Monday, May 19, 2014

All Over The Place

Yes, this post is going to be all over the place.  Hellooooo, how is everyone?  Gearing up for the end of the school year, and the long hot summer.  We had no winter to speak of, and our Spring  has had more triple digit days that I can count.  My garden is beginning to produce some goodies.  Last night I picked a large bowl of spinach.
I made a great big salad with it.  Strawberries, mushrooms, bacon, avocado.  I made a  lemon poppy seed dressing.  About 1/4 cup mayo, 2-3 T red wine vinegar, 2 T sugar or to taste, sea salt, pepper, and the juice of half of a fresh lemon.  2-3 T poppy seeds.  Whisk thoroughly, chill.  Pour over just before serving.
Mmmmmm, mmm, mmmm. SO good!!  The only other thing I would have added is hard boiled egg.  But I had used them earlier in the day.  I boiled a dozen eggs for egg salad sandwiches for lunch.  Only I put a twist on them.  I diced up the cooked eggs.  And instead of adding the usual amount of mayo, I added one large ripe avocado.  And about 1 Tablespoon or so of mayo.  Lots of cracked sea salt, cracked pepper.  And a handful of fresh cilantro.  Using a fork, mash the avocado up in the bowl, right along with the diced eggs, til somewhat smooth, and distributed.  Add mayo, seasoning, and cilantro.  Serve on choice of bread.  The thing that made this sandwich EGG-stra special...(sorry., couldn't resist ) was laying a few pieces of fresh from the garden arugula on top.  This adds that peppery crunch, and then with the creamy taste of the avocado....just perfect!!  Greg asked me what do I call this?  I said, I don't know, how about Green Egg Sandwich?
Deeelish!!!  For a little extry, you could put a couple slices of cooked bacon on top too.
Saturday I went to the library.  I love their used book store.  I found these fantastic gardening books.  They are loaded with great info.  Written a long time ago, but the information is still relevant.  Excellent find!
I did a lot of sewing over the weekend.  Just small projects.  Lots of badge sewing for my granddaughter.  She just bridged up to Brownies.
 I found a set of 4 unfinished placemats at the thrift recently.  I bought all 4 for one dollar.  I put a quick binding on them, and made them into some arm pads for the swing in the grove.
This swing was really ready for the trash several years ago.  I had it in the back yard, and when it wore out,we put it by the sport court for a couple of years.  Last summer, I gave it new life by rewebbing the seats with an old sheet.  I covered the top with a vintage sheet in a fun red and blue print.  I put some red cushions on it, and moved it into the grove underneath the canopy of the huge avocado tree, next to the chicken coop.  I sit out there every chance I get.  A blogging friend sent me the red pillows with crochet flowers on them.  And now I have new arm pads for it too.
Such a peaceful spot to sit and ponder.
And watch the antics of my hens.
Yesterday afternoon when I was out there, someone decided to climb the tree.
I was sitting there minding my own business, and suddenly he starts tossing down giant avocados, yellling, "CATCH!"
This is about it on the avocados for now.  The trees are all loaded up again, but it will be a few months until they are ready for picking.  The oranges however, just keep on coming!
They are extra huge, extra sweet, and extra delicious this year.  I swear it is because of the chickens!!
Oh, I also made this table cloth out of a piece of fabric I had.  It is so pretty, that I wish I had more of it to make napkins.  Darn.
Here it is on my little table in the kitchen.
Now I am working on another little Spring throw with this pretty bird fabric.  I have already made one, but had tucked away the rest of this fabric, and now I am ready to use it up.  I made Gennifer a new bag holder for her upstairs laundry room too, in a pretty yellow floral.  No pic. Oops.  And fixed a top for Gen, and a romper for Claire.  It was a good day of sewing.
Saturday night, we met up with my brother and sister in love, and saw a fabulous movie.  It is out in limited release.  If you are a foodie, or like to cook, you will love it.  Even if you don't cook, you will love it.  It is called Chef.  With Jon Favreau and Sofia Vergara, and Dustin Hoffman.  REALLY, a great movie!  We all loved it!!  Afterwards we walked around a bit downtown, and there was a Bruxie.  They are famous for chicken and waffles.  I had the signature sandwich, chicken and waffle, and Greg had pastrami in waffle sandwich.  Both delicious!  David and Glenda ordered the Creme Brulee Waffle, and it was divine!!!!!!!
I hope we get one near us soon!!!  Drew's girlfriend brought over a Nutella and Banana waffle from Bruxie the other night, and I had a bite.  YUMMO!!
It has been mighty hot here lately.  One day it was 108.  Several were triple digit!  We went to swim in Gennifer's new pool one afternoon.  The kids all wanted to play with Uncle Drew.
This morning I painted the big swing out in the front yard.  It was long over due, and it took an entire gallon of stain.  I didn't take a before.  But you can see in this photo from a few weeks ago, how badly it needed it.
That is the only picture I could find.  But it was like that all over the seat and everywhere.  Table included!
Now I need to make a new cushion.  And figure out a way to keep the birds from perching and pooping on the back of the swing.  I used to have some heavy duty clean plastic stapled to the back so it could at least be easily wiped off.  Guess I may have to do that again.  Much better.  That was bugging me for months!  I was waiting for a cooler day to do it.  While I was out there painting, I noticed that both the male and female Bluebird were both leaving the nest box at the same time, so I walked over to the tree to see if I could hear chirping.  Sure enough.....chirping!!!  They hatched!!!  I took a chair and stood up there and pointed the camera for a pic as quickly as I could, as both mom and dad Bluebird were divebombing my head.  This is pitiful, but in the right hand corner of picture, you can see their downy fuzz, and little beaks.
Five itty bitty babies!!!
That's it for today.  My all over the place post.  Life is ZOOMING past lately.  May is a big birthday month in our family.  Both of our girls are this week.  Going to Big Bear on weekend to celebrate girls birthdays.
Mom is doing well.  She completed her first two weeks of chemo.  This is her off week.  No meds.  Two weeks on, one week off, for six months.  She is now beginning to experience some of those nasty side affects that she was told she may, or may not have.  The bottoms of her feet hurt.  Like a bad sunburn.  Her mouth has a couple of little sores.  Her skin is extremely dry, and so is her hair.  She is hanging in there though.  Please keep her in your prayers as she continues with this treatment.  I will go with her to the Dr. on Thursday.
Thanks for visiting today.  I see I have a few new followers!  Hello!!!  I will get out to see you soon.  I am doing a bit better with catching up with all of you.  Love seeing all of your Spring happenings!!
Tootle Loo
XO  Kris

27 comments:

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

I love reading about your creative life, Kris! Keeping your mom in my prayers...xo

Teresa Kasner said...

Gadzooks, Kris.. can you give me even 1/10th of your energy? I planted some hanging baskets today and did some paperwork for a board meeting then presided over it and I'm beat. LOL! I so wish I had avocados and oranges like you do!
((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Dogwood Lane Rambles said...

I love your orchard bounty, sadly we had to cut down our last peach tree it died because of the drought. 108* is awful so I don't envy you that kind of weather but I know the heat will be up here soon. All your sewing projects look great. I'm keeping your mom in my thoughts. Hugs for her from me and for you too.

Gracie Saylor said...

With such high temps I am so glad you have pools readily available so you can go swimming, Kris! We were stunned when it hit the low 90's around here last week...at this time of year...in Portland!!!

Cheers for all your completed sewing projects!!!!!!

Today a new friend gave me snow peas from her garden! They were yummy stir fried in a little oil with some garlic and sesame seeds, salt and pepper. I love seeing your produce grow!

Praying for continued healing and comfort for your mom and strength and encouragement for her, you and yours :) xx

Amy at love made my home said...

I hope that you Mom keeps doing OK and that the doctors appointment is alright. You have been very busy at home and got masses done! I like your revamped vintage style swing seat, very pretty. Hope that you have fun with all the birthdays. xx

Between Me and You said...

Lady Bountiful indeed!What I wouldn't give for such a haul! Beautiful makes Kris, my Grandbaby has just started 'Rainbows' (pre-Brownies here).Continued healing thoughts for your Mama and Beautiful Birthday Greetings to everyone too. x

From the Kitchen said...

Avocado and egg sandwich? Yum! I love that swing in the grove. Hoping your mom does well with her treatments!!

Best,
Bonnie

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

My oh my Kris you are amazing! Great busy, creative, productive, and yummy post. The spinach salad looks so delicious, I will be making that soon. I can't imagine having all the fresh avocados, oranges, and spinach in my our yard. It's fabulous, I know you work hard but it looks so inviting. Love your book finds, oldies but goodies for sure. Both swings look so peaceful and a little slice of heaven. Enjoy my friend and I send many prayers and blessings to your sweet dear mom! xoRobin

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to try your green egg sandwich…it sounds terrific.

Debbie said...

How nice to already be reaping rewards from your garden already. Love the sandwich idea and I am definitely going to try that. I love avocado on everything. I just did a bunch of mending for everyone yesterday...my least favorite kind of sewing to do, but hey, it's got to be done. Glad things with your mom are going OK, and I will definitely keep her in my prayers. Enjoy your day!

priscilla said...

Love seeing all the photos from your harvests ! Wish we could have some of your warm temperatures ! You are busy, busy , busy ! Have a great weekend !

Cathy said...

Summer is a busy time at your house! What I wouldn't give to have even a small garden like yours. An avocado tree is beyond wonderful. Your version of egg salad looks delicious, Kris. Can't wait to try it.

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Kris, I make a strawberry spinach salad with a strawberry poppy seed dressing that we love. Yours looks so yummy and I pinned it to make for a change. My spinach is just coming up. Got it in a little later than usual. Oh how I drool over your avocados! Love the new tablecloth and you have been so very busy. Always appreciate you popping in and commenting. Love being your friend!
hugs,
Jann

Holly said...

Lady, I honestly don't know how you do all you do. I want that salad!

Valerie said...

I love reading your blog and all the happenings :) Your Mom will be in my prayers. Have a great rest of the week.

~Valerie

podso said...

All your food is making me hungry! It all looks good especially the green egg sandwiches! I will look for that movie.

Mereknits said...

Oh my goodness you have been so busy. I am glad you are out in the garden, sitting on the swing, sewing and that your Mom is doing well. My best friend started chemo last week and she had intense bone pain, bless her there is not much I can do for her while she is in North Carolina. Love all your photos. Have fun in Big Bear with all the birthday festivities.
Meredith

my4lilgirls said...

Wow this is a mega post
Kris I'm in awe of your garden & all it produces along with those darling chickens, along with you of course, you are one busy lady :).
Will def be praying for your mom, bless her, she's having a rough time, hope all goes well.
Enjoy the rest of your week & please send some of that lovely sunshine over here
Karen x

Elizabeth and Gary said...

Hi Kim,
Wow!! your avocados are amazing! I love love love avocados. Your salad looks out of the world delish...You have made me so hungry, I think I might go raid my refrig LOL
I will keep mom in my prayers.
Sending hugs.
Have a sweet day, Elizabeth

Grammy Staffy said...

You are amazing. Congrats on all your well done projects. I wish your mom the best and will keep her in my prayers. Hugs, Lura

corners of my life said...

Just wanted to mention that your new blog banner is cool.

Debbiedoos said...

LOVE those new cushions Kris. That egg sandwich totally reminded me of my Gram:) Happy Memorial day weekend to you. XO

NanaNor's said...

Happy Memorial Day Kris, Life has been so busy and crazy, I just haven't been getting by to visit with friends. I'm thankful that the fires down near you didn't impact you-other than maybe smokey haze. We are in the season for storms in the afternoon and now the snow is melting so we have our seasonal flooding. Got to love Colorado. Hope you are having a wonderful weekend. Hugs, Noreen

Pam said...

Where to start? The salad/dressing both look & sound amazing! Loving the avocado egg sandwich with arugula. My kind of sandwich. The revamped swing looks darling & comfy. Wish I had your orange & avocado trees - lucky girl.

Sending love, good thoughts, and prayers to your mama. xoxo

Linda said...

Yay for. Kris!
Where does the time go...feel like I'm being pulled every which way...we really should have a chat...SOON!
Love all your thrifty buys....fruit everywhere....fantastic!
Cheers!
Linda :o)

Taci simmons said...

Wow Kris you are such a busy bee and May is a very busy month for you and your family. Happy that you accomplished so much and that you have spent so much time with your family. Love your post :)

Unknown said...

I about dived into the screen...that salad and sandwich look sooooo good! Guess I had better go eat breakfast!