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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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In: In The Kitchen

I never knew my mom’s mother, Alene (Mitchell) Mannon, she passed away before I was born.  As most southern women were (and still are) she was a really good cook and luckily a few of her recipes were handed down.  This one is amazing!  Quick, easy and better than any restaurant pork chop by far.  I use center cut, bone in chops but I imagine any other would be just as delicious. Alene’s Crispy Tender Pork Chops 4 to 6 lean pork chops 1/2″ to 1″ thick 1 egg, beaten 1 c milk salt and pepper to taste crushed crackers (I use Saltines) Dip pork chops in egg andRead More →

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In: In The Garden

O, blackberry tart, with berries as big as your thumb, purple and black and thick with juice, and a crust to endear them that will go to cream in your mouth, and both passing down with such a taste that will make you close your eyes and wish you might live forever in the wideness of that rich moment. ~ Richard Llewellyn My husband Brad is the best gift giver ever, I had a birthday a few weeks ago and he surprised me with two blackberry bushes!  I was over the moon!  I know that sounds weird but I’m not much of a jewelry girl or IRead More →

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In: In The Garden

I have to say I really like having my own backyard chickens.  Not only do I get fresh, delicious eggs every day but they are such a big help around the place.  Some days I think they eat their weight in bugs, for which I am forever grateful.  They also help with spring clean up by scratching through the mulch and stirring it up before I have to rake it up (plus, there will be fewer bugs).  This is especially helpful on windy days!  They like to eat the young weeds and grass sprouting up, unfortunately they will also eat the plants I want to keep if IRead More →

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In: In The Kitchen

When Brad and I first were married we lived and worked on a cattle ranch just west of Yakima.  Calves would usually start arriving late January until late March.  About mid to late April we would have to brand, ear tag and castrate the calves, check the cows to make sure everyone was healthy and paired back up, then move them out to the mountains where they grazed on the summer grass.  This whole process would take a several days and quite a few hands to help out.  It was extremely important to keep everyone well fed as this is hard, physical work.  An easy meal that turnedRead More →