Tuesday, July 28, 2009

sometimes i hate.



Today I finally started working on a new project,
and was all giddy with inspiration and expectation,
and then ended up HATING the piece in progress.

Is that so wrong? What do you do, when that happens?
Do you trash it? Set it aside? Give it to the
puppy to shred?

Or am I the only one who hates?

Here's a piece of it. Ironic, huh?

We'll see what happens.

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

Monday, July 27, 2009

prickly picking and another summer addiction


In our yard lurks a huge stand of wild blackberries.
We planted them at least seven years ago, tiny scraggly
stems, and now they intend to overtake the entire backyard.
It takes some doing to keep them in line, but at least they
do give us berries.

GIVE is NOT the correct word. They produce berries.
They taunt us with berries. But there is nothing giving
about wild blackberries. It's as if they thrive on human
flesh, luring in victims with the promise of sweet, plump fruits.

Over the years, I have developed my own blackberry gathering
techniques, most of which involve sending out children to
do the picking . . .

By the way, Jam Time is full on. Peach and Peach/Black
Raspberry are finished as of yesterday. Blackberry is
next, followed by Jelly Time. Oh, the crabapple trees
around our shop are full and beauteous! We only need a
couple more pounds. You might say jam and jelly making
is another summer addiction.

We also made peach roll-ups in the dehydrator.
Want the recipe?

Peel and pit peaches (you DO know the plunging them
in boiling water prior to peeling trick, right?)

Plop in blender and liquefy.

Dehydrate. Peel off dehydrator shelf thing, then roll up
in plastic wrap or wax paper, or store in a container.

The end.

How easy is that? And SO good. But even better with
TOMATOES! Same recipe, but instead of peach roll-ups,
you end up with "Sun-Dried" Tomatoes. We eat them like
fruit roll-ups, and use them in recipes.

Summer is delicious.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

my summer addiction


49 cent Rooster Booster Lites from QuikTrip.

*sigh*

Anyone else have a summer addiction? Anyone?
(Don't act like you don't! 'Fess up . . .)

Thursday, July 09, 2009

Theme Thursday



Theme Thursday challenge:
pink and brown.

help.

Things I overheard the 16-yr-old son saying to his
friend today on the phone:

"What we really need is a steam roller . . ."

"A controlled fire would work . . ."

Did I even WANT to stick around to hear more?

That would be a resounding NO. Just kept on walking,
thank you very much.

Later:

"Mom, I'm going to Devin's, okay?"

"Sure, but no controlled fires."

"Oh, don't worry, they won't be controlled."

He's soooo very funny . . .

Now seriously, does anyone have any recommendations for
dial-up internet? Please? Help? Anyone?