Saturday, May 04, 2013

It's Derby Day and Farmers Market Day

I'll catch you up on some farmer's market post and other goings on around here!
Can't believe it has been a month since a blogged.
Kentucky Derby is a season around here not a 2 minute horse race but two weeks of music, fun, hot air balloons, parades, foot races, boat races and finally a horse race. I taught a class last Saturday which cut into my usual Derby festivities, like watching the marathon runners and the balloon race. So I was sort of feeling blue about things but jumped right in with the Great Steamboat Race. Ezra went with me to meet some folks from church and we enjoyed a beautiful afternoon and evening on the Ohio River. Now don't ask me who won the race, to tell you the truth- I don't even know, but it was a reason to be with happy people on the waterfront playing, snacking and talking. OK by me.
My children and I have fond memories of previous boat races watched sitting on the hill behind Kingfish.
I want to make two trips to Seattle in the next few months, one for a legal marriage of my already "married" daughter and partner as Washington now has same sex marriage. Good for them and it's about time that their 14 year commitment will now be officially recognized and give them rights like next of kin to each other.  The second trip to be present for Amy's dissertation defense and completion of her PhD in Bio-behavioral Nursing. So, no trips to the race track for me this year. I have more important trips coming up!
We started our morning today with a trip to Day's Coffee Shop for a Miele espresso with cinnamon and honey and a trip to the market in the drizzle.
My pretty Miele- Thanks Jordan!

My small parcel from the market

Last week for ranunculus  :(


kale- yum

Thought I'd take a chance on these two tomatoes

Asparagus for Mom- I already have some, and a cuke for me!

Decided to pick a new flavor instead of Leapin Lemon and go with the Cape Cod which has orange zest and almonds
Tonight's Derby dinner is my favorite potato salad with onion, potatoes and green beans in a vinegar dressing. Oh, so good. Along with barbecued ribs from Kroger that I picked up yesterday.
Super duper no matter who wins the race. My horses ( no bets this year but I have picked a horse for every race today) are itsmyluckyday, Charming Kitten, Java's War (nod to the coffee) and Frac Daddy (would like to see Rosie win).

Here are a few pics from Easter- my church does it up in a big, colorful, joyful, celebratory way!





And I've gotten on a fairy garden kick so here's my first attempt in a hypertufa pot I already had.

Christmas ornament for a gazing ball

Some crushed shells for a path, mini terra-cotta pots

A champagne cage for a bird bath

Me and precious E and O

Beautiful spring day a couple of weeks ago

Ez at the boat race
My art pursuits have been doing a little block on a page everyday praying in color for someone or something. I started on the first day of lent in February and have done one every day since. It's been a nice spiritual discipline and a artistic discipline, too!

Spring is proving to be a festive time of renewal.

Saturday, April 06, 2013

Yes, it's that time of the year again!

The Farmers Market is back to it's regular hours!  I got to see some of my fav vendors today. We've been going all winter, for free-range chicken, eggs, the occasional brussel sprouts and a good excuse for a walk and breakfast out.
It wasn't the full market but getting closer to it.  There were a few new vendors, too. Thieneman's Nursery has taken over my beloved Claire's spot. I didn't learn until today that her son and DIL took jobs in California and sold their greenhouse, so Claire is spending time discovering what the next phase of her life is going to look like. She was helping Thieneman's and introducing them to the regulars.
I was so inspired by the tiny herbs, mini trees and succulents that I had to make a trip to the nursery today. It didn't hurt that is was one of our most lovely days since fall.  I keep thinking "fairy garden" and I mentioned it to Susan ( Thieneman's salesperson) and she said they offered a class last fall and had examples at the nursery. Sweet. I asked when they might do another- she didn't think any time soon but when I asked at the nursery, seems there might be one for the summer solstice! Cool!
So before I get ahead of myself, here's today's haul.

Braising greens and sweet potatoes from last year- held over and delightful!

Beautiful Rosemary plant- planted!

Ranunculus- one of my favorite flowers. I had them in my wedding bouquet. This little guy opened up during breakfast!

I was hoping to see Beth, the granola master, last week but she was visiting relatives for Easter. I was sure glad to see her today! And a surprise treat from her for me to try-Curried Apple Chutney-can't wait!

Can't have too much chicken- and we love Schadt's best

Close-up of my Ranunculus

Close-up of those beautiful white greens in the braising mix

Ranunculus  bud

While I had my macro lens out- close up of my cacti

another leafy green


Doesn't this look yummy??
On to the rest of the day- I took a few outdoor photos. My fun gnome and the hellebores.


Thieneman's nursery- the fairy gardens:

Isn't this sweet?

See the tiny succulent in the acorn top?  I have a macro shot coming up

Don't you want one at your house?

A mini fairy garden

and even mini-er- little plants in eggs- I must do this!

Another sweet fairy garden

Little water catchers- acorn caps painted with nail polish- clever!

Another wee garden
A close up of the little flower in the first fairy garden


another closeup of a water catcher acorn cap

It's this a beauty??

Remember the wee succulent in the acorn cap I mentioned? This is the close-up. I want one

I had great hopes to duplicate this- but my hypertufa planter this size broke!  I'll use it in my fairy garden. 

Aren't these beautiful together?
It was a fantastic day that ended with a win for our Louisville Cardinals in the Final Four NCAA tournament. They will play for the national championship Monday night.
Hope you day was fabulous, too.


Saturday, March 02, 2013

Family Fun!

I think it has been over a year since this group was all together for a dinner and I couldn't have been happier last night. Okay, maybe if my sisters and BILs were here, my sweet Rachel, a few dearest friends... but really, so grateful for the ones that were :)
We had dinner, dessert (thanks, Mom), took turns asking questions from How Does She blog, and just visited and played.
Note to self-
1. do not admonish 8 year old for eating a strawberry before dinner for he will be sad in the closet :(
2. do not put the crackers, cheese and fruit on the table before dinner is ready if it isn't an appetizer or there will only be a little cup o' potato soup for dinner :)
3. always have Redi-Whip
4. dinnertime questions are fun 
5. When mosaic glass breaks hug child first, then get the broom ( the practical person in me wins out every time and I could kick myself)
Okay enough for the admission of sins and moving on to the fun (thanks for letting me forgive myself).
Time to bore you with some family photos!

questions













strongman

Ezra has found ridiculous videos on the web


Could I have whip cream in a bowl for dessert?? I love her!

Self portraits

more self portraits
Let's do it again soon!