Hey Babe take a Walk on the Wild Side!

I haven't been very wild lately.

In fact, for the last 3 1/2 months I've had no desire to be wild.

But no matter how bad I felt I always got dressed for the day.  

I'm not one of those beings who can stay in my Jams all day.

Just can't do it.  Maybe I feel exposed. Vulnerable.

Or maybe it's from, seeing to many people wearing their 

Jammies at the local Wal Mart.

 

Back in the day it was okay to go without a bra.  It was the feminist thing to do.

A rebellion? 

I don't remember, because somewhere along the line of time, I wouldn't be caught...without one.

The more under-wire the better.

But during this long period...not knowing what the blipety blank, was wrong with me,

  I rolled out of bed and knew I couldn't constrict my weak body with the binds of a bra.

Maybe the the fems of the day were on to something after all.

I did get dressed, but decided to wear this

wild leopard cammy, with a built in liner.

Enough to give support and enough loose so I don't feel I'm wearing 

a straight jacket.

 

 I've been to more medical rounds in the last 3 months, than I have in the last 3 years.

One young Duggie Houser, suggested these things happen with age...wanted to cry!

not because he thought I was old, because, really?  with all of 

today s technology, 

he's going to stand there, shake his head, and say, it comes with age?

I wanted Dr. House, so bad at that point.

And I wanted him NOW!

So while many of you live where the wild things are,

this is about as wild as I'm getting for the time being.

Made from mostly scratch, Wild Mushroom Soup.

(No the mushrooms, aren't why I was sick!)

I did get pretty wild, with the shitaki and oyster rooms!

 And somewhere in the vast picture files I have, 

there's a lovely bed of Wild Rice!

 

But for now!

Someday soon, I plan to slip these pretties back on,

And take a steady Walk on the Wild Side!

Full of Garbage!

Something I can't stand...a full garbage can!

And worse, is taking the full bag out of the can, tying 

it up and leaving it by the kitchen door,

in preparedness to trek it out to the back alley.

It's just a subconscious peeve I have.

I'll let the dust bunnies multiply under the sofa,

and the shedding kitty fur nest in the corners.

I'll even let those spindly cobs webs float down from the 

ceiling with grace. (When I notice them shimmering at night when the lights go on).

Yep, I let the bag of garbage sit.  It's been about 3 hours now, because

it snowed, and I can't find one of my snow-boots.

So I dug through the closet, and thought, "might as well get rid of that and that and that

while I'm, in the closet."

That took 45 minutes.  

And I didn't find the, now lost boot.

What's a phobia about becoming a hoarder, maniac, suppose to do?

That's how it starts isn't it. Not taking the garbage out?

Oh I'll do it later, and then another bag sits beside the first one.

I'll tell ya! Of course I will!

I run in ankle deep snow with just my skippies on.

Well, not run, because then I might slip and fall, hit my head

and no one would know! They're all inside where it's warm and dry.

You know life will stop, til I find that boot!

Just one of those days for cocoa and cinnamon toast.

A Black OlIve, Night!!! And Why Dinner is Late!

I'll tell ya, why dinner is late!

 It's because of a can opener!

It's probably why, we have late suppers!

Mind you, it's only 7:30 pm...

and I could have grilled this, flank steak an hour ago...

but, and I say But!

I couldn't open a can of Olives!

I couldn't open anything with my can opener!

If there are no black olives to eat with the flank steak...

Well, no one eats!

Which, brings me to, # 1!

# 1, refers to my first Grandson.

Wesley!

His Mom, used to be # 1...Ha!

(Summer Photo)

Wesley, likes, black olives! He always has.

Maybe it was because I'd put the olives on my fingers...!

When he was little! 

Always, teaching bad habits!

You could open a can of them, and he'd have them 

eaten in a flash...don't count on adding them to your condiment plate!

Just saying!

My Can opener wouldn't cut tonight!

I am not, advertising California Olives, though they are the best in

my opinion.

(I'd love to get a case of them)!

I, was cursing... how did they open cans in the 1800s?

I remember my husband showing me a can opener

he was issued in the army...Gawd how primitive...like using a knife and a hammer!

He still has it, but it would take a day and 1/2 for him to find it.

Really, I can use a regular can opener... and I did!

and don't ya think it looks like a star?

Well, kinda'!

but you can't tell by my photos!

I am Starving!

..I was going to slice this flank steak 

and wrap it in  a corn tortilla with cheese and 

onions and peppers...?

Looks like I only have 5 tortillas left!

Some one isn't getting seconds tonight!

But I will!

Because I'm the cook!

yum!!! but no guacamole!!!

sliced avocado, lime, salt and pepper...and don't open that jar of hot peppers!!!

Okay, Kids...

Soups On!!!

I was in the mood for Chinese Noodle Soup!

But of course, I didn't have all the traditional ingredients,

but really, that's the beauty of soup, you make it up as you go!

I simmered one thigh in 3 cups of water, with salt and pepper.

I took the thigh out to cool, and added cabbage, carrots, a 

bit of thyme and mushrooms. But the kicker...peanut sauce!

I had two turkey thighs, one for soup and one to bake!

I marinated the baked thigh in olive oil, fresh garlic, thyme and lime juice.

I left the skin on...I know, I know!

It cooked slow, and as the skin got crispy, I added a 1/2 cup of water,

to braise the pan, then I added portabella mushrooms!

Oh Yum!!!!

Here's to a Great New Year! 

What's Cooking...

This was, last night!

Linguini and Clam Sauce!

I didn't have linguini so I had to use

Spaghetti, not the same but still good.

I start with olive oil and fresh chopped garlic,

and cook over low heat til the garlic starts to infuse

with the oil.

Then I add about a tablespoon of butter.

(the real stuff).

As the butter starts to melt I add fresh copped parsley,

not much, again, enough to meld the flavors together.

This is the base, I use.

Then just open a can of chopped clams, juice and all,

and dump it in the mix of garlic and oil.

Depending on how much sauce you want you can add

a bottle of clam juice...makes more, in case someone 

happens to stay for dinner! 

I let this simmer for about 1/2hr. and add grated Romano cheese

and let that simmer down, on low heat,

I start cooking the pasta...you can also add the water from the pasta

to the sauce, again, this melds flavors.

Sometimes I add hot pepper flakes, most of the time not.

Fill the bowl with pasta, 

add a little salt and pepper,

grated cheese and parsley,

and you're ready to eat.

 Oh, and maybe a glass of wine!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Do ya remember the dresser and chair I showed in a previous post?

this is the finished piece.  It was black, and I liked it black,

but the customer wanted white. 

and the finished chair.

You can get an idea, of the room she's going for.

I don't have photos of the foot stool, but it matches the chair.

I made the sign for her after she saw the one I have hanging outside,

so this customer was a happy camper, when she picked everything up,

and she fit it all in the back of her SUV!

I've got tons to do!

Be well!

Diamonds in the Rough!

But Treasures To me!

A few weeks ago, I was driving home from my daughters

house and spotted and old beat up wicker rocker on the

side of the road.  Now I knew the rocker was garbage,

but this, I was after.

I know, it's not a diamond, but it is to me!

Then the sewing machine, I've had it for years, but

it was just stored away, passed around,used

for an entry table, moved from one spot to another, 

because it was, well just in the way, so I started taking it apart,

I could use the iron legs for something else...!

It still has the thread in it, old and dusty.

Yet beautiful in it's passing stage!

How many dresses were stitched with this needle?

It's a diamond to me!

Then I was driving by one of the local second hand shops, and

spotted this in the window!

I wanted it!

I walked in and checked it out.

It was heavy and solid...it was an Ethan Allen piece,

and I figured I'd be paying a hefty price.

$50.00!

Mine!

Just because a brick landed on it during a tornado, so what!

The crack doesn't go through the seat all the way, and anyway, 

I could fix it, 

it's a diamond in the rough!

Now I'm going to make some cushions,

and live happily ever after.

Yes I am!

It's time for Wine, because...

of  this!

it's only a little mess, and I knew it would be,

because, we, Mr. Honey and I, live in

an old house. 

When we first bought it, I ripped the kitchen walls 

off...plaster and lathe, and insulated. 

Now it's been awhile, but I remember the two by fours had 

horizontal 2x4s staggered up between the beam, (back then,... I was told,

 fire wall safety.)

 Well, now that Mr. Honey,

decided to install a light fixture to light up the steps outside,

(which we needed), all hell broke loose.

An Electrician by trade, (oh yes, Union labor) and he knows what he's doing,

he casually asks, "do you remember where the cross beams are?"

Well hell, Richard, that's been what?  15 years?

I know what the drill is when an electrician has to run cable. 

He complicates things by trying to find the beams.

Just cut a hole in the wall and look!

Really what's the big deal, you know your grunt worker will

follow behind and do the clean up!

(that would be me)!

And since I don't mind patching drywall, (to me it's like icing a cake or sculpting!)

I have to tell him to go ahead, like he needs my permission, he was going to

do it anyway!

Hole # 5, you don't see the ones

at the floor!

(not counting  the little holes from poking the

awl  into the wall at various points)!

really, this stuff doesn't bother me,

I live with the Electrician!

And honestly, I'd rather keep him off a ladder,

because he moans and groans so much afterwards.

Oh, okay, about the Wine?

It was greatly appreciated.

I Don't know...

I think it's that time of season,

you want change, but can't afford change!

It's that...I don't know!

Maybe it's hormones!

But, today, I was inspired to cook!

Well, I always cook!
But I was inspired, because, 
Lulu, of Coastal Sisters,
doesn't cook!!!!!
And it just made me giggle!

I'm always cooking, mostly out of necessity!
And for the fact, I want flavor!
I hardly ever cook the same meal twice!
I like, concoctions! I like to experiment!
I love fresh herbs and garlic, sauteed in olive oil...love,love love!
What's for Dinner tonight?
It was this!

Filet of Mignon,  oh yeah!
Managers special!
While most shoppers steer away from speicals!
I head for them. Especiallly the beef!
In my opion, it's the best!
It's already aged, which means it's READY!
It's less time spent marinating at room temperture!
Just salt, pepper and a drizzle of olive oil, and it's ready for the 
grill!  Yes, I even started the grill tonight!
6 minutes on each side, take it off, let it rest for....when ever I'm ready to
finsih the sides, and here we go!

Medium rare! Just the way I like'm!
If you can't cut it...like butter, then toss it!
Yum!
Melts in your mouth!
If it doesn't look appetizing then it's not ediable!
Garlic and  olive oil, pan sauteed asspargus!
Mashed new potatoes,

Oh yeah, baby!
This was, what I had for Dinner tonight!!!
See, Lulu,
not everything, burns the kitchen down!!!



What's for  desert?

The Season of...

Abundance!

 has arrived on,

Pearl Avenue, and with it,

the blessing of my little darling!

A little over a week old, and he makes my heart sing!

 Abundance comes to us in many ways!

Little Baby Mac,

(aka, Bradley.)

Sweet little one...the abundance of Love!

Shhh! he's dreaming right now!

I could look upon this face forever!

Little loves,

the abundance of all!

I am a Fabric....

HOARDER!!!!!!

I saw this, and I couldn't help myself!

I know exactly what I want to do with it.

It flows and drapes so....

Beautifully!

I could only, afford so many yards,

but if I plan carefully, I'll have enough.

It has the same texture as the vintage,

Bark Cloth,

and that's why I love it!

It's the perfect accent color and texture for my kitchen.

But now, here's where I'll procrastinate!

I'm going to use it for my windows,

do I create, full length cafe curtain style,

or pleated, valance style?

It would give me two different looks!

I'll think about it tomorrow!

It seems, Little Girl, thinks it's for her!

Life after Vacation!

We all know how hard it is to settle back in,

when you come home from a vacation!

Life at the Beach,

was so relaxing!

This house was home for a week!

And of course I had to take nature shots,

so i can play, around in Photoshop!

And some fun shots,

Ah...

Ain't Life a,

I highly recommend a vacation, where you don't do 

or plan anything,

and spend the whole day, looking for these!

Be well, and relax!

It ain't over the Septic tank!

I have my own green oasis out back.

But it's not over the Septic tank!

In fact, I don't even have a septic tank!

But look how green my little valley is!

The crepe myrtle in full bloom,

behind the dogwood tree!

And the sweet scent of climbing wild Clematis!

I usually pull it off the fence, but when I saw that

it's hosting a banquet for all the butterflies and bees,

well, it has to stay!

At least the Blanket flowers are blooming!

The herbs are thriving, this Salad Burnett is the so good!

It tastes like fresh cut cucumbers!

This little piece of the garden gets watered daily,

so how did these not survive

the extra amount of money I spent, to water?

Purple Cone Flowers are suppose to survive, even in drought!

I purposely planted them because I knew if everything else

died off in the summer, I'd still have these!

Apparently, they would have done well over a Septic tank!

But look at all those seeds ready to drop!

I'm on my way to vacation at the beach, and I can only hope

that my youngest daughter pops in to water!

I don't want to lose my Eggplants,

after I fought so hard to keep the squirrels out!

Keep cool,

turn the sprinkler on and run through it!

Well, yes, with all your clothes on!

Be Well!

Compromising...

Well in this case, 

it worked!

Many Moons ago, when our furniture was all hand-me-downs,

we, ( Mr. Honey and I),  had a gawd awful dining table.

Let me rephrase that, I thought it was gawd awful!

In today s chic junk, gotta have it...pure 50's vintage!

The table was black, faux wood and Formica topped!  The saving grace,

 wrought iron legs.

Wish I had a picture to show of the original table.

Anyway, we held on to this table for over 30 years,

because it was Mr. Honey's, Grandmas table.

Okay, I can understand that, I can live with it in the basement.

When we moved, I thought it would finally go...I can live with it in the garage!

We have a two car garage, but the table was parked in #2 spot!

for 15 of those 30 years.

Now I'm not one to get rid of things so easy either,

(unless I catch a segment  of Hoarders)!

That's when the cleaning frenzy starts, and yes, I start with Mr. Honey's stuff,

which makes room for my stuff, and then, the stuff doesn't look so, cluttered.

"So, here's the deal" I say, to Mr. Honey.

"How about, I take the legs off the table, and use them for something else?"

"Okay", he says!

Wow, that was a quick easy!

(Mr. Honey, has mellowed with age).

The legs were easy to take off, they were attached the old way,

with metal, rusty pegs tapped into slots...where is W-D 40?

So here is what I did.

I took two planks of  soft pine, pegged and glued them together.

I could have made constructing easier, with  wider wood, but I already had

these planks.

I was going to paint the top, but Mr. Honey, doesn't like painted wood,

(of course he doesn't.) That little voice in my head reminds me to compromise!

So I peruse the many cans of stain I've horded, and found

Briwax, Antique Mahogany. Stain and wax in one can, easy!

And this is the finished side-board.

Nice legs, uh?

Compromise is good! 

Now, lets see if I can get Mr. Honey to go through two 

big tubs of, cords, adapters and whatcha ma call- its,

collected from all the electronics, we no longer have, 

but, might need it someday!

How does my Garden Grow...

In this heat?

Not very well!

Pretty sparse, uh?

Actually, this photo is about a month ago.

I tore up the old garden, and built the raised beds.

But it's been so hot! Really hot!

 I persevered, through the heat,

and the hot sun.  I know I must have lost 5 lbs.

Time to get the water hose out, and tend the crop!

That is, if the %#&!!!!! squirrels don't get them first!

Not going to worry about the water bill at this point!

And, I've been watching the,

Eggplants!

A few weeks ago, I had about 6 little eggplants,

I was thrilled!  Yes, finally, something is growing!

But, on the 1st of July, I go out to water my plants,

and my eggplants are gone!

How could they have just disappeared?

All of them gone, broken off the stem!

Can't be!

I get down in the dirt, check the plantings, (yeah, I thought I was going to see them)!

That's it! 

The war with the squirrels is on!

I arm myself with, what else?  Garden netting.

Oh that will bring those wily critters down!

They aren't messing with someone who doesn't know what they're doing.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm the first person who'll 

swerve my car to avoid hitting a squirrel in the street,

but by god, they will not get anymore of my eggplants!

Never mind that I don't have any daffodils in the Spring

because they dig up and dine on the bulbs!

I"ll give them those!

It's been a week since I surrounded my plants,

And in a couple of weeks I'll be grilling eggplant!

Life is Good!

Well yeah, I go out after dark with my flashlight...just checking!

Be well and have a great weekend!