time . . .

Happy reading!
Belle

Southside Grill

We just enjoyed a lovely dinner at the Southside Grill in Griffin, Ga. located on Highway 19. The food was delicious with a variety filled menu. Those that ordered steaks were very happy with the way they were cooked (and believe me, we had some "hard to please" when it comes to a good steak), those ordering chicken advised that it was delicious, the grilled Shrimp Alfredo was very tasty as was the Chicken Alfredo.

The service was impeccable. Everyone loved the fried dill pickles.

The prices were very reasonable and the atmosphere was relaxing and welcoming. If you haven't tried this place, make time for a visit.

The Rooster

Of course, it has rained for days, most of the chicken coop is mush, the water feeder is empty, the chicken feeder is upside down and the chickens and rooster are raising cane. I open the door to the coop to get the feeder upright and reset when the rooster spreads his wings, raises his feet and bumps his royal self at my head while his wily damsel pecked repeatedly at my helping hands. Yes, the big boy did take a tumble and looked rather surprised that his fighting abilities did not match mine nor did I cower in fear of his beautiful and majestic self! I don't want to inhibit his natural tendencies nor do I want spurs in my head. As for his little princess, if she doesn't start laying regularly, she is going in the cook pot. I am sure with all the feed she has consumed for the last 9 months, she will make a tasty pot of chicken and dumplings.

Henrietta is my best layer. She gives me an egg a day come rain or come shine and is mild mannered and would probably make a good pet if I spent some time with her. Miss Bessie lays when ready and ignores me as if I don't exist. It doesn't hurt my feelings, as long as the eggs keep coming. It is getting egg custard weather and I need more eggs than I am getting to keep a weekly custard supply.

My chickens do not get named until they start laying regularly. While I have no qualms to making dumplings out of the wily damsel, it really makes it easier if she has no name while I am in the process of wringing her beautiful neck. Raised on a farm, the processes of turning livestock into food does not bother me terribly. But I do rather treasure my pets.

I had a pet heifer (a female cow that has not had a calf) many years ago that had to be put down when injured by another cow while fighting over feed. The older and much bigger cow tipped Miss Blackie into the feed trough. No one was around during the process, but when found it was too late for Miss Blackie. Miss Blackie was stuck in the feed trough with four feet up in the air and no way to turn. After her untimely demise, she was processed (which I did not assist in) and enjoyed at many a meal by everyone except my sis. Sis did not eat beef for 6 months, afraid that she was eating Miss Blackie. As much as she was rubbed and petted, Miss Blackie had perfectly marbled meat that was full of flavor! I sure missed Miss Blackie, but I do thoroughly enjoy a good rare steak! Yeah, I know, red meat is bad for the cholesteral and when eating a rare steak, I am subjecting myself to all kind of germs.

Enough of the memories of youth. I could write all day on the adventures on a farm. Thanks for reading and have a happy week.

Belle