"'THE ARTIST' A GIFT FOR A NEIGHBOR

 I just finished a wall hanging for a neighbor.  This is titled "The Artist" since she is, really and truly, a talented artist.

It measures 16 by 17 inches.

She gave me a lovely painting this month which I will have framed soon.

This is "Family Gathering" a family of loons, is 16 by 17 inches.  I adore loons, their beauty and their wonderful and unusual call which is hauntingly beautiful.

It's a month for gift-giving so it worked out just fine.

I will take a short rest before tackling another wall hanging.  I have some winter ones on the roster.

Have a good day.

PORK CHOP AND POTATO CASSEROLE, SMALL AND EASY

 I LIKE EASY RECIPES SO I LOOK FOR THEM ONLINE AND ON YOUTUBE AND TRY THEM OUT.  IF THEY WORK OUT FOR ME, I WILL POST THEM HERE ON MY BLOG.  THIS COMES FROM YOUTUBE'S 'AROUND THE HOUSE' CHANNEL.

PORK CHOP AND POTATO CASSEROLE

9X9 PAN   350-DEGREES    1 HOUR COOKING

INGREDIENTS:

2 BONELESS PORK CHOPS

2 LGE OR 3 MEDIUM RUSSET POTATOES

1 YELLOW ONION, CHOPPED

1 CLOVE GARLIC, MINCED

1 CAN CREAM OF CELERY SOUP (10.5 OZ)

1/2 CUP MILK

SALT AND PEPPER AND LEMON PEPPER TO TASTE

PROCEDURE:

PEEL AND WASH RUSSETS THEN CUT THEM 1/8TH TO 1/4- INCH WIDE (OR USE A MANDOLIN).   PLACE IN COLD WATER TIL READY TO USE.

IN SKILLET:  ADD 2 TABLESPOONS BUTTER TO PAN THEN BROWN 2 PORK CHOPS AFTER SEASONING BOTH SIDES WITH SALT, PEPPER, LEMON PEPPER.  WHEN BROWNED, REMOVE TO PLATE.

IN SAME USED SKILLET:  ADD 1 TABLESPOON VEG. OIL.  ADD YOUR POTATOES.  ADD SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE.  COOK THEM ON MED. HIGH TURNING THEM NOW AND THEN TO COOK THEM ON ALL SIDES, ABOUT 5-6 MINUTES.  REMOVE THE POTATOES TO A PLATE.

IN SAME SKILLET:  NOW ADD THE CHOPPED ONIONS TO CARMELIZE A BIT.  ADD MINCED GARLIC.  STIR TOGETHER.  COOK A MINUTE OR TWO MORE.  ADD YOUR SOUP AND MILK.  STIR TOGETHER AND COOK ANOTHER COUPLE MINS.

SPRAY A 9 BY 9 PAN (OR 8 BY 8).  I LINE MINE FIRST WITH ALUM. FOIL, THEN SPRAY.  EASIER CLEAN-UP.

POUR IN YOUR POTATOES EVENLY, THEN LAY CHOPS ON TOP.  POUR SOUP AND MILK MIXTURE EVENLY OVER IT ALL.  COVER WITH FOIL.  BAKE AT 350-DEGREES FOR 30 MINUTES.  REMOVE THE FOIL AND COOK ANOTHER 30 MINS. 

HERE ARE THE CHOPS BROWNED AND SET ASIDE.

HERE ARE THE POTATOES BROWNING IN THE SKILLET.

PREPARED TO GO IN THE OVEN.

A SERVING FOR DINNER.  WITH A SALAD ON THE SIDE, ITS A COMPLETE MEAL.  YOU CAN ALWAYS SERVE ANOTHER VEGGIE ON THE SIDE IF YOU LIKE.

FOR ME IT'S AN EASY MEAL.  ENOUGH FOR 2 SOLID MEALS PLUS SOME EXTRA POTATOES TO HAVE WITH POACHED EGGS FOR A BREAKFAST.

YOU CAN ALWAYS COOK MORE CHOPS AND POTATOES IN A 9 X 13 DISH TO SERVE MORE PEOPLE.

ENJOY.  I DID.

MY 'BATS ALOFT' IS READY FOR HALLOWEEN.

HERE SHE IS.  NOW I CAN CONCENTRATE OF WINTER DOOR HANGINGS.

STAY SAFE.
 

 

COUNTRY GROUND BEEF, TOMATO AND NOODLE CASSEROLE

 Its another day and another recipe.  I found this one on youtube on Catherine's Plate and it got good reviews from my neighbors and me.   I like her easy recipes.  Its a good site so check it out.

Pre-heat oven to 350-degrees F.

You will need a deep pot for boiling and a 9 x 13" casserole dish or baking pan.

COUNTRY GROUND BEEF, TOMATO AND NOODLE CASSEROLE

INGREDIENTS:

A 12-OZ. PCKG of EGG NOODLES, COOKED

1 1/2 LBS GROUND BEEF

1 YELLOW ONION, CHOPPED

1 SWEET PEPPER, CHOPPED

SEASONINGS: 1/2 teas. GARLIC POWDER, 1/4 teas. SALT, 1/4 teas. BLACK PEPPER

1 10-OZ. CAN TOMATO SOUP

1/2 CUP TOMATO SAUCE OR PIZZA SAUCE

1 10-OZ CAN CREAM OF CELERY SOUP

1/2 CUP MILK

1/2 CUP GRATED PARMESAN CHEESE

4-6 0Z. SHEDDED SHARP CHEDDAR CHEESE

WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE, IF DESIRED

PREPARATION:

1.  BOIL THE EGG NOODLES WITH 2 TABLESPOONS OF SALT IN THE WATER.  COOK AL DENTE, DRAIN IN COLANDER AND SET ASIDE.  (THEY WILL FINISH COOKING IN THE OVEN).

2. RINSE AND DRY THE SAME POT AND ADD 1 TABLESPOON OIL TO IT.  BROWN THE GROUND BEEF WITH THE CHOPPED ONION AND SWEET PEPPER.  STIR TOGETHER WHILE COOKING.  DRAIN OFF EXCESS FAT WITH PAPER TOWELS DIPPED IN THE FAT.  ADD THE SEASONINGS AND STIR IT ALL TOGETHER.

3.  ADD THE TOMATO SOUP , SAUCE AND CREAM SOUPS, THE MILK, GRATED PARMESAN CHEESE AND STIR TOGETHER.  IF YOU USE WORCESTERSHIRE, ADD IT NOW AND STIR IN.

4.  ADD THE DRAINED EGG NOODLES AT THE END AND STIR TOGETHER WELL.

5.  SPRAY A 9- BY 13-INCH CASSEROLE DISH OR BAKING PAN. POUR IN EVERYTHING.  COVER WITH FOIL.  BAKE AT 350-DEGREES F FOR 20 MINUTES.

UNCOVER,  TOP WITH THE SHARP CHEDDAR CHEESE.  BAKE ANOTHER 5 MINS. FOR CHEESE TO MELT.

I TOOK THIS PHOTO AFTER I HAD SHARED MOST OF IT WITH NEIGHBORS.  FORGOT TO TAKE ONGOING PICTURES BUT YOU GET THE IDEA.

COOK'S NOTES:

1. I COVER MY BAKING DISH WITH FOIL FIRST THEN SPRAY FOR EASIER CLEANUP LATER.

2.  YOU CAN ALWAYS ADD MORE SALT AND PEPPER AT THE TABLE, TO SUIT YOUR PALATE.

3.  I TWEAKED CATHERINE'S ORIGINAL RECIPE TO ADD 1/2 CUP TOMATO SAUCE OR PIZZA SAUCE.  I FELT IT WAS A BIT TOO DRY FOR ME.

4.  I USED A FEW OF EACH MINI-SWEET PEPPERS IN YELLOW, ORANGE AND RED COLORS.

5.  I DID NOT USE WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE.

IT'S EASY TO MAKE AND IT TASTES VERY GOOD ACCORDING TO MY NEIGHBORS.....AND ME.

ENJOY.

"KITTY IN A PUMPKIN PATCH' WH IS DONE

 Its finished today.  My "Kitty in a Pumpkin Patch" is completed.  Its hanging on my front door.  

It finished at 13" by 16 inches so a good size.  Its nice to have another project finished.

I am not sure which I will start on next.  It may be Halloween or Winter or even my little Dragon.  Decisions, Decisions.

Have a nice day.

CHICKEN AND DRESSING CASSEROLE

It's time for another recipe.  I just tried this one and it turned out pretty good.  With a small salad on the side it made a perfect supper for me.

CHICKEN AND DRESSING CASSEROLE

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Use 8x8 or 9x9 baking dish.  Line it with foil and spray with cooking spray for easy clean-up.

Ingredients

1 lb. Chicken Breast, Cooked and Diced

1 10.5 oz can Cream of Chicken Soup

1/8 Cup Whole Milk

1/2 Onion, Chopped

1 Stalk Celery, Chopped Thin

1 6-Oz. Package Stove Top Stuffing Mix 

1 Cup Chicken Broth

1 Stick Unsalted Butter, Melted

Seasonings to Taste:  Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder, Thyme

Note: I used a 9 x 9 baking dish.

Note: I made my chicken broth using 1 chicken bouillon cube dissolved in 1 cup warm water. 

Procedure:

Spread Chicken Pieces evenly on Bottom of buttered or sprayed Casserole Dish.  Set aside.

In Bowl: Mix together the Soup, Milk, Onion, Celery and Seasonings.  Stir together.  Pour over the Chicken Pieces in the casserole/baking dish.

In the Same Bowl: Add Stuffing Mix, Broth, and melted Butter and stir together until the stuffing softens.

Pour this over the ingredients in the casserole dish, spreading out evenly.  

Bake in pre-heated 375-degree oven for 40 minutes or until done.

Let is sit for 10 minutes or so before serving.

I liked it.  Served with some veggies on the side or a salad, this is a perfect meal.

Have a good day.

 

HALLOWEEN CALLS FOR BLACK CATS AND PUMPKINS

 Its Halloween time and time for fun with wallhangings or in my case doorhangings.

I find my ideas in many places.  Sometimes from kids' coloring books, sometimes from greeting cards and sometimes from other patterns that have something I can use.

This is coming along nicely.  I have all the bits tacked into place but the larger task is the satin-stitching around all the pieces.  This is my "Halloween Kitty in a Pumpkin Patch."\

This is my "Halloween Bats Aloft."

I hope I can at least make a start on this one before Halloween this year, but if not, next year will do.

I got a recent idea from a comment on a TV show.  The question, from an old Match Game program, was "It was so cold last night this morning my goldfish were wearing.......blank."

The first thought in my head was Earmuffs.  So I did a drawing of 2 in a bowl wearing earmuffs.  That will do for a winter door hanging, like my birds with their mufflers.

I will post a picture of the Goldfish for you soon.

Other good news for me is I am holding to my new eating plan pretty well and keeping those pounds off my waistline and elsewhere.  If I indulge a little more than I should one day, I cut back the next.  So far its working for me.

Keep a positive thought for me I remain faithful.

Have a good day.

MY LATEST DESIGNS READY TO GO

IT'S FALL ALREADY AND TIME TO GET BACK TO MY SEWING PROJECTS.

SINCE I HAVE LOST 20 LBS IN THE LAST 5 WEEKS, I FEEL LIGHTER AND MORE ENERGETIC.  IT WAS ALL DUE TO A BROKEN TOOTH THAT I HAD TO WAIT ON TO GET EXTRACTED SO I LIVED ON SOUPS AND SOFT FOODS AND FOR MY PROTEINS ONLY SARDINES, POACHED EGGS, AND TUNA SPREAD.  AFTER A TOUGH TUESDAY MORNING AT THE DENTAL CLINIC TO HAVE THAT ONE EXTRACTED PLUS A ROOT FROM A TOOTH LOST 4 YEARS AGO, I HAVE TO ADMIT TO FEELING WEAK AFTER EATING SO LITTLE PROTEIN.  BUT NOW I AM BACK TO EATING BETTER, IF A LITTLE CAREFULLY FOR NOW.

WITH THAT NICE LOSS OF WEIGHT, WHICH I WANT TO KEEP OFF FOR GOOD, I HAVE COME UP WITH A NEW EATING PLAN PLUS A DAILY EXERCISE PROGRAM THAT SHOULD HELP ME.  FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS NOW ITS GOING JUST FINE AND I DON'T FEEL HUNGRY YET FEEL LIGHTER AND BETTER ABLE TO EXERCISE.  PLEASE KEEP A GOOD THOUGHT THAT I CONTINUE.

NOW BACK TO MY SEWING........I HAVE DRAWN A COUPLE OF SKETCHES ON PACKING PAPER TO MAKE 2 HOLIDAY PROJECTS.  I LIKE TO KEEP MY ORIGINAL SKETCHES IN CASE I WANT TO WITH MAKE ANOTHER PROJECT WITH THE SAME CHARACTERS IN SOME FORM OR OTHER. 

HERE IS MY KITTY IN A PUMPKIN PATCH.  I FELT I NEEDED A NEW DOORHANGINNG THIS HALLOWEEN.

AND THIS ONE....

THIS IS A BABY DRAGON THAT WILL SOMEHOW WORK INTO A WINTER OR XMAS SCENE. I JUST ADORE BABY DRAGONS.  IT WILL MORE PROBABLY BE FOR WINTER SO I CAN USE IT LONGER THRU THE SEASON AND NOT JUST FOR XMAS.

IT FEELS GOOD TO GET BACK MY SEWING MOJO.  IT'S BEEN TOO LONG.  I MISS BEING CREATIVE.  ITS PART OF MY DNA I THINK.

IN MY LITTLE GARDEN PATCH, THE TOMATOES ARE ABOUT DONE THOUGH WE HAVE NOT YET HAD A FREEZE.  YESTERDAY I ONLY HARVESTED 5 CHERRY TOMATOES AND NO SLICERS THOUGH THERE ARE STILL GREEN ONES GROWING.  THE NIGHTS HERE ARE DROPPING DOWN TO THE 40S SO A FROST MAY BE JUST AROUND THE CORNER AND THEN NO MORE FRESH VEGGIES FOR ME.

HAVE A GOOD DAY EVERYONE.

ROASTED MY FIRST TOMATOES

My first batch of tomatoes was frozen yesterday.  The house smelled divine.

The recipe is simple.  

Wash tomatoes

Cut in Half.  If very large, cut in quarters.

In large bowl put tomatoes, adding crushed garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and olive oil.  Stir gently.

On foil-lined cooking sheets lay tomatoes out skin-side DOWN.

Roast at 275* for one hour only.

Turn tomatoes so they are skin-side UP.  Very important for removing skins when done.

Roast another hour.

Lift skin off tomatoes with tongs.

The skins lift right off easily.  

Allow tomatoes to cool then place in freezer bags.

These are great added to tomato sauces, chili, casseroles calling for tomatoes and even eating as a side dish fresh from the oven.

ENJOY!

 

MY FIRST TOMATO HARVEST

 YES, I HARVESTED SOME TOMATOES AT LAST.

ON THE 12TH I HARVESTED THESE BEAUTIES.  THE LARGE ONES ARE ALL EARLY GIRLS AND THE SMALL ONE IS THE ONLY HUSKY CHERRY THAT WAS RED ON THE VINE.  

I AM A HAPPY GARDENER.

TOMATOES ARE PINKING UP

 FINALLY, THERE IS SOME PINK ON A COUPLE OF MY TOMATOES.

MY FIRST HUSKY CHERRY IS SHOWING PINK.

AND HERE'S A PINK EARLY GIRL TOMATO.

YES, ITS FINALLY SHOWING COLOR.  I EAGERLY AWAIT THE REDDENING.

WE GOT 4 1/2 INCHES OF RAIN THE LAST DAY AND A HALF.  THE RIVER IS RUNNING RAPIDS AND EVEN THE RESERVOIR IS CHURNING.  LUCKILY OUR RIVER EMPTIES INTO THE ATLANTIC OCEAN ABOUT 20 MILES FROM HERE SO I DOUBT WE WILL HAVE ANY FLOODING PROBLEMS.

THE SUNSHINE IS BACK AND SO PLEASANT OUTDOORS IN THE MID 70sF.  EVENINGS ARE STILL DROPPING TO THE 60s SO NICE WEATHER IN GENERAL.

HAVE A NICE DAY.

A LOOK AT MY 3 TYPES OF TOMATOES

 I TOOK A FEW PHOTOS OF MY TOMATO VARIETIES, THOUGH STILL GREEN, LOOKING VERY GOOD.

EARLY GIRL IS A SLICER.  THESE ARE LOOKING FINE.  I HOPE TO SHARE THEM FRESH WITH MY NEIGHBORS HERE IN MY APARTMENT BUILDING WHEN THEY RIPEN.

HUSKY CHERRIES ARE ABUNDANT ON THE VINES BUT STILL GREEN.

MY THIRD CHOICE FOR THIS YEAR ARE PLUM ROMAS.  THEY WILL MAKE FINE ADDITIONS TO CHILI AND MY TOMATO SAUCES AFTER I ROAST AND FREEZE THEM.

THIS WAS TAKEN FROM THE BACKSIDE OF MY SMALL GARDEN BED MEASURING ONLY 4 FEET BY 8 FEET.  THE PLANTS HAVE GROWN TALL AND ARE VERY GREEN.  I AM GETTING A BIT OF BLIGHT AT THE VERY BOTTOMS, BUT NOT MUCH YET.  MY TOMATOES SHOULD BE ABUNDANT BEFORE FALL THIS YEAR.

HAVE A GOOD DAY.

JULY 27TH AND STILL NO RED TOMATOES

 Its July 27th here in southwestern Maine and still no red tomatoes in my garden.  I have lots of green ones coming.

Here are some Early Girl tomatoes.  Getting some good growth but still green.

I have been seeing a bit of early blight and have removed the leaves.  So far it's been manageable.

Here are more green Early Girls growing.

My Husky Cherry and Romas are doing well but smaller and still all green.  It will be nice to see some red ones soon.

I hope you are having a good summer.  Our days lately have been in the 80sF and 70sF in the daytime but drop nicely to the 60sF in the nite.  I love our Maine summer temperatures.  

As for rain, we have been lucky.  I watered my garden this morning for the first time in weeks.  We have been getting enough rain but not too much.

I am thankful so our forests are staying healthy and there is less danger of forest fires.

Have a nice day.

GARDEN UPDATE END OF JUNE

 ITS BEEN AWHILE FOLKS, BUT MY GARDEN HAS NOT BEEN PRODUCING YET.  ITS DOING WELL FOR THIS TIME OF THE SEASON SO NO COMPLAINTS.

I WOULD SAY ITS VERY LUSH RIGHT NOW.  I HAVE HARVESTED ALL THE RADISHES, PLUS SOME OF THE LEAF LETTUCES.  ALSO THE THYME AND PARSLEY ARE DOING VERY WELL SO I HAVE BEEN CUTTING AND USING FRESH DAILY.

MY 2 HUSKY CHERRY PLANTS LOOK LIKE SHORT, STURDY TREES.  I HAVE NOT HAD TO TIE THEM UP AT ALL.  THE WORD HUSKY IS TRUE HERE.  THEY HAVE BLOSSOMS AMONG THE GREENERY BUT ITS HARD TO SEE THEM.

MY 2 EARLY GIRL TOMATOES ARE SHOWING MANY TINY YELLOW BLOSSOMS.  EVERY DAY ONE SHOULD SHAKE THE BRANCHES SO THEY POLLINATE.  THEY DO NOT NEED INSECTS TO DO THAT SINCE THEY POLLINATE THEMSELVES IF GIVEN THE CHANCE, LIKE A SHAKE OR A WIND.

MY 2 SWEET BELL PEPPERS ARE STILL SHORT, BUT SHOWING SEVERAL WHITE BLOSSOMS.  I AM SURE ITS BECAUSE PEPPERS REQUIRE HEAT TO GROW AND OUR NITES HAVE NOT BEEN WARM, MOSTLY IN THE 50S AT NITE.  NICE FOR PEOPLE, BUT NOT FOR PEPPERS.

HIDDEN BENEATH THESE NASTURTIUM BLOSSOMS ARE MY 3 BUSHY CUKE PLANTS.  THE FLOWERS HAVE JUMPED AHEAD IN GROWTH.  THE CUKES ARE FINE UNDER THOSE LEAVES AND I KEEP THEM WATERED SINCE CUKES LIKE LOTS OF WATER.  I HOPE TO GET A NICE HARVEST LATER IN THE SEASON.

MY 2 EARLY GIRL TOMATOES HAVE LOTS OF YELLOW BLOSSOMS SO I KEEP GIVING THEIR BRANCHES A SHAKE TO POLLINATE THEM.  I HOPE TO SEE MANY SLICED TOMATOES FROM THESE 2 PLANTS.

AS FOR MY 2 PLUM ROMAS, ONE OF THEM WAS ATTACKED BY SOME CRITTER WHICH CHEWED OFF AT LEAST 3 BRANCHES.  I FELT ALL ALONG THE BRANCHES FOR TOMATO HORNWORM, BUT COULD NOT FIND ANY.  I MOVED MY WIND SHEETS AROUND THE PLANT TO DETER THE CRITTER AND MAYBE IT WORKED SINCE IN 2 DAYS NO FURTHER DAMAGE.  I HOPE THE PLANTS ARE NOT FURTHER HURT.

AS FOR FLOWERS, THESE ARE BEDS ALONG OUR GARDEN PATHWAY THAT FILL WITH COLOR THRU THE SEASON.  THIS IS JUST ONE SECTION. WE HAVE MORE AROUND OUR PATIO.

I AM ENJOYING THIS SEASON OF GARDENING.  I HOPE TO ENJOY LOTS OF FRESH VEGGIES THIS YEAR WHICH I WILL SHARE WITH OTHER RESIDENTS, PER USUAL.

MY LITTLE 4 BY 8 FOOT BED BRINGS ME JOY AND HEALTHY FOOD.  WHAT COULD BE BETTER THAN THAT.

HAVE A LOVELY SEASON EVERYONE.

MY SWEET PEPPERS ARE IN TODAY 5/27

MR SWEET PEPPERS ARE TRANSPLANTED.  ITS A BIT EARLY FOR THEM, BUT THEY WERE GETTING TOO BIG IN THEIR POTS.

THEY ARE THE TWO BESIDE THE GREEN STAKES.  LOOKING NICE AND HEALTHY.

THE REST OF THE GARDEN IS DOING WELL.  I SHOULD HAVE SOME RADISHES TO HARVEST SOON.  I LOVE FRESH RADISHES.

HAVE A WONDERFUL MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND.

STRAW IS ADDED TO GARDEN BED

 WE GOT A HALF INCH OF RAIN YESTERDAY WHICH IS GOOD.

I MANAGED TO ADD STRAW TO MY GARDEN BED, SOME AROUND THE TOMATOES ALREADY IN, AND IN THE CUKE AND PEPPER AREA WHICH COMES SOON.

I ALSO ADDED AN EXTRA WINDBREAK TO LESSEN THE EFFECTS OF THE HARSH WINDS BLOWING LATELY.

MY FAIRY IS IN THE FOREFRONT NEAR THE CHIVES AND MY 2 PEPPERS ARE BEING HARDENED OFF BESIDE THEM.

THIS CLOSEUP SHOWS THE RADISH ROW.  THEY ARE GROWING NICELY.

HAPPY GARDENING.

MY GARDEN IS STARTING FOR THE SEASON

 ITS FINALLY SPRING ENOUGH TO START GROWING IN MY GARDEN BED.  I ADDED SOME GOOD SOIL FOR THIS YEAR AND STAYED AWAY FROM THE BLACK KOW COMPOST.  I WAS VERY DISSATISFIED WITH IT LAST YEAR.  THERE WERE SO MANY CLUMPS IN IT I HAD A DIFFICULT TIME BREAKING UP THE CLODS.  

THIS YEAR I ORDERED MY PLANTS ONLINE FROM HOME DEPOT.  THEY ARRIVED SAFELY WRAPPED IN PLASTIC CLAMSHELLS FOR SAFETY.  THOUGH THEY ARE SMALLER THAN IF I BOUGHT THEM MYSELF AT THE STORES, I AM NOT ABLE TO GET OUT SO THESE I AM SURE WILL WORK FINE FOR ME.

I ORDERED 6 TOMATO PLANTS, 2 SWEET PEPPER PLANTS, 2 THYME AND 2 ITALIAN FLAT-LEAF PARSLEY.  THEY SENT ME 2 EXTRA PARSLEY PLANTS, PROBABLY TO FILL THE SPACE IN THE CARTON.  I WILL SHARE THOSE WITH MY DAUGHTER.

WITH FROST WARNINGS, I COVERED UP THE RADISH ROW I SOWED ON APRIL 28TH.  I LAID A TOWEL OVER THE ROW AND THEY CAME THRU JUST FINE.

AN ONION CHIVE PLANT OVERWINTERED IN THE CORNER.

I DID NOT WANT TO PUT OUT MY PLANTS TOO EARLY WITH POSSIBLE FROST ARRIVING.  IN MY AREA, WE USUALLY WAIT TO TRANSPLANT TOMATOES AFTER MEMORIAL DAY.  THIS SPRING, WE GOT EARLY WARM WEATHER.  

MY PLANTS NEEDED SOME TIME TO HARDEN OFF ANYWAY, SO I TAKE THEM OUT A FEW HOURS EACH DAY.  THE WORST BIT IS THE WIND.  ITS BEEN SO DARN WINDY THE PLANTS PRACTICALLY SNAP IN HALF.  

TO PREVENT DAMAGE, I PUT UP A SHEET BORDER TO HELP KEEP THE PLANTS UPRIGHT.  IT WORKS.

MY RADISH ROW, CONSISTING OF CHERRY BELLE, SPARKLER WHITE TIPS AND FRENCH BREAKFAST, ARE DOING WELL.  I STARTED MORE IN ANOTHER AREA NOW THAT THESE ARE COMING ALONG SO WELL.

ALSO, WHEN I WENT TO RE-SOW MY CARROT ROW, I SAW SOME GREEN TIPS THRU THE NEW SOIL I HAD SPREAD ON TOP. YOU CAN JUST SEE THEM ALONG THE SHORT-SIDE OF THE BED ON THE UPPER RIGHT.  NO NEED TO RE-SOW AFTER ALL.

I ALSO SOWED SOME LETTUCE SEEDS IN MY PLOT.

OUR LILACS ARE BEGINNING TO BLOOM AS WELL.  WE HAVE 2 IN OUR PATIO GARDEN AREA AND THEY ARE GIVING OFF SUCH LOVELY AROMAS.  ITS A PLEASURE JUST TO SIT ON THE PATIO AND ENJOY.

I PLAN TO TRANSPLANT MY TOMATOES IN ANOTHER WEEK ALONG WITH THE THYME AND PARSLEY STILL TO TRANSPLANT.  I WILL HOLD OFF ON THE PEPPERS TIL EVENINGS REACH THE 60S IN TEMPERATURE.  THEY LIKE IT WARMER.

ENJOY YOUR SPRING.

My 2023 Veggie Garden Ideas

Its that time again.  Gardening is in my future.  I have a raised 4' by 8' garden bed which is calling me.

Today I ordered garden soil mix and veggie and herb plants.  I was nicely surprised that our local Home Depot delivers.  I was wondering with whom I could make plans for chauffeuring me to get plants.  Now that concern is behind me.

The soil mix is expected today but the plants themselves not until the 12th.  That's just fine since these plants are usually transplanted outdoors no earlier than Memorial Day.  Its been a very warm spring so far here is southwestern Maine without any frosts for days.  I think I may be able to transplant my tomatoes and some others before then.  As long as I watch out for any sneaky frosts and being prepared with covers for said plants.

This is my plot.  I have been weeding it out but at this point I could not get all the mess cleared.  In the darker wet areas along side of the bed I sowed some radishes and lettuce.  I also sowed some Little Finger carrot seed along the top edge which is out of the frame.

Today I cleared out all the rest of the weeds and sowed some red Alkindus lettuce seeds along the bottom edge.

I was amazed that my onion chives survived the winter in their upper right-hand corner out of the frame.

I will try to get better pix this week after all the rain we have scheduled this week.

I am hoping for an abundance of tomatoes, peppers, cukes, parsley, and thyme along with the tucked-in crops of radishes, lettuce, and carrots along the outside edges of the bed.

I hope you have a nice day.

Annie's Song by John Denver

 I just wanted to keep this song in a handy place.  Its one of my favorites......

It was written for his wife at the time.  So beautiful.

Enjoy.

I am sewing again.

Where has time flown.  I have been pretty much hibernating thru the end of the winter.  Though our winter was not bad at all this year, with little snow and few storms, its still a long wait between fall and spring.

We have some blooming in our patio garden.

We have our first daffodils.

There are a few clumps throughout the garden including around the birch trees.

I also see the green wisps of tulips coming thru the soil so we should have some soon.

As for my own garden plot, its dormant for now. Plans are in the works for tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, Italian parsley, and thyme, plus radishes, carrots and a few lettuces.  The last three crops will be interplanted wherever there is room and shade for them to grow to until end of spring and early summer.

I have also threaded my sewing machine.  Last year I was working on my 'Pink Iris Garden' wallhanging and set it aside.  Two days ago I pulled it out and started sewing again.  I am into the satin-stitching at this point.

As you can probably tell, I love birch trees.

There will be butterflies, a fairy, and a dragon fly for sure.  My ideas are flowing.

Its wonderful what sunshine and spring can do for a person.

Have a wonderful day.

No Much Happening

 Just checking in to let you know I am still around but not doing very much.  I cook every week but all the same things so nothing to report to you.

I await spring so I can get back into my garden bed.  My plan is already drawn but like most things, may change.

I am thinking of some spring ideas for getting back into my wall hangings.  Easter is upon us and things with lambs, ducklings, eggs and the like can be lovely with the right design.

Stay well till I get back to you again.