Patriotic Touches in the Kitchen

 It seems we are going in many different directions here lately.

So, yesterday when I had some time at home, I couldn't resist the opportunity to do a bit of patriotic playing in the kitchen.

I don't do a lot of decorating for the 4th of July.

It seems that (weather permitting) we spend most of the day outdoors enjoying the lake, the bbq and the fireworks display.

However, we do congregate in the kitchen long enough to load our plates.  This year we will be eating in the kitchen as the patio is still under construction.

All good reasons for adding a bit of patriotic flair to the kitchen.

Don't you think?

This box of cookie cutters was something I had picked up at an antique shop years ago.

 

 

 I think I really should make cookies in these most American shapes.

Won't be this year though.

When my boys were in elementary school I was always a room mother.  I made cut-out sugar cookies for every possible holiday and occasion.  It was time consuming , yet fun, to unleash some creativity in this way.

I hope when my grandson is old enough to appreciate it I can muster up the energy to make some for him.

 

These old red plastic cookie cutters bring back fond childhood memories.  I have a huge collection.  I don't find them to be the easiest to use.  I just like to look at them from time to time.  This flag had to come out for the occasion.

 

 As long as you're here won't you stay for a cookie?

One is just about to come from the oven as we speak and it is very low in calories too ;-).

Wishing my American readers a Happy & Safe Fourth of July tomorrow.  Wishing all of my readers everywhere a safe and happy weekend.

 ***

 

Strolling Through The Garden in Late June

 

 From a distance the hibiscus appears to be white.

Up close the true colors are revealed and they are too beautiful to be missed. 

 I believe this is one of the biggest rewards of blogging... taking the time to capture the moments and appreciating the beauty of those moments.

 Prior to blogging I took very few pictures of the garden and if I did take them, it was a distance shot of the entire plant which didn't do much to capture the true beauty of each individual blossom.

My goodness, I was missing a lot.

Nature really is amazing.

I brought the camera with me this morning as I made my way around the garden.

Thought I would share what's blooming here on this last day of June.

Although these two hydrangeas are the same variety, they bloom in slightly different shades.  They are supposed to be the pink and white combo.  

 The crape myrtles are just coming into bloom.

So pretty against the blue sky this morning.

The pink calla lilies are coming up white this year  and...

this one wasn't planted... at least not by me : -)...

and look what color it is.

Nature also keep us on our toes.  Our best laid plans can be changed at any time it seems.  While I didn't particularly want a lily growing here, it's just too pretty to remove, so here it will stay.

I think calla lilies are so elegant.

Prior to getting married, I had a picture of a bride torn from a magazine.  She held a bouquet of white calla lilies and I thought that was perfection for a bridal bouquet.  When my own wedding came along I ended up with artificial flowers which my mom insisted were much more practical.  Go figure.

 

Tomatoes and more tomatoes.

This year we bought the biggest tomato plants we could find.

They cost more up front, but are already paying off with an early yield.  We've already had at least a half dozen and several more are ready to be picked.  Not bad for two plants.  We also planted a pear tomato plant which has begun producing.

 

Of course you can't have tomatoes without basil.

I started my basil from seed in the house this year.  

I had four plants originally, but two have disappeared.

There one day, gone the next.

Just another garden mystery, I guess.

Anything mysterious happening in your garden?

 

 

A Little Blog Problem

 

 Because I prefer blog posts that include photos,

here you will find a baby ear of corn which came attached to "mama" corn.  In all my years of buying corn on the cob, this was a first and, therefore, photo worthy.  What does it have to do with my blog topic?  Not a thing.  It's just providing the photo matter for a rather boring post.

Here's the thing...

I think I made a (behind the scenes) mess of my blog and I'm hoping some of my tech savvy friends can help me out here.

The problem:  Recently I decided to delete the e-mail address I set up to go along with my blog.  A very hasty decision that seemed like a good idea at the time.  It wasn't that I didn't want an e-mail address available, I just didn't want to keep up with two of them.

So, I attached my main e-mail address to my blog.

Here's the problem...

Since doing so I am receiving failed delivery notices in my Spam after leaving comments on some blogs.

I'm sure this has to do with my change of e-mail, but I'm not quite sure what it means.  I'm wondering if this is happening to people who receive their comments through e-mail.  Perhaps their e-mail isn't recognizing my address change?

If anybody is able to offer insight into my mystery, I would be ever so grateful.

I tell ya, after six years of blogging, you would think I would be able to figure this out for myself.  

 

 

Patio Progress

 It's been kind of quiet on the blog front these past couple weeks,

but behind the scenes we've been going in several directions.

Now, hopefully, things are getting back to normal (if there is such a thing) and it's time to hop back into blogging.

It just dawned on me that I haven't even had the camera out since I left you on the patio amidst the rubble.

So, this morning I share patio progress!

 Our previous patio had developed large cracks and we decided that as long as it had to be replaced, we would slightly enlarge and change the configuration as well.

As you can see it has a ways to go, but the new shape and size is evident.  I've been enjoying watching the construction process.  

So, that's about it for now.

Will be making my way around to visit with you shortly.

Will also get the camera dusted off so that I can come back with something other than my patio :).

In the meantime, have a lovely weekend.

 

Starting The Week With a Bang and a Boom

 

Shortly after breakfast the noises began.

Boom... Crash... Woof Woof!

My idea to keep the blinds closed to the action didn't hinder Jaxson from his normal curiosity.

He crawled over to the door, yanked the blinds back and probably wondered if his grandparents had taken leave of their senses.

 That tree that has been giving us this view for 14 springtimes is now this view...

 Gulp!

My inner tree hugger is having a conflict with this.

However, sometimes things like this have to be done in the name of progress.  Not to mention tree roots that have become HUGE and are headed for the foundation of the house.

Jaxson most likely also wondered why the patio that recently looked like this now looks like this...

 

 Yikes!!

We have taken leave of our senses. :-D.

 (to be continued :)

 

First Swim

 

 This way to the pool :).

 Hmmm... it's a lot bigger than my bathtub.

I can't decide if I like it or not.

 Okay, just decided...

The pool is fun!

Real fun!!

Can't wait for my next visit.

M is for. . .

 

 

 Magnolia.

 Blooming in my garden this morning.

While doing my garden chores my nose detected that familiar soft, sweet scent.  

Hidden behind a large grouping of hydrangeas was this big, beautiful magnolia blossom.

So sturdy, yet so delicate.

A lovely start to my day.

In case magnolias don't grow in your corner, I want to share mine with you and wish you a lovely day.

****