Happiness

Early this week I tried to plea with Apollo to bring the sun out from behind the clouds here in Kentucky. It seems he didn't hear my plea because we are still getting rain. Even though the Greek god didn't hear me, someone did! My sunflowers heard my cry for the golden orb in the sky, so they stuck their beautiful heads out as a way to entice the sun to shine. Thank you Sunflowers, you are bringing a smile to my face.


Only one has bloomed so far, it looks like some of the others are not far behind.

Sunflowers bring me joy and happiness. Everytime I see a sunflower either in a vase, a field or in a picture it just brightens my day. Their yellow petals are like a big sign pointing the way towards happiness. I love those kind of signs!

I saw this beauty when I got home last night after a tough day. Talking on the phone with my mother watching the drizzle outside, I looked towards the garden and this yellow friend was a shining beacon. My day transformed immediately. The crap that happened at work was forgotten.

Sunflowers = Happiness!!!

Little Ms Milkmaid, pt. 2: The Lick

I took the dogs to with me to go milking this past weekend. It wasn't their first time to see the cows. The introduction esd msfr a couple of weeks ago when I went wild blackberry picking. But everyone is still very much interested in each other. Kody likes to say "Hi" and after that he doesn't really mind them. He is used to large hoofed animals being that he has spent the last ten years running around with me and my horses. But Willow on the other hand is not too sure what to think.

From afar she thinks they are pretty cool but then they come right up to her face and she runs behind me and barks; mind you, she is a 100 lb dog. (Since I am not really a deterrent when the cows are really interested, I keep the fence between me and the interested bovine; at least for now. I still don't quite know how to read them).

This past weekend the milking had been done and the cows were all out in the front pasture. Kody, Willow and I went to check the water. The cows were on the other side of the pasture, so we stepped through the gate to adjust the water hose. All it took was one cow to see us. The next thing I knew I had four bovine headed our way. At first they were slow and ambling, but then one, Mickalyn, picked up her pace. She wasn't running because that would use too much energy and she is making milk, but she was no longer ambling!

Kody and Willow were excited about the approaching friends, so much so they wanted to greet Mickalyn. I had other plans.

Once we got on the other side of the fence the stragglers had picked up their pace and were coming. Mickalyn just barely got stopped before she put her nose down to greet Kody. Since her nose couldn't fit through the gate, Kody stuck his head through. They were cold wet nose to warm wet nose sniffing each other. It was very sweet, then the best thing happened. Mickalyn licked Kody with her long blue tongue!!! I don't know who was more surprised Kody, Willow or me! (Willow was watching her big bro with amazement and awe. She seemed to say, "What are you doing touching that...that...well, that?") Through all of this I was wishing that my camera was handy.

Kody must have understood what Mickalyn was saying because he began to "dance" and started "talking" to her in his "Let's be friends" howl. The whole time we were at the gate, Kody "talked" to the girls.

Juliann, Calf Tan and Begonia came to investigate after they saw that Mickalyn and Kody were hitting it off. They were interested in Willow. Willow wanted to be brave like her bro but she really didn't like when their big noses took up her whole vision. She would sniff then backpedaled to be behind me, then 2 seconds later go back to sniff them again. This went on until I was ready to head home, meaning the water tank was filled.

I can say that the cows, Kody and Willow have been introduced and for the most part are getting along. It will be nice when they don't pay attention to each other. And next time my camera will be at the ready, so tath I can catch any more signs of affection between Mickalyn and Kody. At least I have my memory of "The Lick".

Mickalyn and Kody's first introduction.

Those Little F*$%^ing B@s!@rd$

...is the affectionate name I have for the Japanese Beetles that are living on my plants. Normally I wouldn't be swearing over a small bug, but those "small" bugs do some major damage. The little suckers are eating the leaves off of morning glories, and devouring the rose petals from my roses! So I have declared war upon them!!!

If you drive by my house and see me in my office attire shaking the plant leaves or the plant itself, cupping my hand and then throwing the contents down on the ground after shaking it really hard, similar to rolling dice at the craps table, and then jumping up and down where I just threw the contents of my hand; you will know I was just going through my method of helping the Japanese beetles into another life. This method may not be the best way to eradicate the beetles but it sure makes me feel good! :)

I have used the insecticide, Sevin, with great results but the F*$%^ing B@s!@rd$ started in on my Basil and I can't use Sevin on that. So I continue to do my little dance. And if you happen to see me, just give a honk and a wave while shaking your head at my strange attempt to seek revenge on a shiny, green, rose petal eating, morning glory destroying bug! And if you have any better methods for moving them along please let me know.

Mouthwatering Blueberries!

I have a wee little blueberry bush that actually produced some blueberries this year! But it was just a few handfuls. It was enough to say I have blueberries but not enough to make a pie or jam.

The first picking of 15 were added to a blueberry muffin mix I already had. And boy, oh boy, did they make a difference. Even though the mix had real blueberries that you pour from a pre-packaged can they didn't give it that blueberry zest. You know, the spreading blueish-purplish color next the the berry. But my blueberries did. And when you bit into the muffin where a fresh blueberry was, the blueberry taste was stronger.

My next two handfuls, 25 berries, I couldn't decide what to do with. Not enough for more muffins, too many for a single dessert. I could add them to pancakes, or even better make blueberry syrup. Yum! That is what I did. I didn't create anything fancy, I just poured in some fabulous Aunt Jemima syrup into a saucepan, added the blueberries and started heating it up. Once it started boiling I started stirring. It didn't take long until my homegrown blueberries were breaking down and releasing their blueberry juices where they began to mingle with the syrup.

After it was done I poured it over my french toast. I tried to be frugal with the syrup, so that it would last, but I couldn't control myself and used all of the syrup. The blueberry syrup wasn't too sweet, and I could taste the fresh blueberries. It was mouth watering, not only was my mouth watering but so was Kody's and Willow's. And they don't even like fruit!

Next year, when my blueberry bush is bigger, I hope to have a few more recipes and ideas of how to use my blueberries. There are only a few more left on the bush and I think that I will eat them with no adornment. Just thinking about them is making my mouth water. Hmm, hmm, good!

Using Toothpicks to Keep the Eyes Open

Do you remember watching little kids fight the sleep that is trying to overtake them? Their little heads bob up and down, but then all of the sudden they start bouncing off the walls, and then get a bit whiney. Soon they are back to head bobbing and refusing to go to bed because, “I not sweepy, mommy.” Eventually they do fall asleep.

This is what I feel like, I am trying not to be whiney and if anyone said it was time to go to bed I would not disagree. My response would be, “Where’s the bed?” as I looked around for the most comfortable spot to lie down.

I am trying to be peppy and semi-funny, anything to keep my energy level up so that I don’t crash. I must be annoying my co-workers because I am almost annoying myself. Luckily, my co-workers will knock me upside the head if I get to annoying. It is great to have such true friends that watch out for you…at least I think they are looking out for me? Hmmmm…I will have to give that some more thought.

Anyway, I am trying not to fall asleep at my desk. I have the music cranked up, the fan on, and I am being ridiculously excited about trivial things.

So why am I so sleepy? Because it is RAINING, again!!!! I like to snuggle into my bed and listen to the pitter patter of the rain coming down, so my body is trying to fall back into that habit. Problem: I am at my desk at work not at home in my bed. So come’ on body stay awake for a couple more hours and then I will put you to bed!

Sunflowers please bring the Sun!

It is raining....again. Which is good for the grass, but I would really love for the grass to take a vacation. I can't catch up with the weed-eating. It seems that I have to weed-eat everyday.

"Wait, I do weed-eat every day!" she says as she bangs her forehead against the desk.

I weed-eat in front of the house, behind the house, in between the garden rows, around the horse trailer, the front walk, the back yard and the fence line. Normally, if I lived in town this would be a quick job, but because I live out in the country I have more green area (which I love) but my weed-eater doesn't. I have a really nice Black and Decker battery operated weed-eater that I bought when I had less grass. What I need now is a gas powered monster of a weed-eater or a man to weed-eat for me. :)

But since it is raining today I don't have to weed-eat! YEAH!!! The down side is the grass is passing me by in this race. Also, less sun means that my tomatoes will be that much slower in ripening. I have hordes of green tomatoes but no red ones. I even brought some in the house and set them on a window sill but they are as green as the Golly Green Giant. So frustrating.

So Apollo, Greek God of Sun, I offer up to you my beautiful Sun Flowers, once they get enough sun to bloom that is!!! I will happily keep weed-eating if I can have ripe tomatoes!


**Can you tell that I am conflicted about whether I want the sun out or not? So many pros and cons. But mostly I would love to see the sun.



They are starting to develop flower heads.

Getting closer!

Look the Sun!!

Just a little to the left...

Reminiscing...

Just looking through old photos I found this classic from a gathering at my grandmother, Meme's house in Kansas. Everyone in this photo has graduated college and three of them have children of their own. Wow how time flies!!




Those were some fun times!!

Wildflowers

My front flower bed is full of wildflowers, which consist of zinnias, morning glories, cosmos, and some other misc flowers. I love how it turned out and I think that I will have a wild flower bed each year. This one has taken minimal effort!

My four legged wildflowers!


She is a bit wild and crazy!

My Dahlias are Blooming

My dahlias have finally decided to show their glorious' heads!! This was the sight I was greeted with as I walked out of door this morning. I love the soft pink and yellow combination.





Have a fantastic weekend! The weatherman says that it is supposed to feel like fall for us here in Lexington!! Yipee!!

Everyone Needs a Little R & R

I just got done talking to my friend that is planning a wonderful vacation overseas; my mother is packing her bags and heading off for an Alaskan cruise with her friends; and a co-worker just took off for a couple of days to one of the casinos on the river. It seems everyone is going on vacation.

Since everyone is heading off for vacation I thought I would book my own travel plans. I planned a trip to the countryside of Italy; specifically San Paolo, Manerbio, Brescia, Lake Como and Milan.

One of the first days driving around in San Paolo, the little town I stayed in. It was quite charming. I even stopped to get some fruit from a Fruiteria.

Friends we made and a favorite restaurant we would go for lunch. (The "we" were team members, and we were over in Italy together for a horse competition.)

A farm house. I took this photo while driving and would never, ever recommend doing that. But when you have to get from Point A to Point B quickly, pulling over for a photo op isn't always possible.

The "we" again, Lauren and John, stopping one evening for our favorite food , GELATO!!!

Como, Italy - trying to find our way to the docks.

More Como, I could have spent so much more time there. As it was I only had a couple of hours and that was spent on the Lake.

This was a chalk drawing the artist was doing right in the square. It was beautiful and very detailed, not to mention large. My camera couldn't get it all in the frame.

Beautiful architecture.

Lake Como. It was beautiful!!!! One day when I become ridiculously wealthy I think I will buy a house on Lake Como. (When I say "ridiculously", I mean I will have to be able to own a small country. )

Beautiful, Gorgeous, Wish you were here!!

This is Milan. I had half a day to discover all of Milan's wonders, and it wasn't enough. I just skimmed the surface. But now I know where to start when I go back!

Castle Sforzesco in Milan. It was beautiful and old.

The inside courtyard of the Castle. To think that this was built without machines, but hands.

Two guards and their trusty steeds came walking out of the courtyard. I first heard the clip clop of the horses shod hooves, and being that I was taken in with my castle surroundings, I thought they were knights. I guess they are knights, just modern day knights/guards/cops.

The Piazza de Duomo which held this lovely cathedral.

An old statue. Because my tour was quick I didn't ever get to figure out who it was.

Ah, I am back now from my 15 minute Italian vacation. It was a whirlwind, but I don't think I have ever eaten so well! I miss the gelato already! Until next Italia, Ciao!!!

P.S. I took this trip last September, but since I have no vacation on the horizon planned I thought a vacation down memory lane would work. Boy, was it refreshing. Next month, Germany!

Tasty Kitchen

The Pioneer Woman, a blog that I recently found and immediately fell in love with , has started a new recipe website, Tasty Kitchen. Her tag line is Favorite Recipes from Real Kitchens. Basically real food for real people.

I have already looked through some of the recipes and I have a few that I am taking home and going to try. I would love to say I am going to try them tonight but I know me, and cooking involves dishes. (I really need to learn more about Aluminum Foil cooking.) Maybe, I will try them this weekend when there is more than just me to eat the creation. Actually I should plan a get together with my friends, maybe a cookout. Then I could try a bunch of new recipes. Hmmm...I will have to work on that!

Tasty Kitchen has been set up to be a networking and forum website for those that are interested in good food. Being a good cook is not a prerequisite. Thank goodness! The skill levels are described from Fast Food Fetcher to Professional Chef. I decided to rank myself as Home Cook in Training. Because I did, afterall, make this beautiful Jell-o Mold:

I plan on posting some recipes, proven recipes, that were handed down to me. Hopefully my skill level will improve as I cook and bake more. Keep your fingers crossed.

As a side note, this is a new site so she is still working out some glitches. Because nothing is ever perfect until you have 20 million people looking through it and even then something acts up. :)

Happy Cooking!

Cool Thoughts

Sending cool thoughts to my family back in Oklahoma. I think they might be a bit overcooked with all their 100 degree weather.

GIMP

In search of an affordable alternative to Photoshop, I was led towards GIMP. It is a freeware program you can download off of the Internet, and has many similarities to Photoshop. My game plan is to work with and understand GIMP, then upgrade to Photoshop. Below are the first four pictures I played with. I am still trying to figure out the cut around tool! Very frustrating! I shall conquer it tonight...or tomorrow...or whenever Tonya teaches me!





My current banner. This is actually a shot I took when I went blackberry picking.

My wonderful horse, Pi, who is now retired. This photo had gone through a flood over Christmas, so I had it scanned and then played with it.

Murdock enjoying the grass.

My "little" Kody.

Oh What a Surprise!

My little Blueberry bush has gifted me with a small handful of blueberries. YAH!! It is just a small bush that I have in a pot for the time being and I hadn't expected to get any blueberries off of it. I am even more surprised that I beat the birds.

I think I am going to add them to my cereal for dinner!

Blackberries and Milk

Kody, Willow and I went blackberry picking this weekend! Actually, I went blackberry picking, they just hung around and looked bored.



I found a wonderful thatch of wild blackberries where I have been milking. I picked the perfect afternoon to wrestle with these thorny bushes, it was hot and humid. I just stood still and started sweating. My logic was that the sweat would help the thorns glide effortlessly over my skin. Yeah, didn't quite go as I planned. But on the bright side, I wasn't accompanied by swarming bugs. I will take heat and humidity over bugs any day.



I was able to pick quite a few, at least enough for some homemade blackberry jam. Hopefully next week some more will ripen and I will get to make a cobbler.



We are heading off to the wild blackberry patch. Already their tongues are hanging out in anticipation of sweet blackberries! Or it might have been because it was a hot day.

Sweet, sweet blackberries. At this point, I had to wipe my chin...I was attracting flies. But doesn't this sight just make your mouth water?

I am picking away, minding my own business, talking to Kody and Willow about absolutely nuthin' when I get a call from my mother and my great-Aunt. "Courtney don't forget to get the blackberries in the back, they are the juiciest." Sure, Mom, no problem. We keep talking, and I am reaching towards the back of the bush, getting thorns stuck in me but it is all worth it for the juiciest and sweetest blackberries. Then mom says, "Oh, and watch out for snakes. They like to hang out inside of blackberry bushes." My hand has never moved so fast in it's life! "Snakes!" Forget the juiciest, sweetest blackberries, I am sticking to the ones I can see! Oh and Mom, thanks for sending me blindly into possibly danger. I can feel the love! :)

Can we go yet!?! I want my fan!

What is that coming up the lane?

It's milking time!!! Kody and Willow haven't seen me don my milkmaid hat yet. Kody just wanted to say "HI" to the cows; Willow on the other hand thought they were Monsters from the Abyss.

Mickalyn ready and waiting!

Look at the thick and creamy milk straight out of the cow! Doesn't it look good, minus the dirt specs? Kody sure thought so. I turned my back for one second and he didn't hesitate. I heard him lapping away.

Once I was done milking, it was time to collect the eggs. And since snakes were now on my brain. I lifted every hen that was laying on a nest, up and off. I wasn't sticking my hand under any of them and be surprised by a legless creature. No way! Logic told me that there wouldn't be any snakes because it was warm out, but this girl don't take no chances.

Look at the colorful bounty of eggs!