Saturday, June 30, 2007

OH DEER

Lets Rack it up to a 4 point Order Artiodactyla : Family Cervidae : Odocoileus virginianus (Boddaert) I had 28 peaceful interrupted hours, just George and I. Amazing how just a little time helps the inner spirit. Watching the young King Fishers dive bomb the creek for dinner. Ha I even remembered how to operate the TV. I impressed myself, even if it took me 15 minutes to re figure out how! The roofers did not make it out yesterday due to the rain which we very much needed. I got a call early evening asking if I minded if they came today. I know my face grimaced. I said, “ok” what with the 4th coming et al. George was still confussled about the new sleeping arrangements adding to that my Sweetie [also MY DEAR] was not here. He, the dog, went upstairs as I called from downstairs and he finally resigned himself to joining me in the “Camp Out” room. With a lovely 63 degrees I drove George to Grams and Gramps. It is a lovely one-lane semi paved country road. You know the kind that if you are WISE you take at 3 mph around the curves that might produce a car coming toward you. By now I have all the pull off areas memorized and drive with my brights on. I have contemplated honking just before the really narrow un seeable curves. But then that would disturb the wild life. Today a young fawn, a fox, a black snake and a box turtle crossing the path. Then this magnificent White-tailed 4-point buck with a rack still in velvet with his mate... WOW! Amazing what a break in the weather can do for the soul. Still not quite as awesome as the 8-point that lives in our area. Now there is a creature. Once a summer he still test me as to whether or not the Hosta Plants are still a NO NO! All I have to do is go out side shake my finger and say, “AHEM?” He looks at me in silly disbelief, snorts, a stand as a defiant child might, then ambles off. People use several terms when referring to antlers, the most common of which is "horns." However, antlers differ from horns quite dramatically. Cows, sheep, goats and bison have horns; deer (members of the Cervidae family) have antlers. Horns usually consist of a bony core covered by a keratinous sheath (similar to the material in a fingernail) that persists from year to year. Antlers, on the other hand, are composed of true bone and are grown and shed on an annual basis. In fact, antlers are the fastest-growing bone tissue known. Of course a song came to mind, possibly cause my Sweetie is not here…yup it is Bobby Vinton and Blue Velvet…go figure:) Leg of venison with lavender
Ingredients 2 kg leg of venison 2 cloves garlic, cut into slivers
250 g back bacon
2 sprigs fresh lavender and extra for garnishing
2 onions, skinned and halved
olive oil
salt and coarsely ground black pepper
flour to thicken sauce
quince or kumquat preserve
Method:
Preheat oven to 160 ºC.
Make rows of incisions all over the leg, each about 6 cm deep.
Insert slivers of garlic into the first row and pieces of lavender into the second. Repeat until all the holes are filled.
Cover the leg with rashers of bacon, overlapping each slightly, and secure with cocktail sticks. Place the leg in a deep oven pan and surround with the onions. Sprinkle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Bake for about 1 1/2 hours until tender. (Remove the bacon 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time and chop finely.)
Reset the oven to 200 ºC and brown the leg.
Remove from the oven and place in the warming drawer for about 20 minutes.
To the pan juices add a little boiling water, red wine to taste,
5 ml (1 t) quince preserve and a few sprigs of lavender.
Cook until thickened and the flavours have developed.
Thicken with cornflour.
Serve the leg with oven-roasted vegetables and gravy.
**************Table and Charts

Friday, June 29, 2007

George the Wonder Springer

Gentle Rain, Power outage and Fireworks

Today was especially nice for several reasons. The heat wave semi broke and gave us some much-needed rains. Intermittent with the sun occasionally peeking through to reminds us that it is indeed… summer! The roofers got the 2nd skylight in and the rest of that roof shingled. In hopes that if there is rain tomorrow, most of the work will be inside. They will be building of two light wells and the beginning of the dry wall being added to those two areas. Time to set forth to the big city in yet another quest. A New Mattress for the Master bedroom as well as beginning to look for a headboard for it. Do you know how hard it is to locate NON-juvenile bookcase beds? I finally had a tiny space of “ME” time so I began reading a new book as I sat near Sarah’s Pond watching the koi and the next storm circle about my head. The birds were singing up a storm. OK Pun intended on that one. The newly planted crosomia lucifer just in a slight bud, keeping up with the other three older patches I have had for several years. The wrens were basking in the filtered sunlight then they would skitter to a puddle to refresh themselves. George got to stay home today because of the abbreviated roofers outside work. He was delighted but thoroughly confused as to the temporary relocation of our bedroom. We had to move our bed downstairs to the parlour so the skylights and soon to be light well can be finished. My hubby says we are camping out…it sure enough is odd not the bedroom but the room where at Christmas the tree is and the family gathers. George was totally cornfussled. He woke me up at 4 am wanting to potty. I was quite careful as I was in the dark [ok another pun] but the surroundings were not familiar awaking from a deep slumber. Poor George, he thought we were going up stairs where HE THOUGHT we should be. But he was torn, as he had to GO! So he climbs the steps to a mid pint and realizes I was going to the door, he tried to turn his 80# girth but slipped and fell slightly. After regaining his composure he went out and returned totally confused to our new CAMP! Just before he settled down I got a goodnight lick on my forehead. Just gotta love that silly George. So you see a day at home was a good thing for George and I. Addendum: The Power went out and remained out until @ midnight. Nestled in the Nook with a cup of coffee I hear what sounds like firecrackers. Then this horrendous blast as if it were the Mega of fireworks [maybe a M-80]. I think that because these particular kinds are banned in the United States; therefore they must be awfully loud and hazardous. I was thinking so briefly this is too early, not only in the morning but date wise for celebrating the 4th of July. Out of the corner of my eye it is soon apparent what is happening. Back on June 20 we had some severe weather, resulting in a lightning strike to an old Oak tree. This morning, nine days later the tree came down. Suffice it to say there will be a needed clean up soon. Poor old Oak, so sad! I cannot tell if it is a white one or a red one. We have two mammoth white oaks on our side so I will have a comparison. I am not willing to crawl into the creek to get a leave as it is still raining. BUT good news is we have electricity! The roofers are yet here, George is totally cornfussled and the guys [Sweetie and B.] are on their way to assist in our daughters moving. All is quiet…so far! Ataraxia will be achieved! ataraxia (at-uh-RAK-see-uh) also ataraxy, noun A state of freedom from disturbance of mind.[From Greek ataraktos (not disturbed), from tarassein (to disturb).]

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Astible

The Sounds of Silence? For sure I think of Simon & Garfunkel Here it is almost eight days with my routine totally torn apart. Remembering what is was like to awake slowly and not have to make a mad dash to take George to Gram and Gramps and return before the workers arrive. Just to glean a few more precious interrupted moment … With the temperatures here for the last several days being oppressive I feel sure that has not helped anyone be less stressed. How many more days before I can reclaim my calm mornings? I have never seen nor do I recall the grass dying. Of course where the roofers lay their materials, that is a given. I have not had to mow for three weeks now. Scary to say the least! I have no place in the house to be away from noise let alone privacy. That is for sure bothersome. In my dreams I think I hear thunder. Alas and Alack!
Latin Name: Astible x arendsii
Common Name: Astilbe, false spirea

Monday, June 25, 2007

Bubble Wrap

Today I received and item carefully wrapped with Bubble Wrap in a box. Bubble Wrap is KEWL! We are going to be packing glass, we need Bubble Wrap…the fun begins…~~~~~~~sly grin. Check it out! Virtual Bubble Wrap
Click the Pop Virtual Bubble Wrap Now (located midway down the page) link to get started. You will be presented with a full sheet of bubble wrap. Click the bubble wrap and it will pop! When you have popped every bubble on the sheet (196 bubbles to be exact), a window pops up and tells you the amount of time it took you to do it and how many bubbles that is per second.
In Maniac Mode (which you can use by checking it at the bottom of the sheet of bubble wrap), you just have to mouse over the bubble wrap to make it pop. In turn, this mode makes it more like a realistic bubble wrap pop, because you get that lovely POP-POP-POPPING noise.

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Will and "Pond Orca"

After a grueling day of pushing, toting that barge and lifting that bale, it was time for our sons to CHILL OUT. It is amazing what one small container of worms, a pole, and a farm pond can do for the soul. Followed by grilled steak, fresh corn on the cob and potatoes. Plus promises of letting them sleep in tomorrow. ;) The leveling out for the patio by the little Koi pond is progressing. I had to chuckle to my self when I learned of the different levels of STUFF before the Flagstone is placed. Here it is ~ G. P. S. Yup bet ya could guess what I chuckled about. Not [Global positioning system] but Gravel ~ Pea Gravel ~ Sand ~ HA, I am easily amused. Here is to the efforts of our sons and my Sweetie. Pictured is the 3.7-pound Large Mouth Bass our other son got one on his line but it was only a 6 # test line, so that one got away with some dangling monofilament. Our guess is that it was larger, but who knows? Could just be a good FISH Story.

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Products of the garden mind ~

OR:
A
laid
back
day! Lavender ( Lavandula) Dill (Anethum graveolens) and Lavender ( Lavandula) The name dill is thought to have originated from a Norse or Anglo-Saxon word 'dylle' meaning to soothe or lull, the plant having the carminative property of relieving gas. Cheery Dill Saladmakes 4 servingsA light, refreshing and colorful salad -- the perfect accompaniment for grilled fish or chicken and a welcome dish at any picnic. An added bonus: it's quick and easy. 8 TBLS. rice wine vinegar1/4 tsp. coarse ground pepper8 tsp. sugar1/2 tsp. salt4 TBLS. chopped fresh dill3/4 tsp. grated lemon peel1 English cucumber4 radishes, cut into match sticks2 tomatoes, chopped Mix the first six ingredients in a glass or stainless steel bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Slice the English cucumber lengthwise and then cut into 1/4-inch segments. Add this to the marinade, along with the radishes and the tomatoes. Toss well to combine flavors. Refrigerate for 1/2 hour, stirring a few times to makes sure everything is equally marinated. "Lavender Blue", also called "Lavender's blue", is an English folk song dating to the 17th century. Lavender Lemonade Hidcote lavender turns lemonade rosy pink. Other varieties turn it a paler color. Avoid piney-smelling lavenders, such as spike. For that extra touch, garnish lemonade with fresh lavender sprigs. Makes: 6 cups 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup (a generous handful) fresh or 1 tablespoon dried lavender blooms stripped from stems 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, strained Ice cubes Lavender sprigs for garnish Combine sugar with 2 1/2 cups water in a medium pan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add the lavender blooms to the sugar water, cover, and remove from heat. Let stand at least 20 minutes (and up to several hours). Strain mixture and discard lavender. Pour infusion into a glass pitcher. Add lemon juice and another 2 1/2 cups water. Stir well and watch lemonade change color. Pour into tall glasses half-filled with ice or refrigerate until ready to use. MORE:

Thursday, June 21, 2007

There they were ~ still on this Summers Solstice

The vigil began last evening @ 8:45 p.m. Of the 6 buds on the Night-blooming Cereus, Queen of the Night, Dutchman's Pipe Cactus Epiphyllum oxypetalum. Possibly because the weather was cooler these past two days the blooms lasted until this morning. What a thrill that was and at the time of this posting the blooms remain fully opens. Temperatures here not yet in the 60’s! In 2007, summer begins June 21, 2:06 P.M. EDT the Longest Day of the year All of this plus the Queen of the Night~ brought to mind more Shakespeare in the Midsummer Night’s Dream. June’s solstice is known as midsummer, and Midsummer's Day is 24 June, three or four days after the solstice itself). Latin for sun stands still, in astronomy; either of the two points on the ecliptic that lie midway between the equinoxes (separated from them by an angular distance of 90°).

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

It poured buckets

One tree, across the creek took a direct hit.
The roofers were just putting down the last piece of felt before the winds and rain came. I was relieved they were off the ladders. Then the Lightning! Lou Christie’s song Lightning's striking again and again and again and again popped into my head. Once the winds and lightning passed they were back on the roof. YE GADS said I to me…WHY? One worker accidentally dropped his cell in the three-flu chimney! …It was a fishing expedition that lasted about 45 minutes. Bottom-line He Can Hear you now! The Cell was retrieved. The contractor said he would order the chimney caps today! All's Well That Ends Well! A comedy by William Shakespeare and is one of Shakespeare's least performed plays.

Monday, June 18, 2007

Tamukeyama

Our newest Japanese Maple for Sarah’s Pond.
This cultivar, listed in Japan as early as 1710 Acer palmatum 'Dissectum' a cutleaf Japanese maple Tamukeyama is named for Mount Tamukeya in Kyushu, also known as Mushashi's Mountain because it is the site of a shrine to the famous warrior Musashi Miyamoto (1584-1645), The meaning of the name Tamukeyama is literally "Hands folded in prayer (upon the) mountain" or "Mountain of Prayerful Offering." Tamuke can be anything spiritual, or any offering to the spirit world of divinities or of departed loved ones, but is in particular a traditional song originating among Zen monks, typically played upon the mournful shakuhachi (flute) for the souls of the remembered dead.

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Announcement on this Father’s Day

After a lovely lunch of homemade Chicken Salad placed on a bed of mixed greens and garnished with pecans and surrounding this a medley of seedless green grapes and sliced cantaloupe. Back to the little Koi Pond. While we are re working the older Koi pond [getting ready to put in a flagstone patio area] our youngest son came upon three fish Baby Koi. The three have now joined the rest of their family in the newer pond. How Kewl is that? Also my Sweetie still needs to locate two more cards before he can open his “wrapped” gift. I finally bit the bullet and got the Red Chinese Maple of the other side of Sarah’s Pond. Hopefully we can get it planted today. Its color will work perfect with the color scheme of our home. Gray with trim and darker gray trim but the Soffit is a deep burgundy, perfect with the tree… But that is yet another project to begin after the roof is replaced. Soffit: The boards that enclose the underside of that portion of the roof, which extends out beyond the sidewalls of the house. Fascia Board: Wide board, which trims the edge of the roof and carries the gutter round the eaves.

SIT, Lounge, and Prop those feet up…

Happy Father’s Day

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Today’s Question is;

Can you identify what is in this picture? The Weekend and all is QUIET Watching the roofers is a full time job and quite exhausting even as an observer. The work is progressing, as work does and I am learning that there is a lot more to roofing, or in our case RE-Roofing than I thought. It is always good to glean new information and an appreciation of others handy work. Time to pull from secret hiding locations the intended Father’s Day gifts and be ready for tomorrow. The BIG DEAL is doing it while the recipient is totally UNAWARE of my intentions. Some things just defy wrapping. Case in point, an umbrella is almost impossible to disguise, not that I got him one. Books are a bit easier to disguise but Golf Clubs are difficult. Not that he is getting those either.
My Sweetie reads my Blog but never makes a written comment, so I cannot tell too much about what I am up to. Maybe his reading it will allot me extra time to figure out where, how and proper placement of gifts! Well it is a thought ya know!

Friday, June 15, 2007

Time out for blossoms and Birds

While the roofers carry on with carry on with their work, I escape the constant noise to enjoying the flowers. Yesterday I was quite pleased as the Evening Primrose shot forth its first blooms. I had purchased this last year and was not all that optimistic about its durability in the location I chose. So delighted it proved me wrong is my uncertainty. The lilies are bursting forth as well as the water lily is in bud. The Night blooming Cereus is close as well. Update on the Night Blooming Cereus from June 1 Standing under the Pin Oak toward the end of the afternoon as I was watching the men work. I looked up and saw flight lessons being given with a family of Carolina Chickadees. Time seemed to stand still and the noises from “progress” evaporated. Work on the new Koi pond is making progress. Need a bit more dirt before I can dispense grass seed and the straw. All in good time... Early this morning I enjoyed, the quiet, a good cup of coffee and two female deer as they inspected the Roofers materials. It seems likely that the smells dissuaded the deer from my hostas. But I was prepared to once again scold them for EVEN trying to nibble. Meanwhile HAPPY FRIDAY!