I thought yesterday was Wednesday.........

 

I don't know why I see so many chicken posts on FB ~ I don't have any, and I don't write posts about them.  But darned if most of them don't crack me up.  Especially the ones that show the human in charge putting in a swing for them, and then they use it!  Maybe chickens aren't as stupid as folks say?  

Summer is here ~ temps in the 90s every day.  The only good thing ~ my tomatoes are really taking off.  I have some lined up for ripening....
 

I read somewhere that the best thing to do it pick the fruit off when there's a slight blush underneath.  Said it doesn't affect the taste and keeps your wonderful tomatoes from being eaten my some critter.  I have been waiting for this day for 9 months!!  Can't wait to try them.  

About 4-5 years ago we purchased burial plots at Natural Burial of New Mexico ~ but we had never gone out there to see what it looks like.  So, we took a little road trip to check it out.  As it turned out, there was a burial going on when we visited.  When you are buried, your relatives are given a GPS location in case they want to visit your grave later ~ but as you can see, there's not much to see!  No headstones are allowed, although you can have a stone engraved if you wish.  

It doesn't matter to us, we have no family in New Mexico ~ and I doubt our kids would visit.  And after seeing this burial ground, I admit I wouldn't really want to go either!  But it was inexpensive.  And we don't need to be embalmed, which I don't want.  It all kind of reminds me of the wild west, haha.

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I hope you all enjoy your weekend!

Love, 365 

The completetion (almost!) of an old project....

 

I am not much of a quilter.  I hope to change that, but this quilt ~ intended for my youngest son ~ has been hanging around unfinished for almost 3 years.  I finally finished sewing all the 9 patch blocks, and now I need to sew each row, then sew the rows together.  My sis, who is quite the quilter suggested I sew two rows together, then another two and so on, then sew those rows all together.  She has been doing this for quite awhile, so I'm going to take her recommendation.  I vacuumed the living room and laid the blocks down to try and figure out where I wanted the colored blocks.  Zoē thought I had put down a new rug for her to lay down on.  I would throw a toy, but she would keep coming back to it.  Silly dog.  

We have been enjoying wonderful weather here, and I'm dreading the hottest part of summer.  Today we took Demitri and Zoē for a walk at 7am this morning, and it was really nice.  Later we'll be lucky if it is below 75 in the morning.  

The garden is coming along.....

The hollyhocks are going great guns.  Everything in. the garden is doing fine, with only a bit of leaves being munched on.  I plan to use my neem oil spray this evening and hopefully remove the critters that are creating those holes, and getting rid of the pest that likes the morning glory leaves.  

Have a wonderful weekend!

Love, 365
 

Well, here we are........

These are "Heavenly blue" morning glories.  I bought a packet of seeds, very excited about having them climb the fence behind my garden.  About two weeks later, I am so excited to see seedlings!  A week later I went out to water, and the leaves are gone.  Something is eating the darn leaves.  So I tried again, but had the same result, so apparently I was supplying something with a snack!  I have clear plastic cups I'm going to put over the new seeds I planting tomorrow.  The curious thing is there are small basil plants, and small carrot tops, but those are fine.  I can't figure out what's eating them, but I'm beginning to wonder if it's pill bugs.  I hope the cups work.

There is really not much going on ~ we get up and take the dogs out around 7:15-7:30 for a 2-3 mile walk, then I work out in the garden for awhile.  Laundry.  Dinner.  Embroidery or quilting, depending on how I feel about either one.  The one thing I have to force myself to do is clean house.  Yesterday I dusted, vacuumed and mopped the downstairs, and wasn't worth anything after that.  I used to do a whole lot more in one day!  Now, I parcel it out.  Once upon a time I tried a cleaning service, but I was disappointed that they didn't do everything I normally do ~ like catch the baseboards with the vacuum, clean well around the toilet....things like that.  So, why spend the money if my standards are so nick picky?  It is not cheap having a service like that, so I'll save that money for something else ~ and there are always many "something else's", haha.

 

 Happy Memorial Day to all our veterans and service members......We remember 💗

If you have Netflix, check out the documentary on Lincoln.  It is so well done.  I wish we had a president with his honesty and dedication to the well being of the citizens of this country right now ~ when apparently it is most needed.

Love, 365 

 

Garden adventures.......

As you can see from this photo, my hollyhocks are blooming already.  This must be the earliest I've ever seen.  I attribute it to our very warm March.  I went ahead and planted my seedlings, even though technically our last frost date is mid May.  

I was so excited that my morning glories sprouted...I checked them every day, and then one morning, poof!  They were all gone.  I think a bird ate them, thinking they look like worms.  I have replanted more seeds, and put some netting over it so they don't munch down again. 

Currently watching Iga Swiatek battle McNally, and it's a terrific game.  The first set she won 6 to 1, and lost the second set 6-7.  That's a huge turn around for McNally.  

I finished cutting out and sewing the squares for the 9 patch quilt I am making for my youngest son.  I can't believe I started it over 2 years ago.  I am motivated to get it done, and ship it off to him!  I have other sewing projects I really want to get to.  I am really not a precision sewer.  I just do it, and then I noticed that some of the blocks are 1/4" bigger than others, so I'm going to need to trim them all to the same size.  What a pain.  

I received my issue of Bake from Scratch, and decided to try their meringue lemon bars.  I guess I'll have to let you know because they have to stay in the fridge overnight before making the swiss meringue.  The worst problem with baking when there's just two of us is having all this stuff hanging around.  If I can I freeze it, but this one can't be frozen, so......    

Now for a little Mother's Day humor:

 

 

Happy Mother's Day to all of you Mom's!

Love, 365 

I'm back!....

 I knew it had been awhile since I've been here~ things have finally settled down.  That last month of Pascha (Easter) was totally crazy.  There was just so much going on.  Extra services at church, about a billion flowers being delivered, baking and egg dyeing.  Of course, I  ended up with a migraine, a really awful one that took two days to recuperate from.  It's been two weeks and I finally feel I am catching up with all my usual chores and projects.   But today I had to take a break and chill.  I am doing that by binge watching The Closer.   I had never watched it, mostly because Romeo doesn't really like the gruesome aspects of murder victims.  Somehow it doesn't really bother me.   

                                                                Oh, nooooooo! 

He doesn't have any problems watching me do an emergency amputation on Mr Bill's leg, which was hopelessly mauled by Demitri.   Sadly this surgery did not save Mr Bill for future maulings.  But the dogs loved hearing him say Oh, noooooo! when he was tossed for their play.  

 

The two of them often keep track of neighborhood goings on.  

This year's kouvouklion.....

 

                                                                    Christ is Risen!

 Adorable myrrh bearers.....

Holy Saturday.....

Gorgeous petunias I found at Costco.....

Next week I am finishing painting the bedroom.  You know what's funny?  Romeo says "when are WE going to start on finishing the painting?", when he never picked up a single paint brush over the past years painting projects.  Haha

 

Well, I don't have much else!  I hope you all have a great weekend!

Love, 365 

 

 

The scent of wisteria.....

I have never seen my wisteria so full of blooms!  I keep the windows and back door open so that the scent will waft in, and it's the best freakin air freshner ever.  

 

I took a photo while looking up at the underside..... 

 

The construction of each and every flower......amazing.

 

There are a LOT of bees.  They are busy though, and even though I was hanging out trying to get photos, they ignored me.  I do worry the dogs will snap at one and have their head swell up.  Which is why we keep liquid Benadryl on hand.

 

I really can't explain how big this plant is.  I planted it 26 years ago.  The main stem is probably 7 or 8 inches in diameter.  The other side of our fence is probably 20 feet, and it hangs almost to the ground on the other side.  

This was taken a couple of days earlier before it really opened up!
 

Love, 365 

 

Recipe for Millionaire Brownie Bars......

 

Recipe from: Bake from Scratch, March/April 2026 magazine 

Brownies:

4 oz (113g) 60-70% cacao bittersweet chocolate, chopped 

6 Tbsp (84g) unsalted butter, cubed

3/4 cup (98g) confectioners sugar

6 Tbsp (84g) firmly packed dark brown sugar

1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp (79g) all purpose flour

1 1/2 Tbsp (8g) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted

1/4 tsp kosher salt

1/8 tsp baking powder

2 large eggs, lightly beaten and room temperature

1 tsp vanilla extract

CARAMEL:

1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp (195g) sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup (110g) heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup (84g) light corn syrup

1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, cubed

1/4 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

GANACHE:

6 oz (170g) 60-70% cacao bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

1/2 cup + 1 Tbsp (135g) heavy whipping cream

1Tbsp (21g) light corn syrup

1 1/2 Tbsp (21g) unsalted butter, cubed

GARNISH: flaked sea salt

Preheat oven to 325 (F). Line a 9" square baking pan with foil, letting excess extend over sides of pan, spray foil with cooking spray.  

FOR BROWNIE: In the top of a double boiler, heat chocolate and butter over simmering water, whisking occasionally until melted and smooth.  (I did this in the microwave) Turn off heat and whisk in confectioners sugar and brown sugar until well combined, 1-2 minutes.  (Mixture won't be completely smooth)  Remove from heat; let cool for 3 minutes.  

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, kosher salt, and baking powder.  

Gradually add eggs to chocolate mixture, whisking until combined.  Whisk in vanilla.  Fold in flour mixture just until combined.  Spread batter into prepared pan. 

Bake until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs, or an instant read thermometer inserted in center registers 200 F, 15 to 20 minutes.  Let cool completely in pan on a wire rack.

FOR THE CARAMEL: In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk together condensed milk, brown sugar, cream, corn syrup, butter, and kosher salt.  Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking frequently, until thickened, smooth, and shiny and an instant read thermometer registers 234 F for soft ball stage, about 12 minutes.  Remove from heat, a nd whisk in vanilla.  Pour hot caramel onto cooled brownie, spreading smooth.  Let cool completely. 

FOR GANACHE: In a medium bowl, add chocolate.  In a medium saucepan, heat cream and corn syrup over medium-low heat until steaming.  (Do not boil.)

Pour hot cream mixture onto chocolate; let stand for 2 to 3 minutes.  Starting in center of bowl, slowly stir in small circles with a rubber spatula until well combined.  Stir in butter until melted and combined.  Pour ganache onto cooled caramel, spreading smooth.  Garnish with sea salt, if desired.  Refrigerate until ganache is set, about 30 minutes.  

Using excess foil as handles, remove from pan, and cut into bars.  Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.  

 

As I mentioned, it isn't a difficult recipe, but you do have to let each layer cool completely before pouring on the next layer.  I hope you enjoy it!

Love, 365 

 

Oh, the brownies.........

 

My eldest son has made it to town!  We got together yesterday, early afternoon ~ hung out, gave the kids sandwiches, played some games and had enchiladas I made for dinner.  But before they came I decided I was going to make one of the recipes in my new Baked from Scratch magazine.  These brownies were one, and Romeo immediately drooled over the photo.  It was really not that difficult, you just had to wait for the brownie layer on the bottom to cool before you poured the caramel layer, and let that cool before pouring on the ganache layer.  Then a nice little sprinkle of sea salt on top.  Oh my.....they are decadent and delicious!  It's hard to stay away.....

Today they asked me to go with them to a museum, but I had to ponder and order the flowers we need at church for our Easter service.  I am given carte blanche to design how the flowers are to be arranged on our kouvouklion/epitaphio.  It's kind of a big deal, even though the flowers are only on it for 8 hours.  Once the service is over, the flowers are removed and each parishioner takes 1, or 2 (or even more if there are lots) flowers home.  I had a budget of $1,500.  Given that flowers have gone up quite a bit from last year, I had to really go over what flowers are available and make sure not to go over.  I did better this year, and only spent $1052.  I also bought more from Costco than in the previous 2 years.  Now I have to hope that the flowers are not delayed in transit, because they are due to arrive 3-4 days before the big day.  

This is my third year chairing this event.  It is both fun and stressful.  I like doing it, but maybe someone else wants to do it for next year.  I'll ask.....but I bet the answer is a resounding NO!  Ha ha

As when any visitors from out of town come, I feel compelled to clean like mad.  One day I did 3/4 of the downstairs, and the other quarter the next day.  I feel so old.  Doing all of that was so exhausting.  I used to be able to clean the entire house in one day.  Hey, I even cleaned the refrigerator!   One of the jobs I really hate. I was even polishing the granite, vacuuming, and putting various little things away the morning before they came over.  

Everyone was tired after they left last night, even the pups have been lazy all day.

Well, I'm going to go chill!  I hope you all have a wonderful week.

Love, 365 

 

Finally done with the embroidered jacket!......

 

 

Yay!  Finally done.  I thought about taking it over to my friend, but since I have a haircut on the 10th, I figured I would save the gas and take it then.  It's just I was so excited to finish!   I do have another project waiting in the wings which I plan on starting on Wednesday.  

Tomorrow, koulouria.  733 cookies.  Surprisingly it will not take all day or anthing like that.  We'll have 2 ovens, a large mixer, practically unlimited baking sheets.  Getting the dough ready shouldn't take long.   Hopefully I will have at least 5 or so volunteers to twist the cookies into their distinctive shape.  

 

In early January we trimmed the wisteria, with plans to trim a bit more, but too late!  We have been having record breaking warm weather, and trees are leafing out, and so is the wisteria.  There are buds all over it.  Last year we had a terrible wind storm that ruined all the buds, drying them out until they crumbled like dust.  I certainly hope that doesn't happen this year, because the scent and the beauty of the flowers is so incredible.  Fingers crossed!

And so, I guess I will laze about for the rest of the day, since tomorrow will be so busy.  I hope you get a lazy day this week too.

Love, 365 

 

Lent begins!

 

Traditionally lagana is baked for Clean Monday, but I was putting together sourdough and didn't have time.   My starter hasn't been good this whole winter, but I did finally find a recipe that worked much better ~ and why not?  It has 1/4 more starter in it.  That's like adding another package of dry yeast.  The sourdough came out great!  The lagana, as you can see, did not.  But, I haven't tasted it yet, so there may yet be hope!  Well, besides the big air tumor, haha.  

 

A friend of mine gave me an amaryllis that someone had given her for Christmas ~ she said she kills all plants that are dependent on her for water and care, haha.  The flowers are huge, larger than my palm.  They are beautiful!  The color was really intense the first 4-5 days, but I can see it's fading.  We sure have enjoyed it.

I am done with everything except the middle of the sunflower.  I thought I would do french knots, but I've decided against that, I just haven't taken them out yet.  I am so glad to get this project done.  I think I can finish it in an hour or so this afternoon.  I really need to get my other projects going!  

We are having spring like weather today, and it's supposed to be in the low 70s for the majority of the week.  I still think we're going to have more winter weather, and I hope that includes snow!  We've hardly had any this season.

I hope all of you have a great week!

Love, 365 

From the 50s to the 20s......

 

This photo is from a party my friend held at her beautiful home ~ we all knew each other from work.  Not long that after this party she and her husband found out he had early onset alzheimer's.  We were good friends for a long time, but when I quit working at that job, we just drifted away.  She had so many milestones that took her away from most friends that weren't family.  We spoke once or twice a year, and she would tell me about how at first it was odd, him not working, but not remembering things they had done the day before.  He quit driving soon after the diagnosis.  Eventually she had to hire people to check in on him during the day, then hire someone that could stay with him all day until she got home from work.  They sold the beautiful house and moved to a single story home with a casita (a large bedroom with a full bathroom that is separate from the house) that she didn't like.  I remember thinking that she had become the person who loses one thing after the other, and becomes this sad,  lonely, and tragic figure that just keeps going through the motions ~ because she had to.  It took, as it often does, decades to come to it's awful end, where he didn't know who she was, or recognize their two boys.  

Her family is very supportive and loving.  I have this photo and a few others to remember her by, and most likely, it's how she wants me to remember our friendship.  Sadly, her husband passed away 2 years ago, after 23 years of gradual decline.  I've been tempted to contact her, even though it's been a long time since I've heard from her, but I hesitate until I talk myself out of it.  

I did work for two weeks to fill in at the dental practice I retired from.  It was just the right amount of time ~ just about the time it started to feel annoying to get up and get going, it was over!  I did discover that the girl who was on vacation was hired about 6-9 weeks ago.  She didn't tell them that she had this trip planned when they interviewed her......the practice manager said she wouldn't have hired her knowing she would be taking 2 weeks off in less than 2 months!  Apparently she doesn't have any dental experience.  Well, except her own past dental visits.  Apparently there is a serious shortage of people that want to work the front office these days.  There was a brief discussion that went something like: what if she doesn't come back?"  Thankfully she did come back ~ or I think she did because I didn't hear anything.  Thankfully!

I am catching up on all the projects I had planned.  I started painting the bedroom today.  I didn't do too much, but I got started, and that will encourage me to keep going until it's done!  

Like so many people in the US, we had a bitter cold front that dropped our temperatures dramatically.  We has a couple of inches of snow, but some places had a dozen inches.  It was a huge front that swept across from New Mexico all the way up to the Northeast.  Luckily we will back into the low 50s by this weekend.  The dogs are really itchy to go on a walk!  

Well, gotta go!  Have a wonderful week.

Love, 365