By:
On:
In: In The Garden

I have been told that my husband’s Grandma Gertie always grew the most beautiful irises.  I wish I could have met her, I’ve heard so many wonderful things about her.  A few years ago, I bought two variegated iris that I have completely fell in love with.  They have gold and green striped foliage and the most beautiful lavender blooms.  They have grown and spread amazingly, I couldn’t be happier with them. Irises like a sunny spot and well drained soil.  Don’t over water or the rhizomes (roots) might rot.  They need room to spread so plant them about 2 feet apart.  Mulching is not recommended as itRead More →

By:
On:
In: In The Kitchen

Remember a while back I shared my recipe for our Branding Time Casserole?  Well, here’s the chocolate cake recipe the we usually made for dessert.  This was given to me by one of our neighbors, she has been making this cake since she first got married in 1958.  It’s quick and easy, the chocolate isn’t heavy or overpowering and it’s good with buttercream frosting, chocolate frosting, cream cheese frosting, whipped cream or just dusted with powdered sugar. Sharon’s Easy Cocoa Cake 1 1/2 c. flour 1 c. sugar 1/2 c. dark cocoa, or whatever kind you have on hand 1 t. baking soda dash ofRead More →

By:
On:
In: In The Garden

If your peonies are starting to bud out chances are that the ants have moved in.  The peony bud is covered in a sugary nectar that the ants just love to eat.  I was told, and always believed, that the buds would not open if the ants didn’t eat the nectar off.  Now, that theory seems to be up for debate.  Some are saying that the ants do nothing for the peony and to spray them or wash them off before bringing cut peonies into the house.  I am not an advocate of spraying, I don’t like using insecticides, especially if soapy water will work just asRead More →

By:
On:
In: In The Kitchen

For several years, in the late 90’s and early 2000’s, we would travel to Greenleaf Lake State Park in Oklahoma to celebrate my Grandpa Mannon’s birthday and have a huge family reunion weekend.  We would all pitch in and make some fantastic food, play games and do a lot of catching up.  One of my favorite dishes was my mom’s cousin Ronda’s taco salad.  She would make huge batches of it and there were never any leftovers.  It’s great for feeding a crowd because you can easily adjust it to make as much as you need. Ronda’s Taco Salad 1 lb. hamburger, browned 1 headRead More →

By:
On:
In: In The Garden

We have had a very strange spring in northern Idaho this year.  Early spring started out warm and sunny, then the rains came and haven’t left yet.  We have had rain, hail, wind and even snow with more rain in the forecast.  I have completely lost three rose bushes and one I am trying to save.  Their canes are turning black, then the poor things die.  I have researched what could be happening to them from a fungus or bacterial infection to something in the soil.  I think in my case the culprit is too much rain and cool temperatures.  We have had a handfulRead More →

By:
On:
In: In The Kitchen

This is an old recipe that has been in our family forever.  At this point, I’m not sure where it came from or who made it first but it is easy, rich, moist, delicious and goes wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee. Granny Cake 2 c. flour 1 egg 1 1/2 c. sugar 2 t. baking soda 1 small can crushed pineapple Mix these 5 ingredients together.  Pour batter into baking pan (I use a 9 x 9). Sprinkle over top the following (mixed together) 1/2 c. brown sugar 1/2 c. coconut 1/2 c. chopped nuts (we prefer pecans) Bake at 350° for 30 to 40Read More →

By:
On:
In: In The Garden

I have really been enjoying the (finally) warmer weather and getting out to work in my flower beds.  I was so happy to see my hummingbirds are back and that got me to thinking about my flower garden.  I really want to attract more butterflies.  I read recently that Monarch butterflies may be put on the endangered species list soon.  Now, I don’t know if this is really true but what a tragedy it would be to lose them.  I have researched a few ways to attract and care for butterflies, I’m excited to give it a try. Butterflies are drawn to colorful clustered bloomsRead More →

By:
On:
In: Uncategorized

My cousin Shelly shared this recipe with us several years ago.  It’s delicious, colorful and a great alternative to potato salad and perfect for summer potlucks and picnics.  I have had people say eww then go back for seconds! Cornbread Salad 1 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled 1 lb. cornbread, baked and crumbled 3/4 c. mayo 1 tomato, chopped 1 green bell pepper, chopped 1 onion, chopped Mix all ingredients in together in a big bowl.  Serve cold. It’s that easy!  I use 2 boxes of Jiffy cornbread mix, baked as shown on the box and a purple onion for the color.  Sometimes it willRead More →

By:
On:
In: In The Garden

We are lucky enough to have a pair of hummingbirds that return year after year and live in a locust tree in our backyard.  Usually they are here mid to late April, but they haven’t made an appearance yet.  It seems everything is a bit late this spring, our lilacs haven’t leafed out yet and I usually have a bouquet of them for Mother’s Day.  Maybe the little hummers are waiting for some flowers to bloom and some leaves on the trees.  In the meantime, I am getting the hummingbird feeders ready with a good washing in hot, soapy water.  Be sure your feeders are clean andRead More →

By:
On:
In: Reflections, Thoughts and Ideas

The weather is finally warming up here, the rain has slowed down and dandelions are sprouting up everywhere!  They are trying to completely take over my lawn, and frankly I don’t care for them.  They can grow out in the fields all they want, but they refuse to stay there.  It seems like each little flower turns into millions of seeds that kids of all ages love to make a wish and blow, resulting in millions more dandelions. I do realize that there are so many positive benefits of dandelions and that they far outweigh the negatives.  Foremost in my mind is that the bees really seemRead More →