It Was A Lonely Winter

Sitting all alone, all by itself. What could be so special about this green thing that it is the only plant in my little raised vegetable bed and how has it survived through the winter . It has such a pretty green color. Any guesses?

No. No. No. Oh, come on. Some one in blog land must know. O.K. I didn't really give you a chance to answer, did I?

I think it is quite pretty with the shades of deep pink. It looks so interesting.

OK, this is called a Walking Onion, a member of the Allium family. Some of you gardeners may recognize it for its uniqueness and invasive habit. It is also called Tree Onion, Egyptian Walking Onion or Winter Onion.

A year or so ago, when we were visiting a local winery and their Friday Night Summer Dinners In The Garden we also visited the summer season Farmer's Market which is held at the same location.

As I perused the table of familiar fruits and vegetables I saw this strange, to me, looking bulb in a basket that was full of similar bulbs, just different sizes.

And, this is what it looks like in it's mature stage and ready for harvesting. However, the whole plant is edible. I understand that they have a milder flavor than regular onions. Use them in recipes like any other onions.

(google image)

These onions are self-propagating and over-wintering. The weight of the bulbs cause them to droop to the ground and start growing. Thus, the name Walking Onion. They can be planted by just dropping the individual bulbs on the ground, as well.

Interesting! Don't you think? I hope you can find some of these to plant in your garden. They look like a fun conversation piece.

Mary 

God's Blessings

Mary

Lunch For One And Bright Colors

Something a little different for today. When I came in from the garden I went straight for the refrigerator for the Braunschweiger and Swiss Cheese that I bought yesterday. Recently, a friend prepared a similar sandwich for me and I have been craving another one something bad. I put this together so fast along with Dutch Crust French Bread, Lettuce, Mayonnaise and Grey Poupon Mustard and my lunch was made! Next time I will add some sliced red onion. I think that is a nice addition. Oh, I also had a banana and a small glass of white wine for lunch.  

                                            It tasted really good!

Love these Bright Colors.

I have had a Very Nice Day and I am feeling Very Healthy. It is Wonderful.

Mary

I Am So Happy To Be In The Garden

While doing some garden watering and maintenance this morning I noticed the garden has started to awaken  following the sleepy months. Camellias, tulips, forsythia and phlox have started to show a little color. Actually, the forsythia is looking fabulous. I love the bright yellow. It is always a joyous time when the garden starts to come alive. I am so happy to have time to work at getting the garden looking nice. It has been neglected far too long.  One thing it really needs is fertilizer. I can't remember the last time I was able to fertilize.

The biggest challenge is going to be getting the weeds under control.  It is going to take a lot of hand weeding. I'll just do the best I can. And, I'll be sure to enjoy the process.

It is to soon to take the camera out to the garden! Be assured, I will take pictures when it is time.

Mary

Stress Meter Update And Good Stuff

Well, it is up and down but mostly down. So, that is very very good. The meter is actually mostly down except when I am pestered or bothered by a person I want to totally avoid. I will no longer expose myself to abuse in any manner or shape. He continues to "pop up" in places where I am (Saturday & Yesterday) and tries to engage my attention. It just ain't going to happen. I am totally not interested in a "Wildebeest in Sheep's Clothing". I don't intend to defame the wildebeest. Just trying to make a point. OK, I have spoken. Now, on to good stuff.

My energy level is high. For the last two days I have been able to thoroughly wash and wax (by hand) my car. It is not garaged so it was an extreme mess. It is a huge task, but my next goal is to start to clean the garage. For the past four years I have been told to "just get a dump truck and it will be empty in no time". Sensitivity and helpfulness, right? How 'bout just plain lazy! I take pride in maintaining my home, possessions and myself in decent order. However, my family and friends are my first priority in my life.

I had a Wonderful Weekend with lots of fun and sunshine along with love, love and more love from so many friends in my little community. Friends are so happy that I am "free after four years".  I am so blessed.

And, I am so excited with anticipation of  having family around me at Easter Time!

Mary

p.s. I will get past my current questionable attitude as soon as possible. I know it isn't "very pretty".  

Look At Those Eyes And EyeLashes

And, I get to see him in a few weeks when he brings his Mommy and Daddy for Easter Dinner. His Aunt Kathy and Uncle Paul will also be coming. They have not seen his Mommy for ten years. I am so thrilled! Isn't it wonderful how sometimes a baby can bring a family back together?

Mary

Saint Patrick's Day

Looking at the calender, I see that this is officially Saint Patrick's Day. I guess I am not late with my post. Of, course we can post anything on any day we want on our little personal blogs. 

I love the look of these cookies. Almost to beautiful to eat! It would be nice to have a tray of these on my dining table along with some hot tea and we could have a little tete-a-tete.  This image is from google images.

The past week has been filled with events that caused me to be in a "high stress mode". I am happy to say that I think I have jumped the hurdles that were causing me to feel a little crazy. And, the week ended on a very good note and a little celebrating of the Green.  

This freshly painted shamrock is at the corner of my street and Main Street downtown Murphys. Several shamrocks are freshly painted on the town streets at this time of every year in preparation for Murphys Irish Days. This is probably the biggest event of the year for our little town with Parade, Craft- Food Vendors, Wine Tasting and lots of frivolity.

This is what the corner looked like on Saturday during parade time. 

And, this is what the street looked like just prior to parade time. Last year attendance was in excess of 10,000 visitors to Murphys! 

The church I attend serves a Pancake, Eggs and Ham Breakfast as a Fund Raiser every year. It is a very popular event with the community. Four hundred and eleven tickets were sold.  That little church was filled to capacity. A fabulously organized event was enjoyed by many people.

And, here are some parade pictures. There were many walking groups like Scouts, Dance Schools, Humane Society and Native Sons. The list goes on and on. But, I only took a few pictures so I could enjoy the parade.

If you are interested in more information on the history of St. Patrick's Day, our local newspaper has a nice article. Click on this link http://www.calaverasenterprise.com/news/article_c12ee4a2-ab07-11e3-b350-0019bb2963f4.html for some interesting reading.

Mary

Do You Really Want To Know How My Days Are Going

Not so great. Wednesday morning I had to get my car to the local auto mechanic by 7:30 AM. So, my neighbor helped me jump start the car and I was on my way. The plan was for the mechanic to check the battery again and any of the wiring that he could check without getting into it too extensively. While he was doing "his thing" I walked to a coffee shop for a muffin and cuppa until the post office opened. Then I picked up my mail from the past few days and then walked to deliver my water bill check at the water district and then walked some more to drop off my sanitary (sewer) district bill check. Why use those over priced stamps when I can deliver my checks?

When I returned to the mechanic it was decided that I should take the car to a mechanic - up the hill - since he has more equipment to analyze the electrical system. I called and the earliest appointment is next Monday afternoon. So I scheduled.

I had two important errands that I had been delaying until the car was more dependable. One of them was to return the cell phone that at I bought a couple weeks ago because the Sim card was defective. And, I had to pick up another phone. So, this has been the picture. for the past month I have been dealing with an unreliable car and I do not have a cell phone, but I do have jumper cables that I know how to use.

So, since my car was running and sometimes will start. I decided to travel the forty minutes to the store to take care of the cell phone. It was so great that the sales assistant took care of activating the phone for me so I did not have to do it when I got home. Since I was at Walmart I decided to park my car at the back by the automobile department in case I needed to beg for help to jump start my car. Blessings received and the car started!

Then I needed to stop for gasoline on my way home. I usually stop at a station where the prices are the lowest in the area. Again, blessings and the car started. Then, I went straight home.

Can you even imagine how stressed I was every minute of my travels? I was so thankful to be home safe and sound.?

Yesterday, I managed to go to my Prayer Shawl knitting and crochet group. By the way, we are called the "Knitters and Hookers"!  We are a happy group. The group meets close by my house, so I walked. The weather is so beautiful. Perfect for walking.

Today was for outdoor work in the garden intermittent with going into the house to rest.

The weekend will be busy and that is good.

Mary

What More Is There To Say

But, LOVE, SO MUCH LOVE!

Love that Great Grandbaby and his Daddy.

Mary

Thank Goodness The Sun Is Shining

It is one of  "those" days and I am not liking that I do not have a healthy car at my disposal. It is sitting at the end of the driveway ready to be jump started in the morning and taken to the mechanic. It is something like five days that I have been "held hostage". That is how it feels.

For quite some time my car has not been maintained on the inside the way I like to keep it. That is partly because my car was not used as much and it just wasn't on the top of my priority list. And, there were a lot of things that just didn't get done!

So, yesterday I cleaned the inside from "top to bottom". You know - under the seats and all the nooks and crannies. I didn't find any long lost valuables! But then, I wasn't missing any, either. Actually, didn't find much other than dust, dirt, leaves and dog hair. Oh, I guess there was one business card and a small packet of preservative for florist flowers that had slipped down between the seat and console. You know that space that can seem like it is in China? I really do try to keep my car in order. I do not like the sight of a car that looks like someone lives in it full time.

This morning I have managed to be out in the sunshine doing some garden work of pruning and general cleaning up. There is always so much more to do than what I am able to do at any given time. But, every bit helps. And, of course the sunshine is a great boost for me especially since I do have some issue with Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Hope your day is Bright and Shiny.

Mary
  

Look What I Did Last Night

At about 10 P.M.- - - uh huh, I really did bake cupcakes!  In the afternoons, I usually run low on energy but it is not uncommon for me to get bursts of energy in the evening even when I have not had a chance for a little afternoon siesta!

These are the cupcakes direct from the oven. They are baked just fine even though the tops look a little odd.

That may be because my oven thermostat has been a big pain in the - - - you know what for quite some time. First off, when the signal chimes that it is preheated to the set temperature it is usually about 100 degrees under the set temperature. It takes about 20 minutes more to reach the correct temperature. And, it does not stay consistent.

This time the thermometer went all the way up to 400 degrees when the oven was set at 325 degrees. The recommended remedy in the oven manual does not correct the problem primarily because there isn't a consistent pattern. $2,300.00 in February 2008 for GE Profile and this is what I have. Many reviews I have read on various websites describe similar issues. Service technicians don't seem to be able to remedy the problems. Oh, and I have used three different oven thermometers to check for consistency.

The oven has never seemed "quite right" but did not become such an issue until this past four years when I have had reason to use the oven a lot more frequently.

I remember a period of time that it seemed like I could not cook anything that required the oven and have it come out as wished.   A good example is Baked Alaska, Dutch Baby Pancakes and Yorkshire Pudding. All of of these items require a very high heat. It is absolutely a must. And, I had made these many times prior with excited accomplishment! Because, I think they are a lot of fun to make and it is not your everyday fare. It is so nice to have real validation that I have not lost my mojo.

I guess I will just continue to bake/roast with a "watchful eye" on the oven thermometer that I have placed inside the oven!  But, it still is a pain in the - - - - ! Hopefully, there will be a time in my lifetime when I may be able to replace the stove/oven.. And, while I am at it, I could probably use a new automobile. Oh, And, I definitely need a new bed mattress, a good one for my troubled back! However, I have enough technology toys for now. It may take me years to learn everything about them! All but my desktop computer were gifts that I appreciate. 

Time to put some yummy frosting on those cupcakes. If you were here I would share with you - and a cup of tea or coffee.

Mary

Do You Like Cauliflower

If not, you may like this, if you like lots of flavor. Cauliflower can often be thought of as rather bland. This takes it up a notch.

Cauliflower Cheddar Gratin with Horseradish Bread Crumb Topping.

I got this out of the broiler just in time before the topping would have burned. We all know we should not walk away when something is under the broiler!

Cook cauliflower until slightly tender. Prepare white sauce, add salt and pepper along with shredded cheddar cheese.

Mix Panko bread crumbs with melted butter and 2 tbsp prepared horseradish. Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the cauliflower and bake until browned.

The horseradish sure gives it a nice punch! What a great idea.This recipe is making the rounds on the blogs and I am glad I saw it. I just may make this again for my Easter dinner.

Mary

Still Rolling Along

LAPTOP COMPUTER Continues To Purr. I am so happy.

AUTOMOBILE not Rolling Along. I am not happy.

WHY? WHY? WHY? - - - Do I sound like Ice skater Nancy Kerrigan and her cry for help? It feels a little like that! Before long I will know every mechanic and service station in town, possibly the county.

An automobile that doesn't warn you (I don't like secrets) if it is going to start or not can drive you a bit crazy? Why does a dashboard RPM gauge (only visible malfunction) decide to stop and then the car won't start 50% of the time. Consensus is possibly an electrical issue. Scheduled for diagnosis and treatment next week. Yes, I sound like a nurse because I am and always will be.

And, how was your week? I have used all four of my Emergency Road Service calls for the remainder of the year until September. I guess I will have to "start using my thumb"!

It has always been difficult for me to ask for help.

Oh, and while "I am at it", why is Medicare insisting that I pay more for my medications than in the past??? No, we are not going to discuss it!

Mary

Lunch For One And A Little Vintage

Plain and Simple and Quick.

Winter weather or any weather for that matter is a good day for fluffy "love" waffles. So often, waffles don't even come to mind, But, in reality they are so simple to make. They are always good served "nearly naked" as I did today. If you can - be sure to use real butter and real maple syrup!!!

Or waffles can be served all gussied up with fancy fruit, sauces and maybe even some whipped cream. Serve them for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It's kinda like pizza!

Oh! And if you have leftover heart waffles they make the cutest sandwiches filled with your favorite fillings.

My waffle maker isn't quite vintage but I have had it for a long time. And, I think it is so cute with the playful hearts.

 However, I can remember having one that looked a little something like this next picture.

And, it was made in the USA. It had to be a Sunbeam just as most of my kitchen appliances were. You see when I was a very small child my father worked as Western Region Sales Manager for Sunbeam. I was told. As a new bride I think all my appliances were Sunbeam. I fondly remember my Sunbeam Mix-Master that was a wedding gift in 1959. I loved that mixer and I hung onto it until about five years ago when I had a very eager buyer at a very large yard sale.

If of interest open my blog post about
2009 Yard Sale (scroll to bottom)

Mary

Pinch Me If It Is Real

I think my computer miseries are in the past. At least for the time being. So, please pinch me if it is true.

Three hours of computer professional help yesterday and I was feeling optimistic. My desktop and laptop were supposedly worked on at the same time. I seldom use the desktop unless I am researching something that isn't working on the laptop. So, of course I realized that the desktop needed cleaning out. However, my main issues revolved around my difficulties with posting to Blogger. Lots of activity took place with the desktop but it seemed little was being worked on with the laptop. "But, who am I to question?" Don't get me wrong. I did.

HORROR - HORROR - HORROR.  Later when I opened my laptop the web pages were filled with a minimum of four pop-ups of ads, the pages were opening and closing by themselves. And, other pages would not open. It was like it was demon possessed! I felt sad especially after paying for professional service that doesn't come inexpensive. I don't doubt that the desktop was cleaned out of old stuff. But, I want to use the laptop! PLEASE.

To make a long story (day and night) short, I have spent hours and hours cleaning out programs, malware and junk from the laptop. Analyzing and defragmenting. The whole time I was keeping my fingers crossed that I wasn't over-reaching common sense. I sure learned a lot "from the seat of my pants", especially when I was deleting files and programs! That is scary.

The end result is that I am HAPPY - HAPPY - HAPPY. I will use Google Chrome for everything related to Blogger and Internet Explorer for everything else, and with the laptop. I can't even begin to tell you all the things that I was digging into that weren't working..

 At the present time it is just purring along without any hiccoughs. 

PINCH ME!

Mary

My Tiny Kitchen

This is one side of my kitchen. And, it is tiny! Since it is a "galley kitchen design" there is only one other side and that side is where the sink is located. OH, YOU ARE RIGHT, IT IS PURPLE AND ORANGE! All the painting was done by Moi.

In 2008 I was able to refinance my mortgage and upgrade my kitchen. The house was built in 1973 and it still had the harvest gold stove and hood. No dishwasher or even garbage disposal. It was nice that I could keep the expense down by doing a lot of the work myself.

I never planned on having a PURPLE kitchen, however after doing a colorful ceramic mosaic back-splash behind the kitchen sink (not the stove side) with lots of color, the rest is history. The kitchen sink side will be in my next post.

I enjoyed redecorating the kitchen and living with it. I think bright colors were a little more popular at that time. Sometimes, I think it might be nice to change the color scheme. You know, all shades of WHITE have become very popular!

After living in rental apartments/houses for so many years with all white interior, I never thought I would ever consider any decor with predominantly white.

One of the reasons I wanted to show you my little kitchen is because I made a few changes that will help me to get to my pots and pans a little easier. I had previously added a couple pull out racks but now it has been improved upon.

This is what I put in several years ago. The slide-out racks were helpful but see those things back in the corners on the right. Especially with my back problems it was so annoying to get down on the floor and either get them out or put them away. I found that many times it was just to difficult to put them away after cooking and then cleaning the kitchen so frequently they just stayed on the stove top until the next morning. 

Look-see! I found these pull-out shelves on Ebay at a very reasonable price. They fit the full shelf and they pull all the way out. Extremely easy to install was a nice bonus. Since there is so little storage in this kitchen, every little space is important.

I am delighted with them - yes delighted.

I do not know why I am having a lot of computer difficulties with blogging lately.  Many hours have been spent on trying to straighten things out. I have been using all three browsers, IE, Firefox and Chrome to get a post up on blogger! So many weird things continue to occur that are stretching my patience to the limit. But, I am hanging in there. Maybe, a programmer might help?

Mary

People Are So Nice

This past week I invited a friend in for dinner. I served the Quinoa Stuffed Squash that I prepared on Tuesday as our main dish.

In the mail I was delighted to find a thoughtful note that said, "Your stuffed squash was delicious, and healthy, too - a big plus. The blend of flavors were very exotic but subtle and delicious." Wow, I think it was a winner!

What a nice recognition of what I considered to be the results of the enjoyment I experienced in my kitchen. I am having such a good time!

Mary

No Thank You

NO Chewing - But, I did change browser to Firefox.

But, I really don't want to change permanently to Firefox unless someone can explain more of the advantages of using Firefox instead of Internet Explorer. I really don't want to have to learn all about another program.

Mr Computer Guru is scheduled to visit. And, boy will I have a lot of questions for him. My list is getting longer and longer. I am looking forward to it. It has been a very long time since I have been able to ask a knowledgeable computer person some questions. Or for that matter, talk to anyone that has a basic computer knowledge base!

 Mary