A Present

My dear friend Grace... bless her heart... (if you are Southern, you understand)... bought me a present. Such a sweet dear friend, that Grace.

I say the above with tongue in cheek and just being silly. I have to admit that I'd have done the same thing if the situation had been reversed.

You see... I've been carrying on to my friends about New Man's garden and the fact that I may be called upon to can some of those garden vegetables. This town girl hasn't spent time in the kitchen canning before. I've just never felt the need to can.

So.... here comes friend Grace with a VHS tape in her hand. As you can plainly see.... it is about canning. Of course, she couldn't resist it when she saw it. Of course, she was only thinking of helping her good friend CJ. Of course she was chuckling all the way. I can't blame her. Like I said, I would have done the same thing if roles were reversed.

I was so busy with the joy of cleaning house yesterday that I haven't gotten to watch this goodie. It is fortunate that I'm such a planner and bought a combination player for both disc and VHS. I can actually watch this little gem.

I told New Man about what Grace had done. I told him that I'd questioned what kind of friend she was. She said that she just might be more New Man's friend. Do you want to know what New Man said??? Do you??? He said that she had just made his Favorites list. I wonder if that means that she can help me can? I wonder.

Learning to Love Zucchini

When New Man first announced that he was planting a big garden, I had visions of fresh tomatoes, yellow crooked neck squash, and zucchini. I love those three fresh vegetables.

I was thrilled to find that he had planted tomatoes, lots of them. Then I asked about the yellow squash and zucchini and found that he hadn't planted any, and never intended to eat any. He strongly refused to put any of that stuff into his garden... period... end of conversation. Visions of those wonderful dishes I fix with them just faded away. He was adamant, he would not, under any circumstances, let squash pass over his lips.

Well, I can't really blame him if he doesn't like them. I'm sure there are things I don't really like to eat. I can't think of any at the moment, but there must be something I don't like to eat. I was just a tad sad as know how very good these are when I cook them. He was going to miss out. He wouldn't even know how good they are. I had to resign myself to the fact that I'd cook this for myself, and he wasn't going to eat any.

Yesterday I could stand it no longer. I went to the grocery store and brought home some zucchini. He was coming for dinner, and I would make his favorite things. I was also going to make a skillet of my summer delight. So I made the following:

I started with this wonderful pepper bacon... This wonderful stuff is some he brought me from the meat processing plant he uses. It is delicious. I'd never really gotten into eating pepper bacon, but I am hooked on it but good. He absolutely loves it.

So.... I put some in the skillet and started cooking it. Then I threw in some tomatoes, onion, a little garlic, some red and green bell pepper flakes, salt, and pepper... and zucchini. I stirred and stirred, watching it cook and smelling it... yummy.

I put a lid on it and slid it to the back of the stove. New Man arrived and dinner was almost ready. I filled his plate with his favorite foods, then lifted the lid from my zucchini mixture. He leaned over and looked at it. 'What is that?', he asked. I told him that THAT was mine... mine... mine. He wasn't getting any of it. It was just for me, me, me. I told him that I respected his wish not to eat zucchini and wasn't going to give him any of it. He said that he would try a little on his plate. I told him that it was mine, mine, mine, and he wasn't going to get any. He said that he just wanted a taste.

I finally agreed to give him a little... just a little. Remember, it's mine, mine, mine. I scraped it onto my plate and gave him a tiny sample. I have to tell you that he tried it right away. He considered its flavor and pronounced, 'Well, that is okay!' 'Okay?', I said. 'Well, it has a really good flavor', he said. 'Just what did you put in it that makes it so good?' I listed the ingredients starting with his favorite, pepper bacon. He said that he had never eaten zucchini that tasted like that and he believes he can eat that.

All that stuff that is said about the way to a man's heart is through his stomach may be true. It also helps if you add his favorite ingredients. I think I've learned a lesson here. If I season everything with pepper bacon, he will love it. So... there you have it.

I must also tell you that the picture is of the two items that New Man brought me last night. I mentioned that I didn't think he had planted any of either of those. He said that he hadn't, but he 'knew people'. So... he had brought me something that he knew I liked. Points for him!!
Tah Dah!

Crafters' Paradise

I took a little trip this week to visit Daughter I-Needa. We went to see her good friend Stamping Brenda. Brenda and her husband have finally moved into their new home. It was a work in progress for a long time. I have empathy for all that construction stuff, and I have real envy for Stamping Brenda's new craft room... a paradise deluxe.

This room was designed for Brenda's card making. She has had this driving urge to craft cards for many years and is really an expert at it. Now she has a wonderful place to work, one which she deserves.

Here is Daughter I-Needa (in blue) and Stamping Brenda (in pink) talking a bit about some of her cards.

I'm just dying to show you all of this room and am going to head on over to my other blog site, which I've sadly neglected. I thought it would be fitting to post them on the craft site. I hope you will join me there... just click and go on over... Oh, come on... you know you want to see more... especially if you have your own dreams of a place to hide away and spread out all your stuff and just play... Click on the link and away you go:

My Craft Blog

Cute Pictures

This was one of the most precious sights I saw on the Saturday Ranch Tour. The little guy on a pony was just too cute for words. I know it is hard to see him in this little picture, but I remind you that you can click on the picture and get a bigger view. Just too darn cute!

One thing is for sure... Cowboy dads get the kids started young. This little tyke will surely know his stuff when he is a tad bit older.




I've always thought horses are beautiful animals. I can't say that I'm fond of riding one, but I also haven't had much experience in that department. The times I've ridden I can count on my fingers.

I thought this scene that I snapped from our moving vehicle was a delight. Such beautiful creatures!

I'm going to leave you today with just these two pictures to think about... I think there is a sweet freedom in both. Enjoy.

Micromanaging Men

Let me assure you, this is not a commercial for tuna. This is about me... and New Man. This is about micromanagement. This is about needing to find and finding humor.

This little story began when New Man and I decided that we would get together for a very light dinner. A tuna sandwich with tomato, a few chips, and a slice of cantaloupe. I didn't have a tomato, so he would pick one up at the store. I also had used the last of my tuna, so he would bring one from his house. It seemed simple enough.

I'll have to give New Man some serious points for not being afraid to get in the kitchen himself and help out. He has no problem taking up the knife and peeling a tomato. I've put that down on the plus side of my mind as far as New Man is concerned. He would probably get a minus if he headed to the TV and grabbed the remote and let me alone in the kitchen. Actually, I have sent him to the TV before as wanted to be alone in the kitchen. Sometimes it is just easier to get everything to come out at the same time if I don't have someone else fussing around in the kitchen.

Yesterday found us both involved in sandwich making. He busied himself with peeling the tomato. I don't normally peel tomatoes as think there is value in the tomato skin. I just slice them and eat them. New Man thinks peeling is the way to go. I don't fuss about it. I just let him peel them.

While he was busy peeling the tomato, I reached for the can of tuna. (I must say at this point that I'd rather have the package kind as they have less to drain. However, I'm dealing with what he brought.) So... I opened the can of tuna. I pressed the lid gently against the tuna to help it drain. At this point, New Man looks up from his tomato peeling, leans over and pokes the lid of the can and said.....( Are you ready for this? I wasn't!) ..... he said "Just press the lid against the tuna to drain it."

I highlight that little suggestion from New Man as think you might just want to reread it a few times.

I have to tell you that at this point there was a pregnant pause on my part. I say pregnant as there were lots of thoughts that developed in my mind during the time those words left his lips and I formulated my response.

Was this man seriously suggesting that I didn't know how to manage a can of tuna? Did he honestly think I needed suggestions on can opening and draining? Was he serious? Was he even aware of what he was doing or saying? He had definitely tapped that can lid. He had issued the order that would make draining tuna work efficiently. He had gotten right back to tomato peeling as if nothing had happened. He was in his own zone, only interrupting it briefly to impart wisdom to me.

I've got to tell you... I knew what he said! I'd heard it loud and clear. I was considering making a notation in the minus column of my mind.

I decided, being the mature individual that I am, that I would handle this situation in an adult manner. This man needed serious intervention and training. It was a hurdle that had to be handled. (Am I overreacting here?)

I crossed off slugging him. I crossed off a really huffy attitude. I decided in the flash of an instant to lead him gently to see the error of his ways.

As he finished tapping the can and letting me in on the secret of tuna can draining... As the last word of his helpfulness faded away, I slowly turned my head, looked directly into his eyes, smiled, and sweetly said... (Here we go...!) I said, "Dear, are you serious?"

I put the ball right back in his corner and just waited for the reaction. I have to say that it didn't take him long to access the situation and recognize his error. I could see recognition of his blunder as it passed before his eyes.

Remember here.... I'm smiling sweetly at him having just asked the "Dear, are you serious?" question. I'd even chuckled a bit when I asked it. I was ready with my checkmarks: positive, negative, or what the heck.

I saw his eyes crinkle and his mouth form a smile. He laughed saying he was just use to the 'being boss' role. I assured him that he was boss of the ranch, for sure. I confessed that I didn't know one thing about a ranch. I reminded him that I did know something about cooking and draining tuna. We both laughed. I'm going to give him a big plus for seeing the humor and being able to laugh at himself.

You might also note that New Man is organized. He puts dates of purchase on things when putting them on the shelf. I guess I've been too lazy to do that, but it really is a good idea. Daughter I-Needa said that she does that too. I just might learn something from that one. I have yet to decide if I'll admit that to New Man. I might.... I just might. It would be the thing to do.

By the way, the tuna got drained, the sandwiches were made and eaten, and all is well with the world. Oh... the checkmark.... positive. I filed it under flexibility and not being stubborn or defensive. I think the ability to laugh at our own silliness is a big plus. I also gave myself a checkmark for tact. Tah Dah.

I Love A Parade

The New Man in my life is introducing me to a whole new culture that I've lived around, but not been a part of in all these years.

This weekend is the big Cattlemen's Convention in our area. There are always lots of things going on during that hot hot weekend right around Father's Day. Friday night brought a big BBQ and Dance. I've been to that before, but it has been a long time. I have to say that it is nice to have a partner, and New Man is a fabulous dancer. One good point for him.

On Saturday morning, they always have a tour of ranches in the area. I've known about it, but never gone. I've always been rather thankful that I didn't have to get up and drive around the countryside in the heat looking at cattle, or whatever the heck they look at.

This year was different. New Man picked me up and off we went to join the parade. There was breakfast under a tent to get the day started. I'd opted to ingest a peanut butter sandwich before leaving the house as knew that would stay with me. I didn't want to die of hunger along the way. I'd also cut my coffee consumption to one single cup as didn't want to have the other problem along the way either. I didn't want to hold up the parade and run to the woods. Nope.... none of that. It turned out that breakfast consisted of donuts, turnovers, and fruit. Although I didn't need one, that hand reached out and took a lemon turnover. After all, I needed to be polite and eat something. That's what I told myself, and I'm sticking with it.

The parade began after the eating was done... a little after 9:00 a.m. There were sheriff cars and others who would lead and stop traffic along the route. We had the right of way and it turned into a long long line.

Picture taking wasn't the easiest thing to do as it rained at the beginning, and also trying to get a good picture from a moving vehicle is a challenge. I did get a few that are passable, so will share a few here.

As you can see, this was a parade of cars. There were lots of them. I never could get a good picture to show just how many. We traveled the highways, then got onto the property roads and formed circles in the pastures around the cattle that the cowboys had rounded up and were containing in an area.

Everyone was instructed to tune to the local radio station so that the ranch owner could address the group. Everyone tuned to that channel, and heard a running commentary of what we were seeing. Trust me, I understood very little. I did listen carefully and try to understand, but this was my first exposure, and I sure don't know much.... yet.

Here the cars are starting to form a circle, and some of the cowboys are seen here too.

There really is something appealing about a man on horseback. Excuse me, but there were women too. I figured I'd better put that piece of information in. However, I like to look at men on horseback. I've actually ridden a horse myself a few times in my life, but those are stories for another time.



One cowboy wandered over to a vehicle to chat briefly with a friend. I caught him as he left to join the herd.

Clean vehicles are not what you expect to see. Some were in rather pristine condition, but I doubt they were at the end of the parade. I was glad we were in New Man's four wheel drive vehicle. Did I mention it had rained? The ground was a tad soft in places.





Here you see a few of the cars as we circle the herd. Since we didn't get out of the vehicles, the shots are limited to just what I can get from the window. Yep, that lovely framing is the vehicle.

Oh... I have more pictures of cattle and such. We actually ended up at a gorgeous, and famous, ranch for our BBQ lunch. I'd had the same dinner the night before, but it is always great.

You know that meals are always beef. There is nothing else in the world suitable for a cattle rancher to eat. Beef is it. Period. I've also found that each rancher probably thinks their beef is the best. I've found that New Man is partial to his own beef. Store bought beef isn't going to cut it on the table. I do like to cook, and New Man likes to eat. So he has solved the problem and just brings me meat. I'm sure you see that I can mark this in the positive column... if I were keeping a list of positives and negatives in the relationship. Stocking my freezer with beef would be a plus. You know it would.

I'm thinking I need to get this posted and move along toward getting around for the morning. I have more pics and promise to share on another post.

A Is For Apple

I took a little tour of food stuffs while on the ranch. I got rather excited to see apple trees and the promise of apples in my future. I guess my friend wanted to make sure I could see the apple as he cleared away the leaves for a better look. He was a little astonished that I took a picture of it. To him, it was an apple. To me, it was pie.

I did mention my love of apple pie about that time. I was asked if I made pie crust from scratch. I laughed... big time... ha, ha, ha. Me! Pie crust from SCRATCH! I don't think so.

You know the way to a man's heart is through his stomach... pie crust from scratch included. He is interested in the flaky kind... (not in people, but in pie). He looked at me as if I really am expected to go forward with this endeavor and begin the arduous task of learning to make flaky pie crust. This chick uses that wonderful rolled up kind that you purchase in the store.. in the butter and biscuits section. I'm sure it is as good as any I'd produce with sifting, rolling, and throwing flour everywhere.

I hated to dash his hopes, but I didn't hesitate to stand my ground and announce that I would make apple pie... with my kind of crust. I'm sure it will go down and settle in the stomach just fine. He said that he believed he would learn to make the crust himself. I told him to go for it. A woman has to set terms and stand by them, especially important ones like this.

You know the garden I've mentioned the other day..... Well... the man has mentioned canning. That is another word that I'm not sure I like. I remember canning from my childhood. It involves work and heat and work and heat. I'm not sure I like canning. I am, however, willing to consider a small amount of it. I should emphasize the word 'small'. I like freezing or dehydrating. You have got to remember that I'm a small town chick, not a country chick.

For today, I'm going to dismiss the thought of canning and stick with the lovely fruit growing on that tree. After all, I'm only on A is for Apple. Canning starts with a 'C'. I'm sure the apples will be tasty, and I do love apples. I'll make My Way Pie and perhaps even some sauce. If he doesn't like my kind of crust, I'll invite him to watch me eat it. Tah Dah!

Someone Is Looking At Me

My friends are really wondering about me as I've been running around with a new friend who has some different kind of friends. I've been getting a few up close and personal looks at a world I'm not that acquainted with so far.

So, last night I found myself sitting in a pasture on my friend's ranch. This time I'd remembered my camera. I shut off the flash as didn't want to be annoying to my new friends. I figured they might be a little more comfortable with this picture taking if I didn't pop sudden lights in their eyes.

Everyone pretty well went about their business of chomping grass. I had a few who wanted to see what was going on in that vehicle. There seemed to be a person sitting there with the window rolled down and some shiny object held up to her face. I'm not sure if this one thought it would be more appropriate to be startled or to take a clue from others and continue eating. I thought it was cute. I did come home with lots of four legged critter pictures.

I guess the biggie of the evening is one that I can't prove for lack of a picture. I actually climbed on the back of a four wheeler and prayed for forgiveness for all my sins and hoped to goodness I'd be delivered back to the spot I left in one piece. I thought that was a rather daring move for this youthful senior citizen... something new for the day... a ride through pastures on a four wheeler. Heavens to Betsy.... what will I do next?! Tah Dah!

Shade Seeker

I snapped this cute kitty picture yesterday as loved the playfulness of this cat messing around on a pile of logs. It seems to be enjoying itself and think it is perhaps doing a little scratching on the log. I'll admit to not being a cat person, even if I do have Pumpkin in my life... my stray God sent cat.

I will admit that they are cute, and a real asset outside to anyone living in the country. Mice, snakes, and lots of other things, beware!






I also caught this kitten lurking among the grasses, and had to laugh as it looks as if it is hiding in the shade. You may just need to click on the picture to get a more up close and personal look at this darling. He is cute.

In my introspection this morning, I'm thinking how much I just might be like this little kitten hiding in the shade. Shade is a big thing these days. The temperature is definitely on its way up, placing more and more value on the brief respite one can get from finding a bit of shade outside. Of course, I'm going to stay inside and appreciate the air-conditioning. Inside is going to be my shade for awhile. I just don't get along with heat very well. I do think about those with outside jobs and think they might be somehow sympathetic with this little kitten... knowing the value of a little shade and perhaps a soft breeze.

I imagine that is going to be about the limit of my deeper thinking today. I'm still trying to clean out the guest bedroom with all the things stored there from the big remodel. It will be an inside shade day for me.

Country Snapshots

I'm not a city girl. One year of life in Dallas proved that to me. I remember having to drive for miles to get to a park to see a tree. It was just too much steel and concrete for me. No, I'm not planning on uprooting and moving to a metropolis anytime soon... if ever.

I took a little drive in the country and couldn't resist taking a few pictures. I'm not claiming that they are anything out of the ordinary, but just happy peaceful pictures. The first two were taken on either side of a low water crossing. This crossing floods when there is a bit of rain. I always stop on the bridge, if you can call it that, and just feel the peace of the place. It makes me happy.

If I'd had a really good telescopic lens, I'd have been able to capture the small waterfall in this picture. It is there... a very small one.










In the middle of a garden I saw this plant and had to ask to make sure it was an onion plant. I think it is a pretty nifty looking plant. It certainly is different from all the other vegetables.

I just had to try out the close up setting on the camera, so took another of a couple of the flowers.

Keep scrolling.










Now... Isn't that cool? You have just got to love nature! Click on the picture and you will really get an up close shot. Love it.

I'm going to make more trips out and about to try to capture some of our countryside. It really is beautiful. Of course, I'm going to do it early enough that I don't faint dead away in the heat. I don't like summer. I know it isn't quite summer, but it sure feels like it.

New Light

My kitchen is coming together slowly. I finally have lights on the ceiling. Yea! I really like this fixture which hangs over the sink. Cool.

I've been busy this week unpacking boxes and trying to decide what to keep and what to eliminate. It is harder than it sounds. I've got to get rid of stuff I don't need. Some of my friends call me a gadget queen, and I'm wondering how many of those gadgets I should really keep. It is just so hard to turn loose of something that I MIGHT use one of these days.

The nice thing is to see my house getting decluttered. I'm really tired of living in a construction zone. I'll be glad when MCM comes with doors and drawer fronts as it will finally be over... almost. I do need to do something about curtains in the kitchen windows and drapery panels in the dining room. I just can't face that now, so have the old curtains in the kitchen window. That too will pass.

I'm not sure at this point if I can inject much humor into my blog report. I think my humor cam is worn out for the moment. It is a tough business trying to forge ahead. I do have a goal, and I'm firmly set towards accomplishing it. More later.... tah dah.

Nearing the Line

Master Carpenter Man has left the building, and I'm happily enjoying the quiet. Now I have to try to put everything in some order and try to get rid of things I don't really use or need. I guess if I don't use it, I don't need it. That makes sense to me.

MCM did show up this morning to take measurements for the doors and drawer fronts in the kitchen. While he was here, I managed to get some assistance to hang a few heavy items. Then he cleaned out a few of his tools and left for his place.

It is going to take awhile to get all the doors/drawer fronts made and installed, but things are nearing the finish line, and it may be just in time to save my sanity.

I do love this new computer desk area in the kitchen and all the nice storage space above. For some reason I tackled the moving of the computer and files today. It is a cord nightmare, but most will be hidden. I do have a few strays to finish hiding, but that can wait until tomorrow. I've had it with all that doing.


The big mirror and clock were two things I had help with today. I do love the new color in the dining room When I can get the fabric ordered for the draperies, it will be fantastic. It needs a touch of the rust red that will be coming. Ohhh... I can't wait!!!

For now, I'm glad for the peace and quiet of the house. I did notice the squeak of leather from his tool pouch today. It squeaks and clanks as he walks. I didn't know I'd missed that sound, but told him that it sounded pretty good.

I'm thinking I'll be working a bit each day trying to get the guest bedroom cleared out and things ready for company. Daughter I-Needa will be coming one of these days and would like a place to stay. She thinks she NEEDS one. Silly girl.