tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-365094349113887992024-03-27T18:53:44.069-05:00mears gardenWelcome to the Mears Garden Blog.
Our garden is in Iowa City, Iowa, in zone 5. During the winter we have a picture contest. The contests started in 2006, and missed one year. It gets us through the winter.
The archive has those previous contests and a lot more.
For the rest of the year I write with a variety of garden news. Julia also posts a new recipe each week. philip Mearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04384629201161240341noreply@blogger.comBlogger711125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509434911388799.post-68937074987401170772024-03-24T06:57:00.001-05:002024-03-24T06:57:28.153-05:00March 24, 2024- We have a winner- <p>What a week.</p><p>First, now that spring is officially here, the temperatures stayed below normal, all week. That included a couple of nights when it got down to 20 degrees. I guess on some level, it was a comfort that the temperatures cooled off. </p><p>It was cold, but no real damage. An exception was the star magolia. Magnolias are like that. </p><p>Then to cap it off, on Friday we had 2 inches of snow, before noon.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12deDghNyWyDEIk-tQInLCaSj_ffe2hWUp1QfCAbtodbRJn-Q3LpZX5ynN3j9zx0PNENXoT4WRGG_5_9quCiKZVqN-cMhl1xPGJ5gFhL6B3jqXRs2jCX7yeJ5kDOb2FaTaZmpUVhdwQTxtcf8RU_0rgw9VXRN0id1C_gXjST8jBXqeb-elUhIlyKJDmE/s4032/IMG_3762.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12deDghNyWyDEIk-tQInLCaSj_ffe2hWUp1QfCAbtodbRJn-Q3LpZX5ynN3j9zx0PNENXoT4WRGG_5_9quCiKZVqN-cMhl1xPGJ5gFhL6B3jqXRs2jCX7yeJ5kDOb2FaTaZmpUVhdwQTxtcf8RU_0rgw9VXRN0id1C_gXjST8jBXqeb-elUhIlyKJDmE/w640-h480/IMG_3762.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9v4y6F_lmjBTd-0iBmGIKe25r0Vn8BAI8xjY8OH2YS-b92uNowOUfHU7JRM_0yZD_poDrVAGz8Ksdp3AVouYoXBY5hvrj2NgTPdU_KkRaCnBKxs5FcY51inrdhw3e9iw8So9ZxRXJ1zUmXL955Pvo9pNG7HF66jzn4UB6jzBQa-Pm2pPtH8BxDsB1BAw/s4032/IMG_3767.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9v4y6F_lmjBTd-0iBmGIKe25r0Vn8BAI8xjY8OH2YS-b92uNowOUfHU7JRM_0yZD_poDrVAGz8Ksdp3AVouYoXBY5hvrj2NgTPdU_KkRaCnBKxs5FcY51inrdhw3e9iw8So9ZxRXJ1zUmXL955Pvo9pNG7HF66jzn4UB6jzBQa-Pm2pPtH8BxDsB1BAw/w480-h640/IMG_3767.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was all a little discouraging. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But we did finish the picture contest. And </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">We have a winner.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLVI3cGoM4IvW1LpJOzvq6DJhlZBAD23HlVV3xlgsl9lB3lGdXNYzgBzvnRzLDQZKnY7sz89oMzAXaq2wUuNOZQYM-Sp9_baDt88NW11PPKK3KQJ-4HNv1ChffbJ8wwvHDTxW6PVw7tSUWShgIn5fCa-CZMhjZAehOBP53ogfR64p7pheAwVAZI4N4UA/s3461/IMG_9936.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3461" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLVI3cGoM4IvW1LpJOzvq6DJhlZBAD23HlVV3xlgsl9lB3lGdXNYzgBzvnRzLDQZKnY7sz89oMzAXaq2wUuNOZQYM-Sp9_baDt88NW11PPKK3KQJ-4HNv1ChffbJ8wwvHDTxW6PVw7tSUWShgIn5fCa-CZMhjZAehOBP53ogfR64p7pheAwVAZI4N4UA/w560-h640/IMG_9936.jpeg" width="560" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The stripes in the petals really are rather remarkable.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here was the full vote.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjew1_4nH8GwrgeWHZHSPlTdlVBxOXCPkKJR__OivTc_wHoluPw6FzclFYMqhKN6oIp51k581mR8gRc9MaPmSTuNNVmi6Mwu3uKav_hE4aJPuh3AAl_u53hnmH261jURBr4Kk0K3JKCASTsRkjVPUnhKRMOXc3Agzfv3_Js4VidCs0K8EHJJJ-nsjZFQZE/s319/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-23%20at%208.04.58%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="319" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjew1_4nH8GwrgeWHZHSPlTdlVBxOXCPkKJR__OivTc_wHoluPw6FzclFYMqhKN6oIp51k581mR8gRc9MaPmSTuNNVmi6Mwu3uKav_hE4aJPuh3AAl_u53hnmH261jURBr4Kk0K3JKCASTsRkjVPUnhKRMOXc3Agzfv3_Js4VidCs0K8EHJJJ-nsjZFQZE/s1600/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-23%20at%208.04.58%20PM.png" width="319" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>So what happens next? The contest is over.<div>I will try to find some energy someplace and will return next week.</div><div>Maybe I will try to think about 10 positive things to think about in the garden.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Julia did this nifty recipe, getting ready for Easter.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Julia's recipe</span></b></div><div><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Bird's nests</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"> It's a spring thing: confection bird's nests with candy eggs. Maybe you made something like this in the past with kids. Maybe not. Maybe you're thinking about desserts for Easter. Maybe not. This recipe jumped off the page at me (from Michael Knock's column in the Iowa City Press-Citizen, of all places), and the next thing you know I had bought some butterscotch chips and chow mein noodles and milk chocolate wrapped eggs. Like I said, it's spring when thoughts turn to springy things, although we did get 2 inches of snow on Friday in a couple of hours of furious snow-globe-like snow. It's still cold, if sunny, and we will have a fire this evening. </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DfxTgkGe8T5dF2df9prUGvlsChOcEp0S8A87GAK9ByFbU0-eVyShkSmSeNJAWR18hiOHOS7ZjR9L6yaOVF6oM6xFkkbJNv7vXtL0dymEcE4GU7UoS5oXrD_8_NafeXjs6V-oi3INclBbQ553yjT-CbyeZoqeGUEH7aq3qHRFuauO8N1vPjj_x1-Ifoc/s4032/IMG_3772.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DfxTgkGe8T5dF2df9prUGvlsChOcEp0S8A87GAK9ByFbU0-eVyShkSmSeNJAWR18hiOHOS7ZjR9L6yaOVF6oM6xFkkbJNv7vXtL0dymEcE4GU7UoS5oXrD_8_NafeXjs6V-oi3INclBbQ553yjT-CbyeZoqeGUEH7aq3qHRFuauO8N1vPjj_x1-Ifoc/w300-h400/IMG_3772.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The ingredients:</div><div>1 cup chocolate chips;</div><div>1 cup butterscotch chips;</div><div>1/2 cup peanut butter (crunchy or smooth);</div><div>4 cups chow mein noodles;</div><div>neutral flavored cooking spray; and</div><div>some candy. (I used wrapped chocolate eggs. You would use M&M peanut candy or jelly beans or skittles, I suppose or little peeps, if you prefer your eggs hatched.)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5y-9P8-ExIMR1wiHM7fug-uNIEkb-mvGljkWHA83T41Wtm3aDHJqyNWme82E_G57XuVeeQwMQOPTXZt6mKiHTRf5UizkwjbmxUASqpy_NJjApYS1Q7uXCY3OYDuwYg5hI1x9PN5TxIsjBOd-4iSV2XqokY389ZMg6iGYFl8PG33jWWEM0j8KOt-h6Bc/s4032/IMG_3774.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5y-9P8-ExIMR1wiHM7fug-uNIEkb-mvGljkWHA83T41Wtm3aDHJqyNWme82E_G57XuVeeQwMQOPTXZt6mKiHTRf5UizkwjbmxUASqpy_NJjApYS1Q7uXCY3OYDuwYg5hI1x9PN5TxIsjBOd-4iSV2XqokY389ZMg6iGYFl8PG33jWWEM0j8KOt-h6Bc/w300-h400/IMG_3774.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I started by putting about an inch of water in the bottom of a dutch oven. You want the water to simmer. You do not want the water to touch the bowl. I put it on the stove, topped the dutch oven with a bowl that fit nicely and poured in the chips. I turned the heat to medium-low and let the chips melt. </div><div><br /></div><div>I do not own a microwave. If you do, you can melt the chips in the microwave. I used a big bowl to do my melting, as I would be able to do all of the mixing in this one bowl. I think microwave users will end up using two bowls. Not a big deal. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJvis68f7iXTa557kc9DFcGVyoR3nAjiB0OkGKOlEcNoJs-s0rprYRw_r4Iid84oazmfkTPp03fCaALSaEGt7byOjqpBslEUa_zJE5OqBxhnNzXZaFOS3X_khWE88aSHWHCRtokN-TXmwSKuGGkB1vLX6NhfyLDKCenBBkLQpKRESiG95fW75Tm76CA4/s4032/IMG_3775.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJvis68f7iXTa557kc9DFcGVyoR3nAjiB0OkGKOlEcNoJs-s0rprYRw_r4Iid84oazmfkTPp03fCaALSaEGt7byOjqpBslEUa_zJE5OqBxhnNzXZaFOS3X_khWE88aSHWHCRtokN-TXmwSKuGGkB1vLX6NhfyLDKCenBBkLQpKRESiG95fW75Tm76CA4/w300-h400/IMG_3775.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Stirring the chips as they melted.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl25ZQQdq1dP-tNOO9LOMhYyvA8ZqTxzRhxzC2idtiJlP9BO26hy3HG7lujZWTdK7_ZtZLkfTStFL6Bkq-GHCnjwlpsffhaZ699svh-jJuuD9ryoNao3ttlQMKOCWrS0QJTNF5BvdsV2vrsJTdD1YxtSJ9cF-t-JvwsoGteY2vcivexxoztKz57YKASAg/s4032/IMG_3776.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl25ZQQdq1dP-tNOO9LOMhYyvA8ZqTxzRhxzC2idtiJlP9BO26hy3HG7lujZWTdK7_ZtZLkfTStFL6Bkq-GHCnjwlpsffhaZ699svh-jJuuD9ryoNao3ttlQMKOCWrS0QJTNF5BvdsV2vrsJTdD1YxtSJ9cF-t-JvwsoGteY2vcivexxoztKz57YKASAg/w300-h400/IMG_3776.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>When the chips were melted and smooth, I added the peanut butter, turned off the heat and mixed the peanut butter in. This was easy because of the residual heat in the bowl. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8-6ROnuw0n_Tzp8lUUAerkMUspHUoqioSkm7yNoCytnmV8sNW6jC9B3XQ1j7EYexdyCV63-cbdWeA01Lp9Grwx0wjcSE1xwDc6boIDuF1MDG-j7yTZGmoFPRk7Z7xi8UsAIHkAihznEQspyxqW_b-DRvdfS3htPP28T_rhq_YeGu7HbRmaelzVyFuQU/s4032/IMG_3777.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8-6ROnuw0n_Tzp8lUUAerkMUspHUoqioSkm7yNoCytnmV8sNW6jC9B3XQ1j7EYexdyCV63-cbdWeA01Lp9Grwx0wjcSE1xwDc6boIDuF1MDG-j7yTZGmoFPRk7Z7xi8UsAIHkAihznEQspyxqW_b-DRvdfS3htPP28T_rhq_YeGu7HbRmaelzVyFuQU/w300-h400/IMG_3777.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I removed the bowl from the dutch oven (using pot holders as the bowl was hot) and poured the chow mein noodles in. I did the addition of the chow mein noodles in two batches, stirring the first 2 cups in before adding the next two cups. </div><div><br /></div><div>It all mixed in although you might think too many noodles to be adequately coated. Not so. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwhiA2LIElXIse9jXwTUf6q4wHkx1QmfFljMaAfIkNGiUlEAsZT6p8f0vDuUVU2wQbJnWjRPR2ELKtMNBcLEfhL9UqnT8AAS50q4juFgmfpBo0sKjI7hcAbsJKeihxyhoEPmuL2c9rMhOglK0n89kLFYbK2d2y_AVoW5xjPuK-9XrnZadS3UMh1YInyo/s4032/IMG_3778.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwhiA2LIElXIse9jXwTUf6q4wHkx1QmfFljMaAfIkNGiUlEAsZT6p8f0vDuUVU2wQbJnWjRPR2ELKtMNBcLEfhL9UqnT8AAS50q4juFgmfpBo0sKjI7hcAbsJKeihxyhoEPmuL2c9rMhOglK0n89kLFYbK2d2y_AVoW5xjPuK-9XrnZadS3UMh1YInyo/w300-h400/IMG_3778.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Philip sprayed the muffin cups generously with cooking spray - an important step! </div><div><br /></div><div>I used a 1/4 cup measure to scoop out the mixture into the cups. Then Philip used a soup spoon to make a dent in each mound so there would be a place to deposit an egg and also to assist in the illusion that these chow mein noodle, melted chip and peanut butter concoctions were bird's nests. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wpEsvB3rhx3qt0rPzxt-STfKS659HFcF6vTTVqxtP3HS1j8ylWuCp_ZXvEk3WcPn_n9XNW34z-2HucoG73_3B2yNinzAUU2h0qiYOJJ0V0BqC_J7c4SZoPLseu180ifMLvFyeF24GzT9vOmiTRPLwexp8XqzEb9I2vd_TyRMgog5N7OL0Mmfd9WvE4g/s4032/IMG_3779.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wpEsvB3rhx3qt0rPzxt-STfKS659HFcF6vTTVqxtP3HS1j8ylWuCp_ZXvEk3WcPn_n9XNW34z-2HucoG73_3B2yNinzAUU2h0qiYOJJ0V0BqC_J7c4SZoPLseu180ifMLvFyeF24GzT9vOmiTRPLwexp8XqzEb9I2vd_TyRMgog5N7OL0Mmfd9WvE4g/w300-h400/IMG_3779.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I ended up with 15 nests. I put the muffin tins and custard cups in the refrigerator for maybe an hour, to firm up the nests. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzP1yrlnnlppH_c8M9qCvLNxn57gU1Uau_o1umhklu3cQ4-qQvYuMJH-B77a1ZH9Sre7VgR0ITQzKVMyoDJoEVF9Z8Bk00WsAxdr_kgqStRRjfHzROqAJ6_3R0HQ_kvorfDULACjkhcF9Ve2j1c9oazKYS89XSZ_8PDemPMt-0JWOm8zPWqmZW7IgXuDU/s4032/IMG_3781.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzP1yrlnnlppH_c8M9qCvLNxn57gU1Uau_o1umhklu3cQ4-qQvYuMJH-B77a1ZH9Sre7VgR0ITQzKVMyoDJoEVF9Z8Bk00WsAxdr_kgqStRRjfHzROqAJ6_3R0HQ_kvorfDULACjkhcF9Ve2j1c9oazKYS89XSZ_8PDemPMt-0JWOm8zPWqmZW7IgXuDU/w400-h300/IMG_3781.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Then I used a table knife to work around the edge of the muffin cups to pop the nests out. Worked pretty well. One fell apart and we ate it. Here they are (there were others on another plate), holding their shapes and each with a chocolate egg. </div><div><br /></div><div>I then put the plate back in the refrigerator to stay firm. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now I have to figure out what to do with 14 bird's nests. I'm sure something will occur to me. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Odds and Ends</span></b></div></div><div><br /></div><div>The snow mostly melted yesterday. Guess what? More snow is coming. It will only be a "trace" but it is the thought that counts.</div><div><br />It will be 64 one day, and then drop to 19 a few nights later.</div><div><br /></div><div>The daffodils and scilla (little blue flowers) are tough. I think they see snow as just a photo opportunity.</div><div><br /></div><div>Baseball will start this week. The Caitlin Clark show continues. Things start and then they end.</div><div><br /></div><div>I did get a wonderful contribution to the food bank plant sale last week. There is a nice couple, with some midwest roots, who have spent the decades growing and developing flowers. Jan Sacks and Marty Schafer have a mail order garden outside of Boston named Joe Pye Weed Garden.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.jpwflowers.com/">https://www.jpwflowers.com/</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>They have personally developed many of the fancier Siberian Iris over the years.</div><div>They have also selected and nurtured several different varieties of bloodroot, the wonderful spring wildflower.</div><div><br /></div><div>Two are "Snow Cone" and "Venus."</div><div>I have a few in my garden from them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are descriptions from Tony Avent, from Plants Delight. He has and sells some of the most remarkable plants in the country.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.plantdelights.com/products/sanguinaria-canadensis-snow-cone">https://www.plantdelights.com/products/sanguinaria-canadensis-snow-cone</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://www.plantdelights.com/products/sanguinaria-canadensis-venus">https://www.plantdelights.com/products/sanguinaria-canadensis-venus</a><br /><p><br /></p><p>In January I told Jan Sacks about our plant sale for the food banks. I asked about perhaps getting me some bloodroot, thinking wholesale. She said she would contribute about 50 of Snow Cones and Venus varieties.</p><p>Well those plants arrived last weekend. She sent 50+ of each variety. I add the + sign as each group was closer to 70.</p><p>I have potted up at this point 129 of these little wonders. They go outside during the day. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17MfWoZXxxWC5ojAHWk4G1FOOdHbHlxdTimMMZ8Ogf6EEIC7U_SRvV3Ynx-QqKTfPNau-Lh4cKqd-UXtohhyPTkzsX1pI-sp-5sx9S79g-ZIr8Y37gK7I0MENf6Zu8nXa48_XuNGP6DQ1KkqexTjwgTMGZht3Yw8E4ZxvV4j1bMjtHEorfItUAq-NinE/s4032/IMG_3770.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17MfWoZXxxWC5ojAHWk4G1FOOdHbHlxdTimMMZ8Ogf6EEIC7U_SRvV3Ynx-QqKTfPNau-Lh4cKqd-UXtohhyPTkzsX1pI-sp-5sx9S79g-ZIr8Y37gK7I0MENf6Zu8nXa48_XuNGP6DQ1KkqexTjwgTMGZht3Yw8E4ZxvV4j1bMjtHEorfItUAq-NinE/w480-h640/IMG_3770.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGU1AvOU9KsHApvu55c0UT7CAtdse_ARHGBh3ibYB82yIbn8Zbtf9AKbxWQIqC__EJxCVJtlQF3r0poMZnkxRDqCo55tPxeEa7-9P1QHdvmMJ5LWg85Vh_irg6WErylri6eFT0C56yMz65OwgRLv9S5c-PQKAocFODIMnvdi33a4yl6py6O_rKt6H5WE/s4032/IMG_3771.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGU1AvOU9KsHApvu55c0UT7CAtdse_ARHGBh3ibYB82yIbn8Zbtf9AKbxWQIqC__EJxCVJtlQF3r0poMZnkxRDqCo55tPxeEa7-9P1QHdvmMJ5LWg85Vh_irg6WErylri6eFT0C56yMz65OwgRLv9S5c-PQKAocFODIMnvdi33a4yl6py6O_rKt6H5WE/w640-h480/IMG_3771.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Let me show you some bloodroot pictures from the archives.</p><p>This is Snow Cone.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpSowy8y56un7Li80kYPWgx3kiXzTMLDXZ00foC8xkX_YPprF3Zak_ON-GVOsD7lx3LGnrETDfvELLiOERd8eBwU6AdsYE0T1JuooQjlq492b4ER3nAp-8seKCNaBonwVV3TAVKA_LSf1Ub2OJMVfgbUGBcjFSYn9OxTuEzNVu9kHevo1oCjwZUQJh1Hs/s4032/IMG_0119.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpSowy8y56un7Li80kYPWgx3kiXzTMLDXZ00foC8xkX_YPprF3Zak_ON-GVOsD7lx3LGnrETDfvELLiOERd8eBwU6AdsYE0T1JuooQjlq492b4ER3nAp-8seKCNaBonwVV3TAVKA_LSf1Ub2OJMVfgbUGBcjFSYn9OxTuEzNVu9kHevo1oCjwZUQJh1Hs/w640-h480/IMG_0119.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Snow Cone</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwv2lETwf11sKEfDvipCtAI1iP_nIhxG_Tw1nRB60OopRLOYOXvv7Bt7AW4yLiR_MkqTmgY7GXW-ng-Aq2CHS297P18LLmc1v4oNlUDNHjR3fjWoz24GZLIysGlxYesWz1NHqC6ynGmBfpSkZ9GUnW2f_LVwwDC0wcANDfTOxCO5FPSlAKJ_Trr1PO_0/s4030/IMG_0161.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2977" data-original-width="4030" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwv2lETwf11sKEfDvipCtAI1iP_nIhxG_Tw1nRB60OopRLOYOXvv7Bt7AW4yLiR_MkqTmgY7GXW-ng-Aq2CHS297P18LLmc1v4oNlUDNHjR3fjWoz24GZLIysGlxYesWz1NHqC6ynGmBfpSkZ9GUnW2f_LVwwDC0wcANDfTOxCO5FPSlAKJ_Trr1PO_0/w640-h472/IMG_0161.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The wild kind.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEierLp09gLGqk-bL1DjBzKZ1Y8CM8IIzIrB9-uCnPe9h7kV19G7kcEHRS-6yPaz5HzA4kMoyVR4MBFqj2GyWR1VhTnuumYvcuI5H_zotYWQPAZkowMOBTO38aRCzXrfYnikuJOtzsca5ehTxGVzLLoG17ngga-3PTqG2FuzU8KlDAScCo-p2O7vyn9VgSE/s3264/IMG_6221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEierLp09gLGqk-bL1DjBzKZ1Y8CM8IIzIrB9-uCnPe9h7kV19G7kcEHRS-6yPaz5HzA4kMoyVR4MBFqj2GyWR1VhTnuumYvcuI5H_zotYWQPAZkowMOBTO38aRCzXrfYnikuJOtzsca5ehTxGVzLLoG17ngga-3PTqG2FuzU8KlDAScCo-p2O7vyn9VgSE/w640-h480/IMG_6221.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Venus<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJv545KiuYMWjR4pCpqb0jUhVwYlZF4fayOWV5LiObZLuBJvMleAFY2CuRHK0j-f1aJfN9PYP1tNdvq4ZZ2UhyAiK9xyFTbUSNHt6Y4oOOxtiVxTdiNiuLC32NjPBxEW9zo1PJpxQqyN0MkMqbTEpuGr4FGPUbeYvgv4i2PCafqIHheqjVTjZ7ct8aUE/s4032/IMG_6602.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJv545KiuYMWjR4pCpqb0jUhVwYlZF4fayOWV5LiObZLuBJvMleAFY2CuRHK0j-f1aJfN9PYP1tNdvq4ZZ2UhyAiK9xyFTbUSNHt6Y4oOOxtiVxTdiNiuLC32NjPBxEW9zo1PJpxQqyN0MkMqbTEpuGr4FGPUbeYvgv4i2PCafqIHheqjVTjZ7ct8aUE/w480-h640/IMG_6602.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This is the "highly double" form I have grow for 15 years. I got all of mine from JPW. It has been in the contest many times.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOq-8vTuXaeG2g6tFRn8OCxT1AXaZXIyHRVE9WmEzuQJZHg8L8F6YnACGP0QwxEB606CQT1XQA3t1sSOvY6Uo7CuFInDb34uerA80fwM78zYkyjvSnS7b_Fxe7AsXTZlGwVjnqvK3M0LSYuO8Ar-9gcUbwzIs8QT0JvKszAHQqBrW8BdLw6-uitf_yRk/s4032/IMG_6643.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOq-8vTuXaeG2g6tFRn8OCxT1AXaZXIyHRVE9WmEzuQJZHg8L8F6YnACGP0QwxEB606CQT1XQA3t1sSOvY6Uo7CuFInDb34uerA80fwM78zYkyjvSnS7b_Fxe7AsXTZlGwVjnqvK3M0LSYuO8Ar-9gcUbwzIs8QT0JvKszAHQqBrW8BdLw6-uitf_yRk/w640-h480/IMG_6643.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I hoped you have enjoyed this bit of beauty.</p><p>I now have 129 bloodroot to sell. The JPW people sell them retail for $15/each. I have not yet figured out my pricing. They will be hitting the sale table soon.</p><p>In the meantime the world and the country goes forward. Iowa is not such a great place to live. </p><p>Pray for peace.</p><p>Pray for reconciliation.</p><p>Let us do the work we can do.</p><p>Embrace your friends.</p><p>Philip</p></div>philip Mearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04384629201161240341noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509434911388799.post-7483204131121929162024-03-17T06:06:00.000-05:002024-03-17T06:06:54.251-05:00March 17, 2024- the finals- Spring is here<p>Spring arrives this week. It has actually been here for weeks. </p><p>The early daffodils, the real heralds of spring, are popping open lots of places. Friday, on our morning walk, we even saw a tulip over on Court Street. There was forsythia blooming.</p><p>Every thing in early spring is short. It is all happening close to the ground. </p><p>What I love to do is stoop down and just spend time looking to see what is going on, in that one small area. There may be some blooming bulbs, like crocuses or snowdrops. Some of those at this point may be finished. But there is always so much more. There are the seedlings that can be very small. There are seedlings of aconite and scilla (squill) everywhere. There are so many of them that they give you an appreciation for very large numbers. </p><p>Then in that small area you find the new plants, just emerging. The bluebells are coming, both the ones from Virginia and the ones from England. The Virginia bluebells will come to dominate parts of the garden in the next month. They will be one of the first plants to get to be taller than maybe 6 inches.</p><p>There are so many other plants that may be there. Lupines and their seedlings. Corydalis both from established plants and the ones 1-2 feet away that have grown from seed. Tree Peony seedlings. Pulmonaria. Celandine poppies. The lesser spring blubs, including the chionodixia, both pink and blue. The pushkinia.</p><p>There are many plants I forget in that first list. These next ones are all leaves at this point. But that is how most plants begin. There are allium. The first tulips are up and waiting to get some deer spray. Oriental Poppies. Shirley poppies. Epimedium. There is a little iris called bucharica. I just planted more of this unusual variety last fall. </p><p>Then you watch for the plants to come. Where is the bloodroot or the first small trillium? I looked and sure enough, they are there.</p><p>This time when everything is sort, is something that is unique to spring. By summer those small squares will be filled with hosta or daylilies. As I think about it those plants will be bigger and taller. It would make no sense to stoop to look at them. </p><p><br /></p><p>Last Week in the contest the easy winner was the dogwood.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVr1VPX-aOgZGUTfXe3R2MoxQIvdYM0pO6YHe78xfS91N6tIiv1p5XWPQp2DmAeEu9i-7TlMaw0_gGNMeLduwE8PForj3VkpjdebJH91OOqsilQ2qnQjDLm3TBp7vUGffFwnXvj1tcd1M1HHB1CRxr7nyt_IxAh8Zcz-vcL0ys5Spl4ptNY31_zUFfXrw/s2968/IMG_0494.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2622" data-original-width="2968" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVr1VPX-aOgZGUTfXe3R2MoxQIvdYM0pO6YHe78xfS91N6tIiv1p5XWPQp2DmAeEu9i-7TlMaw0_gGNMeLduwE8PForj3VkpjdebJH91OOqsilQ2qnQjDLm3TBp7vUGffFwnXvj1tcd1M1HHB1CRxr7nyt_IxAh8Zcz-vcL0ys5Spl4ptNY31_zUFfXrw/w640-h566/IMG_0494.jpeg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Here was the full vote.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1S39UEeqogyqyqEqoJh0VPxruU78cu7w7_V2VSRVnTpjMpDBa3i0ynV7spXwJVVYVyNiyJmoiRxvPfON1viiGJ7oLgnqEcAlt6igAwZjT62wSTZeDFXs36vzPpTRbKl-GWaoumppavnSwQqzW_GGVvNX6_MF2LbRu2kxhkD2-TVfsxp1V1gNHxuNt0s/s354/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-17%20at%204.45.15%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="326" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1S39UEeqogyqyqEqoJh0VPxruU78cu7w7_V2VSRVnTpjMpDBa3i0ynV7spXwJVVYVyNiyJmoiRxvPfON1viiGJ7oLgnqEcAlt6igAwZjT62wSTZeDFXs36vzPpTRbKl-GWaoumppavnSwQqzW_GGVvNX6_MF2LbRu2kxhkD2-TVfsxp1V1gNHxuNt0s/s320/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-17%20at%204.45.15%20AM.png" width="295" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>This Week is the finals. </b></span></p><p>We began this trip Thanksgiving weekend. There have been 16 weeks of the contest. We have come down to these three pictures. Two of them, the crocuses and the dogwood, tied in Week 13. Change one vote and only one would have advance. They both had easy wins in the playoffs. Can the Frosty Kale pull out a victory and become the first picture from December to win the contest? Actually there has never been winner from any month later than September.</p><p>I have pictures of 17 winners. Which month would you think would be most represented? If you guessed May you would be correct. There were 5, followed by April with 4. The latest in the season was September 17.</p><p>So here are the three pictures you selected.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#1 The dogwood</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> May 3, 2023</b></span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVr1VPX-aOgZGUTfXe3R2MoxQIvdYM0pO6YHe78xfS91N6tIiv1p5XWPQp2DmAeEu9i-7TlMaw0_gGNMeLduwE8PForj3VkpjdebJH91OOqsilQ2qnQjDLm3TBp7vUGffFwnXvj1tcd1M1HHB1CRxr7nyt_IxAh8Zcz-vcL0ys5Spl4ptNY31_zUFfXrw/s2968/IMG_0494.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2622" data-original-width="2968" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVr1VPX-aOgZGUTfXe3R2MoxQIvdYM0pO6YHe78xfS91N6tIiv1p5XWPQp2DmAeEu9i-7TlMaw0_gGNMeLduwE8PForj3VkpjdebJH91OOqsilQ2qnQjDLm3TBp7vUGffFwnXvj1tcd1M1HHB1CRxr7nyt_IxAh8Zcz-vcL0ys5Spl4ptNY31_zUFfXrw/w640-h566/IMG_0494.jpeg" width="640" /></a></p><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>#2 Frosty Kale </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>December 14, 2023</b></div></span><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMep2EIEZP4tR217XkGGlUCPIOEksHvKmKq_z09oJnurryX-9hVdlg1jybnAvBAwPqPToCMxCCa83CZ6jswcD3LSm7JPdycSrohA1tQU-N3RPzk0P8Lm-8loGNorVoMkBBudlbYJBWU8fhuPHeUZEIFZiPg78VpDmuxFSo41BsOqXrUWCdB0Aj1ux_F_s/s3024/IMG_2882.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2517" data-original-width="3024" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMep2EIEZP4tR217XkGGlUCPIOEksHvKmKq_z09oJnurryX-9hVdlg1jybnAvBAwPqPToCMxCCa83CZ6jswcD3LSm7JPdycSrohA1tQU-N3RPzk0P8Lm-8loGNorVoMkBBudlbYJBWU8fhuPHeUZEIFZiPg78VpDmuxFSo41BsOqXrUWCdB0Aj1ux_F_s/w640-h532/IMG_2882.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#3 Striped Crocuses</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> March 30, 2023</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-MuPBIHzpGxzWp-F-VsnQOmWmJUK1bVWK7olIs0eCsAdK3EBq9X7c7-SawkwxEtOMz0alRMEbqhYcOpDDO8EzQsOlW57qIP3YRD5j0Y6Ty9E2ak9K6cA8oYshexaO5pkD_blLfI5lrGCLq6X4ibUPTdD6F3sW4qFx1OBfjqZsyHibyWuGyBMXVStNIhU/s3461/IMG_9936.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3461" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-MuPBIHzpGxzWp-F-VsnQOmWmJUK1bVWK7olIs0eCsAdK3EBq9X7c7-SawkwxEtOMz0alRMEbqhYcOpDDO8EzQsOlW57qIP3YRD5j0Y6Ty9E2ak9K6cA8oYshexaO5pkD_blLfI5lrGCLq6X4ibUPTdD6F3sW4qFx1OBfjqZsyHibyWuGyBMXVStNIhU/w560-h640/IMG_9936.jpeg" width="560" /></a></div><br /><p>There you have it. These three pictures are the finalists for the winter contest for 2023-24.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Rught Now</b></span></p><p>It is time for the later blooming crocuses.</p><p>You can never have enough. That is related to the idea that "I should get some more."</p><p>Most late crocuses are larger. This variety was/is an exception.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nfqsyVuJfZqejXGmdaFHeOHNudnf-T_Q0Qf4tUfEPrqJlVweGILUyuPvfPTHA1laFPfAf_xctJpfietjpzJJMbHGUOxfVqgnnOA2SqRxzKbbNssCRG7nKpb7JdBLw75UxTm7HeIJIo6F3-QQqeAAaOojG7_cJZ5F9O0_Bm0Q55FyN2UFsJTsC3YQcuw/s4032/IMG_3693.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nfqsyVuJfZqejXGmdaFHeOHNudnf-T_Q0Qf4tUfEPrqJlVweGILUyuPvfPTHA1laFPfAf_xctJpfietjpzJJMbHGUOxfVqgnnOA2SqRxzKbbNssCRG7nKpb7JdBLw75UxTm7HeIJIo6F3-QQqeAAaOojG7_cJZ5F9O0_Bm0Q55FyN2UFsJTsC3YQcuw/w640-h480/IMG_3693.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EvNHpKuU8XsPVFs4uQSd5ZKNQllcVojFCUFRjDPE6xM_mko0gMR82T1TMKD3WVV5FWMJ8mECxEZHVEVPnexQfR4LA6N2jEnlXMvedEi-htmfglzOVuxA_EOM849l48tOlmsDIJfv1PK-LlVAoHgBAWwe55Muhoyx1I4DWf3fA48HK5JT41nZWzgug30/s4032/IMG_3699.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EvNHpKuU8XsPVFs4uQSd5ZKNQllcVojFCUFRjDPE6xM_mko0gMR82T1TMKD3WVV5FWMJ8mECxEZHVEVPnexQfR4LA6N2jEnlXMvedEi-htmfglzOVuxA_EOM849l48tOlmsDIJfv1PK-LlVAoHgBAWwe55Muhoyx1I4DWf3fA48HK5JT41nZWzgug30/w640-h480/IMG_3699.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I have watched for the clump that is in the finals this week. This could be it. This is out in the front parkway.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Loo93iXldY5xUx_rpK6Io9Q6LmUuWO-MiAgRmUeZuocdVhCpi_0iX5k2YUNa0z9vcI2syP3Xy2akjznzzEsRyWNEBw6j3I0IoKj_MSwSgKH0DTYXtubA5EdzsT9CCqu36eV3CAFMLAmYjjQj8Fvew8xBhKs1LGZXAvLMBwH3-Fnt1VJvEaaTxM1hoCU/s4032/IMG_3731.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Loo93iXldY5xUx_rpK6Io9Q6LmUuWO-MiAgRmUeZuocdVhCpi_0iX5k2YUNa0z9vcI2syP3Xy2akjznzzEsRyWNEBw6j3I0IoKj_MSwSgKH0DTYXtubA5EdzsT9CCqu36eV3CAFMLAmYjjQj8Fvew8xBhKs1LGZXAvLMBwH3-Fnt1VJvEaaTxM1hoCU/w640-h480/IMG_3731.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I find variations on that striped crocus all over. In this plant the purple markings were muted.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKiHirwM0t3IDQiz9oD-QqvqM_v2AM49GhpYqTfozGu_zj6O1PrRG88ynsBGHCFcn0HYGGyc9wsVsZPnjTBHb6KGHL7vTlwYK9hyphenhyphenb2osJnBOLIhiEwoEGagV73BtdRSvebtSz94AbRg8makHj7TQCoyDhi9Gt0pW-rgsNJXT3TMRXml3VbTHIe8Z6ELdQ/s4032/IMG_3700.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKiHirwM0t3IDQiz9oD-QqvqM_v2AM49GhpYqTfozGu_zj6O1PrRG88ynsBGHCFcn0HYGGyc9wsVsZPnjTBHb6KGHL7vTlwYK9hyphenhyphenb2osJnBOLIhiEwoEGagV73BtdRSvebtSz94AbRg8makHj7TQCoyDhi9Gt0pW-rgsNJXT3TMRXml3VbTHIe8Z6ELdQ/w640-h480/IMG_3700.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>In this one the petals were colored differently.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtHDTaL-FvqKJkh2Ud-BJyR1pN4EHF3a3_V07x8Ykovdb5_rq-KMgBG0laBx7iLeMpuajgmwf3W8455cKafOpEhPv3Yfpke2haCjW-ef0_dJM8s97BHzn89eozAh4ljOPIFA5D0VnQnvLnhzG7QLk29CYvdewrjnUlP3jlIoOTp_kknDeLAbxszlvq6o/s4032/IMG_3707.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtHDTaL-FvqKJkh2Ud-BJyR1pN4EHF3a3_V07x8Ykovdb5_rq-KMgBG0laBx7iLeMpuajgmwf3W8455cKafOpEhPv3Yfpke2haCjW-ef0_dJM8s97BHzn89eozAh4ljOPIFA5D0VnQnvLnhzG7QLk29CYvdewrjnUlP3jlIoOTp_kknDeLAbxszlvq6o/w480-h640/IMG_3707.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Lots of other little flowers are blooming.</div><div>Mostly you do not see scilla as an individual flower. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusUlbPevqqWpp9tNJFEIsAEJkdQuPU3uo2tWGn4AWNOsM79-eTB5SbzmNWH_vu3iDe7By7K-lbnNnAn4nlpMN7GQaZhPSTRKpQ7C7CAdvFZ8qVB2aYUSSGMJfAlUS5D42C70_BRl80GF0jFw93SXo4v-5UH3Xhk-VZGiMbzXZjhZDdd-dHAQmOYginkY/s4032/IMG_3724.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusUlbPevqqWpp9tNJFEIsAEJkdQuPU3uo2tWGn4AWNOsM79-eTB5SbzmNWH_vu3iDe7By7K-lbnNnAn4nlpMN7GQaZhPSTRKpQ7C7CAdvFZ8qVB2aYUSSGMJfAlUS5D42C70_BRl80GF0jFw93SXo4v-5UH3Xhk-VZGiMbzXZjhZDdd-dHAQmOYginkY/w480-h640/IMG_3724.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The scilla or squill makes a very short carpet.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEzvm05EfZzFMRYYkJdr6wOVruJRe2p7Svh6IB7ONGbvKS7deYXQg0hDcCnJlZCp36TBvfyCa6j1jJCnwgWQAcvV7v8m_M3JCtUSKvmdePYq4XqjfyARJTwkVYbAElJYG71idlGu9YOtrOWMJyXQNlfq3Y8OK-fIToFK5kkqCJgkmb_Bz7kKbGSbWLjA/s4032/IMG_3748.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEzvm05EfZzFMRYYkJdr6wOVruJRe2p7Svh6IB7ONGbvKS7deYXQg0hDcCnJlZCp36TBvfyCa6j1jJCnwgWQAcvV7v8m_M3JCtUSKvmdePYq4XqjfyARJTwkVYbAElJYG71idlGu9YOtrOWMJyXQNlfq3Y8OK-fIToFK5kkqCJgkmb_Bz7kKbGSbWLjA/w640-h480/IMG_3748.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Then there is the chionodoxia. </div><div><br /></div><div>Blue</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFUUcMn83HIz_gmYtyg6Sy3-f3087xLk6ecFYhlFK_EKlU-krsSIFGv-_vO2a4WJMQPdqsjeulxvImzbGEd-ENT2gOwOTyqljNS1hdJFEPVXH7ZFO6hTGYabWbXK6dqYuakfZDPfbTIfTmuhHZNmQe2Vnrk5ZuZvhrN6YDnasLAmoPGQiRQEmWqCb_98/s4032/IMG_3725.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFUUcMn83HIz_gmYtyg6Sy3-f3087xLk6ecFYhlFK_EKlU-krsSIFGv-_vO2a4WJMQPdqsjeulxvImzbGEd-ENT2gOwOTyqljNS1hdJFEPVXH7ZFO6hTGYabWbXK6dqYuakfZDPfbTIfTmuhHZNmQe2Vnrk5ZuZvhrN6YDnasLAmoPGQiRQEmWqCb_98/w480-h640/IMG_3725.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Pink</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQupSUbfygfjexFDZ21nH-PZ0s8Y5FKnB-SVxtgQPVSFmYT84gIKAiYQ0ajaYnE-5IeNdI4Rvaz-EHZ_qIvEwhOtPT-5GM43FTrTVMINi3SFoTop4tZUaKQFfqfFphBB41IP-w5ywOACRX-hkv8povNLx8WxK7A-TjlMFgYHsnY-VjhqcrwYYKMUy1S-4/s3757/IMG_3728.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2818" data-original-width="3757" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQupSUbfygfjexFDZ21nH-PZ0s8Y5FKnB-SVxtgQPVSFmYT84gIKAiYQ0ajaYnE-5IeNdI4Rvaz-EHZ_qIvEwhOtPT-5GM43FTrTVMINi3SFoTop4tZUaKQFfqfFphBB41IP-w5ywOACRX-hkv8povNLx8WxK7A-TjlMFgYHsnY-VjhqcrwYYKMUy1S-4/w640-h480/IMG_3728.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>The hellebores are doing what they do. A few were in fact a little nipped by the freeze (down to 8 degrees) at the very end of February.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2zbAvnzQeRU1CksYXMKVifBc5ngBnAHcU7leA59akfYl7XZrylEOcpZ3hwEC6N8cKsRKYxod6Owm48Kg2nJitGpCwkWIlylOducSA_QBSfy195NDzlstHcQyhaPTSG8NPHjIU6VBChuqbX3JR0GfoYkhjGv2k_JxvbZEj-susqnt9heDZaaFljXPX8U/s4032/IMG_3727.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2zbAvnzQeRU1CksYXMKVifBc5ngBnAHcU7leA59akfYl7XZrylEOcpZ3hwEC6N8cKsRKYxod6Owm48Kg2nJitGpCwkWIlylOducSA_QBSfy195NDzlstHcQyhaPTSG8NPHjIU6VBChuqbX3JR0GfoYkhjGv2k_JxvbZEj-susqnt9heDZaaFljXPX8U/w640-h480/IMG_3727.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We have a place, up by the house on the west side, where there are hyacinths. These were purchased over the years for forcing inside. When they were finished we kept the bulbs and planted them outside.</div><div>They are coming.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJlMegZW7XBRq8zltFZTFqO1SiaLNdhVf-8UgCYQb3uMzfROcLVHj5opnVHMGzCb2T-dBmj150NAV7BOrgcebDkPAdsXgwYuc8HwsIQae1Tbgu2v2MkVFf2XSSEfybcqpbCk6p5m4rUSABn8OJCbGrymjsq-WPHiazoCPnZTy_8JgTUKeXSrKhhrU5dw/s4032/IMG_3736.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJlMegZW7XBRq8zltFZTFqO1SiaLNdhVf-8UgCYQb3uMzfROcLVHj5opnVHMGzCb2T-dBmj150NAV7BOrgcebDkPAdsXgwYuc8HwsIQae1Tbgu2v2MkVFf2XSSEfybcqpbCk6p5m4rUSABn8OJCbGrymjsq-WPHiazoCPnZTy_8JgTUKeXSrKhhrU5dw/w480-h640/IMG_3736.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The kale hangs on.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nOuJRFl8tiMMjJiJGAVrGbDvDm4cazYdgDmKObxyc36XYVN-sgx_K9WPzDrOcsXTXH0vrFXXXYxj7vCjfyvpSqzLPOU2gIUwkU_musxL7pwrFeRhkhi5lM4PFjYbArJxtX4lLBkjKMUGK2SnFQgVZmrOe04SIm2JZWRER7z0DBBF3ZFq2-LE-aECDAY/s4032/IMG_3737.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nOuJRFl8tiMMjJiJGAVrGbDvDm4cazYdgDmKObxyc36XYVN-sgx_K9WPzDrOcsXTXH0vrFXXXYxj7vCjfyvpSqzLPOU2gIUwkU_musxL7pwrFeRhkhi5lM4PFjYbArJxtX4lLBkjKMUGK2SnFQgVZmrOe04SIm2JZWRER7z0DBBF3ZFq2-LE-aECDAY/w640-h480/IMG_3737.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_upNPJBnk6PSS3YMgDwAWmQ1CMueIYMxD9NKWH0zWJddu1_IK-oaMpp8FIRF1CcGPO2COxt1kA5Kk3RopdFPOC0HOCxQdSDcn6iDNBBsddKnJUrfgwE30pzZNa226R6H0xBDQ8zePUdCwP1VXC9uYQN4H4dV5ohVvZeHMnIKCLe0zUkEN2SuIXwDJmjc/s4032/IMG_3729.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_upNPJBnk6PSS3YMgDwAWmQ1CMueIYMxD9NKWH0zWJddu1_IK-oaMpp8FIRF1CcGPO2COxt1kA5Kk3RopdFPOC0HOCxQdSDcn6iDNBBsddKnJUrfgwE30pzZNa226R6H0xBDQ8zePUdCwP1VXC9uYQN4H4dV5ohVvZeHMnIKCLe0zUkEN2SuIXwDJmjc/w480-h640/IMG_3729.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>This is corydalis. It blooms at the same time as the scilla, making for a great combination.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccNUVblimOjXjEBoQvjf86gVQixUTqETamxlni_Sbj3rxBPBjimcQmpjeox4D8sB15dsw7k9ZfFsHKGkniBguGcVEiAqa6eCH8UV3FGO-aMjx8s-ujdKsjWF66Tu2gPVjYgIZTAVwP9tf7ID9JEEnJMBGRjzUJ3IGFnRy85xyO3-vhD2W_M-zOOIMbQk/s4032/IMG_3741.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccNUVblimOjXjEBoQvjf86gVQixUTqETamxlni_Sbj3rxBPBjimcQmpjeox4D8sB15dsw7k9ZfFsHKGkniBguGcVEiAqa6eCH8UV3FGO-aMjx8s-ujdKsjWF66Tu2gPVjYgIZTAVwP9tf7ID9JEEnJMBGRjzUJ3IGFnRy85xyO3-vhD2W_M-zOOIMbQk/s320/IMG_3741.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Julia's Recipe</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">One pot pasta</span></b></p><p>This is a NYT recipe, which apparently was a big deal sometime in the past but I missed it the first time around. It's vegetarian (can be vegan); fast and tasty. We had it as a main course, but it could certainly be a side with a piece of fish or chicken. Philip forgot to take a picture of the ingredients, but that's okay. There aren't that many ingredients, and I will list them below.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIs4ugjfyO5aGWAFeiD_GbcAmN8KfU-4MrVEcgkaCWYkPl3Sl2xriCghC3NGDwk9g1TLEf5W8QxFv_YG2ZMInJ-78_BMZzUhH3JfGlB2w0Rys-C6W8byAdeYNURterPqOx55Y6Q8XBC3NsQpPdmVv5gPyFnBuABp0XbG1y3uyuHIPAMemdFlMByPGmig/s4032/IMG_3708.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIs4ugjfyO5aGWAFeiD_GbcAmN8KfU-4MrVEcgkaCWYkPl3Sl2xriCghC3NGDwk9g1TLEf5W8QxFv_YG2ZMInJ-78_BMZzUhH3JfGlB2w0Rys-C6W8byAdeYNURterPqOx55Y6Q8XBC3NsQpPdmVv5gPyFnBuABp0XbG1y3uyuHIPAMemdFlMByPGmig/w300-h400/IMG_3708.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>The ingredients:</p><p>1/2 lb. spaghetti;</p><p>1 pint cherry tomatoes;</p><p>1 bunch lacinato kale;</p><p>1 lemon (for zest);</p><p>1/4 cup olive oil;</p><p>1 teaspoon salt;</p><p>some pepper; and</p><p>some parmesan cheese.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I pulled out a big skillet, one that was big enough to hold the uncooked spaghetti without breaking it. I put the spaghetti in the skillet. Then I cut all of the cherry tomatoes in half and added them. I put the tea kettle on because I was going to need 2-1/2 (or so) cups of boiling water.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-DFmQE0HkNBC3B8u4E1mOsHc-NctyaHMn3ed0bmlANKOooorIQ2vwKdM6kGLOVri9azXl7Etq5zKzicrgJO66wvBMEg3ZXsPPtt_gSDLA6aCg__Lui3iSolyxt8-W7hA4M-o2sd8CkTbjRlhnO8FhGNSMBWEz138HCYVq7oAZbq8jAL114isklPRzOY/s4032/IMG_3709.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-DFmQE0HkNBC3B8u4E1mOsHc-NctyaHMn3ed0bmlANKOooorIQ2vwKdM6kGLOVri9azXl7Etq5zKzicrgJO66wvBMEg3ZXsPPtt_gSDLA6aCg__Lui3iSolyxt8-W7hA4M-o2sd8CkTbjRlhnO8FhGNSMBWEz138HCYVq7oAZbq8jAL114isklPRzOY/w300-h400/IMG_3709.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>Next, I zested the lemon on top of the tomatoes, added the olive oil and the teaspoon of salt and some grinds of pepper. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Then I poured in the boiling water. I started with 2 cups. I brought the contents of the skillet to a boil (which did not take long) and then simmered the mixture for about 6 minutes. I stirred the contents a bit as the spaghetti softened. It looked dry so I added a little more water. Maybe 1/2 cup extra in all. The water in the tea kettle was still plenty hot.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzRApNzU4-U_wv3S_9DoSBvU--GqcoSgGaPTNKu-t8ZIrA03ongphLdPUoShjZThyChlpytQqgD7HP2KmIv' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-LzOF_rBoWwzsDDNBMQBeDEVAwYNUIqVUhGryJ1DfQBVDhvWKgGF7bIQn1eeVWGxON1dgk4Aqg42X1bgND4m9a0UPKAKtIN6_6aZEaLLwfIZNFok1L58Gurvx-A4PVGUDhmZACRAinhXko1u0RN3UtS__Ru1RW5we-K0Y1kp_7jiAB2g0kpzGcCbzBE/s4032/IMG_3711.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-LzOF_rBoWwzsDDNBMQBeDEVAwYNUIqVUhGryJ1DfQBVDhvWKgGF7bIQn1eeVWGxON1dgk4Aqg42X1bgND4m9a0UPKAKtIN6_6aZEaLLwfIZNFok1L58Gurvx-A4PVGUDhmZACRAinhXko1u0RN3UtS__Ru1RW5we-K0Y1kp_7jiAB2g0kpzGcCbzBE/w300-h400/IMG_3711.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Here it is as the spaghetti was loosening up. </p><p>While that was going on, I removed the stems from the kale, the most annoying part of the whole process. But I had young-ish lacinato kale which I knew would be pretty tender, so annoying was in a good cause.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4WU-DCmxIjpA-X0u7_fXjn4TvfoQIfEKq6zlrSjMxxaxeppFuifMkwDmzgFu99u9nhZFCYWMvGRlLBFZN_hHinZarRBdkdcHlDdIYi7j4iS7XsZiYoUcI0yoPnLXh4CCv6OdW-YpjJwhuN0_cWAeQqc_3mNcMYrlW74h5SjxpQag058CWiAhHNIEYk8/s4032/IMG_3712.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4WU-DCmxIjpA-X0u7_fXjn4TvfoQIfEKq6zlrSjMxxaxeppFuifMkwDmzgFu99u9nhZFCYWMvGRlLBFZN_hHinZarRBdkdcHlDdIYi7j4iS7XsZiYoUcI0yoPnLXh4CCv6OdW-YpjJwhuN0_cWAeQqc_3mNcMYrlW74h5SjxpQag058CWiAhHNIEYk8/w300-h400/IMG_3712.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>After the kale was de-stemmed, I washed it...</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGeWNlEgnyDQDPKSukfYnBEk9r73ksireW0H0LsUjhsSXc4sUAnuE3RlPaUt43hEekI6595hwZ8mxt9l6mYr_tFcUhvnIMhl5aE6DA44xl8NuPU7CUq87ST4Q-WTyRKbBW9XNCFrUEq_ps-M63hOBQwLhEKo3QQZfNRe-wx_xIZ6CvasoWnThtq4dsrQ/s4032/IMG_3713.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGeWNlEgnyDQDPKSukfYnBEk9r73ksireW0H0LsUjhsSXc4sUAnuE3RlPaUt43hEekI6595hwZ8mxt9l6mYr_tFcUhvnIMhl5aE6DA44xl8NuPU7CUq87ST4Q-WTyRKbBW9XNCFrUEq_ps-M63hOBQwLhEKo3QQZfNRe-wx_xIZ6CvasoWnThtq4dsrQ/w300-h400/IMG_3713.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>and sliced across the leaves to get kale strips. I was not precise in width - probably about 1/2" wide. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfKrkl3QtSVZhVM9GtIQ4k1seE2hfHYlbyNmTLZxC5BB7DnDHqabrPzVzcvacvyib2Ey6O7G_fqaGnLKU7DAThh4Y2UZsDV-XRsEzvuvoPczXH52Mwpjmrt9dN5b3mbqqqunow7Ciu-FXGaTrZD1OfhXaACzyfn3XHYFMdP3ChIxzdnlpt84yjYdS8C0/s4032/IMG_3714.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfKrkl3QtSVZhVM9GtIQ4k1seE2hfHYlbyNmTLZxC5BB7DnDHqabrPzVzcvacvyib2Ey6O7G_fqaGnLKU7DAThh4Y2UZsDV-XRsEzvuvoPczXH52Mwpjmrt9dN5b3mbqqqunow7Ciu-FXGaTrZD1OfhXaACzyfn3XHYFMdP3ChIxzdnlpt84yjYdS8C0/w300-h400/IMG_3714.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>When the 6 minutes had passed and the spaghetti looked mostly done, I added the kale in handfuls. There was a lot of kale, but kale (like all such greens) wilts pretty quickly and the volume is reduced.</p><p>The idea is that the pasta water, with whatever liquid was generated by the tomatoes and kale and by the oil, would turn into a sauce. And it did. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkudeorB2WzIQkZnHxS_nD59pTUrOLghuypPWZiDQr4p29rR_E45x9cINUV2aiNGbckTRHo60A55KnhKb482tXWRvU9pTKIVqJ55gjJ6uRIXs9bqch2SnY9SsrUO9hV8aEFOSuQh0BnMbFYt_Ls8qMJKdiK20G0n1rGZ-Cvp-H0aPR12OTpU7j7eguwE/s4032/IMG_3715.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkudeorB2WzIQkZnHxS_nD59pTUrOLghuypPWZiDQr4p29rR_E45x9cINUV2aiNGbckTRHo60A55KnhKb482tXWRvU9pTKIVqJ55gjJ6uRIXs9bqch2SnY9SsrUO9hV8aEFOSuQh0BnMbFYt_Ls8qMJKdiK20G0n1rGZ-Cvp-H0aPR12OTpU7j7eguwE/w400-h300/IMG_3715.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p>After the kale had wilted, I turned everything out onto a nice platter and sprinkled it with parmesan, which was also on the table for extra sprinkling. </p><div><br /></div><div>The whole thing took maybe 30 minutes, even with kale de-stemming. We had salad and blackberries with yogurt. </div><div>You could taste a hint of lemon, plus the tomato and the kale. Flavorful in spite of the simplicity of ingredients and method. </div><div><br /></div><div>The actual recipe called for twice as much of everything, except the kale. I thought that would have been too much for us. And it would have been. But if you have more mouths to feed, double the ingredients. I think double the kale as well. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Odds and Ends</b></span></p><p>I have mentioned garden yardsticks or mile posts.</p><p>Forsythia- While I do not grow it, we have seen it in the neighborhood this past week.</p><p>Star magnolia- In 2012, that very warm spring, the Start magnolia bloomed on March 18. In 2024 it has started to bloom. Since it is not in full bloom, I would say that 2012 was a few days earlier than this year.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSuNtfFF0nbNxD-31-EEUi4_hLKKeIMsnv2LTB_VeeY4ZAkwC-EIk6SUIvR74_qh6g_oDe_rcyM7m84UbP-XdthBP8peKUCTL2p14ahnhMaZ6QtbnfIfxNbl43fgqvG_Nh0baDJP4SHSqYPaGJm3krmO7K9x6L0fZl8JluU_czLPxuW6-QsiIb80izjQ/s4032/IMG_3743.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSuNtfFF0nbNxD-31-EEUi4_hLKKeIMsnv2LTB_VeeY4ZAkwC-EIk6SUIvR74_qh6g_oDe_rcyM7m84UbP-XdthBP8peKUCTL2p14ahnhMaZ6QtbnfIfxNbl43fgqvG_Nh0baDJP4SHSqYPaGJm3krmO7K9x6L0fZl8JluU_czLPxuW6-QsiIb80izjQ/w400-h300/IMG_3743.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>I should mention that it is cooling off at the moment. We had 3 days in the low 70's this week, along with some nice rain on Thursday. What was important for accelerating plant development was the fact that the lows this past week stayed above freezing.</p><p>This coming week with give us temperatures at night in the 20's. tonight is predicted to get to 20. That is cold enough to make you worry a little. But worrying will not make much difference. </p><p><br /></p><p>Daylight savings time is here. Having awakened this morning (Sunday) at 4:15 I think my biological clock has adjusted. I do miss that light at 6:30 in the morning. I was able to do some gardening before work.</p><p>Normals temperatures for this time of year are 50 for highs, 30 for low.</p><p>There will be some new plants in the garden this spring. This is iris bucharica. We had it for years in the front yard, by the sidewalk. It slowly disappeared. We got some more this past fall and it is coming up. </p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLunhLSbSrwOoaCsXK_NgPZ3rtl5od3AKBs11qAkkTmntAxtXludYmqcd7AMMP0CEt80sY9vS505IXpaIx1epRoDnJY8gFhtofWr0HoJ5F1vTvftydROBA9zyiL1th6LTdIfda7E4eF7oiwwpQdLn5pXFgNwm2IPDmC6kK7oFy3qrhmftde_ibftN4uw/s4032/IMG_3745.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLunhLSbSrwOoaCsXK_NgPZ3rtl5od3AKBs11qAkkTmntAxtXludYmqcd7AMMP0CEt80sY9vS505IXpaIx1epRoDnJY8gFhtofWr0HoJ5F1vTvftydROBA9zyiL1th6LTdIfda7E4eF7oiwwpQdLn5pXFgNwm2IPDmC6kK7oFy3qrhmftde_ibftN4uw/w480-h640/IMG_3745.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This clump of crocuses was in the front grass this past week. It is always interesting to see plants that just show up places where they have not been planted. At least they were not planted by me.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZcihUtEjkdzwq_jo73Hbr1yLcRNsV_tGvlPGO6vkdPAhCl5uM5Ug7tEWfKu1c6C0itVTQMIVJLmBvOB7KuiDtCi0ykr5SJh5JXWVON2Ga8ZosV88ZJNE0sgLGwkIQWTc7H45LZNT8_aRPLZ1JMPe5Uy1Wco3Q_ITXe3fp75qoAUXfgyJ3kjRRzYs9Xs/s4032/IMG_3733.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZcihUtEjkdzwq_jo73Hbr1yLcRNsV_tGvlPGO6vkdPAhCl5uM5Ug7tEWfKu1c6C0itVTQMIVJLmBvOB7KuiDtCi0ykr5SJh5JXWVON2Ga8ZosV88ZJNE0sgLGwkIQWTc7H45LZNT8_aRPLZ1JMPe5Uy1Wco3Q_ITXe3fp75qoAUXfgyJ3kjRRzYs9Xs/w640-h480/IMG_3733.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Friday morning we saw a pileated woodpecker in the walnut tree. It was remarkably large. It did not stay there long enough for pictures. It did stay around long enough for me to have Julia come see it, out our bedroom window.</div><div>I just discovered this nice webcite.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pileated_Woodpecker/maps-sightings#">https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pileated_Woodpecker/maps-sightings#</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>That map is what I have wanted to do with daffodils. I would then like to have it move with time, showing how daffodils, with the spring, moves north over time.</div><div><br /></div><div>That is about it. It is a tiring time of the year. Inside. Outside. Deer. Freezes. Plant sale. And then there is work. </div><div>And then there is the world. At least we have Catlin Clark.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pray for peace.</div><div>Pray for reconciliation.</div><div>Pray for kindness.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is always good to hear from you.</div><div><br /></div><div>Philip</div>philip Mearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04384629201161240341noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509434911388799.post-82766015021708188582024-03-10T07:05:00.001-05:002024-03-10T07:05:12.142-05:00March 10, 2024- Week #3 of the playoffs<p>Greetings</p><p>We had some rain. Finally. It actually rained during three days, accumulating over an inch. It was one of those rains farmers would call "million dollar rains." It was gradual, all going right into the welcoming ground. I had done my part. I bought another flexible crinkley hose and watered for over an hour last weekend. I do like those hoses. You can carry them around and even put them into a bucket. I used one last summer over at the City garden plot.</p><p>Warmer weather continues. It actually reached 80 degrees last Monday. It has cooled considerably since then, but the forecast is a little above normal. "Normal high" at this point is something like 47 degrees.</p><p>Actually I should mention that yesterday, Saturday, it was very sunny but only 43 degrees. That was several degrees below nirmal. I wore my wool hat when I went out in the afternoon and puttered around in the garden. I potted up some hellebore seedlings, that should be ready to bloom next year.</p><p>I have been trying to spend at least 30 minutes each day on the indoor garden. That tends to be forgotten when the outside opens up. I have been remembering to water the orchids and potting Shirley poppies into larger pots.</p><p>Some plants are getting the garage treatment at the moment. That means they go out into the sun during the day but return to the garage at night. I forgot one night and left the lettuce out for the night. Deer do eat lettuce.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Last week was Week #2 of the playoffs.</span></b></p><p>The winner in breeze was the striped crocus. Last year this clump bloomed on March 30. This year, in the bonus section you will see a single striped crocus this year, which bloomed on March 6. I would put this crocus, like many of the larger crocuses, in the later blooming group during the crocus season.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7rQVIBtsl2qva3xDQ_dzP6e-J22kGEM5a4VYOgbUdRHm10urL3b3MkJxDYwC5pgcEzhTipJqXsEGCj7qbdbBQa0_bGL_5S89uyR9ZuxfUkeGvzT7bBLGLK-WwQyzfcVGue0zlNq1moG9D6r5uJuytv2fKtl580Go-RTSEDVqKi4kebsyJnjwjTwHdaw/s3461/IMG_9936.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3461" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7rQVIBtsl2qva3xDQ_dzP6e-J22kGEM5a4VYOgbUdRHm10urL3b3MkJxDYwC5pgcEzhTipJqXsEGCj7qbdbBQa0_bGL_5S89uyR9ZuxfUkeGvzT7bBLGLK-WwQyzfcVGue0zlNq1moG9D6r5uJuytv2fKtl580Go-RTSEDVqKi4kebsyJnjwjTwHdaw/w560-h640/IMG_9936.jpeg" width="560" /></a></div><br /><p>Here is the final vote tally. I find it interesting that the crocus ran away with the vote. In Week 13, to get into the playoffs, the crocus could only manage a tie with the dogwood.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Dx2cfAo51Y6TBkSZByX4xMSvsk_oLuYgPVlm9YV7kEeJmCLNB44VIhz-Rkzj5w-n_0XWBbk5ILb1IID53vyx0X9-inkDGyyIzE3tIWllayan6SZQusrruBZwLZ1C-r-dumB6mcmswulxq5DiYqo4I-fvOzMEIZM94svPGyepYYy5SST_WamUfmwXKWo/s312/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-10%20at%206.11.03%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="312" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Dx2cfAo51Y6TBkSZByX4xMSvsk_oLuYgPVlm9YV7kEeJmCLNB44VIhz-Rkzj5w-n_0XWBbk5ILb1IID53vyx0X9-inkDGyyIzE3tIWllayan6SZQusrruBZwLZ1C-r-dumB6mcmswulxq5DiYqo4I-fvOzMEIZM94svPGyepYYy5SST_WamUfmwXKWo/s1600/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-10%20at%206.11.03%20AM.png" width="312" /></a></div><p> </p><p>The dogwood is in this week's contest. Could there be a rematch with the crocus in the finals?</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">This Week is Week #3 of the playoffs</span></b> </p><p style="text-align: center;">You select the third and final picture to be in the finals, in just one week.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#1 From Week 8</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Martian, the little Iris </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>April 29, 2023</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqzgjpePEsQkeZJhYL-KVtCThItqWqfXnez1a-3O5AImv5hsPz-JtUmgbJlkKaHS1jyPdZlS2m-VOXsvYbvkRut9IotRtaQYsDr19RAzUnJe6_Sjwsd959imJ4cmfMQY1MloqfWghbWLNgGZqZGoo7qMIrngxGQFyVez3xYv0gvtbAlRpiPBvFCMr954/s4032/IMG_0418.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqzgjpePEsQkeZJhYL-KVtCThItqWqfXnez1a-3O5AImv5hsPz-JtUmgbJlkKaHS1jyPdZlS2m-VOXsvYbvkRut9IotRtaQYsDr19RAzUnJe6_Sjwsd959imJ4cmfMQY1MloqfWghbWLNgGZqZGoo7qMIrngxGQFyVez3xYv0gvtbAlRpiPBvFCMr954/w480-h640/IMG_0418.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The little iris look so good this spring. They survived our two trips to single digits in the second half of February. This might be a year when there are bearded iris in March. I did find an iris picture on April 1, 2012. That was the very early spring I wrote about in last weeks blog.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#2 From Week 13 </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Here is the Pink Dogwood </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>May 3, 2023</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhatf2sT-2re0sdRaAFn1PVTPbRJZCuR7gLc_p5XU89IC1_vOabdGu1IzL2rFzGXWucK75e1VZvWb0AXnPJu9ZTQocI5bRowOfZ2b2UliDQPvdncFjIQJsVAc9YBpTGED58sezGL2hHsOZtr-zzuf7VZkXiy8JpG7Z9IPPZGBmZ2IHXyoL_FvqlbWxFho/s2968/IMG_0494.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2622" data-original-width="2968" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhatf2sT-2re0sdRaAFn1PVTPbRJZCuR7gLc_p5XU89IC1_vOabdGu1IzL2rFzGXWucK75e1VZvWb0AXnPJu9ZTQocI5bRowOfZ2b2UliDQPvdncFjIQJsVAc9YBpTGED58sezGL2hHsOZtr-zzuf7VZkXiy8JpG7Z9IPPZGBmZ2IHXyoL_FvqlbWxFho/w640-h566/IMG_0494.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The pink dogwood is probably 30 years old at the point. Its buds appear in the fall and then wait. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#3 From Week 4</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Purple Siberian Iris</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> May 27, 2023</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DuKlRHDMyUzhxxnkbXx41zVmgxz_JgDYHkGpmF6fHKBUb_b1pTlwKDcreUi5DM3gMtlKxE7_VtOrgYGmyDKs_XBLyv1fgXbrkaHnO2m512r3DO-64AT4Lw6HbF3-J8rwqv3ce56ArjY8yn1IBYnn-o8i9WMaqmzQApaUiZ6KuWiU-1nvxbzBGvLcFW8/s3229/IMG_0755.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2535" data-original-width="3229" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DuKlRHDMyUzhxxnkbXx41zVmgxz_JgDYHkGpmF6fHKBUb_b1pTlwKDcreUi5DM3gMtlKxE7_VtOrgYGmyDKs_XBLyv1fgXbrkaHnO2m512r3DO-64AT4Lw6HbF3-J8rwqv3ce56ArjY8yn1IBYnn-o8i9WMaqmzQApaUiZ6KuWiU-1nvxbzBGvLcFW8/w640-h502/IMG_0755.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Siberian Iris are still very quiet this spring. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#4 From Week 12</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> Black Shirley Poppy</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> June 1, 2023</span></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaHVTZ8-EnMQE33cmeociW8D9loePOSXJSKq3mj8OLfvYiTu8i0Di8R2aDd4_ixMV_iL36sc-D-aQV1kPMnKhHYcC_5a_lTYMMRDsR7viH0x4aiIU-Lat-YrRt8C_n6HNKR9XNzbOzcnro6C028hh5_HrIwfQrZGBeqnfIpziiZgwYfR3HdbzCMhB6_4/s4032/IMG_0836.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaHVTZ8-EnMQE33cmeociW8D9loePOSXJSKq3mj8OLfvYiTu8i0Di8R2aDd4_ixMV_iL36sc-D-aQV1kPMnKhHYcC_5a_lTYMMRDsR7viH0x4aiIU-Lat-YrRt8C_n6HNKR9XNzbOzcnro6C028hh5_HrIwfQrZGBeqnfIpziiZgwYfR3HdbzCMhB6_4/w640-h480/IMG_0836.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is the last chance for a Shirley poppy to get back to the finals. A pink Shirley won in 2022, the first year when they appeared in the garden. It was shut out last year.</div><div>I am planting them from 6 packs into little 2 inch pots at this point. I have about 20 of these gray ones.</div><div>I will have over a hundred of the other varieties.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#5 From Week11</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Bird of Paradise </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>January 1, 2023</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hx9U9Aj81Pc2j6371hsC-ILlfleLbILBjIilCDsc_640sE2kbDxfiUe6k9lyPBSpChrc1JJOAOws4CiUeLtigD0vlqsasNph2yUQ78tpwwUn0qR5h7woaNDRch9lVQ0zp1tvso1XUCEfY81dIjSTbg1lDnnYC6ViXo0vubXxnw95dQ4s8vzAiEyKIYk/s3516/IMG_9306.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2674" data-original-width="3516" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hx9U9Aj81Pc2j6371hsC-ILlfleLbILBjIilCDsc_640sE2kbDxfiUe6k9lyPBSpChrc1JJOAOws4CiUeLtigD0vlqsasNph2yUQ78tpwwUn0qR5h7woaNDRch9lVQ0zp1tvso1XUCEfY81dIjSTbg1lDnnYC6ViXo0vubXxnw95dQ4s8vzAiEyKIYk/w640-h486/IMG_9306.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>This was the only time this plant has bloomed. It is still growing in the basement under lights. I will get it outside and figure out what kind of fertilizer it needs. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Right Now</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">This is paphiopedilum Hawaiian Knight. We had been watching its bud since January 20. It finally opened about March 1.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCIKJClvmhMOW6Y0nyyH6hsDXzcqJ0q9JMWVOlPk8B2iHW_VQITYXhfWMIz1VlVfjxmjidEsECiC5y_V9ibkdv0V__LbRJriwUxrjUo3EiSviEqsYZ4GUnCqbDKEgrqFFv7FQLc0r4lT3KMh59ooqBdIcnh0GbXaEyDkj1USCYTToAdXNi77gUSn41Yw/s4032/IMG_3621.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCIKJClvmhMOW6Y0nyyH6hsDXzcqJ0q9JMWVOlPk8B2iHW_VQITYXhfWMIz1VlVfjxmjidEsECiC5y_V9ibkdv0V__LbRJriwUxrjUo3EiSviEqsYZ4GUnCqbDKEgrqFFv7FQLc0r4lT3KMh59ooqBdIcnh0GbXaEyDkj1USCYTToAdXNi77gUSn41Yw/w640-h480/IMG_3621.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paphiopedilum<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>This is the time of year where you can literally find 1-2 more plants showing up every day. This is corydalis. That is probably a lupine seedling to its left. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGD2AKNeGYx878dRJvupnafLR2dCxPWOZwZsgrnAtfCbLj4zfGSbQ5RTg-BNB459fmJbgEkIAi3AV5nW6yf6JE-rdhry5eKCf55_zBoi8RCIhyphenhyphenGf-Imb75tfpdEeH7yyjDquLxqprXw20uMqfbNGT9olr-jasxvDhaIiYqPwjJ-gJAuX6d_yV8Xx_lcu0/s4032/IMG_3633.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGD2AKNeGYx878dRJvupnafLR2dCxPWOZwZsgrnAtfCbLj4zfGSbQ5RTg-BNB459fmJbgEkIAi3AV5nW6yf6JE-rdhry5eKCf55_zBoi8RCIhyphenhyphenGf-Imb75tfpdEeH7yyjDquLxqprXw20uMqfbNGT9olr-jasxvDhaIiYqPwjJ-gJAuX6d_yV8Xx_lcu0/w480-h640/IMG_3633.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As advertised, the first striped crocus. Some crocus form clumps. Some do not.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonrI0YZx-qTmi9WO0ikxIiphIdxkQScPwbtyljKJ5M1AZEhuKHV-36eZMO5CZ1nQtPihvr6Bti3ylN5crd2UEnJZLpf9OOXyquBI0kxAuR9PGz73vXxaujaxjfzeAHGR_Te00PIIWpu6Lk__TX4MgUrbZVE2Jss3DAm6SFdivmUtKCnetpUc8u5YOJ7M/s4032/IMG_3666.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonrI0YZx-qTmi9WO0ikxIiphIdxkQScPwbtyljKJ5M1AZEhuKHV-36eZMO5CZ1nQtPihvr6Bti3ylN5crd2UEnJZLpf9OOXyquBI0kxAuR9PGz73vXxaujaxjfzeAHGR_Te00PIIWpu6Lk__TX4MgUrbZVE2Jss3DAm6SFdivmUtKCnetpUc8u5YOJ7M/w480-h640/IMG_3666.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Another late crocus is the big white one.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioffyPFCoKeApRXgPxugeXcyKC_AU-HBuhKvoCofFoVNJwUUa0TjgPFOwq-E2Fm703nF7yOh3MMoZ3PTQ0KKagnaajS5j2Nr_HMGf4D5AHejNNdDZmz0WahO7BS3guOZmEFl6lENHycx5QVKBQy0B7xReBmSAZwG43-sbMWSDKbb_A4gV8swu5rr_bFzA/s4032/IMG_3667.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioffyPFCoKeApRXgPxugeXcyKC_AU-HBuhKvoCofFoVNJwUUa0TjgPFOwq-E2Fm703nF7yOh3MMoZ3PTQ0KKagnaajS5j2Nr_HMGf4D5AHejNNdDZmz0WahO7BS3guOZmEFl6lENHycx5QVKBQy0B7xReBmSAZwG43-sbMWSDKbb_A4gV8swu5rr_bFzA/w480-h640/IMG_3667.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Here was the first daffodil, opening on March 6, 2023. I should make a folder marked yardsticks.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHbrnwGBT7k-saKw-X49geFPPHL_4Jf8rzuE9eIIouKhs_iwDtUnpMgQLEa0Wbe_ZzZfeYd8RT-dgc3b-VH-4rZFtIPe6CfzhMiZfb3T9tWRXMdWUMAdlAveny8jnlR7jGmvaxmpsT1g8Ty2HCsHIo927MrK3SV43De0cm5CTJQ1tiCIVTnTxePj8aBE/s4032/IMG_3670.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHbrnwGBT7k-saKw-X49geFPPHL_4Jf8rzuE9eIIouKhs_iwDtUnpMgQLEa0Wbe_ZzZfeYd8RT-dgc3b-VH-4rZFtIPe6CfzhMiZfb3T9tWRXMdWUMAdlAveny8jnlR7jGmvaxmpsT1g8Ty2HCsHIo927MrK3SV43De0cm5CTJQ1tiCIVTnTxePj8aBE/w480-h640/IMG_3670.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is the first little pulmonaria flower.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uNCANmgBnko67zO9Xms3XBYmHsHkBD58INcorRWCx2lnG9iLMvhWprc9SZLMP0si6UN_5THm7utkmEX5GDoJHevXsXeMTTXbrl_tJAltoVlrJnJOCIsIV3UXpyRqoRdTNcBxuqbRiy399COt-4X51OWRE3fMC97J1hDV4mcfsGt7zWdFLYnT32go8Eg/s4032/IMG_3673.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uNCANmgBnko67zO9Xms3XBYmHsHkBD58INcorRWCx2lnG9iLMvhWprc9SZLMP0si6UN_5THm7utkmEX5GDoJHevXsXeMTTXbrl_tJAltoVlrJnJOCIsIV3UXpyRqoRdTNcBxuqbRiy399COt-4X51OWRE3fMC97J1hDV4mcfsGt7zWdFLYnT32go8Eg/w480-h640/IMG_3673.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>To the left of this daffodil is something that is sort of blue. It is a Virginia bluebell, In a month they will be all over. I can pot them up when they are small.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaauVl6KDrWQ0vTt8ZRWAUhWbkqFqANlVYRFE8DKE3jqkcZm2HpFlpzM02BqJ05UJ-O7ElYQL8aTyZy-JK5lCS23zbyEDAs6WrJeZ04bLldqkjQzAB-8LD4g7AZ4GPm0d_JDRrZYi_qoaB_y-LroHgIjVhd283VyOoXQNbzDwxGH9LYolBPmS_MtN45A/s4032/IMG_3674.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaauVl6KDrWQ0vTt8ZRWAUhWbkqFqANlVYRFE8DKE3jqkcZm2HpFlpzM02BqJ05UJ-O7ElYQL8aTyZy-JK5lCS23zbyEDAs6WrJeZ04bLldqkjQzAB-8LD4g7AZ4GPm0d_JDRrZYi_qoaB_y-LroHgIjVhd283VyOoXQNbzDwxGH9LYolBPmS_MtN45A/w480-h640/IMG_3674.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>These are Shirley poppy seedlings, outside. I noticed them in early January, and actually brought several inside. I do not recall ever having them reseed. <br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidtjLKyQ3KE48WGDADtwKhDRhBREb2msT-vcOj0olFbhwkQKrle3SS0bDEWs1W7edX0llyuPwwuBPGdbI_Zbhr-2rsL3afSSd4lbZWjN4QpYckD5srzH1SoCajQ9KONClNeVbGuueExO6uiX-wsufAb-RYP8YVuJjL8LqtbZ1LYkhofe-2wjNXJkeP7f8/s4032/IMG_3662.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidtjLKyQ3KE48WGDADtwKhDRhBREb2msT-vcOj0olFbhwkQKrle3SS0bDEWs1W7edX0llyuPwwuBPGdbI_Zbhr-2rsL3afSSd4lbZWjN4QpYckD5srzH1SoCajQ9KONClNeVbGuueExO6uiX-wsufAb-RYP8YVuJjL8LqtbZ1LYkhofe-2wjNXJkeP7f8/w640-h480/IMG_3662.jpeg" width="640" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>This is crocus 'tricolor'. It is one of my favorites.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmiBTjrhfwJrqdxrFHoY7AduXxRdGtLfT4UG71aKlw0w5UVku9vmTEEC6O1xodlDzp8H9zvgaRcK4g_WadKcISGvGtplynikrZdyGy-MKkUf2bvi3jxUY3XhQHJAnS0qgWXU2pGCFQ38wSqwZ2csWhX63YxvABzkcw3vpdPDz0vafWYAJbm3889a5-Nyk/s4032/IMG_3683.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmiBTjrhfwJrqdxrFHoY7AduXxRdGtLfT4UG71aKlw0w5UVku9vmTEEC6O1xodlDzp8H9zvgaRcK4g_WadKcISGvGtplynikrZdyGy-MKkUf2bvi3jxUY3XhQHJAnS0qgWXU2pGCFQ38wSqwZ2csWhX63YxvABzkcw3vpdPDz0vafWYAJbm3889a5-Nyk/w640-h480/IMG_3683.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Julia's recipe</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Meatballs, barley and kale</b></span></p><p>This recipe is from Greene on Greens, a cookbook from the 1980s. Each chapter focuses on a vegetable, starting with artichokes and ending with zucchini. Some of the recipes are side dishes; others are main courses. This is a main course, one-pot dinner. It takes a bit more time than some of the recipes I have posted, but it's good and unusual, reputedly Turkish in origin. Good enough for me. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2C1izjcCMf5J71g2u9kmJ44bswSgK9XXsh5HuEXiVuIxNYQZwLiY0VJ7SeHg01c9eP8TgRe8DVfh5s4uWmIbUaVUKYyvGRvfgEXCYLJvJwbfTvdzGSKZ2H6QbRM71HUCMd-04x8-mdlMJVRJ3gYB2__zya2PgDUZLAPABTE3t6lZfU37TFg3XqLhKf0c/s4032/IMG_3463.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2C1izjcCMf5J71g2u9kmJ44bswSgK9XXsh5HuEXiVuIxNYQZwLiY0VJ7SeHg01c9eP8TgRe8DVfh5s4uWmIbUaVUKYyvGRvfgEXCYLJvJwbfTvdzGSKZ2H6QbRM71HUCMd-04x8-mdlMJVRJ3gYB2__zya2PgDUZLAPABTE3t6lZfU37TFg3XqLhKf0c/w400-h300/IMG_3463.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The ingredients:</div><div>1/2 cup barley;</div><div>1 lb. ground lamb (or beef);</div><div>1/2 cup chopped onion;</div><div>1/2 cup panko bread crumbs;</div><div>1-1/2 cup chicken stock (I used better than bouillion);</div><div>1/8 teaspoon nutmeg;</div><div>3/4 teaspoon salt;</div><div>1 egg;</div><div>1 tablespoon butter;</div><div>1/4 teaspoon pepper;</div><div>1 tablespoon olive oil;</div><div>1 bunch of lacinato kale;</div><div>2 cloves garlic;</div><div>1 cup sour cream; and </div><div>1 teaspoon gr. coriander (not shown!)</div><div><br /></div><div>First, off camera, I put the barley on to cook. Small pot of water, with a big pinch of salt. I did not wait for the water to boil, although that's the usual instruction. It doesn't really matter. Once the pot came to a boil, I turned it down to a simmer, and it took about 20 minutesfor the barley to get tender. I was using Quaker Oats hulled barley. I think natural food store barley would take longer to cook. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sKz9uccJ1mNcK8oNzcmcZ93ZaGV1sO3VgVyq3Sk6qsnFALylVN_027jvxWhn1JNcigLayZlhyWWrQICsvvavWws7HXaX44ydjFwVr4_3Lbu6GU-ttvaTJGMdSISsKDZfwpBclnhF98JMVqrsKT0w9nJTHJ4o8bigK_lIyM2wp3p6QifofKTuM7FOkK0/s4032/IMG_3464.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sKz9uccJ1mNcK8oNzcmcZ93ZaGV1sO3VgVyq3Sk6qsnFALylVN_027jvxWhn1JNcigLayZlhyWWrQICsvvavWws7HXaX44ydjFwVr4_3Lbu6GU-ttvaTJGMdSISsKDZfwpBclnhF98JMVqrsKT0w9nJTHJ4o8bigK_lIyM2wp3p6QifofKTuM7FOkK0/w300-h400/IMG_3464.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Here's the meatball bowl with the panko bread crumbs, onions, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and the nutmeg.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxjjgLQkR1-WnD93l8dMA6sc8e2lHIadPEpolXuWEsE2qlu9-mfq2_AIBeKdDqPytxMtxwyUa6nNZzA23EjnJq47fCPEKX3TJM9j8l1ZlG9Tvll9h6-2C1-8hax9hehFpkhSF0YNpwHaOHAdHSQNaI4pBYHoR-75-aJ98gXcL28upRoopQC8NxpX6Mvw/s4032/IMG_3465.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxjjgLQkR1-WnD93l8dMA6sc8e2lHIadPEpolXuWEsE2qlu9-mfq2_AIBeKdDqPytxMtxwyUa6nNZzA23EjnJq47fCPEKX3TJM9j8l1ZlG9Tvll9h6-2C1-8hax9hehFpkhSF0YNpwHaOHAdHSQNaI4pBYHoR-75-aJ98gXcL28upRoopQC8NxpX6Mvw/w300-h400/IMG_3465.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div>At this point, I had added the lamb, egg, and black pepper and was finishing with about 1/2 cup of chicken stock. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>There is only one way to make meatballs: take your watch off, roll your sleeves up and mush everything together. Not my favorite cooking task, but the only way to make meatballs. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwRWaTJ9HFgJdTuq7YQwA2TcWTOc4Oe4EJilnEa2Y7R8J1Vwfu6-l5tL5MQ7oJEsH3m0CpTOau3vSnOPMm0' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaSI9ge0_sRCktlNb9Ba34DEDZi2kZSRj-ZdXgtvEx1Y699Pn7lOIFoHSUywKOgKR1t1oyWI8KaNcd27E-Q1euLfuYhB9A0UDK76GWnfiTFiph1nSCmW1rkVhPJIfNBd2bq0NrVoITFfxeGIW0xWwuZ8VdTppBVXkqSo0NW4G4VBJALxS5I8OjS_irqU0/s4032/IMG_3467.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaSI9ge0_sRCktlNb9Ba34DEDZi2kZSRj-ZdXgtvEx1Y699Pn7lOIFoHSUywKOgKR1t1oyWI8KaNcd27E-Q1euLfuYhB9A0UDK76GWnfiTFiph1nSCmW1rkVhPJIfNBd2bq0NrVoITFfxeGIW0xWwuZ8VdTppBVXkqSo0NW4G4VBJALxS5I8OjS_irqU0/w300-h400/IMG_3467.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div>I used a small disher (little ice cream scoop, really) to make a bunch of small meatballs.I scooped out roughly equivalent amounts of the mixture, and then rolled them in my hands. I ended up with a lot of meatballs. I don't remember, but I think it was about 20. I set them aside.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywawhyphenhyphenBcFITjm1VJ7eQ2QP1Qvye-Qnm7MuO4Yjymf_6EpSWyRK7fvMvMYrvcLU4ADSN8NmnafuLgNW9nG38zLlXZUADQ6SXE37CR3nsfzhF44DTZ6yasCWlj6jTyMxXeCizPVAWQuPdKsIX48GYxwjAC_205DIAqGETTcw2gzPJrI2bYVVWrQ0Kt-Qcw/s4032/IMG_3468.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywawhyphenhyphenBcFITjm1VJ7eQ2QP1Qvye-Qnm7MuO4Yjymf_6EpSWyRK7fvMvMYrvcLU4ADSN8NmnafuLgNW9nG38zLlXZUADQ6SXE37CR3nsfzhF44DTZ6yasCWlj6jTyMxXeCizPVAWQuPdKsIX48GYxwjAC_205DIAqGETTcw2gzPJrI2bYVVWrQ0Kt-Qcw/w300-h400/IMG_3468.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Next I prepped the kale, rinsing it off and then cutting out the center stems.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also peeled the garlic, shown sitting on the cutting board.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjot0566k30IOyU8ys9Qel02sKfFkuIVMG9EU6ZNU1pc7miq2V9yQCy9cumi2ZZAvFxJDw19OKQohBtmXDhHMv7npXH2YtBeiqFkgvr5Y86sYiX6qr7Q9XSTHdQd5CYwFtc8gzYo_wrKKoeH4rlxHLfgjpSYesgi4U-ySlWBE1ZcjiDkY7AM6uaIn2DHRg/s4032/IMG_3469.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjot0566k30IOyU8ys9Qel02sKfFkuIVMG9EU6ZNU1pc7miq2V9yQCy9cumi2ZZAvFxJDw19OKQohBtmXDhHMv7npXH2YtBeiqFkgvr5Y86sYiX6qr7Q9XSTHdQd5CYwFtc8gzYo_wrKKoeH4rlxHLfgjpSYesgi4U-ySlWBE1ZcjiDkY7AM6uaIn2DHRg/w300-h400/IMG_3469.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div>After de-stemming the kale, I sliced it across into maybe 1/2" to 3/4" strips. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1s4n_eP2MtdygZ3LPfzp_co4ArdUJ4rNMN8ez-7NZAVTzbuTmASg7Nn1cSG80DScp4BLU7TeU3o8Lpcn_ad88_vzDQOU_iPCtaCBPWLhjWYpxZvAfZ9TcX_NdKjtGbZRKzNCiC8omeGoAqB6_P4qQ99XT2yzOU95CpfRaMJI7UMRXRdwT_dXdODHJ2A/s4032/IMG_3470.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1s4n_eP2MtdygZ3LPfzp_co4ArdUJ4rNMN8ez-7NZAVTzbuTmASg7Nn1cSG80DScp4BLU7TeU3o8Lpcn_ad88_vzDQOU_iPCtaCBPWLhjWYpxZvAfZ9TcX_NdKjtGbZRKzNCiC8omeGoAqB6_P4qQ99XT2yzOU95CpfRaMJI7UMRXRdwT_dXdODHJ2A/w300-h400/IMG_3470.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div>I left the kale on the cutting board, and I browned the meatballs. I put 1/2 tablespoon of the olive oil (that is, not much!) into a no-stick skillet and browned the meatballs. I did not cook them through, just some color. The meatballs were a bit delicate, so I used tongs to turn them gently. </div><div><br /></div><div>I cooked the meatballs in two batches, using the rest of the olive oil for the second batch.</div><div><br /></div><div>When they were browned, I put them back on the plate where they would sit while...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugMi0urrqHBvYt7PYGC1s8CPdMPmO4am55yJ1a9a-IYy0o7x5dYU12SHb_HRRiNMFIev4K-j0YU8Nov_SbiOYT9rTs1O3_QvygCovmeg1iDzW1uWkvllqRevOkiSm2WWeoUi94E_hfpWEtTGGb42sGg58WWNT-cirxu5RtpW1EvQwGBhtg6YiWNXFdUg/s4032/IMG_3471.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugMi0urrqHBvYt7PYGC1s8CPdMPmO4am55yJ1a9a-IYy0o7x5dYU12SHb_HRRiNMFIev4K-j0YU8Nov_SbiOYT9rTs1O3_QvygCovmeg1iDzW1uWkvllqRevOkiSm2WWeoUi94E_hfpWEtTGGb42sGg58WWNT-cirxu5RtpW1EvQwGBhtg6YiWNXFdUg/w300-h400/IMG_3471.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div>I mushed the garlic, mixed it with the coriander and 1/4 teaspoon of salt and cooked the mixture in the skillet I had just used to cook the meatballs in the drippings left in the pan. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-4CQOZdP8dss93crdNPVoQHZdSm40wM9Qfrv3952yo8u5faS78hOlQTcNxjU6w8NbBaoC9taP5PZjWyE7usl_hS7bycEyYsGxnu2VGe7idQZWkP74GUsJKzKps3hq3uwvQ39R100B6TihGfgZOZflIKzHN_lzgEVx7erlW2BbVFXct2OPrZg7elVqSg/s4032/IMG_3472.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-4CQOZdP8dss93crdNPVoQHZdSm40wM9Qfrv3952yo8u5faS78hOlQTcNxjU6w8NbBaoC9taP5PZjWyE7usl_hS7bycEyYsGxnu2VGe7idQZWkP74GUsJKzKps3hq3uwvQ39R100B6TihGfgZOZflIKzHN_lzgEVx7erlW2BbVFXct2OPrZg7elVqSg/w300-h400/IMG_3472.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Next the kale. I took out a Dutch oven, melted the butter in that pan and then added the kale with another 1/2 cup of chicken stock. I turned the heat way down, covered the pot and cooked the kale until it wilted, maybe 10 minutes. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLziOW4YKdktAFUoVoNP6KtrWJkytz18vtRJ0CbLpEK4wQlDi86Jr4F-u9JThUsC3cr3E4BzH3-cTblWylL6y4jJyvLr2fva9ofc_8fpnXbZ35hp6GbpOYzjMY1RhSrrzCSKaNDj6xSt6MmsSV1eszz9cU1I2C8-LeDoSXZLQW4Qxmnh4MzdWwoGLswY/s4032/IMG_3473.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLziOW4YKdktAFUoVoNP6KtrWJkytz18vtRJ0CbLpEK4wQlDi86Jr4F-u9JThUsC3cr3E4BzH3-cTblWylL6y4jJyvLr2fva9ofc_8fpnXbZ35hp6GbpOYzjMY1RhSrrzCSKaNDj6xSt6MmsSV1eszz9cU1I2C8-LeDoSXZLQW4Qxmnh4MzdWwoGLswY/w300-h400/IMG_3473.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Finally, it was time to put everything together. First I added the garlic mixture to the kale and mixed it in. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMhaCELVra6AIU-SXGs-7Ti2bwGtAF-XlYRT5VJ4_6kEU2Z5-1jdtUVTB2CGgbWJZanFJbTXQ6byA9t5qzpJtNlOzMcWrcCa9eLrGC3HmO6LoMQuNjm0FzqlS972XobY8c4VJnK1WgX49wrOcDz1cEovl58G3tdnyLyFbkv4UcOnXUdWgHULdvA27oEA/s4032/IMG_3475.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMhaCELVra6AIU-SXGs-7Ti2bwGtAF-XlYRT5VJ4_6kEU2Z5-1jdtUVTB2CGgbWJZanFJbTXQ6byA9t5qzpJtNlOzMcWrcCa9eLrGC3HmO6LoMQuNjm0FzqlS972XobY8c4VJnK1WgX49wrOcDz1cEovl58G3tdnyLyFbkv4UcOnXUdWgHULdvA27oEA/w300-h400/IMG_3475.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Then I added the barley (which had finished cooking and which I had drained in a big sieve) and the last of the chicken stock. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUwF29GVWdMfgZVlY87qXTNhMcKB55ZwJBh_Xa189gJfq7xonL13zy0ZKC1qDUPhFbo-YFcNcIy3oRhc4QWPYxkX7pulVyE0wlval7BXEd32WonoDlGc90gz-4PEEn5BZfx1YOEH99ZEH-jRYTxNZ57czHgCRKri6VwfzpWJJVNkZIw210X3UeB0BmTs/s4032/IMG_3476.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUwF29GVWdMfgZVlY87qXTNhMcKB55ZwJBh_Xa189gJfq7xonL13zy0ZKC1qDUPhFbo-YFcNcIy3oRhc4QWPYxkX7pulVyE0wlval7BXEd32WonoDlGc90gz-4PEEn5BZfx1YOEH99ZEH-jRYTxNZ57czHgCRKri6VwfzpWJJVNkZIw210X3UeB0BmTs/w400-h300/IMG_3476.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>I stirred the barley in and then nestled the meatballs all around on top. </div><div><br /></div><div>I covered the Dutch oven and simmered the whole thing for about 20 minutes. Maybe 25 minutes. </div><div><br /></div><div>I checked out the mixture to make sure it was not dry. It wasn't. If it had been, I would have added a little water. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-hVz-rd0wZ6IoYfhLPd2Nidd2CjdG89PJVRfMv4bUtkbFGvQnoHuFURPNEBV7uhJwrwKrDsfRVsDJxdyeGYxvBSFFemmgCflAX4ZO4miOfnBuCyn6uiit2fb8rHnD9MmtNUqeBGRJ2WT8-8oJNbJ879yKPbD_XUsdrpJRPHgB9mbXwanYYbUW7AusoQ/s4032/IMG_3477.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-hVz-rd0wZ6IoYfhLPd2Nidd2CjdG89PJVRfMv4bUtkbFGvQnoHuFURPNEBV7uhJwrwKrDsfRVsDJxdyeGYxvBSFFemmgCflAX4ZO4miOfnBuCyn6uiit2fb8rHnD9MmtNUqeBGRJ2WT8-8oJNbJ879yKPbD_XUsdrpJRPHgB9mbXwanYYbUW7AusoQ/w300-h400/IMG_3477.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Almost done. The final step was gently stirring in 1 cup of sour cream Sour cream is always welcome. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5yAdXe2NngFK5rBK-ZaHqYpDdOHSugHzQ9neBrGtLkVFiTIm6jfL6s3FwhFMN0lPugdLEWYLB1q3i75oA_uSEIgXJ-Uj5kVwxkRvh4kX9oSAmd96YcpJo2c5Luu9T-CkVQXTUy5kz8hZ7_MmsEFrq9BzxsnZpuvv3KYILpCX77XaxTqacTHtkURZv_cU/s4032/IMG_3479.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5yAdXe2NngFK5rBK-ZaHqYpDdOHSugHzQ9neBrGtLkVFiTIm6jfL6s3FwhFMN0lPugdLEWYLB1q3i75oA_uSEIgXJ-Uj5kVwxkRvh4kX9oSAmd96YcpJo2c5Luu9T-CkVQXTUy5kz8hZ7_MmsEFrq9BzxsnZpuvv3KYILpCX77XaxTqacTHtkURZv_cU/w400-h300/IMG_3479.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Sour cream added.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmnLgDgAUfFO0dt9eiDaV8Gs7UulfUDul9yXjc3vRAAAYcmae77Xt9aSFg3oZ5cdWK4Yfhk1QQ1skk1f2uSX9_q0ThdKhOnM7S93C5zlRD7ovNHR4vm2TBMbIueLQqv2qKjP8G7QgMIicMRDeS6oCR7hzDPfDn_ACzacZFfZ-Jvw4L5E371AATwqAzLQ/s3754/IMG_3480.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2661" data-original-width="3754" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmnLgDgAUfFO0dt9eiDaV8Gs7UulfUDul9yXjc3vRAAAYcmae77Xt9aSFg3oZ5cdWK4Yfhk1QQ1skk1f2uSX9_q0ThdKhOnM7S93C5zlRD7ovNHR4vm2TBMbIueLQqv2qKjP8G7QgMIicMRDeS6oCR7hzDPfDn_ACzacZFfZ-Jvw4L5E371AATwqAzLQ/w400-h284/IMG_3480.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>On the table. We also had green salad and reaspberries with yogurt. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I said at the outset, this recipe was unusual. Barley! Meatballs! Wilted kale! Sour cream! Not a weeknight meal, but worth the effort.</div><div><br /></div><div>We had some leftovers, which were easily reheated in a small skillet for lunch. Very nice. </div></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Odds and Ends</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">I subscribe to a nice blog from rural Wisconsin. The link is</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.prairiehaven.com/?p=63776">https://www.prairiehaven.com/?p=63776</a><br /></p><p>It features landscapes, and when available wildflowers and bugs.</p><p>She found the first butterfly this month. She also pictured a sadly named moth call the White spotted Cankerworm. As she puts it that is an unfortunate name for a nice moth. It overwinters in the north. The females do not have wings. How sad.</p><p>It is going to be a good spring for lupines. They have spread over the last few years to take up more and more room. Each day I find one further from the home turf, which is by the house driveway. The secret to growing these not so hardy perennials, is to supplement their self seeding with new plants started inside. I have several trays of those indoor grown seedlings that go out during the day. I have sprayed them with deer repellant as I am not sure if deer like lupines. </p><p>We try to avoid politics these days. A recent poll in the state newspaper found that more people favored ending the state income tax. That was about as useful as a poll that asked if people wanted warmer winters. </p><p>One distraction in Iowa City has been the women's basketball team. They are one of the best teams in the country, with star player Catlin Clark. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERGOw1sWJe-52gPvzCyrmQLN6wiayEAEnmOglnRkz_g2phEHtXKLn1dOI5k4CZJkSGkr3ZVqtixbbBXujyEbr71UtuaPX5ElI3yP4WJBcCQ346iMaHI7GADOmpYOSLwjboqHa0bXYti31s-hOhz4MzAutKAnEvxYgJPQcX7fclkV04lq7OU2Muq_Tgjo/s4032/IMG_3635.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERGOw1sWJe-52gPvzCyrmQLN6wiayEAEnmOglnRkz_g2phEHtXKLn1dOI5k4CZJkSGkr3ZVqtixbbBXujyEbr71UtuaPX5ElI3yP4WJBcCQ346iMaHI7GADOmpYOSLwjboqHa0bXYti31s-hOhz4MzAutKAnEvxYgJPQcX7fclkV04lq7OU2Muq_Tgjo/w480-h640/IMG_3635.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>This banner was put up downtown by Nike, one of Clark's many sponsors. I am so glad that players now get to financially benefit from their gifts.</p><p>At the same time one needs to remember that every team in the playoffs will lose their last game, except one. </p><p>Please remember the people of Ukrane and the people of Gaza in your thoughts. </p><p>When I first get in my hot shower every day I remember how fortunate I am. So many people do not have hot showers, or showers of any kind.</p><p>As the wicked witch commented "What a world."</p><p>Be kind.</p><p>Philip</p></div>philip Mearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04384629201161240341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509434911388799.post-35866276296298965522024-03-03T06:09:00.000-06:002024-03-03T06:09:09.574-06:00March 3, 2024- Week #2 of the playoffs<p> Our record warm February is done. Now we look to the future. In the last part of the blog I write a little about another very warm February, in 2012. What can one say about the coming months based on 2012.</p><p> In all that warmth there was Tuesday, when the temperature fell off a cliff. It was 77 degrees after lunch. It fell to 9 degrees. Check your math. That was a 68 degree change in half a day. </p><p><span> Right before the rapid cold, I took some pictures.</span><br /></p><p><span>I expect this picture will be in the 24-25 contest. The flowers positively glowed.</span></p><p><span>As I think about it crocuses always bring the color to the garden. Up until that point there were only the white and yellow of the aconite and snowdrops. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOfG1VTjRKk9O46PV8tfPAT6RMUcy97sOSLmtlbK0QdKW1oknFsQl8g6cQSvrpkLHLKvwj6qtu9IiXZgCAirf6M9aOVVSeMvnEHi283q00DM2iqLEjHtjItGSVww9Xy12tp1Yovqt8FHQYgASG_sv-qcFs0YB7I7UzmRh6Bi1Z3cr5AFKZ5wV4riQdP0/s2601/IMG_3551.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1795" data-original-width="2601" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOfG1VTjRKk9O46PV8tfPAT6RMUcy97sOSLmtlbK0QdKW1oknFsQl8g6cQSvrpkLHLKvwj6qtu9IiXZgCAirf6M9aOVVSeMvnEHi283q00DM2iqLEjHtjItGSVww9Xy12tp1Yovqt8FHQYgASG_sv-qcFs0YB7I7UzmRh6Bi1Z3cr5AFKZ5wV4riQdP0/w640-h442/IMG_3551.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>There was that wonderful mix of aconite, snowdrops and early crocuses.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5r9qJHAAqMVbx7t7kp1ZEgeDuL2hNDd0m5i4H5aNPV1nqxZEIJtFw_VCwlUaxQiFkHGLtFCrmcbht13NuN9BFK0ObBL1a2FG02pekROrITq2rbQ0G17e_i4ocDElEoM-vZxwtdXKd5nZu_v7b_kEzndPBar2VDCN2DIQYYM0_NOGdV5jkggmd-EVfSVU/s4032/IMG_3552.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5r9qJHAAqMVbx7t7kp1ZEgeDuL2hNDd0m5i4H5aNPV1nqxZEIJtFw_VCwlUaxQiFkHGLtFCrmcbht13NuN9BFK0ObBL1a2FG02pekROrITq2rbQ0G17e_i4ocDElEoM-vZxwtdXKd5nZu_v7b_kEzndPBar2VDCN2DIQYYM0_NOGdV5jkggmd-EVfSVU/w640-h480/IMG_3552.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Mostly gardeners like myself did not want to even look at the garden Wednsday. The cold essentially finished all the crocuses that had opened.</p><p>But by Friday, those that had not been open, were opening.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-2PLuXge5Pklun_q8_AA7szdTDIa9gfeKikRImZ4JR5Q97QivWX9tPJHyg9I6gpE3m91qtNEdikOtauWhZA9k2vp-T1NXz2F7y_LAq5U6d0RfZmEc_LOFlZecZdq9os8uoljAIK9SubCInPKSzgSyjatpvITGgmiESI6V_t_eLtqvPdKZYLYLQz_ViI/s4032/IMG_3604.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-2PLuXge5Pklun_q8_AA7szdTDIa9gfeKikRImZ4JR5Q97QivWX9tPJHyg9I6gpE3m91qtNEdikOtauWhZA9k2vp-T1NXz2F7y_LAq5U6d0RfZmEc_LOFlZecZdq9os8uoljAIK9SubCInPKSzgSyjatpvITGgmiESI6V_t_eLtqvPdKZYLYLQz_ViI/w480-h640/IMG_3604.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p>Look at these little cheerful small crocuses.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdH1CdqTXktxOv8n0kWWgBPxQLKUY3DtTkQyq0VfY_OF5xPfANjMyrH3HYE06HNsHPn-zSYC74CcKcFIPhxlyLQsnNFZFyOwSQLbECG7-o0jXat6XKMgwc-IBwd13c9GFItMv7fJiZP-jVrpQSIn65fnyrKCcDvQEoTq1o8lxGJbDbRupfpQDMd-10y9Q/s4032/IMG_3602.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdH1CdqTXktxOv8n0kWWgBPxQLKUY3DtTkQyq0VfY_OF5xPfANjMyrH3HYE06HNsHPn-zSYC74CcKcFIPhxlyLQsnNFZFyOwSQLbECG7-o0jXat6XKMgwc-IBwd13c9GFItMv7fJiZP-jVrpQSIn65fnyrKCcDvQEoTq1o8lxGJbDbRupfpQDMd-10y9Q/w480-h640/IMG_3602.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPTuv1NQRSHZIgzCa8vye8KAQpbukzLBT_bhsIXcygOTXnJoL9DFQyPQtHx0t0TB0Lb2HdDYlplxM-ZwhfQbq0bRFaOGvXhGXmLg7GBbK_sI7F5tGpYnN912vyOYqFIvkFIW1QTInn1AeoRLE5Bo03xOmhjY_kVKEpjTwGNDXbvwANq4_1op0DR4_hWk/s4032/IMG_3614.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPTuv1NQRSHZIgzCa8vye8KAQpbukzLBT_bhsIXcygOTXnJoL9DFQyPQtHx0t0TB0Lb2HdDYlplxM-ZwhfQbq0bRFaOGvXhGXmLg7GBbK_sI7F5tGpYnN912vyOYqFIvkFIW1QTInn1AeoRLE5Bo03xOmhjY_kVKEpjTwGNDXbvwANq4_1op0DR4_hWk/w640-h480/IMG_3614.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Saturday: After 48 hours of heavy coats, we are back where we were 4 days ago. Record heat is coming back. It is to be 75 today (Sunday). <p></p><p>Wearing shorts again, I got out the hose yesterday (Saturday) and watered the lupines. They were not effected by the single digits. <br /><span><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Last week in the playoffs</b></span></p><p>The winner by a very small margin was the Frosty Kale</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkx8DRphsqKaC4ASfoANYg41vzPMUbjHhOVne9w8kRUp965nv3InWF3IZw2q4PIYE99Z39o9oXSENaWKPu1rdB6qSeovuxdXFmIZ-MdOMa5ujyUQYiFw6CvZ33tVKl5MgdjyEvW60EeeLGZfrWMn1ij-YRaaH0occ_jthDGdCPS4iRoCZMEJCqdr4t9s/s3024/IMG_2882.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2517" data-original-width="3024" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkx8DRphsqKaC4ASfoANYg41vzPMUbjHhOVne9w8kRUp965nv3InWF3IZw2q4PIYE99Z39o9oXSENaWKPu1rdB6qSeovuxdXFmIZ-MdOMa5ujyUQYiFw6CvZ33tVKl5MgdjyEvW60EeeLGZfrWMn1ij-YRaaH0occ_jthDGdCPS4iRoCZMEJCqdr4t9s/w640-h532/IMG_2882.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Here is the full vote:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGpCQ2z_7s82PcaUCeJ4wHE8DzoKIHjAjHThrNpQi6u3GlVBIHF13ALWepReIH-Sb8mW12ktZPrzm3TPB6wItEwEV_2kv1arxsj12UXO79pZg-4-AB9AzOhy3XC9IAVrZe9ADnxwCjmcACCfYBetR_D92FVy2DbrTs_qKuc-KVNepZgq5cnZrLC0RDgY/s383/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-03%20at%205.15.41%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="326" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGpCQ2z_7s82PcaUCeJ4wHE8DzoKIHjAjHThrNpQi6u3GlVBIHF13ALWepReIH-Sb8mW12ktZPrzm3TPB6wItEwEV_2kv1arxsj12UXO79pZg-4-AB9AzOhy3XC9IAVrZe9ADnxwCjmcACCfYBetR_D92FVy2DbrTs_qKuc-KVNepZgq5cnZrLC0RDgY/s320/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-03%20at%205.15.41%20AM.png" width="272" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">This week is Week #2 of the playoffs</span></b></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#1 Gray Shirley</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> June 2, 2023</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0KFkc-JQGAMG1MVu6EmipV9Bf2MNAy43kiWT0w3-Qwv62ICmt1G8vVA1QYjlTLrSGat5poBzzCixuhokUXhbXGg0JiSvndTbucG_uYHKj7Nv74oSgShENPhwQXp_iFpeELNoO1bPw64wjUCQNFPDsvF3PvYK1e0uru5JY_AINHJ809NMRFMEyht6_Kko/s3024/IMG_0844.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2534" data-original-width="3024" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0KFkc-JQGAMG1MVu6EmipV9Bf2MNAy43kiWT0w3-Qwv62ICmt1G8vVA1QYjlTLrSGat5poBzzCixuhokUXhbXGg0JiSvndTbucG_uYHKj7Nv74oSgShENPhwQXp_iFpeELNoO1bPw64wjUCQNFPDsvF3PvYK1e0uru5JY_AINHJ809NMRFMEyht6_Kko/w640-h536/IMG_0844.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><span>I have about 30 gray seedlings waiting to go into slightly bigger pots. Finding time to do everything is a challenge this time of year. At the moment watering has showed up on the to do list.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#2 Blue Chionodoxia</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> April 7, 2023</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPbnHIoaRVE2e_HZN_-qR_Wlo5UQZaOvYK2RJnfTGGo6zlG5F7i4L7nRuf4TUQ2zju1fjSUR9d0m-1NFofit4sjekWkW1o63Q5QotyrSNoPO7GBfG9X5BrQ7s_vFjjrez7Pp5K-9ZxDEo3c1ConqUKkSBA6hLEJ-2ATy4XXexXsXCxGHtIfH5MKwIS80/s1947/IMG_0009.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1344" data-original-width="1947" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPbnHIoaRVE2e_HZN_-qR_Wlo5UQZaOvYK2RJnfTGGo6zlG5F7i4L7nRuf4TUQ2zju1fjSUR9d0m-1NFofit4sjekWkW1o63Q5QotyrSNoPO7GBfG9X5BrQ7s_vFjjrez7Pp5K-9ZxDEo3c1ConqUKkSBA6hLEJ-2ATy4XXexXsXCxGHtIfH5MKwIS80/w640-h442/IMG_0009.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I do so like it when blue shows up on the garden palate. These little guys are just so darn cheerful.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#3 Double Bloodroot April 11, 2023</span></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtY8quozFJl6-pKOmZvHqD1VaGbKA-4ctnYGpZKWFtPl7UGZJwyZwGv3RbPP0DaAwvRzy_dgjdhfl-cuXRnlbzMVsb1oPIkLSdEAd48dVoXWBkxrj3Q4oW_lRcrF5au0X-g3hOANiA9GooQu4JRCy40qtWugmzSnXN2ORwL0rYJboWc0gtLous7_jOTuc/s4032/IMG_0074.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtY8quozFJl6-pKOmZvHqD1VaGbKA-4ctnYGpZKWFtPl7UGZJwyZwGv3RbPP0DaAwvRzy_dgjdhfl-cuXRnlbzMVsb1oPIkLSdEAd48dVoXWBkxrj3Q4oW_lRcrF5au0X-g3hOANiA9GooQu4JRCy40qtWugmzSnXN2ORwL0rYJboWc0gtLous7_jOTuc/w640-h480/IMG_0074.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I sort of expect the first bloodroot to appear soon. In 2012 they bloomed on March 20. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#4 Striped Crocus March 30, 2023</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78m1UaRjxc7x9dzeE2s2KB0xvxVNTIVUTCOp97IP_vKkElnXKS_q8QE-bhvbWEg8gdWE97TdkRfsqiaYFknLHyCgBEdplIaDP6EE0_Mh5FmstFNjE83e9M4LjG0yaStZ5FL-JCGhzxfcMq4KlJ6TmypGoivTveDUMnlETzdhKrik3ie5ngEsOnw_i3uM/s3461/IMG_9936.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3461" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78m1UaRjxc7x9dzeE2s2KB0xvxVNTIVUTCOp97IP_vKkElnXKS_q8QE-bhvbWEg8gdWE97TdkRfsqiaYFknLHyCgBEdplIaDP6EE0_Mh5FmstFNjE83e9M4LjG0yaStZ5FL-JCGhzxfcMq4KlJ6TmypGoivTveDUMnlETzdhKrik3ie5ngEsOnw_i3uM/w560-h640/IMG_9936.jpeg" width="560" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This is a late crocus. It was Christopher's favorite.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#5 White Shirley</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> June 17, 2023</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNyKyC8NKzW2BzI26ZHRX-NCrO94b1HtsBkZYAXIue9smA4qU9AhxjfRzqrOLZjAGspejhSM-U0ftyuBbo0w4AFlkoqUFxVdaeX5hGgqLp9OzlejwwRcP3zCYxI25V4X5k_qPvAohT7aPlr85wTZaFHBpFGzmT2RIVB90q4sN5dzSyoYIrTpYjswmh0_4/s2653/IMG_1058.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2653" data-original-width="2467" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNyKyC8NKzW2BzI26ZHRX-NCrO94b1HtsBkZYAXIue9smA4qU9AhxjfRzqrOLZjAGspejhSM-U0ftyuBbo0w4AFlkoqUFxVdaeX5hGgqLp9OzlejwwRcP3zCYxI25V4X5k_qPvAohT7aPlr85wTZaFHBpFGzmT2RIVB90q4sN5dzSyoYIrTpYjswmh0_4/w596-h640/IMG_1058.jpeg" width="596" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>2 Shirley's in the same contest? It had to happen when 4 were voted into the playoffs. I absolutely cannot tell you which of the four, or the two, I prefer.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Bonus pictures and Right Now are the same this week</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>These aconite found a home at the base of the sycamore tree.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgx4KMOhCKf1wli-yesTmYmyZpslP-1YT0t5do6Shj7VduQC-SYG7hrUF1wrcfKWK-O-zzRAJI7BneOLQpYdkfw1akV0etK1HjMhLAdl99_wzTNcK4talYVoIriTt7WYzT1TEgGAOwwzPo1cWbWkJ1g_8vdjCHkDyLUJgbxgW5mBRYqfoApx3NCmmA2dw/s4032/IMG_3554.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgx4KMOhCKf1wli-yesTmYmyZpslP-1YT0t5do6Shj7VduQC-SYG7hrUF1wrcfKWK-O-zzRAJI7BneOLQpYdkfw1akV0etK1HjMhLAdl99_wzTNcK4talYVoIriTt7WYzT1TEgGAOwwzPo1cWbWkJ1g_8vdjCHkDyLUJgbxgW5mBRYqfoApx3NCmmA2dw/w480-h640/IMG_3554.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The aconite in parts of the yard are finished blooming. The foliage will be around for another couple months. With microclimates in the garden, some aconite are still going strong. This is in the raised bed by the back driveway. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTi3PwjZ2FPKmOT7dplab0DHZrUDzOTmJd9H-CWq4zSgHySVJ_oLSCM8mYdeuk_GcTmycs7XwURVBPlByNawxKHNfoJlPqLkLZEC2XNY4rwwJEivQ2LNmSjbOYTWzXD_wudB1wYW3Exj_6GwSnQ_9m06DbikCW0a2XvlKqwNRI0uGTKLlKY4NpudL9C0/s4032/IMG_3618.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTi3PwjZ2FPKmOT7dplab0DHZrUDzOTmJd9H-CWq4zSgHySVJ_oLSCM8mYdeuk_GcTmycs7XwURVBPlByNawxKHNfoJlPqLkLZEC2XNY4rwwJEivQ2LNmSjbOYTWzXD_wudB1wYW3Exj_6GwSnQ_9m06DbikCW0a2XvlKqwNRI0uGTKLlKY4NpudL9C0/w480-h640/IMG_3618.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 2, 2024</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Some snowdrops clump. Some prefer to remain solitary.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiADi06WpY5pPUw0FpbHnXqj_SERTb7tnzL5i9yw4PvP9U5aIoCXEFwWq0LzmgPxKpw_Qc5HMaRTApvx3ru6F5WyzZQJ4CQvuKMiI1vOC-6Y26Vp5Q7CbfJY_AOewh9tr3ons9PlO8d25sa3cfBNg5nA6CfXZqYlzsN12YDm19tdLYpj90xFV5g3DIjqM0/s4032/IMG_3555.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiADi06WpY5pPUw0FpbHnXqj_SERTb7tnzL5i9yw4PvP9U5aIoCXEFwWq0LzmgPxKpw_Qc5HMaRTApvx3ru6F5WyzZQJ4CQvuKMiI1vOC-6Y26Vp5Q7CbfJY_AOewh9tr3ons9PlO8d25sa3cfBNg5nA6CfXZqYlzsN12YDm19tdLYpj90xFV5g3DIjqM0/w640-h480/IMG_3555.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The little iris riticulata bloomed the day before the latest cold snap. </div><div><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72Er62i2J1XxWbkObaO9HXPCq2OH7Ed8FjBdG-yeUmppctyguYhXjYDpP1Bf4Y2UNyuKqRrYS6GrPOZdcGDlFKVs-BaJINW-aGq4r7ngMwWjrnc4GCXPMMyib2Jv148t6gs70Uq0W1W9xfYIxefK2clyLVhBVuDxiZ5m23l4KyzVpQ0Rhj2fFtH8ZUdU/s4032/IMG_3572.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72Er62i2J1XxWbkObaO9HXPCq2OH7Ed8FjBdG-yeUmppctyguYhXjYDpP1Bf4Y2UNyuKqRrYS6GrPOZdcGDlFKVs-BaJINW-aGq4r7ngMwWjrnc4GCXPMMyib2Jv148t6gs70Uq0W1W9xfYIxefK2clyLVhBVuDxiZ5m23l4KyzVpQ0Rhj2fFtH8ZUdU/w640-h480/IMG_3572.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">February 27, 2024</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Riticulata come in yellow too.<div>What is remarkable about this iris is that it is a bulb, not a rhizome.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbg9ue3Qt7eMArWCGIugpUzBHv6VEGV6g2qtcpAy7n2xja8_isqIIZEl7RLkRfT1y1Z-BNREBcHTIb2UJRDZNrIjpnwHfwVvwCcPVGWlWHoZN7KgPCiw4IRjlBw05fU4cwG8SSnHypbdijtBZNKTwy_giuA0fJ80iRXAMj5HiweU-TCbmXPNhIVzaQMU/s4032/IMG_3573.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbg9ue3Qt7eMArWCGIugpUzBHv6VEGV6g2qtcpAy7n2xja8_isqIIZEl7RLkRfT1y1Z-BNREBcHTIb2UJRDZNrIjpnwHfwVvwCcPVGWlWHoZN7KgPCiw4IRjlBw05fU4cwG8SSnHypbdijtBZNKTwy_giuA0fJ80iRXAMj5HiweU-TCbmXPNhIVzaQMU/w640-h480/IMG_3573.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>This is a little hipatica. I have always had difficulty with hipatica.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQtcEVCoATNX23pd3DTt8YFaN_r8cMvtGLKr8vCkuniqgHjn6SsUhqjazMDJWUborDjlpdcyYSxT5gkGvsGVjcpIhHcbkc10rhjs4rTtjF3egHJwcFG2yaacnK5uofRR9-wt74XEUG2Lgm7nl5OJvtr2AkBjl8Cq59jR-sJiTZOVmJqkTLomFHmRqf0Q/s4032/IMG_3579.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQtcEVCoATNX23pd3DTt8YFaN_r8cMvtGLKr8vCkuniqgHjn6SsUhqjazMDJWUborDjlpdcyYSxT5gkGvsGVjcpIhHcbkc10rhjs4rTtjF3egHJwcFG2yaacnK5uofRR9-wt74XEUG2Lgm7nl5OJvtr2AkBjl8Cq59jR-sJiTZOVmJqkTLomFHmRqf0Q/w480-h640/IMG_3579.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This was a blaze of color before the cold.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqwnOWJExo2Kzt23DFJDRKd8IFbX6Ub5A9fALPICosB8pb2Fo1rW_nMIfWH-3GwVH6g7kQP9T6jTzUj5ejRTsdUqN9M2jVX1SSI7_5te12B02jtEPbLMraqdLOd_VhmPRS5-BWT-9h4nl1vBzbnrtCn_um4ARmznzD-zNbHjnNLX-UjMTEn2PKBViM5I/s4032/IMG_3580.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqwnOWJExo2Kzt23DFJDRKd8IFbX6Ub5A9fALPICosB8pb2Fo1rW_nMIfWH-3GwVH6g7kQP9T6jTzUj5ejRTsdUqN9M2jVX1SSI7_5te12B02jtEPbLMraqdLOd_VhmPRS5-BWT-9h4nl1vBzbnrtCn_um4ARmznzD-zNbHjnNLX-UjMTEn2PKBViM5I/w640-h480/IMG_3580.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This is a Shirley poppy, blooming insider. I found the little plants in late December, having sprouted outside. I potted several and brought them inside. They bloomed, but were nowhere close to what they will look like in June, outside.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ffwkVhph9Zudh2AHCAbs6k1ctMI-HXGQDllbjW-wgSUNnsAS_JHnSinKKByd2i5ABI6ozyokYB3he8tXSldGAb1qecKrVDoedzTZGJFfzxdbam84CA7j7UJMTWAdCBtKhpg57UkNOTTNkE0JsdrbWfi2sHjETA8e2SGDSJWzGOkGSYuOgP0vU7rNGRY/s4032/IMG_3600.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ffwkVhph9Zudh2AHCAbs6k1ctMI-HXGQDllbjW-wgSUNnsAS_JHnSinKKByd2i5ABI6ozyokYB3he8tXSldGAb1qecKrVDoedzTZGJFfzxdbam84CA7j7UJMTWAdCBtKhpg57UkNOTTNkE0JsdrbWfi2sHjETA8e2SGDSJWzGOkGSYuOgP0vU7rNGRY/w480-h640/IMG_3600.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Julia's recipe</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Cabbage soup</b></span></div><div><p>This dish is somewhere between a soup and a stew. Maybe porridge. The recipe is from Josh McFadden's Six Seasons cookbook, which features inventive things to do with vegetables. I made it when it was stll cold in January, and it was both hearty and tasty. Josh McFadden refers to the soup as having a grandma vibe, and it certainly reminded me of my German grandmother. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVtC9Cf0kuOSCGhM3_aPAFOso7gwWWpw_z5vn3mWlfLbZIA_6sgbDuTQBGGqyAfwz2mSYf8VAmldad7KWXm8ZmGkuUD0BJpuDgUsTQGzosQV0bedOwsYereJs88-YcK5GP6SlcWR00yNvk7E5vLzEeYCtkoDkf5HUwwRe8h0n4x2L5ZrD6o6gm_BzHHs/s4032/IMG_3582.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVtC9Cf0kuOSCGhM3_aPAFOso7gwWWpw_z5vn3mWlfLbZIA_6sgbDuTQBGGqyAfwz2mSYf8VAmldad7KWXm8ZmGkuUD0BJpuDgUsTQGzosQV0bedOwsYereJs88-YcK5GP6SlcWR00yNvk7E5vLzEeYCtkoDkf5HUwwRe8h0n4x2L5ZrD6o6gm_BzHHs/w400-h300/IMG_3582.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The ingredients:</div><div>8 cups of finely sliced cabbage;</div><div>2 cups thinly sliced onion;</div><div>5 tablespoons olive oil;</div><div>3 garlic cloves;</div><div>some fresh thyme (or rosemary);</div><div>1 tablespoon wine vinegar;</div><div>2/3 cup farro;</div><div>4 cups stock (I used pork stock);</div><div>1 tablespoon lemon juice;</div><div>1/2 cup or so parmesan cheese; and</div><div>some salt and pepper. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>A few notes: I used pork stock (which I make by cooking weird bone-in cuts of pork in my slow cooker for such things as pulled pork sandwiches and posole). I thought pork stock would be nice with cabbage. Feel free to use chicken or turkey stock or vegetable broth. I used thyme instead of rosemary because I don't much like rosemary. Suit yourself. I bought a bag of farro, which I had never used before. It's interesting - earthy, a bit chewy, mild flavor. I think you could use hulled barley instead. I think rice might be too delicate. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you use vegetable broth, it's a vegetarian soup. If you dispense with the parmesan (or use a dairy-free substitute), it's vegan. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEnQbZjJFafDLI-hUM3k6lEL00lX8e5krf1RkjoLc9YldIIaXnkql3tmO_CK-t2IH56uYxLSVqvV0NP7cT4EFsD8rfkXG9vdfU3e4NJmRvpWpZKs4xtpO5GvKGfnLP1COTDi1UEn3KEfcMJFGezBJ3DSL8Mj5ZZvjFT16Ur2hGQv68mcj7ZzHxd8wNvg/s4032/IMG_3583.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEnQbZjJFafDLI-hUM3k6lEL00lX8e5krf1RkjoLc9YldIIaXnkql3tmO_CK-t2IH56uYxLSVqvV0NP7cT4EFsD8rfkXG9vdfU3e4NJmRvpWpZKs4xtpO5GvKGfnLP1COTDi1UEn3KEfcMJFGezBJ3DSL8Mj5ZZvjFT16Ur2hGQv68mcj7ZzHxd8wNvg/w300-h400/IMG_3583.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>I started by preparing the cabbage: I cut the big head in helf and then in half again. I cut out the core and I ate it. I like the taste of cabbage core. You could dice it up and cook it with the onions instead. </div><div><br /></div><div>I cut across each wedge of cabbage to make shreds. I cut the cabbage into thin shreda, but I did not get mathematical about it. Thin is not a precise term.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next I cleaned and prepared the onion. I cut it in half through the root end, peeled off the skin and cut each half into then half-moons. </div><div><br /></div><div>I peeled the three cloves of garlic and used the side of the big knife to flatten them. No need to smush or slice. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I added 1/4 cup of olive oil to a Dutch oven and when the oil was beginning to get hot, I added the onion with a little salt and pepper. When the onion was getting soft, I added the garlic pieces. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzYCHS72zsupaqq9cs2j4ehfHbN0CA9LBkHv3E6eUoUbWXQepSUgqH1oSntTnNej9xchBdUBApFVQ5oDVx_' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Next, adding the cabbage...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzbrMcDug6JPXt8ZCe1JfqVtG2J1IOsh8NB3UFHvDjWdf3UeUMRucZ0FrHmL3x7xp79YswTtj3DHhMfE2JI' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9P6ScNBlK8bDCh3D6ic5gf_9CLkXqBJgysuzgAMmo_gXbd4KgVuAY52IjT8OwgKxqFfGLMds-M4rmSbOStQEnVNb0tBHaxeSPP28Xlhw9BvaJJF43AtIRXTO7Mnuq0XHjW_p7GTKKgN2Nb-at9cRpqBDfSbzfOiEgDrfN0s2UY01eeyN0pPzVw_M_DL4/s4032/IMG_3586.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9P6ScNBlK8bDCh3D6ic5gf_9CLkXqBJgysuzgAMmo_gXbd4KgVuAY52IjT8OwgKxqFfGLMds-M4rmSbOStQEnVNb0tBHaxeSPP28Xlhw9BvaJJF43AtIRXTO7Mnuq0XHjW_p7GTKKgN2Nb-at9cRpqBDfSbzfOiEgDrfN0s2UY01eeyN0pPzVw_M_DL4/w300-h400/IMG_3586.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Here's the cabbage in the pot. My pork stock was frozen so the pan on the back burner was melting the quart of stock.</div><div><br /></div><div>After the stock was melted, I poured it into the container which I had used for the cabbage and turned my attention to the farro.</div><div><br /></div><div>I used the same pan that I had used to melt the stock. I added 1 tablespoon of olive oil and then the farro. I toasted the farro in the oil over medium heat. The farro was done when it was a little bit darker. This process took about 5 minutes, with stirring and watching to prevent burning. </div><div><br /></div><div>When the farro was done, I set it aside. </div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, the cabbage needed to cook gently on its own. When the cabbage began to wilt, I added the thyme and put a cover on the pot and lowered the heat. I cooked the cabbage this way for about 25 minutes, taking a peek from time to time and stirring the cabbage around. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPu1WpqchFzcDXA6D-tMwDL-nuG-M8FiiqM7EoK_ZHxVFxCRYe2nRDjoWMBAS9_Af1ZoAxhAn6jQJ9-C7biANGkjV4Me0fG0MUUOuByQ6QCvHKj0wqC4-icV8cXT89vX6JZPzbFdjHAwfQHe_ePrOBZnIvmnaUz1scB4PFl6lqoX0nY9kDc2vpZcIg79s/s4032/IMG_3587.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPu1WpqchFzcDXA6D-tMwDL-nuG-M8FiiqM7EoK_ZHxVFxCRYe2nRDjoWMBAS9_Af1ZoAxhAn6jQJ9-C7biANGkjV4Me0fG0MUUOuByQ6QCvHKj0wqC4-icV8cXT89vX6JZPzbFdjHAwfQHe_ePrOBZnIvmnaUz1scB4PFl6lqoX0nY9kDc2vpZcIg79s/w300-h400/IMG_3587.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div>When the cabbage was way wilted, I added the toasted farro to the pot... </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpxdf2xPDa0Unx4PxM25hDSP53CDYFMhR9VtTcLWEOEomQ72rRX84rDhHkTcieuUhrjkrsLYZ3iJN4RwAYI1fmUnAgAOuf1l2dXrfu_f9_t7hlxMKObHKcIuWtxt0I8pZNrq5E1nazItcagMwvV2CUs055fk3Yl6o_yd5lOv4CmBB97U1_pLivS0TgmE/s4032/IMG_3589.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpxdf2xPDa0Unx4PxM25hDSP53CDYFMhR9VtTcLWEOEomQ72rRX84rDhHkTcieuUhrjkrsLYZ3iJN4RwAYI1fmUnAgAOuf1l2dXrfu_f9_t7hlxMKObHKcIuWtxt0I8pZNrq5E1nazItcagMwvV2CUs055fk3Yl6o_yd5lOv4CmBB97U1_pLivS0TgmE/w300-h400/IMG_3589.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>followed by the pork stock. Then I added the vinegar and the lemon juice. </div><div><br /></div><div>I think I was supposed to add the vinegar earlier, but I forgot. </div><div><br /></div><div>I cooked the whole thing for about 20 minutes until the farro was done. Farro is a bit chewy when it's done but not hard.</div><div><br /></div><div>At that point, I fished the thyme sprigs out and stirred in some of the parmesan. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvuVApjMjXi0vopeJ5x6w4FCDIi32FYUjsZv9XSIoMzE-P7uNGK4qUSvlGWS5VP0NlnWPUfr3QM0CXd3EriFRjxJZb5LGnUzB7KX6COMs3mkSBmPz_qrgKPAM2ffmjKDUAhyphenhyphenkIDviOjwnjqhy_hGoq64CpUHRMwUO06prST4Srv36OMIVdspD4kKDAkc/s4032/IMG_3590.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvuVApjMjXi0vopeJ5x6w4FCDIi32FYUjsZv9XSIoMzE-P7uNGK4qUSvlGWS5VP0NlnWPUfr3QM0CXd3EriFRjxJZb5LGnUzB7KX6COMs3mkSBmPz_qrgKPAM2ffmjKDUAhyphenhyphenkIDviOjwnjqhy_hGoq64CpUHRMwUO06prST4Srv36OMIVdspD4kKDAkc/w400-h300/IMG_3590.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>On the table. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPPm488RlkmiT8XSfsotsUYTAaA2itbhR40sLPdm470OHSyaY3NniqFRidYFjnbVO0AlAO27ISNQI-1bF80xTP0I_ez8ROb0x41i8wLmcr_RXwdvDebc3WWAU0Sk4Y1_tu5ey2-_YXUkW-W4xsKV7o4bA3x6nJe4kKkawOQ-oqSzww499RL2sQZldqLY/s4032/IMG_3591.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPPm488RlkmiT8XSfsotsUYTAaA2itbhR40sLPdm470OHSyaY3NniqFRidYFjnbVO0AlAO27ISNQI-1bF80xTP0I_ez8ROb0x41i8wLmcr_RXwdvDebc3WWAU0Sk4Y1_tu5ey2-_YXUkW-W4xsKV7o4bA3x6nJe4kKkawOQ-oqSzww499RL2sQZldqLY/w400-h300/IMG_3591.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>In the bowl, with extra parmesan. </div><div><br /></div><div>We served the soup with little grilled cheese sandwiches, salad and blueberries with yogurt. </div><div><br /></div><div>I think one could have cornbread instead or some other bread thing like yeast rolls or biscuits. </div><div><br /></div><div>We had about one serving of soup left, which I had for lunch. I added a little water to facilitate reheating and it was just fine. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Odds and Ends</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>I have mentioned this website from time to time. It is put out by Iowa State University.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/sites/hist.phtml?network=IA_COOP&station=ICYI4&year=2024&month=02">http://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/sites/hist.phtml?network=IA_COOP&station=ICYI4&year=2024&month=02</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is the chart for the just completed February, 2024.</div><div>It had 2 cold spells, with 5 days of at least 60.</div><div>One thing to note is that the average temperature went up 10 degrees during February.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3O9DhIzFK3Rq5es5oOo6syWZ0gEHiHRM1FEO6A_O7YBZgoxwd3usz-0XxdvBkOMl1rJi8gbiNUN1kFQGLYEQDlOvHLqMu1YApBglfu-rKgQM-75Qg-d-xETOYZEnPM-7d9azHWldvuyp5PlnOLvHeZGIGF93DGfLHtqCsS-rxYLcbH5OVkUbykFd31U/s946/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-02%20at%205.18.14%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="946" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3O9DhIzFK3Rq5es5oOo6syWZ0gEHiHRM1FEO6A_O7YBZgoxwd3usz-0XxdvBkOMl1rJi8gbiNUN1kFQGLYEQDlOvHLqMu1YApBglfu-rKgQM-75Qg-d-xETOYZEnPM-7d9azHWldvuyp5PlnOLvHeZGIGF93DGfLHtqCsS-rxYLcbH5OVkUbykFd31U/w640-h398/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-02%20at%205.18.14%20AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is February, 2023. It also had its cold spells. The highest temperature was 56.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXSj8V39CbSc0ukJ6eii1dNFbqxwS3D9BpgJ1R2lYTZ1rCLFxAWnxaOj5-HT6ejwbh4yZkHzyEFu8jkxZ4K-4iDvDUPHGXl-Qwpv1hz7lYTmKhs0Qj7-1HYeWGK6xS_sOXIfbo8iF6jc69Vkknpghlhfhlcob8wH_067oLPR5J2ayiLMipsnai5Pn8Lc/s931/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-02%20at%205.19.54%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="931" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXSj8V39CbSc0ukJ6eii1dNFbqxwS3D9BpgJ1R2lYTZ1rCLFxAWnxaOj5-HT6ejwbh4yZkHzyEFu8jkxZ4K-4iDvDUPHGXl-Qwpv1hz7lYTmKhs0Qj7-1HYeWGK6xS_sOXIfbo8iF6jc69Vkknpghlhfhlcob8wH_067oLPR5J2ayiLMipsnai5Pn8Lc/w640-h422/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-02%20at%205.19.54%20AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Here is 2012, the warmest February I can find.<div><br /></div><div>There were no 60 degree days. The only cold spell was in the middle of the month.<br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WKsFQZCGtd0X01jkmscrnVzVClbZ8HWjrWdmOnM-OiVVWPH2gLzbFD3M_aMNFMvMs0gb1aclhcxX75TUqM31c8VDVuba8K5APoKrLr6QWrUtzWzbUAfdiVjjtwKLMnHYs3dvfsWwz2vgNSpMXIktbffTnkTaNWq-Eder-5OGl0Q4sJPgRNgb4AvcdtU/s941/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-02%20at%205.25.59%20AM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="941" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WKsFQZCGtd0X01jkmscrnVzVClbZ8HWjrWdmOnM-OiVVWPH2gLzbFD3M_aMNFMvMs0gb1aclhcxX75TUqM31c8VDVuba8K5APoKrLr6QWrUtzWzbUAfdiVjjtwKLMnHYs3dvfsWwz2vgNSpMXIktbffTnkTaNWq-Eder-5OGl0Q4sJPgRNgb4AvcdtU/w640-h396/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-02%20at%205.25.59%20AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here was March, 2012. That was the last time when spring was so very early. There was a cold spell at the beginning of the month. But then the 80's arrived.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVOxPDeZVfdA-caceD4fB4px8rPli0lorkp92J7X_I6VRByCG7-Nx0Es3xDOfOut0-P1bs4Z-QGMtx_ua-YjYP4HD0p-p42QtT7ZqJs3a8P9hBZ85I-XzRM5S5sEkcDGgg7PAUsnxgKBY5VujRQ43qWsF9awDv_V4OJUrRE-bEGF_EJk1XP4xEu6h45w/s927/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-02%20at%205.26.41%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="927" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVOxPDeZVfdA-caceD4fB4px8rPli0lorkp92J7X_I6VRByCG7-Nx0Es3xDOfOut0-P1bs4Z-QGMtx_ua-YjYP4HD0p-p42QtT7ZqJs3a8P9hBZ85I-XzRM5S5sEkcDGgg7PAUsnxgKBY5VujRQ43qWsF9awDv_V4OJUrRE-bEGF_EJk1XP4xEu6h45w/w640-h414/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-02%20at%205.26.41%20AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What happened in April 2012? It was not as warm as March. There was a frost. But no real freeze. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LO7aLXfMVSLWGH2Zo-nRMWr3alhubD1u2osqtxLZYs9AQPFk56G04mWA7P1g-sci4sXvnh_1vO-mgXXFqJC0xwuTIm7L9Y7u2MQYqsxza13CyWkWElcUCihmxGkit6wWG81Vdm8LImsfGKpQEdA3vxIWJ8UplgHAotmWKIy84ie2Vv9HN0mx_i5TGZc/s943/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-02%20at%205.41.41%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="943" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LO7aLXfMVSLWGH2Zo-nRMWr3alhubD1u2osqtxLZYs9AQPFk56G04mWA7P1g-sci4sXvnh_1vO-mgXXFqJC0xwuTIm7L9Y7u2MQYqsxza13CyWkWElcUCihmxGkit6wWG81Vdm8LImsfGKpQEdA3vxIWJ8UplgHAotmWKIy84ie2Vv9HN0mx_i5TGZc/w640-h398/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-02%20at%205.41.41%20AM.png" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I mentioned garden yardsticks a few weeks ago. Here was that very early spring, 2012.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkFnl1Zhtk_iDoKn1i1NdknUdM7qejY26KftkMY63C3-BU7aU1-JrOAciZ7Msle3Us-Awt9sMn-TUiYpvg_qU-0ZssqUP0JQjiv4gIsqKOgDHhF76kztrV94ktq0ly9wlarFy3gFNe3zwo8SaUvC38pryhtOPnwBQi1xdRP0EjEjtETAUjhtFOK00a_E/s3264/IMG_7616.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkFnl1Zhtk_iDoKn1i1NdknUdM7qejY26KftkMY63C3-BU7aU1-JrOAciZ7Msle3Us-Awt9sMn-TUiYpvg_qU-0ZssqUP0JQjiv4gIsqKOgDHhF76kztrV94ktq0ly9wlarFy3gFNe3zwo8SaUvC38pryhtOPnwBQi1xdRP0EjEjtETAUjhtFOK00a_E/w640-h480/IMG_7616.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">February 19, 2012</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2WBK17050-_9U1IBGDEOu5_FOxo45107ECD3SnBs4i_wqmtyUJhres_yt0HB2OqWn3KIRm5-CS8SyxmK7kPQoIR82A_sgq7hsZlXfIBm6o3DLjYuKEAOZN9eedXBrcCtDcQof3BDii8j5ulmN4IpMi_eMf_xXEUE8o91rZ-sn4Schc2sD51Sx1tCwxM/s3264/IMG_7751.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2WBK17050-_9U1IBGDEOu5_FOxo45107ECD3SnBs4i_wqmtyUJhres_yt0HB2OqWn3KIRm5-CS8SyxmK7kPQoIR82A_sgq7hsZlXfIBm6o3DLjYuKEAOZN9eedXBrcCtDcQof3BDii8j5ulmN4IpMi_eMf_xXEUE8o91rZ-sn4Schc2sD51Sx1tCwxM/w640-h480/IMG_7751.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 17, 2012</td></tr></tbody></table><br />It was so warm I took some house plants out in March.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFpO9PBl3B0vvLi0cKJ689LfqfM83EVeFD_lSUFNDaKBNJcaV3GYQOmTYF9YGoHQ6VpgDrK888eUtjzStXZW8fEpVR2ry-y1hRrrx4QAOqVU5uugjaQblNES54bImck-9zEYOxgis6LH7hxdLlW4E5OS9asJsEoiichPc1UzTci5doTzsPYNH8YsZmJw/s3264/IMG_7794.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFpO9PBl3B0vvLi0cKJ689LfqfM83EVeFD_lSUFNDaKBNJcaV3GYQOmTYF9YGoHQ6VpgDrK888eUtjzStXZW8fEpVR2ry-y1hRrrx4QAOqVU5uugjaQblNES54bImck-9zEYOxgis6LH7hxdLlW4E5OS9asJsEoiichPc1UzTci5doTzsPYNH8YsZmJw/w640-h480/IMG_7794.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 23, 2012</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The star magnolia is one of the yardstick measures for spring.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieg-Ndxez97ognNmubq-Hv20HZg6zvd3uWcWLUTZ_CpPdNKS7e2TgrIeR_MyT5FT9943F8Ij_sPKTZHf7YxHDDVji6qq53ESY1V4eINVRT1xGMyt4cgfnjOdjYu4_k2ouV_gF0WQ3sCPGJmXGgoLRFGm6hFi2b57zSMzk189QUeNswOHfsR9XNpXSRm4k/s3264/IMG_7770.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieg-Ndxez97ognNmubq-Hv20HZg6zvd3uWcWLUTZ_CpPdNKS7e2TgrIeR_MyT5FT9943F8Ij_sPKTZHf7YxHDDVji6qq53ESY1V4eINVRT1xGMyt4cgfnjOdjYu4_k2ouV_gF0WQ3sCPGJmXGgoLRFGm6hFi2b57zSMzk189QUeNswOHfsR9XNpXSRm4k/w480-h640/IMG_7770.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 23, 2012</td></tr></tbody></table><br />This was high spring, with daffodils, tulips and bluebells. In March!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMkDTXrxySiJ2rl6Ev8VkBGpWZWDwGJBdb8Oi2kHmj27S7ZNZTCXYEMACumiigrfTwuRzeECWRMAQa9I8SMNuAJQOjZ0ZozWlmljM6NpZNmsmhZVqKhyphenhyphenCfRc60GXJKIpkXxQDve9TGlepeoCpkefxaY0Qco0YBHrfxCACAKO9Y7yWa2LR_mEn1VTfZQc/s3264/IMG_7866.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMkDTXrxySiJ2rl6Ev8VkBGpWZWDwGJBdb8Oi2kHmj27S7ZNZTCXYEMACumiigrfTwuRzeECWRMAQa9I8SMNuAJQOjZ0ZozWlmljM6NpZNmsmhZVqKhyphenhyphenCfRc60GXJKIpkXxQDve9TGlepeoCpkefxaY0Qco0YBHrfxCACAKO9Y7yWa2LR_mEn1VTfZQc/w640-h480/IMG_7866.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 31, 2012<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Finally there was the lilac blooming. On March 31.<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3BTLPn5vm6KPouN___5Myy1EHskGIzSN9A2Pn10Ix6tmZB-rdU_0rco-0f3d5p7yQ499bY93r3XV5NvX3_v4PzmhhWUrDrIGLqLl6B7R21iaY-CqBGk36-VdxPcEGfyAmvYyqUePNIhJPieQPLsNvMGD4GZsiMfw8wAKjlTSAVOeumUr_BfRAASOUGM/s3264/IMG_7902.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3BTLPn5vm6KPouN___5Myy1EHskGIzSN9A2Pn10Ix6tmZB-rdU_0rco-0f3d5p7yQ499bY93r3XV5NvX3_v4PzmhhWUrDrIGLqLl6B7R21iaY-CqBGk36-VdxPcEGfyAmvYyqUePNIhJPieQPLsNvMGD4GZsiMfw8wAKjlTSAVOeumUr_BfRAASOUGM/w640-h480/IMG_7902.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 31, 2012</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There was measurable rain in March, 2012.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVjOhSbTDddKnOlgQP5hAJ4a4xXwDZzlOViBG87Pnw3vehcvzyNRi2sWtvDK4zsbo9-c8zM_7F8AOD4tKyqVg8U3B_eKcVnAUBLqHVa4BhMyi7CH1XIFwOyVvPyoxpv6Vw-5kaQ8sCpMCtwjGV8B4Ek-tk-3vQopwtlXRp8Wlh5gDUx3yFPzQXcgl9oE/s983/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-03%20at%205.56.03%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="983" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVjOhSbTDddKnOlgQP5hAJ4a4xXwDZzlOViBG87Pnw3vehcvzyNRi2sWtvDK4zsbo9-c8zM_7F8AOD4tKyqVg8U3B_eKcVnAUBLqHVa4BhMyi7CH1XIFwOyVvPyoxpv6Vw-5kaQ8sCpMCtwjGV8B4Ek-tk-3vQopwtlXRp8Wlh5gDUx3yFPzQXcgl9oE/w640-h398/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-03%20at%205.56.03%20AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not so much precipitation this year. It will take rain to really wake up the garden. Maybe it will come the end of the week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It can be a tiring time of the year. News can get you down.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Someone asked if I was worried about the early spring or the lack of moisture. I replied that worrying would not help. Besides there were other things to worry about.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pray for peace.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pray for those dumb fish to wake up to reality.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And get out the hose.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Philip</div></div>philip Mearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04384629201161240341noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509434911388799.post-53739467292315309552024-02-25T06:21:00.001-06:002024-02-25T06:21:07.870-06:00February 25, 2024 Week #1 of the playoffs<p> </p><p>It is absolutely glorious in the garden. The aconite and snowdrops have been joined by the crocuses to create this wonderful swirl of color. I was outside for 4-5 hours yesterday. I am a little stiff and may have gotten some sun.</p><p>Remarkably, we are still in February. Everything that is up and blooming is tough. They survived the temperature drop of a week ago, when for two nights in a row it got to single digits. Here is a little clump of tommasinianius crocuses, before and after the very cold. It was very cold on February 17 and 18,</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0FnaDupKma2C2Yp2OLyzxbPJNUslzddV2qq7OWUEDoq_97OEWZgcpjRx7mNu93rnck0bXeSbI6HjB7yU1HM31o0A9SIID7Y4JraBuoYqyWtWXE7jCbinCDNlYwBGH0gBcVSjPVY7hxiQ21Yz4U20w3qSnpiWzxB-TOoqADcTkwRlKq14jCt10beC5r8/s4032/IMG_3393.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0FnaDupKma2C2Yp2OLyzxbPJNUslzddV2qq7OWUEDoq_97OEWZgcpjRx7mNu93rnck0bXeSbI6HjB7yU1HM31o0A9SIID7Y4JraBuoYqyWtWXE7jCbinCDNlYwBGH0gBcVSjPVY7hxiQ21Yz4U20w3qSnpiWzxB-TOoqADcTkwRlKq14jCt10beC5r8/s320/IMG_3393.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2-16-24</td></tr></tbody></table> <br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoe9hF3FRgeU54H6inDQTCc_sjEIrsKVaw8WxnuPkbHhUPj2tJFwGPqcknUHzBvjxTg8LzwJqxOJCve-NwSqEh8Qex64DnQR6xpB0ouA8bykUhtuZX-S3_ifK3V__jHaZiXLH0ShgD-578EZvyCGIPr-Gxjh3ifkWmdizBtNUidPM2s-lwc0f91D9PATw/s3024/IMG_3458.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="2555" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoe9hF3FRgeU54H6inDQTCc_sjEIrsKVaw8WxnuPkbHhUPj2tJFwGPqcknUHzBvjxTg8LzwJqxOJCve-NwSqEh8Qex64DnQR6xpB0ouA8bykUhtuZX-S3_ifK3V__jHaZiXLH0ShgD-578EZvyCGIPr-Gxjh3ifkWmdizBtNUidPM2s-lwc0f91D9PATw/s320/IMG_3458.jpeg" width="270" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2-20-24</td></tr></tbody></table> <div> We have had early aconite before. At the moment we have peaking aconite. You know it is full blown aconite season when the next generation appears, exponentially adding to the flowers to come in the future.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHtkHePWJ7DZbdqF8_alhoNuko3egcij_kIlfUTE_gOXX_4oByVz93Nt8xRclOHWJVkM-_rPiZ5egHfyh3PGZhRF0pmPcEYjfehjFCtFWDMRHW3EfwO4MGVIvHEyhQ1evU-mjbSjrwwEWHjrHVTTesHU7xx_5xU2UhGArTrp7YXf907yRy43JBhSlT9hA/s4032/IMG_3523.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHtkHePWJ7DZbdqF8_alhoNuko3egcij_kIlfUTE_gOXX_4oByVz93Nt8xRclOHWJVkM-_rPiZ5egHfyh3PGZhRF0pmPcEYjfehjFCtFWDMRHW3EfwO4MGVIvHEyhQ1evU-mjbSjrwwEWHjrHVTTesHU7xx_5xU2UhGArTrp7YXf907yRy43JBhSlT9hA/w640-h480/IMG_3523.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then there are the crocuses. Many are the little tommies, the tommasinianus. They are early and they taste bad. So many, if not all of the plants, flowers, that are up now taste bad.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you listen carefully to this video you can hear the bees buzzing.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwIfobWMQCJTo_3g20PknutLW0iQET2xnbwYxp0QxStRq-o9VfbmvJIA3fOyS-VJXMUPO96q4z0Hr6Kzv4K' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Just look at this combination of colors.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_lRQBrjxcON4443EjbIGUSxoJE_ini-8ou1r9zY2n9b5YxXCR9p3WC5251auxVuwQdKsWes2uRVg5RCJvouZl9LzWmLoZVuwJjlyDV9L5lud3WRDbwN_qiZKGZ5VkeU8omU4nlEdYlNrcRT65cyFXpbR4Cof5gW12s8JiYXz9HrowNbnyhiOMe-xQK8/s4032/IMG_3522.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_lRQBrjxcON4443EjbIGUSxoJE_ini-8ou1r9zY2n9b5YxXCR9p3WC5251auxVuwQdKsWes2uRVg5RCJvouZl9LzWmLoZVuwJjlyDV9L5lud3WRDbwN_qiZKGZ5VkeU8omU4nlEdYlNrcRT65cyFXpbR4Cof5gW12s8JiYXz9HrowNbnyhiOMe-xQK8/w640-h480/IMG_3522.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There is so much happening outside. I do remember we have been having a picture contest. Let me get right to that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Winter Picture Contest 2023-24</span></b></div><br /><p><span> We have a real milestone this week. The 13 weeks are over. You have seen 65 pictures. We are now down to 15. </span><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Last Week</p><p>It was one of the tightest vote we had all year. I know Week 7 ended in a tie. You can not get any closer than that. But each picture that week got 29%. </p><p>This past week there was another tie. The striped crocuse and the dogwood finished dead even. Each picture got 36%. </p><p>Both of the contestants advance to the playoffs.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrP7u_-c4mqcA0wLsS5jlvhUqX_AdlelJDJxBYtGtMOBPNxmOvrLwt865KzXc6orMGg5u7fC3G5ngFm9uWVm3R8OUKbZ2NIO70qJjoueo8ImeqQtZhMx0uFur2a_7jZ4eGAFIXTzhWT3igsiDn2eqDnW5xXcHtf24KXew1yideHSAejgupYOUcJrn8LXI/s2968/IMG_0494.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2622" data-original-width="2968" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrP7u_-c4mqcA0wLsS5jlvhUqX_AdlelJDJxBYtGtMOBPNxmOvrLwt865KzXc6orMGg5u7fC3G5ngFm9uWVm3R8OUKbZ2NIO70qJjoueo8ImeqQtZhMx0uFur2a_7jZ4eGAFIXTzhWT3igsiDn2eqDnW5xXcHtf24KXew1yideHSAejgupYOUcJrn8LXI/w640-h566/IMG_0494.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjvteEl5ai-HY32MJHXhu2q84JoVUzt45GuNh4hyI7Wr7bvrXri5KEYv19kvJq4cvda2EQ1WGs1HwevDzqjd89307eM6vUNZeYdSIQ9oe-Tj0t93e1ykkVzieqX3SuqeDlMW_xrLyGlLrcfjMg10-uH9XKuN4fNSMgXoTVQUibWgmgb8lHFR2ULR1EAA/s3461/IMG_9936.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3461" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjvteEl5ai-HY32MJHXhu2q84JoVUzt45GuNh4hyI7Wr7bvrXri5KEYv19kvJq4cvda2EQ1WGs1HwevDzqjd89307eM6vUNZeYdSIQ9oe-Tj0t93e1ykkVzieqX3SuqeDlMW_xrLyGlLrcfjMg10-uH9XKuN4fNSMgXoTVQUibWgmgb8lHFR2ULR1EAA/w560-h640/IMG_9936.jpeg" width="560" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Here is the full tally from Week 13.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbV_NqV3EvWgQdKWH-lq1treIsXlkYQhpWAvvij3znZ7Pf_BVV60XRwAOf4w_6pNzfvxxBOCLSumhVGEpKjk6rDEFdBIMWrSTlFCrrq0vFVLh7Nr6Vap7ceRLsFrUceUGsd-y3hDYBG29W-Gdtd-PrM4zJ4CxwxOpnvscIvn1va2mvgW_gnO21QLBkgI/s319/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-24%20at%208.29.22%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="319" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbV_NqV3EvWgQdKWH-lq1treIsXlkYQhpWAvvij3znZ7Pf_BVV60XRwAOf4w_6pNzfvxxBOCLSumhVGEpKjk6rDEFdBIMWrSTlFCrrq0vFVLh7Nr6Vap7ceRLsFrUceUGsd-y3hDYBG29W-Gdtd-PrM4zJ4CxwxOpnvscIvn1va2mvgW_gnO21QLBkgI/w400-h336/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-24%20at%208.29.22%20PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>The playoffs</p><p>We will have 3 weeks of playoffs, followed by the finals.</p><p>The seeding is based on the top percentages during the 13 weeks.</p><p>The seeds are (1) Kale from week 6 with 51%. (2) Purple Iris from Week 4 with 48% and (3) Gray Poppy from Week 1 with 47%.</p><p>Since there was a tie in Week 7, both of those pictures advance. That meant there could be only 1 wild card.</p><p>Since there was a tie in Week 13, both of those pictures advance.</p><p>That fills the bracket with 15 pictures. There are no wild cards this year.</p><p>So... we have 3 weeks of playoffs and then the finals.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Week #1 of the playoffs</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#1 Frosty Kale </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>December 14, 2023</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrpZVpnhAMLQpjukapDbF3NpyPlL8DHDfBbVfXcBlPRPaXOu8Dno1uu4pVnto4zEIemW0GodqWM5QuqcpzxDDdcXyzisbjkREDpKBZa1M_oLCr_HIncGLAe7N6P6cXeoEN9UJFxDp5HzESmKPOEbY05mzdY1l_5_lvej_HlQLBMMAG6xhyphenhyphen051aif3QdA/s3024/IMG_2882.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2517" data-original-width="3024" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrpZVpnhAMLQpjukapDbF3NpyPlL8DHDfBbVfXcBlPRPaXOu8Dno1uu4pVnto4zEIemW0GodqWM5QuqcpzxDDdcXyzisbjkREDpKBZa1M_oLCr_HIncGLAe7N6P6cXeoEN9UJFxDp5HzESmKPOEbY05mzdY1l_5_lvej_HlQLBMMAG6xhyphenhyphen051aif3QdA/w640-h532/IMG_2882.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There have been 19 previous contests, I think. We started in 2005 and missed one year. That is over 1200 pictures. I really like it when something new makes its appearance. </div><div>This frosty kale was partucularly special on a cold morning in December.</div><div>Most of the kale did survive the winter. I really do not know what they will look like in April.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#2 Dwarf Iris Blissfull </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">May 5, 2023</span></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyjFK-DOZ2M9HXcnGTVnFnCIIprGjdKaY6DcQT7nx-Hct9WNLoAXZuZ2i3rZtMYNSvb0Xoz20r8_Rj5lHEOCfh1P5-AnzxMyu5B7cvfJfVw52PfUp1wCsLhiQWr10af9Z1EaugPKXp_rg4mByWcJ45VsHACk1sWebKryXeN9bke-bC1H59sYvJyxXesY/s4032/IMG_0526.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyjFK-DOZ2M9HXcnGTVnFnCIIprGjdKaY6DcQT7nx-Hct9WNLoAXZuZ2i3rZtMYNSvb0Xoz20r8_Rj5lHEOCfh1P5-AnzxMyu5B7cvfJfVw52PfUp1wCsLhiQWr10af9Z1EaugPKXp_rg4mByWcJ45VsHACk1sWebKryXeN9bke-bC1H59sYvJyxXesY/w480-h640/IMG_0526.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Normally little iris start in late April. April 17 is about the earliest picture of a little dwarf iris I find in the massive library. Who knows what will happen this year. I have raked them off and the foliage looks good. </div><div>I have taken the plant sale iris out of the garage where they spent a few months. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#3 Pink Shirleys</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> June 10, 2023</span></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpdU8lg2qRPUSWK8fAb4S8uphrGTjXrDOk_C3lwrODFFCjKcArfwzVPCLvuztl6igxJ7ZhvJ8Q0OQSFGDJ_wvgO_6isXx-IF8PsrDz-3jntFdvsVmgRJ5qt9QWPP20bsRKHP1CisNzoRHcu3tIc6CogWQ0KMV4_JGlxbw6MlTdLD24mDFNxpzInuhsbU/s4032/IMG_0922.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpdU8lg2qRPUSWK8fAb4S8uphrGTjXrDOk_C3lwrODFFCjKcArfwzVPCLvuztl6igxJ7ZhvJ8Q0OQSFGDJ_wvgO_6isXx-IF8PsrDz-3jntFdvsVmgRJ5qt9QWPP20bsRKHP1CisNzoRHcu3tIc6CogWQ0KMV4_JGlxbw6MlTdLD24mDFNxpzInuhsbU/w640-h480/IMG_0922.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span>Shirley poppies are certainly all over the playoffs. You selected 4 to be in the playoffs, not counting the Oriental poppy in the next picture.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span>I picked this of all years to start my Shirleys inside. They are actually just getting their secondary leaves. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span>If April is in February, what will April bring? I suspect this will be a theme for the next several months.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#4 Red Poppy</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> May 25, 2023</span></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjViqV7gflUB0OZgQvsSBMSGcWiqW025NWJuSlHa1W9oZPLDaS7-fZyFa51K1VfCG95uBAfLk5uP1CdTtzL0GNAC86XOOqIDm3w-WMgfyoQcrEcw3I5hZUFmHmLHHbgarVxS5cp3-2CPGnuPoxZAUAGWTfhOMdopWUv4YoBBYjJHJeOeus738D9ELO87RQ/s4032/IMG_0735.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjViqV7gflUB0OZgQvsSBMSGcWiqW025NWJuSlHa1W9oZPLDaS7-fZyFa51K1VfCG95uBAfLk5uP1CdTtzL0GNAC86XOOqIDm3w-WMgfyoQcrEcw3I5hZUFmHmLHHbgarVxS5cp3-2CPGnuPoxZAUAGWTfhOMdopWUv4YoBBYjJHJeOeus738D9ELO87RQ/w480-h640/IMG_0735.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sometimes I think about having a contest just about color. We did that once, forming teams of pictures based on colors.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>#5 Mermaid Kisses</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> March 17, 2023</b></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9SOFyv6NrqudHfi0QBnvGXMXtucSoa-2qUwW4lavSJPp4flOAhiyCMAkicAcBJgoxoeWSOtLCeD-pBuTPC8pGVcdr0kpHy-KvWvezD2bnvazXeAE1UVDGN_nxlRAWivKxGS-5jhU3L_PeGhLno-48QrgOf0iAaPFK0KupcRoXL6IDmmiXV0-16NsSQk/s3079/IMG_9821.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3079" data-original-width="2521" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9SOFyv6NrqudHfi0QBnvGXMXtucSoa-2qUwW4lavSJPp4flOAhiyCMAkicAcBJgoxoeWSOtLCeD-pBuTPC8pGVcdr0kpHy-KvWvezD2bnvazXeAE1UVDGN_nxlRAWivKxGS-5jhU3L_PeGhLno-48QrgOf0iAaPFK0KupcRoXL6IDmmiXV0-16NsSQk/w524-h640/IMG_9821.jpeg" width="524" /></a></div><br /><p>My interest in Violets has grown over the last 15 months. A big thank you goes to Jean, who sells them at the Winter Farmers Market out at the Fairgrounds in Iowa City. That market goes from November to April, the time when the regular downtown market shuts down for the season. </p><p>With wicking as the method of watering, we have not killed them. That is the first step in developing an enthusiasm. Some of our plants are almost 15 months old at this point.</p><p>Violets are also inexpensive. They sell for $5 each, for a plant that blooms a very long time, and then reblooms. That is about the cost of a cup of coffee. (I must confess it has been a long time since I bought a cup of coffee.) </p><p>I suppose the price is low because they are relatively easy to propogate. You take a leaf and set it in water for a month and then you have roots. You plant the rooted leaf and in 3 months you have a little plant. You can do the math. If you want you can have many plants after a year or so.</p><p>This is the second year when a violet was in the contest. Last year Birth of a Galaxy was in the contest. It made the playoffs, and advanced to the finals, finishing second.</p><p>Will a violet go all the way this time?</p><p><br /></p><p>There you have it. You have seen these pictures before. But the choices get hard from this point on. Tell me what you thing. Grab someone else and have them vote.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Bonus Pictures</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Violets</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPDU8ROTSRl_mHFTrJif-6IzrU_CYMpVUnxPlN-zoxFgDMkp0rC3HUc0zRjCJcM7zY8oZcg5aBXuimSttxwrUDFXILFEkSrfEE6B3dluSZEBJtG_Q7RE481eW_iOAgbhUYfQLZLYk0BAv9PJWzsx1wGllI5FpJKv2MEzaX8MOs83sqsnZKTClk6-RatQ/s4032/IMG_2687.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPDU8ROTSRl_mHFTrJif-6IzrU_CYMpVUnxPlN-zoxFgDMkp0rC3HUc0zRjCJcM7zY8oZcg5aBXuimSttxwrUDFXILFEkSrfEE6B3dluSZEBJtG_Q7RE481eW_iOAgbhUYfQLZLYk0BAv9PJWzsx1wGllI5FpJKv2MEzaX8MOs83sqsnZKTClk6-RatQ/w480-h640/IMG_2687.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgvmM9pvHyS8jZSLxEdptyyYBxXCutP5eVRAMDA4xwbkecjBw7uZ277EVfuNK8PdWOLsiibUuYWZWO2X_Z7sv3y7uV6keB-MDpsHGw4Gd-rAxRGKMDx4zQ0Q5T4NfX25aEDBxjHtweircD5bKcODhyAKG3SdSmdqnIXbSBdKPds1sWM8c2p7o1AoNq_s/s1853/IMG_2688.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1853" data-original-width="1725" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgvmM9pvHyS8jZSLxEdptyyYBxXCutP5eVRAMDA4xwbkecjBw7uZ277EVfuNK8PdWOLsiibUuYWZWO2X_Z7sv3y7uV6keB-MDpsHGw4Gd-rAxRGKMDx4zQ0Q5T4NfX25aEDBxjHtweircD5bKcODhyAKG3SdSmdqnIXbSBdKPds1sWM8c2p7o1AoNq_s/w596-h640/IMG_2688.jpeg" width="596" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amor Elite Standard</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcLXHaFvKrCmJrHXUDP9ABHAb3avVi1peCEvX-2E2bhyphenhyphenZg3rSMUZJTH48HRVvibQquxgALIAg3f940iq2xcXVJjSK37pM31GyFgbHKUT5fgJlmPSG23ExiM04J7-gLgDv9yQo6eeFUNne7s-kLGv9JvYieVF-NJYu7pjVucy1Xn1PcR3N9-SY7ZSQczE/s4032/IMG_9275.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcLXHaFvKrCmJrHXUDP9ABHAb3avVi1peCEvX-2E2bhyphenhyphenZg3rSMUZJTH48HRVvibQquxgALIAg3f940iq2xcXVJjSK37pM31GyFgbHKUT5fgJlmPSG23ExiM04J7-gLgDv9yQo6eeFUNne7s-kLGv9JvYieVF-NJYu7pjVucy1Xn1PcR3N9-SY7ZSQczE/w480-h640/IMG_9275.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birth of a Galaxy</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMxx-avfdmPHGBoNlttGj7pcPbvTgDsjGvfohtsvGcdoLncuQmeihiCB28B7Ahw8PxnMKKkHFCXVXQGWSoO82Crja1tKhYYvJZqVFpiJrmHiXhFRzL1bzQbYZsmY24IitqiI42yFbWNP4sYjYR7-wPepwy27BZ9L5M9p3TRgNByV3tXs3l9iz_CshVMM/s4032/IMG_9782.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMxx-avfdmPHGBoNlttGj7pcPbvTgDsjGvfohtsvGcdoLncuQmeihiCB28B7Ahw8PxnMKKkHFCXVXQGWSoO82Crja1tKhYYvJZqVFpiJrmHiXhFRzL1bzQbYZsmY24IitqiI42yFbWNP4sYjYR7-wPepwy27BZ9L5M9p3TRgNByV3tXs3l9iz_CshVMM/w640-h480/IMG_9782.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYPkJqhyUd4KUcbaKiK90Cadi-JWGfSEAdfyocDDnWZJIYNTIpxR5rhTAgStbbnYp18iCUZPOmr9LdCaZdWf_ykegiVFmMl1xdshSZtO3WMZDnlkvIBuTjc_akvGZSoBfb_2KYUx_ZWOFwb7tTvH3HYlbcjvHMfFUwYTnksXR1b022wFD3YBk2r7hLLE/s4032/IMG_9838.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYPkJqhyUd4KUcbaKiK90Cadi-JWGfSEAdfyocDDnWZJIYNTIpxR5rhTAgStbbnYp18iCUZPOmr9LdCaZdWf_ykegiVFmMl1xdshSZtO3WMZDnlkvIBuTjc_akvGZSoBfb_2KYUx_ZWOFwb7tTvH3HYlbcjvHMfFUwYTnksXR1b022wFD3YBk2r7hLLE/w480-h640/IMG_9838.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>Kale right now</p><p>I actually have been shaping them a little, cutting off some lower leaves that are not very crisp.</p><p>The color is so stricking when contrasted with the whites and yellows of the early spring garden.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhuWAWd-gXRZ6DVsR0Ru0I-UBzpqqfjrsi8ZQeHFc9RP7yhHr3X0BvtBi2eTj52hDDk6uKaF1unrAl4NcWNJtb1SDWsXOTROPs25teP3LInGaV_5CZrcTCeJVpkcqS0oTGI9W9ZvxQljVdaY9rTS-saevDaCu-cB6O_GHrBg-Ywwy10lo93Xj4K75lqA/s4032/IMG_3539.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhuWAWd-gXRZ6DVsR0Ru0I-UBzpqqfjrsi8ZQeHFc9RP7yhHr3X0BvtBi2eTj52hDDk6uKaF1unrAl4NcWNJtb1SDWsXOTROPs25teP3LInGaV_5CZrcTCeJVpkcqS0oTGI9W9ZvxQljVdaY9rTS-saevDaCu-cB6O_GHrBg-Ywwy10lo93Xj4K75lqA/w640-h480/IMG_3539.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5XbEljTbUNn8RGrkmNgsSwoQS1VvS6Vrhyphenhyphen92RZQKO2i7jKD26xRQ0dT_gWpkAsUsFeyEH-Pd9T8L0z7ambMgE6Pe1DoEnGrLti7k33hbHAlezfIMNZkyd464LeRQcpwoVkn-krj2v0iyW3BAIesYNRUvtPCoNXpI827xvjCrxVKjRW3ILUJfv2We7lfs/s4032/IMG_3540.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5XbEljTbUNn8RGrkmNgsSwoQS1VvS6Vrhyphenhyphen92RZQKO2i7jKD26xRQ0dT_gWpkAsUsFeyEH-Pd9T8L0z7ambMgE6Pe1DoEnGrLti7k33hbHAlezfIMNZkyd464LeRQcpwoVkn-krj2v0iyW3BAIesYNRUvtPCoNXpI827xvjCrxVKjRW3ILUJfv2We7lfs/w640-h480/IMG_3540.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigP9f7OhcWpq1_ZLF9M5bUH9ybIBkRr0KeI99PrT3_kF9NxiZyGuAF64DJQIWMdYt-USm_PS2DsppigqCfrp4r0gwIHQRt1kYwx1W0sRhYgkgsTc02vsGdpoZWKsvmt7y0yHS1frs3xOtrBE1JhyphenhyphenEZCSPeHFkviKPKWGjQQV2a6SLdsov2P1FZMjK_WuA/s4032/IMG_3541.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigP9f7OhcWpq1_ZLF9M5bUH9ybIBkRr0KeI99PrT3_kF9NxiZyGuAF64DJQIWMdYt-USm_PS2DsppigqCfrp4r0gwIHQRt1kYwx1W0sRhYgkgsTc02vsGdpoZWKsvmt7y0yHS1frs3xOtrBE1JhyphenhyphenEZCSPeHFkviKPKWGjQQV2a6SLdsov2P1FZMjK_WuA/w480-h640/IMG_3541.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Right Now</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span>This is Snowdrop Wendy's Gold. It is special because it has a yellow cap. I planted this in 2022. It is starting to clump.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoEa6t8F-INPeHiXIVQcCdk4xyKKzzwtefmdBX-6cxyAXY-vPjcmwtMtPDMUSQ5ZFcsyzIRTPRiWYER-pgLfoyVyAZscL015R799Qw0F81D6l6qhzoI_TwYb32TUyfD_nIXM0Kg_0nbzrJnPQ1SsOscaQQimAnK6o41Mgxq6jJGSuhiCYQOelgi_iYvwg/s4032/IMG_3521.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoEa6t8F-INPeHiXIVQcCdk4xyKKzzwtefmdBX-6cxyAXY-vPjcmwtMtPDMUSQ5ZFcsyzIRTPRiWYER-pgLfoyVyAZscL015R799Qw0F81D6l6qhzoI_TwYb32TUyfD_nIXM0Kg_0nbzrJnPQ1SsOscaQQimAnK6o41Mgxq6jJGSuhiCYQOelgi_iYvwg/w480-h640/IMG_3521.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>One or two more days, and it should bloom.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZaHYk0WSNyMEHw3BTD_-uHg4e2Wr94HR8FUGQMQ5WwLGoN6hlRExfDkpVbokOh6XGZzsn83rjWifYfnwXQL3zcjDUGY9UkZIM9uzah_vi6ffw-IY5c07Pf4iPRLOhiLA2lmig0nTpi3yZZjTmzxFRQh6S4q1s9JkuKOwAtxI0vppWYKmwe8FyBM6N_0/s4032/IMG_3525.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZaHYk0WSNyMEHw3BTD_-uHg4e2Wr94HR8FUGQMQ5WwLGoN6hlRExfDkpVbokOh6XGZzsn83rjWifYfnwXQL3zcjDUGY9UkZIM9uzah_vi6ffw-IY5c07Pf4iPRLOhiLA2lmig0nTpi3yZZjTmzxFRQh6S4q1s9JkuKOwAtxI0vppWYKmwe8FyBM6N_0/w480-h640/IMG_3525.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One of the hoyas in our bedroom has started to bloom. There are 4 more clusters coming on the same plant.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfcF0ewWrrKEq2_b52u9NGgKvN_jj0uDLq77_DhcdkjtPYh9Li42QuysIHA_QPowtZv1i1DjBqxlH_cAz3OVPX3AZlFkm2grCRDApw9cZjkiGtLmmY8BJ0N5OVL2f_HnBC53vn4S-bYxdMmXfTfjBBaVre58TJ12WV_uKv_1mzEXKzBpyh1H3S0CFHiA/s4032/IMG_3526.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfcF0ewWrrKEq2_b52u9NGgKvN_jj0uDLq77_DhcdkjtPYh9Li42QuysIHA_QPowtZv1i1DjBqxlH_cAz3OVPX3AZlFkm2grCRDApw9cZjkiGtLmmY8BJ0N5OVL2f_HnBC53vn4S-bYxdMmXfTfjBBaVre58TJ12WV_uKv_1mzEXKzBpyh1H3S0CFHiA/w480-h640/IMG_3526.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A squill in February. Just this one so far. The place where they usually start is next to the house in the backyard. It is very dry there. I think I may get out the hose. In February? What does that say about April. There is no rain in the ten day forcast.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYLG_TG25wFZ5IYdPukVzHwx8MMVBwwVSlLaCXdpJsbvLGq8ySe8PJuE7_i5b02zYfFMLFHZEiHY0fZn1T5-PHdQFUuj4_FYJGpxbyuuGb3NfoRDP7K3G867MZ51mC3LzRc2b6GJMjo-K6696QXnxS465WzZnq9eTYN1ZbAccIJBcV6bxVaHh0rhNV4I/s4032/IMG_3530.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYLG_TG25wFZ5IYdPukVzHwx8MMVBwwVSlLaCXdpJsbvLGq8ySe8PJuE7_i5b02zYfFMLFHZEiHY0fZn1T5-PHdQFUuj4_FYJGpxbyuuGb3NfoRDP7K3G867MZ51mC3LzRc2b6GJMjo-K6696QXnxS465WzZnq9eTYN1ZbAccIJBcV6bxVaHh0rhNV4I/w480-h640/IMG_3530.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The hellebores are about to bloom. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgt1419E-tvoT1nxkydn8FPpqPVzAA2InzFA1EZiRXt2-1K8eqA6fXqRsyaRg-v7tN0fQtAwHLeL3WQjqEuQsP1NtoWxv23RrtIcAE1Uojh-AtBxjTsbp3DhQje0tJPM42JezlwRQGxMn5fWAuoCfr40C33XfcIfSskeBcyUfYoqDP3fbEBLIa9cRzuGQ/s4032/IMG_3538.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgt1419E-tvoT1nxkydn8FPpqPVzAA2InzFA1EZiRXt2-1K8eqA6fXqRsyaRg-v7tN0fQtAwHLeL3WQjqEuQsP1NtoWxv23RrtIcAE1Uojh-AtBxjTsbp3DhQje0tJPM42JezlwRQGxMn5fWAuoCfr40C33XfcIfSskeBcyUfYoqDP3fbEBLIa9cRzuGQ/w480-h640/IMG_3538.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This is one of the baby tree peonies, perhaps in its third year. (It could be the forth.) It looks like it will bloom.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidy43LSn-O3wOgtjRl5H1HQL36cc8ZfhQk7KkP8nzb4UDPVRETWf_8HrPYMdMwZBQGCFXwlg_RqDr8qfokxlwPY-KHraCGfamIhqQeRCSdwfA5qF2ntHiHlBFJkUmcGaXFbcRInD-ppwdAYmd0Ha0bS2tCmBRo39yWhgXnKDnO5NZeZq2RDVP-nJ3roLA/s4032/IMG_3543.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidy43LSn-O3wOgtjRl5H1HQL36cc8ZfhQk7KkP8nzb4UDPVRETWf_8HrPYMdMwZBQGCFXwlg_RqDr8qfokxlwPY-KHraCGfamIhqQeRCSdwfA5qF2ntHiHlBFJkUmcGaXFbcRInD-ppwdAYmd0Ha0bS2tCmBRo39yWhgXnKDnO5NZeZq2RDVP-nJ3roLA/w480-h640/IMG_3543.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>When I rake up the leaves it is particularly thrilling to find a big mature clump of lupines.</div><div>It should be a good year for lupines.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEp_e8KIj23l4XRoYklhQH9jOiEhLrwwsKz1nbVjtZpSsse4PgpXvRUwC0j3UF40mqEViICMp0QMPD9MOEPkNNls8UU7iXKv7tTdQyzTkGZaYU35tv0xiCabKQZ5Ah-Fb1ag09n9eebvk4f4YGHfrQC9RIx-4Xga47p-GEzifZOX02wKEKMWojhcu0hBI/s4032/IMG_3545.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEp_e8KIj23l4XRoYklhQH9jOiEhLrwwsKz1nbVjtZpSsse4PgpXvRUwC0j3UF40mqEViICMp0QMPD9MOEPkNNls8UU7iXKv7tTdQyzTkGZaYU35tv0xiCabKQZ5Ah-Fb1ag09n9eebvk4f4YGHfrQC9RIx-4Xga47p-GEzifZOX02wKEKMWojhcu0hBI/w480-h640/IMG_3545.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Julia's recipe</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Shrimp and Spinach</span></b></p><p>Another quick supper with shrimp. This is from Madhur Jeffrey's Quick and Easy Indian Cooking, which is a very nice cookbook that I received some years ago from Katie. The author suggests making it with squid or scallops or shrimp. I am not a fan of squid, having spent my entire life in the great middle of the country. I would make it with scallops - using the little ones as is or the big ones cut in half. I had shrimp on hand, which are reliably available and familiar. The picture below shows a bunch of ingredients, but most of them are spices for the curry sauce. The dish can be on the table in about the same amount of time as it takes to cook the rice to serve it with. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEgtyBlHdW1rg1-e889A57wovs-cJCDoWlhhHK2-No6XVBTzah4dC_4w7Q71W34byefe2MXjdV4wbMnvI5pNAz5mZ7OEgWmQ5jG9OjQP0BqScvFwRKNeV9UK3Pp_PudK6Bsv_lTMNPK1HZSTQVzZedTTQifYkOm7B1tQR4EFRHURxJ65WVCVnae22ezQ/s4032/IMG_3501.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEgtyBlHdW1rg1-e889A57wovs-cJCDoWlhhHK2-No6XVBTzah4dC_4w7Q71W34byefe2MXjdV4wbMnvI5pNAz5mZ7OEgWmQ5jG9OjQP0BqScvFwRKNeV9UK3Pp_PudK6Bsv_lTMNPK1HZSTQVzZedTTQifYkOm7B1tQR4EFRHURxJ65WVCVnae22ezQ/w400-h300/IMG_3501.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>The ingredients:</div><div>1 5 oz. box of baby spinach;</div><div>1 lb. shrimp, thawed if frozen;</div><div>3/4 cup canned diced tomatoes; and</div><div>1/2 cup cream (or coconut milk).</div><div><br /></div><div>For the sauce:</div><div>1/2 teaspoon cayenne;</div><div>1/2 teaspoon turmeric;</div><div>1 teaspoon ground cumin;</div><div>1 teaspoon ground coriander;</div><div>1 teaspoon salt;</div><div>some pepper;</div><div>1 teaspoon dijon mustard; and</div><div>2 tablespoons water.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Extra ingredients:</div><div>3 tablespoons regular oil;</div><div>1 teaspoon mustard seeds of any color;</div><div>1 teaspoon smushed garlic;</div><div>1 teaspoon grated ginger; and</div><div>about 1 cup of water.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHuk-uG9_YZ2abG_NXWT7-oi1a-eht6dOO6xgD3zJTE9ULAaNFKz-WaWNJg1-cJoIiidDO8hGgfCyJ9PfpsCTq6RFnQSEtdiWt-IEV3KKFCkUwH_cIkPFPhaI0BWocg05tuhMFdtsqhyiH0nhuUgdCrRG-cj5tYm4AdBL2FP9NeY5SZFltgCyI0TaAoWs/s4032/IMG_3503.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHuk-uG9_YZ2abG_NXWT7-oi1a-eht6dOO6xgD3zJTE9ULAaNFKz-WaWNJg1-cJoIiidDO8hGgfCyJ9PfpsCTq6RFnQSEtdiWt-IEV3KKFCkUwH_cIkPFPhaI0BWocg05tuhMFdtsqhyiH0nhuUgdCrRG-cj5tYm4AdBL2FP9NeY5SZFltgCyI0TaAoWs/w300-h400/IMG_3503.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div>First I put all of the sauce ingredients in a little bowl with the water and stirred it up. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then I grated the ginger (shown at the bottom of the picture) and smushed the garlic.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxSWsK6xDMrGMxrJKx1lh39M35Du47ONEvatQK30zDbAXAmQVfyyeiUJQz12TWmmA3uQ_ZQHq4fSboiykmk5sgyeUTgFXTVfSPlPYQDeE73KTClecf9cInX4cQyRipMgMM8oN5Ik1A0MGmI5fxkzn-HBb1WzbEM1fMGoer8EgyM54wqryNtZv8S1rwmE/s4032/IMG_3504.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxSWsK6xDMrGMxrJKx1lh39M35Du47ONEvatQK30zDbAXAmQVfyyeiUJQz12TWmmA3uQ_ZQHq4fSboiykmk5sgyeUTgFXTVfSPlPYQDeE73KTClecf9cInX4cQyRipMgMM8oN5Ik1A0MGmI5fxkzn-HBb1WzbEM1fMGoer8EgyM54wqryNtZv8S1rwmE/w300-h400/IMG_3504.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div>I heated the oil in the skillet. I put the mustard seeds in, which started popping almost immediately. Then I added the ginger and garlic and stirred it around.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I believe this is a video of stirring the ginger and garlic, until it was fragrant - not very long. . </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwW2e9AiZBETT6jn0v9ZI-LMBcHQ3X-1IY9wWmSeyCAXgy0DK3nPVNW9GyI39ej-pIZFC1ggo2AEUpRQCBU' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p><br /></p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvFYSSXZmqmcsP4xQuIWXoB3Xw0g8QR-uVlFW9chtlwKiA65I0cVqSEAuLsEwRylvkWDvj3yAekVlRQb_UMemERJuPvF35SlN-2Pa_eosyZ-h797FAbdVE7G5S_mmHPQGS0puQcxySBQHj9Hr6cREB9rRATeNvXoQSCBBe_W0tQoSz2mzlsVMPAukW7Y/s4032/IMG_3506.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvFYSSXZmqmcsP4xQuIWXoB3Xw0g8QR-uVlFW9chtlwKiA65I0cVqSEAuLsEwRylvkWDvj3yAekVlRQb_UMemERJuPvF35SlN-2Pa_eosyZ-h797FAbdVE7G5S_mmHPQGS0puQcxySBQHj9Hr6cREB9rRATeNvXoQSCBBe_W0tQoSz2mzlsVMPAukW7Y/w300-h400/IMG_3506.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div>In short order, I added the tomatoes and the spice mixture in the little bowl and the spinach and about 1 cup of water. I simmered this mixture for about 10 minutes. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOowVeGA5E9dlYBDaAwMbc-dg-Vv6kQKP3GwaXq6LNC1aWMYwFM8MkcLdxWRAULa0Mg58lRgRAa8FwtkAbkZTaXnljHChaSwQqbuAUBYfEsob4jkW1VFU-j0ZmHzNo9oRP8whR_UH8BOvZgTrfw5ns7QhjiKjD4jFdqLrpkYuwABp0F3R3N1fNu7Npw2A/s4032/IMG_3508.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOowVeGA5E9dlYBDaAwMbc-dg-Vv6kQKP3GwaXq6LNC1aWMYwFM8MkcLdxWRAULa0Mg58lRgRAa8FwtkAbkZTaXnljHChaSwQqbuAUBYfEsob4jkW1VFU-j0ZmHzNo9oRP8whR_UH8BOvZgTrfw5ns7QhjiKjD4jFdqLrpkYuwABp0F3R3N1fNu7Npw2A/w300-h400/IMG_3508.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Next I added the shrimp. My shrimp were deveined and shelled and cooked. They had been frozen, and I defrosted them. </div><div><br /></div><div>They had the tail shells on. Why? No idea. When I took the tails off, I noticed that some of the shrimp had been imperfectly deveined so I ended up cutting the last 1/4 inch or so off some of the shrimp. </div><div><br /></div><div>I placed the shrimp on top of the spinach- tomato-spice sauce just to warm up. Already cooked. </div><div><br /></div><div>Lastly, I added the 1/2 cup of whipping cream and once everything was warm, the dish was ready. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WNWUm9216yy6NvtvhK9N7xr4dWKSBBMFXUii7ehS85SQtKRYIny3_I-p_tbpBAwLSQlWafq-Oj5G8uvJ0_6nEZt9R9hhEUUBG-uu5vTLL3RAojFC_QpjahASMluMhbxzqCGwc0kcXEJqvF-S5uZ0N059kavNreMnLx9tknl-9TXlTkMd2h0hLoxfoRQ/s3044/IMG_3509.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3044" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WNWUm9216yy6NvtvhK9N7xr4dWKSBBMFXUii7ehS85SQtKRYIny3_I-p_tbpBAwLSQlWafq-Oj5G8uvJ0_6nEZt9R9hhEUUBG-uu5vTLL3RAojFC_QpjahASMluMhbxzqCGwc0kcXEJqvF-S5uZ0N059kavNreMnLx9tknl-9TXlTkMd2h0hLoxfoRQ/w400-h398/IMG_3509.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Here is is on the table. We served it with rice (we used basmati, but any rice will be fine) and salad and raspberries. </div><div><br /></div><div>There are a lot of spices, but the result is very flavorful and as I said above, if you have cleaned and deveined shrimp (that are thawed), this meal can be on the table in less than 30 minutes. </div><div><br /></div><div>We had a little leftover, which was nice for lunch. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Odds and ends</b></span></p><p>Baseball- You can officially call it spring once baseball starts. All the teams have reported to spring training. The first spring training games have been in the last two days. The first offical games are on March 20-21, in Korea.</p><p>I have been selling aconite for the foodbanks. I have sold about 30 little strays. Those are the ones that come up in the paths or close to it. This weekend I will think about potting hellebores.</p><p>I assume we will hear next week about how February set all sorts of records for the warmest February. What we need to remember is that December was also quite warm. January was warm except for that 10 day period when it was cold. The ground never really froze.</p><p>The warm temperatures continue with highs in the 60's schduled for Monday, Tuesday, and then the weekend.</p><p>Wendesday the high will be 36. Of course that is about normal for this time of year.</p><p>Noxious Weeds</p><p>Do you know there is a law in Iowa? Here is a link and a list.</p><p><a href="https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/iowas-noxious-weed-law-chapter-317">https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/iowas-noxious-weed-law-chapter-317</a><br /></p><p>Precipitation</p><p>With the gradual melting of the 15 inches of snow we had in January, most of the garden does not seem dry. Hoever there are parts of the yard that look dry. They are dry. Right next to the house on the south side is one place. WIth no rain coming this week, I do think I will get out the hose later today.</p><p>Overall here is the nation drought map for the moment. We are real close to the red part. Look at California.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBm-EYdCkCIaBRWGnG-wxA1WXQ0G2JY_MWW58ONshVrBSstuMDM-kVENJQTl3awuVwWw53LxVgvoFtSiJBoWlgp2btqHgKkbfZyZdWSfskehC_3gBUTrmjehpyOXDNj3Sn11VtV1JKzSC3akdwMBJyC3AxPMl8Fg5lh8b06P2wNZ_8Vp8lDdj90kf6rI/s799/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-22%20at%206.34.51%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="799" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBm-EYdCkCIaBRWGnG-wxA1WXQ0G2JY_MWW58ONshVrBSstuMDM-kVENJQTl3awuVwWw53LxVgvoFtSiJBoWlgp2btqHgKkbfZyZdWSfskehC_3gBUTrmjehpyOXDNj3Sn11VtV1JKzSC3akdwMBJyC3AxPMl8Fg5lh8b06P2wNZ_8Vp8lDdj90kf6rI/w640-h424/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-22%20at%206.34.51%20AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Our local newspaper is not what it once was. Here was the front page one day this week.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwz3kc9KQc4cj5ulReUIKY9frYy7pItS3xkcrLJvNRYKs7DvJwEEPvnBiWGBy5FkMppys-opZVvKkVXYm2qt4uqNbzhcK5owIfRybTGQLq9dF3X71J3PxY5Z6QzdcX5SBhZz6_w2ex7B8Y_UDzas_5euyJAcso7MyVB4jpuLaYoLpONYui2YwBsMvc-s/s3747/IMG_3510.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3747" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwz3kc9KQc4cj5ulReUIKY9frYy7pItS3xkcrLJvNRYKs7DvJwEEPvnBiWGBy5FkMppys-opZVvKkVXYm2qt4uqNbzhcK5owIfRybTGQLq9dF3X71J3PxY5Z6QzdcX5SBhZz6_w2ex7B8Y_UDzas_5euyJAcso7MyVB4jpuLaYoLpONYui2YwBsMvc-s/w640-h516/IMG_3510.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I have spared you the article about the state's fish. I had hoped it was a story about the Republican party.</p><p>The republicans somehow became the party of the elephant. What if we start a movement to consider their animal to be the fish?</p><p>Now to end on a more serious note.</p><p>Please give a quiet moment to think about the Ukrane. They have been living in terror for over two years.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Now give a moment to resolve to get rid of all those who would abandon the Ukrane, and who would kiss putin's ___.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6beiEBU8pGjQV2I2LGYtKyrA1D3MkorHAKMDaop5bt4wi8oNrTM_OxT4yJSOQJy2TY-dbYkct0YYzOokaTvGGqRWDNZwGkLfqb5-J5nv9rgbQ0eUg93FeLT4h9pllLoaHhl7DrP9r6F-vbdceAOq7c5TZLt72SCjqQY7J0EKmnXxK17knOkx3y2hojY/s4032/IMG_3533.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6beiEBU8pGjQV2I2LGYtKyrA1D3MkorHAKMDaop5bt4wi8oNrTM_OxT4yJSOQJy2TY-dbYkct0YYzOokaTvGGqRWDNZwGkLfqb5-J5nv9rgbQ0eUg93FeLT4h9pllLoaHhl7DrP9r6F-vbdceAOq7c5TZLt72SCjqQY7J0EKmnXxK17knOkx3y2hojY/s320/IMG_3533.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>As they say in New Orleans, be nice, or leave.<br /><p>Philip</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>philip Mearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04384629201161240341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509434911388799.post-31916419653691049732024-02-18T06:18:00.001-06:002024-02-18T06:18:59.374-06:00February 18, 2024- Week #13- still a little bit of winter<p>It is Friday evening, and the temperature is still falling. During the day it reached a cold 32 degrees. There had even been a dusting of snow on the ground to start the day. Then there was a stiff wind making you think about the really heavy coat again. It is now 15 degrees and in free fall. I really do not know how far it will go.</p><p>Update: 6am Saturday. It is 7 degrees, according to the little weather station in our bedroom. That was the only night in a month when it has been in single digits. (Fact check- it was -7 on January 22.</p><p>Update:6am Sunday- It is 23 degrees, and I believe the warm February has returned.</p><p>Spring returns today. We have had an early spring for a month, giving us</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQRw3KYXLqhr_YHjlBEuWliD5PQsr-NPfju6wbdn70XahNp7JeTr4Q9X6x8AN0Cw-pWkNmFppr_jUanqTWTFP4ghGlRe89kdvRYClWiUZ21ir8IdLYBtekMgXsYLE_FCwm3TwpanaaglZ7UVUUyssmXDTW4Tc_sBGXeSsrgjSUYuiZClNxnOF5vZtXMs/s4032/IMG_3389.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQRw3KYXLqhr_YHjlBEuWliD5PQsr-NPfju6wbdn70XahNp7JeTr4Q9X6x8AN0Cw-pWkNmFppr_jUanqTWTFP4ghGlRe89kdvRYClWiUZ21ir8IdLYBtekMgXsYLE_FCwm3TwpanaaglZ7UVUUyssmXDTW4Tc_sBGXeSsrgjSUYuiZClNxnOF5vZtXMs/w480-h640/IMG_3389.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">February 14, 2024.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>It was a Valentine's Day crocus. Even in 2012, the other warmest February I can find in my pictures, the first crocus was not until March 1. Of course as I think about it, I probably have a lot more crocuses planted today than 12 years ago.</p><p>We knew this cold period was coming. I came home early on Thursday, and potted up some aconite. I have about 3 dozen potted now. I have sold a dozen for the food banks.</p><p> I am actually doing a controlled experiment with those little yellow light bulbs. I put two flats inside the back garage. I left one flat outside, next to the back garage. We will see how they compare. I suspect that there will be no difference.</p><p>Last year the first aconite was just appearing on February 26, 2023. The first crocus </p><p>was March 1. </p><p>More from this week.</p><p>Some spring bulbs spread over time. A single bulb with multiply and then you get a clump like this.</p><p>Garden tip-you can get a clump faster if you plant several of the little bulbs in the same hole.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkO_jMVtl-h7jtbOPEspB4eSvujOzh4xzw0K_8alCIil9XcvPp8zLxIhCIRO0vTu_zauUrqCq2L6ZkaPsVqM1mgx2WrwbYLx_K4bgr1LYZ9OYOJmC5la4-fR4fsrCOzNiZNlr9sD_6PvMJ9ntrbXljwJuG1E1KmqBj2HkFYTh3nqctDzaKLgWayzlXcI/s4032/IMG_3393.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkO_jMVtl-h7jtbOPEspB4eSvujOzh4xzw0K_8alCIil9XcvPp8zLxIhCIRO0vTu_zauUrqCq2L6ZkaPsVqM1mgx2WrwbYLx_K4bgr1LYZ9OYOJmC5la4-fR4fsrCOzNiZNlr9sD_6PvMJ9ntrbXljwJuG1E1KmqBj2HkFYTh3nqctDzaKLgWayzlXcI/w480-h640/IMG_3393.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This past week there even were white crocuses.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXsZVrJxKCv4G5AvrtQnz1BF71zNpypqvEpoPdiJ0IFHgNpNoCFVdDZFkPqiuXMYzFhXZv_L7lDY3WHj55clXlDuQuG31inDTagXWOLtCmK8g8F6JhEtGDByAg5NIzCW7IAJono2fCRZvmhEb6e_81F3Er68evBGATLhp9SRrqIqn9MS7sx1_MUDqKuM/s4032/IMG_3398.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXsZVrJxKCv4G5AvrtQnz1BF71zNpypqvEpoPdiJ0IFHgNpNoCFVdDZFkPqiuXMYzFhXZv_L7lDY3WHj55clXlDuQuG31inDTagXWOLtCmK8g8F6JhEtGDByAg5NIzCW7IAJono2fCRZvmhEb6e_81F3Er68evBGATLhp9SRrqIqn9MS7sx1_MUDqKuM/w640-h480/IMG_3398.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>It is certainly a glorious time. It will of course return when the temperatures are back in the 50's in a few days.</p><p><br /></p><p>Last week in the contest the easy winner was </p><p>The black poppy.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSdX8BikCeFMd9j4KR1TWj0yamDJPmo2euze19lTzFPwHX6A00c4K8UccGKfy2F2djJE6uwGppvoIoaARnCBZFcXeAsooRFYONmVPxjuvl8QhP5jH51IUB_SpXjF0aE57NZLZ01P-qqDz8vKmakAR1Zcl09ZO7u0fIGC3wIkmEJgV-5x3R62d3gLJg6I/s4032/IMG_0836.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSdX8BikCeFMd9j4KR1TWj0yamDJPmo2euze19lTzFPwHX6A00c4K8UccGKfy2F2djJE6uwGppvoIoaARnCBZFcXeAsooRFYONmVPxjuvl8QhP5jH51IUB_SpXjF0aE57NZLZ01P-qqDz8vKmakAR1Zcl09ZO7u0fIGC3wIkmEJgV-5x3R62d3gLJg6I/w640-h480/IMG_0836.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>The full vote was</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLQPTYRTYzhF9uoentDK_LWoaHtscJu5eRIUKVp6qAriW_2hVXHmmnRoOSakb0cMu3SDICQLKTKZzvTN3bKrmK24Tz7M9XICODtGz6QWgFB_K5K0m-auK3ISpFeVhiPBA_WrQV-3ncoBw_piLvzpnE0u5hVF1co0ICZ_x_zm5NiHBv2yNdVs_3v47PvM/s343/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-18%20at%205.45.50%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="343" data-original-width="329" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLQPTYRTYzhF9uoentDK_LWoaHtscJu5eRIUKVp6qAriW_2hVXHmmnRoOSakb0cMu3SDICQLKTKZzvTN3bKrmK24Tz7M9XICODtGz6QWgFB_K5K0m-auK3ISpFeVhiPBA_WrQV-3ncoBw_piLvzpnE0u5hVF1co0ICZ_x_zm5NiHBv2yNdVs_3v47PvM/s320/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-18%20at%205.45.50%20AM.png" width="307" /></a></div><br /><p>It was a convincing win. I do like it when every picture does get good support.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>This week will be Week 13</b></span></p><p>This will be the last week where you see a new set of pictures. Next week will bring the playoffs. But here are some nice pictures, for this last week.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#1 Trillium grandiflorum </span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">April 30, 2023</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKK1jIjNgVd2bxDHbJMs0vYT6gTWRO11nUc3L_yixCL31sTGafgNsV5CRkiSJqIfXbhuYxzqvcpKXg7Xh830_gfIElprVtD87sUJl8ikKhEksKDqfhNP-4zyeQCEmZliLJiSbGaRONdohnJwFCNeN_21fG2Lhw0u3qFuewCL9ii814ILC9Mdtepgo4rI/s4032/IMG_0444.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKK1jIjNgVd2bxDHbJMs0vYT6gTWRO11nUc3L_yixCL31sTGafgNsV5CRkiSJqIfXbhuYxzqvcpKXg7Xh830_gfIElprVtD87sUJl8ikKhEksKDqfhNP-4zyeQCEmZliLJiSbGaRONdohnJwFCNeN_21fG2Lhw0u3qFuewCL9ii814ILC9Mdtepgo4rI/w640-h480/IMG_0444.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I love trillium. This one is the biggest. I have had this plant for probably 20 years. It is quite reliable always coming back in the same decent clump.</div><div>It is remarkable in that it changes color. It starts out white and fades to pink.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#2 Pink Dogwood </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">May 3, 2023</span></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvThzyVV8gm6QSlQt-41tXX7h5zO1DqMYkqFlfMUIhfaaskQcFXMH_gTp-MlOtmdVGfBSyjZC2mG_wk4-SHLmoSPhS_JOfhc71_UjA6snliQp2D-FB3OwM6D-2Wx4yFSFEFVgJ6vg6AMbtDmtRiTK8nbjeZRHFU29SY7D8OPfK_mqPI5JfuekslR3Y-U/s2968/IMG_0494.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2622" data-original-width="2968" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvThzyVV8gm6QSlQt-41tXX7h5zO1DqMYkqFlfMUIhfaaskQcFXMH_gTp-MlOtmdVGfBSyjZC2mG_wk4-SHLmoSPhS_JOfhc71_UjA6snliQp2D-FB3OwM6D-2Wx4yFSFEFVgJ6vg6AMbtDmtRiTK8nbjeZRHFU29SY7D8OPfK_mqPI5JfuekslR3Y-U/w640-h566/IMG_0494.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The pink dogwood is quite remarkable in the nighborhood. It was a birthday present for Julia, about 30 years ago. We were told it might not do well in zone 5. For that reason we planted so the house would protect it a little from the winter north wind.</div><div>It now grows up to the second floor, which is out our bedroom windows.</div><div>Dogwood trees are understory trees. They like the dappled shade.</div><div>They are native to eastern North America.</div><div>The genus is Cornus. </div><div><br /></div><div>We have planted 3 other dogwoods in the backyard. They are white ones that bloom later in the season.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>#3 The pansy face </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>May 27, 2023</b></div></span><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgchQonkAIBEOvrJCFhq0cQlB9kcWb9JadLI6Kb4TzP015OMAlP-ZkzLWAP-ulbQCF47DO-ojVJwD_Wr78eA5Im3V_hIoiDs3gDt0JWMGNMdUOEZBYZtNUvAZvL1XR323l660QMYwUl4Hk1_91qIw7-rFbhxF6a_Zs4eYE36LK7odfLw3iPpHN107eq0xk/s4032/IMG_0765.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgchQonkAIBEOvrJCFhq0cQlB9kcWb9JadLI6Kb4TzP015OMAlP-ZkzLWAP-ulbQCF47DO-ojVJwD_Wr78eA5Im3V_hIoiDs3gDt0JWMGNMdUOEZBYZtNUvAZvL1XR323l660QMYwUl4Hk1_91qIw7-rFbhxF6a_Zs4eYE36LK7odfLw3iPpHN107eq0xk/w480-h640/IMG_0765.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;">Pansies are so wonderful. They are real cold weather plants. You can plant them in October. They will survive a frost. They will also over winter, even if there is a winter. What keeps them from being a perennial is the heat. They die in the heat of the summer.</p><p style="text-align: left;">This past fall it was next to impossible to find them anywhere. Like so many plants I would like to find a place where I could get 5-6 flats. Then I could plant 25 and have many for the sale table.</p></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#4 Another Red Poppy </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">June 10, 2023</span></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrQsMnJVUESc-FQqxqz3IwwlaQTLO3c7loKCRGjIZcCpfFFgx6a484od6FNjG5BGc9tfjBQyFhiQ3RkuunpV7cLvbz_rlfrnFcixChdiur20BiXthhl18scsrnQyCzejrz9l9EqhwAVu2uWlaSrW2EW1OU2LRx0zPzBDNVTk1_azmDZX8Y80RGy-brew/s2886/IMG_0919.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2886" data-original-width="2736" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrQsMnJVUESc-FQqxqz3IwwlaQTLO3c7loKCRGjIZcCpfFFgx6a484od6FNjG5BGc9tfjBQyFhiQ3RkuunpV7cLvbz_rlfrnFcixChdiur20BiXthhl18scsrnQyCzejrz9l9EqhwAVu2uWlaSrW2EW1OU2LRx0zPzBDNVTk1_azmDZX8Y80RGy-brew/w606-h640/IMG_0919.jpeg" width="606" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There have been a number of poppies in the contest this year. None had this kind of smooth color.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#5 Striped crocus</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> May 27, 2023</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdAQkSKWORfGByIz-hIq-BACQL2oL6Z8bfixon0OcKNFvxKYnawGHXFDT2NMV9x2NmTrmQ2D0lruz9Z3y0TT33O9zBCWr5iR-15L4vo2PhURpmSa_0K0yJ4hYevkdtiVtvXhCa1U9xCkeOon5XVluGDuVyhpsjB0_VlqEfMLILfP7QnaDhvHtZNC5GiU/s3461/IMG_9936.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3461" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdAQkSKWORfGByIz-hIq-BACQL2oL6Z8bfixon0OcKNFvxKYnawGHXFDT2NMV9x2NmTrmQ2D0lruz9Z3y0TT33O9zBCWr5iR-15L4vo2PhURpmSa_0K0yJ4hYevkdtiVtvXhCa1U9xCkeOon5XVluGDuVyhpsjB0_VlqEfMLILfP7QnaDhvHtZNC5GiU/w560-h640/IMG_9936.jpeg" width="560" /></a></div><br /><p>Crocuses are so special. They add color to the early spring bulbs. This one was Christopher's faorite that time they lived with us during COVID.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Bonus pictures</span></b></p><p>In keeping with last weeks post, here are a few pictures that almost made the contest.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFioRWKazeVKzoCppJ2FPrjQ1L_ZFGxfrjlknu-ix_WG8__y_ulT1_WJnikQty8RrK03WxT7cn05Buy6uG_Z-uiugkFGpyEgISRqKa8QO6zTsLu444OMyUdGtuAGZwCAwONeZC6i18slZW0L1KmFC9QKJpE0utKCmOct8l1LCvCic21AUMaA5rT5Rlokk/s4032/IMG_0153.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFioRWKazeVKzoCppJ2FPrjQ1L_ZFGxfrjlknu-ix_WG8__y_ulT1_WJnikQty8RrK03WxT7cn05Buy6uG_Z-uiugkFGpyEgISRqKa8QO6zTsLu444OMyUdGtuAGZwCAwONeZC6i18slZW0L1KmFC9QKJpE0utKCmOct8l1LCvCic21AUMaA5rT5Rlokk/w640-h480/IMG_0153.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7EIFOk0p8tJULJbyxC49lOQEkpRPNQJ9jpc2_WmlNdcixX54z-4W_5788t20SmKZON6nnJnNMsEpCgQDzkKECIGacxHq1sB1locfNBbpWzKHHSmOJh8BctILWd_s0VmMFuu4AQEHAmwZlGS1066KlcVIq-T5fkOMHJbgzDWjMMhWm2jBt_qvEZvPpjs/s4032/IMG_9575.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7EIFOk0p8tJULJbyxC49lOQEkpRPNQJ9jpc2_WmlNdcixX54z-4W_5788t20SmKZON6nnJnNMsEpCgQDzkKECIGacxHq1sB1locfNBbpWzKHHSmOJh8BctILWd_s0VmMFuu4AQEHAmwZlGS1066KlcVIq-T5fkOMHJbgzDWjMMhWm2jBt_qvEZvPpjs/w480-h640/IMG_9575.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>At some point in the Spring the aconite foliage almost makes a mat. Up through that comes the occasional late crocus.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyevhFmJTMndIZYKjct3C8tG3cAsl02cIpdz86xFrKTlJKe0KQSSLtk1ODaQK0fxnoOO6_dFyRAXmRCGTOcrwSyNIfDGZg9t_XnCeLhZ8q-ZJS8_m__cRDpuNIuxFV6hQ78t__dhOiya0-JFHNVPVU_nJcGjpB0-tXBDxju8hptr31-kntu64XrjfaHZA/s4032/IMG_9975.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyevhFmJTMndIZYKjct3C8tG3cAsl02cIpdz86xFrKTlJKe0KQSSLtk1ODaQK0fxnoOO6_dFyRAXmRCGTOcrwSyNIfDGZg9t_XnCeLhZ8q-ZJS8_m__cRDpuNIuxFV6hQ78t__dhOiya0-JFHNVPVU_nJcGjpB0-tXBDxju8hptr31-kntu64XrjfaHZA/w640-h480/IMG_9975.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Here are other trillium pictures</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENmIxSTF0mjiE8llseRRbXx0Yw-M2kvMOuC7irDKpX2pH3G8TfNdakUB68SP3FoAi0WnHRnY3oOPt-S6XwJJK7VKYiIngutQyzy_U3_jQynZwrT63s2QfZ-CxEPa2Z6gjf4OaD_kIzsJObLkymbgg6fIiF5Z_qGcTSQ7G9oG4wA-xWZBOQLvm2g7JL80/s4032/IMG_0442.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENmIxSTF0mjiE8llseRRbXx0Yw-M2kvMOuC7irDKpX2pH3G8TfNdakUB68SP3FoAi0WnHRnY3oOPt-S6XwJJK7VKYiIngutQyzy_U3_jQynZwrT63s2QfZ-CxEPa2Z6gjf4OaD_kIzsJObLkymbgg6fIiF5Z_qGcTSQ7G9oG4wA-xWZBOQLvm2g7JL80/w480-h640/IMG_0442.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>These little guys also fade from white to pink.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJuD8Szp8lhNokt631gOQyoOmILkqugG2ZN2NYjDSUHKZmqXcErUq63OScRCDSL0_uLzxRT9d6buEGyJAYfk6ByD3_9vmazo30TDmqhCBE4GcJVzKUcqviuv2QHeV3AdojEZs8AdX85UcOnRfXAkyT_ZYbGmOPahNHOmQfzCaEr04JgLEW07JxaoC4xc/s4032/IMG_6925.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJuD8Szp8lhNokt631gOQyoOmILkqugG2ZN2NYjDSUHKZmqXcErUq63OScRCDSL0_uLzxRT9d6buEGyJAYfk6ByD3_9vmazo30TDmqhCBE4GcJVzKUcqviuv2QHeV3AdojEZs8AdX85UcOnRfXAkyT_ZYbGmOPahNHOmQfzCaEr04JgLEW07JxaoC4xc/w480-h640/IMG_6925.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvcVLZ68pWiUyyxbUwtSIRY5PygM0oWgrrdxHfivCR_6zesVi2fhxPI2-gtK-uR5dcgUOTsEd-GXGpQLVqjMJLQbL_JhhLoNIGJovjmcR54ItSmq6ikTquoxhE-GY6ufQ77J_PF6s1w8vEUx7lCILJAZOVeVKF1Zn7y4CRqGMsgZVKwXWupO7wdA4xYY/s4032/IMG_7048.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvcVLZ68pWiUyyxbUwtSIRY5PygM0oWgrrdxHfivCR_6zesVi2fhxPI2-gtK-uR5dcgUOTsEd-GXGpQLVqjMJLQbL_JhhLoNIGJovjmcR54ItSmq6ikTquoxhE-GY6ufQ77J_PF6s1w8vEUx7lCILJAZOVeVKF1Zn7y4CRqGMsgZVKwXWupO7wdA4xYY/w480-h640/IMG_7048.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The story of the special Orchid</span></b></p><p>I belong to a local orchid club. I have belonged to that club for 25 years. I like the group because you do not have to be a fanatic to belong. </p><p>Each year for your modest dues you get a free orchid. You get this plant if you attend the holiday dinner in early December. All the gift orchids are put on a table. Tickets are then drawn that determone the order in which people can pick out the orchid they want.</p><p>In December 2014, I picked this plant.</p><p>The name is Stenorrhynchos speciosus. I liked it in part because it really did not look like what most people think of as an orchid. One of its features was that it would usually bloom right after the first of the year.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8t3Q3Y54g-yM17ySkhDiIXKsDnToHvPbMn9EvRlObm-KZDiDMxDC37FRWYe8I4DW1i2j9JojTl9OFKT_j-HSoBymoCFTd5P3MgSQM74eQaWVJyzicVrhWIejKDVCdBX_3iFKzaPEWyqvOAuW6OQOvN2RGqhLmfaJ1EswwPYAIPIjB1Dj5QqJB8MgGrvg/s3264/IMG_0799.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8t3Q3Y54g-yM17ySkhDiIXKsDnToHvPbMn9EvRlObm-KZDiDMxDC37FRWYe8I4DW1i2j9JojTl9OFKT_j-HSoBymoCFTd5P3MgSQM74eQaWVJyzicVrhWIejKDVCdBX_3iFKzaPEWyqvOAuW6OQOvN2RGqhLmfaJ1EswwPYAIPIjB1Dj5QqJB8MgGrvg/w640-h480/IMG_0799.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>A month later it was in full bloom.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_kFZV_vPOAYn6Zduy52R3eWUg-7DL3t69DTEo65I_SdlWZTe106br9JKiOE99fKNMPbPwNnPAQ4U-P_-rT8gAiNLV4ZBEysUrWp0FGjhWgF9H5PiTIgi5eNxWaZ5JNMu1kk2VaVkHZFInyndV_3R-4Hq6mlTSmSQJIT1L5ifmK5QQ8YGV4h4jBs2qWY/s3264/IMG_0933%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_kFZV_vPOAYn6Zduy52R3eWUg-7DL3t69DTEo65I_SdlWZTe106br9JKiOE99fKNMPbPwNnPAQ4U-P_-rT8gAiNLV4ZBEysUrWp0FGjhWgF9H5PiTIgi5eNxWaZ5JNMu1kk2VaVkHZFInyndV_3R-4Hq6mlTSmSQJIT1L5ifmK5QQ8YGV4h4jBs2qWY/w480-h640/IMG_0933%202.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It got bigger over the next 9 years, sometimes even blooming in the sunnmer. I did not divide it, but put it into bigger hanging pots.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCl7HMOymFBOdSbWjv91riXDhHOAqm0ktUvc4AiB9p9Iq2EgXRR94EIsQYQeva9vfOpQg14m6UjmUxm_Mx4hyphenhyphen3iQIXzj3n6hYYgrRklq_posfMwzg4g4Z1GqETvzeqnqL5WiATIFHbxXD6qOshl0w2vzEIoGqVghEf38SrumT4T-tAWfmrvAa4z4TzWug/s5184/IMG_1036.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCl7HMOymFBOdSbWjv91riXDhHOAqm0ktUvc4AiB9p9Iq2EgXRR94EIsQYQeva9vfOpQg14m6UjmUxm_Mx4hyphenhyphen3iQIXzj3n6hYYgrRklq_posfMwzg4g4Z1GqETvzeqnqL5WiATIFHbxXD6qOshl0w2vzEIoGqVghEf38SrumT4T-tAWfmrvAa4z4TzWug/s320/IMG_1036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>It is listed as a terrestrial, native to Mexico and Central America. That means it grows in the ground, not attached to trees.</p><p>Here is is in 2019. The closeup shows you the individual flowers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYAqvdkph2MH1Ow0oFGa3js04-O2A4sdw5wv-ntOz9jNmeElszPD1VU3yLNeQC1Vsjb4nKmZOp-MRf2Z2Gtc66n9b0h7VpJRbGS5Bp5Uq8K8Xf0dvBiP8IFVQFQB1bs2mfZbbmcpIczfwseja9siDURrMsBWFPfDlaN8P-RntmYiGRnoOssRid0WKH9I/s4032/IMG_4347.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYAqvdkph2MH1Ow0oFGa3js04-O2A4sdw5wv-ntOz9jNmeElszPD1VU3yLNeQC1Vsjb4nKmZOp-MRf2Z2Gtc66n9b0h7VpJRbGS5Bp5Uq8K8Xf0dvBiP8IFVQFQB1bs2mfZbbmcpIczfwseja9siDURrMsBWFPfDlaN8P-RntmYiGRnoOssRid0WKH9I/w640-h480/IMG_4347.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYktXemii9Q4YSjBMHeo3HOZFCEfF645M-ZF1iVPR_aOG-6OpqK2lgRQZxAjAy2bFF2vL9qGUagAbnL5rmVSbMr8OQaaRp4xuyAk6SmdDTgbS_C8znKH8uRc91guM4brswqTjOMZMaN3jO-j0b5xKHMo6LFUd_P1oLXu6jYmbLYSofqjXcS0cG4oF53lU/s4032/IMG_4348.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYktXemii9Q4YSjBMHeo3HOZFCEfF645M-ZF1iVPR_aOG-6OpqK2lgRQZxAjAy2bFF2vL9qGUagAbnL5rmVSbMr8OQaaRp4xuyAk6SmdDTgbS_C8znKH8uRc91guM4brswqTjOMZMaN3jO-j0b5xKHMo6LFUd_P1oLXu6jYmbLYSofqjXcS0cG4oF53lU/w640-h480/IMG_4348.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>One of the activities of the local orchid club is to take members' plants to orchid shows around the upper midwest. I do not have many orchids for those shows. My orchid collection is only 20-25 plants. My orchids probably do not get the best attention as there are so many other plants. The orchids do all go outside for the summer, hanging from poles around the backyard.</p><p>Well last year, 2023, in the winter, I packed up this orchid and sent it to the shows. It came back loaded with ribbons. It scored well in whatever was the class they put it in. I figured it was in the odd-looking class.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIT1Mu9d50CJYnbDZP4pInX37Vas52PJG_MjVaTZ7FbzjPNQiv2oERQwKr41rawBXN9bBWFgoG7uV3dp9W6BSipAvzvoYL-AgQqXC6grNKC4lldIYDs11Y6TRXO_dAeRNydxLW64LDZcni9Rkvs9Oo08_7lZUj03T8vvGLIcUgNYHABa3lvp5Bgpo5gQ/s4032/IMG_9670.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIT1Mu9d50CJYnbDZP4pInX37Vas52PJG_MjVaTZ7FbzjPNQiv2oERQwKr41rawBXN9bBWFgoG7uV3dp9W6BSipAvzvoYL-AgQqXC6grNKC4lldIYDs11Y6TRXO_dAeRNydxLW64LDZcni9Rkvs9Oo08_7lZUj03T8vvGLIcUgNYHABa3lvp5Bgpo5gQ/w480-h640/IMG_9670.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p>Well 2024 rolled around. The plant had 13 stalks, compared to maybe 11 last year. I packed it up sending it north to St. Paul.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqo2bERXFNinOXT-DpRit42ZnPgVENpYZ_0AFz_ONh0Y29wXMbDcWZmOp3nhi6StWc1-VFGBCsiqpUvB39_3ymdJCpuR54UQJQIklMfeB6zLEPWWHLQ6JFW4nbQkKJNth-xG4RiHMfjUVBjOhJnoF_oz-obupcyaEg6m_k0BX1v5psTcwDQXkVFr6IWY/s4032/IMG_3256.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqo2bERXFNinOXT-DpRit42ZnPgVENpYZ_0AFz_ONh0Y29wXMbDcWZmOp3nhi6StWc1-VFGBCsiqpUvB39_3ymdJCpuR54UQJQIklMfeB6zLEPWWHLQ6JFW4nbQkKJNth-xG4RiHMfjUVBjOhJnoF_oz-obupcyaEg6m_k0BX1v5psTcwDQXkVFr6IWY/w480-h640/IMG_3256.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>The plant went off to a show in St. Paul. Judging takes place first, at 8am on Saturday. </div><div>I understand the idea of ribbons. I do not know that much about judging.</div><div>I had heard people at the club talk about plants being taken "back" for AOS judging. I had no idea what that was. I now have learned.</div><div>Apparently the judges first give out the regular ribbons. They then look at the plants that got first place ribbons and decide which are really special. That group goes to some other room or table for what is called AOS judging. (American Orchid Society.) I gather at this point plants or particular flowers are measured against some ideal plant or flower. You get a point score. If your score is over some total you really have done well., and get an award.</div><div><br /><p>So on Saturday morning, in late January, the weekend of the St. Paul orchid show, the local club person who had taken the plant to the show, called me. Julia and I were out driving someplace. He told me the plant had been taken back for AOS judging. It had been awarded an AOS award, something called a Certificate of Cultural Merit, or CCM. It apparently scored 83 on some scale. OK</p><p>But what he said next was the remarkable part. He told me I got to the right to name the plant.</p><p>What? And I had to pick a name in the next 30 minutes. Remember, we were out driving around.</p><p>So remembering that Maisie really liked the color red, I picked the name "Maisie."</p><p>(Sometime this summer we will name a daylily "Christopher.")</p><p>So let me introduce to you Stennorynchos speciosus "Maisie."</p><p>Here is the plant, back on our dining room table, with some of the hardware and ribbons.</p><p>Wow- what do you do next?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3u3mKoDTWJ9SXcp7_d0UNX89-BzCNKFA2_hOAfyUMR8-t1Bykj70Bnf1-FZ8UvvgVW1a7MLrHBtVdcVKiuoEJACtVKPhhyphenhyphen9Um68Ie9aH1iEL78fKvqiK90FJRNnI5NkhPpxmQfz77oCy2d8CSRdNQ4Xym_aqpP7qtURRFcW59F4Dczq2yBiZdREymjI/s4032/IMG_3423.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2574" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3u3mKoDTWJ9SXcp7_d0UNX89-BzCNKFA2_hOAfyUMR8-t1Bykj70Bnf1-FZ8UvvgVW1a7MLrHBtVdcVKiuoEJACtVKPhhyphenhyphen9Um68Ie9aH1iEL78fKvqiK90FJRNnI5NkhPpxmQfz77oCy2d8CSRdNQ4Xym_aqpP7qtURRFcW59F4Dczq2yBiZdREymjI/w408-h640/IMG_3423.jpeg" width="408" /></a></div><br /><p>Here is a closeup with one of the stalks. The individual flowers do look like what you think of as an orchid.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUzEcRRNPpugrbb8Ipg8G0L9yRwzEPR9KRYRyC7vNrfR2cY3VkqEk_31jY5hpTLfUmn-jFGHtczgxDG-hntdhai2uExZjGGNG5GZw0MpaUY7iY6GUkd6lvYgcArkb9UC8NbOV6AlapbG1hLHamIPUu2VxpPtR5BJ4ol5aaskZ_nOsNQRCsBlAUEYAxb8/s4032/IMG_3414.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUzEcRRNPpugrbb8Ipg8G0L9yRwzEPR9KRYRyC7vNrfR2cY3VkqEk_31jY5hpTLfUmn-jFGHtczgxDG-hntdhai2uExZjGGNG5GZw0MpaUY7iY6GUkd6lvYgcArkb9UC8NbOV6AlapbG1hLHamIPUu2VxpPtR5BJ4ol5aaskZ_nOsNQRCsBlAUEYAxb8/w480-h640/IMG_3414.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p>Someone who was judging counted the little flowers. There were 195 open. 118 remained in bud.</p><p>Here was the label at the next show the following week, in Madison.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZRs5uH8hKS2hWnCyQkcTfnvJarH9g6TbkksxlntxRqzRpnjTSPhJRt2PfJSuOTggTFaBYv7v0jfORMZxXGgarqJvLAhVxLo_2RYuIchzfTGZ2yCXF-BK5SylyUTh-JHBfG5hd8zhfVG4KkA0mKfXlxD2pgl0gY7rs3chQzqmTcvMEbj_hfAQYPGAxYU/s4032/IMG_3422.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZRs5uH8hKS2hWnCyQkcTfnvJarH9g6TbkksxlntxRqzRpnjTSPhJRt2PfJSuOTggTFaBYv7v0jfORMZxXGgarqJvLAhVxLo_2RYuIchzfTGZ2yCXF-BK5SylyUTh-JHBfG5hd8zhfVG4KkA0mKfXlxD2pgl0gY7rs3chQzqmTcvMEbj_hfAQYPGAxYU/s320/IMG_3422.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Right Now</span></b></p><p>This was before the freeze. I will report next week on how the clump fared as a result of the single digit temperatures.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRdYqxkR1RiBGM_PtH2yE1-qVA8g9b3sVSTE28yHUtw055EUHghAoaBigZa1HE1rzpIOL63y7j3fHAlt7h0NRnHiG6HDbeI0VKRQtu7GSAZkKrGsFaCqbXvuX_UOEqud360mFK27FF1IcbVsHhf0muqBeMd1c09LWLq5L-7y-7FfoWPGkHkqzahkY0OeM/s4032/IMG_3393.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRdYqxkR1RiBGM_PtH2yE1-qVA8g9b3sVSTE28yHUtw055EUHghAoaBigZa1HE1rzpIOL63y7j3fHAlt7h0NRnHiG6HDbeI0VKRQtu7GSAZkKrGsFaCqbXvuX_UOEqud360mFK27FF1IcbVsHhf0muqBeMd1c09LWLq5L-7y-7FfoWPGkHkqzahkY0OeM/w480-h640/IMG_3393.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_P4kxYbWQyoy8kVWe6i2tcMMIJRF9LptXaPu4Z1_YXHQlIdyorFfzPXc7iRMHrtRY0vRvW_MVl1gLe_EdeA-SzbBL3ToTkxkwBiQOmwtj8MwJBPf61eTo8InSBIwbaJuVvYey-Enea9xQ7UEGiOMyek_xOPtWZWQyE25HdLyO2sDgxuwS9OpHb6z6L8/s4032/IMG_3397.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_P4kxYbWQyoy8kVWe6i2tcMMIJRF9LptXaPu4Z1_YXHQlIdyorFfzPXc7iRMHrtRY0vRvW_MVl1gLe_EdeA-SzbBL3ToTkxkwBiQOmwtj8MwJBPf61eTo8InSBIwbaJuVvYey-Enea9xQ7UEGiOMyek_xOPtWZWQyE25HdLyO2sDgxuwS9OpHb6z6L8/w480-h640/IMG_3397.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0JqdDXzi2Lrmd8jMXTZd8EGubcsDdMH0sxO3579q0WaSCUcMh9n8_bBRrU3VXjGQ7Hq77BtzrNzgiUHZkGf5tEMsYjJis7xnbyR-eMXf_USXp1ZvAMOze1F3zjZPRpQLKCpXYQHg9LwATXq2caFxieyAyM3kBOePlpzRCgzOEP5mskUg7aNytaQFLkO8/s4032/IMG_3402.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0JqdDXzi2Lrmd8jMXTZd8EGubcsDdMH0sxO3579q0WaSCUcMh9n8_bBRrU3VXjGQ7Hq77BtzrNzgiUHZkGf5tEMsYjJis7xnbyR-eMXf_USXp1ZvAMOze1F3zjZPRpQLKCpXYQHg9LwATXq2caFxieyAyM3kBOePlpzRCgzOEP5mskUg7aNytaQFLkO8/w480-h640/IMG_3402.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cWMvHp7somMshh5vv288QCqP1TW3GwbFgLvE6FmqVNKQQ3zPxu-peh-9Vw4KQKRmHMceN4SIldSE2V8WaM1KFH6LR9MU_bWr8PX39c57wpAm_y0wDMDgOm37yZOE3hsI25nv1bxcyspLE5RhpD78HwQ4JEi3nNqPkflMewxOrbSB_6Z0KmDSdzf6cjQ/s4032/IMG_3403.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cWMvHp7somMshh5vv288QCqP1TW3GwbFgLvE6FmqVNKQQ3zPxu-peh-9Vw4KQKRmHMceN4SIldSE2V8WaM1KFH6LR9MU_bWr8PX39c57wpAm_y0wDMDgOm37yZOE3hsI25nv1bxcyspLE5RhpD78HwQ4JEi3nNqPkflMewxOrbSB_6Z0KmDSdzf6cjQ/w640-h480/IMG_3403.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The bud is opening.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtC8I_fJ6Pjs2XfG85zmUEJp8PtUDfFxrC8DjzktvwCfwNdUGFgzHcQ544EFeyNGO3XxJV4oCUO2E0OE8vOEoBhBwNXijo_cxJaA22OfJPlgf-9WJ9JvouBFaM7h2GyE7bNG5N5VJQtH7jRo1FEXrEL0LHOAzlMaerXNTwf9QkqDWezR9BzU_Fo230oho/s4032/IMG_3407.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtC8I_fJ6Pjs2XfG85zmUEJp8PtUDfFxrC8DjzktvwCfwNdUGFgzHcQ544EFeyNGO3XxJV4oCUO2E0OE8vOEoBhBwNXijo_cxJaA22OfJPlgf-9WJ9JvouBFaM7h2GyE7bNG5N5VJQtH7jRo1FEXrEL0LHOAzlMaerXNTwf9QkqDWezR9BzU_Fo230oho/w480-h640/IMG_3407.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kXebqsnaZTaPzhSKZG1E4ib-L1Lz6rLt_1vEHudk1Wjvcgz-mQ7-0zB1Sut43YeRyuOddLVkA8YqNeDNMiCW9jR5jOqsz2tnRiKobqqP3lntZ-40Rjt4yLIrorht-19IVY4A9KgjeUb8ch0EjCXV5WrwslrF94p-cxbmN8nmJoTIKyIN1-K7wCF1tCo/s4032/IMG_3416.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kXebqsnaZTaPzhSKZG1E4ib-L1Lz6rLt_1vEHudk1Wjvcgz-mQ7-0zB1Sut43YeRyuOddLVkA8YqNeDNMiCW9jR5jOqsz2tnRiKobqqP3lntZ-40Rjt4yLIrorht-19IVY4A9KgjeUb8ch0EjCXV5WrwslrF94p-cxbmN8nmJoTIKyIN1-K7wCF1tCo/w480-h640/IMG_3416.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Julia's recipe</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sugar Cookies</b></span></p><p>Sometimes a person want to make roll-out and cut-out cookies. I had it in mind to make heart-shaped cookies for Valentine's Day, and the best recipe for this purpose is sugar cookies. My go-to cookbook for basic recipes is Betty Crocker. My edition is from 1974, before an emphasis (in later editions) on boxed (cake mix) or canned (canned soup) items as ingredients. As I may have said along the way on ths blog, I cook as much as possible with ingredients my grandmother would recognize. That is the case here. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bC5tttYUX1s5DdkmzYDyGbPm9QW_bF7b2kAXxVQZYj8wNKbqQjqtjJHzYiItKgjNKdEJhhOEE1a82hbDf8VOuMRc6Kkp1v-9Dqy6IygIznSoMNCpsMku4yCn_FiB-EAsFwi75wz7RawiXrA28QJKaQNNt_bx62cyu1UAUQa-pXmvuvhnlIO0y2M905c/s4032/IMG_3368.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bC5tttYUX1s5DdkmzYDyGbPm9QW_bF7b2kAXxVQZYj8wNKbqQjqtjJHzYiItKgjNKdEJhhOEE1a82hbDf8VOuMRc6Kkp1v-9Dqy6IygIznSoMNCpsMku4yCn_FiB-EAsFwi75wz7RawiXrA28QJKaQNNt_bx62cyu1UAUQa-pXmvuvhnlIO0y2M905c/w400-h300/IMG_3368.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>The ingredients:</div><div>3/4 cup butter (1-1/2 sticks) - softened;</div><div>2 eggs;</div><div>1+ teaspoon vanilla;</div><div>1 cup sugar;</div><div>2-1/2 cups flour;</div><div>1 teaspoon baking powder; and</div><div>1 teaspoon salt.</div><div><br /></div><div>The container on the left in the picture is cream cheese frosting. Whenever I bake a cake or something like pumpkin bars to be frosted, I do not worry about making the exact amount needed. There is no such thing as too much frosting. Extra cream cheese frosting freezes just fine and when later thawed, it spreads and tastes fine too. Also if you decide to frost your cookies, it would be nice to have some sprinkles on hand. We shop from time to time at an Amish country store called Stringtown Grocery. They sell, among other things, an amazing array of sprinkles, some figures (like snowflakes and candy canes and cows and pigs), some not (sparkly colored sugars and nonpareils). </div><div><br /></div><div>Two videos. The first is stage one of cookie preparation, creaming the butter and the sugar. I mixed the butter and sugar first, and then pretty quickly thereafter, added (and beat in) the eggs one at a time and then a slug of vanilla. I don't really measure vanilla. I probably used about 2 teaspoons instead of 1 teaspoon. I like to note the presence of vanilla. Another confession: I own fancy vanilla but I don't usually use it. The cooking show gurus (Milk Street, America's Test Kitchen) say they and their tasters can't tell the difference. Me neither. Non-genuine vanilla is much less expensive than the real thing. Use the money you save to buy fancy coffee. Or tea. Or seltzer. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzxdks9UE0FZ-55xGeLd-fzLf2iBjRBhQ0l3q2i75x_9rQAiSnXKz3BCrWFuwlXclvnfkBXnE8lakWuD7SH' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p><br /></p><div><br /></div><div>The secon video is mixing in the rest of the ingredients (flour, salt, leavening) until it turned into dough. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw0zO7CqiAKjz2f9x3roksbv2zsRPsJM0MyoNubAGD2oBgoOFLtIc5tY6mMWR7Ntqlf4MYntiKPUodB7Owi' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div>After I had a big shaggy blob of dough in the mixing bowl, I turned it onto a piece of plastic wrap (or waxed paper or parchment), patted it into a round, wrapped it up and refrigerated the package for about 1 hour.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjClzdpGZg-dmIy2Jf0ISQ2ziuYkYwMCoKbbY9gkThZVcwS6UJrRKDvgzD4XrRDc4HY_zZIXRQmiTBcemdS4zu7ylM04C7DzWLNFXhlLVETsl9fCXITAiw1HWcRTxiPCQcHDyg_iB_eNFAb6UaCP3kkcC2pVXg1anQmcaQVzpQBD83E1FmnCbFTDXZVU/s4032/IMG_3373.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjClzdpGZg-dmIy2Jf0ISQ2ziuYkYwMCoKbbY9gkThZVcwS6UJrRKDvgzD4XrRDc4HY_zZIXRQmiTBcemdS4zu7ylM04C7DzWLNFXhlLVETsl9fCXITAiw1HWcRTxiPCQcHDyg_iB_eNFAb6UaCP3kkcC2pVXg1anQmcaQVzpQBD83E1FmnCbFTDXZVU/w300-h400/IMG_3373.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>After an hour, I took it out and let it sit on the counter (still wrapped) for about 10 minutes. I turned the oven on to 400 degrees.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next, I cut the dough ball in half, as it would not work to roll out the whole thing at once. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2G2Zu17WrVsrGJYBe2Hj1nTaelaRlpvjtHPmKn_dhiptgu-ZI9Ot4BFnIZbnbEVKGRnb-f0g7RNWt3KlM8p1n_2DuVo-mvN-bkYAZJktBgoeaOcxACSlQUh5sIrJ7MkD8GzRmv7xwqF03VibhPgHETep_ChlpePuGqMfPwYL-Kj1nkjRsVFWZyx9i1nc/s4032/IMG_3374.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2G2Zu17WrVsrGJYBe2Hj1nTaelaRlpvjtHPmKn_dhiptgu-ZI9Ot4BFnIZbnbEVKGRnb-f0g7RNWt3KlM8p1n_2DuVo-mvN-bkYAZJktBgoeaOcxACSlQUh5sIrJ7MkD8GzRmv7xwqF03VibhPgHETep_ChlpePuGqMfPwYL-Kj1nkjRsVFWZyx9i1nc/w300-h400/IMG_3374.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div>I have a plastic rolling mat that my sister gave me. The circles show how big to roll out crust for pie shells of various sizes. I use it for cookies or yeast rolls because it is easier to clean up than the counter.</div><div>I dusted the mat with a little flour and started rolling out the cookie dough, rolling out from the middle in all directions and rotating the piece of dough after every few rolls. </div><div><br /></div><div>I needed to add a little flour now and again so that the dough would not stick to the mat. </div><div><br /></div><div>I used to use a canvas cloth to roll dough out on. But it was problematic. Either you washed it every time you used it, which was a mess or you didn't, which seemed unhygienic. </div><div><br /></div><div>This mat is a little unwieldy to get into the sink, but easy to wash and then air dry and then roll up and store until next time. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vpAtdpUGD_qUKAQpUbFP92lN_gO6-mhr0BmJ0xA0cCXk_LvqYdAh0jojMBqVqXpJeG8dng9hCWAYqCH3byvogAGi4a3KjD3_uEiY67JbWHMc5hTjcJAXOnhibeN3Y65F8MVW2eeHFTKcaJ8lsQu29H8WoYS0j0o3euLDtvZn8xbMDtXOPvBpXRVvKxE/s4032/IMG_3375.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vpAtdpUGD_qUKAQpUbFP92lN_gO6-mhr0BmJ0xA0cCXk_LvqYdAh0jojMBqVqXpJeG8dng9hCWAYqCH3byvogAGi4a3KjD3_uEiY67JbWHMc5hTjcJAXOnhibeN3Y65F8MVW2eeHFTKcaJ8lsQu29H8WoYS0j0o3euLDtvZn8xbMDtXOPvBpXRVvKxE/w300-h400/IMG_3375.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div>As I said at the outset, I decided to make hearts. Seasonal. I have a lot of cookie cutters - bunnies, kitties, camels, snowmen, a spider, a ghost, a very large pig, circles of various sizes and much more. My heart cookie cutters come in sizes. I made some medium sized (as pictured) and some one size up. </div><div><br /></div><div>I baked them on regular air-bake cookie sheets. I have thin flexible re-usable baking sheet liners (the brown thing covering the cookie sheet). Not necessary, but I used them because I had them. </div><div><br /></div><div>No need to grease the cookie sheets. </div><div><br /></div><div>I baked the cookies two sheets at a time for about 15 minutes, rotating the cookie sheets front to back and top to bottom about halfway through. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfq8TpqGjsCMMu2ekjNOWFNmauBqivcTs-XxMakVOm_wZ5x_6wHkcYbaj7HAHJKURMa4wjrEY8pyX1yc5M_KxVCLYIxG_aNi8hWZUXSiMO4urxzwxvt-oYG4JT9Yqtc21dxXvJtQUyjQHal4eSKjEioA4t92OXQHZwYZ43Lis6tXNCrhsxGeH49wHUdc/s4032/IMG_3378.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfq8TpqGjsCMMu2ekjNOWFNmauBqivcTs-XxMakVOm_wZ5x_6wHkcYbaj7HAHJKURMa4wjrEY8pyX1yc5M_KxVCLYIxG_aNi8hWZUXSiMO4urxzwxvt-oYG4JT9Yqtc21dxXvJtQUyjQHal4eSKjEioA4t92OXQHZwYZ43Lis6tXNCrhsxGeH49wHUdc/w300-h400/IMG_3378.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>A lot of cookies on cooling racks. I let the cookies cool on the cookie sheets for a few minutes after which they could be easily removed with a spatula. </div><div><br /></div><div>This recipe makes a lot of cookies. Of course, how many depends on what size cookie cutter you use. I think I ended up with about 5 dozen cookies. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjur2Fxf6aCXP8dFXrYTZ64BS18IWuMGwvSEQHdkYDjzn4Grq0Pr_TcyL0ZiKx_eTT924E4SK6VqaZDLfiXVXUVbld2-NK5-ArHbVBZrO6kWzMJLIpUJ7eM-fF9N4rv1EVBzQzXogqtU4BW4UiusEAMwAB7otqblUahJAQxKoVyvAiVetwjV4dmT1TQNNo/s4032/IMG_3380.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjur2Fxf6aCXP8dFXrYTZ64BS18IWuMGwvSEQHdkYDjzn4Grq0Pr_TcyL0ZiKx_eTT924E4SK6VqaZDLfiXVXUVbld2-NK5-ArHbVBZrO6kWzMJLIpUJ7eM-fF9N4rv1EVBzQzXogqtU4BW4UiusEAMwAB7otqblUahJAQxKoVyvAiVetwjV4dmT1TQNNo/s320/IMG_3380.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I frosted the bigger cookies with some of the cream cheese frosting. Although the frosting was soft when spread, it did harden after a few hours, so the sprinkles would stay put and so the cookies could be shipped without worrying about stickiness. </div><div><br /></div><div>I ended up with 24 frosted and sprinkled cookies: pink pig sprinkles, brown, black and white cow sprinkles. purple sparkly sugar and multicolored little tiny shiny bits. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCwDQFWxbB1nM7kY9nIStEa9U09spjAoZpkwFec2u3lbJ0HbDtEbrz0xafVTmDA69pAXncvw3XR1-j7NKx-IJLqDhPbUDZeC-JtAZxKw-QzydR92kE7lmxzZCXrQByFnvnkhspGdaQ5_O30xka9xMxxOg75J5y1nyGMDxALbJwzJS6KAq0txgcWq-bXc/s4032/IMG_3381.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCwDQFWxbB1nM7kY9nIStEa9U09spjAoZpkwFec2u3lbJ0HbDtEbrz0xafVTmDA69pAXncvw3XR1-j7NKx-IJLqDhPbUDZeC-JtAZxKw-QzydR92kE7lmxzZCXrQByFnvnkhspGdaQ5_O30xka9xMxxOg75J5y1nyGMDxALbJwzJS6KAq0txgcWq-bXc/w400-h300/IMG_3381.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Cookies! We sent some to a child of our acquaintance with a birthday. We also sent some plain ones to the family in Maine and ate a lot ourselves. </div><div><br /></div><div>So make sugar cookies sometime. They are satisfying in all ways. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Odds and Ends</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Garden yardsticks- Gardeners enjoy comparing the current year with the past. But how do you measure whether a particular year is earlier or later than some other time?</p><p>One way is to take note of when certain plants bloom, perhaps for the first time. Here are a few measuring events. I think I have the order correct. The dates are for 2024</p><p>First Snowdrop- February 4 </p><p>First Aconite- February 8</p><p>First Crocus-February 14</p><p>First Dwarf Iris</p><p>First Bluebell</p><p>First Daffodil</p><p>Star magnolia blooms</p><p>Pink Dogwood blooms</p><p>Monsella tulips</p><p>White Tree Peony</p><p>You get the picture.</p><p>We got home from the grocery store Friday late afternoon and it was still light out. On January 1, 2024 we had 9 hours and 13 minutes of daylight. As of today, Febraury 18, we will have 10 hours and 44 minutes. Sunrise is at 6:57. Sunset is at 5:42. </p><p>When the temperatures are above freezing, I can actually do some work in the garden, before and after work.</p><p>It is to get to 45 degrees today (Sunday). I need to put seedlings in the basement into bigger pots. I need to get the dirt for that operation in out of the back garage.</p><p>Pray for the world and this country. I can only begin to imgine the anxiety we will all feel, if that buffoon really makes it close. </p><p>Philip</p></div></div>philip Mearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04384629201161240341noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509434911388799.post-57009186747609292102024-02-11T06:20:00.005-06:002024-02-11T06:20:52.233-06:00February 11, 2024- Week #12- The Aconite has arrived<p>It is difficult not to write about the weather. It has been remarkable. Nice with a dose of concern.</p><p>This is from this week.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdi7aLu0IpnGsBWOhp2GTi7yhK3NfYaPXzWLQ8xDx02tuaCOF2Rh6W6y1O5jyaVn8T7JdxCo1-1_-y_W6JLfdwGpG1h53EXB4CqlijoY7B2zcv7f86qHdQj38ykzMGJkEHW1LVjvOnpwuvAfgxTjwC3ozRgpPXKU5S2wHDsAKT1YbSlV6HA9AwPKAbBs8/s4032/IMG_3342.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdi7aLu0IpnGsBWOhp2GTi7yhK3NfYaPXzWLQ8xDx02tuaCOF2Rh6W6y1O5jyaVn8T7JdxCo1-1_-y_W6JLfdwGpG1h53EXB4CqlijoY7B2zcv7f86qHdQj38ykzMGJkEHW1LVjvOnpwuvAfgxTjwC3ozRgpPXKU5S2wHDsAKT1YbSlV6HA9AwPKAbBs8/w640-h480/IMG_3342.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">February 8, 2024</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVw8iZqO04-V6WjcVdCARcK4CTOXWiZ3HDIF1i3uluu6izBvdjfD-2JpeyjPKykQwy9ipWYVXHYkLbcrCw0qyyzUzHP8y78xWLHoJA8oW3bJ-jeQlxTtrmovNw4seurfP9Ek5Vnv1y_Ak6BsUlPe1IzV8E4xOtwLW-igLjoOPvRnRI7Cdac0UFGmFgkWs/s4032/IMG_3343.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVw8iZqO04-V6WjcVdCARcK4CTOXWiZ3HDIF1i3uluu6izBvdjfD-2JpeyjPKykQwy9ipWYVXHYkLbcrCw0qyyzUzHP8y78xWLHoJA8oW3bJ-jeQlxTtrmovNw4seurfP9Ek5Vnv1y_Ak6BsUlPe1IzV8E4xOtwLW-igLjoOPvRnRI7Cdac0UFGmFgkWs/w640-h480/IMG_3343.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">February 8, 2024</td></tr></tbody></table><br />It begins to look like we had a winter that lasted 2 weeks. If you look at the temperature maps in the Odd Section at the end of the blog, maybe winter lasted 10 days.<div>Wednesday of this last week was sunny and the temperatures set records most places. In Iowa City we officially got to 68 degrees. That was something like 35 degrees above normal. (The normal high is about 32 degrees.) It cooled down so that this weekend it will only be 15 degrees above normal. <p></p><p>There is as much yardwork to do this weekend as I have time for. And of course the energy.</p><p>When I write this on Saturday night I am tired. I raked. I picked up sticks. And I even potted by first plants for the sale. Pots of aconite. I made the first sale for the foodbanks. Year 5 for that venture.</p><p>Parts of the yard get cleaned first. Those would be the places with the most aconite and snowdrops. It is such a joy to be out with those new flowers. It is that magical time when something new could be anywhere.</p><p>For example...</p><p>We saw a crocus on our walk Saturday. Then in the afternoon I discovered this in the backyard. I think it will bloom on Sunday.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-z6YVfKM7AfBIbyUnjvTb3QEU8YIoUABQWUOgobj-S9GCBE1H8pBYHyJtdNZ0SPBvwNNBYyYnmBBBKr-ioS24YkX2Vue73k3FrDT6YgPYKCHJ-XvKVftW8Pej1ednRFUfxmCRjfErNlkpvCU7_Yyd-3Gux_i-lG81jcqI07FoJd4rLv0sWfkW1AwCL0/s4032/IMG_3363.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-z6YVfKM7AfBIbyUnjvTb3QEU8YIoUABQWUOgobj-S9GCBE1H8pBYHyJtdNZ0SPBvwNNBYyYnmBBBKr-ioS24YkX2Vue73k3FrDT6YgPYKCHJ-XvKVftW8Pej1ednRFUfxmCRjfErNlkpvCU7_Yyd-3Gux_i-lG81jcqI07FoJd4rLv0sWfkW1AwCL0/w480-h640/IMG_3363.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>This time of year I am aware of the different zones within a garden. The backyard is south of the house. It warms faster as it gets more sun. There is actually a little bit of snow left in the front.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Last week in the contest for Week 11 </span></b></p><p>the come back winner was...the Bird of Paradise. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWilJ7DZtJcua3ZVCQp2saVd-iI1OKpt_NxGz_4UTZYbSPJBw3F8vKVOw-3FuIDz6h-Ai9iHmPVcX-gQLEo-suKsA_2-HaKFBP99O4pkNxhFHtIbcgHbmy5xh8kfgC_zgBvCqGw6LyYTrrtZhOaGJb6j3dAkD4RLyTXtkDP1ey8i9M29zuZ94RzGmbXtw/s3516/IMG_9306.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2674" data-original-width="3516" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWilJ7DZtJcua3ZVCQp2saVd-iI1OKpt_NxGz_4UTZYbSPJBw3F8vKVOw-3FuIDz6h-Ai9iHmPVcX-gQLEo-suKsA_2-HaKFBP99O4pkNxhFHtIbcgHbmy5xh8kfgC_zgBvCqGw6LyYTrrtZhOaGJb6j3dAkD4RLyTXtkDP1ey8i9M29zuZ94RzGmbXtw/w640-h486/IMG_9306.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>The picture was 3 votes back after Tuesday. By then usually most of the votes have been cast. But sure enough, the BOP captured most of the last 5-6 votes and edged out the daffodil.</p><p>Here was the full vote</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtLCA7Krr9Bnq23vLz3o2snqmiUxxEzcJWzmYuNGemCiivTneC4DzuIvxN0k4nXuPw4L8u0rcTL06_ANL665k0zaE1vKaw5QAVfKYjNtWYYauuC1xmxyqVqGshhVofqHliDnP2kzfNCQJUV6KASoL-EIiez9r2ViSWt4b_QIQVuVWURfCvyZRXoexKrk/s322/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-10%20at%209.10.21%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="290" data-original-width="322" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtLCA7Krr9Bnq23vLz3o2snqmiUxxEzcJWzmYuNGemCiivTneC4DzuIvxN0k4nXuPw4L8u0rcTL06_ANL665k0zaE1vKaw5QAVfKYjNtWYYauuC1xmxyqVqGshhVofqHliDnP2kzfNCQJUV6KASoL-EIiez9r2ViSWt4b_QIQVuVWURfCvyZRXoexKrk/s320/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-10%20at%209.10.21%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>This week is Week #12. </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">One week more before the playoffs.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#1 A different bloodroot- Snow Cone </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>April 15, 2023</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1n_UZNRUxEm3D4Awrzi4bFejUFqCpedkiGy1-riofgueK11t2KpCnyexMSsFx7vVW0yoySKBqtX4VeBz0XgPQ6rNlcaRFMAudEzlaQkimbGN6mnW1RYIsfK9pyuOq7nrULMocu9YurcONj2dN3qNBixqc2cjT3YB0a66pRpyms65_CNZrVTeh_a5Als/s4030/IMG_0161.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2977" data-original-width="4030" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1n_UZNRUxEm3D4Awrzi4bFejUFqCpedkiGy1-riofgueK11t2KpCnyexMSsFx7vVW0yoySKBqtX4VeBz0XgPQ6rNlcaRFMAudEzlaQkimbGN6mnW1RYIsfK9pyuOq7nrULMocu9YurcONj2dN3qNBixqc2cjT3YB0a66pRpyms65_CNZrVTeh_a5Als/w640-h472/IMG_0161.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This is a hybridized bloodroot. It is called Snow Cone. It was developed by the folks at Joe Pye Weed Garden. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#2 Black Shirley poppy </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>June 1, 2023</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2BKlVGV0kYj1wZe3kW6ZXQsEKJS0HxREMtcnrk6tbGLvuERpKCKGpsKaL2a79vdersitYPejwdCbBg3JwgODMaIZDi-MRO24si42AXjpMaXZLHz1n_xWbaXtjTxpyXfxWYVeOvkxBVXhM_mX3ALpmM56DmRyNq6PknYChHE8MOl0JZs6MlRwx5WCYx4o/s4032/IMG_0836.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2BKlVGV0kYj1wZe3kW6ZXQsEKJS0HxREMtcnrk6tbGLvuERpKCKGpsKaL2a79vdersitYPejwdCbBg3JwgODMaIZDi-MRO24si42AXjpMaXZLHz1n_xWbaXtjTxpyXfxWYVeOvkxBVXhM_mX3ALpmM56DmRyNq6PknYChHE8MOl0JZs6MlRwx5WCYx4o/w640-h480/IMG_0836.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>You saw the gray Shirley poppy in week #1. This darker one came from that same set of seeds, but is blacker.</div><div>My Shirley poppies, planted on 2-1-24 are coming up. As poppy seeds are so small I have close to 10 seedlings per cell. I started them a month later than in the past. I did that so they will not get to be planting size much before May 1. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#3 Little yello orchid</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> December 12, 2023</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHunEWm38HBf2TPlrrPziM7tqE6kXYhtlLpxp1kIYORCWAEqZMiKiZ0nuy-XFuZ8Xd1VwF5_W_ghbC906hSyidHLaUY4vGgHHJqz-r5Q0Kz8G9IjtaU0r0yvsbz4F7Qesh30756V7yg91u7lxJLbVrluqGh8Cj8dkhC3tr3LpLyXXPTBqQ45cGgfIW6s/s4032/IMG_2849.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHunEWm38HBf2TPlrrPziM7tqE6kXYhtlLpxp1kIYORCWAEqZMiKiZ0nuy-XFuZ8Xd1VwF5_W_ghbC906hSyidHLaUY4vGgHHJqz-r5Q0Kz8G9IjtaU0r0yvsbz4F7Qesh30756V7yg91u7lxJLbVrluqGh8Cj8dkhC3tr3LpLyXXPTBqQ45cGgfIW6s/w640-h480/IMG_2849.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This is Dendrobian Regal Vista. This orchid has reliably bloomed now for 2 years, right about the same time.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#4 Fading Cattleya Orchid </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> February 18, 2023</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQAcVDILij5G3KYmVpd-xarQC7ZbTvFjzt4ZoPzWTyFQgyZcJfFW5lEyt02XmnO5n02qTGz9OWY4eT1bUn8mfLFhLFH2QFoMxjZLI4wGLxy0vHVZ_UNfTxtbEWdFPsD4cIKPmZ60sCPHcJhypTyTIxuaG2NLAOheZ3J9cJZZe7e6K4nNrr0YCgzkpyws/s4032/IMG_9587.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQAcVDILij5G3KYmVpd-xarQC7ZbTvFjzt4ZoPzWTyFQgyZcJfFW5lEyt02XmnO5n02qTGz9OWY4eT1bUn8mfLFhLFH2QFoMxjZLI4wGLxy0vHVZ_UNfTxtbEWdFPsD4cIKPmZ60sCPHcJhypTyTIxuaG2NLAOheZ3J9cJZZe7e6K4nNrr0YCgzkpyws/w480-h640/IMG_9587.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>How will this artsy picture do this week. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is Artic Snow, after its bloom is done. The flowers turns brown, and fall off. This one fell off and landed in some interesting sun/shade.</div><div><br /></div><div>My daughter Maggie liked this picture so much it is in the calendar she makes every year. It was for the month of February. That is a month when normally there is not much going on outside.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>#5 Spring composition</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> March 15, 2023</b></div></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9HSEtLGgDmqCbwKoW36rlxZ8hFO3vFPnMIyXsO5HKIy_4Pc5h94ADVUShNJkUcKhIWPKDap6i-IdpZ6iSMlmM4w5NRpNgCKD6s9dLSDzWokiMAiQnvOT-utebOjpyti3D2HV61n55fe30FlLEH_bfofKeHB_hO_bz8hzaUyKd7lMCjN33GbWSrrvQMc/s4032/IMG_9812.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1493" data-original-width="4032" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9HSEtLGgDmqCbwKoW36rlxZ8hFO3vFPnMIyXsO5HKIy_4Pc5h94ADVUShNJkUcKhIWPKDap6i-IdpZ6iSMlmM4w5NRpNgCKD6s9dLSDzWokiMAiQnvOT-utebOjpyti3D2HV61n55fe30FlLEH_bfofKeHB_hO_bz8hzaUyKd7lMCjN33GbWSrrvQMc/w640-h236/IMG_9812.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>The early crocuses, which would be the tommasinianus, or tommies, are just about ready to bloom, now, in 2024. It seemed appropriate to include this picture in the contest. They bloom with the snowdrops and aconite and make some wonderful combinations.</p><p>Early spring pictures are good with the brown background. You do not get that in June. Sometimes the leaves and twigs add a nice touch.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Bonus Time</span></b></p><p>This week I will show you some pictures that did not make the contest.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmm8_bNslp7vXwq938Qz47N4RBMTrk3ZAlpcB0a4dNvWvnu8tbe-KMeuFLOkaq6w0GV765mbUPAX1hMacM7_xHhf717uGphRLnUfhky-ayFVU2AkbJ62TfW3qKbqMeqjqvTxV5Vm8RvzC-L3lyMHg9E3jyo8upnzB3l4iLEro9TDlyOXElGO6SsmUUCOE/s4032/IMG_0219.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmm8_bNslp7vXwq938Qz47N4RBMTrk3ZAlpcB0a4dNvWvnu8tbe-KMeuFLOkaq6w0GV765mbUPAX1hMacM7_xHhf717uGphRLnUfhky-ayFVU2AkbJ62TfW3qKbqMeqjqvTxV5Vm8RvzC-L3lyMHg9E3jyo8upnzB3l4iLEro9TDlyOXElGO6SsmUUCOE/w640-h480/IMG_0219.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDh4GWLhoKgvDvDL4qorCIZa3g0OcxAtuVIMmUvBOsFy8iL0nDqEqFmpJ0LsBdpsBE-fPf_EGdMb7wQiVHgOgZHI2bvYU7I6sxE3Wd_ThHmZPMkEqsuPKy28BPqCuTVNOwsIneM7FGwtEq3EVB_cuPO-jM4U_Tba7Hw6vj3yk5l486ZohwXRZRr-0NegM/s4032/IMG_0534.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDh4GWLhoKgvDvDL4qorCIZa3g0OcxAtuVIMmUvBOsFy8iL0nDqEqFmpJ0LsBdpsBE-fPf_EGdMb7wQiVHgOgZHI2bvYU7I6sxE3Wd_ThHmZPMkEqsuPKy28BPqCuTVNOwsIneM7FGwtEq3EVB_cuPO-jM4U_Tba7Hw6vj3yk5l486ZohwXRZRr-0NegM/w480-h640/IMG_0534.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>This next picture was last February 15, 2023.</div><div>This year we are a good 2 weeks in front of normal.</div><div>However there have been years....Next week</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKNDhFaqj_Ayg6chTEOVtMh0kNglCyE29yVPgMlmhuquc8DqXoCU74zfbYvEdvHpEvsDBkx00g9XKfb4r65aOeKVmtuPHswugNmq5jQJf0-DiIl_0_YJX4go89uMZDtWcQiyqSh4hVbdQBenEtTpEeV8ryu7oyBB8G9cka750TaMDapivtNmKqssNDH8/s4032/IMG_9553.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKNDhFaqj_Ayg6chTEOVtMh0kNglCyE29yVPgMlmhuquc8DqXoCU74zfbYvEdvHpEvsDBkx00g9XKfb4r65aOeKVmtuPHswugNmq5jQJf0-DiIl_0_YJX4go89uMZDtWcQiyqSh4hVbdQBenEtTpEeV8ryu7oyBB8G9cka750TaMDapivtNmKqssNDH8/w480-h640/IMG_9553.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>No matter how early spring wants to come, it can be slowed a week or so with a little snow. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9m4ZH1vo5Q8LqrHvdMzCVnYb9RvVrth-EKlBDZZHTqZyubyMnEJUAI0z0S0v89OiPbazgWEKtK8umdLTt-LLA_Duk7-XSjGdTRJXqZ_Y7h9X3e20rvCrc0vlyzMtniyU9aYtCjRSjhI5XsCs-C71jhmcJVJhkn7s_OWaJCawL6yIacrI6_m9u9RaCcU/s4032/IMG_9900.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9m4ZH1vo5Q8LqrHvdMzCVnYb9RvVrth-EKlBDZZHTqZyubyMnEJUAI0z0S0v89OiPbazgWEKtK8umdLTt-LLA_Duk7-XSjGdTRJXqZ_Y7h9X3e20rvCrc0vlyzMtniyU9aYtCjRSjhI5XsCs-C71jhmcJVJhkn7s_OWaJCawL6yIacrI6_m9u9RaCcU/w480-h640/IMG_9900.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 25, 2023</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Right Now</span></b></p><p>With the snow gone, the kale is back. It hardly missed a beat. Some were bent from the extra snow from the snowplow. We will see if they straighten out. This one was back from the curb so did not get the extra snow from the plow.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1BNCaW06FtpM41fF9svYg6fb0ieJf7Y9ZWnhAyib-0mM5go4QPa3BKdAxs65wWMuQ59c6JbpBGQg0usxGDS3aLv3TmjdPpKUpt_awErUbmObz1_BCH47HaVBPTxoFkJFnVFWcprXLntt3wXRYqXI7CCjHVYTIFxa2aGh4xBkq_B9rL9djf2MAgOtEQg/s4032/IMG_3352.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1BNCaW06FtpM41fF9svYg6fb0ieJf7Y9ZWnhAyib-0mM5go4QPa3BKdAxs65wWMuQ59c6JbpBGQg0usxGDS3aLv3TmjdPpKUpt_awErUbmObz1_BCH47HaVBPTxoFkJFnVFWcprXLntt3wXRYqXI7CCjHVYTIFxa2aGh4xBkq_B9rL9djf2MAgOtEQg/w640-h480/IMG_3352.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhC3LOzh1ACvp7nqSXRXofXyl7cS8POYcBVC_dCZ3i5awlUgnNewht8Z8dfvos9J7_1_wDC2-dUMwkZQM8O6TQd8sOp0bDEuEYnlEYrpxM9uSwTuA5o0NV0T-ogLLOPmhyNO4xzaCmf3qW3fAZYiI5F-asoYsG5xyHBA1bsv0Jzip6zZ5svBTjNK9sRxs/s4032/IMG_3355.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhC3LOzh1ACvp7nqSXRXofXyl7cS8POYcBVC_dCZ3i5awlUgnNewht8Z8dfvos9J7_1_wDC2-dUMwkZQM8O6TQd8sOp0bDEuEYnlEYrpxM9uSwTuA5o0NV0T-ogLLOPmhyNO4xzaCmf3qW3fAZYiI5F-asoYsG5xyHBA1bsv0Jzip6zZ5svBTjNK9sRxs/w640-h480/IMG_3355.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Soon. I do think a second bud may be coming. That of course has to do this whole waiting thing. Maybe that will bloom in May.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7GJMlFm3ghTXsouWLc8o034PwDMaPdPnCO8Ba_HQ_vCWCkIdB_DbfaQZjO_9jFypT8whfEH1iZ1A0ScFe2ZSIkX2FwYEg73HIMOb8QtTvO5Npra6QQ99i5bNfqkLonMSGeNS4g19qGyWd4mOqHYL1StADiDhxtSP0-kCrWeM7PdoOpXjsBht4IkJTGg/s4032/IMG_3357.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7GJMlFm3ghTXsouWLc8o034PwDMaPdPnCO8Ba_HQ_vCWCkIdB_DbfaQZjO_9jFypT8whfEH1iZ1A0ScFe2ZSIkX2FwYEg73HIMOb8QtTvO5Npra6QQ99i5bNfqkLonMSGeNS4g19qGyWd4mOqHYL1StADiDhxtSP0-kCrWeM7PdoOpXjsBht4IkJTGg/w480-h640/IMG_3357.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This next picture is my orchid that went to the orchid shows 2-3 weeks ago. Next week I will tell you how it did. Hint- it did well.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzzho02Hi1mj7PE-7X0lbYBHdtEn87fdeMNkFkasZXkgUbByzgFy9TDuJKiwUfcefwgSUd0KEKQBLvWnLvr93b4cvUBnSG7ISV24L4kOjnal29iUQoJ_6dFPs4uDTb9CkjtMGHFQY5nGTzN-MvcWx-TWm7bMqOqJxwGNKBg5F67J2vX4zawlMY86vtoc/s4032/IMG_3362.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzzho02Hi1mj7PE-7X0lbYBHdtEn87fdeMNkFkasZXkgUbByzgFy9TDuJKiwUfcefwgSUd0KEKQBLvWnLvr93b4cvUBnSG7ISV24L4kOjnal29iUQoJ_6dFPs4uDTb9CkjtMGHFQY5nGTzN-MvcWx-TWm7bMqOqJxwGNKBg5F67J2vX4zawlMY86vtoc/w480-h640/IMG_3362.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Julia's recipe</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Chard and pasta</b></span></p><p>I was in the winter blahs, and so I started looking at cookbooks for something new. I came across this recipe in Josh McFadden's Six Seasons cookbook. An unusual set of ingredients (at least for me) plus prep time of less than an hour made it a winner. I think this is the first time I have used swiss chard as a major player in a main course dish. It exceeded my expectations. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOs35Ba5uPmUqUTkHFVCo5BqAAV2bwWjAoKrJ_FEFprVk99IJyIm_IgcIvDRXhwxMwpi6MNILw7U9ThW-13ua-n3g_1AzJyepbQK5hI1qNW72KINZ0IB3Co6cpHEtXOv9toAe_D17fB169mvZF7NAk3CO-lECUP8TATm_fRn5v0JFD6LqV11VvrqJAAUU/s4032/IMG_3331.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOs35Ba5uPmUqUTkHFVCo5BqAAV2bwWjAoKrJ_FEFprVk99IJyIm_IgcIvDRXhwxMwpi6MNILw7U9ThW-13ua-n3g_1AzJyepbQK5hI1qNW72KINZ0IB3Co6cpHEtXOv9toAe_D17fB169mvZF7NAk3CO-lECUP8TATm_fRn5v0JFD6LqV11VvrqJAAUU/w400-h300/IMG_3331.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The ingredients:</div><div>1/2 box (8 oz.) spaghetti;</div><div>1 bunch of swiss chard;</div><div>1/2 cup raisins;</div><div>1/2 cup pine nuts;</div><div>1/4+ cup parmesan cheese;</div><div>about 1 tablespoon sliced garlic bits;</div><div>2 tablespoons olive oil;</div><div>1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes;</div><div>1 teaspoon wine vinegar of some color;</div><div>some salt;</div><div>2 tablespoons butter (not shown!)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8xJ-pV_XubV-FbfEG4BPZztaqdqMX3T8wpiILeuQh1hcN67D-xmWxK52zIWbjkI7hw2_WYhJ_GAhpQQrZ1cVjRULvxQ22Q6YTI16T_98GfQU28Hm_-KQC79UOPYi7uZzODWqnkoUHdovjwz05QL38F5RX-MSVQbGoe9iiaC-aAWXZUA9A1geDDBtjQw/s4032/IMG_3332.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8xJ-pV_XubV-FbfEG4BPZztaqdqMX3T8wpiILeuQh1hcN67D-xmWxK52zIWbjkI7hw2_WYhJ_GAhpQQrZ1cVjRULvxQ22Q6YTI16T_98GfQU28Hm_-KQC79UOPYi7uZzODWqnkoUHdovjwz05QL38F5RX-MSVQbGoe9iiaC-aAWXZUA9A1geDDBtjQw/w300-h400/IMG_3332.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>I cleaned and sliced the garlic and put it in a little bowl.</div><div><br /></div><div>I put the raisins in a slightly bigger bowl, along with the teaspoon of vinegar and enough warm/hot water to cover the raisins. The raisins need to sit in the water for 15 or 20 minutes to plump up a bit.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then I cut the ends off the chard and cut the ribs out, separating the ribs from the leaves. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ENz73OOnitTC5oIawxyktxQVr4-Nb_IRu9oTsNPxKt8W8N_a4sGmb2SoW9-FdYKq6l3SuL7ia0P9v8RTIRpvhMy5ixeO2pVN6vjlp8pxHF84IVtrV3VjC_5ngD90cxntOHlZjYCzcpTiTDvIEFp_i3y1KLD3BOTmmig3s61B_U-Cck0vHz4X1cmPvzw/s4032/IMG_3333.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ENz73OOnitTC5oIawxyktxQVr4-Nb_IRu9oTsNPxKt8W8N_a4sGmb2SoW9-FdYKq6l3SuL7ia0P9v8RTIRpvhMy5ixeO2pVN6vjlp8pxHF84IVtrV3VjC_5ngD90cxntOHlZjYCzcpTiTDvIEFp_i3y1KLD3BOTmmig3s61B_U-Cck0vHz4X1cmPvzw/w300-h400/IMG_3333.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I cut the ribs into thin slices. My bunch of chard ribs yielded about 1 cup of rib slices. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlLsLFbyyt0qYC8_YryyQY24aUPdIo89PEpivQm6WXme-iEF-2qEYTzpMwrHlGuCqCco5ao_hv-qRvZQgBjBVPfof13YeZaMFFv76t39Jsjqs2yEyvleN3KCh6n5VLE4q1h5b3oUYfWnEnL3ob4Y6d0yEgR4Dw8Efg4ntN50dJVuIuyGtjAVPdKVKe70/s4032/IMG_3334.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlLsLFbyyt0qYC8_YryyQY24aUPdIo89PEpivQm6WXme-iEF-2qEYTzpMwrHlGuCqCco5ao_hv-qRvZQgBjBVPfof13YeZaMFFv76t39Jsjqs2yEyvleN3KCh6n5VLE4q1h5b3oUYfWnEnL3ob4Y6d0yEgR4Dw8Efg4ntN50dJVuIuyGtjAVPdKVKe70/w300-h400/IMG_3334.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Then I sliced the leaves. I gathered up a few leaves at a time and sort of rolled the leaves into messy logs and sliced across. I ended up with 4-1/2 (or so) cups of chard leaf ribbons. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I put a big pot of water on the stove to boil, adding probably 1-1/2 teaspoons of salt. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVA__tKIaz7qfk54UDg2r7bSI617j-jpVhnmNa3_lzYteM58ykHoVqhM8ixxIA14WXW92IgGRPZYatZcllbJAkQABKJsuY4hhpngfoYHTnq1jEBCalKyCyeeeb-SO60Fge8fqous-12pAB4n3YcUCO_7gJ6mBBc7O-xgFneL0oYYzNwaYxpXuxqczD8s/s4032/IMG_3335.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVA__tKIaz7qfk54UDg2r7bSI617j-jpVhnmNa3_lzYteM58ykHoVqhM8ixxIA14WXW92IgGRPZYatZcllbJAkQABKJsuY4hhpngfoYHTnq1jEBCalKyCyeeeb-SO60Fge8fqous-12pAB4n3YcUCO_7gJ6mBBc7O-xgFneL0oYYzNwaYxpXuxqczD8s/w300-h400/IMG_3335.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>After the vegetable prep was done, I started to cook.</div><div><br /></div><div>I heated the olive oil in a no-stick skillet and added the garlic and pine nuts. I turned the heat to medium-low so that the pine nuts and garlic would slowly get some color. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWS7nljf_CbZkGRNPNGNHmkyY2GPqX1cwuOkXNf8nDxSOkIpdV12MrVp9fQSE7AxkgDZ1kWwJ5D8bobprxK11fsueZUJ_lxF6LbjOK2UxhwPd9JWG4VmBwpy5kx1N3lW1378fJH7ke1a6DMI5QtL7VQro6B_gk5RuZQA4yMb6ClhrPuQQhSr_k0Q46AlI/s4032/IMG_3336.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWS7nljf_CbZkGRNPNGNHmkyY2GPqX1cwuOkXNf8nDxSOkIpdV12MrVp9fQSE7AxkgDZ1kWwJ5D8bobprxK11fsueZUJ_lxF6LbjOK2UxhwPd9JWG4VmBwpy5kx1N3lW1378fJH7ke1a6DMI5QtL7VQro6B_gk5RuZQA4yMb6ClhrPuQQhSr_k0Q46AlI/w300-h400/IMG_3336.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>When the garlic and pine nuts were beginning to have a golden color, I added the red pepper flakes and maybe 30 second later, I added the raisins, which I had drained. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I am betting this is a video of the garlic and pinenuts cooking. Maybe including the excitement of adding more ingredients to the skillet.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwLtcEJUvn1Ss4wTVnsdc7A-Yjtb5TUj7UPaswZevc61hSBUeh6nw87fS8f_0XHxsapnFYVAglxhUvrJqBK' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTiLizVOCSBxQ-bhqb0SdtQ5wMjT7rxyzLK_BzCKfUvOvwiUpO7H1KobW_CdkQYNPsziUWLgnxODmn-azrPr9_l2xEqVeVrlq1-8WCTsbM2YeRU5dO7qotCV0qCx70kF4HudwbPcxcduK8VHV3oaCcoaPpJbQE_EP9zRjR7pcxOPJKDs1tPA9uxbJUz8/s4032/IMG_3339.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTiLizVOCSBxQ-bhqb0SdtQ5wMjT7rxyzLK_BzCKfUvOvwiUpO7H1KobW_CdkQYNPsziUWLgnxODmn-azrPr9_l2xEqVeVrlq1-8WCTsbM2YeRU5dO7qotCV0qCx70kF4HudwbPcxcduK8VHV3oaCcoaPpJbQE_EP9zRjR7pcxOPJKDs1tPA9uxbJUz8/w300-h400/IMG_3339.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>When the red pepper flakes were fragrant and everything was mixed together, I added the chard. </div><div><br /></div><div>First I added the sliced up ribs and cooked them on medium for maybe 3 or 4 minutes until they had softened a little.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the meantime, the pasta water had come to a boil, and I cooked the spaghetti until it was just done (I think 7 or 8 minutes for thin spaghetti). I drained it, but first I set aside about 1/2 cup of the cooking water. </div><div><br /></div><div>I knew my skillet was not big enough to hold everything, so after I drained the spaghetti, I returned it to its pot and added the butter, cut into little pieces. </div><div><br /></div><div>Back to the chard. I added the leaf ribbons. Then I added about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, put a lid on the skillet and turned the heat down a bit. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJiCd8CJp-g1DwBZf4pT8JmmDIXk0vl5dpxtKA5iwpA_MJS9RzS6pAkVjaWodgIP8E-HC0TAPFWGonupfKXBAR9_IOlxQz6IG-EEj2DaXNb8koA6qTOnxqfqlEvfLm83vysIgsVvY3AOTNtq9IMIarx-e6APtWOPUFbz1NhOljh-4dTIrhWdORJ4bBtHU/s4032/IMG_3340.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJiCd8CJp-g1DwBZf4pT8JmmDIXk0vl5dpxtKA5iwpA_MJS9RzS6pAkVjaWodgIP8E-HC0TAPFWGonupfKXBAR9_IOlxQz6IG-EEj2DaXNb8koA6qTOnxqfqlEvfLm83vysIgsVvY3AOTNtq9IMIarx-e6APtWOPUFbz1NhOljh-4dTIrhWdORJ4bBtHU/w400-h300/IMG_3340.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>When the chard leaves were wilted - just a couple of minutes, I added the contents of the skillet to the pot with the spaghetti and mixed it all up. Finally I added about 1/4 cup of the parmesan and mixed again.</div><div><br /></div><div>I turned dish out into a nice serving dish and sprinkled a little parmesan on top along with a drizzle of olive oil.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja05deDnvMeSfS4e-6qOJwwREZlpB-D6vLlIeUbltsT3mS626Bpc0xe3n4l3gufh8alSAOxVMJYT9mgmWKD2svD5oxBBRaqIndoUEcI0AmGuUUiff_AaYmAYDl-u7epUMCSf1r1SudpKM55r6C9km7vBt7NL5urlcUiZj0rqKglqUONIv8VZJqj7fNGSs/s4032/IMG_3341.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja05deDnvMeSfS4e-6qOJwwREZlpB-D6vLlIeUbltsT3mS626Bpc0xe3n4l3gufh8alSAOxVMJYT9mgmWKD2svD5oxBBRaqIndoUEcI0AmGuUUiff_AaYmAYDl-u7epUMCSf1r1SudpKM55r6C9km7vBt7NL5urlcUiZj0rqKglqUONIv8VZJqj7fNGSs/w400-h300/IMG_3341.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>We served the spaghetti with salmon - roasted with a topping of mayonnaise and sambal oelek (a spicy mixture that makes mayo a tasty sauce in an instant). </div><div><br /></div><div>Josh McFadden suggests using any leftovers as the basis for a frittata which we are going to do. I bet it will taste very good indeed.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This dish is vegetarian, and it would be fine as a main course. It can be vegan if you substitute margarine for the butter. I think the parmesan could be omitted entirely and no one would notice. I would not omit the raisins or the red pepper flakes. I think you could use other buttery nuts like chopped macadamias or cashews. Not walnuts, which can be bitter and not almonds which are too hard and not peanuts which would be too distinct in flavor. And I don't like hazelnuts in any form. </div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Odds and Ends</b></span></p><p>Here are the temperature maps for Iowa City in January and February, 2024.</p><p>First January. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoRljf9ur5AUP4vQFJmpFu-nkqRZzTsoyj0E1q2Tq5k_KxlHzcGr-j1zzOicNI_TfWDJWDU97drjyYGcO278cSxteUqOU4MieV6Q68ep1byMrCvOuyXVQDsjA5_9Qj_I8PgVNO6pY0eyUSNiafvapIciKtWtq05wm1NpzSnQ1mXyhwPRbMU0qQkhwjzWc/s1064/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-10%20at%206.08.30%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="1064" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoRljf9ur5AUP4vQFJmpFu-nkqRZzTsoyj0E1q2Tq5k_KxlHzcGr-j1zzOicNI_TfWDJWDU97drjyYGcO278cSxteUqOU4MieV6Q68ep1byMrCvOuyXVQDsjA5_9Qj_I8PgVNO6pY0eyUSNiafvapIciKtWtq05wm1NpzSnQ1mXyhwPRbMU0qQkhwjzWc/w640-h354/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-10%20at%206.08.30%20AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Here is February</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuj3bL6Ny2r1NramIfPROHryeS4t3NzdM9yngrNDxKE4ZKZ87phy9EX51FelafJZY2rxnoT_kqE8pzYFiMhRMnY5G3T4pQs35tCzhcDL8n7pKCA0Csb1gwQoY0JvlrLvE0OsOj7KABKj8B6TZfLtH2FMa7zbGQn9_WN6-jBLFt46EjzqqhXHEXypJqYE/s1033/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-10%20at%208.59.48%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="1033" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuj3bL6Ny2r1NramIfPROHryeS4t3NzdM9yngrNDxKE4ZKZ87phy9EX51FelafJZY2rxnoT_kqE8pzYFiMhRMnY5G3T4pQs35tCzhcDL8n7pKCA0Csb1gwQoY0JvlrLvE0OsOj7KABKj8B6TZfLtH2FMa7zbGQn9_WN6-jBLFt46EjzqqhXHEXypJqYE/w640-h354/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-10%20at%208.59.48%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Here was February, 2012. That was the year that most closely resembles this year. We will see how the month plays out this year.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSalv2Wn4Co8p3YVBHzZPVx9LpCDb49RmWrXvPbWVoB4941AoFaZoisCwKBk0Ro6VIaZ6NigV3JroqEUrLqQObXE6yAGHnorKPpEZEqtPbRjEUtNVHwsmQxPcGjhcEIy7vGoS-8wTBnR0YCCzgPs0HQg3Remi_B6KBNWImi7rf_faRFyysL6QhcQloI-o/s1065/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-11%20at%206.02.56%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="1065" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSalv2Wn4Co8p3YVBHzZPVx9LpCDb49RmWrXvPbWVoB4941AoFaZoisCwKBk0Ro6VIaZ6NigV3JroqEUrLqQObXE6yAGHnorKPpEZEqtPbRjEUtNVHwsmQxPcGjhcEIy7vGoS-8wTBnR0YCCzgPs0HQg3Remi_B6KBNWImi7rf_faRFyysL6QhcQloI-o/w640-h366/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-11%20at%206.02.56%20AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>My mother is the person who taught me a lot about gardening. In the early spring she would cut branches of forsythia, and bring them inside. They would then bloom, much earlier than the plant outside. I found a piece of the rhododendron in the front yard that had been broken. The leaves and buds looked fresh. It is now in water over the kitchen sink. We shall see.</p><p>In gardening sometimes you just have to try stuff.</p><p>The world continues to be nuts. In Iowa City we escape with the University women's basketball team. They have this great player named Caitlin Clark. We have a connection with her which is the Coralville food pantry. For several years she has had a fundraiser for the CFP. </p><p>Pray for peace, and reconciliation. And to get rid of the Republicans in government. </p><p>If you are in Iowa City, come by the garden. Aconite in the spring, which will bloom by the thosands, is something to behold.</p><p>The garden is always open. </p><p>Philip</p></div></div>philip Mearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04384629201161240341noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509434911388799.post-50049575168052197682024-02-04T06:12:00.004-06:002024-02-04T06:12:34.927-06:00February 4, 2024- Week #11- The snow is mostly gone.<p> The snow is mostly gone. </p><p>Many spring bulbs are coming up, and it is the first week of February. I think all those little shoots are early spring crocuses. I do wonder how they will be in a week, as winter will not return before then. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1t0ltTeN8ao_YxLArlL9-VUjEvdGb6TVr8f4ooPFgDpC1g1Fgx-0NZJrgsXRRK_U-WsWq0mt-vCgRkQ0iTUGKILHv74fD_PSVa1BOn_i6Mj59LxoJsXbtwf0f7YJ5a0iKL0m2HKwNzGympzzOrAhzy6u-t1NmivqVbS69yolgE5gkWcR_eQTpESaMhA/s4032/IMG_3315.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1t0ltTeN8ao_YxLArlL9-VUjEvdGb6TVr8f4ooPFgDpC1g1Fgx-0NZJrgsXRRK_U-WsWq0mt-vCgRkQ0iTUGKILHv74fD_PSVa1BOn_i6Mj59LxoJsXbtwf0f7YJ5a0iKL0m2HKwNzGympzzOrAhzy6u-t1NmivqVbS69yolgE5gkWcR_eQTpESaMhA/w640-h480/IMG_3315.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Two weeks ago we were looking for 30's.</p><p>One week ago we were looking for 40's.</p><p>Guess what? Now we are looking for 50's. </p><p>In the 10 day forecast the lowest high is in the 40's. There are 2 days when it will be in the 50's.</p><p>There are snowdrops. This past week, I even did a little bit of yard work, in the morning before work.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMtKwyRLGvlljcESH-SRupkVH3WPxcSacCo_NMNkP3Ot9dS5gYdEGIn_FgF9Ad-qBlOnWnlqtfiBiREQNK8uZH9yetVcoJFdyGfl3uQN932r8STBIbXhZe3j8N1YVh3sYVkloXbqUlY61zwAPO-K7a4_xISpuJL8hUN3dZjzu6ZxAeYVohiELNUiNZ8s/s4032/IMG_3299.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMtKwyRLGvlljcESH-SRupkVH3WPxcSacCo_NMNkP3Ot9dS5gYdEGIn_FgF9Ad-qBlOnWnlqtfiBiREQNK8uZH9yetVcoJFdyGfl3uQN932r8STBIbXhZe3j8N1YVh3sYVkloXbqUlY61zwAPO-K7a4_xISpuJL8hUN3dZjzu6ZxAeYVohiELNUiNZ8s/w480-h640/IMG_3299.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Seeing snowdrops warms your heart. Cabin fever is over. I pushed a metal stick into the ground, and it went all the way in. The ground is not frozen, at least in places where there is sun.</p><p>Could winter have lasted only 2-3 weeks?</p><p>It is wonderful, with a small discordant note in the background. This is early February. It is not supposed to be so warm. </p><p>I raked leaves yesterday in short 20 minute shifts. I also picked up sticks. There were a lot of them, the remnants of the damage done by the heavy snow 3 weeks ago. </p><p>In the early spring there are places in the yard where the leaves make a thick mat. This is particularly true for sycamore leaves. When do you take that up? There is always the debate whether to rake that off or let it be for a month. I am of the school that you should rake when you have time.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Last week in the contest</b></span></p><p> the winner was....the red poppy. There was strong support for the Epiphyllum and the phlox.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIp8RyI_omTuTKHUmz6_DzNHUgaVMu3Yeb14EeWoxzQBtwt-btE5_ETk0jMjPCrTPaqPc_heuoKFNOiJA5lmJelP72pcfdpcZV4mDF9Zbz1GPZPFNyrKfojQKoT9jQzw6zHAeN1YRYUrOYfLT6mFDZ_XXFAxFc72LyQhBpOcjdj2beIXIFXuta-NAKf4w/s4032/IMG_0735.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIp8RyI_omTuTKHUmz6_DzNHUgaVMu3Yeb14EeWoxzQBtwt-btE5_ETk0jMjPCrTPaqPc_heuoKFNOiJA5lmJelP72pcfdpcZV4mDF9Zbz1GPZPFNyrKfojQKoT9jQzw6zHAeN1YRYUrOYfLT6mFDZ_XXFAxFc72LyQhBpOcjdj2beIXIFXuta-NAKf4w/w480-h640/IMG_0735.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>The full vote was</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMz-VamnMrj1_lNhUPisjgTU0DZVyJQe9-18x4wRoHUHegYURai6OJnr7xB4dRf_cGUqyw2ZNB0bTJdBGUPDZflTZ-r63tjM31soh3riee13pEeN80BRscL9nVkKflwP_5sFF-cBMBAFiTTf0bhGZeVk8T7MOs1jx3HLhNbj6zw4yt6x95a3I4hKaRN0/s312/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-04%20at%205.36.39%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="312" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMz-VamnMrj1_lNhUPisjgTU0DZVyJQe9-18x4wRoHUHegYURai6OJnr7xB4dRf_cGUqyw2ZNB0bTJdBGUPDZflTZ-r63tjM31soh3riee13pEeN80BRscL9nVkKflwP_5sFF-cBMBAFiTTf0bhGZeVk8T7MOs1jx3HLhNbj6zw4yt6x95a3I4hKaRN0/s1600/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-04%20at%205.36.39%20AM.png" width="312" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>This week is Week #11</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#1 Daffodil with lots of yellow</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> April 15, 2024</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMvn9YPyrhqtIjevEoCT1PuXRMM_Qs1yqqOAOcq6iC3yP7czR2QRyrJ2yI8L8kqO1D7J7dV4ZR6efep_7nASOmSyks3DXvTTdZEtUvEe0z0fGJizr5NPDrtP8nKgXygRq452ffrSZXWk3EamvQpM2dmjSzKOlJ0au_f8xLdn5FViHfiJt3EAmh34gafU/s1943/IMG_0160.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1943" data-original-width="1892" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMvn9YPyrhqtIjevEoCT1PuXRMM_Qs1yqqOAOcq6iC3yP7czR2QRyrJ2yI8L8kqO1D7J7dV4ZR6efep_7nASOmSyks3DXvTTdZEtUvEe0z0fGJizr5NPDrtP8nKgXygRq452ffrSZXWk3EamvQpM2dmjSzKOlJ0au_f8xLdn5FViHfiJt3EAmh34gafU/w624-h640/IMG_0160.jpeg" width="624" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I picked this picture for the contest when it was very cold outside. That bright yellow cup was just so very cheerful.</div><div>I wish I knew the name. It might be Cornish King. At least it looks like the picture in the catalog. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#2 Virginia Bluebells </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Also April 15, 2024</span></b></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWGeDRkSf4t7YsvmUkPCdiw7h23fRZxuxA59Y6fKx_AEs5NChhQG6RzAM7c2PG8OiTbWtpXJWNZIOng1UjpAI8i54Oc7d2Oc8h6mFHbM6bmOgNoQV0KJ3sWURbLt5xqxHPVHKd9_ElEvI9Wx5lef_3J-GvYE_sY1goUTnu4z1-x6jIQk93vzW2r8ESkig/s4032/IMG_0174.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWGeDRkSf4t7YsvmUkPCdiw7h23fRZxuxA59Y6fKx_AEs5NChhQG6RzAM7c2PG8OiTbWtpXJWNZIOng1UjpAI8i54Oc7d2Oc8h6mFHbM6bmOgNoQV0KJ3sWURbLt5xqxHPVHKd9_ElEvI9Wx5lef_3J-GvYE_sY1goUTnu4z1-x6jIQk93vzW2r8ESkig/w640-h480/IMG_0174.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The garden goes through phases. There is snowdrop time. There is aconite time. Then there are two blue periods. There is the little blues, or scilla or squill. Then after that come the bluebells.</div><div>Mertensia virginica is the formal name. They are in the borage family.</div><div>Bluebells are all over the garden.</div><div>I have no memory of ever having purchases a bluebell. There must have been some in the backyard when we moved in 40 years ago. They spread. Each flower cluster must have 10-15 little blue bells. There is at least one seed per bell.</div><div><br /></div><div>What's to tell about bluebells?</div><div>They bloom in April, having a root a little like a carrott. The root can be 4-5 inches long, and up to an inch wide. If you break the root while potting one up, I think the broken root left in the ground just grows back.</div><div>They now are in all parts of the garden, </div><div>They last several weeks.</div><div>The deer do not like them. Let me remember that as currently I am worrying about deer.</div><div>They are considered to be a shade plant. I do not agree. They bloom in April before the leaves are out. They grow in bright direct sun in my garden.</div><div>They are finished in May. Not long after that you can just have the spent foliage cut off or even just pulled off.</div><div>They are a great companion plant with lots of other plants in the garden.</div><div>They do grow to be maybe 12 inches high. They do not therefore do well with dwarf stuff, like dwarf iris, or mini hosta.</div><div>I find them easy to pot up for the all-the-time plant sale. You just need to plant them when they are not more than an inch or two out of the ground. I can usually pot up 50-75 each spring.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#3 Lantana </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">August 26, 2023</span></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRq_Y7eQbhcY2e8MO28XJD2H74gh0EtMacSbsTWBKF2uPWQq3CKS33r4Jjo9CmHaacJqFHL_18kGlc2PnTUzr6s4kWYLz8hjgcPoMo_pWHmzwefignfOhpqZpkqCnADhHzKGoa8t-exbKSSwdcAnbTCj1nV4fge9PgdiLbMzRq8a4emiHmJ9ZTDFyMFM/s3792/IMG_1931.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2258" data-original-width="3792" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRq_Y7eQbhcY2e8MO28XJD2H74gh0EtMacSbsTWBKF2uPWQq3CKS33r4Jjo9CmHaacJqFHL_18kGlc2PnTUzr6s4kWYLz8hjgcPoMo_pWHmzwefignfOhpqZpkqCnADhHzKGoa8t-exbKSSwdcAnbTCj1nV4fge9PgdiLbMzRq8a4emiHmJ9ZTDFyMFM/w640-h382/IMG_1931.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Such wonderful colors.</div><div>I love lantana. It is a plant that has been around for generations. It was the favorite plant of my Aunt Elsie, my father's sister, who lived in Chincoteague, Virginia.</div><div>It has its own genus, called...lantana. It is in the verbena family.</div><div>It is a perennial in places, such as the church in Virginia next to my aunt's house. I thought the 5 foot high bush was just an aggressive variety of the usual annual. Then the term perennial came to mind.</div><div>It is not a perennial in Iowa. </div><div>It is an expensive annual. I find greenhouses are increasingly pricey. What used to be sold in flats is now sold in 4-5 inch pots for $6.99 each.</div><div>So I am growing my own. Not from seed. I tried that last winter. Instead I dug up a plant in the fall, which is doing well. </div><div>I have taken cuttings from that plant, which sort of worked. </div><div>I have perhaps a dozen little plants at this point, along with the parent plant.</div><div>The leaves are poisonous, but the seeds taste good to some birds.</div><div>Perhaps because the leaves are poisonous, it is considered to be deer resistant. Maybe it is even a deer repellant. Apparently they do not like the smell.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is invasive in a number of places in the world, such as Australia.</div><div>It is used to make furniture in India.</div><div>It prefers full sun. I grow mine along the curb on Fairview. </div><div>Like many annuals (think zinnias), it blooms all year. It is going strong in October.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#4 Ornamental Kale </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">December 23, 2023</span></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70BTFY-WjHdVmbKxEjyBohfL1CjRizZPPdCHRpBbF13s3AEDoeo6ZnTbZmhhegDPJMIo2njKB-AuOeUXLIJJbfmjJLttnGc2Hr73-PW4mEdTZH4XUjCZYRqk0oD6b7sLwrsSh1eGELiDcuFVQBPGEWzo44SDkudTWXr33wij5l8HRTB7ff0qv0zFOxlw/s2656/IMG_2953.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="2656" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70BTFY-WjHdVmbKxEjyBohfL1CjRizZPPdCHRpBbF13s3AEDoeo6ZnTbZmhhegDPJMIo2njKB-AuOeUXLIJJbfmjJLttnGc2Hr73-PW4mEdTZH4XUjCZYRqk0oD6b7sLwrsSh1eGELiDcuFVQBPGEWzo44SDkudTWXr33wij5l8HRTB7ff0qv0zFOxlw/w640-h412/IMG_2953.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One Kale picture won the contest in Week 6. Let's see how this picture does. This was one plant from the front yard. This was such a gem in December, in the outside garden. As the snow receeds, it looks to be still there. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#5 Bird of Paradise</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> January 1, 2023</span></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8TPpVE09FJlpeFZ7156dL_g3FbbuL0JTjxsfZ6CzjlTwd5T4YKmmMzw0ICrT8faRVHefuYyYbSBizR-fHfUWDbt4GuW06mAJIapYUxM5KGkNq-ol9WntAQvlBClj33A9k3nsoGo_Z0P27UYXjOVn8auCE_jH6jKhhD4KJe1C3HmvnrIT8Owbwyb4MAg/s3516/IMG_9306.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2674" data-original-width="3516" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8TPpVE09FJlpeFZ7156dL_g3FbbuL0JTjxsfZ6CzjlTwd5T4YKmmMzw0ICrT8faRVHefuYyYbSBizR-fHfUWDbt4GuW06mAJIapYUxM5KGkNq-ol9WntAQvlBClj33A9k3nsoGo_Z0P27UYXjOVn8auCE_jH6jKhhD4KJe1C3HmvnrIT8Owbwyb4MAg/w640-h486/IMG_9306.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Someone brought this to the plant sale in the summer of 2022: an overgrown pot of bird of paradise.</p><p>I repotted it into two big plants. One sold. The other did not. The one I had left then bloomed in late 2022, early 2023. That was the last time it bloomed. I am keeping the plant alive under the brightest light I have. I hope in the spring to get it the full sun it wants. We shall see if it blooms again.</p><p>This is perhaps the most exotic plant I have. I know little about it. </p><p>The genus is sterlitzia, and it is from South Africa.</p><p>They are pollinated by sunbirds (not familiar with them) and blue faced honeyeaters. (I am even less familiar with them. Are they birds? ) Pictures are in the Odds and Ends section.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Bonus pictures</span></b></p><p>Lantana video from Chincoteague.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyt1qVK4AG9Syiwc2QAhgtSIfBF4uSCRn4Ms6OEIWWvesqOomSz1PQ_WlRg4c1vrsb7FNeXFgtx-7vZ-Qlw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p>Bluebells video</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwiewm_d9GRp5p_7lHRSSnDULCKRzZPSgiflplLgi9ivRKfOf3mPUvmsZjO7vALD5ZV5GE_6sw7r3PndiWF' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Right now</span></b></p><p>The orchid takes a long time from bud to bloom. I have just noticed it may have a second bud coming. That could be blooming in April.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAiAYinD5L9pe_q_yPhK7apX-RCZpO7HEeyp3MczGIfdu9LmlbSXSOp3l1JSXZvaoTen1BA1dqDHReKGjZfeb-WghQbp7ArJYAzEO6UAv296bih6IXYz939TNM4DzJYWSsrxe9GW_i66gPQLHEuiXccW4-ZEdAe9tJ1PexK5zYF-S-qqYwa-Km-Yytn4/s4032/IMG_3291.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAiAYinD5L9pe_q_yPhK7apX-RCZpO7HEeyp3MczGIfdu9LmlbSXSOp3l1JSXZvaoTen1BA1dqDHReKGjZfeb-WghQbp7ArJYAzEO6UAv296bih6IXYz939TNM4DzJYWSsrxe9GW_i66gPQLHEuiXccW4-ZEdAe9tJ1PexK5zYF-S-qqYwa-Km-Yytn4/w480-h640/IMG_3291.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The red hibiscus in the basement had several blooms this week.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEfQ6rntvnf5xpVl_ayltFoPHMdgwLwD2-fAfN3HfK5TudnzQrXmbWvlwyeqKCQtmHR0y5Dc0JKu2kemqzwM5pZ4fPnQIk7LtbJqyNWlojzDREJxBWytN1HGCMWEQBo0BZSIdHUXJ1hQiqj_e7tFrs_kyN4MsIHHrsiRtU7VkxZ_sUCgdZdEGJLrDpcw/s4032/IMG_3301.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEfQ6rntvnf5xpVl_ayltFoPHMdgwLwD2-fAfN3HfK5TudnzQrXmbWvlwyeqKCQtmHR0y5Dc0JKu2kemqzwM5pZ4fPnQIk7LtbJqyNWlojzDREJxBWytN1HGCMWEQBo0BZSIdHUXJ1hQiqj_e7tFrs_kyN4MsIHHrsiRtU7VkxZ_sUCgdZdEGJLrDpcw/w480-h640/IMG_3301.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6fYxn8EZbMIMhPA-X-BKq9HUEBP2Zz73F72Q8HWlD-uB2qHYIqTMQ56YXvRCNB52xei3hYxSiGgrDdzNJxvgoR904aHgVDQOlMMIJCaF6gs2iGXNW_nf-tNyv7JMs1eTptTxRUIfhuna-GJaF5mjP3JllLXtqsM_KPwS0qdNd93-xdGfp7vzyaeljoA/s4032/IMG_3302.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6fYxn8EZbMIMhPA-X-BKq9HUEBP2Zz73F72Q8HWlD-uB2qHYIqTMQ56YXvRCNB52xei3hYxSiGgrDdzNJxvgoR904aHgVDQOlMMIJCaF6gs2iGXNW_nf-tNyv7JMs1eTptTxRUIfhuna-GJaF5mjP3JllLXtqsM_KPwS0qdNd93-xdGfp7vzyaeljoA/w480-h640/IMG_3302.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTjYnAWbY0cVc0QS1sZqvrc8eeFEbfI1UpnTGSGJy1C_8ffGoRjaLEkHCu4iZHrZ60teB_MJQueRyZ-N-vCPvEiv0v_UY1q_pudyzmNn2I7aznaHUZrC3xZAIRU-rv5oLVAv0Ir2fNgTRjNb-IgtphHK6nvfKrOjE9eMwBk1XtF0lS73RPfJkp84nQQQ/s4032/IMG_3305.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTjYnAWbY0cVc0QS1sZqvrc8eeFEbfI1UpnTGSGJy1C_8ffGoRjaLEkHCu4iZHrZ60teB_MJQueRyZ-N-vCPvEiv0v_UY1q_pudyzmNn2I7aznaHUZrC3xZAIRU-rv5oLVAv0Ir2fNgTRjNb-IgtphHK6nvfKrOjE9eMwBk1XtF0lS73RPfJkp84nQQQ/w480-h640/IMG_3305.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Here are the first aconite getting ready to bloom. They are really all over the place. To open they prefer a nice sunny day. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6S2Kqvj4k_jvLL7zuUALVyG3bovs6WMKrVEsK9STbN0zpg4LdiVTu0Pi7UAMLRpNk4OnAfdrrRwWZ0t2qdDrCkm2_TojxpUdf5-hiJE2qvSBMvR_rZPeksHNC1wjo1EZ1WqlEO-06QH-RyVnnoREZerrMWeATQ6U3_7MEO8DrnZ5GICqpiDe2casbRI/s4032/IMG_3306.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6S2Kqvj4k_jvLL7zuUALVyG3bovs6WMKrVEsK9STbN0zpg4LdiVTu0Pi7UAMLRpNk4OnAfdrrRwWZ0t2qdDrCkm2_TojxpUdf5-hiJE2qvSBMvR_rZPeksHNC1wjo1EZ1WqlEO-06QH-RyVnnoREZerrMWeATQ6U3_7MEO8DrnZ5GICqpiDe2casbRI/w480-h640/IMG_3306.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Here is one of the kale, just emerging from the snow.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinY0y3uuAD4xzt-cBSv-oNKhLSWuQS9r6DU9Di3qE9eeuTy9e5NkjdR8ZdS81kjG3eovpwXVJI_4pkaNPCoCPBGbt_iN6bAAH_2h_n3_6UREPJeFFIuAq62BZyH_NX6RpatZT0f6hp9Uv-HVcD7xNSek0kVmndLuSfGabRN9-YVpEriaq6zmO1bWHlHJQ/s4032/IMG_3309.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinY0y3uuAD4xzt-cBSv-oNKhLSWuQS9r6DU9Di3qE9eeuTy9e5NkjdR8ZdS81kjG3eovpwXVJI_4pkaNPCoCPBGbt_iN6bAAH_2h_n3_6UREPJeFFIuAq62BZyH_NX6RpatZT0f6hp9Uv-HVcD7xNSek0kVmndLuSfGabRN9-YVpEriaq6zmO1bWHlHJQ/w480-h640/IMG_3309.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>I have lettuce and lupine seeds growing, having been planted a month ago.</p><p>Now I am planting the Shirley poppy seeds. I started the first ones on February 1. I now have a flat of the gray ones planted. I might like to get another 2-3 flats of the Shirley poppies started in the next week. The instructions suggest they can be directly sowed outside. I will save some of the seed to try that.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Julia's recipe</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Baked Salmon and Rice</span></b></p><p>Another recipe for salmon, from the NYT. As I have said, we are in a CSF (community supported fishery) so we get 4 or 5 pounds of fish from Alaska every other month (Katie gets the fish the other months). Often there's salmon, which, I have probably also said, I never ate until I was pretty old. My only (limited) exposure was to canned salmon, which I did not like. Salmon that is not canned is a whole different thing, and good for you too. This recipe takes 30-40 minutes or so and bakes in the oven. Not fussy and tasty too. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAlHuadRaG4WPpuQFsqwHJhqkXwTO3j2WQVzhbbu7OU-IjZsGoKTPDkKCOjBxEblEURrcJGguUMsyMFRVXcb7o_S4xpz0s8Cc3eNW1F7ybgxy_WUBv-rcr87vOTGWF6lT73O_-BcEr8qKVHgYcLa7d5kXIhLzr6POIr3uMWvLhCs9q1sM1nSNclvP8NE/s4032/IMG_3181.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAlHuadRaG4WPpuQFsqwHJhqkXwTO3j2WQVzhbbu7OU-IjZsGoKTPDkKCOjBxEblEURrcJGguUMsyMFRVXcb7o_S4xpz0s8Cc3eNW1F7ybgxy_WUBv-rcr87vOTGWF6lT73O_-BcEr8qKVHgYcLa7d5kXIhLzr6POIr3uMWvLhCs9q1sM1nSNclvP8NE/w400-h300/IMG_3181.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The ingredients:</p><p>2 pieces salmon (I cut the salmon shown in half lengthwise);</p><p>3/4 cup basmati rice (other medium or long grain would be fine);</p><p>about 1/3 cup stemmed/snipped dill;</p><p>some (maybe 3 handfuls) fresh spinach; </p><p>1-1/3 cup boiling water;</p><p>1 tablespoon olive oil; and</p><p>salt and pepper.</p><p>For the salmon sauce:</p><p>1/2 teaspoon or so smushed garlic;</p><p>1/2 teaspoon or so grated lemon zest;</p><p>1 tablespoon mayonnaise;</p><p>1-1/2 (or so) teaspoon honey;</p><p>1/4 teasoon tumeric; and</p><p>1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or less if you are averse).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw6pcZUsuwMs6jBGDEKV3-frbebRRiW0pFcktQtH8NGs1Pizj2eTM_vjPAruao0dUnX7uj6StO5qvH6XikV' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p><br /></p><p>I started by turning the oven on to 400 degrees and putting the teakettle on to boil. Then I spread the olive oil in the bottom of a suitable baking dish, added the rice and the dill and some salt.</p><p>When the water boiled, I poured it in, stirred everything around, topped the baking dish with aluminum foil (crimping it to get a nice seal) and put the baking dish in the oven.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7PYqIwQX-FoMBnff76EjKNkCrdJNaD8iyKN_RwCweT7jL2PjbdXI4GBTRZlRw1JB6fjnNElScXOWyJr68_PZl8Ft2vGErfnWOFpYVL_xV98jWQqqaDH_7KtUrG40AXYolG0Y9UqBnPb9Fq7AprJ1XnKhma685Pfglsl8W0pCQZwdDkI-_tklazl1rpY/s4032/IMG_3184.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7PYqIwQX-FoMBnff76EjKNkCrdJNaD8iyKN_RwCweT7jL2PjbdXI4GBTRZlRw1JB6fjnNElScXOWyJr68_PZl8Ft2vGErfnWOFpYVL_xV98jWQqqaDH_7KtUrG40AXYolG0Y9UqBnPb9Fq7AprJ1XnKhma685Pfglsl8W0pCQZwdDkI-_tklazl1rpY/w300-h400/IMG_3184.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>While the rice was cooking, I mixed up the sauce ingredients amd cut the salmon in half.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGigqUGnPVQSVt1hL0UQo2kQcC4uCPppnq7gOm76KgX3OvBLjTQg-TLuZQTQgQ_L7Mz7KuZWk09NCHacWTRzuEFthbmr7YCuGV7ibkHCfzObCRj0HWI6tCMM-FTSFlAXpgI8UbO_Q47tlpNOCsY3MQNRpL43nzPo1C0J5Sohto2F97YWNc79SImne-4HQ/s4032/IMG_3186.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGigqUGnPVQSVt1hL0UQo2kQcC4uCPppnq7gOm76KgX3OvBLjTQg-TLuZQTQgQ_L7Mz7KuZWk09NCHacWTRzuEFthbmr7YCuGV7ibkHCfzObCRj0HWI6tCMM-FTSFlAXpgI8UbO_Q47tlpNOCsY3MQNRpL43nzPo1C0J5Sohto2F97YWNc79SImne-4HQ/w300-h400/IMG_3186.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Next, I sprinkled some salt and pepper over the pieces of salmon and then spread the sauce on top. It did not run off due to the inherent stickiness of mayo and honey. </p><p><br /></p><p>Not sure what caused the moody atmospheric lighting. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zsc9wtPzF3H3ob-RpFJkyLQGra82lE2KhjypSbrDFj4AUQRiQOirCHTTX7jlmZ_pZMRBsvf5Ytk7WLEksY0QpuR_L_IPdWx-zzMQ3P1Hzw7nTs7gtdzgdJrSdxV0hTbavVln2tyJ4aUj85LCi09sNM-3-caUsCnorJUmA9Wljsw-M8OcS2_rz5bmceo/s4032/IMG_3187.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zsc9wtPzF3H3ob-RpFJkyLQGra82lE2KhjypSbrDFj4AUQRiQOirCHTTX7jlmZ_pZMRBsvf5Ytk7WLEksY0QpuR_L_IPdWx-zzMQ3P1Hzw7nTs7gtdzgdJrSdxV0hTbavVln2tyJ4aUj85LCi09sNM-3-caUsCnorJUmA9Wljsw-M8OcS2_rz5bmceo/w300-h400/IMG_3187.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After 10 or 12 minutes, I peeked at the rice and it was pretty much done - water all absorbed. </div><div><br /></div><div>By the way, if you use some rice that is not basmati, you will need about 1-1/2 cups water to 3/4 cup of rice. </div><div><br /></div><div>I took the baking dish out of the oven, carefully removed the foil, and used my new fish spatula to ease the fish on top of the rice. </div><div><br /></div><div>I crimped the aluminum foil over the baking dish again and put it back in the oven. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZ-41XFtFh8RicH4yx7nigSFYTtOle-mo3NOTGinGYYXAGbo7XMcGnDwgQxLKiIDIYmqZcZ5yxJX0D6JzzwkvKVhK0X9_4hr42vUQ_nooMZVlwy3rbAHW79Qyra_IuMz8MH7naHgyMxWLEpfUhhxLmnLSalLxBE3DzCWbcbBBIP7cMlfv5LwOBgELGFI/s4032/IMG_3188%202.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZ-41XFtFh8RicH4yx7nigSFYTtOle-mo3NOTGinGYYXAGbo7XMcGnDwgQxLKiIDIYmqZcZ5yxJX0D6JzzwkvKVhK0X9_4hr42vUQ_nooMZVlwy3rbAHW79Qyra_IuMz8MH7naHgyMxWLEpfUhhxLmnLSalLxBE3DzCWbcbBBIP7cMlfv5LwOBgELGFI/w300-h400/IMG_3188%202.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Either this is a picture of the putting-it-back-in-the-oven with the fish or doing it after adding the spinach. I can't tell - one picture of a foil-covered baking dish looks like another.. </div><div><br /></div><div>I let the fish bake for about 8 minutes, as my fish pieces were not very thick.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then I took the fish out again and sprinkled some fresh spinach all around and then sealed up the foil one last time and baked the dish for another 4 or 5 minutes until the spinach was sort of (but not entirely) wilted. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEity-_EWnepkjdSiqddHDzmReWsjKO0OEcQgghWJ8FodoNVo9hwLgEfkhgLmHDEWXxBr1iADMmKtNDAAPXKtT4bdEi6-VwKDs5wAhmsnUzKYODYP4ZUp2q1hnB56tiHJFV8i92c5PmF7eRbLttO2KQU04sbLxk56QLViX65rOeEipXgEX8jXZaLrdvBpbc/s4032/IMG_3190.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEity-_EWnepkjdSiqddHDzmReWsjKO0OEcQgghWJ8FodoNVo9hwLgEfkhgLmHDEWXxBr1iADMmKtNDAAPXKtT4bdEi6-VwKDs5wAhmsnUzKYODYP4ZUp2q1hnB56tiHJFV8i92c5PmF7eRbLttO2KQU04sbLxk56QLViX65rOeEipXgEX8jXZaLrdvBpbc/s320/IMG_3190.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>And here it is. A one-dish dinner. If you don't like dill leave it out, although I think it added a nice something to the dish. If you don't like spinach, ditto. </div><div><br /></div><div>Philip thinks I should make more of the sauce next time so that I can dribble some around on the rice itself when I add the salmon pieces to the dish. Excellent idea. </div><div><br /></div><div>We did not have any leftovers. If you are feeding more than 2 people, make the dish in a 9" x 13" baking dish and double all the ingredients! </div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Odds and ends</span></b></p><p>This is a blue eyed honeyeater. It was referenced in the discussion of the Bird of paradise.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZw7riJLsba8uNSogiCI8Ceg0eVxFFgwXkhzvPW2lQyDYrKldwqBv_DoP7Jf4h3I-EQ0OWu46lyyCTSqMpkkxlr-aGNeKePRcz4bCC5URYV26ytYrnMc5byKXIRx1BUT7Kst47JcoCy2qsLehsy9VoFO-3t76s45VVs47k3VYVw3D05u0Ndvia4Yunps/s613/images.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="613" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZw7riJLsba8uNSogiCI8Ceg0eVxFFgwXkhzvPW2lQyDYrKldwqBv_DoP7Jf4h3I-EQ0OWu46lyyCTSqMpkkxlr-aGNeKePRcz4bCC5URYV26ytYrnMc5byKXIRx1BUT7Kst47JcoCy2qsLehsy9VoFO-3t76s45VVs47k3VYVw3D05u0Ndvia4Yunps/s320/images.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This is a sunbird, looking a little like a hummingbird.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xYu_GM_AxvlCfAk8rptfBiSkua-EknReuTrUopaploFLbCPXds9bOeeYw5c6HMLKoj0eD8OfPqAdJYG3zUnshpFaFGls_V8vUM1flq2bKim-GghBfXg2xGfUafX1GW5jmmOT5MsLaYgLOYszRB-rsCnDKwA8xXa9nNf9WK68UhO_0IlK55fYFq4Iioc/s228/download.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="158" data-original-width="228" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xYu_GM_AxvlCfAk8rptfBiSkua-EknReuTrUopaploFLbCPXds9bOeeYw5c6HMLKoj0eD8OfPqAdJYG3zUnshpFaFGls_V8vUM1flq2bKim-GghBfXg2xGfUafX1GW5jmmOT5MsLaYgLOYszRB-rsCnDKwA8xXa9nNf9WK68UhO_0IlK55fYFq4Iioc/w400-h277/download.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvH7GVux5x-pjI6C_bV37iO-aRfmexlNnStKz6ovEFEKHBE399m367w87Gi83xVUYnPH8P4WR_u3jssTeH0NS8MAurd0DGCdLFQ-xnVjKpR0OpWUCw63uAe9FNGAPKwGCvip0Nj1Nr1VL06RI6xZImd5UPfwXlnpGukV8BjaR03a5gwismrTeUvXF3ME/s4032/IMG_3298.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvH7GVux5x-pjI6C_bV37iO-aRfmexlNnStKz6ovEFEKHBE399m367w87Gi83xVUYnPH8P4WR_u3jssTeH0NS8MAurd0DGCdLFQ-xnVjKpR0OpWUCw63uAe9FNGAPKwGCvip0Nj1Nr1VL06RI6xZImd5UPfwXlnpGukV8BjaR03a5gwismrTeUvXF3ME/w300-h400/IMG_3298.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div>This past week was Julia's time to send mittens to the local elementary schools. She has done this for years.</div><div>This year there were 36 pairs. She miscounted, so the 36th pair will be joined by a few others and go to Christopher's elementary school in Maine.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>While our temperatures remain well above normal, I do watch the weather elsewhere. California is expected to have Atmospheric Rivers. That seems like a new phrase for a lot of rain. </div><div><br /></div><div>Since the ground was not particularly frozen before our snow, it is still not frozen. That means as the snow has melted it has mostly gone right into the ground. That is good.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are certain perennials that are suppose to keep their old foliage over the winter. Hellebores are like that. So are certain celematis. I started cutting back the old hellebore foliage yesterday. </div><div><br /></div><div>Pray for peace, and reconcilliation. Be kind. It is time to plant for the new year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Philip<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div></div>philip Mearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04384629201161240341noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509434911388799.post-48145439717746726812024-01-28T06:27:00.001-06:002024-01-28T06:27:16.370-06:00January 28, 2024- Week #10- It is melting.<p>Welcome to Week #10.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsVorSWyxpEl91O3lj_lrOfLP0ENX64l9MJpur-GaVAvji5LioxnXmb2nXYdeieiNPvE95Uip3U7ZMLhEBHtLX35gP1S-SbJxzmOHJRNDfV3BrVzD0RieHJxrZJ1ljaLq8X6u5BAvJk9cN8K6xf4QK-tB-9kh5thOg3RY5AVu30OWvG-yTTSvoMRebX8/s4032/IMG_3272.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsVorSWyxpEl91O3lj_lrOfLP0ENX64l9MJpur-GaVAvji5LioxnXmb2nXYdeieiNPvE95Uip3U7ZMLhEBHtLX35gP1S-SbJxzmOHJRNDfV3BrVzD0RieHJxrZJ1ljaLq8X6u5BAvJk9cN8K6xf4QK-tB-9kh5thOg3RY5AVu30OWvG-yTTSvoMRebX8/w640-h480/IMG_3272.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Last week I was waiting for it to get to 30 degrees. That happened, bringing cloudy skies and fog. The temperature difference all week (high and low) was about 5 degrees. But it has been a little above freezing. Yesterday it got to 41 on my phone.</p><p>Slowly the snow and ice are melting. Mostly the roads are clear. On Friday, Julia and I went to Cedar Rapids for business. The interstate was fine, even though there were perhaps a dozen cars in the ditch.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRO1rtlEsOkraNP7KhQW7D_2DTDBzCUgGmo6Ey8LjGjbkxecfKiNtIkxRKVLGanw3gt3ReUoUZoEVquvCkOeaM5P8WJ2O8ugACSSiZlAUatGmRC37n4HIhBdEUmbQVY_vLh0foUH9f5TlrwlTr_u86EgGxNaf8MCaYorqbCg6nW9Qqjc-KcdpJOnjnMM0/s4032/IMG_3263.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRO1rtlEsOkraNP7KhQW7D_2DTDBzCUgGmo6Ey8LjGjbkxecfKiNtIkxRKVLGanw3gt3ReUoUZoEVquvCkOeaM5P8WJ2O8ugACSSiZlAUatGmRC37n4HIhBdEUmbQVY_vLh0foUH9f5TlrwlTr_u86EgGxNaf8MCaYorqbCg6nW9Qqjc-KcdpJOnjnMM0/s320/IMG_3263.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>The ground is appearing. It is in those places on the south side of the house. I looked and I did not find snowdrops. Maybe tomorrow.<br /><p>The warming continues. There are 40's in the forecast. And here comes February. It is time to really get to the seed planting. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Last week in the contest was Week #9</span></b></p><p>The winner is a spirited contest was the double bloodroot.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdO4RblVc8q7yLlFYdUdr1VSKfWLvw2IBNYwP5dsZk2udUIrEhgnVktOYIZPx8HgL1mVWLMnRTP5fyB5ZDlc_aOpc3lsbO8bV59yUOEqx1y1pzS0TVtIvoFFKTkG8lP057joNUDgE1sjvZfLnxwCl7ulstAGoeTa37ykusMsZPMM9fA7SmU8JMTC7dvQk/s4032/IMG_0074.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdO4RblVc8q7yLlFYdUdr1VSKfWLvw2IBNYwP5dsZk2udUIrEhgnVktOYIZPx8HgL1mVWLMnRTP5fyB5ZDlc_aOpc3lsbO8bV59yUOEqx1y1pzS0TVtIvoFFKTkG8lP057joNUDgE1sjvZfLnxwCl7ulstAGoeTa37ykusMsZPMM9fA7SmU8JMTC7dvQk/w640-h480/IMG_0074.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>The full vote was</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_gBL3lhD6v86Sroiv5q_3yJFL1iXS20agtLHp5BZfEBLHLLNzM30Sx2TZYKIaqlEKiBR2wlW_urTvk_O_h_VQgWv09UaA1-4-O4zEuFNdYCfjAMv1qcD-hbFxeldk1JmdyIPZtK6YaInRiU44ezh1qwkB3DlrvqkpAEY1ESfMvekErDJKTzwexcxgBrk/s330/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-28%20at%206.05.56%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="330" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_gBL3lhD6v86Sroiv5q_3yJFL1iXS20agtLHp5BZfEBLHLLNzM30Sx2TZYKIaqlEKiBR2wlW_urTvk_O_h_VQgWv09UaA1-4-O4zEuFNdYCfjAMv1qcD-hbFxeldk1JmdyIPZtK6YaInRiU44ezh1qwkB3DlrvqkpAEY1ESfMvekErDJKTzwexcxgBrk/s320/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-28%20at%206.05.56%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Way to go group. The 48 votes was a high for the year. Find another person or two to vote. Maybe we can get to 50. It is always so good to hear from you. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>This Week- Week #10</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#1 Colorful dwarf Iris</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> May 6, 2023</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXCnOyGvSgfXT_91rIDHTydx5-rvDDvjuyYwvxeGnN47KWXN3xi3RGFA0fRDwIfgFczNyIAArHQyX5Fnt1fJPRwCM2IW7tlx-TrqSI_TTy4wQBLkgoJoxzD3uWWSPITZ7pf3O85Aj_P8lHaUoqyrmvSKRv4ieUhrT-JE8LvoHBJgxa4Ug148BuDBW8vo/s4032/IMG_0537.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXCnOyGvSgfXT_91rIDHTydx5-rvDDvjuyYwvxeGnN47KWXN3xi3RGFA0fRDwIfgFczNyIAArHQyX5Fnt1fJPRwCM2IW7tlx-TrqSI_TTy4wQBLkgoJoxzD3uWWSPITZ7pf3O85Aj_P8lHaUoqyrmvSKRv4ieUhrT-JE8LvoHBJgxa4Ug148BuDBW8vo/w480-h640/IMG_0537.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I lost the name of this early gem. I liked this picture to show you how bearded iris can occasionally put out a fourth petal. The petals are called "falls."</div><div>Somehow as the snow melts it does not seem like it will be so long until the little iris will start their show.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#2 Pink Lupine clump</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> May 17, 2023</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGjBf2fJHC_RL5RkIE8COhDEfcjvrP34qB7P9mJZW-jmpqIObE2ZdbiGBI2UXFojUZwUIBwcmsnT6pvL7_cjenkBWlj8XuwgQnWBnMm4CsgCrv0ayO_8Su97gQE5kcFRj-Mo3nobWA4z6fZZ7wsP5_EywSdgjJpWsjRc_zn2UqWlAIG26YofJakQ_XM4/s4032/IMG_0664.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGjBf2fJHC_RL5RkIE8COhDEfcjvrP34qB7P9mJZW-jmpqIObE2ZdbiGBI2UXFojUZwUIBwcmsnT6pvL7_cjenkBWlj8XuwgQnWBnMm4CsgCrv0ayO_8Su97gQE5kcFRj-Mo3nobWA4z6fZZ7wsP5_EywSdgjJpWsjRc_zn2UqWlAIG26YofJakQ_XM4/w480-h640/IMG_0664.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I have little lupine starts coming up now. (Inside of course.)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#3 Red Oriental poppy</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>May 26, 2023</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOGM9XzcAk8ioR1dpl5CK2wV3H6FzFJa4WnNOH7PTqPRteLBmiZyCEh1-Qo0xmMkKCA3TYz8rtXDnSNPagT1oznNiVbNRK85OoN8vKPZirdEnsTyZSohSdLbV-ly59U2OfvOv1NWpHp1E54V9pv5_DHahPhdzPsMqhyphenhyphen3kAkEswqUbt9KK2q3Sdb8BjLmQ/s4032/IMG_0735.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOGM9XzcAk8ioR1dpl5CK2wV3H6FzFJa4WnNOH7PTqPRteLBmiZyCEh1-Qo0xmMkKCA3TYz8rtXDnSNPagT1oznNiVbNRK85OoN8vKPZirdEnsTyZSohSdLbV-ly59U2OfvOv1NWpHp1E54V9pv5_DHahPhdzPsMqhyphenhyphen3kAkEswqUbt9KK2q3Sdb8BjLmQ/w480-h640/IMG_0735.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Such a wonderful red.</div><div>This is a wonderful red Oriental lily called Beauty of Livermore. There was one of these Beauties up the street 40 years ago. We spent a decade trying to identify it and then find it and then having it bloom.</div><div>Oriental lilies do want sun. The come back each year but do not particularly get bigger or spread.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#4 Pink Phlox </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">August 26, 2023</span></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY495FoXbNUCUMTihbJoqvhYUFtAJ_7fmmnkGRTfxTcp5Ezk2Hyco1a1cbdxBaHYHBlqg4SBwX9VuNVUAeCqx1tQtEmfPeagbheuhss43nmqUuibWyGFOILP1K4lI43F6F5EbFcRcL_f83BZoqQhtWuJu6UZ8swfUJwZLwn1i2pGbsnBW-TS3bwLkRNrk/s3024/IMG_1921.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="2345" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY495FoXbNUCUMTihbJoqvhYUFtAJ_7fmmnkGRTfxTcp5Ezk2Hyco1a1cbdxBaHYHBlqg4SBwX9VuNVUAeCqx1tQtEmfPeagbheuhss43nmqUuibWyGFOILP1K4lI43F6F5EbFcRcL_f83BZoqQhtWuJu6UZ8swfUJwZLwn1i2pGbsnBW-TS3bwLkRNrk/w496-h640/IMG_1921.jpeg" width="496" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Phlox are sort of a volunteer in my garden. They self seed and then join with late summer plants like coneflowers and lilies to present some great combinations.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#5 Epiphyllum Oxypetalum</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> September 18, 2023</span></b></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGB6SAFo-0w1K6szY2EXdXOKA0b78UPS2_QLW4oV4V84UpP4i_sPGOZ8klB-bsDlJwnq5RcoCw3sldU2pcvPSU9AqrOo0INTJ-if24NHn3y5Z_s0VOZjlRN-lT90UjyUsPqv2lzxV12YdTi4ODYniDmUWKyvFpKuyvxEve3wA7R5tT5efHo2pTL-QFhrk/s4032/IMG_2145.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGB6SAFo-0w1K6szY2EXdXOKA0b78UPS2_QLW4oV4V84UpP4i_sPGOZ8klB-bsDlJwnq5RcoCw3sldU2pcvPSU9AqrOo0INTJ-if24NHn3y5Z_s0VOZjlRN-lT90UjyUsPqv2lzxV12YdTi4ODYniDmUWKyvFpKuyvxEve3wA7R5tT5efHo2pTL-QFhrk/w480-h640/IMG_2145.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>This is one of the splashier flowers in the garden. It is epiphyllum hookeri. Epiphyllum is the genus. Hookeri is the species. It is native to central America. </p><p>One thing that distinguishes this plant from the other epiphyllum is that it blooms throughout the year, including right up until frost. I have tried to bring it inside while in bud in the fall. It usually does not bloom.</p><p>The flowers open in the evening. Unlike oxypetalum (Night Blooming cereus) is will stay open throughout most of the day.</p><p>Like all the orchid cactus, it prefers dappled shade (don't we all.) I always want to throw them outside in the spring. I do have to wait for the leaves on the trees to come out, which in some cases is after the frost free date. If they are brought out too soon and get too much direct sun, they will sun burn.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Bonus pictures</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZe87L66eTLP_JUrhiA53lv8fTfch9MZ5C8CKZeGxP2j42JW4pC7wNYigmeBodS00bUiLqNCk0acPpQNFTm0inY49ao8ngF6W_JBKz4IWPviArdkIOMA7g2fwZLWoFgLEC0MajkAF6NIN7jXOBjE3_kpfqoEFrFuMYuer1KyAIhJMmyqj2pfmTin98II/s4032/IMG_2144.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZe87L66eTLP_JUrhiA53lv8fTfch9MZ5C8CKZeGxP2j42JW4pC7wNYigmeBodS00bUiLqNCk0acPpQNFTm0inY49ao8ngF6W_JBKz4IWPviArdkIOMA7g2fwZLWoFgLEC0MajkAF6NIN7jXOBjE3_kpfqoEFrFuMYuer1KyAIhJMmyqj2pfmTin98II/w480-h640/IMG_2144.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Here is the flower in profile.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjViBAOW3SuRGQYgHKHIYI-XNC2yyXYfTX8TjguDwrWkzPXyYKXdhrni0IUxM44hg7KiIyqKArCWthn1-NvllVX5_2YXTmRenH50JE4DnlY4o9hjARbhgVknnEWTZQA3o6gYpbWDQyQX0WeypUVYrBPAR7z25p47RrdKSWC00FILa416yubSfrrE77Mrlk/s4032/IMG_2193.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjViBAOW3SuRGQYgHKHIYI-XNC2yyXYfTX8TjguDwrWkzPXyYKXdhrni0IUxM44hg7KiIyqKArCWthn1-NvllVX5_2YXTmRenH50JE4DnlY4o9hjARbhgVknnEWTZQA3o6gYpbWDQyQX0WeypUVYrBPAR7z25p47RrdKSWC00FILa416yubSfrrE77Mrlk/w480-h640/IMG_2193.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5aQP0mLw8r3NlLHS_wXjrYflgBh_Oo7SVheMfVJgX-LXRb-Lb5Tq4cdpsnQv2dhWpMcUfuc086gO4My_hc_v3hu7wm-CV9i1Kn3oioZiLiia7Qj1y03y5sYy8YaCTNGj6lkIG7uS6KSX1Ds0lZvqM5V2zEN2fv-3pxd13a4N74Nw-3wquShoqH6HHCo/s4032/IMG_1920.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5aQP0mLw8r3NlLHS_wXjrYflgBh_Oo7SVheMfVJgX-LXRb-Lb5Tq4cdpsnQv2dhWpMcUfuc086gO4My_hc_v3hu7wm-CV9i1Kn3oioZiLiia7Qj1y03y5sYy8YaCTNGj6lkIG7uS6KSX1Ds0lZvqM5V2zEN2fv-3pxd13a4N74Nw-3wquShoqH6HHCo/w480-h640/IMG_1920.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikek6iRPLNaMSBQSVdItjJC1fPOfkgaaxtuE-ze8hQwKAomSQJNbaa5x8qbOluP8QA4htVS3RG3pbGL1wmsrtNFTu-hTx01hAI1yNpHIBYeSpRtdVjMfsaDqA588kQFF6dEjPTFB6nNYq91jUtqJ5npUneFNNO3zpgxOTEmFaowV-v2FkvrWIywzY6RFA/s4032/IMG_0665.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikek6iRPLNaMSBQSVdItjJC1fPOfkgaaxtuE-ze8hQwKAomSQJNbaa5x8qbOluP8QA4htVS3RG3pbGL1wmsrtNFTu-hTx01hAI1yNpHIBYeSpRtdVjMfsaDqA588kQFF6dEjPTFB6nNYq91jUtqJ5npUneFNNO3zpgxOTEmFaowV-v2FkvrWIywzY6RFA/w480-h640/IMG_0665.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoik9qfajVvbbLPNfHHbUNJvNsmt6u23yUDCGHV8c0fXHogQE5nZZcIc4GBdLcQeJqCsO0U-QNpwMJ04FzM_dxNZ91f881SRNNx1aE-ZRWK6igceLLjztJ9hBBEykvEG6-IAIWUVdAhdrTo0xSuxNah6O7CaP2AmKQ7JudPuoKS8qOBFj4gWyrDaP_91Q/s3230/IMG_0685.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3230" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoik9qfajVvbbLPNfHHbUNJvNsmt6u23yUDCGHV8c0fXHogQE5nZZcIc4GBdLcQeJqCsO0U-QNpwMJ04FzM_dxNZ91f881SRNNx1aE-ZRWK6igceLLjztJ9hBBEykvEG6-IAIWUVdAhdrTo0xSuxNah6O7CaP2AmKQ7JudPuoKS8qOBFj4gWyrDaP_91Q/w600-h640/IMG_0685.jpeg" width="600" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhIk4cSabYvSjHJPl8zTZylU7d6QhU5us699eIfvKZFPkNlZ2TZ1fBSS9MM0POO1XXxOnTmeLYtqZmPdMJt-EnoxQTn2l-6X5ino8-SUlgsd_vSVQ21CX0KaximcDQFXyCoPN5abse1IlS3wYNK9qVrnZpZYZSE2cjEkMG8QGVZf9IkrjpePPJGq7k3g/s4032/IMG_0686.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhIk4cSabYvSjHJPl8zTZylU7d6QhU5us699eIfvKZFPkNlZ2TZ1fBSS9MM0POO1XXxOnTmeLYtqZmPdMJt-EnoxQTn2l-6X5ino8-SUlgsd_vSVQ21CX0KaximcDQFXyCoPN5abse1IlS3wYNK9qVrnZpZYZSE2cjEkMG8QGVZf9IkrjpePPJGq7k3g/w480-h640/IMG_0686.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YZw4UxZmZsEmiqBN_oacmn9JLCm8S3-CMcRhackfb43_CCxLyCodnwR19-S28aXwARkePa4Qa8B_zrnszIMzJhIviDsGiHa5001hluc2IRc5_Mkv0aql0qkMKouHayjspnT3yyDTIHqgASN5OZgzl9ahxmWNJRWqtALNzkL9nbe1b7bTZo2-V_YHhyphenhyphen0/s4032/IMG_0750.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YZw4UxZmZsEmiqBN_oacmn9JLCm8S3-CMcRhackfb43_CCxLyCodnwR19-S28aXwARkePa4Qa8B_zrnszIMzJhIviDsGiHa5001hluc2IRc5_Mkv0aql0qkMKouHayjspnT3yyDTIHqgASN5OZgzl9ahxmWNJRWqtALNzkL9nbe1b7bTZo2-V_YHhyphenhyphen0/w640-h480/IMG_0750.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Right Now</b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;">This is an orchid named Stenorrhybchos speciosum. It is packed up to go to orchid shows the next few weeks. Our local orchid club has people who go to shows around the midwest on weekends. When they go they take all nice blooming orchids from club members. </p><p>This weekend the show was in Minneapolis/St.Paul.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZqa3BHqjLYjztEMgq8NwKfltiHxCKvU_L0bIyY49otO8Wed3me6gPTV3K7AeYQQKuSXAvbqZWFuj5RTOBimHLwhtIYGGPYPz3fvsJUxhzi3SxSHzbiSHn4S5HDeiZMC5KvI83vvXML0puHpbtOcRd2Z5cxOgAlGeX-sf7FdXyGrcJj03mnbGHewomiQ/s4032/IMG_3256.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZqa3BHqjLYjztEMgq8NwKfltiHxCKvU_L0bIyY49otO8Wed3me6gPTV3K7AeYQQKuSXAvbqZWFuj5RTOBimHLwhtIYGGPYPz3fvsJUxhzi3SxSHzbiSHn4S5HDeiZMC5KvI83vvXML0puHpbtOcRd2Z5cxOgAlGeX-sf7FdXyGrcJj03mnbGHewomiQ/w480-h640/IMG_3256.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The plant is about 10 years old. This year it had 13 spikes, all full of little red and white flowers.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgmHQIGaf9CZpmGPlaP-vSop0o1lJUJdT2tbEGNba-EqsaO9QBIJFre2yYQQKgNx5Jvva1v5bfHU9wzREh2H3MzU2aGLfe0gFqCPjjfAalVtZjhfUsqjC-cETFKnmldNyq5154s1Kb3DTTy_OJJEi-s02GQwQqZF4_Os6Pd82vsQZXgA4lbn1aRN3y54/s4032/IMG_3257.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgmHQIGaf9CZpmGPlaP-vSop0o1lJUJdT2tbEGNba-EqsaO9QBIJFre2yYQQKgNx5Jvva1v5bfHU9wzREh2H3MzU2aGLfe0gFqCPjjfAalVtZjhfUsqjC-cETFKnmldNyq5154s1Kb3DTTy_OJJEi-s02GQwQqZF4_Os6Pd82vsQZXgA4lbn1aRN3y54/w480-h640/IMG_3257.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>These next two pictures are of kale in the front yard, yesterday. The snow had melted enough that they emerged. Pretty tough plants, those kale.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaIfRqtuaaKqJH5kYq5JsMIB-kyXdkVkBIbd3EKy6J9QAi6nFmXtkVVL4KkrMi_v1QPj76LbGI1yAcDf-wNt0q1sWar4wEPXH8AIdl9i6wuZaKLRtu-eCfl7lvLNSuDY1YSdfJF5BRUq0m7y7NF4De45r_jwv1XakxSUROdmyTG5tIgBTubHShIOMvQM/s4032/IMG_3273.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaIfRqtuaaKqJH5kYq5JsMIB-kyXdkVkBIbd3EKy6J9QAi6nFmXtkVVL4KkrMi_v1QPj76LbGI1yAcDf-wNt0q1sWar4wEPXH8AIdl9i6wuZaKLRtu-eCfl7lvLNSuDY1YSdfJF5BRUq0m7y7NF4De45r_jwv1XakxSUROdmyTG5tIgBTubHShIOMvQM/w640-h480/IMG_3273.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qhAHXZs8i_vPZBKNnHDILQLDERC3OyCh9oFkVeucoqCTQfkTQ9i1KBgIYJgu9a1-wtVDP3RigNcY0RYq4HW2Cydu61ACgdB0L2wVFbAKMyCBCSA3M-ENDpnnue1untA1X3ymj7v6-nG5q0Ye1fwj3WnJLlTgabFvOXQFFz9npDe_1g9QdbIRup_i49k/s4032/IMG_3274.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qhAHXZs8i_vPZBKNnHDILQLDERC3OyCh9oFkVeucoqCTQfkTQ9i1KBgIYJgu9a1-wtVDP3RigNcY0RYq4HW2Cydu61ACgdB0L2wVFbAKMyCBCSA3M-ENDpnnue1untA1X3ymj7v6-nG5q0Ye1fwj3WnJLlTgabFvOXQFFz9npDe_1g9QdbIRup_i49k/w640-h480/IMG_3274.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Here are some seedlings that were started on January 1. They are lettuce and lupine. </div><div>I will start the Shirley poppies this next week. I have just started bumping the plants up to slightly larger pots.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6avHrJitiybDOyGhxjquL6zHehCdBnKR63vKIkkOMH6IHdLh6XZNXoi1ky_EkQ3YQYfdalgx2464AGDjOKYsBW582aMZMc07wg-aocfiFK2iJ-nc0t0jDm0SR4rPO0aFwrmFG1oX1XDN979TxVX0R17KNh3BpL0w5zDDVqmA5vJ2FLLz4sLsEvaPeurk/s4032/IMG_3277.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6avHrJitiybDOyGhxjquL6zHehCdBnKR63vKIkkOMH6IHdLh6XZNXoi1ky_EkQ3YQYfdalgx2464AGDjOKYsBW582aMZMc07wg-aocfiFK2iJ-nc0t0jDm0SR4rPO0aFwrmFG1oX1XDN979TxVX0R17KNh3BpL0w5zDDVqmA5vJ2FLLz4sLsEvaPeurk/w640-h480/IMG_3277.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtWSPQ-FwLCjC-AVFC1StDSsbN7cU7YOzLOSZEgXo4bUWEOU5CCDRDWuUbLoQNLvP1NeJaPsWBeS7TnIYkJBCimEhqzuKMlmZFFgApdwUD6ByiXvUx7QTCuKcPMcfx17jgL3PT4f33TB8fhDYmmzHdej5B1r1qWlr89DZCMwd9i8fQLESaKUqAAY_jHE/s4032/IMG_3282.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtWSPQ-FwLCjC-AVFC1StDSsbN7cU7YOzLOSZEgXo4bUWEOU5CCDRDWuUbLoQNLvP1NeJaPsWBeS7TnIYkJBCimEhqzuKMlmZFFgApdwUD6ByiXvUx7QTCuKcPMcfx17jgL3PT4f33TB8fhDYmmzHdej5B1r1qWlr89DZCMwd9i8fQLESaKUqAAY_jHE/w480-h640/IMG_3282.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This slipper orchid is getting ready.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxvItxdMjg9NHd5zgh8m1-BhiP1kjRdHp-DcFpd-LiaUa9_ehIRTLy6RqWLhyphenhyphenzSJ9ihao1KIoUOQaVmqO6dWS6JTXScb_koVAVqr1Zwjy7SxWxqVVBpvzhUI5_TkK5WSXd8vyolojxMgt73CXkHtn7xrRkbVpmNXiF80egefWNeb1S97gdiYTOxYCge4/s4032/IMG_3291.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxvItxdMjg9NHd5zgh8m1-BhiP1kjRdHp-DcFpd-LiaUa9_ehIRTLy6RqWLhyphenhyphenzSJ9ihao1KIoUOQaVmqO6dWS6JTXScb_koVAVqr1Zwjy7SxWxqVVBpvzhUI5_TkK5WSXd8vyolojxMgt73CXkHtn7xrRkbVpmNXiF80egefWNeb1S97gdiYTOxYCge4/w480-h640/IMG_3291.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Julia's recipe</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Chicken with onions and mushrooms</span></b></p><p>This recipe from the NYT purports to be like French onion soup, which is a bit of an overstatement, but it is really good. What's not to like about chicken and mushrooms and onions? The onions and mushrooms are cooked until they are well-browned. The chicken is marinated briefly and then everything comes together. It takes maybe 45 minutes and is very tasty.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxd_GT5n6N4CijS9xI2jkj1flZ8bWJu2fWhqbJXduaAIMabKuh-AXzjqvxgYtl3X73cus84IY_2t4CchXxNSzozSYH2bzAJH6giveqs8w8m-4GEkHyBEOpOSgu27puAWC_9e88sZXVPoe_k3yLB6pwtrrnnHLdCl_ReZeu_TRhrzw5YSkWywXWLng2zc/s4032/IMG_3204.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxd_GT5n6N4CijS9xI2jkj1flZ8bWJu2fWhqbJXduaAIMabKuh-AXzjqvxgYtl3X73cus84IY_2t4CchXxNSzozSYH2bzAJH6giveqs8w8m-4GEkHyBEOpOSgu27puAWC_9e88sZXVPoe_k3yLB6pwtrrnnHLdCl_ReZeu_TRhrzw5YSkWywXWLng2zc/w400-h300/IMG_3204.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The ingredients:</p><p>4 cups thinly sliced onions;</p><p>4 cups sliced cremini mushrooms;</p><p>1-1/2 lbs. skinless, boneless chicken thighs;</p><p>3 tablespoons olive oil;</p><p>1 tablespoon wine vinegar;</p><p>2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill;</p><p>1/4 or so cup grated parmesan cheese;</p><p>some fresh spinach; and</p><p><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> kosher salt and pepper</span>.</p><p>The ingredients for the marinade:</p><p>2 tablespoons olive oil;</p><p>2 tablespoons wine vinegar;</p><p>2 teaspoons honey;</p><p>1 teaspoon dijon mustard;</p><p>1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; and </p><p>1 teaspoon of kosher salt</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_Us8CBNzlQ69Q6om2tEY1nfl0lkljaMDv81JHosX-P_naRUR_9u7COsBkd3Ffh35i-LsnMBwnI0CEuvDOoWqnnv0S7V6Rl86umVN8pQSxO2l6hfaMOPunbjupJfLk8NCKrcsOCe_KQyzdDjaqrAtAHOrDw1g9JQPDJfSXI8a0VgPmWdnS5nAR4Bp4eo/s4032/IMG_3206.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_Us8CBNzlQ69Q6om2tEY1nfl0lkljaMDv81JHosX-P_naRUR_9u7COsBkd3Ffh35i-LsnMBwnI0CEuvDOoWqnnv0S7V6Rl86umVN8pQSxO2l6hfaMOPunbjupJfLk8NCKrcsOCe_KQyzdDjaqrAtAHOrDw1g9JQPDJfSXI8a0VgPmWdnS5nAR4Bp4eo/w300-h400/IMG_3206.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>I mixed up the marinade in a big bowl. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhA2UYOdeqIJc50VB_vtrPkHs-Yccri9Dxn57sgv4NjlM_Jan6gYWm-lkuFc7maCcRs2SyiXkRVziOmKC_YpoSu-cOV8ZT3IFygrVbhMRR-EUaakPAfJKmY-pT0x1zJ9Ezf7_6SIAqgKQ2A-aTvM6PmA7l7O9tWVqF-UrwLgSMytjLDjznkgUJ1d1Cdeo/s4032/IMG_3207.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhA2UYOdeqIJc50VB_vtrPkHs-Yccri9Dxn57sgv4NjlM_Jan6gYWm-lkuFc7maCcRs2SyiXkRVziOmKC_YpoSu-cOV8ZT3IFygrVbhMRR-EUaakPAfJKmY-pT0x1zJ9Ezf7_6SIAqgKQ2A-aTvM6PmA7l7O9tWVqF-UrwLgSMytjLDjznkgUJ1d1Cdeo/w300-h400/IMG_3207.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Next, I trimmed the chicken thighs (extra ribbons of fat) and cut them into pieces of about 2" square, but not worrying about precision.</p><p><br /></p><p>I added the meat to the marinade and stirred it around.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLggoeMRaDMfq_FxcbxPQ2rFuRsMDoqj1IgBXk9LkgQUNdcWOLS0nTgYPUUVBuuN_Vnn1QZzhuwASTyAslkXGbF0zu7glZzj6Fa7GBrkoqsip8lnyp16e9wC_qX0Jtwl6-0PhIS9pOcT0oGQln8P4er5VGlCsd3WgCYEJw0rkUY-4w28bPawVED1dxvtw/s4032/IMG_3208.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLggoeMRaDMfq_FxcbxPQ2rFuRsMDoqj1IgBXk9LkgQUNdcWOLS0nTgYPUUVBuuN_Vnn1QZzhuwASTyAslkXGbF0zu7glZzj6Fa7GBrkoqsip8lnyp16e9wC_qX0Jtwl6-0PhIS9pOcT0oGQln8P4er5VGlCsd3WgCYEJw0rkUY-4w28bPawVED1dxvtw/w300-h400/IMG_3208.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Next, I cleanded the onions and sliced them into thin half moons.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOkF7zpqSV1DLNsjYk1QjM5CrcT5sULpzl_fM9YQCEzKtMAIgxEvzJUgrGKkVQJ6v55ce0rS7N6bK2TiQpNKGMonvVoq_PLalc8v26laT-rfkfz2Z4qPgQ7dFHOz04zkCy4SyJJAsRRThA7O0Xuy7Us8LPafhO3lqF2u5HU4xes26ysr7Nd_8DbQ4i_w/s4032/IMG_3209.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOkF7zpqSV1DLNsjYk1QjM5CrcT5sULpzl_fM9YQCEzKtMAIgxEvzJUgrGKkVQJ6v55ce0rS7N6bK2TiQpNKGMonvVoq_PLalc8v26laT-rfkfz2Z4qPgQ7dFHOz04zkCy4SyJJAsRRThA7O0Xuy7Us8LPafhO3lqF2u5HU4xes26ysr7Nd_8DbQ4i_w/w300-h400/IMG_3209.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>The recipe said to arrange the onions into a single layer in a big (12") skillet. No oil, but that made me nervous so I added maybe 1 tablespoon of olive oil and probably 1/2 teaspoon of salt and some pepper. I cooked the onions on medium-high for about 5 minutes, stirring every so often. </p><p>I bought sliced cremini mushrooms. I would have bought whole mushrooms, but we were in blizzard mode and presliced creminis is what was available. </p><p>The mushrooms were fresh, although sliced, which saved me a step. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXIQ9H8FcMPw7pwoSXUxzvG5fA_yOrGoYeYexFjqjM2hFlJ0qJWT4zJKB7C8u-6EySsPyVXUBKhmL9K5tb9lYnoIuRRpOsFyaH-xaN_rLlTOcyR7HL-MSRtH8xWnXYNLcsWpk5YU65jRs1xZ3NGCycTV_0nKhLK8gkNPUDcr0XzFXN-cvqLq1PTWVIOYI/s4032/IMG_3210.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXIQ9H8FcMPw7pwoSXUxzvG5fA_yOrGoYeYexFjqjM2hFlJ0qJWT4zJKB7C8u-6EySsPyVXUBKhmL9K5tb9lYnoIuRRpOsFyaH-xaN_rLlTOcyR7HL-MSRtH8xWnXYNLcsWpk5YU65jRs1xZ3NGCycTV_0nKhLK8gkNPUDcr0XzFXN-cvqLq1PTWVIOYI/w300-h400/IMG_3210.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>I rinsed the mushrooms and then added them to the onions. I think the thing in my hand is the mushroom box. </p><p>I added a bit more salt and pepper and let the mushrooms cook for another 5 minutes or so, stirring from time to time.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Mushrooms and onions cooking away.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dybCAquFmyeDv741lodyK9hTvdsCM1bmu-u9g4yRrsnlR9sfAR1pOiB5V3OD-aCL3sTzkwBvP_vYfup07uT' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyOsX44Ulf3fYA9v0PxT6Z_WrPgqPH1Xy1ntI5OW_bYfOl4aA9OWr3NBSdokPrsHfZOmgSagmRIO1btQuXodInpT92xQ5gE8fNJ-0gKIdIUEgnSOv6K2YyXCke5jSGbTs0nrXnM1Qi0ggYAyOIGFXvSDDhd6ef0FnukhfR_7qFk0OiFuccZUW92UQwyM/s4032/IMG_3211.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyOsX44Ulf3fYA9v0PxT6Z_WrPgqPH1Xy1ntI5OW_bYfOl4aA9OWr3NBSdokPrsHfZOmgSagmRIO1btQuXodInpT92xQ5gE8fNJ-0gKIdIUEgnSOv6K2YyXCke5jSGbTs0nrXnM1Qi0ggYAyOIGFXvSDDhd6ef0FnukhfR_7qFk0OiFuccZUW92UQwyM/w300-h400/IMG_3211.jpeg" width="300" /></a></p><p></p><p>A still picture of the same stage of cooking. </p><p>When the mushrooms began to turn brown, I added the rest of the olive oil (2 tablespoons) and stirred the mixture around for another couple of minutes until everything was browner and softer. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsVe8nu35iQYcyQFFYS9fKkTZSC3-0Qq5yNosIs-cTPW4tXqnmWfXzTm5jacEXaCQVKXJvia9KgJQ2CfCBb7F7UhKx3wdBogGSEr2vxVcjK1bZu1bECyfzF4WGI5oziNl28gu-6x9qDKWNMxSVR7kjMPFoTWP0t5DCUCUUPTNmSMSpl7_M8tY2nEu1TE/s4032/IMG_3213.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsVe8nu35iQYcyQFFYS9fKkTZSC3-0Qq5yNosIs-cTPW4tXqnmWfXzTm5jacEXaCQVKXJvia9KgJQ2CfCBb7F7UhKx3wdBogGSEr2vxVcjK1bZu1bECyfzF4WGI5oziNl28gu-6x9qDKWNMxSVR7kjMPFoTWP0t5DCUCUUPTNmSMSpl7_M8tY2nEu1TE/w300-h400/IMG_3213.jpeg" width="300" /></a><br /></p><p>When the onions and mushrooms had cooked down, I pushed them to the edges of the skillet and added the chicken.</p><p>I used a slotted spoon to fish the chicken out of the marinade. I set the marinade aside for a few minutes while I stirred the chicken around in the center of the skillet so it would cook. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctrT1UG516Y7po50Pesc2LIMVY3KwuqURf5a7Fo2CCpb6gmph-XTQat21RNUqtjD38q26IkpweCIhPX7wu7fbG1tIs1g8jXsHti6NKDnqrmujfW4aoSB_0d_n-RI8-QvEtyH-DSbBaU7S6AVDoMKfNLyozifeSTNl_0ILIy_uanxPLNrOXaaq61MZsok/s4032/IMG_3215.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctrT1UG516Y7po50Pesc2LIMVY3KwuqURf5a7Fo2CCpb6gmph-XTQat21RNUqtjD38q26IkpweCIhPX7wu7fbG1tIs1g8jXsHti6NKDnqrmujfW4aoSB_0d_n-RI8-QvEtyH-DSbBaU7S6AVDoMKfNLyozifeSTNl_0ILIy_uanxPLNrOXaaq61MZsok/w300-h400/IMG_3215.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div>When the chicken was mostly cooked, I added the leftover marinade (there wasn't much) and stirred everything together. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMkC_QWUVPXx0dICczr09KphgBBcOTR9BO8NzzXVeojrMEYaF06AHYg45aaCYSuy9G4mQxncVYzhQmMfMrn5EPpW2dNFwS5rqRCdaiqoU2SLowfPj6Xmm34hLQauQ2zqX0wVKiVpgZ2g1YEceXX9mKEhZodq4i9_qrvZqBYY7m6CEq6_gK-YS3rN0kgM/s4032/IMG_3216.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMkC_QWUVPXx0dICczr09KphgBBcOTR9BO8NzzXVeojrMEYaF06AHYg45aaCYSuy9G4mQxncVYzhQmMfMrn5EPpW2dNFwS5rqRCdaiqoU2SLowfPj6Xmm34hLQauQ2zqX0wVKiVpgZ2g1YEceXX9mKEhZodq4i9_qrvZqBYY7m6CEq6_gK-YS3rN0kgM/w300-h400/IMG_3216.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div>The recipe did not include spinach, but I thought something green would be a nice addition. I had spinach. Kale (tender, not tough) or arugula would be nice too. </div><div><br /></div><div>I stirred the skillet to wilt the spinach.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_MxzmwPghAb2Ui63aKQQCo8ca33B2Rrr8r6K3PQGi_mhuljXFq8lto1wfEmwZ79LuMl49cJUayRN6yPPkTBDZXCdZ6i-9pHdVGh4RWbtJnsQD0BYWUk5-_7py8hG-npCu1jmCNKsJjhL4c2gOsdz7RBwFBgenrFfbKtLMsc1tWLalvTTgQGEGZRIVgU/s4032/IMG_3217.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_MxzmwPghAb2Ui63aKQQCo8ca33B2Rrr8r6K3PQGi_mhuljXFq8lto1wfEmwZ79LuMl49cJUayRN6yPPkTBDZXCdZ6i-9pHdVGh4RWbtJnsQD0BYWUk5-_7py8hG-npCu1jmCNKsJjhL4c2gOsdz7RBwFBgenrFfbKtLMsc1tWLalvTTgQGEGZRIVgU/w400-h300/IMG_3217.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>I put the dish in a nice serving piece. Then I added some chopped dill (a coupld of tablespoons) and the parmesan cheese and sprinkled the last tablespoon of vinegar over all. </div><div><br /></div><div>I had white wine vinegar. The recipe called for sherry vinegar. That would certainly be nice. I had dill. You could use parsley or leave the herbage out altogether. </div><div><br /></div><div>We served this over a dollop of rice. We had some leftovers; they warmed up nicely. Great for lunch. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I think the proportons of chicken to mushrooms and onions could be changed. The proportions above were great. I think more mushrooms and onions and less chicken would also be fine. Say 5 cups each onions and mushrooms and 1 lb. chicken. I would not reduce the marinade as it flavors the final dish as well as the chicken. </div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Odds and Ends</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Temperature maps</p><p>This is from January, 2024</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdol-Y-Y2YY1n4wIWhiyB3aDV7GBH3cB30caqkMREQeY20wMV7scAYT9e3LCMBptdcFHo_csMKsJY9nh7Nhbdi_PvKrxxCdvEvi6wA8lpu7RSr7K0IY5D6EtSaFA2GL7VJofeypfXv7kDyj0xfbhlIUMc1DJSfwx8rlerldfnXmR4Ve2esBydHY8KjNHc/s1018/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-27%20at%206.23.58%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="1018" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdol-Y-Y2YY1n4wIWhiyB3aDV7GBH3cB30caqkMREQeY20wMV7scAYT9e3LCMBptdcFHo_csMKsJY9nh7Nhbdi_PvKrxxCdvEvi6wA8lpu7RSr7K0IY5D6EtSaFA2GL7VJofeypfXv7kDyj0xfbhlIUMc1DJSfwx8rlerldfnXmR4Ve2esBydHY8KjNHc/w640-h400/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-27%20at%206.23.58%20AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>What to expect in February?<br />Here was February 2023. Notice the steadily rising averages.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRh5zteMGYG0HeCd1yiRZ-efM7ba6SF-7aug5-FUnTU0Ka8PaGjZalaMq_cDENsFboEyaYQagc6kD_0yFqLRAgequHgtkM61kcax7reBDo7Safmsh8_7WS6dJHydMPEEyVsJJ05V1F-_zajapTj3TgUEZl-b30FA3qs2lCnVprF42wp64pmsUvxbO-j1s/s1060/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-27%20at%206.25.45%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="1060" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRh5zteMGYG0HeCd1yiRZ-efM7ba6SF-7aug5-FUnTU0Ka8PaGjZalaMq_cDENsFboEyaYQagc6kD_0yFqLRAgequHgtkM61kcax7reBDo7Safmsh8_7WS6dJHydMPEEyVsJJ05V1F-_zajapTj3TgUEZl-b30FA3qs2lCnVprF42wp64pmsUvxbO-j1s/w640-h384/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-27%20at%206.25.45%20AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Here is February 2022</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXC9H96QqJ1QEYgYb2bO2ScPBhWPpmmckYDM-Qe1JJ3cUYAl4uHglehEVyL9uCOUs9F3facWn_RvoMbZ496FL8y-M18MWbp2JLU1IQJicndOEetIUtBKEXgj62VyuE9IwbdArY9tkNI41eG33dkZ39w6QeKoAkQ-DMSt0sZYL39GgdqGB4yBgkg7Ns_QY/s1067/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-27%20at%206.27.08%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="629" data-original-width="1067" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXC9H96QqJ1QEYgYb2bO2ScPBhWPpmmckYDM-Qe1JJ3cUYAl4uHglehEVyL9uCOUs9F3facWn_RvoMbZ496FL8y-M18MWbp2JLU1IQJicndOEetIUtBKEXgj62VyuE9IwbdArY9tkNI41eG33dkZ39w6QeKoAkQ-DMSt0sZYL39GgdqGB4yBgkg7Ns_QY/w640-h378/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-27%20at%206.27.08%20AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I am feeling a little more positive about elections this year. How can they elect someone with an $83 million dollar verdict against him?</p><p>Of course there is emerging the fact that trumpf prefers Putin over NATO and the Ukraine. I thought there was a word for that, which I am avoiding actually righting down.</p><p>Then there is the fuss at the southern border. The repubs would apparently do nothing to try to fix it. What is different is that some of them actually will say that now.</p><p>The lines are being drawn there with the governor of texas being prepared to defy the US Supreme Court. It is in the name of self defense. </p><p>But in Iowa we still have the legislature and the governor. I read somewhere where she was the least popular governor in the country.</p><p>One bill in Des Moines at the moment would require the singing of the national anthem in public schools, every day. On patriotic days you would have to sing all 4 verses.</p><p>Pray for peace and for reconciliation. I so much want to believe that we can find common goals somewhere. </p><p>Philip</p><p><br /></p></div></div>philip Mearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04384629201161240341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509434911388799.post-18045814848405029972024-01-21T06:41:00.000-06:002024-01-21T06:41:13.740-06:00January 21, 2024 Week #9- One more day of the extreme cold<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTy47SL0xZu8N-AoHonNlaFac6qi4laCkPPwU_fr_IuRPJjGyC3jZYW22Bmd4HbN0PXrYLW3ie_-y4v1MWNZFx5_3m5vqVcPRXgFY1Hj9mLRIt1ngH_4T7Lnwy9QVyNjHZCpG2U3r_U_4bz-uB5yKswxBz1puoFJ3CX7PaZMVS3lX9gvW1Fs_1Vc-FEQ/s4032/IMG_3220.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTy47SL0xZu8N-AoHonNlaFac6qi4laCkPPwU_fr_IuRPJjGyC3jZYW22Bmd4HbN0PXrYLW3ie_-y4v1MWNZFx5_3m5vqVcPRXgFY1Hj9mLRIt1ngH_4T7Lnwy9QVyNjHZCpG2U3r_U_4bz-uB5yKswxBz1puoFJ3CX7PaZMVS3lX9gvW1Fs_1Vc-FEQ/w300-h400/IMG_3220.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>It is bitterly cold again. </p><p>I look out the window this Sunday morning, and it is -10 degrees. Actually that is a little warmer than last week at this time. It had warmed up for a few days, into the 20's. But after a dusting of a few inches of new snow, we are back in the deep freeze for a couple days.</p><p><br /></p><p>The end is in sight. Sunday afternoon (that is today) it will warm to 22 degrees and not go down overnight. All this coming week it will be between 34-36. Watching that coming weather has made this extreme cold bearable (sort of).</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The garden limps along. There has not been much melting of the 15 inch snowpack. Deer tracks now appear. (They were not there for a few days after the big snow.) Julia is sometimes awakened by the security lights going on in the middle of the night. That would be the deer. It must be hard to be a deer this time of year.</p><p>Did I mention that there are now robins in Iowa City? We notice them on our drive to the office. They congregate around some sad crabapple trees planted along Iowa Avenue. The trees are sad as the wet heavy snow from 11 days ago had bent over many ornamental shrubs and trees to the point where branches have snapped. There will not be cleanup until the snow melts.</p><p>The days are getting longer. We picked up 11 minutes last week. That is real progress. Most of that went at the end of the day. </p><p>Perhaps more importantly, the average temperatures for a given day have bottomed out, and are actually increasing. The average highs are now 31 degrees, up from 30.</p><p>And the clock is ticking. Spring (March 21) is now only 61 days away. It is time to plant more seeds.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Last Week in the contest</span></b> </p><p>the winner was the dwarf iris called Martian. It joins 2 other iris that have won in the first 8 weeks. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObVodDF1IyKD-VvE9xHhDNQNij4XaH3yxMoRg_7qIb83HO4aTzpEBibCEtBpqUeqE423DJtZulYJx96zCJ_Flcy6vEd6lWYlWafdRrHMhggcfhhfDaYpAWz0M8kJmvKtW11YjiM1nGN4KnPH90LiMZLj5L6-eZt7hGNsV3hGknZ5sbepoqdDEGwT7I4A/s4032/IMG_0418.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObVodDF1IyKD-VvE9xHhDNQNij4XaH3yxMoRg_7qIb83HO4aTzpEBibCEtBpqUeqE423DJtZulYJx96zCJ_Flcy6vEd6lWYlWafdRrHMhggcfhhfDaYpAWz0M8kJmvKtW11YjiM1nGN4KnPH90LiMZLj5L6-eZt7hGNsV3hGknZ5sbepoqdDEGwT7I4A/w480-h640/IMG_0418.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>The full vote was</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2pBbGHS9NxGRuEE8vDTxvURuraoMQilQVElV7nSU5LvGpb1uFtsvVqFzJPGlQgaH9fIHetvOCroFFskvGXhQMuUr7pmXSFwZ81n2wKVGg0WxHOtdCeiWOlVxF7NUdOb01MT7LeZtwySE6l8M-ovQbWekI-EZbMksGdlQ9VAjEBhQrJ3Som9-DXVj1bQ/s327/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-21%20at%205.57.35%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="327" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2pBbGHS9NxGRuEE8vDTxvURuraoMQilQVElV7nSU5LvGpb1uFtsvVqFzJPGlQgaH9fIHetvOCroFFskvGXhQMuUr7pmXSFwZ81n2wKVGg0WxHOtdCeiWOlVxF7NUdOb01MT7LeZtwySE6l8M-ovQbWekI-EZbMksGdlQ9VAjEBhQrJ3Som9-DXVj1bQ/s320/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-21%20at%205.57.35%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>This Week's contest- Week #9</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#1 Double Bloodroot </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>April 11, 2023</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLuBVw8yXucsvD_HOj_dAkg6TZ848q2hoZ6lqpEDuZaZs8swhhdC_OKUqmsyaRRGf5LNUlFpZlvVM3jb7Oc3Z5ppZptWm-DTLm1498gH3MiL83VIdniSqjpZFbdbaAOWJ3FBU3axqf88Nv8IuZ2NORhcUmb8o0nzqNK2QqxXk6fRSSC3BrVe1hjhptag/s4032/IMG_0074.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLuBVw8yXucsvD_HOj_dAkg6TZ848q2hoZ6lqpEDuZaZs8swhhdC_OKUqmsyaRRGf5LNUlFpZlvVM3jb7Oc3Z5ppZptWm-DTLm1498gH3MiL83VIdniSqjpZFbdbaAOWJ3FBU3axqf88Nv8IuZ2NORhcUmb8o0nzqNK2QqxXk6fRSSC3BrVe1hjhptag/w640-h480/IMG_0074.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I have grown double bloodroot since 2009. It blooms later than the regular and wonderful native wildflower. It also lasts longer. </div><div>It spreads nicely. It spreads by runners, as the plant is sterile. A single flower from 2009 expanded to over a dozen by 2015. Then they all died. I have no idea why. I talked to another gardener who grew the double. His died too. It must have been some combination of frezing and thawing.</div><div>So in 2016 I found a source and got maybe 10 new plants. This time I planted them in three distinct locations. They have thrived, until 2023. The largest of the three clumps died. </div><div>There are garden mysteries. Some are good and some not so good.</div><div>You just keep going.</div><div>Things to know about bloodroot. This is information about the native (not the double).</div><div>It is in the poppy family.</div><div>The botanical name is sanguinaria canadensis. The genus is sanguinaria.</div><div>The juice (whatever that means) is red and toxic.</div><div>It is native to eastern North America.</div><div>It grows from rhyzomes, which grow longer each year and branch to make sideshoots.</div><div>The seeds are spread by ants, a process called myrmecochory. (There will not be a test at the end of the season.)</div><div>Deer should leave it alone. This makes sense since it is one of the earliest native spring bulbs.</div><div><br /></div><div>Double bloodroot is sanguinaria canadensis Multiplex.</div><div>Here is a nice article with pictures.</div><div><a href="http://www.arcadiandaylilies.com/DoubleBloodroot.html">http://www.arcadiandaylilies.com/DoubleBloodroot.html</a><br /></div><div>The mutation was discovered in 1916 by someone referred to as an amateur botanist. The history of the plant from that point on is rather interesting.</div><div>The article says the plant is grown in the gardens of "odd connoisserurs". I guess I have a new label.</div><div>More information than you could possibly want</div><div><a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55301396e4b016e87d877805/t/6086c78bb4079175ee476964/1619445644083/The+double+bloodroot%2C+Sanguinaria+canadensis+%27Flore+Pleno%27%2C+is+a+very+rare+form.+It+oce.pdf">https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55301396e4b016e87d877805/t/6086c78bb4079175ee476964/1619445644083/The+double+bloodroot%2C+Sanguinaria+canadensis+%27Flore+Pleno%27%2C+is+a+very+rare+form.+It+oce.pdf</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is one amusing piece of information about Bloodroot. For years a popular toothpaste used bloodroot as an anti-plaque agent. Then a cancer connection was discovered and it stopped being in toothpaste. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#2 Monsella tulips- </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>April 26, 2023</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTXHhClQkkl3aNlkPNr0xzvaGhGvq4fIk9Ov6DHhqYRJghb64nu8vstsMq6IXRctS-qPiLdsF_12WXo6csfWw_lec1m27tsZsWeM0P-J60a_JlNwDG3Wc47VlTPjvPKZrbBqaUcZA9V1AywTpoMf3s8Sa5PPbLTKvAyoevecsTsWXNXNH4fFss4FhvZrw/s2973/IMG_0342.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1482" data-original-width="2973" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTXHhClQkkl3aNlkPNr0xzvaGhGvq4fIk9Ov6DHhqYRJghb64nu8vstsMq6IXRctS-qPiLdsF_12WXo6csfWw_lec1m27tsZsWeM0P-J60a_JlNwDG3Wc47VlTPjvPKZrbBqaUcZA9V1AywTpoMf3s8Sa5PPbLTKvAyoevecsTsWXNXNH4fFss4FhvZrw/w640-h320/IMG_0342.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Monsella tulips are one of our favorites. That is not just the favortie in the tulip group, but really in the entire garden favorite. </div><div>Monsellas have been in the contest before. It was the winner in 2020.</div><div>It is a hybridized tulip so I really do not expect it to last more than the one year. Sometimes is will come back the second. </div><div>But you want to grow this in groups. If I had the space I would grow 2-3 times the 20 I try to plant.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is a double tulip, having twice the petals of the regular one.</div><div>Monsella seems to be popular. I am always finding sold out listed with the Monsella tulips.</div><div>I just need to remember to order it right when the catalogs arrive. ( I did with the Caladium this year.)</div><div>It also tastes good, so it needs to be sprayed with deer stuff when the plant first emerges. You need to spray it before the flower opens or you would damage the color.</div><div>The tulip on the right in the picture was sold to us as Monsella several years ago. <br />I planted 20 of the real Monsella in the fall of 2022, and they did wonderfully. Sprinkled in were the off color ones from the previous year.</div><div>The only source I found this past fall turned out not to have any. I really dislike companies that will let you order and then not have any. I do understand this sometimes has to do with the shortages in their shipments which may not be until the fall.</div><div>They bloom at the same time as the bluebells which of course is a nice combination. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#3 Clivia </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>June 10, 2023</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghY0-UTjC-A6ZcLRxyloQgY8VRLX6DbvYgO1hDalHHvB595vObfpQ1qcMztQ5VAk989yRV_NhQ7aBdHhbjvRF_-K9LFjjeS3I1bRL05j_iXg0DkFO3c_-cX7zi6egsBdAEU60N8csuj4BHRzQLzwN-jVaWKjhJ6fKWj5lLHj-KuRHJu6Oup1XCxltvHMg/s3523/IMG_0975.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3523" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghY0-UTjC-A6ZcLRxyloQgY8VRLX6DbvYgO1hDalHHvB595vObfpQ1qcMztQ5VAk989yRV_NhQ7aBdHhbjvRF_-K9LFjjeS3I1bRL05j_iXg0DkFO3c_-cX7zi6egsBdAEU60N8csuj4BHRzQLzwN-jVaWKjhJ6fKWj5lLHj-KuRHJu6Oup1XCxltvHMg/w550-h640/IMG_0975.jpeg" width="550" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I love clivia. I even belong to a Clivia Facebook group. I find that fun as so many of the people in the group are from someplace else. Australia and New Zealand for example have some really serious clivia growers. They also have the seasons flipped. For that reason they have plants blooming now.</div><div>I have grown Clivia from seed. I think I have bought seed and grown the plants. However, they take 4-6 years to get big enough so they are not for the instant gratification folk.</div><div><br /></div><div>So what are Clivia?<br />There are evergreen perennial plants that are native to South Africa. </div><div>They are understory plants, so they do not need/want a lot of direct sunlight.</div><div>However I do remember being in Golden Gate Park at one point, about twenty years ago. There was an entire hillside of Clivias, planted in what amounted to full sun for San Francisco.</div><div>They come in several colors. I have orange and yellow. I have some that are younger (haven't bloomed yet) that might be closer to red when they bloom.</div><div>They are long lived. The put out side shoots which can they be divided. Then you have more. In the bonus pictures you can see one plant that we repotted this past summer. They can get so many roots that you may have to break the pot. The one in the picture had such a nice pot too. It was from my mother's garden. It survived the repotting.</div><div>I have found that they can get mealy bugs in the winter. Winter care is such a chore sometimes.</div><div>This past fall we top dressed all 12-15 Clivia plants and added some bug systemic. So far this winter- no bugs.</div><div>One wonderful thing about Clivia winter care is that you are instructed to completely leave them alone, from October to March. No water. No nothing. They sit there in the basement waiting for warmer time. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#4 Asiatic lily Easy Dance </span></b></div></b><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">June 17, 2023</span></b></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4gJOeE5ZOCOXp3IT2dMw96yUuyKRjL4tWC_JTjTelLz-YpoUA_OqUz1IJVCHcH1o6mQpLGpqoylPhjYxxA7Ao2QFYuY540gWb6XXFkW8_Ghrhu155BAo8K2INd53_s1JgQAYBRjLhm_ZeyYUqL-HuKAdxcaWHKONuScKeWHWBMs53RaL96MAS6JS7fc/s4032/IMG_1059.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4gJOeE5ZOCOXp3IT2dMw96yUuyKRjL4tWC_JTjTelLz-YpoUA_OqUz1IJVCHcH1o6mQpLGpqoylPhjYxxA7Ao2QFYuY540gWb6XXFkW8_Ghrhu155BAo8K2INd53_s1JgQAYBRjLhm_ZeyYUqL-HuKAdxcaWHKONuScKeWHWBMs53RaL96MAS6JS7fc/w640-h480/IMG_1059.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>What a nice contrast in colors. And of course there are those speckles.</div><div>One of the features of this flower is that it is for some reason pollen free.</div><div>All that pollen on lillium is something the flourists do not like.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#5 Snowdrop </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">March 23, 2023</span></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJABWEAKWpeuE-p2Od_Z71W48pPMiaKp6JjZIN1XnnJ-OEOoExOxwBJqS9ILVoyO2VbWb6TY2k4oGo4W9P8_eJ_h7OVDrzbpbbon9wxhpL6tQlrE82J1uMsHSbGxthMXBAxnZtWYoXuySY0KPpenP20_ohTo54FAqdRxr-aYTZFix7uNS3hz4aiP8NSlA/s4032/IMG_9881.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJABWEAKWpeuE-p2Od_Z71W48pPMiaKp6JjZIN1XnnJ-OEOoExOxwBJqS9ILVoyO2VbWb6TY2k4oGo4W9P8_eJ_h7OVDrzbpbbon9wxhpL6tQlrE82J1uMsHSbGxthMXBAxnZtWYoXuySY0KPpenP20_ohTo54FAqdRxr-aYTZFix7uNS3hz4aiP8NSlA/w480-h640/IMG_9881.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Snowdrops can almost be like tulips to the 17th century dutch. I mean by that you (or rather I) can get caught up in a mania, as you begin to look for more and more interesting varieties.</div><div>There are 4-5 varieties that are in common commerce. Then there are the hundreds of other varities. Before you know it you could spend $50-100/ per bulb.</div><div><br /></div><div>The botanical name, the genus, is Galanthus. They are native to Europe and the Middle east. They have been around for a long time, appearing in Greek botanical tracts.</div><div><br /></div><div>They are about the first spring bulb. There was one poking up last week. In my experience the yellow winter aconite are right there with them.</div><div>Along with other spring bulbs they disappear by early summer. You do have to remember not to plant something where you have planted the snow drops.</div><div><br /></div><div>One source for fancy snowdrops is Carolyn's Garden.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://carolynsshadegardens.com/category/snowdrops/">https://carolynsshadegardens.com/category/snowdrops/</a><br /></div><div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bonus Section</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Bloodroot</span></b></p><p>This is the native flower. It has 7-10 petals.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjJOFTry1rhbx-VfQ2CvyocZh3dFsXoe3-O5S52HVggS9ypjY2WFiz2NrPrxKAnDAYP4s2zSI_PDLKUUAxBlen9CzEhnG383fHDcGhUmYSMM2J3M7hMVoeWqofLOREPjWQjD_z-hlv2NeKTaRMZqKh7cKoUHWxUoU0ioiJW6SSg7spqWuWWvg7Q7g8EU/s4032/IMG_2771.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjJOFTry1rhbx-VfQ2CvyocZh3dFsXoe3-O5S52HVggS9ypjY2WFiz2NrPrxKAnDAYP4s2zSI_PDLKUUAxBlen9CzEhnG383fHDcGhUmYSMM2J3M7hMVoeWqofLOREPjWQjD_z-hlv2NeKTaRMZqKh7cKoUHWxUoU0ioiJW6SSg7spqWuWWvg7Q7g8EU/w480-h640/IMG_2771.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is a hydrid that has many more petals.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0y9N3a_wn9DM1hA4dY3ehgTM9R-mIWFZ_Br2LHkJjYDXh1p5bFXGoczkxLwKUC0oYeSUX6LMg-LgRPsPcxzuTdCDIZu8FvHkWpBE4sK9JHYXQFMvIsR9aIT6UHW6KWDhSIjPO75jttFN9iRzWFL-X7IrPbhIHhon6Br7kZIc3E1_DFLQr8BsH7XZWRT4/s4032/IMG_0119.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0y9N3a_wn9DM1hA4dY3ehgTM9R-mIWFZ_Br2LHkJjYDXh1p5bFXGoczkxLwKUC0oYeSUX6LMg-LgRPsPcxzuTdCDIZu8FvHkWpBE4sK9JHYXQFMvIsR9aIT6UHW6KWDhSIjPO75jttFN9iRzWFL-X7IrPbhIHhon6Br7kZIc3E1_DFLQr8BsH7XZWRT4/w640-h480/IMG_0119.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Same hybrid</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTAkc-FEiHX1_eOX8Zd7zh67zGM72VcwqnfyrMYp8b_UAcxhi_ZoTdMbaj2nfFaM2PY_e2mnF6N_k7MdSCO8ch25dYF6PPTRZNHuGTGubda6RnfvibxkdaZXulmBZ02YVBAeiahPLd5QzlwBUYr1dhsSM1zYP9GuIWBDuGtfb2iRSyZMc35XATMhjz324/s4030/IMG_0161.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2977" data-original-width="4030" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTAkc-FEiHX1_eOX8Zd7zh67zGM72VcwqnfyrMYp8b_UAcxhi_ZoTdMbaj2nfFaM2PY_e2mnF6N_k7MdSCO8ch25dYF6PPTRZNHuGTGubda6RnfvibxkdaZXulmBZ02YVBAeiahPLd5QzlwBUYr1dhsSM1zYP9GuIWBDuGtfb2iRSyZMc35XATMhjz324/w640-h472/IMG_0161.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is a group of the doubles.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkL_485WLt8RBUfxKjdtzyxbW0jETI56Ro2HV4vD2dMbv31AjcW7fqu8y7OSxNVPep_KGXZiU47P29CeeGtjzPSw9T5BVGrdAah2LPMHZ8EEdMVaDe58FO15L0sKFJdXLWk4Pl5vtxVbRkcExLLIzRygOpzGslnhQ-c_73VYUy0tu8_iT41BNnqcow2QU/s4032/IMG_6643.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkL_485WLt8RBUfxKjdtzyxbW0jETI56Ro2HV4vD2dMbv31AjcW7fqu8y7OSxNVPep_KGXZiU47P29CeeGtjzPSw9T5BVGrdAah2LPMHZ8EEdMVaDe58FO15L0sKFJdXLWk4Pl5vtxVbRkcExLLIzRygOpzGslnhQ-c_73VYUy0tu8_iT41BNnqcow2QU/w640-h480/IMG_6643.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>This was the clump in 2015, before the mystery disappearance.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQtkn6l4oiiL1Bw58_Wo7IZb2yJ36H_33sngvymRB2gS7bdA1qSr8p72BH8hD5SBBOsGUr0TTlHXKmFRMhPt8VGhD9jY3cSypd0CIVQJqfUdy0Iyv9cZcSd7ZxwBnsrR40u1o6vq05lO0KzwZJv8Y6TNPniHE_P06NzUMTtnQU-eTOd5FwFXCkd3hr6A/s3264/IMG_1154.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQtkn6l4oiiL1Bw58_Wo7IZb2yJ36H_33sngvymRB2gS7bdA1qSr8p72BH8hD5SBBOsGUr0TTlHXKmFRMhPt8VGhD9jY3cSypd0CIVQJqfUdy0Iyv9cZcSd7ZxwBnsrR40u1o6vq05lO0KzwZJv8Y6TNPniHE_P06NzUMTtnQU-eTOd5FwFXCkd3hr6A/w640-h480/IMG_1154.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Monsella tulips</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This picture almost made the contest.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-H10ofqglGATos0DOds4FT8yDqBTwc9aQBv6eHlhVejWkJpw2yTyBvAtbHcXTjejnLfMQw86e035rHH9eXegYGviFcrFkbKZNzglMCGGtZ6naW0lo6vEcI9USqnvVdJhdimRe8AMdRhpZHvWHl9CgL-EMCBZU3rWaDFLRa4nRZpBJcYv_66gH_d-ruo/s4032/IMG_0313.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-H10ofqglGATos0DOds4FT8yDqBTwc9aQBv6eHlhVejWkJpw2yTyBvAtbHcXTjejnLfMQw86e035rHH9eXegYGviFcrFkbKZNzglMCGGtZ6naW0lo6vEcI9USqnvVdJhdimRe8AMdRhpZHvWHl9CgL-EMCBZU3rWaDFLRa4nRZpBJcYv_66gH_d-ruo/w480-h640/IMG_0313.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJLlGvpm-HingrHXetZShOSASKTxfWKOJqnVniwf6o6UJS0hLihfEjwnsug_kC09Mdjf4D0Ortvo7hTARTp8SlrFqE7xsAPC1X_dREO4ytntukbzhl8zKpAlkyte2qYjsDoeSk9bsZJFHENDWQI4EqHZq5wLpiIIZLzUbV2R4B5TO_fcVHSG7TjqKDQQ/s4032/IMG_0339.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJLlGvpm-HingrHXetZShOSASKTxfWKOJqnVniwf6o6UJS0hLihfEjwnsug_kC09Mdjf4D0Ortvo7hTARTp8SlrFqE7xsAPC1X_dREO4ytntukbzhl8zKpAlkyte2qYjsDoeSk9bsZJFHENDWQI4EqHZq5wLpiIIZLzUbV2R4B5TO_fcVHSG7TjqKDQQ/w640-h480/IMG_0339.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This was from 2023. The previous years bulbs joined the real Monsellas.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vHtMPve0xcn8U9je4rcqunt2U1EXIyDHC7BAQmpVg8JPrcdtRZTvV1zuQgGAR8d2NSlt_1wAun60eGCQL-woRVlXHyTWYtDgwGniC7EgHlbuKe2d9N1L730Uk96ec5TQ_99XGKwHjBn_Awtm8eyC6L5Fir0DgV1VWeh6vak11bmvZlQTljeuPzHhbTM/s4032/IMG_0406.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vHtMPve0xcn8U9je4rcqunt2U1EXIyDHC7BAQmpVg8JPrcdtRZTvV1zuQgGAR8d2NSlt_1wAun60eGCQL-woRVlXHyTWYtDgwGniC7EgHlbuKe2d9N1L730Uk96ec5TQ_99XGKwHjBn_Awtm8eyC6L5Fir0DgV1VWeh6vak11bmvZlQTljeuPzHhbTM/w640-h480/IMG_0406.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnqndg7gSDHGiZKpLsWcPktOKDmj5bUTV9f3-wj9ZHpTRNbTDb_e-T7SE8QTGrJMnm6b2bbbLlQ68ftWxp84TpB2K2NSZhRx6jTThJSGu_E_vdO_EEEbDCNXGgEcMxDsSq2Nsbl8E37VWgSIVCJ9tFvZvVK0PGC4iJvt9jFhB_8_LWdOSXojy5PMB2wg/s4032/IMG_0407.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnqndg7gSDHGiZKpLsWcPktOKDmj5bUTV9f3-wj9ZHpTRNbTDb_e-T7SE8QTGrJMnm6b2bbbLlQ68ftWxp84TpB2K2NSZhRx6jTThJSGu_E_vdO_EEEbDCNXGgEcMxDsSq2Nsbl8E37VWgSIVCJ9tFvZvVK0PGC4iJvt9jFhB_8_LWdOSXojy5PMB2wg/w480-h640/IMG_0407.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The fake Monsella was actually rather nice.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxWn2jnTyJJDK_-F7sJZqyYFljewtNYEDEq-zqdnTNWI3NkdG2HXhH-ooL7YOs9UUVnjQcO3MOGR0EsKzIxBvZomn8eTpbETf0n6HYZXSOnEGnOkKP82Xo6EmncNTOZeE1tNndWfbM07W7hgSxTbAIKuoBarKoiUF4p1g_qoeJ3X6dokg08VhXadBq_E/s4032/IMG_0408.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxWn2jnTyJJDK_-F7sJZqyYFljewtNYEDEq-zqdnTNWI3NkdG2HXhH-ooL7YOs9UUVnjQcO3MOGR0EsKzIxBvZomn8eTpbETf0n6HYZXSOnEGnOkKP82Xo6EmncNTOZeE1tNndWfbM07W7hgSxTbAIKuoBarKoiUF4p1g_qoeJ3X6dokg08VhXadBq_E/w480-h640/IMG_0408.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Clivia</b></span></div><div>Here is a helpful link to tell you more about Clivias</div><div><a href="https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plantinfo/clivia">https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plantinfo/clivia</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtY0tz1gwF6bmCgsno_os3D1MTxVQs_Lk_fWYBqGVCg6kGmAiLRcskWIw5ObzfDiJGLAjXb5FOfYvT3O3RHkqChuORzwezS_INCqqm6m5eNREPeEMDZTa-zMEl76SRhyEqBZzAy_HqhxPAwUT0BDDTbU6O4AlA_3a8WPSFG7Y2YkIvykxc3Dn8JVwgKo/s4032/IMG_0974.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtY0tz1gwF6bmCgsno_os3D1MTxVQs_Lk_fWYBqGVCg6kGmAiLRcskWIw5ObzfDiJGLAjXb5FOfYvT3O3RHkqChuORzwezS_INCqqm6m5eNREPeEMDZTa-zMEl76SRhyEqBZzAy_HqhxPAwUT0BDDTbU6O4AlA_3a8WPSFG7Y2YkIvykxc3Dn8JVwgKo/w480-h640/IMG_0974.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is Scott along with the clivia we repotted. The roots are amazing.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCzeMG649C0jcAmlCxBU9426LvsshFIJ3t4mTk3Vc_8FUOsquj95n57p-euoIz7xXPowph4Gz4lbIUId7gsri9f1acDC6pTYkHDw7cClKN_V6bSOlKdKgXRrFue1RQpiQRtBJ9Xu5zlSQkrhyphenhyphenzklNrxZlf3nRYAhMtSJK9WtRpBEgAK5J62OSR9VbQ7k/s4032/IMG_1595.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCzeMG649C0jcAmlCxBU9426LvsshFIJ3t4mTk3Vc_8FUOsquj95n57p-euoIz7xXPowph4Gz4lbIUId7gsri9f1acDC6pTYkHDw7cClKN_V6bSOlKdKgXRrFue1RQpiQRtBJ9Xu5zlSQkrhyphenhyphenzklNrxZlf3nRYAhMtSJK9WtRpBEgAK5J62OSR9VbQ7k/w480-h640/IMG_1595.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Here are the clivias, resting for the winter in the basement.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYEccB_Urj9CQOb2Ra1-nDKXBa_3S1M6ovCdhfS2aZFAdjfYJbDTRuIOZW61dckiHUJRIEhvVwmAn247tW3r0Px0Rhp-A81eOKguF1c9v7zNqVcav-wKMRjvE9JgnogbRJZYK7ooJgqJo9MzD1mGZvg8yRtOzphyphenhyphenm5PR5hwfdzYIjFecYWMeNpdheZE0/s4032/IMG_3231.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYEccB_Urj9CQOb2Ra1-nDKXBa_3S1M6ovCdhfS2aZFAdjfYJbDTRuIOZW61dckiHUJRIEhvVwmAn247tW3r0Px0Rhp-A81eOKguF1c9v7zNqVcav-wKMRjvE9JgnogbRJZYK7ooJgqJo9MzD1mGZvg8yRtOzphyphenhyphenm5PR5hwfdzYIjFecYWMeNpdheZE0/w640-h480/IMG_3231.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are some seedlings I grew about ten years ago.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXie0G9u0w1GetGZ20o2QIG66wzpto257qhkeRQPQAfiz9goDIDSqr6viqMRyrDPAGyGJUJu6QNi9aDTjqboCOzqWXFxj-D_u8t0WqBhfCLcLoeHGe9x9C7V5Gmc1jCLwYgkeLVGhUeGOk2gXRQ5VCt3bDFJSK1eOqWqWIr1cTm8ZA0jFlMlU3FocpUhg/s3264/IMG_5736.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXie0G9u0w1GetGZ20o2QIG66wzpto257qhkeRQPQAfiz9goDIDSqr6viqMRyrDPAGyGJUJu6QNi9aDTjqboCOzqWXFxj-D_u8t0WqBhfCLcLoeHGe9x9C7V5Gmc1jCLwYgkeLVGhUeGOk2gXRQ5VCt3bDFJSK1eOqWqWIr1cTm8ZA0jFlMlU3FocpUhg/w640-h480/IMG_5736.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This is a picture of the yellow clivia from a few years ago.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvdFbVgOXJQ-ZEIrH-6UXFoT7LOmpAh87b3KpPDCM_nL5hUiL_F-MyqJ9D0Rn-agnY6GqOWW4vNLDKbRvmMGYgHjUOHT3RFco-NPHmJeuSapmq7ldAjza2K83r0Xo7sUXG6xu7vXIW2F2c-5RP7nJlRwFbxp1usy9eMcJAm5sP7FVLAQR7OqB-HpMEfU/s3395/IMG_5784.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="3395" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvdFbVgOXJQ-ZEIrH-6UXFoT7LOmpAh87b3KpPDCM_nL5hUiL_F-MyqJ9D0Rn-agnY6GqOWW4vNLDKbRvmMGYgHjUOHT3RFco-NPHmJeuSapmq7ldAjza2K83r0Xo7sUXG6xu7vXIW2F2c-5RP7nJlRwFbxp1usy9eMcJAm5sP7FVLAQR7OqB-HpMEfU/w640-h480/IMG_5784.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The flowers grow in clusters. Here is a picture of a single flower.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OO6vXa_eIipShZPoTOjp_Z8fqXi7lL2uWR1I6Vmqe1rswMeW4A5iN5CxtgCGZlxw_32wHCd77ot73ZS91104IAnkXOOZZQZZauY-SOJLK3X9etyTYDgLsVV6qo7nB7bxQbKsJa9iHkwIN-AOtfbquteOdMDGbHzlJKKAyg1yJNI77Fuj6rUP5E6SvQ8/s4032/IMG_6076.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OO6vXa_eIipShZPoTOjp_Z8fqXi7lL2uWR1I6Vmqe1rswMeW4A5iN5CxtgCGZlxw_32wHCd77ot73ZS91104IAnkXOOZZQZZauY-SOJLK3X9etyTYDgLsVV6qo7nB7bxQbKsJa9iHkwIN-AOtfbquteOdMDGbHzlJKKAyg1yJNI77Fuj6rUP5E6SvQ8/w480-h640/IMG_6076.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Right Now</b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;">Here is the paphiopedilum with the bud growing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6HBPITc33t9QNJcjaRXq4q3nOTht-NF7rnUWdex-uymWV93adexJoCD0NtkS-EndWuMMiQD5GXiTvOrX71sXmS4TabbFPzUTBEffm26BeEg1BTemXzqRiD57XC1wHH2xw3ueQEcN1ElAsmb5mt5Q76Wp4nDYhyphenhyphenZiJLQZLndAmXKS739ZDsHkF8vTY_XU/s4032/IMG_3232.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6HBPITc33t9QNJcjaRXq4q3nOTht-NF7rnUWdex-uymWV93adexJoCD0NtkS-EndWuMMiQD5GXiTvOrX71sXmS4TabbFPzUTBEffm26BeEg1BTemXzqRiD57XC1wHH2xw3ueQEcN1ElAsmb5mt5Q76Wp4nDYhyphenhyphenZiJLQZLndAmXKS739ZDsHkF8vTY_XU/w480-h640/IMG_3232.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>What a winderful little tiny violet.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikZKo9W0BKqr8QO2WEbqHsFia3xJUWt3y_dnbZUMcHmmUytUv9Wu9CAXSgTxskb6SLFHvyoa0a_aF-n59BSX2tG-N9AaRv21Ei_BBbC5lo8F5OohJGmaIoY3gCZoSWyfZfsdHWZuZscZQDqxmQq_9EdUhbHslfuxyRzM4a4oOeJ1WyGq6_02LpEK5RlA/s4032/IMG_3236.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikZKo9W0BKqr8QO2WEbqHsFia3xJUWt3y_dnbZUMcHmmUytUv9Wu9CAXSgTxskb6SLFHvyoa0a_aF-n59BSX2tG-N9AaRv21Ei_BBbC5lo8F5OohJGmaIoY3gCZoSWyfZfsdHWZuZscZQDqxmQq_9EdUhbHslfuxyRzM4a4oOeJ1WyGq6_02LpEK5RlA/w480-h640/IMG_3236.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This cactus decided now was the time to bloom.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjim1xNsqydt4B3qv7bc2ciqJATmqDHKgizyl9yjtu2fRTwnZrFMX88bPKsEJTf4-4eW9rF6UN_1OuhkVCFrge13Denl7IIaIgd0HmJJgBsCLDrUbnxyR3IWWtAlRG26UTzKELQNkhLz__d1gaWTzQmBSxagm2rl4eFZefIjphEUAaN1m_QQIeGKDxMjJk/s2756/IMG_3238.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2644" data-original-width="2756" height="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjim1xNsqydt4B3qv7bc2ciqJATmqDHKgizyl9yjtu2fRTwnZrFMX88bPKsEJTf4-4eW9rF6UN_1OuhkVCFrge13Denl7IIaIgd0HmJJgBsCLDrUbnxyR3IWWtAlRG26UTzKELQNkhLz__d1gaWTzQmBSxagm2rl4eFZefIjphEUAaN1m_QQIeGKDxMjJk/w640-h614/IMG_3238.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />Julia's recipe</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: x-large;">Apple Salsa</b></p><p>Our friend Pat sent me a cookbook all about apples: apples, 50 tried and true recipes by Julia Rutland. I have made a couple of things out of this cookbook, which are winners. Today I will share her recipe for an apple salsa, tweaked just a little. I have another bigger tweak to suggest at the end. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWFFzM7pWvxEXexYyZaCQqgS8m5qBWiX5-tjjVBsOCh5V6IflYv9zK6sRWfCMUCHzdoxn4nXTQg6lmPAbIBDU4zjJadXs7LVuX6zzVHN8ggol3ejLjUhMbyb7dkm8V36n8BHG8CQ6noSEk7ejRFh0KCD-sxffUa43p0XPsP14kalVFSRhra9AVDE2QmI/s4032/IMG_3086.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWFFzM7pWvxEXexYyZaCQqgS8m5qBWiX5-tjjVBsOCh5V6IflYv9zK6sRWfCMUCHzdoxn4nXTQg6lmPAbIBDU4zjJadXs7LVuX6zzVHN8ggol3ejLjUhMbyb7dkm8V36n8BHG8CQ6noSEk7ejRFh0KCD-sxffUa43p0XPsP14kalVFSRhra9AVDE2QmI/s320/IMG_3086.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div>The ingredients:</div><div>2 apples, cored and cut into little pieces;</div><div>1 seeded and diced jalapeno pepper;</div><div>4 tablespoons diced red onion;</div><div>1 teaspoon or so smushed garlic;</div><div>lime zest (if you have a lime);</div><div>2 tablespoons lime juice;</div><div>1/4 or so salt;</div><div>1 tablespoon brown sugar; and </div><div>2 tablespoons neutral oil. </div><div><br /></div><div>I did not have lime zest. It would be good (lime zest is at home in any salsa, really). I added a bit of oil to help the dressing coat the apples. The recipe called for fresh mint, also not on hand at this time of year. Use it (2 or 3 tablespoons, minced) if you have it. The recipe said brown sugar or an equal amount of honey. I think honey can be too distinctive in flavor so I opted for brown sugar. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkcY7gEGEZg1eVYJUM_SsFPob4Xm6hSHoacMav2rd39y24Vu_tJk2fgezmuZ-x7dz_8s_M8AEVayMKXk2R6rg42TbioCa_Y-ALKnwTxWZ9JCdRN6C_eWiljeRnllgwbtcPMZe8Nks6GUU9Adxa1VGNOK0cVk_zF-034EACGvoFHZ3igubWUKcuoifqes/s4032/IMG_3087.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkcY7gEGEZg1eVYJUM_SsFPob4Xm6hSHoacMav2rd39y24Vu_tJk2fgezmuZ-x7dz_8s_M8AEVayMKXk2R6rg42TbioCa_Y-ALKnwTxWZ9JCdRN6C_eWiljeRnllgwbtcPMZe8Nks6GUU9Adxa1VGNOK0cVk_zF-034EACGvoFHZ3igubWUKcuoifqes/w300-h400/IMG_3087.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>I washed the apples and cut them in half (no peeling required). I used a melon baller to take out the cores. Such a useful multi-tasker! Then I cut the apples into a pretty small dice.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am not sure what kind of apples I used. Not macintosh or red delicious, which are, respectively, too soft and too mealy and flavorless. Maybe something in the crisp family (honeycrisp, crimson crisp). Jonathans would be okay or yellow delicious or granny smith. Something with a good flavor and a crisp-ish (not soft or mealy) texture. </div><div><br /></div><div>I </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6JG1uLCg6zvAA3Gw78OQoYPhK6kVt9J2CkEOdOeCriSIvniM8qzxxdASfDlibDJvS9STPGHZzh78hWNpqaaieF00Xfx_deAcD428WSqPze9PTKf7PUKsiPBOodcq6O1bkHiYZz39thvMMsgarPleP5wzKxuBAfdXReVn_Cp6aLtYe7c3RZdRpZnToSQ/s4032/IMG_3089.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6JG1uLCg6zvAA3Gw78OQoYPhK6kVt9J2CkEOdOeCriSIvniM8qzxxdASfDlibDJvS9STPGHZzh78hWNpqaaieF00Xfx_deAcD428WSqPze9PTKf7PUKsiPBOodcq6O1bkHiYZz39thvMMsgarPleP5wzKxuBAfdXReVn_Cp6aLtYe7c3RZdRpZnToSQ/w300-h400/IMG_3089.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>I cleaned and finely diced the jalapeno and the red onion and smushed the garlic. I added these ingredients to the apples in a bowl. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBg8iJ_x9Ly7iuU0V41AtVg2v_4iGALwS704kcuCK4DjaqudZSrVYvGl0sXU-5hHhmcOGXM9KQzSoqAm4zwvZbL5-FpLew0mgDfP1MkwXlUfnQnRbGraua1Lwk0FYXBtmbwEkTcUA8MnUPUnYONxiTGTT1Cnlt22mfNwZlW28TaXR_Pl9ysYUDBw8rJ0/s4032/IMG_3090.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBg8iJ_x9Ly7iuU0V41AtVg2v_4iGALwS704kcuCK4DjaqudZSrVYvGl0sXU-5hHhmcOGXM9KQzSoqAm4zwvZbL5-FpLew0mgDfP1MkwXlUfnQnRbGraua1Lwk0FYXBtmbwEkTcUA8MnUPUnYONxiTGTT1Cnlt22mfNwZlW28TaXR_Pl9ysYUDBw8rJ0/w300-h400/IMG_3090.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>Then I made the dressing: mixing together the lime juice, oil, brown sugar and salt. </div><div><br /></div><div>I poured the dressing over the fresh things, stirred everything up and put the salsa in the refrigerator until dinner time. Refrigerator time is not required, however.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsF4yXfrofaddL_A6sUZVeUyPkBznaW3Sqqxnv_cGGSvlMDmEeVnWtqtfcPDMKvvG9FJtiln47f7YFZenMS2og7DKoB-EqSW3R-9Y5MniORwnFRRuDVwPljxoMTcioYObxL3hV7yGfnLoRTZHuWUFhLfxUU-rkGez_0MV1EMUUBhJpZ48hq7_Hf67MdoM/s4032/IMG_3101.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsF4yXfrofaddL_A6sUZVeUyPkBznaW3Sqqxnv_cGGSvlMDmEeVnWtqtfcPDMKvvG9FJtiln47f7YFZenMS2og7DKoB-EqSW3R-9Y5MniORwnFRRuDVwPljxoMTcioYObxL3hV7yGfnLoRTZHuWUFhLfxUU-rkGez_0MV1EMUUBhJpZ48hq7_Hf67MdoM/s320/IMG_3101.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>On the table. We served this on New Year's Day with a rolled pork roast, sweet potatoes and broccoli. Apples and pork go together very nicely. The salsa would also be good with simply prepared salmon or other fish.</div><div><br /></div><div>Leftovers? Eaten straight as something like a palette cleanser with leftover pork. </div><div><br /></div><div>Let's talk about texture. This is a firm-textured salsa. I also make a pineapple and banana salsa (somewhere on the blog) that is very nice with plain baked salmon. That salsa is softer, as you'd expect of fresh pineapple and banana. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you'd like a softer apple salsa, soften the apples. Those of you with microwaves - put your finely chopped apples in a dish with a little water and microwave them for a short time (I think - I am not a microwave person). The goal is to soften the apples some while having them keep their shape, not turn into mush. Stovetop people can put the apple bits into a no-stick skillet with a bit of water to achieve the same outcome. Keep an eye on the apples in the microwave or on the stovetop. The amount of time to soften will vary with your equipment and with the kind of apples you use. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Odds and Ends</b></span></p><p>Here are the seeds planted on 1-1-24. They would be lettuce and lupines.</p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbiNxE2OIczDRpqyG6lNkc1dnRMFEgK1p3sYzbzEKCdHUDeFX2SNwZZhrIjhryy25SrcjXiL-AbE0ImI3NSPYZADh7AqfgKfZcVdRtjpRsgh6XpzzXNiavU9u9A1ioEuKVGi1pxrxgfH3v3yNhCCex_mc2_dyh-8NOouC_4LUEB_NOjwMOZb2MFFhUdmc/s4032/IMG_3228.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbiNxE2OIczDRpqyG6lNkc1dnRMFEgK1p3sYzbzEKCdHUDeFX2SNwZZhrIjhryy25SrcjXiL-AbE0ImI3NSPYZADh7AqfgKfZcVdRtjpRsgh6XpzzXNiavU9u9A1ioEuKVGi1pxrxgfH3v3yNhCCex_mc2_dyh-8NOouC_4LUEB_NOjwMOZb2MFFhUdmc/w640-h480/IMG_3228.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The pumpkins are doing fine, as the snow has not melted much in a week.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXFgq5PbzzF02NIMfyAUEeBwjUo-QVx8fQkZS5t4pGUMpQml3hxJCcBAWPJ8_e6ceiYCi1OACrahx3-U5q7hyphenhyphen73JMqe1Xmn4dHbKdhfHQuVF9J47MrOqg6sK46mbjyEZVj2QGR0RpCMETsij1LMtHXGEJscNt-5PTs_90wRaUHHpZDGC72Zil-yKe-0M/s4032/IMG_3241.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXFgq5PbzzF02NIMfyAUEeBwjUo-QVx8fQkZS5t4pGUMpQml3hxJCcBAWPJ8_e6ceiYCi1OACrahx3-U5q7hyphenhyphen73JMqe1Xmn4dHbKdhfHQuVF9J47MrOqg6sK46mbjyEZVj2QGR0RpCMETsij1LMtHXGEJscNt-5PTs_90wRaUHHpZDGC72Zil-yKe-0M/w480-h640/IMG_3241.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRiP5BRPSnMJm5ydJRlK2Aqn1n9fp0vCdYzYV2wCu4eRzSDKESBT6jDiTsMbxsU_Bdzwq0Od2IeZoXe_YrsBQPZyXa330CF9Lyx5gUbjZglvPil3uJCwFjHRu8yvdjo4-MQSaaC2zTs3hiQNLmqtZMyVS5rcqTza9CiFU8UQlqZ94be-y9CzaVQTxSmY/s4032/IMG_3253.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRiP5BRPSnMJm5ydJRlK2Aqn1n9fp0vCdYzYV2wCu4eRzSDKESBT6jDiTsMbxsU_Bdzwq0Od2IeZoXe_YrsBQPZyXa330CF9Lyx5gUbjZglvPil3uJCwFjHRu8yvdjo4-MQSaaC2zTs3hiQNLmqtZMyVS5rcqTza9CiFU8UQlqZ94be-y9CzaVQTxSmY/w640-h480/IMG_3253.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>News of the world is not good. </p><p>Sometimes solutions are hard to identify, much less put into action.</p><p>I hope you enjoy this little garden escape. If you have a chance write back and say hello.</p><p>Now try to find something to make this world a slightly better place.</p><p>Pray for peace, and reconciliation.</p><p>Philip</p></div></div>philip Mearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04384629201161240341noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509434911388799.post-54368684074521569702024-01-14T07:08:00.002-06:002024-01-14T07:08:46.473-06:00January 14, 2024- Week #8- winter is here<p>Welcome to winter in Iowa. Winter finally arrived.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ZgPN1cq66OHN0048Z7Kfw3aPeYkNECmkr0YH0_r4sXrEuCtNsmY86iGRvlwdcWtLJ0AdniGAiXWSOVyFKEoXeZ-DnY_RJwCaMzY7FPc77Cuz3kh2HJZKFhwd931r2sBhs9bBjh5IbO52t5bvDCWI0AZeVAqkAghXCy0XaMc1E-1YHZiKssa412P8kaQ/s4032/IMG_3155.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ZgPN1cq66OHN0048Z7Kfw3aPeYkNECmkr0YH0_r4sXrEuCtNsmY86iGRvlwdcWtLJ0AdniGAiXWSOVyFKEoXeZ-DnY_RJwCaMzY7FPc77Cuz3kh2HJZKFhwd931r2sBhs9bBjh5IbO52t5bvDCWI0AZeVAqkAghXCy0XaMc1E-1YHZiKssa412P8kaQ/w640-h480/IMG_3155.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Winter is making up for the fact it was late in arriving. We had 15 inches of snow on Wednesday. That was followed by maybe another 4-5 inches Friday, at which point the wind picked up. The temperatures are falling. They went to double digit negative numbers last night. As I get ready to send out this post it is -16 degrees. We will not see positive numbers until the middle of the week. I will get the heavy gloves out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6olCuXsVXBj3ABzLOasGW51luhEhcBp1L0pxA7WMbU1D4HlPxEPxyeiZrhb8FuB2CxQyuhMpbCdDFRPau2Hz1GkhLYROE5nkLnfUQTwBBZdaZaJ-1yefFQMMLqO0rg3QV410Lk7ldb6cUCIvJ6h00-l8yF-ZgvJqD_8sK9n6UyE4V4bLznHYRBGeRqhY/s4032/IMG_3140.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6olCuXsVXBj3ABzLOasGW51luhEhcBp1L0pxA7WMbU1D4HlPxEPxyeiZrhb8FuB2CxQyuhMpbCdDFRPau2Hz1GkhLYROE5nkLnfUQTwBBZdaZaJ-1yefFQMMLqO0rg3QV410Lk7ldb6cUCIvJ6h00-l8yF-ZgvJqD_8sK9n6UyE4V4bLznHYRBGeRqhY/w480-h640/IMG_3140.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtFUxVj05qQnkXGXUne0vnc_Xw6aQOsAK_JZnMNPmqJBvB6opwGRDrliuwty896HMZClaNx-hHD-f4D3T4FdKlrk_jAHy9DJhmOXvNgUoLSgQysBYaUbpFwT8bgujUKMGNbSmCN2sxPZAxHHzA-HJsnmRTdCS_ubwGYTHkessn1Ot_2flkVRwHf9sVgc/s4032/IMG_3143%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtFUxVj05qQnkXGXUne0vnc_Xw6aQOsAK_JZnMNPmqJBvB6opwGRDrliuwty896HMZClaNx-hHD-f4D3T4FdKlrk_jAHy9DJhmOXvNgUoLSgQysBYaUbpFwT8bgujUKMGNbSmCN2sxPZAxHHzA-HJsnmRTdCS_ubwGYTHkessn1Ot_2flkVRwHf9sVgc/w640-h480/IMG_3143%202.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The snow has blanketed the entire garden. This does insulate those little snowdrops that were poking out last week. The biggest problem is that the snow on Wednesday was a wet snow, sticking to all the trees and branches. There have been limbs down all over town. Fortunately we have not had any real damage. One branch in the pink dogwood is broken. Other plants/bushes, like the pink rhododendrum in the front yard, are all bent over.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have recovered from COVID. This was our second time. It was a little worse than the first, which was a year ago. It was discouraging and just a little scarey. When I mention we just had COVID a lot of people say they also just had it. It is out there. Be careful.</div><p><br /></p><p>Last week in the contest we had a tie between the white poppy and the wonderful blue chionodoxa. The blackberry lily finished a strong third.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHR07fWiZB-8X-0wD3UOXeHxDOZ0gNzsNFvJTVZtvStk7v2bL5gqp5SJMM7HCW9I7_T_UiWFCbCJWW6WXDAyDiJEljGkkFlr8gLUsJrb06Y-MzRJyazfgGMS3QUxzh3BWia_rXRe_35Pz9iRutXEFPQpanH2Wnd4gCqAAx3zkcEPOBNF41nXq2cKKAOpw/s2653/IMG_1058.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2653" data-original-width="2467" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHR07fWiZB-8X-0wD3UOXeHxDOZ0gNzsNFvJTVZtvStk7v2bL5gqp5SJMM7HCW9I7_T_UiWFCbCJWW6WXDAyDiJEljGkkFlr8gLUsJrb06Y-MzRJyazfgGMS3QUxzh3BWia_rXRe_35Pz9iRutXEFPQpanH2Wnd4gCqAAx3zkcEPOBNF41nXq2cKKAOpw/w596-h640/IMG_1058.jpeg" width="596" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmfh_YZBpsaocZZabYp86sePfsg4EqnBbhe2kiWol6GV6PYjoeYcJvEcQgGayEeCdSo_QMJH1r3-2Bhs3X4OoZpiFN6AW7OaqpbHhk_ldA3g8TYV34-bqMOtAKEW-B3FF-Lojh0HtCYu_vFloSuw_UlO00J-s2Ft13iZ6wxfaQLN5DoDUALeGrT4Y1aE/s1947/IMG_0009.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1344" data-original-width="1947" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmfh_YZBpsaocZZabYp86sePfsg4EqnBbhe2kiWol6GV6PYjoeYcJvEcQgGayEeCdSo_QMJH1r3-2Bhs3X4OoZpiFN6AW7OaqpbHhk_ldA3g8TYV34-bqMOtAKEW-B3FF-Lojh0HtCYu_vFloSuw_UlO00J-s2Ft13iZ6wxfaQLN5DoDUALeGrT4Y1aE/w640-h442/IMG_0009.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Here was the full vote</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtIHibTY0-ZyJEl1RmLsLUNo0rqAeRFrRX6R1cTod53HCl6JW-3mWsy6-_w_jydjUGKTQ5YrWv-euF70NubWqEv53QvWy8a1HiWYLcDhtZuOHNWgefip84IO0T08W0WxQu2r498px2rJXVJkmD2GbxiC49u9uySV5SSAnK3KbIyrlvvGySwmUiacUFwo/s316/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-14%20at%206.24.55%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="290" data-original-width="316" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtIHibTY0-ZyJEl1RmLsLUNo0rqAeRFrRX6R1cTod53HCl6JW-3mWsy6-_w_jydjUGKTQ5YrWv-euF70NubWqEv53QvWy8a1HiWYLcDhtZuOHNWgefip84IO0T08W0WxQu2r498px2rJXVJkmD2GbxiC49u9uySV5SSAnK3KbIyrlvvGySwmUiacUFwo/s1600/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-14%20at%206.24.55%20AM.png" width="316" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>This Week, which is Week #8</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#1 Orange Bird </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>April 22, 2023</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwaeK6mQDkv6J0DUP538CEECVvVqxhQFzuYsb6a7fGbb2xVVgt5TZMJx1xYP-36bTl4V8BDyCRAwngRyTdEskipDzSRUK2C4HrEoJeEjlvtNDg3Ks_uXkNo0270HBWlBFE6_yP8-pzw2YlzhwwKupn1VLz_TTNkJJTS-bJkiY8AWIX-vKEX8PZAb65hI/s4032/IMG_0278.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwaeK6mQDkv6J0DUP538CEECVvVqxhQFzuYsb6a7fGbb2xVVgt5TZMJx1xYP-36bTl4V8BDyCRAwngRyTdEskipDzSRUK2C4HrEoJeEjlvtNDg3Ks_uXkNo0270HBWlBFE6_yP8-pzw2YlzhwwKupn1VLz_TTNkJJTS-bJkiY8AWIX-vKEX8PZAb65hI/w480-h640/IMG_0278.jpeg" width="480" /></span></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The full name from the label is Potinara Love Passion 'Orange Bird' Rhyncattleanthe Love Passion. </div><div>Education alert- if you want to, you can skip this next part and go on to the next picture.</div><div>OK- let me break this down a little.</div><div>Potinara is a 'nothogenus' comprised of crosses where the parent(s) are Cattleyas, Laelias. Brassavolas, and Sophronitis. Maybe there is also a genus rhyncattleanthe. </div><div>A nothogenus is a genus that "denotes" a hybrid or a cross. </div><div>Whatever. This is very pretty orange orchid that looks like it has some cattleya in it. </div><div>Love Passion and Orange Bird seem to be names.</div><div>It was developed about 30 years ago.</div><div>It reliably blooms in April.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#2 Martian, the dwarf iris </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">April 29, 2022</span></b></div></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dsFYcInOCaZAGL5NlZtCDoO_LJtECfDyXGkmWwz8Dm8hAneMq3OhmrwVBTznIsJydc9_r5SP7Q2M-BIPktv70BnurCBA-jsbj5_i8b67qjLY09JKG4RFkNmkKSVcRvLdO6iv4X9DkI4dP1VkD7_cp_ajow2rpgGISp7zdVkDzrCsacU22VyT15Tvf1k/s4032/IMG_0418.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dsFYcInOCaZAGL5NlZtCDoO_LJtECfDyXGkmWwz8Dm8hAneMq3OhmrwVBTznIsJydc9_r5SP7Q2M-BIPktv70BnurCBA-jsbj5_i8b67qjLY09JKG4RFkNmkKSVcRvLdO6iv4X9DkI4dP1VkD7_cp_ajow2rpgGISp7zdVkDzrCsacU22VyT15Tvf1k/w480-h640/IMG_0418.jpeg" width="480" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I do love my dwarf iris. Some of the names are good too. Martian was developed by a woman named Marky Smith.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">She has this entire page with her iris.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://wiki.irises.org/Main/Bio/HybridizerSmithMarky">https://wiki.irises.org/Main/Bio/HybridizerSmithMarky</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">She also devloped Lyonese (from week # 5 and Menehune, two of my favorites. Look at the website and click on one you have never heard of. Anubis is about as black as any could be.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#3 Orange Martagon lily</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> June 10, 2023</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLwbNnjYLA8wVhKDgWf_C7xzmglYIOuAIHjChj1f0PAnC8tj32OLlpRsQVAQF6yEWmnAdVVaV3y767JeRF1PR1bdCdGg828QcWwmsCGjYv3QsKgrEHDxxRls3oE9VJx6yRCoDuPuxLAeMQ4eLYjZoyElA_Fxo4hsnXCfUsb-GoYPNZcPpT7YOGkvtXt8/s4032/IMG_0917.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLwbNnjYLA8wVhKDgWf_C7xzmglYIOuAIHjChj1f0PAnC8tj32OLlpRsQVAQF6yEWmnAdVVaV3y767JeRF1PR1bdCdGg828QcWwmsCGjYv3QsKgrEHDxxRls3oE9VJx6yRCoDuPuxLAeMQ4eLYjZoyElA_Fxo4hsnXCfUsb-GoYPNZcPpT7YOGkvtXt8/w480-h640/IMG_0917.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>I have added martagon lilies to my list of enthusiams. Martagon lilies are wonderful, and we are just getting started. I got my first one maybe 5 years ago. It did not do so well. I ordered 4-5 in 2020 and 2021. Particularly the ones planted in 2020 did really well in 2022. I see this group of plants climbing the enthusiasm list. </div><div>What I particularly look forward to is having them form clumps.</div><div>This last fall I planted 10 more. This is one group of plants where the anticipation will help me get through the next few cold months.</div><div><br /></div><div>The botanical name is <i>Lilium martagon.</i></div><div>They are know for being the lily that can grow in the shade. That makes them ideal for my backyard.</div><div>The produce many little flowers on the same stem. Please see the bonus section for other pictures.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One somewhat discouraging thing about these beauties is that they sometimes do not grow the first year. What? I gather it is important to mark where they are planted for that reason. This is particularly true for ones that are planted in the spring. (I plant all my lilies in the fall.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What I did this past fall was order the labels before I got the plants. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is a link to an article that will tell you more than you could want to know about martagon lilies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.lilies.org/martagoncd/index.html">https://www.lilies.org/martagoncd/index.html</a><br /></div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#4 Pink Zinnia </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">September 4, 2023</span></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcTPJYPWYKdaJJ1eY-lT282YSsYpMInylObFAoehkHb9h1_fupSdHM4AwdQKPf73oKsdTC6UFQvu5a8yndYZNCTTrUNzxx5XGvAKFWPTEXL3kMEkgG8p893p91To87tMoBu5vMtZ7AFcWmyk3qKUJs16n-xkOnRHt7cUisEGPfaQcq2a7Apuv0cHxABQ/s4032/IMG_2020.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcTPJYPWYKdaJJ1eY-lT282YSsYpMInylObFAoehkHb9h1_fupSdHM4AwdQKPf73oKsdTC6UFQvu5a8yndYZNCTTrUNzxx5XGvAKFWPTEXL3kMEkgG8p893p91To87tMoBu5vMtZ7AFcWmyk3qKUJs16n-xkOnRHt7cUisEGPfaQcq2a7Apuv0cHxABQ/w480-h640/IMG_2020.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>What can I say? It is pink. It is an annual that will carry color into the fall.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#5 White crocus </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>March 15, 2023</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vgkaq_dr3UWNnaepHBKRz4JFKOMBX7kyP5ZKk-5hLwnYPmYl0G963uD-lLiRCVt9IPUQQZdKAGyzq4sBhEcr2mWgQzcjk5EMXpnW6is7N9os5MiZsOt7kcbLT021FAPIn_46wdLnf92dXKdJFCOz0yfgAV6zDZbh1RkJPNrqa64001haeW1ce5lAW3M/s4032/IMG_9813.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vgkaq_dr3UWNnaepHBKRz4JFKOMBX7kyP5ZKk-5hLwnYPmYl0G963uD-lLiRCVt9IPUQQZdKAGyzq4sBhEcr2mWgQzcjk5EMXpnW6is7N9os5MiZsOt7kcbLT021FAPIn_46wdLnf92dXKdJFCOz0yfgAV6zDZbh1RkJPNrqa64001haeW1ce5lAW3M/w640-h480/IMG_9813.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>They are simple. They come early in the spring. They make great pictures with the comples backgrounds. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Bonus pictures</span></b></p><p>We finally have had pumpkin weather. That is when the temperatures will be below freezing and will stay that way. Who knows when we will have temperatures above 32. At this point I am just looking for a 20 somewhere in the longterm forecast.</p><p>The pumpkins that are already hanging from the walnut tree have lots of snow.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5-gQ3ALUmzGK_WBEUwsBuvR2BzCWLYJzis0tK4aAYwDRgkWmULJv0_N2CHLYJEZeL9_Aufmx3ChwKnYnBMjLR5R_xOdtv_zvzkIZWJ9z9DEtu_UeQkl1OQ7GHWR8hzVsRxAv3hu45Jyiy2cSD9t-l7XMemWFtNnts4HYBMPjIv5UM9nROLprCPqeZNM/s4032/IMG_3142.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5-gQ3ALUmzGK_WBEUwsBuvR2BzCWLYJzis0tK4aAYwDRgkWmULJv0_N2CHLYJEZeL9_Aufmx3ChwKnYnBMjLR5R_xOdtv_zvzkIZWJ9z9DEtu_UeQkl1OQ7GHWR8hzVsRxAv3hu45Jyiy2cSD9t-l7XMemWFtNnts4HYBMPjIv5UM9nROLprCPqeZNM/w480-h640/IMG_3142.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESJckEJ8LL1etl0LTqDDGuftfIe5Hanctcu0LRCGyPLrVQ7txn5jHQ0Ds1JdkFz5HQ3241vCyehrf2yzU20K2tKQQIV7OlUtbzV9CoQGfF30uP4MT8nLoQEgctWLLEbyvYO_L0jlxzsmScakFiC3Va6fckjnDazpBcLIdnveIM6jq-wOm_-OC0gTXvhY/s4032/IMG_3145.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESJckEJ8LL1etl0LTqDDGuftfIe5Hanctcu0LRCGyPLrVQ7txn5jHQ0Ds1JdkFz5HQ3241vCyehrf2yzU20K2tKQQIV7OlUtbzV9CoQGfF30uP4MT8nLoQEgctWLLEbyvYO_L0jlxzsmScakFiC3Va6fckjnDazpBcLIdnveIM6jq-wOm_-OC0gTXvhY/w480-h640/IMG_3145.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>At this point I am carving the remaining 10 pumpkins and setting them on the porch ledge.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNwBccO4Cu2Q66z4xKB-MxzzSxiUCGvh-DWfONSSs3gRg5y0i26EPbaMS1eUUGd8l66NwNgsQFHyaAd-ZeTG4LbAq9RwDrz95CveDBGg1VyAuZrU3iv4HArRVWebs_6HxGJieMJrOxy22-hbkOCya77Y82p9c6-3g7ZqOWyNBu8TbvQTbYjzbBxgnKSg/s4032/IMG_3149.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNwBccO4Cu2Q66z4xKB-MxzzSxiUCGvh-DWfONSSs3gRg5y0i26EPbaMS1eUUGd8l66NwNgsQFHyaAd-ZeTG4LbAq9RwDrz95CveDBGg1VyAuZrU3iv4HArRVWebs_6HxGJieMJrOxy22-hbkOCya77Y82p9c6-3g7ZqOWyNBu8TbvQTbYjzbBxgnKSg/w640-h480/IMG_3149.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I discovered that if you did not want or need to put a candle inside the pumpkin you did not have to take out the seeds. It is so much easier.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjViL7i6I1LHBwy5JrCIKeo1H_SMTfAPt8sm_8aJS_F3YyWpKDjqR1_soIQi4MAvtOhSBSRYRdnUT382NxfB77ykGp4OT7ATtL8PAUWShQzjWt4VvnLH0Fnbxe4fpuH3blxp6qWzNrz6RWwdd14w8hKRzpgY9rPumopFw_TiyfWE4sKL-Ft-59drOxZPlk/s4032/IMG_3159.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjViL7i6I1LHBwy5JrCIKeo1H_SMTfAPt8sm_8aJS_F3YyWpKDjqR1_soIQi4MAvtOhSBSRYRdnUT382NxfB77ykGp4OT7ATtL8PAUWShQzjWt4VvnLH0Fnbxe4fpuH3blxp6qWzNrz6RWwdd14w8hKRzpgY9rPumopFw_TiyfWE4sKL-Ft-59drOxZPlk/w480-h640/IMG_3159.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Other martagon lilies </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcMXadlL6Oav6U49w1Ag-67mobyRcWruQ9BE1lxdKyq6acHif8qb87YxotURGhpUw0qeZ6yBW0iGia4wo0GaeqCPcxYfoIrjYxEUaopQJgTiu5clt4gLDA9aVd66v0Bfp9k_TbpNY-iR-9eWLJaTPscdWURg-8lQiU5C8X5bsh_8HOHKXV6k1pEs-CaX8/s4032/IMG_0914.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcMXadlL6Oav6U49w1Ag-67mobyRcWruQ9BE1lxdKyq6acHif8qb87YxotURGhpUw0qeZ6yBW0iGia4wo0GaeqCPcxYfoIrjYxEUaopQJgTiu5clt4gLDA9aVd66v0Bfp9k_TbpNY-iR-9eWLJaTPscdWURg-8lQiU5C8X5bsh_8HOHKXV6k1pEs-CaX8/w480-h640/IMG_0914.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXVdHxBrL8tg2RcNDbBqCNyHObRngxu2SUWLmPt_fNaBY_3eUPRd5RcbAXXVwt-93PLu83S5Wihy0PJV-zsFZ-hsqoUYfDrswASh6-52hNovb9uN5NosZcBadtQuG6xGGid_1EM-lqoSbdvq2DGzwJlBVD4rFL9Ubig4JytMKhOFJ-XZtgqVCdUBM0_c/s4032/IMG_0981.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXVdHxBrL8tg2RcNDbBqCNyHObRngxu2SUWLmPt_fNaBY_3eUPRd5RcbAXXVwt-93PLu83S5Wihy0PJV-zsFZ-hsqoUYfDrswASh6-52hNovb9uN5NosZcBadtQuG6xGGid_1EM-lqoSbdvq2DGzwJlBVD4rFL9Ubig4JytMKhOFJ-XZtgqVCdUBM0_c/w480-h640/IMG_0981.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ys_ZByjF99gMjiSh5vD3E9eLdyS43g4eE2Opn_YqWn7nnf47QF-_ldwlNrNLf7Cu2GigTOH9TB138UphfUabllE1lBTT83ekTfWSwJ5QW2hqHaIWvWySYebyB963qnUdSsB26GIAF99B1xdnDqS2kPZvQVEqPJKZtjXBbPF3A1_oZOqpjulVca_fIVA/s4032/IMG_7431.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ys_ZByjF99gMjiSh5vD3E9eLdyS43g4eE2Opn_YqWn7nnf47QF-_ldwlNrNLf7Cu2GigTOH9TB138UphfUabllE1lBTT83ekTfWSwJ5QW2hqHaIWvWySYebyB963qnUdSsB26GIAF99B1xdnDqS2kPZvQVEqPJKZtjXBbPF3A1_oZOqpjulVca_fIVA/w480-h640/IMG_7431.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOeF6pAwydefZL4HHyTOAE1RwTtiTA0yFtj-YOODFxucsd5XQcrGcsCz3QOXn6Fat74I72gItiq8pADGJp1rejQ_2GUfihOgoVWg7BAWQqhyphenhyphenHEY27GSD0UWVXzF6faUDqSuyC_kvx44828MKxucL3LFDkRBi9lwtYJqSWIY0PigjPUgLLMcdApS24LrE/s4032/IMG_7456.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOeF6pAwydefZL4HHyTOAE1RwTtiTA0yFtj-YOODFxucsd5XQcrGcsCz3QOXn6Fat74I72gItiq8pADGJp1rejQ_2GUfihOgoVWg7BAWQqhyphenhyphenHEY27GSD0UWVXzF6faUDqSuyC_kvx44828MKxucL3LFDkRBi9lwtYJqSWIY0PigjPUgLLMcdApS24LrE/w480-h640/IMG_7456.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Right Now</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyr-Qc-0qv0t4Aur14xOnUj-QvOZyCXoiF_JxGEg79K04BOvf3Ayg3JXrun8lKUDgXql3lhClGpDNyEEywtDDmjhaym612gBLzT2AGNlVo1Bif1ED181cR0gm1YjYxl4SaBpJZ4Srt-F2kLf_YlWJCFj7pqqwXYXtSUv-KMcZfy5JMXVOq9l_rv871oeE/s4032/IMG_3166.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyr-Qc-0qv0t4Aur14xOnUj-QvOZyCXoiF_JxGEg79K04BOvf3Ayg3JXrun8lKUDgXql3lhClGpDNyEEywtDDmjhaym612gBLzT2AGNlVo1Bif1ED181cR0gm1YjYxl4SaBpJZ4Srt-F2kLf_YlWJCFj7pqqwXYXtSUv-KMcZfy5JMXVOq9l_rv871oeE/w640-h480/IMG_3166.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLiPKaJFMRVCnL7NwcfbvzNeOcVTStymvg3VWvRsTh2QE8-FHCiRGw1oPyBQwuTkVPlmsNXBEF-Ep5LQA_4-QBVtfAwC0coTCbQ0EPGj803cdxMWB7JIebvmM6bKzZgOWQfP2-GyQci2TzxyM9nU9oEnCiBwMc3oRrUDu1FxPvVcFPzP-jNV2o5BbhA7Y/s4032/IMG_3167.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLiPKaJFMRVCnL7NwcfbvzNeOcVTStymvg3VWvRsTh2QE8-FHCiRGw1oPyBQwuTkVPlmsNXBEF-Ep5LQA_4-QBVtfAwC0coTCbQ0EPGj803cdxMWB7JIebvmM6bKzZgOWQfP2-GyQci2TzxyM9nU9oEnCiBwMc3oRrUDu1FxPvVcFPzP-jNV2o5BbhA7Y/w480-h640/IMG_3167.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMV2FURfYnEik7kSh0zcE922whyphenhyphenppKQn7_19MQeB-m5TcOzbfLQgIHW6qlDypv7WOgA5SMU0HQEs2UlcUCbXBq5GUeXkugWcvPb9PjNQyB8na91mOqt-HuNp5hicRT0C6lXnmfJ8uUoIQxmlYcICz2T5Xn8h3-ghuGtGKips9Luzp20QZtdrxveHNoqVA/s4032/IMG_3168.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMV2FURfYnEik7kSh0zcE922whyphenhyphenppKQn7_19MQeB-m5TcOzbfLQgIHW6qlDypv7WOgA5SMU0HQEs2UlcUCbXBq5GUeXkugWcvPb9PjNQyB8na91mOqt-HuNp5hicRT0C6lXnmfJ8uUoIQxmlYcICz2T5Xn8h3-ghuGtGKips9Luzp20QZtdrxveHNoqVA/w640-h480/IMG_3168.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This next picture may not seem like much. However it is the first paphiopedilum orchid I have ever managed to bring into bud. They are the slipper orchids. </div><div>I got this plant in the fall of 2022.</div><div>This type of orchid is suppose to be easy to grow and bloom. I read that if you can grow African violets you can grow paphs. Well, for a very long time I could not grow violets.</div><div>I do have to wonder how long it will just sit there. Stay tuned.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqeViHPqiXfUVa5Pm7EF6s6zPoBYBP6jrxEfjjJ8q7nGssZk3riJ_WH-IpgpWOv601aLEisT27b0efc7rGZ7H9Kxro8Q8nFuN7K7U8hcQRrw73EVyuTdFRKK7UKR6QLLiWBI3xRfa15DfXB9KS8uKaUm9rrtSt9xEVEJ25ucQr8rQstynHROgtR-MrfaU/s4032/IMG_3162.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqeViHPqiXfUVa5Pm7EF6s6zPoBYBP6jrxEfjjJ8q7nGssZk3riJ_WH-IpgpWOv601aLEisT27b0efc7rGZ7H9Kxro8Q8nFuN7K7U8hcQRrw73EVyuTdFRKK7UKR6QLLiWBI3xRfa15DfXB9KS8uKaUm9rrtSt9xEVEJ25ucQr8rQstynHROgtR-MrfaU/w480-h640/IMG_3162.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Julia's recipe</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Spinach casserole</b></span></p><p>This receipe is from Mrs. Davis, a church friend from years ago. We went to dinner at each other's houses, as well as going out to dinner, and we always had a lovely time. Mrs. Davis once asked what vegetables the children liked (they were elementary-aged at the time), and I said spinach and beets, but not together. So spinach dishes and beet dishes, including this spinach casserole, regularly appeared on her menu. The children did like this casserole, so it was a hit all around. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7pLOZ2A8_t1B4F1r2QSqD08BJwhqYR11XHOxZ6ArQKifQ1R0wok0uLWsux511COrApMmre64Wchi9euPoff14T37XrRWc9T2DFHurIAuMHNOEDxUI9mQwnka4IH2DBoj9oK8S2c6vdoFbDtm24znyTqJ3D-abRCP7OKBALXU7eoNqNJhYTBMUOjxWvY/s4032/IMG_3091.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7pLOZ2A8_t1B4F1r2QSqD08BJwhqYR11XHOxZ6ArQKifQ1R0wok0uLWsux511COrApMmre64Wchi9euPoff14T37XrRWc9T2DFHurIAuMHNOEDxUI9mQwnka4IH2DBoj9oK8S2c6vdoFbDtm24znyTqJ3D-abRCP7OKBALXU7eoNqNJhYTBMUOjxWvY/w400-h300/IMG_3091.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>The ingredients:</div><div>1/2 of a big bag of chopped spinach;</div><div>2 tablespoons or so of scallions;</div><div>2 eggs;</div><div>1/2 cup sour cream;</div><div>1/2 cup grated paremesan cheese;</div><div>1 tablespoon flour;</div><div>2 tablespoons butter; and</div><div>salt and pepper to taste.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Q0KDILU_stHmM46OYwa2YPzG0RZ8roMiq24NztoZRLrJkpOwSjBS6Oc1x9FHSEZHR1BvBkZYRvZhBouJe-sWKpv2ZN5lFFw5YapLIosxHB7IcXIXxXnMLXixd1Aa0CoAiixTeSsAuEDkrDTTdXBt63yW90-dMCZTlf9nXYSOwo3FJOs_TNSh_vnVPyw/s4032/IMG_3092.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Q0KDILU_stHmM46OYwa2YPzG0RZ8roMiq24NztoZRLrJkpOwSjBS6Oc1x9FHSEZHR1BvBkZYRvZhBouJe-sWKpv2ZN5lFFw5YapLIosxHB7IcXIXxXnMLXixd1Aa0CoAiixTeSsAuEDkrDTTdXBt63yW90-dMCZTlf9nXYSOwo3FJOs_TNSh_vnVPyw/w300-h400/IMG_3092.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>I cleaned and sliced the scallions (white and green parts, both),</div><div><br /></div><div>I plopped 1/2 of the bag of spinach in a saucepan. I no longer cook frozen spinach in water. Rather, I put the requisite amount of frozen spinach in a dry saucepan over low heat and keep an eye on it and a spoon handy. My goal is to have the spinach thaw. As it does, it creates its own liquid. Preparing it this way eliminates the wring-the-water-out-of-the-cooked-spinach step. </div><div><br /></div><div>While the spinach was melting, I made a white sauce in a skillet. No sharp corners; easier to whisk. When the butter was melted, I added the flour and whisked it around. Then I added the sour cream. A thick and luxurious white sauce. </div><div><br /></div><div>I turned the oven on to 350 degrees. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Philip went to town with videos of my whisking away at the white sauce.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwVj1hBBXazfHlOFgwrPiXCK2EguBF6i5Z4NjXyNukWrlCmmK3blJ2EF-poHnz9qRmmTzZzoRUfH6Ao7OUg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p><br /></p><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwaxwYRwKbbdk92KjLpbpau2Li6dnCX49FsKChOlAvyll9wmN0d4_OiF25H1yWfjBlQZkl4I6q45zgtZDRW' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p><br /></p><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxJ6D1DftMy3n4Dv03l7H3DxprX0RKh_qUl4MDWybJllqXWtbtQ95xEEenxARLcy-Pcu-_aRtytQgQRha6x' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p><br /></p><div><br /></div><div>I think I added the parm to the white sauce at the end. Or maybe I didn't add it until I added the spinach. Either way is fine. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJ5OLXqKpCc-475ir3-A98SAValCQnMwm3BnTYRaea2xjNGSH7-9Cs_A8Kis1YYVLJarwvqQ8fqdBx918xM10B_k2GZIN0Efj7qWiHGXT9r8eV2ULiAiuINejHvUAeGh7ix3ULLhaIBkmHEnZKLRGkzHY6kUNoyWth2QIV9mf-VMw6hN6z-fyuBHt9xU/s4032/IMG_3096.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJ5OLXqKpCc-475ir3-A98SAValCQnMwm3BnTYRaea2xjNGSH7-9Cs_A8Kis1YYVLJarwvqQ8fqdBx918xM10B_k2GZIN0Efj7qWiHGXT9r8eV2ULiAiuINejHvUAeGh7ix3ULLhaIBkmHEnZKLRGkzHY6kUNoyWth2QIV9mf-VMw6hN6z-fyuBHt9xU/w300-h400/IMG_3096.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>When the white sauce was done, the spinach was done too. The spinach was pretty thoroughly dry so I just dumped it from the saucepan into the skillet. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I stirred the spinach in, then tasted. I added a bit of salt (less than you'd think because of the parm) and a bit of pepper. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92JgwHPTZ5NIhk0rnttpNsaGExRLvgsp84eaSn1Yc-bOTNWR_g9daPZuGrbrUQ-9EYACsAoKIHe_4jvN_LVOjFAzNgq03RBE1FZG6UPLny-vfY_nS59gzdAWkkxLFCZAqiANiDlUUEMYMFtgArWvR3QtzR0iT4JXwSlexMl9gleYdKcRfQK4MFTkm5iI/s4032/IMG_3097.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92JgwHPTZ5NIhk0rnttpNsaGExRLvgsp84eaSn1Yc-bOTNWR_g9daPZuGrbrUQ-9EYACsAoKIHe_4jvN_LVOjFAzNgq03RBE1FZG6UPLny-vfY_nS59gzdAWkkxLFCZAqiANiDlUUEMYMFtgArWvR3QtzR0iT4JXwSlexMl9gleYdKcRfQK4MFTkm5iI/w300-h400/IMG_3097.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>Then I poured/ootched the spinach mixture into a casserole dish, which I had sprayed with non-stick spray.</div><div><br /></div><div>A very busy photo. One of Philip's late season pumpkins-in-waiting to the right. Note how the stem serves well as a nose. And the bowl with food scraps, destined for the City's yard/food waste container. </div><div><br /></div><div>At present, we can't get to the back driveway where they yard/food waste cans live, with all the snow. So we have a bucket in the garage as a waystation. It's getting to be below freezing in the garage so this works. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmj2OCefL0m1c-FH7_qRHJbjlH90CUzcyR8QHn_T718usP_DnFj7fMcEwBleV0hKXNIRGrRoEKvm1BAn3WVrk2CycR-4tAu3tYe10nVGwGI04GmtM4F_eby9YNbD5bdPpeXrxVRuvxWPGyshv-6XpI1xLHt9-nNifV6iDKAWgKYCQiEGoIHqkf9JRtjc/s3429/IMG_3100.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3429" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmj2OCefL0m1c-FH7_qRHJbjlH90CUzcyR8QHn_T718usP_DnFj7fMcEwBleV0hKXNIRGrRoEKvm1BAn3WVrk2CycR-4tAu3tYe10nVGwGI04GmtM4F_eby9YNbD5bdPpeXrxVRuvxWPGyshv-6XpI1xLHt9-nNifV6iDKAWgKYCQiEGoIHqkf9JRtjc/w400-h353/IMG_3100.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div>I baked the casserole for about 25 minutes until it was set in the center. I covered the dish with its lid, but I don't think that matters. Check after 20 minutes for doneness. </div><div><br /></div><div>We served it with salmon and sweet potatoes. A simple supper. </div><div><br /></div><div>Dinner did require 2 ovens - one for the spinach at 350 degrees and one for the salmon and sweet potatoes at 375 degrees - a little cool for salmon but it works. I am happy to report I have a double-hung oven. So handy.</div><div><br /></div><div>A bit of leftovers - good for breakfast. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And now an afterthought. What do you think is in the lovely blue and white bowl below? Blueberries with sugar? Some kind of plum confection? No. It's pasta with kale sauce. An unappetizing shade of dark blue gray, with parmesan cheese on top. I bought some beautiful curly dark purple kale at a winter farmer's market. Then I lost track of it in the back of the refrigerator (dark purple curly kale holds up really well). Earlier this week, when P. and I were feeling better (we got covid again - almost a year to the day from the first time, last January), I decided to make salmon with a side of pasta with kale sauce. This is a recipe from the Josh McFadden vegetable cookbook, and it appears somewhere on my recipe site. Lovely recipe; easy, fast, flavorful, healthy. But with green kale. Purple/blueingredients turn everything they touch dark gray. The dish tasted fine and it was amusing. But still. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPisRBV9z8HJdk5d1_a7U3_XnyzV8WMrFeJdONTsH7Q2YRxEktIOtd-bhUX-9RkmjZz3lhyGj32VlhXCY9DAQbWKAwnKJLQY1eA6ILiQb2rOh7sb4ChrRKMsSmrTIuLe9JBihHjDNFNh1P4hZ3CxBFftxFwcmwi6eTz32Kb0BLwxbTOjNH3dvadzyHfY/s4032/IMG_3124.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPisRBV9z8HJdk5d1_a7U3_XnyzV8WMrFeJdONTsH7Q2YRxEktIOtd-bhUX-9RkmjZz3lhyGj32VlhXCY9DAQbWKAwnKJLQY1eA6ILiQb2rOh7sb4ChrRKMsSmrTIuLe9JBihHjDNFNh1P4hZ3CxBFftxFwcmwi6eTz32Kb0BLwxbTOjNH3dvadzyHfY/s320/IMG_3124.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Odds and ends</span></b></p><p>I try not to write too much about the weather. At the same time weather really is important for the gardener, as well as anyone trying to decide what coat to wear.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3p05ZNjVz-Ykw_i5-u7Wt5QaSMdDsaYkMoeYQJsmtfMwNObVWikcQ33vpWgZzX2wSnB_PWMQoM6ujBQ4dSwOVPmSlTNT2FC8QlGs6w5NeBb-un6xsDicEaHNExC64PFqxFVvOt5HaQll6yIRVJG26kqKYWySWQ_Z3aXSBJJrzhAread0VqcHyRZZIS8/s2532/IMG_3189.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2532" data-original-width="1170" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3p05ZNjVz-Ykw_i5-u7Wt5QaSMdDsaYkMoeYQJsmtfMwNObVWikcQ33vpWgZzX2wSnB_PWMQoM6ujBQ4dSwOVPmSlTNT2FC8QlGs6w5NeBb-un6xsDicEaHNExC64PFqxFVvOt5HaQll6yIRVJG26kqKYWySWQ_Z3aXSBJJrzhAread0VqcHyRZZIS8/w296-h640/IMG_3189.PNG" width="296" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">There is that 33 out there in a week. It is something to hold on to.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It is cold out there. The dark time is here. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I do find a little silver lining in that the Republicans will have to venture out tomorrow in Iowa to support those terrible candidates. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Maybe, just maybe, this country will come to its senses. I wish I could say the same for Iowa. The legislature is getting back in session in Des Moines. I do not even want to read what is on the chopping block at this point. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Hope can be elusive at times.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then there is the world. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Pray for peace. Give thanks for the developement of COVID medicine and vaccines.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Stay warm.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Philip</div></div><br />philip Mearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04384629201161240341noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509434911388799.post-45807844941789306342024-01-07T06:30:00.003-06:002024-01-07T06:38:24.257-06:00January 7, 2024- The New Year begins- Week #7<p><br /></p><p>It is a new year. The garden season has begun. The first seeds have sprouted. I have ordered my poppy seeds along with a bunch of caladium.</p><p>I was panicked a little by the first notice of a "sold out"item when looking for seeds on the computer. It was there for the gray Shirley Poppies. I had to go to a different company to get the gray seeds. That same notice was there for some of the fancier caladium. The note to myself says do not delay, particularly in ordering jumbo caladium. </p><p>I planted the first seeds on New Year's Day, just to officially start the season. Not very many seeds. Just a little 6 pack each of some lettuce and some lupine.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtgwqXararU4shpjjfvfvxyj_QMPnOQarZcFL8bT7QLRgfnpIIn5zT2fnpNBtReDOU2PJyMVEJpm9hO-aRDe9JwSd_Qnm1fYXsAHmY894PJmpSpiKLScdD3zYj1TPsJ2ITO_KiucNRF_wpfPa_YuBJv7BzchKHVwymlsCmQC14SeNIz_yX5HuPUMsOa8/s4032/IMG_3117.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtgwqXararU4shpjjfvfvxyj_QMPnOQarZcFL8bT7QLRgfnpIIn5zT2fnpNBtReDOU2PJyMVEJpm9hO-aRDe9JwSd_Qnm1fYXsAHmY894PJmpSpiKLScdD3zYj1TPsJ2ITO_KiucNRF_wpfPa_YuBJv7BzchKHVwymlsCmQC14SeNIz_yX5HuPUMsOa8/w300-h400/IMG_3117.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>But look<br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The buttercrunch lettuce appeared after 3-4 days. The first little lupine showed up yesterday. That was 5 days from planting.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Outside it has been the same old gray days, with temperatures a little above nurmal. </p><p>However...the term polar vortex has appeared in the weather narrative. The really cold air we expect this time of year is coming. It should get here by next weekend, Those pesky negatice numbers do appear in the ten day forecast.</p><p>In the meantime enjoy this little snowdrop which I noticed yesterday. (To notice things you often have to look for them.) The solitary snowdrop seems to dare the winter weather to interfere with its display. </p><p> I do really enjoy the background in these wintry pictures. It is almost like it is a black and white picture except for the little bulb.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Al4ITmz3NcDzp3pnr7sXCzFXyu_EUCz84hRrSVd0iexZNKzb1GG3QDrY_YHn5YeC75nj3mqm88Sz56ZppRHu5nndbKSls7-4wBD2EvSW0R4qkvhrCUeFFigJooMncp6fXOc4q6Hs978lrdSp1lPmzeYD_RpcQgNlEBnZNy1mI6_qehytKlxkv8HMxew/s4032/IMG_3109.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Al4ITmz3NcDzp3pnr7sXCzFXyu_EUCz84hRrSVd0iexZNKzb1GG3QDrY_YHn5YeC75nj3mqm88Sz56ZppRHu5nndbKSls7-4wBD2EvSW0R4qkvhrCUeFFigJooMncp6fXOc4q6Hs978lrdSp1lPmzeYD_RpcQgNlEBnZNy1mI6_qehytKlxkv8HMxew/w480-h640/IMG_3109.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January 5, 2024</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Last week in the contest</span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"></span></b> the winner was the Frosty Kale. While the vote was closer after the first day (9-5), the final vote was no contest. It was the first time any picture got past 50% this year.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFor12WpKdiEI2FD78uCoeFXklg-fZy6IqyECEe4i5mlfL95YjIVRfCF2UHslWF63IC5Vq2EUA1uLEh7vzrB8sa-PlxH8zEP1v_ivmH2fVB5vxO9V1mpsE40jSmaROjkkTv9PA_KsJe_5lPp-3JHpLxpjNmF_0EndwkOeKaytfIYV_0YJj7FO9ggwRCi8/s3024/IMG_2882.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2517" data-original-width="3024" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFor12WpKdiEI2FD78uCoeFXklg-fZy6IqyECEe4i5mlfL95YjIVRfCF2UHslWF63IC5Vq2EUA1uLEh7vzrB8sa-PlxH8zEP1v_ivmH2fVB5vxO9V1mpsE40jSmaROjkkTv9PA_KsJe_5lPp-3JHpLxpjNmF_0EndwkOeKaytfIYV_0YJj7FO9ggwRCi8/w640-h532/IMG_2882.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>The full vote</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawHy_g-H9qami4IOvxqOh26BcB60x3P2U0FWIIidtEHGz4-O5W2N56feOUP0h00C1OJZX-PDVNzin1CxCf_xujOw6Ktp7S7ZBSfrg8YQ9ASc_HQxmTrAcK08L5GuKmTbvh7KV6gCusHcp48577rngFNHQJTpZlVET2rDmZ-uxz5zZLLQ3DMW4M0dTY5g/s406/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-07%20at%205.40.13%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawHy_g-H9qami4IOvxqOh26BcB60x3P2U0FWIIidtEHGz4-O5W2N56feOUP0h00C1OJZX-PDVNzin1CxCf_xujOw6Ktp7S7ZBSfrg8YQ9ASc_HQxmTrAcK08L5GuKmTbvh7KV6gCusHcp48577rngFNHQJTpZlVET2rDmZ-uxz5zZLLQ3DMW4M0dTY5g/s320/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-07%20at%205.40.13%20AM.png" width="247" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>This Week- Week #7</b></span></p><p>There will be a short post this week, as both Julia and I are home with the virus. We went through this the first time a year ago, in mid January. We are now medicated and I just devoured a Michael Connerly book. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#1 Chionodoxa </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>April 7, 2023</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlqXkMOFgImc-M_WNO0HFeD7CDmvcw2TKdowcvh0iPtiRkDIRpimItfgNLByr0ZH_Ngh4SkdKIGFOhqkHuzYr950GKDmbZ8djitITQhEAFQVJJBzd6x0SJg9iXccq4fQC_nO7VdAGd0Xo6GQiHVFYoq95raOhzLGbqjhoxaH-s4vFFMI9W_MsHhBoDyU/s1947/IMG_0009.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1344" data-original-width="1947" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlqXkMOFgImc-M_WNO0HFeD7CDmvcw2TKdowcvh0iPtiRkDIRpimItfgNLByr0ZH_Ngh4SkdKIGFOhqkHuzYr950GKDmbZ8djitITQhEAFQVJJBzd6x0SJg9iXccq4fQC_nO7VdAGd0Xo6GQiHVFYoq95raOhzLGbqjhoxaH-s4vFFMI9W_MsHhBoDyU/w640-h442/IMG_0009.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>What an absolutely cheerful little spring bulb. I think a really blue flower is almost as popular as a really purple flower.</div><div>Many murder mysteries now feature DNA technology.</div><div>DNA has been at work with plants as well.</div><div>DNA apparently is responsible for recently placing chionodox in genus<i> scilla</i>.</div><div>That is the same genus as the other little blue flower in the spring, the squill.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you look closely at this picture you can see an emerging virginia bluebell to the left of the blue clump.</div><div>Chionodoxa come in other colors- pink and white. </div><div>They bloom after the early bulbs, (snowdrops, aconite and crocuses) and indeed a little bit after the regular scilla.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#2 Daffodil with Orange cup </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>April 19, 2023</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8WiXchHF2In49W8lkAu6KGMZ7WMvfDOnrRatNMtiI7bN9kBWBmRX74ALaf4nNYIg4mhb1cgUlLH84x9gtE4PLwTL-iasXBLyeEaAyvT5g1o88aPPepJ4VeAEYdNbLS8VTToHtAli2Tk0oyFkuKW5I1CMDNiY_RZAap1AwBJ6lAO81aXrmDDrrQTYvWI/s2170/IMG_0182.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1852" data-original-width="2170" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8WiXchHF2In49W8lkAu6KGMZ7WMvfDOnrRatNMtiI7bN9kBWBmRX74ALaf4nNYIg4mhb1cgUlLH84x9gtE4PLwTL-iasXBLyeEaAyvT5g1o88aPPepJ4VeAEYdNbLS8VTToHtAli2Tk0oyFkuKW5I1CMDNiY_RZAap1AwBJ6lAO81aXrmDDrrQTYvWI/w640-h546/IMG_0182.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I asked last week what you all thought about closeups. This closeup of the daffodil allows you to see the cup, in detail that is missed unless you get down close.</div><div>Daffodils could be the most popular spring bulb. Facts to know about daffodils</div><div>Deer do not like them. (Deer do like tulips.)</div><div>The botanical name is narcissus. Deer don't like narcissus.</div><div>They originally came from north Africa and western southern Europe.</div><div>The bulbs last for years, again in contrast with Tulips. That might just be because tulips are so hybridized that the hybrid breaks down in a year or so. Speices tulips last longer.</div><div>If you pick daffodils and tulips to take inside, you are not to put them right away in the same vase. I am not sure what would happen but it is not good.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#3 Pastel Siberian Iris </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">May 27, 2023</span></b></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeCS1wDoSMYadffmlgrQRP6sbUYKFTUZr-YOrN_80NdUD9jQT5DQ7p1ic7q7LL4s89WPNmtPSRUAa9ZTEgqIAu-4qEVaEPbcI_ePONU-YfohqH4euFNqqe0KQhxErmz8nSiubr4c4l42y-XZD7-b9YwI_W4ePxxo3S8OCgkQcS_6SdOrvXPxYZSSkbpk/s4032/IMG_0753.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeCS1wDoSMYadffmlgrQRP6sbUYKFTUZr-YOrN_80NdUD9jQT5DQ7p1ic7q7LL4s89WPNmtPSRUAa9ZTEgqIAu-4qEVaEPbcI_ePONU-YfohqH4euFNqqe0KQhxErmz8nSiubr4c4l42y-XZD7-b9YwI_W4ePxxo3S8OCgkQcS_6SdOrvXPxYZSSkbpk/w480-h640/IMG_0753.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It is not purple or white or yellow. This pale Siberian Iris does a good job of detailing the intricate lines in the petals.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#4 White Shirley Poppy </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>June 17, 2023</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZnvFagTGZFozk10inLxodLApZyZ0WwaSu8mRtgMlZtkdpaFVUXDaCDQ7ZgXQUmTn3wOmFlw-tp_4UHVQEXem_4qsNLCmMn7f23LCurVZ7p4zOF7l_XroYjDrmsY-XoDCI8PuFoobkf-0PzeWJvUsFcSWgNqltVmuCKc5StU8992W7E9E_ISL9Gpx2vg/s2653/IMG_1058.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2653" data-original-width="2467" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZnvFagTGZFozk10inLxodLApZyZ0WwaSu8mRtgMlZtkdpaFVUXDaCDQ7ZgXQUmTn3wOmFlw-tp_4UHVQEXem_4qsNLCmMn7f23LCurVZ7p4zOF7l_XroYjDrmsY-XoDCI8PuFoobkf-0PzeWJvUsFcSWgNqltVmuCKc5StU8992W7E9E_ISL9Gpx2vg/w596-h640/IMG_1058.jpeg" width="596" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>My goodness. The variety might be Bridal Silk. Certainly it ought to have a magestic name. </div><div>One suggestion is that these flowers be planted sequentially. That would allow them to last the summer. I find that the hot days of late July usually will burn out the plants.</div><div>1 package of seed costs $3.49. For that you get 3500 seeds. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#4 Colorful blackberry lily</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> July 29, 2023</span></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWVcWVkz7hZRQP80wSmp1s1-9PjA5_0R9JV1lwP3euSpnRCpHzjlT5-NLyt506va5vqcqJphNkqMh-C0uhwQ3X7aqkCtmKWP84fpmzQrIHDlOyV_U3gbNsVKJd0Ki50MEYkloq8Ay_3tqR65pnC13xtX23yBOaswXMak_ZobqmmkHHI0BJXkaElqz2-I/s3024/IMG_1654.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="3024" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWVcWVkz7hZRQP80wSmp1s1-9PjA5_0R9JV1lwP3euSpnRCpHzjlT5-NLyt506va5vqcqJphNkqMh-C0uhwQ3X7aqkCtmKWP84fpmzQrIHDlOyV_U3gbNsVKJd0Ki50MEYkloq8Ay_3tqR65pnC13xtX23yBOaswXMak_ZobqmmkHHI0BJXkaElqz2-I/w640-h476/IMG_1654.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>There are certain color combinations that are rare in the garden. Purple and yellow are one such combination. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Bonus pictures</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I put these pictures next to each other so you can see the contrast between the regular scilla and the blue chionodixa. The chionodoxa have white centers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3rc3UadUsn6_5qJwpyGc-g6m20VokhSjz1aFTVGP-X8VFCZh6gLOO8kf0Ihj47Q_uYZm0DgM_VcbgGxYfOXQIMpGyWIUlvv3Ytw6chTNLGannb4uaL3UnISASEeuY-2hznnwpJZuBq88lG1O04zacSZIHZZB2mH9tngB9sXbzT-WyNa83M02MjtAG1o/s1947/IMG_0009.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1344" data-original-width="1947" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3rc3UadUsn6_5qJwpyGc-g6m20VokhSjz1aFTVGP-X8VFCZh6gLOO8kf0Ihj47Q_uYZm0DgM_VcbgGxYfOXQIMpGyWIUlvv3Ytw6chTNLGannb4uaL3UnISASEeuY-2hznnwpJZuBq88lG1O04zacSZIHZZB2mH9tngB9sXbzT-WyNa83M02MjtAG1o/w200-h138/IMG_0009.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OtaIT3hQ1PpQ8FpkZRrMCR2vIEnApelZsjejb-FGTm77Uo8J2K5StahiKhxkxnUsP8KpT3k-SqUoxrboPFvzlFAaWuA9fbOjwLfCTjRlFpJdwIB7GOS_0PQVO0YGC-4XHgRzuWn8SIx6sYc6hEvxL1294xrC80dIVn0MWRovZwOZk-F6Y0ytFpBcuUo/s4032/IMG_6641.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OtaIT3hQ1PpQ8FpkZRrMCR2vIEnApelZsjejb-FGTm77Uo8J2K5StahiKhxkxnUsP8KpT3k-SqUoxrboPFvzlFAaWuA9fbOjwLfCTjRlFpJdwIB7GOS_0PQVO0YGC-4XHgRzuWn8SIx6sYc6hEvxL1294xrC80dIVn0MWRovZwOZk-F6Y0ytFpBcuUo/w150-h200/IMG_6641.jpeg" width="150" /></span></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>More chionodoxa</p><p>We have the regular scilla or squill everywhere. We have the chionodoxa only in parts of the yard. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYXNs_sSmckw5NUeDI4RvlIyejX2Ai7r_DCNbcORJTL0CyIn-FcyOMeE0spQ17_V7UL9-OgXNqEYJsJQ9MOZxJiZ3vZzVVE0kAx577sOrK5qvZUAieGk9TcXPXrHJrWTzLFs_K30bXMsbh-iTRgOnWMAiQQEQ5kQ9Kkyx6fliE8Y-mzJK2ZSfzv0dxUg/s4032/IMG_0008.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYXNs_sSmckw5NUeDI4RvlIyejX2Ai7r_DCNbcORJTL0CyIn-FcyOMeE0spQ17_V7UL9-OgXNqEYJsJQ9MOZxJiZ3vZzVVE0kAx577sOrK5qvZUAieGk9TcXPXrHJrWTzLFs_K30bXMsbh-iTRgOnWMAiQQEQ5kQ9Kkyx6fliE8Y-mzJK2ZSfzv0dxUg/w640-h480/IMG_0008.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNvzdNMwF2qOCfpQuqcI8YcOB6MAfpOF6Yh1ziQiBXeoFasJNTnpxifxmD8BIQfSkDvHPA93qIG5HbJtD6g_uDKF0FEqINFXSS7Zo4GvFIbicyzucu1ux4Djh-V3g4gzUhKPv9i-zE8f7S6z9b7qxacWFIWK54LSe4MQMmUcMizHUaMp3l036Yq4c1TM/s4032/IMG_0039.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNvzdNMwF2qOCfpQuqcI8YcOB6MAfpOF6Yh1ziQiBXeoFasJNTnpxifxmD8BIQfSkDvHPA93qIG5HbJtD6g_uDKF0FEqINFXSS7Zo4GvFIbicyzucu1ux4Djh-V3g4gzUhKPv9i-zE8f7S6z9b7qxacWFIWK54LSe4MQMmUcMizHUaMp3l036Yq4c1TM/w640-h480/IMG_0039.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb24VdyKC8X3BrRQYRhVxJEfep2lLImAOJ-r19kp02QaZh6NzxXrVmpCkMPdfpJTQdNEeIKIYp6NFthAJMQ1Jk27XoK6zAiuh48jlNL8T0bepDu1Wpmnr7klu72vlml8rvoEz8XIS8SiKbw5YfOif-FfnI0VOn_OeNeYpFxjxdISs3tC-U1NcVy0Ojcrw/s4032/IMG_9950.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb24VdyKC8X3BrRQYRhVxJEfep2lLImAOJ-r19kp02QaZh6NzxXrVmpCkMPdfpJTQdNEeIKIYp6NFthAJMQ1Jk27XoK6zAiuh48jlNL8T0bepDu1Wpmnr7klu72vlml8rvoEz8XIS8SiKbw5YfOif-FfnI0VOn_OeNeYpFxjxdISs3tC-U1NcVy0Ojcrw/w480-h640/IMG_9950.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The background foliage in this picture is the aconite, after blooming.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0XWQu7MRYfPyKGjJ7SS8mtFUMERuZufgA2LvQbILRJM_QB_rsTugO49nEx4ESng7u7AucVnw4lQjIHxiPkX3w4e9wv7yV7XioPOuzI7pb3yiPeS4mHr99bvSE-OdPM3PX5YVat1zDJIRDbraWQe1izcUCpEOsODDtz3BKNGKI5nFOI_91A6NcuDg35M/s4032/IMG_9966.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0XWQu7MRYfPyKGjJ7SS8mtFUMERuZufgA2LvQbILRJM_QB_rsTugO49nEx4ESng7u7AucVnw4lQjIHxiPkX3w4e9wv7yV7XioPOuzI7pb3yiPeS4mHr99bvSE-OdPM3PX5YVat1zDJIRDbraWQe1izcUCpEOsODDtz3BKNGKI5nFOI_91A6NcuDg35M/w480-h640/IMG_9966.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3GlPKU5cCIfxy-7l6oyqUlEr9davT3vRrR97b8qcZabUh526j7RP2Y4ErHME1_lO74iFyp5IR0KvVP_b9vonMv9hl3wVra_iiAAWaIYuDOhcxDVvsdM9Qf64bAzvPdE9N9znP2zmnDVk18wih7byJXMDOBoqWVAUyd40voehq0-BoS9IpeszhSYTj-U/s4032/IMG_9984.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3GlPKU5cCIfxy-7l6oyqUlEr9davT3vRrR97b8qcZabUh526j7RP2Y4ErHME1_lO74iFyp5IR0KvVP_b9vonMv9hl3wVra_iiAAWaIYuDOhcxDVvsdM9Qf64bAzvPdE9N9znP2zmnDVk18wih7byJXMDOBoqWVAUyd40voehq0-BoS9IpeszhSYTj-U/w640-h480/IMG_9984.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Daffodils</p><p>I had to laugh at this picture. It was not the daffodil I was thinking about but the really tiny species tulips at their feet.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1XkwTixcMS5EXj3IUafTAIUit4yg7v0bUB61OrdSt8_cTC_upEpUd2u0pNID4A1UQjk1kR4Ef2NVsmTaRp5Qpeta32s-FL12Z6AIFo4Ists0TBSgBbzzp7e3OjG8ftbrHswZCbFpts21xVZ-A2YNZ8G4jAk5dq8_ILSIAm_bWoIm4adPIM-VLqnVT54/s4032/IMG_0120.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1XkwTixcMS5EXj3IUafTAIUit4yg7v0bUB61OrdSt8_cTC_upEpUd2u0pNID4A1UQjk1kR4Ef2NVsmTaRp5Qpeta32s-FL12Z6AIFo4Ists0TBSgBbzzp7e3OjG8ftbrHswZCbFpts21xVZ-A2YNZ8G4jAk5dq8_ILSIAm_bWoIm4adPIM-VLqnVT54/w480-h640/IMG_0120.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>More daffodils</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the ongoing discussion about pictures and closeups here is another eample.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Whichever picture, it is a remarkable yellow.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FkGbYIy63K7oxO6q-uHQSRoKYd8GFT8wAYKexilP9SL-E7uJOAWnVyT1_0a4GQCjjh2SxBpTAEzuQOOJjPdr3KvN3iLBx4OzeBMbyX4GBWbHQed2DUUaFPop5wq4Ij9Ku0SOi6Mv9bY-pS0fJSx7R5kkfK6eHhUrlycOeL_IYnO1qVgRofa3ROSkJJ0/s4032/IMG_0160.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FkGbYIy63K7oxO6q-uHQSRoKYd8GFT8wAYKexilP9SL-E7uJOAWnVyT1_0a4GQCjjh2SxBpTAEzuQOOJjPdr3KvN3iLBx4OzeBMbyX4GBWbHQed2DUUaFPop5wq4Ij9Ku0SOi6Mv9bY-pS0fJSx7R5kkfK6eHhUrlycOeL_IYnO1qVgRofa3ROSkJJ0/w480-h640/IMG_0160.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1d1cuHej96OjYYT1T8Nw7VDkmq1mOCgOC_Hta_yfcpXgfF6UtYdPthdvdzNpoGYof3D65YcWmWYqKsjGbGJv-dM2I4GvMgx_49syIxcN5T3dVSJVdcOqyGUMKssFoiqYZrGUcwmOJhOGw5Ozpr0tf6aAIN51-JQpnnhgBNv025GUTw3NEvHVOsXClNs/s1943/IMG_0160%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1943" data-original-width="1892" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1d1cuHej96OjYYT1T8Nw7VDkmq1mOCgOC_Hta_yfcpXgfF6UtYdPthdvdzNpoGYof3D65YcWmWYqKsjGbGJv-dM2I4GvMgx_49syIxcN5T3dVSJVdcOqyGUMKssFoiqYZrGUcwmOJhOGw5Ozpr0tf6aAIN51-JQpnnhgBNv025GUTw3NEvHVOsXClNs/w624-h640/IMG_0160%202.jpeg" width="624" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYkcPPE0LWbZA0hizykHdhNgHLu2acYGBvmokskn57pNFJQCY8jXdN6Hi8od7fZS9g63k7_xEXXOWf2UGly8phbrkvxWsyZNGC7H0esZcOeT1f27DIXXZmEkjTFuWzSSeGf30d04GRZwWAj50ZP0gAJMc2NT9q9R6Q-AmFCyjhVrQKXmOiDDnEkXL9D7g/s4032/IMG_0218.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYkcPPE0LWbZA0hizykHdhNgHLu2acYGBvmokskn57pNFJQCY8jXdN6Hi8od7fZS9g63k7_xEXXOWf2UGly8phbrkvxWsyZNGC7H0esZcOeT1f27DIXXZmEkjTFuWzSSeGf30d04GRZwWAj50ZP0gAJMc2NT9q9R6Q-AmFCyjhVrQKXmOiDDnEkXL9D7g/w480-h640/IMG_0218.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>What ever happened to his next flower?<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyt322i0UD43yybfArGGALKzjgmCcy_4e1Qy7574daNbtp5eElkrERkDSu9hSW4KrKw6fzA1LsedhOqz_VLMVa-b3YejDk5FN1oNuoS7AO1wiK1Isi3VHuN3OI3LMPgWZlBGbXjkYvKUdvedqdtU2ApWmA8Rvcz5XpK5xm_5uR4zunAdcKK4jN15ZWxnE/s4032/IMG_0441.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyt322i0UD43yybfArGGALKzjgmCcy_4e1Qy7574daNbtp5eElkrERkDSu9hSW4KrKw6fzA1LsedhOqz_VLMVa-b3YejDk5FN1oNuoS7AO1wiK1Isi3VHuN3OI3LMPgWZlBGbXjkYvKUdvedqdtU2ApWmA8Rvcz5XpK5xm_5uR4zunAdcKK4jN15ZWxnE/w480-h640/IMG_0441.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Right Now</b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;">The kale persist. They will get their biggest test in a week, as temperatures get below zero.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZYe12hvvcWNlsGM5BjuUNVGxuux1wx9XWhcaOBu5qArFJd9XrhNPdhDh7IHV7iffk-559Er0Jo6JfMLXUmyXM3EuxN3Clz3oJV4Ffk6vBnAW0k4ALlYiJQgCXa8HdtIDqlCq-rzHhfMo_xsaf3sM_5S8ETYQazRKzNix1pj1sdKLdfFSeS2fBXxECYU/s4032/IMG_3110.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZYe12hvvcWNlsGM5BjuUNVGxuux1wx9XWhcaOBu5qArFJd9XrhNPdhDh7IHV7iffk-559Er0Jo6JfMLXUmyXM3EuxN3Clz3oJV4Ffk6vBnAW0k4ALlYiJQgCXa8HdtIDqlCq-rzHhfMo_xsaf3sM_5S8ETYQazRKzNix1pj1sdKLdfFSeS2fBXxECYU/w640-h480/IMG_3110.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January 5, 2024</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh200PdU8FXRMuFpRb-Muf79SSuQs6gD8Hzht-5vk_pohM7XeiKgFqgu-usCqpvw-K0Tj41W_IWg8h-bL4bLDdAmw8FCEMsVw1vpKjqTDOSMBDwgbZElxf_8vtAqJ7cTgj-GwsuJe-6vlRgDCqkTNBkX1h5UZ21j9Xm3PZW5GLIr3ADYyVteIpjpyRbZkc/s4032/IMG_3111.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh200PdU8FXRMuFpRb-Muf79SSuQs6gD8Hzht-5vk_pohM7XeiKgFqgu-usCqpvw-K0Tj41W_IWg8h-bL4bLDdAmw8FCEMsVw1vpKjqTDOSMBDwgbZElxf_8vtAqJ7cTgj-GwsuJe-6vlRgDCqkTNBkX1h5UZ21j9Xm3PZW5GLIr3ADYyVteIpjpyRbZkc/w640-h480/IMG_3111.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January 5, 2024</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXPfgT4-FKtUN1OuQOzCRHsBhxBAC1hQLx4ApRs4FglG6MvbXZ7YKpoT9LgYsBHyTbicOBt4azlxjIG6ry-t3z6MPEUR1tsbkdFQz2amRcFCCoPJ38S2VZv5bTbqm39ZhwrBC_6uaeriACeWbqU6JS-3x8SIsK6iOMpuEVaqOun7yuaB7Khomh_9B4Io/s4032/IMG_3119.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXPfgT4-FKtUN1OuQOzCRHsBhxBAC1hQLx4ApRs4FglG6MvbXZ7YKpoT9LgYsBHyTbicOBt4azlxjIG6ry-t3z6MPEUR1tsbkdFQz2amRcFCCoPJ38S2VZv5bTbqm39ZhwrBC_6uaeriACeWbqU6JS-3x8SIsK6iOMpuEVaqOun7yuaB7Khomh_9B4Io/w480-h640/IMG_3119.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Julia's recipe</p><p>Julia has the week off. We had several picture worthy dishes this week. But there just was not the energy this weekend for the post.</p><p>All of Julia's recipes can be found at</p><p><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://mearskitchen.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1704678056966000&usg=AOvVaw2-nqg7tXqMKHsoU0Dzploz" href="https://mearskitchen.wordpress.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" target="_blank">https://mearskitchen.<wbr></wbr>wordpress.com/</a></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Odds and Ends</span></b></p><p>My sister sent me this wonderful little video. It can bring a smile on dreary days.</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2BWrmNhyXU&t=3s">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2BWrmNhyXU&t=3s</a><br /></p><p>I do not really understand what this map means. But I do not think it is good.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Egj7EqyEddDPNqlv1qOZKWOU9rvzP_Jt-O3_iOd_WzZowKlrd62ePDSW2gxV6MFZNW8RMXksWDUN_Eps6uiPwvccRs9KXK767607CfKyzsZE5k5uSyNcsyhPMp6rQeJidrbnJUWF2xvFU0r0ndh4IGbg92yYA54NUCZqlwBepm8qKztronlrWGNCUSc/s758/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-06%20at%207.44.35%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="758" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Egj7EqyEddDPNqlv1qOZKWOU9rvzP_Jt-O3_iOd_WzZowKlrd62ePDSW2gxV6MFZNW8RMXksWDUN_Eps6uiPwvccRs9KXK767607CfKyzsZE5k5uSyNcsyhPMp6rQeJidrbnJUWF2xvFU0r0ndh4IGbg92yYA54NUCZqlwBepm8qKztronlrWGNCUSc/w400-h304/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-06%20at%207.44.35%20PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>There are 74 days until Spring (if it starts March 21.)</p><p>There are now 9 hours and 17 minutes of sun, if it were to come out from behind the cloud cover. The low point was 16 days ago. At that point there was 9 hours and 9 minutes. Progress can be slow.</p><p>There was a school shooting in Iowa this week. I suspect that nothing will be done. I really dislike (I try to avoid the word "hate") the fact that we have these problems, with such real costs, and we cannot or will not do anything about them.</p><p>But we cannot or must not give up trying. </p><p>Pray for peace. </p><p>Find something positive that you can do.</p><p>Be kind.</p><p>Philip</p></div></div>philip Mearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04384629201161240341noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509434911388799.post-46063724032196913372023-12-31T06:13:00.000-06:002023-12-31T06:13:18.233-06:00December 31, 2023 Week #6- look for a new beginning<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Goodbye 2023</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <b>Happy New Year from all of us, including the pumpkins</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQa0SXRwidIeKw9JBRVuIrm43Mv9RsutdimwjiHgh-bJgzrw1GbCi-UGDvpL-U-M21WhcujT0kaSqTtWFib9vrzD8K80HuscHY8Iw4Cp6v2YzQxY5RlW9BpoAXATRq35BLKeS6najsbIAmmWq65z5hhRPA-YptM1KKo9xL8FiBeNoSnJHMnoJRj5k3y0/s3487/IMG_2998.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2581" data-original-width="3487" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQa0SXRwidIeKw9JBRVuIrm43Mv9RsutdimwjiHgh-bJgzrw1GbCi-UGDvpL-U-M21WhcujT0kaSqTtWFib9vrzD8K80HuscHY8Iw4Cp6v2YzQxY5RlW9BpoAXATRq35BLKeS6najsbIAmmWq65z5hhRPA-YptM1KKo9xL8FiBeNoSnJHMnoJRj5k3y0/w640-h474/IMG_2998.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>The absurdly warm weather lasted through Tuesday. Temperatures were in the 50's for 3 days in a row. We even had rain. Now we have settled into a weather pattern where the temperatures are just a little above normal. Normal highs for the end of December are about 32 degrees. Normal lows are about 17.</p><p>Thursday we even had maybe 2 inches of snow. It has been melting ever since. Yesterday got to the upper 30's.</p><p>Lots of things are stirring. The seeds in the picture to the right are the little blue silla or squill. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwxCtHnimGekdWNygz6bFuaGbIQ36dEbb8h4EieqewDKo6EzIRfzM-bmi90ciyjIv3xBlpjVsk_w9teMFiKupzBR7Z66QM6dSKLgUvAF9EeZzAXDvo6bWZnSt8pfrbM8Ph6dhmqP5bbrCN1zMaodT-luMVBTSa6X3_I7TQ1_QOIhQe-SObMLCQ8ArsyY/s4032/IMG_3056.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwxCtHnimGekdWNygz6bFuaGbIQ36dEbb8h4EieqewDKo6EzIRfzM-bmi90ciyjIv3xBlpjVsk_w9teMFiKupzBR7Z66QM6dSKLgUvAF9EeZzAXDvo6bWZnSt8pfrbM8Ph6dhmqP5bbrCN1zMaodT-luMVBTSa6X3_I7TQ1_QOIhQe-SObMLCQ8ArsyY/s320/IMG_3056.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTqqSe6gbgBMAKcNtFjagZia2tfqYuNPAeKsd4i92UTgaAQ_ikXuCiezyaf-cubDgWqWI2IfbRjRAPJzsDP7S5kIaRbkIzlvNVoes7y9OO4yrY8T_pprSjMQVjGqZOWFx01A_DcIOOJHYI3ilu1_ur1SvjXUbrx_07WOs4lXgp7cKmpi0e-UY9jR1gaeg/s4032/IMG_3057.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTqqSe6gbgBMAKcNtFjagZia2tfqYuNPAeKsd4i92UTgaAQ_ikXuCiezyaf-cubDgWqWI2IfbRjRAPJzsDP7S5kIaRbkIzlvNVoes7y9OO4yrY8T_pprSjMQVjGqZOWFx01A_DcIOOJHYI3ilu1_ur1SvjXUbrx_07WOs4lXgp7cKmpi0e-UY9jR1gaeg/s320/IMG_3057.jpeg" width="240" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Last week in the contest</b></span> </p><p style="text-align: center;">the winner was...</p><p>The Pinks Shirleys</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSP5A-kf0Lg_1nt1PMT-UBdUHbtt6hw2J5bhVMViPHiL6F2Vk7WvnNCg_1dq26TA1MUq4y4fOwQWSlxEjqOeOvBDLnj7CmDJcbzZZ5YY4IF_6USxQQR-Ltz1JB1z0FQFr4mjrWXhUaFR9Ux_fOzPkAYDAdznScTnOyiy6rdw6dnZKp1TpsV6465jreBU/s4032/IMG_0922.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSP5A-kf0Lg_1nt1PMT-UBdUHbtt6hw2J5bhVMViPHiL6F2Vk7WvnNCg_1dq26TA1MUq4y4fOwQWSlxEjqOeOvBDLnj7CmDJcbzZZ5YY4IF_6USxQQR-Ltz1JB1z0FQFr4mjrWXhUaFR9Ux_fOzPkAYDAdznScTnOyiy6rdw6dnZKp1TpsV6465jreBU/w640-h480/IMG_0922.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Here was the full vote</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVl7n1GdbKfpd_wvREbORNejJriw6hhThr9DVqcCb9oPe8qP2pusvMfNpSsFAbLpoj6BbVN51X4IepGfFITPzgL_J_Zn4xnuTWzuiIr_D9wbtHZ9gYjYU27EsCB7_Ls6Qha9VbzNZG8OXE80aS8yzVot0By_scQRLjzftwL6I7esz6Y7boERY4QvFphw/s326/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-31%20at%205.32.20%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="326" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVl7n1GdbKfpd_wvREbORNejJriw6hhThr9DVqcCb9oPe8qP2pusvMfNpSsFAbLpoj6BbVN51X4IepGfFITPzgL_J_Zn4xnuTWzuiIr_D9wbtHZ9gYjYU27EsCB7_Ls6Qha9VbzNZG8OXE80aS8yzVot0By_scQRLjzftwL6I7esz6Y7boERY4QvFphw/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-31%20at%205.32.20%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The purple anemone was a strong second. It may have a shot at a wild card.<br /><p><br /></p><p>Voting note- A neighbor asked me about how to vote if you looked at the blog on your phone.</p><p>Well, you have to go to the bottom of the post where you will see a place to click for "view web version." Click there and you will get to a version where you can vote.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">This week will be Week #6</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#1 Daylily Summer Hymns </span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">July 21, 2023</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzMZMcfnO2e30WurJK_jpWrnSnFEuEyBrk3Dfs9T4oKB2JR6nx3CiQjVJ1BfeoNnR7EYXknlqNOn9ERvpngFt8xLXEU3mcXRY3CnA9AOUuYqHQMJhFJ0Cs6qSKkS9rr3ghjhFyRV7_FOECvY-jvzF2dsiGWYKgoZcpFxhrkNC3k24QHg115KqVvLbyO1w/s4032/IMG_1579.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzMZMcfnO2e30WurJK_jpWrnSnFEuEyBrk3Dfs9T4oKB2JR6nx3CiQjVJ1BfeoNnR7EYXknlqNOn9ERvpngFt8xLXEU3mcXRY3CnA9AOUuYqHQMJhFJ0Cs6qSKkS9rr3ghjhFyRV7_FOECvY-jvzF2dsiGWYKgoZcpFxhrkNC3k24QHg115KqVvLbyO1w/w480-h640/IMG_1579.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This is daylily Summer Hymns, a plant near our kitchen door. It has a really nice ruffle, which could be used in breeding. It is easy to cross daylilies, even by hand. Then you have to have the patience to wait four years for a seed to grow into a blooming plant.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#2 Japanese Anemone </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Honorine Jobert</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">September 16, 2023</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61NhzbCdUWsf-7rbeyzYjNKt3UnYSxQBbbnU_r9EtXoquR0P7Js9b4FG57PojjlxvkiZV2OwmBx9tP0pIa4UeMKFx9M1W9GZV2AU03d39SI-gxyqygS4uGb71wwM8wEjxEZ1QQ4gkT2HGkfm6Hxardc-AozY9w4FPwcSQHonlcfGzOZyiFj-NFeiCim8/s4032/IMG_2109.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61NhzbCdUWsf-7rbeyzYjNKt3UnYSxQBbbnU_r9EtXoquR0P7Js9b4FG57PojjlxvkiZV2OwmBx9tP0pIa4UeMKFx9M1W9GZV2AU03d39SI-gxyqygS4uGb71wwM8wEjxEZ1QQ4gkT2HGkfm6Hxardc-AozY9w4FPwcSQHonlcfGzOZyiFj-NFeiCim8/w640-h480/IMG_2109.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span>This great plant is described as a low maintanence perennial.</span></div><div><span>I planted it at least 10 years ago and it has spread slowly, crowding out competitors.</span></div><div><span>It is an ideal plant for the late summer, fall garden.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>The type of plant is commonly called a Japanese Anemone, but appears to have come from China.</span></div><div><span>It was "discovered" in a garden in France in 1858, hence the name.</span></div><div><span>It was the Perennial of the Year in 2016.</span></div><div><span>It blooms later than the pink variety that is so common in my garden.</span></div><div><span>One thing is interesting about the difference in varieties. The pink kind has a very different leaf than this white variety. HJ has a smoother leaf. This allows you to tell which is which before they flower.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>I really like the green globe in the center of the flower.</span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#3 Frosty Ornamental Kale </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">December 14, 2023</span></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZoCWuRKcXM5JmhKlC7vSZk2X885PigoM-mh1tEZfS6Aknx38rQ9lceVf5PeQdLxBWkBi7Di0yJBurISDEdKWEwdSeKigrPuF6EmbaP9dMzpCK3MuP-AStwZcmq8bsvDMTgOxyT75r5lqnKlMJFJIYri-euAJJT5oDvBF5rA9uALmhXT6okFoWVN4kUw/s3024/IMG_2882.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2517" data-original-width="3024" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZoCWuRKcXM5JmhKlC7vSZk2X885PigoM-mh1tEZfS6Aknx38rQ9lceVf5PeQdLxBWkBi7Di0yJBurISDEdKWEwdSeKigrPuF6EmbaP9dMzpCK3MuP-AStwZcmq8bsvDMTgOxyT75r5lqnKlMJFJIYri-euAJJT5oDvBF5rA9uALmhXT6okFoWVN4kUw/w640-h532/IMG_2882.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As I reflect on 2023, one of the real successes was growing ornamental kale from seed. I had really "discovered" ornamental kale in 2022. If you look at the post from October 9, 2022 you can see this revelation right there in print. We discovered kale in a nursery in Chicago. There were many, many plants. I talked to the plant guy at the nursery. He explained that November was the prime kale selling season.</div><div style="text-align: left;">In this warming world you can actually start thinking of what your garden would look like after November 1. Even into December. </div><div style="text-align: left;">So this year we started about 150 little Kale plants in late July. In the bonus section you can see the progression over the last 4 months</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is a link to talk about planting and caring for kale.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/kale/ornamental-kale-plants.htm">https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/kale/ornamental-kale-plants.htm</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Comments from a now a seasoned kale grower- </div><div style="text-align: left;">They recommend starting kale July 1. We were about a month late. We will do betterin 2024.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Kale prefers cooler weather, to develop color. It is not exactly cool in July. We were fortunate to have access to some greenhouse space, where there was some temperature control.</div><div style="text-align: left;">In the article on growing kale, there is no mention of pest control. There is the dreaded cabbage worm. Once the small plants were put in the ground the little white moths put the garden on their map.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I will really want some worm control for next year. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is an article about those critters</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.almanac.com/pest/cabbage-worms">https://www.almanac.com/pest/cabbage-worms</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I read that -5 is the bottom temperature for kale. I also read that the bottom number is 5 degrees. We have avoided either so far. (We got down to maybe 7-8 at one point.) The plants are going strong. While the cabbage worms survived some earlier freezes, they really are done for the year.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Kale is listed in places as a biennial. In the second year it would bloom. We'll see.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#4 Night Blooming Cereus</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> September 1, 2023</span></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfv11LsdbjH4A-sy65skiBuuSZa_riLHwn0jUaJkHe8lpKbcalJ1D1ClNos_bJgTlzXFZfRM34hNVyOQSMFSwQ7ISrdziEaGAmYMJXrOdngeAPxpDCp2PKVAC9YjI2szlQTRLQZxO21oJw-QbIJPs7Elnlyn-RfMEmeXzDaMJ4NJB_zwpXQ2gZGqa5_VI/s3688/IMG_8322%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2955" data-original-width="3688" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfv11LsdbjH4A-sy65skiBuuSZa_riLHwn0jUaJkHe8lpKbcalJ1D1ClNos_bJgTlzXFZfRM34hNVyOQSMFSwQ7ISrdziEaGAmYMJXrOdngeAPxpDCp2PKVAC9YjI2szlQTRLQZxO21oJw-QbIJPs7Elnlyn-RfMEmeXzDaMJ4NJB_zwpXQ2gZGqa5_VI/w640-h512/IMG_8322%202.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This is what most people know as the Night Blooming Cereus. Purists would say it is not a cereus at all. Its botanical name is <i>Epiphyllum oxypetalum</i>.</div><div>It is from Central America. It does only bloom at night....unless it is cold and/or it is late in the season. Then you might still get a picture early in the morning.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think it will bloom more than once during the season. The first could be in late July. The second flowering can be into October.</div><div><br /></div><div>It blooms in flushes. I mean that it will set buds which will develop over a month, and then bloom almost all at one time.</div><div>Sometimes I would have some of these Queens in diferent parts of the yard. Remarkably they would bloom on the same night. This I understand is so that they can get pollen from another plant in order to be fertilized.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have 3-4 of these oxypetalums. The biggest one was given to me in 2021, by someone who did not want to move it in and out of the house anymore. It found a place in a pot in the front yard. It is too big to be in a hanging basket. </div><div>It set about a dozen buds. They curve up right before blooming. That night however there were thunderstorms predicted.</div><div>I moved the entire plant to the front porch. </div><div>That turned out to be a good idea.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#5 Dwarf Iris Lyonaise </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>May 4, 2023</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86kY_R4VDt_ekRuBb6R-ZM06YsjWnKx9wsv0nX7Ghs0OcBcC9dE1asqcs3PQnZDzou4h51BUSQ96AkaiMWroxjUtSgpHpuK2RoBxfgJZ7uNR8KJPJA8BIlw53cefBrE3bvN48t7EoD06bDJ3kaJa5Mmnn0Z-_mUnDl6s_V0DakDUO6PmnMTDKPgf1hO4/s4032/IMG_0513.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86kY_R4VDt_ekRuBb6R-ZM06YsjWnKx9wsv0nX7Ghs0OcBcC9dE1asqcs3PQnZDzou4h51BUSQ96AkaiMWroxjUtSgpHpuK2RoBxfgJZ7uNR8KJPJA8BIlw53cefBrE3bvN48t7EoD06bDJ3kaJa5Mmnn0Z-_mUnDl6s_V0DakDUO6PmnMTDKPgf1hO4/w640-h480/IMG_0513.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Lyonaise was obtained fron Aitken's Salmon Creek Garden in Vancouver, Washington. It was develped in 2020. I get a lot of my little iris from them.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Bonus pictures</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Closeups of contestants</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">I would like to try something different. Here are the same contestants, only with a carefully cropped blow up of all or part of the picture. I will be interested in what you think about your choice from above, compared to the blowups. </span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Do you think the cropped image makes for a better or more interesting picture? There is no second vote. You may have to actually interact with me on this one.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2i20QbzJBqiVX6u1N2UgA6Ubs3RRJACGlZhjJOgyYGskum9MfcBQET-mXM2bXKiD7tNtwCKNlfaOAWg1Vr4e-3kt7yMlzIJoWcvN8IO4WTGP50kVYFg6cCEwLXPWI4f49rAZkL45pNZaXRv_Mf2HP7xfHcTmgQgngykyegryPoeLs6FbLNZzfPo4HoJM/s2005/IMG_0513.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2005" data-original-width="1661" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2i20QbzJBqiVX6u1N2UgA6Ubs3RRJACGlZhjJOgyYGskum9MfcBQET-mXM2bXKiD7tNtwCKNlfaOAWg1Vr4e-3kt7yMlzIJoWcvN8IO4WTGP50kVYFg6cCEwLXPWI4f49rAZkL45pNZaXRv_Mf2HP7xfHcTmgQgngykyegryPoeLs6FbLNZzfPo4HoJM/w530-h640/IMG_0513.jpeg" width="530" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZuiSNfECVkBwfCjwmKj0aVjmDIfQdvl_NP82C0ewJrPrWaOVli4pM0lqtl894HfcjprZWuACUfEdzcJQGbrNUFoTVEtSjrKaSItvLk4MIZQy92lk9Lx7hsnyZTLT6Q__ByFdf5vaaI0qwdEbPRNYhCfOyzGH2mPqB_zPVbxuUh376pTsV5djLE2QY1Q/s1721/IMG_1579.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1374" data-original-width="1721" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZuiSNfECVkBwfCjwmKj0aVjmDIfQdvl_NP82C0ewJrPrWaOVli4pM0lqtl894HfcjprZWuACUfEdzcJQGbrNUFoTVEtSjrKaSItvLk4MIZQy92lk9Lx7hsnyZTLT6Q__ByFdf5vaaI0qwdEbPRNYhCfOyzGH2mPqB_zPVbxuUh376pTsV5djLE2QY1Q/w640-h510/IMG_1579.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWDC5hquQvrlGnHnNyACEnhyphenhyphenCVQRTmX-57juJpM69k41o1PMqBD9zIXfW4LeIvSeHY9_rkdgDwg5lgoF_RwF4hktzKGl-iWdTJ8xzzRk42mAW1816T2R5kjCuSOuGAWjmNxkbqSR3rs6NDwPpL5dVaH9nWGnVDnWtlnJevJnCKyM0uFY0x0WD6tnmN1w/s1276/IMG_2109.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="1276" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWDC5hquQvrlGnHnNyACEnhyphenhyphenCVQRTmX-57juJpM69k41o1PMqBD9zIXfW4LeIvSeHY9_rkdgDwg5lgoF_RwF4hktzKGl-iWdTJ8xzzRk42mAW1816T2R5kjCuSOuGAWjmNxkbqSR3rs6NDwPpL5dVaH9nWGnVDnWtlnJevJnCKyM0uFY0x0WD6tnmN1w/w640-h492/IMG_2109.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPndRKwgWtWiGdigWX7QFPJDL1ENoDEPMH7D4AQg-LVK1JbjHKc7FVesb4HY9ye8ARey2uF7gH28vsfajbIonP5oyAdrDrJ0Le9VJJZMH_q7qv3xx-NZKz806zSmAVo8watsllQ3wUJ3heY97wYGZCDETwlK_kddTxs9oSJ8qWTsEOWL7yhgg3ITdwbdc/s1150/IMG_2882.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="999" data-original-width="1150" height="556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPndRKwgWtWiGdigWX7QFPJDL1ENoDEPMH7D4AQg-LVK1JbjHKc7FVesb4HY9ye8ARey2uF7gH28vsfajbIonP5oyAdrDrJ0Le9VJJZMH_q7qv3xx-NZKz806zSmAVo8watsllQ3wUJ3heY97wYGZCDETwlK_kddTxs9oSJ8qWTsEOWL7yhgg3ITdwbdc/w640-h556/IMG_2882.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbs3UBINeDc3-HfeFTkbdQRGlvTjU4EfZesH0cr6eAI5Pfbturn_d6BrnnQ8EYuVyNAZZJSnOMhOWR8RpKcFPMjvyASjnmLP1eNhCzYqo6GvHNwwf8ajpvceB987zWmPHjUifAsPC-xOxqMqIn3IDpw3McdnU4pAzQr7hIx2znNo3cgYDDuFCcWA1xxCo/s1417/IMG_8322.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1417" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbs3UBINeDc3-HfeFTkbdQRGlvTjU4EfZesH0cr6eAI5Pfbturn_d6BrnnQ8EYuVyNAZZJSnOMhOWR8RpKcFPMjvyASjnmLP1eNhCzYqo6GvHNwwf8ajpvceB987zWmPHjUifAsPC-xOxqMqIn3IDpw3McdnU4pAzQr7hIx2znNo3cgYDDuFCcWA1xxCo/w640-h480/IMG_8322.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Kale</b></span></p><p>This was part of the inspiration in 2022. The gardener at this garden center in the Chicago area explained that this was a very popular seller, in November.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_txaG58SAbE1AmIbvNDtfjbftHchqw_bc2wpTUPKmlrl3_9zJYfXJ69i5vFD_jMQPb7gmjaV_1RTp8IfW-3FIHMArwDV6SSKR6HM_o3TK3bkrSHefJqvOZAqUdSGTUxQK9nb1JDfzRD2ZpBn78SNmf7xVmDjFL1ccLeex8HKB2-ZozIFN6sOr0coPnsI/s4032/IMG_8557.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_txaG58SAbE1AmIbvNDtfjbftHchqw_bc2wpTUPKmlrl3_9zJYfXJ69i5vFD_jMQPb7gmjaV_1RTp8IfW-3FIHMArwDV6SSKR6HM_o3TK3bkrSHefJqvOZAqUdSGTUxQK9nb1JDfzRD2ZpBn78SNmf7xVmDjFL1ccLeex8HKB2-ZozIFN6sOr0coPnsI/w480-h640/IMG_8557.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>Here are the kale pictures from August to December. 2023.</p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZbX-wt_ajiOTyH1FMSRNkPKq8p2pkSLEtX5wdSE6sykUecocCVinMFOVl8o6C2Q4eQD-e7RmDAU3L0qBqCbsTaHvjJx3s1lU_4uiW6oG33HPv-axtxnLFngTqX2gBu3YEKYdh6ke4TaBcuVfU0kiKB65RnYrrKMoEdy13Qzcy4tSLxwt6j0zscom2NA/s4032/IMG_1905.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZbX-wt_ajiOTyH1FMSRNkPKq8p2pkSLEtX5wdSE6sykUecocCVinMFOVl8o6C2Q4eQD-e7RmDAU3L0qBqCbsTaHvjJx3s1lU_4uiW6oG33HPv-axtxnLFngTqX2gBu3YEKYdh6ke4TaBcuVfU0kiKB65RnYrrKMoEdy13Qzcy4tSLxwt6j0zscom2NA/w400-h300/IMG_1905.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August 12</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPDbiCT3_0Fs70oI9osOFD0EXrxZoWLAgeK98fj4rTDgtE6JBZPJBNAep59ryLJziEeQ7jW3wzUXnbUVNHaarUaQWPJAA2RplyvDiXmssVst2f_Hm1ZxX85Z7M3ax3W6hz_BzC0Exs7tG1hNP14hGqTE-JJDXE61mnxmRgQWfCk7eDUvC7pUc03oqqSM/s4032/IMG_2016.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPDbiCT3_0Fs70oI9osOFD0EXrxZoWLAgeK98fj4rTDgtE6JBZPJBNAep59ryLJziEeQ7jW3wzUXnbUVNHaarUaQWPJAA2RplyvDiXmssVst2f_Hm1ZxX85Z7M3ax3W6hz_BzC0Exs7tG1hNP14hGqTE-JJDXE61mnxmRgQWfCk7eDUvC7pUc03oqqSM/w640-h480/IMG_2016.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">September 3</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwUomCeszNyMbpgGLxVB2juT6xG8JRrCVPOpsVPPNC4IspPKD4xCXKfARrNo9Rwfe9u6Os_XSttVJVeHL2Rif7u8Eu5iu0aAjl-w7zvQJNW9LQJcI-anl2w4GqNPA2S4IbjFPPWzKOYqVFX2cWz5AjhxTbUb7lwE_S-xUfvCuAIorO1grbRzkw7MCvkI/s4032/IMG_2231.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwUomCeszNyMbpgGLxVB2juT6xG8JRrCVPOpsVPPNC4IspPKD4xCXKfARrNo9Rwfe9u6Os_XSttVJVeHL2Rif7u8Eu5iu0aAjl-w7zvQJNW9LQJcI-anl2w4GqNPA2S4IbjFPPWzKOYqVFX2cWz5AjhxTbUb7lwE_S-xUfvCuAIorO1grbRzkw7MCvkI/w640-h480/IMG_2231.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">September 23</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxItFILEiqUWZxPNnxBrq27Xdpx-GWhXghYdqRna2zFBJ3NqCidDQuJZhE__f8QFs2TiOzTU-qIp7XqBkmx79kT2eN4yDsd4qELg4S8eNOAJD7dPpZjrErahTyjQFbfPhTBypZFc1ne1CSOuMoSfgwWB2meTWQz42UNmBhqc6cMNT5uIpYlItJU-AIlI/s4032/IMG_2575.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxItFILEiqUWZxPNnxBrq27Xdpx-GWhXghYdqRna2zFBJ3NqCidDQuJZhE__f8QFs2TiOzTU-qIp7XqBkmx79kT2eN4yDsd4qELg4S8eNOAJD7dPpZjrErahTyjQFbfPhTBypZFc1ne1CSOuMoSfgwWB2meTWQz42UNmBhqc6cMNT5uIpYlItJU-AIlI/w480-h640/IMG_2575.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 21</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DR3r225vqfHq9v3_NU8KGAtXQz_zHAwPGsf__XAjPvZEKqkCXwbuybpy5Irxd9xeXBgubqNzvB8lou6EbsAqHMUQ0tw20tUQCbBVOWZ8HWcSpee038l-sXlG-zcejBeY3BiM8s4K4F4OdFpbY-tHBEXJ04Pu5DGS7RUUBZe1XPsHVlzqZbvUG7Om5Vk/s4032/IMG_2614.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DR3r225vqfHq9v3_NU8KGAtXQz_zHAwPGsf__XAjPvZEKqkCXwbuybpy5Irxd9xeXBgubqNzvB8lou6EbsAqHMUQ0tw20tUQCbBVOWZ8HWcSpee038l-sXlG-zcejBeY3BiM8s4K4F4OdFpbY-tHBEXJ04Pu5DGS7RUUBZe1XPsHVlzqZbvUG7Om5Vk/w640-h480/IMG_2614.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 26</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9FXZ_TaswJHEJu36jenVZFSpJrGh1asefLgeYXZlRflNZwHcioGjxcTPOETeDI1KHEqTQWmSlDSMzjxT66t0x1QbHmxHf2DqhCoNXKjqruAESHswv3memA0AvfbF2JAipFMeBj_Z1-6rv0XY1ohcqXiHTubTRSykArvLo5MkCxSrAW6CSnnSbsqLtK0/s4032/IMG_2798.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9FXZ_TaswJHEJu36jenVZFSpJrGh1asefLgeYXZlRflNZwHcioGjxcTPOETeDI1KHEqTQWmSlDSMzjxT66t0x1QbHmxHf2DqhCoNXKjqruAESHswv3memA0AvfbF2JAipFMeBj_Z1-6rv0XY1ohcqXiHTubTRSykArvLo5MkCxSrAW6CSnnSbsqLtK0/w640-h480/IMG_2798.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December 2</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4iYXs5QGI3s-3JIfqWUENkSsyy4iJrJNfF-82GMw6RtoTcT5pL4lBZAaxXGdj4dq9ZQVp_P2SODVSEMDphjWVGGHYeRNQE8FBYyUGUUkzUqFrfdZu7s02WoqzALAJYk4T8P3-3LhVgVvZUjbo5R_UB3gKCiCM5RRsbajyBvw5BVw-0RN1TlrOPxeKNQ/s4032/IMG_2800.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4iYXs5QGI3s-3JIfqWUENkSsyy4iJrJNfF-82GMw6RtoTcT5pL4lBZAaxXGdj4dq9ZQVp_P2SODVSEMDphjWVGGHYeRNQE8FBYyUGUUkzUqFrfdZu7s02WoqzALAJYk4T8P3-3LhVgVvZUjbo5R_UB3gKCiCM5RRsbajyBvw5BVw-0RN1TlrOPxeKNQ/w640-h480/IMG_2800.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December 2</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33XoZ_b7W0dScBo_yWkBfw4HT9wZES-0nMsdBtDmErrCoxNWUciXUXPlmspBXj9N3xR3funYjf_OL3ztA8dYw3pGSM34OowhEGovQjh-YTDW_4urhYcFseK4H2yetbVIR91HPq-8s7BG0cQUXS9I_QLChOlUQp-NGOJHcb-QAUOzdfXrnJl2gNIHPQbQ/s4032/IMG_2948.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33XoZ_b7W0dScBo_yWkBfw4HT9wZES-0nMsdBtDmErrCoxNWUciXUXPlmspBXj9N3xR3funYjf_OL3ztA8dYw3pGSM34OowhEGovQjh-YTDW_4urhYcFseK4H2yetbVIR91HPq-8s7BG0cQUXS9I_QLChOlUQp-NGOJHcb-QAUOzdfXrnJl2gNIHPQbQ/w640-h480/IMG_2948.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December 23</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lDvS5AnF3Y05tEMcux40-XTIJBpwgtIjj0OPQGYDrxL0haOsGW_d8i_rso4mbGdJcUcxez2tqY4O7qb1_y_TWteMkJlksqfA7W4HrWY2K6MDF79HahRT-tAuVEZv7NYDKyE84etOVw78ouB0N5lBOZLgzxdCcw9VDmP3bKByyHGMSobky6wv0UgO_3w/s4032/IMG_2958.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lDvS5AnF3Y05tEMcux40-XTIJBpwgtIjj0OPQGYDrxL0haOsGW_d8i_rso4mbGdJcUcxez2tqY4O7qb1_y_TWteMkJlksqfA7W4HrWY2K6MDF79HahRT-tAuVEZv7NYDKyE84etOVw78ouB0N5lBOZLgzxdCcw9VDmP3bKByyHGMSobky6wv0UgO_3w/w640-h480/IMG_2958.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December 23</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>More Night blooming cereus pictures</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVFK7BNR0n9T7AsnY9tj28iN0KXZNUcedbYnCTvy7neRqtTVq06rFss0qw35udEhX0i0m5in8MGdRooEva7-XpjiDE_V_t7G5EiycIilj2I81rbcbmvfVpc_IZVWn1WZUJHeHTBgqOjI1z_1sLfdF50C0Fo9lorOImDT_3pUVArezFYaVFeHwf38rxdM/s3656/IMG-4363.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3656" data-original-width="2924" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVFK7BNR0n9T7AsnY9tj28iN0KXZNUcedbYnCTvy7neRqtTVq06rFss0qw35udEhX0i0m5in8MGdRooEva7-XpjiDE_V_t7G5EiycIilj2I81rbcbmvfVpc_IZVWn1WZUJHeHTBgqOjI1z_1sLfdF50C0Fo9lorOImDT_3pUVArezFYaVFeHwf38rxdM/w512-h640/IMG-4363.jpeg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture was taken by our neighbor Bob on 8-1-23 after my bedtime. They really</td></tr></tbody></table> do not open fully until a few hours after sunset.<div><br /></div><div>This next picture shows what the bud looks like right before it is going to bloom.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhivChSIis7ESQnWxOUBz1uW0KrjKrihxrbqVTULVQHw1Q5l-kQwVLUsB44UAT0a-fJ8JDn2lKSRHDnthEy9uLUYp6Vp_MqTFt1N-60cRAC1EJa0s_xMuB9KGS1-WdbQivZz_qrb6rL_RnuTSGpwB5FcZAG4cAoOVbU7EYfNDOMJwlbbFVoweRWq4gnGMI/s4032/IMG_2311.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhivChSIis7ESQnWxOUBz1uW0KrjKrihxrbqVTULVQHw1Q5l-kQwVLUsB44UAT0a-fJ8JDn2lKSRHDnthEy9uLUYp6Vp_MqTFt1N-60cRAC1EJa0s_xMuB9KGS1-WdbQivZz_qrb6rL_RnuTSGpwB5FcZAG4cAoOVbU7EYfNDOMJwlbbFVoweRWq4gnGMI/w480-h640/IMG_2311.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken on 10-4-23</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>That last picture was taken the evening before we left for our east coast trip this fall. It was also the latest that the plant had ever bloomed. I kept showing the buds to a neighbor who regularly walked his grandchildren to school in the morning. He told me that the morning it bloomed those grandchilren ran down to the house to see the flowers.<div>Fortunately it was late enough in the year that they were still in bloom at 7:45 am. We, by that point, were on our way to Virginia.</div><div>One big reason to garden is to share your garden with others.</div><div>When those people are chldren that means so much more.</div><div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Right Now</b></span></p><p>Orchids do carry the gardener through the winter. Here are two of the bloomers at the moment.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3F7dG4749pdtDzY5Qn-m6yuKvF7NwwUbYSl0CJWRAscgt499LilvPouAROMJmP6Gbwdf__ubnCoH917Qo6-VmngdHJYSpzg0Vf8hsRJzupTubngjRt2ufyEK-DCpM0UO2jBnkpDH9Bl9iCvhEHVdv2xHbz7QvvjiVvvHf2oCFeOLoXhh8TRRV6qyCOFM/s4032/IMG_3040.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3F7dG4749pdtDzY5Qn-m6yuKvF7NwwUbYSl0CJWRAscgt499LilvPouAROMJmP6Gbwdf__ubnCoH917Qo6-VmngdHJYSpzg0Vf8hsRJzupTubngjRt2ufyEK-DCpM0UO2jBnkpDH9Bl9iCvhEHVdv2xHbz7QvvjiVvvHf2oCFeOLoXhh8TRRV6qyCOFM/w640-h480/IMG_3040.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdp4pAG7H6Hb4A2eUHkm-1UPXBuOf_LomG4k2Er-OGF3DARiUQI_AA6h1GrRpuG44F7a9Toef8OBv24Hzcw2dSILPHrTu1yKNH4kVZlokNdY14vqh6rIJU08bZFYGYAgJIIp-7USsCtgboDUsQWcAzvzYRpeXWccXJdWSl5vJk25X8lN2rWNtA5SQH7s/s4032/IMG_3044.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdp4pAG7H6Hb4A2eUHkm-1UPXBuOf_LomG4k2Er-OGF3DARiUQI_AA6h1GrRpuG44F7a9Toef8OBv24Hzcw2dSILPHrTu1yKNH4kVZlokNdY14vqh6rIJU08bZFYGYAgJIIp-7USsCtgboDUsQWcAzvzYRpeXWccXJdWSl5vJk25X8lN2rWNtA5SQH7s/w640-h480/IMG_3044.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>The really strange airplant, which is really a bromeliad, has gotten bigger.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfE84FpNDoOEx0kp9Mhmlg0TCJhW0muq7g8mZ3CPQAddtZ_Z-Xhhy4xXla074X2l-CsKz6u-C6pSCzpWy80SVD_WJYcBsdMHswkbj8GYIRl7-ypapxEPxJfrEfip2XAzrMysr_DLBbP1C3Ee9plNWUDnu44sDNO-3M1XwuBzLQnBQDWQX-ECRNdnoHApE/s4032/IMG_3043.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfE84FpNDoOEx0kp9Mhmlg0TCJhW0muq7g8mZ3CPQAddtZ_Z-Xhhy4xXla074X2l-CsKz6u-C6pSCzpWy80SVD_WJYcBsdMHswkbj8GYIRl7-ypapxEPxJfrEfip2XAzrMysr_DLBbP1C3Ee9plNWUDnu44sDNO-3M1XwuBzLQnBQDWQX-ECRNdnoHApE/w480-h640/IMG_3043.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Julia's recipe</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hot and Sour Soup</b></span></p><p>Katie sent me this recipe for hot and sour soup, which she got from a Cook's Illustrated stews-and-soups cookbook. It's good and quick and makes a nice light dinner. I have a couple of tweaks to suggest to brighten the flavors and shorten prep time. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4AvGXpVgCiRLOPrPYaFGfAALvpXfc1k-HwFrI2zkMKhkYI_mxshOipSMJuzcY3sVkjgA4jSxYapGTf9Zvx7M_j0j_3P9_NmiGcysbNPCYDFKq6VqGm3AUJb7rjf6TPCsxMLOpEWUCgMpOCCSH08OxM4z4CC8jN8Ln288IjkvEDwMHdqZqokAZ9Kup-qk/s4032/IMG_3012.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4AvGXpVgCiRLOPrPYaFGfAALvpXfc1k-HwFrI2zkMKhkYI_mxshOipSMJuzcY3sVkjgA4jSxYapGTf9Zvx7M_j0j_3P9_NmiGcysbNPCYDFKq6VqGm3AUJb7rjf6TPCsxMLOpEWUCgMpOCCSH08OxM4z4CC8jN8Ln288IjkvEDwMHdqZqokAZ9Kup-qk/w320-h240/IMG_3012.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The ingredients:</p><p>8oz. extra firm tofu (or more);</p><p>1/4 cup soy sauce (or more)</p><p>3-1/2 tablespoons cornstarch;</p><p>2 cups raw pork (a pork chop) cut into little matchsticks (or raw chicken or cooked pork or chicken)</p><p>3-1/2 tablespoons water;</p><p>1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil;</p><p>1 egg (not shown, but used);</p><p>1 teaspoon of pepper (white pepper was called for; I had black pepper);</p><p>6 cups chicken stock or a combination of stock and water to make 6 cups (I used pork stock and water);</p><p>1 can bamboo shoots (sliced in half lengthwise);</p><p>4 oz. shiitake mushrooms (or more), stems removed and caps sliced;</p><p>5 tablespoons Chinese black vinegar or 1 tablespoon wine vinegar and 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or more);</p><p>2 teaspoons chili oil; and</p><p>3 or 4 scallions, sliced to garnish.</p><p>And think about having some wonton strips or chow mein noodles on hand. We did not at dinner, but we bought some in time to add when we had the leftovers for lunch later on.</p><p>I had 1 lb. of tofu and I used it all, as I do not use tofu that often. The extra tofu was fine. I will use more mushrooms next time, and I may use cremini. I can't tell the difference between fancy and not so fancy mushrooms in cooking. I found, as I will speak about later on, that the amounts of soy sauce, vinegar and chili oil called for in the recipe were not enough for me. We added both soy sauce and vinegar at the table, and when I make the recipe again, I will add more on the stove. I had about 2 cups of cooked pork and also 1 quart of pork stock. So I used pork stock instead of chicken stock and got to 6 cups by adding some water. Using cooked meat shortened the prep time. I often use cooked protein in dishes like this that are not meat-centric. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhyphenhyphenpOCJuoJpsBMaXhOKiOQCNEspzVFbAx11IrKWw-1LtHPbJe516GO7pD7xFV7_mgiLiRgk8MBpc4GR68yDhdSaPMiBZTP5cA4eoZjQJd6Ciq4OszPjxT8d8os1g2xaVvXlQrYq0xGLe3OoHRa0Zwh8ovpZkHKTntRv_awBz6hHwI4-qij0wUN7UZFQg/s4032/IMG_3013.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhyphenhyphenpOCJuoJpsBMaXhOKiOQCNEspzVFbAx11IrKWw-1LtHPbJe516GO7pD7xFV7_mgiLiRgk8MBpc4GR68yDhdSaPMiBZTP5cA4eoZjQJd6Ciq4OszPjxT8d8os1g2xaVvXlQrYq0xGLe3OoHRa0Zwh8ovpZkHKTntRv_awBz6hHwI4-qij0wUN7UZFQg/w400-h300/IMG_3013.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>I started by opening the package of tofu and putting it on a paper-towel-lined plate. I put a piece of waxed paper on top of the tofu and then put a Dutch oven on top of that and lastly, the sugar canister in the Dutch oven. In other words, I weighed down the tofu so it would drain. I let the tofu sit for about 15 minutes. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhkLSZrspWvt5pgvDGAejUSHd2SVxK1XiVhyphenhyphentCu6L_xGzultwePnfK_6pE_z47_ef2X5H_wLnc_L-xJ-YfExTnrwQ_0q4zC7Wb9xSyw5Ezj6ni0GwTZkLCsyHW-_IUqC-44kN2zeX2oexdyVBxzfnYhSunH2DiwlMtZ7O6iMu3Cd_nGXpRWosukJmwdE/s4032/IMG_3014.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhkLSZrspWvt5pgvDGAejUSHd2SVxK1XiVhyphenhyphentCu6L_xGzultwePnfK_6pE_z47_ef2X5H_wLnc_L-xJ-YfExTnrwQ_0q4zC7Wb9xSyw5Ezj6ni0GwTZkLCsyHW-_IUqC-44kN2zeX2oexdyVBxzfnYhSunH2DiwlMtZ7O6iMu3Cd_nGXpRWosukJmwdE/w400-h300/IMG_3014.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>While the tofu drained, I made 3 different mixtures in 3 little bowls. </div><div><br /></div><div>I mixed 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and the toasted sesame oil in one bowl (the white bowl with blue circles). </div><div><br /></div><div>I think I will double this mixture next time. It seemed skimpy. </div><div><br /></div><div>I mixed 3 tablespoons of cornstarch and 3 tablespoons of water in the little white bowl with the red rim.</div><div><br /></div><div>I mixed the other 3 tablespoons of soy sauce with the chili oil, wine vinegar and balsamic vinegar and black pepper in the little pyrex bowl. I will use more of these ingredients next time too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Okay then there was one more little bowl - for the last 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch plus 1 teaspoon of water plus the egg, mixed together with a fork. </div><div><br /></div><div>And I sliced the shiitake mushroom caps and the scallions. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_m6T9yjLnpo5cHhrlOaUvyUq06GBeFLL03cDO5jer3c5CDurU3SVKF9_j37YfimirLdEhTBqm5bTFD7NB4N0MlSlldB7725T9qbgbwBysgVp9i5nPgz8A6x1zUw1knKvR1GP5tFdkRuiT5aYx6uNJ4qjUdIPJ4zMWL6xM4kRhokfU0St5HpAPwpmJDE/s4032/IMG_3015.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_m6T9yjLnpo5cHhrlOaUvyUq06GBeFLL03cDO5jer3c5CDurU3SVKF9_j37YfimirLdEhTBqm5bTFD7NB4N0MlSlldB7725T9qbgbwBysgVp9i5nPgz8A6x1zUw1knKvR1GP5tFdkRuiT5aYx6uNJ4qjUdIPJ4zMWL6xM4kRhokfU0St5HpAPwpmJDE/w300-h400/IMG_3015.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>The pork stock was frozen so I got it out of the plastic yogurt container and warmed it up in a big pan. </div><div><br /></div><div>(To get frozen stock out of a plastic quart container, turn it upside down in the sink (with the lid on!) and run cold or warm water over it. After a few minutes, it will loosen up enough to be dumped out (carefully) into a big pan.)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllCGZeOVZs1XqTA0NmuQ9YYjEDu9GQE1mPhDOG298Rie1D1sBmZacWxQMZoAPv4SQOPPTRsNuv6e2FLj7cn2zBJO7N4uA-66eIBb7kg2bsi_PMgwgLL3qUDnTTqAP6ZtzRsVVdAVS-6Jcn_3gTuPo0jFQ7N2NovQNN7h_4wQCVeAar9N_ziiMCiX8gMQ/s4032/IMG_3017.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllCGZeOVZs1XqTA0NmuQ9YYjEDu9GQE1mPhDOG298Rie1D1sBmZacWxQMZoAPv4SQOPPTRsNuv6e2FLj7cn2zBJO7N4uA-66eIBb7kg2bsi_PMgwgLL3qUDnTTqAP6ZtzRsVVdAVS-6Jcn_3gTuPo0jFQ7N2NovQNN7h_4wQCVeAar9N_ziiMCiX8gMQ/w300-h400/IMG_3017.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div>I shredded the pork and added it to the sauce in the white bowl. I let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes while I dealt with cutting up the tofu and started adding things to the stock. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYT8XQwzFcdJ_zl6OcSHdiNvwqILb5ZQv-xm0HCj8NLjmE-hBZFXO8lkW2lSY3Unr8dKSTy0O4qBXKHQZthpg2asWMnvguC8_QTybvpXT18vnG1GOgennHerTBh5vagQX6qnxQvFBOjz9WH4ZF5E08oQ7loVe37m6nbTKdoLPnQLxCi5AYlBSQZ4DbllI/s4032/IMG_3021.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYT8XQwzFcdJ_zl6OcSHdiNvwqILb5ZQv-xm0HCj8NLjmE-hBZFXO8lkW2lSY3Unr8dKSTy0O4qBXKHQZthpg2asWMnvguC8_QTybvpXT18vnG1GOgennHerTBh5vagQX6qnxQvFBOjz9WH4ZF5E08oQ7loVe37m6nbTKdoLPnQLxCi5AYlBSQZ4DbllI/w300-h400/IMG_3021.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>Here is the egg I forgot earlier.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihE2v4YFxu7a0yTWkDAEWKdZOeQ4HUGx_7ifu7uQ0ykz33VWFYhj5n0ghckm01R7FFDaHpCOhsiHL321MfGVfHp_CCEXO8v5VU7h34F1X5fzPwPPJaqKDL2SgKS4w6W_RHymWGqXwaludYqKZgLqg-cJd1ByAwwaF3tvd-Mko96ry-d3Y9li26H0ale_8/s4032/IMG_3022.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihE2v4YFxu7a0yTWkDAEWKdZOeQ4HUGx_7ifu7uQ0ykz33VWFYhj5n0ghckm01R7FFDaHpCOhsiHL321MfGVfHp_CCEXO8v5VU7h34F1X5fzPwPPJaqKDL2SgKS4w6W_RHymWGqXwaludYqKZgLqg-cJd1ByAwwaF3tvd-Mko96ry-d3Y9li26H0ale_8/w300-h400/IMG_3022.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>Once the tofu had drained, I cut it into 1/2" cubes (more or less). </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0D67Yg0Ht13FPofxYU0kjwEYmRBKsUzoOmtZ2UMVyUdKVGSgrcV4NcFi9lvHUAeS10zmWvLud8dFmVZjEeQ78hEem5ugttOdz_H_ViepBdokP32eAnMDXDRTpMdekDSzV4XyGTI83x2KwSIUGf7T2oXG14KxvQB7WHORlhOsN4HXm2WPZk-Dv-CR_1R8/s4032/IMG_3023.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0D67Yg0Ht13FPofxYU0kjwEYmRBKsUzoOmtZ2UMVyUdKVGSgrcV4NcFi9lvHUAeS10zmWvLud8dFmVZjEeQ78hEem5ugttOdz_H_ViepBdokP32eAnMDXDRTpMdekDSzV4XyGTI83x2KwSIUGf7T2oXG14KxvQB7WHORlhOsN4HXm2WPZk-Dv-CR_1R8/w400-h300/IMG_3023.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Once the stock melted, I added the water and then added the mushrooms and the bamboo shoots. I simmered the soup for about 5 minutes to soften the mushrooms a bit. </div><div><br /></div><div>Next I added the tofu and pork (with the little bit of sauce that the pork had been mixed with). </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYHMiGVitWAAU2L9jeYFiYm29HeeuMHij2azfwjDDHnF-ysPLbbFXeMiZJhGAFKTwDciT9osOGLxKMg_Z4hODqUDJXoCLEjlmLnvDLGo0eC5mfe0buUE9qHMBtZYjLkgIdFXgIZmNf5fJGiQtZVUIehjeQrAtnECNuyNPs-KIOcYrwTBKi6CDO4R4ZcU/s4032/IMG_3025.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYHMiGVitWAAU2L9jeYFiYm29HeeuMHij2azfwjDDHnF-ysPLbbFXeMiZJhGAFKTwDciT9osOGLxKMg_Z4hODqUDJXoCLEjlmLnvDLGo0eC5mfe0buUE9qHMBtZYjLkgIdFXgIZmNf5fJGiQtZVUIehjeQrAtnECNuyNPs-KIOcYrwTBKi6CDO4R4ZcU/w400-h300/IMG_3025.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>When the soup reached a simmer and had simmered for a couple of minutes, I stirred up the cornstarch/water mixture and added it. </div><div><br /></div><div>I turned the heat up a little (more than a simmer, less than a furious boil) and stirred the soup. </div><div><br /></div><div>The cornstarch mixture thickened the soup a bit. </div><div><br /></div><div>Next, I added the contents of the pyrex bowl - the mixture of soy sauce, vinegars, chili oil and pepper - and stirred it in.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjebpC5VhGr55_zeWCQIlWnlQSqCjympUPNGTTUMI0gb0vyH41fsPfkGbtdx13S3GRXOczgTxo_sb12bIflrjK4QuofoNacZlTqwkQ_MI3hHW-BGNoLkJJhXsui1vlbq_i4LsspestRGtLmea7Sr0odpe9_rIBnQ8C_RhyphenhyphenwxN6Qyn5Rg74_OgPdrPiTXxE/s4032/IMG_3027.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjebpC5VhGr55_zeWCQIlWnlQSqCjympUPNGTTUMI0gb0vyH41fsPfkGbtdx13S3GRXOczgTxo_sb12bIflrjK4QuofoNacZlTqwkQ_MI3hHW-BGNoLkJJhXsui1vlbq_i4LsspestRGtLmea7Sr0odpe9_rIBnQ8C_RhyphenhyphenwxN6Qyn5Rg74_OgPdrPiTXxE/w300-h400/IMG_3027.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>I cracked the egg into the tiny bowl with the bit of cornstarch and water. I took the soup off the stove and drizzled the egg in slowly to make what I guess could be called egg threads in the soup. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQWUoeB6V_RYKRM6Vkr4oHzJZtNTBgCDEMWOGDMf4wyMaFQg6WN_SrJVBIhhY4MgrVZPbC1kB6PfC4SRp4LW2kg-UembnbFbBxN_4yPMgEDX1OmQwXwgEeVvT-cyDIChC91KO-TnwRCGZdHt1fnZpc5_uHPNVhojI9IYpjg4gMAndilT1B0df4mMH08A/s4032/IMG_3029.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQWUoeB6V_RYKRM6Vkr4oHzJZtNTBgCDEMWOGDMf4wyMaFQg6WN_SrJVBIhhY4MgrVZPbC1kB6PfC4SRp4LW2kg-UembnbFbBxN_4yPMgEDX1OmQwXwgEeVvT-cyDIChC91KO-TnwRCGZdHt1fnZpc5_uHPNVhojI9IYpjg4gMAndilT1B0df4mMH08A/w400-h300/IMG_3029.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>On the table, garnished with some of the sliced scallions. As I said, I found it a bit bland, oddly enough, so we added soy sauce. </div><div><br /></div><div>When we reheated the leftover soup, we added a couple of tablespoons of vinegar (just plain cider vinegar) and soy sauce. And sprinkled some chow mein noodles in as well. </div><div><br /></div><div>Although a bit bland, that was fixable and the soup was good. It took maybe 30 to 40 minutes to make. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Happy New Year. Let me remind you of my grandmother's views on the menu for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day: chicken on New Year's Eve and pork on New Year's Day. It's a way to accomplish "out with the old and in with the new." My grandmother said that the chicken scratches back - pushing last year firmly into the past. And the pig pushes ahead (with its snout) - moving forward into the new year. </div><div><br /></div><div>My grandmother often made chicken paprikash on NYE (the recipe is on the kitchen blog somewhere), and that's what I will do. She had several different pork dishes - spareribs and sauerkraut, for one. I will make somwthing simpler: a small pork loin roast, with sweet potatoes with yogurt and spinach with scallions on the side. I figure we need all the help we can get to push past 2023 and into 2024. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Odds and Ends</span></b></p><p>Unusual products...in the grocery store. Sometimes I think this could be an entire topic.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_GWbUNamox_4Tj1yDsZFyKCPPCuXFEl4CIHczou5Dc7ODyVw6QxozMB9OpcTbiTTzYA_RNdJ0EbEIDK84alTLX3humsm1L2Rnv39YKEqQHQqpdCgEmCHAV-YKqsKo3HpB7I5t6ivXFLdLHnxQv_05OoFvXhBEd5qvWa_8m_-rOx-kFB6sBQwcB6p3xQ/s4032/IMG_3061.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_GWbUNamox_4Tj1yDsZFyKCPPCuXFEl4CIHczou5Dc7ODyVw6QxozMB9OpcTbiTTzYA_RNdJ0EbEIDK84alTLX3humsm1L2Rnv39YKEqQHQqpdCgEmCHAV-YKqsKo3HpB7I5t6ivXFLdLHnxQv_05OoFvXhBEd5qvWa_8m_-rOx-kFB6sBQwcB6p3xQ/w400-h300/IMG_3061.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>I challenge you to find any product in your grocery store that is more odd than this.<br /><p><br /></p><p>The Chicken nuggets were in shapes. Including shapes of dinosaurs and letters of the alphabet.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>December is almost behind us.</p><p>What a roller coaster.</p><p>Those 3-4 days around Christmas, when the temperatures stayed above 40 for the entire time, was what really woke up the garden. On the chart you can see the lines for normal highs and lows.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6xxSNYvi7XGwwKJ5kB6S5gbtHPsc1jwr3RokO0M7Baji0UYaUybiV_XZzMoRo2AW2vCkmYXIK0f-aj6wBRtz-uL9189J7i-SW_YUfwoozslAgzOluFjaKBXOUt-79vz3CyXxidVsX-oUBoa02zA7JoRj2IY8JwDXIkxMfIXXjaDE57W7KZHoMg39548/s1024/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-30%20at%206.05.11%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1024" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6xxSNYvi7XGwwKJ5kB6S5gbtHPsc1jwr3RokO0M7Baji0UYaUybiV_XZzMoRo2AW2vCkmYXIK0f-aj6wBRtz-uL9189J7i-SW_YUfwoozslAgzOluFjaKBXOUt-79vz3CyXxidVsX-oUBoa02zA7JoRj2IY8JwDXIkxMfIXXjaDE57W7KZHoMg39548/w640-h376/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-30%20at%206.05.11%20AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>There was also the fact that it rained. Actually it gently rained all day on Crhistmas. Look at this chart.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVqA709I4JQhm1myxiHpmo0SRS3JJsqE6iOIWgilmiedG4QtWDwCoyrKG65THTbFv0wt-hgFDxBCEdFySAroW6YkT3PDbiVf08t6jSeqSRhNlD7ifo11tt_FnEMJSF4IhJL0iCuohJZCWzxDfcvGqnguJTB90zAZf7uu9Ua0Nj7fej7iJM4wX5RXPP8-k/s1058/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-31%20at%205.16.48%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="1058" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVqA709I4JQhm1myxiHpmo0SRS3JJsqE6iOIWgilmiedG4QtWDwCoyrKG65THTbFv0wt-hgFDxBCEdFySAroW6YkT3PDbiVf08t6jSeqSRhNlD7ifo11tt_FnEMJSF4IhJL0iCuohJZCWzxDfcvGqnguJTB90zAZf7uu9Ua0Nj7fej7iJM4wX5RXPP8-k/w400-h249/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-31%20at%205.16.48%20AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>For the first time in a long time, we had slightly more rain in December than normal.</div><div>I checked, looking at this same extension service webcite. The last month, for us, with normal or more rain was February, 2023. We had more than an inch of rain on February 27. That was the rare event.</div><div>We finished the year (so far) with 24 inches, where 35 is normal.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><p><br /></p><p>There are only 82 days until official spring. (March 21.) If the cold time of the year is from November through February, we are half way done. </p><p>62 days until March 1. </p><p>A federal judge just (at least for the moment) put a hold on the legislative ban on certain books in public schools. That is another piece of the Florida agenda that the Republicans in Iowa seem intent on adopting.</p><p>The Republican governor of Ohio just vetoed a bill being bad to trans youth. Every once in a while the sun shines through the clouds.</p><p>World news is depressing. </p><p>We have two more weeks of advertising for Republican's getting ready for the Iowa caucuses. Here is something odd. Political ads for Republican candidates are all over the TV. Yesterday we watched most of the Iowa women's basketball game on TV. I do not recall seeing one add. I guess they know their selected audience. </p><p>Pray for peace. </p><p>Find kind things to do.</p><p>Maybe, just maybe, think about planting some seeds.</p><p>Philip</p></div></div>philip Mearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04384629201161240341noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509434911388799.post-73164244465449399052023-12-24T06:13:00.001-06:002023-12-24T06:15:06.017-06:00December 24, 2023- Week #5- Happy Holidays<p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>It is dark, but the days are getting longer. Daylight today will be 9 hours, nine minutes and 27 seconds. That is 14 seconds longer than Wednesday, which was the solstice. By the end of the month we will get to 9:12:27. Not exactly numbers that would have you change your schedule.</p><p>In Iowa City here is a surprise: it is unseasonably warm. Friday was a day that felt so different. There was light rain, most of the day. (We have been in a drought.) I even had to find the umbrella, several times. We officially had .39 of an inch of rain. The predicted highs for the next three days will be in the 50's. More important for the garden, the lows will not go below 40. Things are waking up. </p><p>Wait. Wait. It is just December. Go back to sleep. I guess it does not work that way.</p><p>One of the first bulbs to surface always is the colchicum. That is the fall crocus that is not really a crocus. </p><p>It has been my experience that early emerging bubs are not really hurt by showing up early.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8rzazWST3ZgEXObJncjxB13xwGHyNYADW9tRzpDFQZ0kDS7eGkDfYlZhRI2lZSxt-Qb0YcDT08VX1L3rR3vbWlxsMOg6zpC7nrG5Tm1JE2uw5gsDSuPoh8yLxfErbUtBAOpImNI3sY8bL_dMWMo7DsWh1pQApP1TccJkvYCYdS6QiaoauhAk-wOXSVM/s3024/IMG_2938.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2586" data-original-width="3024" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8rzazWST3ZgEXObJncjxB13xwGHyNYADW9tRzpDFQZ0kDS7eGkDfYlZhRI2lZSxt-Qb0YcDT08VX1L3rR3vbWlxsMOg6zpC7nrG5Tm1JE2uw5gsDSuPoh8yLxfErbUtBAOpImNI3sY8bL_dMWMo7DsWh1pQApP1TccJkvYCYdS6QiaoauhAk-wOXSVM/w640-h548/IMG_2938.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Last week in the contest</b></span></p><p>As they say, there was no contest. The purple Siberian Iris led all the way, staying close to 50% mark the entire week. Any picture that gets close to that number is likely to be seeded. The top three winners over the 13 weeks get seeded. That is to ensure that those pictures do not face another seeded picture in the 3 weeks of playoffs. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEy1-mR59xgWwDevvgi7OtjZ4oOcIktXoFlxiZ7IP52cPMLK9068Xh0_fYdjsY74kFj6DucWfsRzHik9f6YzLC47MZQYiEtO1cH4g7ClaCM-JA3oEbWvpGb9sEINtKt4mRBYqyDp9FIeE98zpTM0g08b0X1oaPDtNBeoqnax_0uFtLQkTko2YBS0mlWsM/s3229/IMG_0755.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2535" data-original-width="3229" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEy1-mR59xgWwDevvgi7OtjZ4oOcIktXoFlxiZ7IP52cPMLK9068Xh0_fYdjsY74kFj6DucWfsRzHik9f6YzLC47MZQYiEtO1cH4g7ClaCM-JA3oEbWvpGb9sEINtKt4mRBYqyDp9FIeE98zpTM0g08b0X1oaPDtNBeoqnax_0uFtLQkTko2YBS0mlWsM/w640-h502/IMG_0755.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>That deep purple is a wonderful color. <div>We will see if a striking color picture wins this week.</div><div>I do wonder why people like one picture over another. Is it color? Or a fondness for a particular plant, which you might have in your garden.</div><div>This past week for eample I voted for the zinnia. I actually liked the somewhat unusual color in a flower-green.</div><div>I do appreciate when you tell me your thoughts.<br /><p>The full vote was</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglG2K7QefhE64rlsxDXuYINjbW50wm7xl27sTQrv15QGEYklO-3QeuMuM8iezacTm3lIw1NqULpzUodvHtEeMF2nVwn3CScdtwFfFd0-z1eDpgUrAC1Tbbq_sy3rzGqafdcfJ5hfdvmnk9B6idjFBDYekrnYLaxzFVxs0za8fo4y2fGjHFXCnTbATeypI/s317/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-24%20at%205.32.51%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="271" data-original-width="317" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglG2K7QefhE64rlsxDXuYINjbW50wm7xl27sTQrv15QGEYklO-3QeuMuM8iezacTm3lIw1NqULpzUodvHtEeMF2nVwn3CScdtwFfFd0-z1eDpgUrAC1Tbbq_sy3rzGqafdcfJ5hfdvmnk9B6idjFBDYekrnYLaxzFVxs0za8fo4y2fGjHFXCnTbATeypI/s1600/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-24%20at%205.32.51%20AM.png" width="317" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">This Week which is week #5</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#1 Twin Leaf </span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">April 13, 2023</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9l2oJRbKtHZ8JSRfLSuzqysuie36iuBP0vnw3qIYTK36uV8kyzCi1FpCIfuklOujoUmjVIxbjPLr4fQpRR2QavFNeJFg9RBSY-db2OvcB2Bv5hSYb8sdv7t2cBT19taz8wmPKKFZmCh67MdmgmN1pPq9ml7cFLQGKAOs2LkKLuPi94Gfl38SKxBjeumo/s4032/IMG_0122.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9l2oJRbKtHZ8JSRfLSuzqysuie36iuBP0vnw3qIYTK36uV8kyzCi1FpCIfuklOujoUmjVIxbjPLr4fQpRR2QavFNeJFg9RBSY-db2OvcB2Bv5hSYb8sdv7t2cBT19taz8wmPKKFZmCh67MdmgmN1pPq9ml7cFLQGKAOs2LkKLuPi94Gfl38SKxBjeumo/w640-h480/IMG_0122.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Twin leaf is also known as Jeffersonia. That is the genus.</div><div>It is a wildflower, native to the eastern part of this country. For what it is worth Wikipedia says it is protected by some state laws, as an endangered species. Wiki said that included Iowa. I have no idea which plants are so classified in Iowa. I will have to investigate.</div><div>Twinleaf is rather uncommon. I have never seen it in the wild. I bought two plants at least 10 years ago. I planted them in two places in the backyard. It flourished where it go more sun, which happens to be in a raised bed.</div><div>It spreads by underground rhyzomes. I think it also spreads by seed.</div><div>The flower looks a little like bloodroot, which is readily found in the wild in Iowa, in the spring. </div><div>In fact it blooms right about the time bloodrot blooms.</div><div>The flowers are short lived. </div><div>The shape of the leaf gives it the name.</div><div>See the bonus section.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#2 Anemone Blanda </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">April 11, 2023</span></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu19icSn_0vpjAYQWHnlOe-EkuqyJNzhsrXUhaD-spFzBA61yytqVrZq3gbCiEiJrcdmgQR-knliHB2gbXPqgU7hxZB_88GaboJt1wbvrA6UuYvBGbx3yZ_bgsu0QMvGL3TmCt6Ag8QI5bVIFcbj6GI-GtE2RVDg5j75EGRBBzv3tUdDc-xEaL0HX-DNc/s3024/IMG_0080.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2126" data-original-width="3024" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu19icSn_0vpjAYQWHnlOe-EkuqyJNzhsrXUhaD-spFzBA61yytqVrZq3gbCiEiJrcdmgQR-knliHB2gbXPqgU7hxZB_88GaboJt1wbvrA6UuYvBGbx3yZ_bgsu0QMvGL3TmCt6Ag8QI5bVIFcbj6GI-GtE2RVDg5j75EGRBBzv3tUdDc-xEaL0HX-DNc/w640-h450/IMG_0080.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love how this plant, named blanda, is purple. Apparently blanda can also mean "mild or charming."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is in the genus Anemone. The spring bulb come from eastern Europe, through the Balkans.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It comes in several colors, including white and pink.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#3 Lupine glory </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">May 19, 2023</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUa0PHzGYSj6CavV5Bf6VanuNN9Qv3omn5ZTwmBt7LndVr90e0WO3w3BbXinxKpyD7XHPZchamkAyyi6rYYHTfw5oOCcQkODjfDUm0u5DQLSItNqpmeptK_o1s3t97a6QS_30JGJqGC5gWScDwmH7cw0N2NK1dDdVof57XH4D8fvEhai_9OtmI_RMHvNA/s3423/IMG_0678.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2759" data-original-width="3423" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUa0PHzGYSj6CavV5Bf6VanuNN9Qv3omn5ZTwmBt7LndVr90e0WO3w3BbXinxKpyD7XHPZchamkAyyi6rYYHTfw5oOCcQkODjfDUm0u5DQLSItNqpmeptK_o1s3t97a6QS_30JGJqGC5gWScDwmH7cw0N2NK1dDdVof57XH4D8fvEhai_9OtmI_RMHvNA/w640-h516/IMG_0678.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I had difficulty deciding whether to select this picture for the contest. If I had some fancy photoshop program, maybe I could erase the utility poles. But I wanted to convey the glory of these lupines. A picture of a single plant or flower was just not going to do it.</div><div><br /></div><div>As you will see in the bonus section I took a lot of lupine pictures this year. It was a good year for lupines. That means the temperatures did not get hot in May and June.</div><div>Like many plants you can reach a tipping point. That means you have enough plants that they will self seed and take care of maintaining their numbers or actually spreading. I think about pulmonaria as another example. </div><div>The main thing about lupines is that you should not think of them as perennials. They will winter over but not really last more than 2-3 years. I suppose the expression tender perennials applies.</div><div>Each year there are new seedlings. That is in part because I do not deadhead until the seeds have come open and spread in the immediate vicinity. I also grow them from seeds, inside starting in January. I will try for several dozen new plants each year. I put them on the sale table (for the food pantries) and plant those that do not sell.</div><div>What else to say?</div><div>They like sun. In April and May the mature trees in the yard do not stop the sun. In particular the Sycamore tree in the backyard is perhaps the last tree to leaf out. (It is also the last tree to drop its leaves in the fall.)</div><div>Lupinus is the genus.</div><div>There is a bush lupine. The Botanical Garden in Dubuque has one. One more reason to visit that marvelous garden.</div><div>We see the wildflower when we visit the Rocky Mountains. </div><div>Many of the varieties we grow are called Russell hybrids.</div><div>They are named for George Russell, a British gardener who lived from 1857-1951. He began his work with lupines in his 50's.</div><div>He created plants with better colors and taller spikes.</div><div>Here is wikipedia</div><div><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Russell_(horticulturist)">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Russell_(horticulturist)</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#4 Pink Shirleys </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>June 10, 2023</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZXQJOg73WxEUCZmBhbQMuxIj1UygUlzImLh7FxZJZUTSxxFYxMP-zwRSBc8Il84VaD0nYl8IU5RIq7jIkLhRbmBaBkDTBqNhdV_Jo5fq0QLL_lLL0kpyQbHAMyTzfbVGTysxL2mieSxIO8MasbfjTnhJYcMS9RgvryU1-Ik-i9obuH7IRzKC9yp5Yqs/s4032/IMG_0922.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZXQJOg73WxEUCZmBhbQMuxIj1UygUlzImLh7FxZJZUTSxxFYxMP-zwRSBc8Il84VaD0nYl8IU5RIq7jIkLhRbmBaBkDTBqNhdV_Jo5fq0QLL_lLL0kpyQbHAMyTzfbVGTysxL2mieSxIO8MasbfjTnhJYcMS9RgvryU1-Ik-i9obuH7IRzKC9yp5Yqs/w640-h480/IMG_0922.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>These plants look like crepe paper.</div><div>When I think about what plants to start inside I think of lupines and Shirley poppies. </div><div>The seed pod is actually kind of nice in the lower right.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#5 Amaryllis group </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>June 16, 2023</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnji5QG6EjV91tgZWKfzm3lwMhRuh5aeYWbUbSDXpwk_UBXFPVss9WAdzHlUh2NpCSEy77j01fhlx3avpiIWVQezBIZwkE4sO_QkcJRjyD9mqHzz9VQ7novRDt7PQP_FRS8koDj2WEGSYTZgR_B1gRs2wHn8BEjehOTUkueBzQwwxISYBK50OZ79cxNA/s4032/IMG_1045.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnji5QG6EjV91tgZWKfzm3lwMhRuh5aeYWbUbSDXpwk_UBXFPVss9WAdzHlUh2NpCSEy77j01fhlx3avpiIWVQezBIZwkE4sO_QkcJRjyD9mqHzz9VQ7novRDt7PQP_FRS8koDj2WEGSYTZgR_B1gRs2wHn8BEjehOTUkueBzQwwxISYBK50OZ79cxNA/w640-h480/IMG_1045.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>What is there to say about amaryllis. I have many bulbs which I fattened up over the summer. They are quietly resting in a cloet in the basement. They want cool and dark.</p><p>My idea is to keep them dormant, all winter if possible. Then they come out and a remarkable number send up buds and will bloom in the spring. This group shows what I was trying to do.</p><p>They can only go outside once the danger of frost is over.</p><p>Amaryllis facts:</p><p>Hold onto your hats - this is a big one.</p><p>All those plants that are called Amaryllis - are not really in the genus Amaryllis. In that genus are the belledona lilies and what are called naked ladies. Actually the surprise lilies that come up pink in August are in the Amaryllis family, but in the genus lycoris.</p><p>Confused? What is sold as 'amaryllis' in the grocery stores, along with many bulb catalogs, are plants in the genus Hippeastrum. Guess what? Hippeastrum are in the family 'amaryllis.'</p><p>True amaryllis come from South Africa. Hippeastrum come from South America.</p><p>Amaryllis are suppose to like a dormancy period, usually after they have absorbed lots of sun and fertilizer over the summer. That said, I have read that they will rebloom if left in a sunny room over the winter. I have had that happen, even though I do not make it a practice.</p><p>See the bonus section for what I did with my amaryllis over the summer.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bonus pictures</b></span></p><p><b>Lupines</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Here is a Slideshow. Including the music takes up a lot of space. I never quite know how many pictures I can include which will then upload to the blog. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz3ZuD2vHO-rB_08O_g37PlNpIb5qui9f-Zv3aKDwCD_skHnrUmBLRFctoLpYbGx_bG6G0hJjKcoHPo3sCj' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p>Here are some of the individual pictures.</p><p>The plants really are hardy. Many are still green right now.</p><p>They are one of the first perennials to show up in the Spring.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbj-3BAf689p-b_PpuT_vwcAbtdxW_auW3j8ljdSbSNx6FrYTwwiKd8j-SlgqYxpBz7Rf6JzdQbnk78pEskybQ53_ZyVNqNjO4wYftAh2QiQ81UjsexXKbqVdQ89hb-RBcrECVGReoD8dkXyFoFYLsebOScJrJDoz1pPFws9eeEnqg4uWhokUKUAcRIc/s4032/IMG_0239.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbj-3BAf689p-b_PpuT_vwcAbtdxW_auW3j8ljdSbSNx6FrYTwwiKd8j-SlgqYxpBz7Rf6JzdQbnk78pEskybQ53_ZyVNqNjO4wYftAh2QiQ81UjsexXKbqVdQ89hb-RBcrECVGReoD8dkXyFoFYLsebOScJrJDoz1pPFws9eeEnqg4uWhokUKUAcRIc/w480-h640/IMG_0239.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April 22, 2023</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The yellow background for many of these pictures is a litte euphorbia called cyprus spurge. It spreads quite well but can be weeded out. For that reason I do not think of it as invasive. Vigorous is a better word choice for me.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23N89D_1-_0t-N030NkO5287yGGe_9BVm-VoRuVIhDEpfCeuw4BhuMq8i5m8z5Ruld489OYQT-yF6FlM8agDdAoHNu4WV-KUO34hSr_6wBHfC4jD7HATRk8gQ6Cm_xhOvQxxRHQxpRdx9BkqLKzh5o3laxzMs7prIZ00asygdgSvZbhms2HZbrXFHPRE/s4032/IMG_0655.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23N89D_1-_0t-N030NkO5287yGGe_9BVm-VoRuVIhDEpfCeuw4BhuMq8i5m8z5Ruld489OYQT-yF6FlM8agDdAoHNu4WV-KUO34hSr_6wBHfC4jD7HATRk8gQ6Cm_xhOvQxxRHQxpRdx9BkqLKzh5o3laxzMs7prIZ00asygdgSvZbhms2HZbrXFHPRE/w480-h640/IMG_0655.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2UN1Klz3c1yv_uihSW_1UzyXoJBT2pxpfnEAEgEarlxjAEOp904wmH04Fwb_ijEuJ0ZMX7xR5mGbC_4OLT14SooVYGQWNXXDB8KoxB_BFo68A3djCAmK8XJcWzMM_JHFQt1Me7Y-usbStzSTBsqMw48LKw8P7k8oXJPfxQLSsgj7eY4woowEMc6rC4c/s3423/IMG_0678.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2759" data-original-width="3423" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2UN1Klz3c1yv_uihSW_1UzyXoJBT2pxpfnEAEgEarlxjAEOp904wmH04Fwb_ijEuJ0ZMX7xR5mGbC_4OLT14SooVYGQWNXXDB8KoxB_BFo68A3djCAmK8XJcWzMM_JHFQt1Me7Y-usbStzSTBsqMw48LKw8P7k8oXJPfxQLSsgj7eY4woowEMc6rC4c/w640-h516/IMG_0678.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Lupine flower stems can get quite long. A heavy rain will knock them over. The fact it did not rain much in May helped the lupine show.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmLK9oH4UYsbE9g4YE-CEPMHywAP3l63NmDKd7dOEJhan_EliGv9qqyFuAXFr2vXzFk45rpfkhbBb3yf9st9fg-ucv3zGljpPby_RkdZt2k_tEn66VCuVsgV_kWfe08cWsRGkN6dNedETFTyA3QpH8QpAFrpJn3yLDq479bUPuz0mo1Mci3OLMSfmt88/s3230/IMG_0685.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3230" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmLK9oH4UYsbE9g4YE-CEPMHywAP3l63NmDKd7dOEJhan_EliGv9qqyFuAXFr2vXzFk45rpfkhbBb3yf9st9fg-ucv3zGljpPby_RkdZt2k_tEn66VCuVsgV_kWfe08cWsRGkN6dNedETFTyA3QpH8QpAFrpJn3yLDq479bUPuz0mo1Mci3OLMSfmt88/w600-h640/IMG_0685.jpeg" width="600" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIK30p5y8xrwGJMgVmuXwVDJeu_biKUiqBxvgflQZwkA7vreMzblGQ-uNfMOrn50TFKpnNxL4z8tAZgijMObgdg6Jq-sUgE6BGAu5C_Mz0miMiJzBnWX3BoKG1JJz2p-C8HaQpt8wFPnYoIZGNo4RqVKyaEGBVeX-qy6XFf5KRmrSM0Ot7V3esrKB6COE/s4032/IMG_0732.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIK30p5y8xrwGJMgVmuXwVDJeu_biKUiqBxvgflQZwkA7vreMzblGQ-uNfMOrn50TFKpnNxL4z8tAZgijMObgdg6Jq-sUgE6BGAu5C_Mz0miMiJzBnWX3BoKG1JJz2p-C8HaQpt8wFPnYoIZGNo4RqVKyaEGBVeX-qy6XFf5KRmrSM0Ot7V3esrKB6COE/w480-h640/IMG_0732.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-Z64ZX1inwz8x2llNZe3juiL2dfd-EO1ZrExsuyXqGXRydutDMqULe4LHSiaga7aKGAFKiCHC-PeqzRVPzOa5zp8Cvmm59OeqrHYxXw1nZu3i3ArM-ColhrK7lZQjHIdNrWARzRgKWcVY2nKt0VgGkjqF_Y1_xvn7_5H1IziwW_0Gkh7FtDRBw_f-s4/s4032/IMG_0745.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-Z64ZX1inwz8x2llNZe3juiL2dfd-EO1ZrExsuyXqGXRydutDMqULe4LHSiaga7aKGAFKiCHC-PeqzRVPzOa5zp8Cvmm59OeqrHYxXw1nZu3i3ArM-ColhrK7lZQjHIdNrWARzRgKWcVY2nKt0VgGkjqF_Y1_xvn7_5H1IziwW_0Gkh7FtDRBw_f-s4/w480-h640/IMG_0745.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdezt4oHCy9Qss6guRGU3Ao5O2eH8EmC2XygcvwIt7xh7gKxE8eFvCDMddWMmtQAVutDis7PahL_45t2Ay0IdWbbX4-r4dicjZU0CPlcYFk_zF-QD7Al10LVr6iO6_Eknv-QDZBe0dGpRhahBOI447TGrw8VU6_vXLc5KVoQsIvBin6WqIekv4vCz7U0/s4032/IMG_9938.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdezt4oHCy9Qss6guRGU3Ao5O2eH8EmC2XygcvwIt7xh7gKxE8eFvCDMddWMmtQAVutDis7PahL_45t2Ay0IdWbbX4-r4dicjZU0CPlcYFk_zF-QD7Al10LVr6iO6_Eknv-QDZBe0dGpRhahBOI447TGrw8VU6_vXLc5KVoQsIvBin6WqIekv4vCz7U0/w640-h480/IMG_9938.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 30, 2023</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><b>Colchicum pictures</b></p><p>This picture is from one of the bulbs that does come up very early in the spring.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BIF4_GBuFvfs2qFeuXgAqsNtew9LJ89WzdMtMY0ZxdQ0G0xpWhur9vtUk1tK__kb2iTb544jjuRdELU0xEExRtv-Z3a0mopjJKZkDlpEaqepli5mWBew_JgZRXqA_AaI72nl5oDKBitMMGh0dAYEkwUxXfFTguHQ-OvjUw-bgCGgc4wboXPxcHS9okA/s4032/IMG_2045.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BIF4_GBuFvfs2qFeuXgAqsNtew9LJ89WzdMtMY0ZxdQ0G0xpWhur9vtUk1tK__kb2iTb544jjuRdELU0xEExRtv-Z3a0mopjJKZkDlpEaqepli5mWBew_JgZRXqA_AaI72nl5oDKBitMMGh0dAYEkwUxXfFTguHQ-OvjUw-bgCGgc4wboXPxcHS9okA/w480-h640/IMG_2045.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZ8tcFlEqptBOtC28IU285fQ2PO_j_I_2MEONywruJSRgf5bKhYHPvhQuEw9vvmDGuiQddT69PcXOAXrgSM6LyRogafERUg-o4PxAyhkEAoSaE7ttmWXW8-8Xjn3ibH1ep1OwW1SY1p6YAOoWGV_buu9Q4T20XT9yDlzQJTNMMfA66i44hcFKT-UEln0/s4032/IMG_2053.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZ8tcFlEqptBOtC28IU285fQ2PO_j_I_2MEONywruJSRgf5bKhYHPvhQuEw9vvmDGuiQddT69PcXOAXrgSM6LyRogafERUg-o4PxAyhkEAoSaE7ttmWXW8-8Xjn3ibH1ep1OwW1SY1p6YAOoWGV_buu9Q4T20XT9yDlzQJTNMMfA66i44hcFKT-UEln0/w480-h640/IMG_2053.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><b>Anemones</b></p><p>These were the white ones from several years ago.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPiVLwpfwwqopu-E2YDC8Blq6IM39jZfds2xsrgPFfES9IbWwSEJsNjSkiAvNFr3De437edVy59Ab5dFGJj3Lm3EoNlZUanVvWtYSJUuvd_piuOVZDK0uTeb0_79Z3BBOG6VnvonU42aWveZwBDdWY9uCOB2Ad8qto9qJ3TFbR7QsPqHH-Xj2umpjkccE/s3381/IMG_6611.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2484" data-original-width="3381" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPiVLwpfwwqopu-E2YDC8Blq6IM39jZfds2xsrgPFfES9IbWwSEJsNjSkiAvNFr3De437edVy59Ab5dFGJj3Lm3EoNlZUanVvWtYSJUuvd_piuOVZDK0uTeb0_79Z3BBOG6VnvonU42aWveZwBDdWY9uCOB2Ad8qto9qJ3TFbR7QsPqHH-Xj2umpjkccE/s320/IMG_6611.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><b>Amaryllis, which really should be called Hippeastrum.</b></p><p>I have had several dozen amaryllis for years. A year ago a person in Iowa City contacted me about amaryllis she had retrieved from her father. He had grown and hybridized amaryllis for years. They had grown to be too much for him to care for. She wanted to know if I would like a bunch. </p><p>So I got 50-75 bulbs from her. I stored them for the winter with my other ones.</p><p>In the spring I planted all of them at the City garden plot we have rented for 3 years.</p><p>This video is from July. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxPhnATgdw7-0dcLKDmCq7YNf3RfQd5LGT8ZquyRPqngj0GwxK_gh6cxEfsT7arudrJXSSAIUoMRKWt0HrO' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p><br /></p><p>The City plots are fenced to keep out deer and other critters. It gets full sun, and as of 2023, has a water source right there. In fact the water is maybe 20 feet from my plot. I just brought over my crinkly hose when needed. </p><p>Here was the harvest.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWADjIdHoCUMGg8E776QIHVYrchLCbbdiCvjkiB39AFeSzaWZahFogweJKfdKAhA0wj20_TfOkdI7-sYR1Jemk_Fi4sTQxJBZvb3HS7azixJopqKkLqTJh39xrJUk12Cj2snnWVrL3iC_8Jrdmd8ZDnuWVliUn7j9h-1WI8w4QM88uqUmQ8yU68zchqI/s4032/IMG_2513.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWADjIdHoCUMGg8E776QIHVYrchLCbbdiCvjkiB39AFeSzaWZahFogweJKfdKAhA0wj20_TfOkdI7-sYR1Jemk_Fi4sTQxJBZvb3HS7azixJopqKkLqTJh39xrJUk12Cj2snnWVrL3iC_8Jrdmd8ZDnuWVliUn7j9h-1WI8w4QM88uqUmQ8yU68zchqI/w640-h480/IMG_2513.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQRa-q3J_lpjQ_YYsgfrFCiY8cMn-Xp6Zg7y5LCgSMwZBOOyleGqM2S5MYLF9srYZX9C9m4VTEFhlX2ScuPH3fXZQxikkeAJ5u_HW5V_eSrvpDgkBkVvVRonv6FNDv69aXT0SbUth6jkWOfJIUfOuKRo7cEQxFnSgYBUlwRYjgdGUjed-FE6wI-Ms6gA/s4032/IMG_2514.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQRa-q3J_lpjQ_YYsgfrFCiY8cMn-Xp6Zg7y5LCgSMwZBOOyleGqM2S5MYLF9srYZX9C9m4VTEFhlX2ScuPH3fXZQxikkeAJ5u_HW5V_eSrvpDgkBkVvVRonv6FNDv69aXT0SbUth6jkWOfJIUfOuKRo7cEQxFnSgYBUlwRYjgdGUjed-FE6wI-Ms6gA/w640-h480/IMG_2514.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>All these are now stored in boxes with peat moss in between. They have had no water since October when they were brought in.</p><p>Remarkably some will actually break dormancy on their own in winter. It is necessary to peek in at them every few weeks.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Twinleaf</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vyPT0-Sk8mE5NZka6aUDmYGnWyapZgtOF6k3CXc5vy6LlCDo5NZKWZ4FS4atZ39bp2WsUcpXa2ZrZaPMPLraUHBAltcpXnJnzYorQHHZoJDYJnjHqyxQhB9nkmbjn_zQ5Dy8NF1UIFS-oMPHBAszU0ZlZUOGAU1kgilwOq99OU1ffqye4QS8soGw71k/s4032/IMG_1218.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vyPT0-Sk8mE5NZka6aUDmYGnWyapZgtOF6k3CXc5vy6LlCDo5NZKWZ4FS4atZ39bp2WsUcpXa2ZrZaPMPLraUHBAltcpXnJnzYorQHHZoJDYJnjHqyxQhB9nkmbjn_zQ5Dy8NF1UIFS-oMPHBAszU0ZlZUOGAU1kgilwOq99OU1ffqye4QS8soGw71k/w640-h480/IMG_1218.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYXvgss_o-sodppfgiyl5u7teU87sUKDY8pgV8xF0nHfcDEG5j1vkRjCsQdq18G6y0g4wI8rOaijcgkva3AeWqZmKJLPka6eB6DPK97kD4tdo-m0spdux-LAqQOPtnykPQxv_Tkehw3ik4bNi4GnyvySIdRuQLBcJ-ys5Abb37ajkbzLsimTpNnmQzr0/s4032/IMG_2833.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYXvgss_o-sodppfgiyl5u7teU87sUKDY8pgV8xF0nHfcDEG5j1vkRjCsQdq18G6y0g4wI8rOaijcgkva3AeWqZmKJLPka6eB6DPK97kD4tdo-m0spdux-LAqQOPtnykPQxv_Tkehw3ik4bNi4GnyvySIdRuQLBcJ-ys5Abb37ajkbzLsimTpNnmQzr0/w480-h640/IMG_2833.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnKkaE5l1iV6Afw6vhBS0jkk4yn7MAHF3EwERnzzk2Bd6uEMcmyvjoq8J7hJ-6Z6Bg4alvVMY5scQsEAmv67zeiESxLzkNBI6e58tDr7g6Kk9ppwQUPBVymmFR0Z8zjFRmpf58N3VA2_sWAU6ibL_-Tz6M7mBXvqwPP2s1-atNO-NOszxEwrkoEyVLzg/s4032/IMG_0123.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnKkaE5l1iV6Afw6vhBS0jkk4yn7MAHF3EwERnzzk2Bd6uEMcmyvjoq8J7hJ-6Z6Bg4alvVMY5scQsEAmv67zeiESxLzkNBI6e58tDr7g6Kk9ppwQUPBVymmFR0Z8zjFRmpf58N3VA2_sWAU6ibL_-Tz6M7mBXvqwPP2s1-atNO-NOszxEwrkoEyVLzg/w640-h480/IMG_0123.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>You can see the seed pods in this picture.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQLmqPwKY5B4eAPQGyHeE-bw9aWtwjW0lmBC0ienHA54skKOEwrZGaLXsmqAD-pRynjU-Gg5CnNglWJk4Ka2kXq5qQS2BxVKkijQjQIJdw4zHkJ-HFyFhBzV-JSJPsArJ6wTUuCBFW2Y8I0vbaxTX_Xmvsv5ZztMCjZ86etf7e0h2i2BREvTA5TL8W4o/s4032/IMG_0143.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQLmqPwKY5B4eAPQGyHeE-bw9aWtwjW0lmBC0ienHA54skKOEwrZGaLXsmqAD-pRynjU-Gg5CnNglWJk4Ka2kXq5qQS2BxVKkijQjQIJdw4zHkJ-HFyFhBzV-JSJPsArJ6wTUuCBFW2Y8I0vbaxTX_Xmvsv5ZztMCjZ86etf7e0h2i2BREvTA5TL8W4o/w480-h640/IMG_0143.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Right Now</b></p><p>Yesterday was another warm one. I did a little bit of raking but decided not to uncover too many little sprouts. There were more colchicums. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Any picture is enhanced with water drops.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDeSUyPcimorziWxPOKAeSRALAaIuR7D_aOcBDp0ku22n7kHlFCVQ3wPMySHguFP1PRgPR5T0qEm_FHKm1RnMGFuq1oPdYdKgMsWoobh6LSZiDEzQz1jc8UpdKGlZ6u4TXXhyphenhyphenW6TYzLGqSZvXwH9EqdvIFpyFMEvk-LCXpww6Rm8Y33bS_5bjrq27mBV4/s4032/IMG_2958.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDeSUyPcimorziWxPOKAeSRALAaIuR7D_aOcBDp0ku22n7kHlFCVQ3wPMySHguFP1PRgPR5T0qEm_FHKm1RnMGFuq1oPdYdKgMsWoobh6LSZiDEzQz1jc8UpdKGlZ6u4TXXhyphenhyphenW6TYzLGqSZvXwH9EqdvIFpyFMEvk-LCXpww6Rm8Y33bS_5bjrq27mBV4/w640-h480/IMG_2958.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Look at these before and after shots of the kale group.</div><div>The first picture is in early September, after we grew the plants in a greenhouse for a month.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt90RWU8xJ06jX0LZZ1WfBLkeLRL1bptw5nY9JIMoJd1heVxbQI8Rf0kGH73aAXLKGNxKd_xXZuRjhyphenhyphen5Dlv9CCTR1PFk8GHnWOSVfaAKGY_vRy82KXAP-XX3tO6NIAXCLCUG-FTk2FEWWVVYUGSnpIKtRYgsVrw0akb0B9Rr8ae6xMjmMgo5EsHTnZDMQ/s4032/IMG_2016.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt90RWU8xJ06jX0LZZ1WfBLkeLRL1bptw5nY9JIMoJd1heVxbQI8Rf0kGH73aAXLKGNxKd_xXZuRjhyphenhyphen5Dlv9CCTR1PFk8GHnWOSVfaAKGY_vRy82KXAP-XX3tO6NIAXCLCUG-FTk2FEWWVVYUGSnpIKtRYgsVrw0akb0B9Rr8ae6xMjmMgo5EsHTnZDMQ/w640-h480/IMG_2016.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">September 3, 2023</td></tr></tbody></table><br />This is now.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFXrM_jC2h5ByF1xOE2CASdB0RppYY_RD4_O3Ojd70rhayAOtgLZMmjZL8okuDmURpR9mpZ1E2_b1Apw6XBynqTacSNDkvwWukLiof0JewiBcA0mcuB7CoPbWBAw86kqn0rCRIl18DNwcl3ldYqpp6I9hlv6wYBJwbwLBDmIZNH0kuQPSoNa-3za0OPg/s4032/IMG_2948.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFXrM_jC2h5ByF1xOE2CASdB0RppYY_RD4_O3Ojd70rhayAOtgLZMmjZL8okuDmURpR9mpZ1E2_b1Apw6XBynqTacSNDkvwWukLiof0JewiBcA0mcuB7CoPbWBAw86kqn0rCRIl18DNwcl3ldYqpp6I9hlv6wYBJwbwLBDmIZNH0kuQPSoNa-3za0OPg/w640-h480/IMG_2948.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December 23, 2023</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Lupine plants are hanging in there with the kale, and hellebores, and pulmonaaria and some epimedium.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NMONijOejDjO3UT_O9iytvmEb-tYVDrtQ-qf08ejIuDqFIaERxIPbH1sPs-r8eGxHzp5yDUcRnf7-pS5gL6gg_jC3cwpPi6dj7i-6Lot2X9jc7iKtMi-n0PtmymfllGSjQ17OHoRZagC5hOaxWRsHZkgfwi56VHfu1GuW2geCT4uEX2j3C4kBuxLXF8/s4032/IMG_2951.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NMONijOejDjO3UT_O9iytvmEb-tYVDrtQ-qf08ejIuDqFIaERxIPbH1sPs-r8eGxHzp5yDUcRnf7-pS5gL6gg_jC3cwpPi6dj7i-6Lot2X9jc7iKtMi-n0PtmymfllGSjQ17OHoRZagC5hOaxWRsHZkgfwi56VHfu1GuW2geCT4uEX2j3C4kBuxLXF8/w480-h640/IMG_2951.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Inside</div><div><br /></div><div>The latest Arctic Snow orchid opened the last few days. That made at least 4 plants that bloomed this year. Another one, that was in spike a few weeks ago, has a new home.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4NmayDvsap5oBl5mw-AP8cj2vxhdMFlr2ZMSpteCOuN78RWHWyaYAwTNDqQmn9v4tWwqxDZ6vev2zZNfkwxUaWWSZRjPi6eEQlWEb-t82HvzGas02gmRA2PtR6cJz4WhmBRKCUtQW3iAeVLOz0KVOcU8QZm4KWD1j4gHUg3olf6yXVM5pgjNBjl9Sao/s4032/IMG_2961.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4NmayDvsap5oBl5mw-AP8cj2vxhdMFlr2ZMSpteCOuN78RWHWyaYAwTNDqQmn9v4tWwqxDZ6vev2zZNfkwxUaWWSZRjPi6eEQlWEb-t82HvzGas02gmRA2PtR6cJz4WhmBRKCUtQW3iAeVLOz0KVOcU8QZm4KWD1j4gHUg3olf6yXVM5pgjNBjl9Sao/w640-h480/IMG_2961.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Julia's recipe</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Pecan Bars </span></b></p><p>Maggie likes pecan pie, and for years, we made a small pecan pie as one of the Thanksgiving pies. But other people (me, for example) are not fans of pecan pie, and so (I am sorry to confess) we never finished the Thanksgiving pecan pie. This year, I decided to look into an alternative pecan confection that might be less gooey and pie-like. I found this recipe for pecan bars in the Cook's Illustrated Cookbook. The pecan bars were a big success, not just as a more attractive alternative to pecan pie but as a positively tasty dish worthy of repeating. Which I have done. I invite you to try them, regardless of your attitude toward pecan pie. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypYf5GouUUFPKhyphenhyphenhjLXNQ9rNLGFa7pYzgqvjufeN4xe2zareXtb8-ozA8mqBuUuXGW7-ykd-5n78POXnle8oHGCsSKifho0iyBunyapx83XteGIxVQXrTfUInJDpLpCZwlm-MNY9BCj_eMJpb4TqQ8u5jbZnaU1he1G8OnfLnttMDIwcEq8uEvylH8Cc/s4032/IMG_2896.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypYf5GouUUFPKhyphenhyphenhjLXNQ9rNLGFa7pYzgqvjufeN4xe2zareXtb8-ozA8mqBuUuXGW7-ykd-5n78POXnle8oHGCsSKifho0iyBunyapx83XteGIxVQXrTfUInJDpLpCZwlm-MNY9BCj_eMJpb4TqQ8u5jbZnaU1he1G8OnfLnttMDIwcEq8uEvylH8Cc/s320/IMG_2896.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>The ingredients for the crust:</div><div>1 cup flour;</div><div>1/4 teaspoon baking powder;</div><div>1 teaspoon salt;</div><div>1/3 cup (packed) brown sugar (light or dark);</div><div>1/4 cup toasted and coarsely chopped pecans; and</div><div>6 tablespoons cold butter, cut up into little pieces. </div><div><br /></div><div>For the filling:</div><div>4 tablespoons butter, melted;</div><div>1/2 cup (packed) brown sugar (light or dark);</div><div>1/3 cup corn syrup;</div><div>2 teaspoons vanilla (or more, see below);</div><div>1/2 teaspoon salt;</div><div>1 egg; and </div><div>1-3/4 cups toasted and chopped pecans. </div><div><br /></div><div>The recipe called for 1 tablespoon of bourbon or rum to be added to the filling. I didn't. Rather, I doubled the amount of vanilla. The filling was not affected. If you have bourbon or rum on hand, feel free to use it. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxhJqDYyk3pxRbKguZLnJgibocZmPnCpVJY_mqm1hcfJFxqYQvb4wMLp7bTYl_n-sBrD8C3Epoil3N6rscWNvPHG6ezIYJWkS6-LNh6OEReGkPFTP2Y7AQAJORY6MIuEZpStkzYWJoBhssZ8UNqw7EuLH9B28jyDwC4x7w5fpTxeGa9qFoF9pqtp1-Jo/s4032/IMG_2898.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxhJqDYyk3pxRbKguZLnJgibocZmPnCpVJY_mqm1hcfJFxqYQvb4wMLp7bTYl_n-sBrD8C3Epoil3N6rscWNvPHG6ezIYJWkS6-LNh6OEReGkPFTP2Y7AQAJORY6MIuEZpStkzYWJoBhssZ8UNqw7EuLH9B28jyDwC4x7w5fpTxeGa9qFoF9pqtp1-Jo/s320/IMG_2898.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>This is your usual crust plus filling bar cookie. So I started by making a sling of aluminum foil in a 9" square pan and then spraying the sling with cooking spray. </div><div><br /></div><div>I turned the oven on to 350 degrees. </div><div><br /></div><div>I put the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, brown sugar) in the food processor. Both the crust and the filling are made in a food processor, which is handy. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCDGQNMdih13XKgsb_WqK-DCWaBLV_ktiYfVmoDk77ui11f29KNJ5ChFMVOTnotdwqTTP68EHlFnoW_tSxb0urpuUIPPK2JxG61x_HLaGv6Eyi2Gk5SpUjrhoZzlbmz1A3pYvLbZXmcQ92_p16VxFLVOpNj_noc76FthoEPkfPjsmYT1Zc1LImN26k7Q/s4032/IMG_2899.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCDGQNMdih13XKgsb_WqK-DCWaBLV_ktiYfVmoDk77ui11f29KNJ5ChFMVOTnotdwqTTP68EHlFnoW_tSxb0urpuUIPPK2JxG61x_HLaGv6Eyi2Gk5SpUjrhoZzlbmz1A3pYvLbZXmcQ92_p16VxFLVOpNj_noc76FthoEPkfPjsmYT1Zc1LImN26k7Q/w240-h320/IMG_2899.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>While the oven was heating, I put all of the pecans (2 cups altogether) in a pie pan to toast. I think it took maybe 5 minutes. Remember that nuts go from toasted to burned in short order so keep an eye on them. They should be a bit golden and smell a little nutty. </div><div><br /></div><div>When the nuts came out of the oven, I added 1/4 cup to the mixture in the food process and set the rest aside. I pulsed the mixture for something like 5 or 6 or 7 pulses until the nuts were broken down and the mixture looked mealy. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then I added the cold cubes of butter and pulsed some more - maybe 8 to 10 pulses until the butter was in smallish bits. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjL5BbzZlI48zSH177dIjjZFM7_fsoFpQ381hhglSbqV0oQkArO4qdDEveRW49O15QMRcMoUpZkz-JFdr-_j8NxSVgcgbUhTcrDkAdq7y2AKwqUEdfKnDnT8AL1z8g_T50ECtLhYOq8eantYpi_CG0Yh_p0HwR34APJcFY-ruLJsZWqvLGiQgt120A1Z8/s4032/IMG_2901.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjL5BbzZlI48zSH177dIjjZFM7_fsoFpQ381hhglSbqV0oQkArO4qdDEveRW49O15QMRcMoUpZkz-JFdr-_j8NxSVgcgbUhTcrDkAdq7y2AKwqUEdfKnDnT8AL1z8g_T50ECtLhYOq8eantYpi_CG0Yh_p0HwR34APJcFY-ruLJsZWqvLGiQgt120A1Z8/w240-h320/IMG_2901.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>I dumped the crust mixture into the prepared pan.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3RE3aiNp9LI-GQ5LgvKfnk1cbgQYYvpn7bdxjgHPrFS-MqqUezJDLF5uc4NzHLLOQTj5497EfIzpZeoAO6MnmzMIZ4HexEy1rZtoY5xDeFc73rfsBHibU6aFP1kj5hxoVPTUZ_yiCIwStHv9HgguKQwAVmFI-s6NDATHqVFPQqDcuxJE9axsDHqv1YA/s4032/IMG_2902.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3RE3aiNp9LI-GQ5LgvKfnk1cbgQYYvpn7bdxjgHPrFS-MqqUezJDLF5uc4NzHLLOQTj5497EfIzpZeoAO6MnmzMIZ4HexEy1rZtoY5xDeFc73rfsBHibU6aFP1kj5hxoVPTUZ_yiCIwStHv9HgguKQwAVmFI-s6NDATHqVFPQqDcuxJE9axsDHqv1YA/w240-h320/IMG_2902.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>I patted the mixture into an even layer, with clean but tie-dyed hands. </div><div><br /></div><div>We had done some tie-dying earlier in the day. I have never engaged in tie-dye without emerging looking murderous. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDydBY3nSMUDetDIEJhun06rK6ssJKqcynUQxepyYBDpf8RI9QAW5WBnnowM0IwI8vpk5v_1QPlLPEjDqrgW_C1N95E1lg5iyF0Su5owVWeON7ukliSz2PgDUocOWu4TN5KNBbq2Q2iaMkM9XD72_c0vEmztXbT3FE5JlOsnqXrxCsXnLnYm1HOORA2k/s4032/IMG_2903.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDydBY3nSMUDetDIEJhun06rK6ssJKqcynUQxepyYBDpf8RI9QAW5WBnnowM0IwI8vpk5v_1QPlLPEjDqrgW_C1N95E1lg5iyF0Su5owVWeON7ukliSz2PgDUocOWu4TN5KNBbq2Q2iaMkM9XD72_c0vEmztXbT3FE5JlOsnqXrxCsXnLnYm1HOORA2k/w240-h320/IMG_2903.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>I put the pan with the crust into the oven and set the timer for 18 minutes. I think it actually took about 20 minutes to get done. "Done" means golden brown around the edges and soft but not gooey in the center. </div><div><br /></div><div>While the crust was baking, I used the food processor (no need to wash it!) to make the filling. </div><div><br /></div><div>I melted the butter then put all of the filling ingredients into the food processor - except for the pecans. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQYOzPiTXtLRcCLZ5DdG3AwoL3dMQoAO6WEQV9ucPVstiaGBOeRQnMRpdNkkJBttXiogbUqdNHU0KAHQEM3CKy4vm4fUgrlnHdjOfIFvWwOv5BvEHwyKJ2yz07Fye9sBtNTk8PTHxN5bmLunjZ_TifxUeOR0usAncj4f5OiiTo9PO_84AHkpM5uwLzE4/s4032/IMG_2905.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQYOzPiTXtLRcCLZ5DdG3AwoL3dMQoAO6WEQV9ucPVstiaGBOeRQnMRpdNkkJBttXiogbUqdNHU0KAHQEM3CKy4vm4fUgrlnHdjOfIFvWwOv5BvEHwyKJ2yz07Fye9sBtNTk8PTHxN5bmLunjZ_TifxUeOR0usAncj4f5OiiTo9PO_84AHkpM5uwLzE4/s320/IMG_2905.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>It took only a few pulses for the filling to get nicely blended. Use as many pulses as you need to attain a smooth consistency.</div><div><br /></div><div>When the crust was done, I took it out of the oven and poured the filling over the hot crust. </div><div><br /></div><div>The filling oozed around, but I did use a rubber spatula to make sure the filling was even and got into all of the corners. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bL3qpM6C5SwHqpfzkfKLsVCUSreTb1dug3HocvBJuvStEiZCsal9rSvinzeZbxBDde7E9JTSMgHSt2IiWMxOulbldfv3kP8rELdpz1uxT_y9B_fxOkmqDl9gaS-HBjoOT_hLfSVGor5B7oG1nYk2nQqJ-QgLzczJd0FFuofGXDwCM9hmdZWJwwH71SE/s4032/IMG_2906.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bL3qpM6C5SwHqpfzkfKLsVCUSreTb1dug3HocvBJuvStEiZCsal9rSvinzeZbxBDde7E9JTSMgHSt2IiWMxOulbldfv3kP8rELdpz1uxT_y9B_fxOkmqDl9gaS-HBjoOT_hLfSVGor5B7oG1nYk2nQqJ-QgLzczJd0FFuofGXDwCM9hmdZWJwwH71SE/s320/IMG_2906.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>Next, I used a 1/4 cup measure to sprinkle the pecans all over the top. </div><div><br /></div><div>I bought chopped pecans at the store - no need to buy pecan halves when they were going to be chopped up anyway. My pecans did not need much additional chopping. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOS97wBWbm1kVEmtZs9EVq1bHuW1sIWdF_rrfDlvDD3zghTSEgBkatvoVMXVaZNyemNlKkR6cybM0xpD17PcM7y4P8fbSF5D9NR88H0H6ra5jZHEnhmNhB10OtgvU6DIra9C85yeSVgOnGVDPquDtP8GJo3HukGEts_yBNJAQPqBHTqw-tAaumnVrmaY/s4032/IMG_2907.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOS97wBWbm1kVEmtZs9EVq1bHuW1sIWdF_rrfDlvDD3zghTSEgBkatvoVMXVaZNyemNlKkR6cybM0xpD17PcM7y4P8fbSF5D9NR88H0H6ra5jZHEnhmNhB10OtgvU6DIra9C85yeSVgOnGVDPquDtP8GJo3HukGEts_yBNJAQPqBHTqw-tAaumnVrmaY/w240-h320/IMG_2907.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>Pouring the last of the pecans onto the filling. </div><div><br /></div><div>I put the bars back in the oven and baked for another 20 minutes or so. The filling should be set (that is, if you touch it, it should not be gooey, but spring back). </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7utQQsUbLfmvNJU_geeOfR4bzJusZxObJJWTK6KTsCageTvWmuuHZxFTY6pbYVzXZzaYIBt64TIb4HvkMVnpkMhsaNXPA8p7C3sHdMVydh760lnmfKp6bNaWZVXv2ru04BlYpdWpgdGJrD-nmjHDVvAhgbWQMsNrt4aZ7J04O178eJoo2wJF8cH2rCA/s4032/IMG_2909.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7utQQsUbLfmvNJU_geeOfR4bzJusZxObJJWTK6KTsCageTvWmuuHZxFTY6pbYVzXZzaYIBt64TIb4HvkMVnpkMhsaNXPA8p7C3sHdMVydh760lnmfKp6bNaWZVXv2ru04BlYpdWpgdGJrD-nmjHDVvAhgbWQMsNrt4aZ7J04O178eJoo2wJF8cH2rCA/s320/IMG_2909.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>I cooled the bars for about 1 hour in the pan, on a cooling rack. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Then I used the sling to remove the bars from the pan and put the sling onto a wooden cutting board. I ran a metal spatula under the bars all around to make sure they weren't sticking to the foil anywhere and then pulled the foil out. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8u3b6XCZ4S1tlJY1P_riuE25WHWbh2I-yn0IWt3lMUxMHzUsMva8fVZCPZQOWAX7NyGJ8uqocBjsgrJqXrQc3hUBcs9XAWJ9w5FKATIj94dwBsR1OEl62BKX2cOv99BHc4cEnMTd5Ah3MwnqBJklP1SBgr0wPGfP8NeRo1ShO34kGjSQgeX8krGwu714/s4032/IMG_2911.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8u3b6XCZ4S1tlJY1P_riuE25WHWbh2I-yn0IWt3lMUxMHzUsMva8fVZCPZQOWAX7NyGJ8uqocBjsgrJqXrQc3hUBcs9XAWJ9w5FKATIj94dwBsR1OEl62BKX2cOv99BHc4cEnMTd5Ah3MwnqBJklP1SBgr0wPGfP8NeRo1ShO34kGjSQgeX8krGwu714/s320/IMG_2911.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>And here they are. The pecans in the crust plus the pecans on top ensure good pecan flavor. The filling is kind of caramel-ly. Chewy, not gooey.</div><div><br /></div><div>We ended up cutting the bars into little pieces that could be popped into one's mouth whole.</div><div><br /></div><div>And we took some to the office to share. They freeze nicely too. </div><div><br /></div><div>I don't think we will make pecan pie again. I may experiment with adding a little cocoa to the crust or to the filling (or both). Chocolate pecan bars!</div><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Odds and Ends</span></b></p><p>We always wanted a Christmas tree that would last for several weeks after Christmas. It does have something like 12 days according to the song.</p><p>So we would wait until the last minute and then get a tree. That meant we would always get one that was cut a month or longer ago.</p><p>We found a new local source, that had reasonable prices (compared to what we had been paying) and had only been cut a week ago.</p><p>It arrived Thursday evening.</p><p>Our Christmas tree anxiety is now gone.</p><p>Decorations will come this evening.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihrq7NzM0E_s7_nOOdKxxzZ5y_CX2-iiYPt546FaYoZS55aSPhkvQrxpLiq8gb7r22ZKDWrkHV7yuSYP9tKLYxdEDZ364T34iO0cAHhNQMBNv-37NucLwJcrGlNfX3g1GepehmKCEuIKoXKmUsC9AFWuwg1tCE3x3bOZtkV-FSW5bXUTqACItB9kZwjuc/s4032/IMG_2955.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihrq7NzM0E_s7_nOOdKxxzZ5y_CX2-iiYPt546FaYoZS55aSPhkvQrxpLiq8gb7r22ZKDWrkHV7yuSYP9tKLYxdEDZ364T34iO0cAHhNQMBNv-37NucLwJcrGlNfX3g1GepehmKCEuIKoXKmUsC9AFWuwg1tCE3x3bOZtkV-FSW5bXUTqACItB9kZwjuc/w640-h480/IMG_2955.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Before we got the tree I had looked at the local garden center where we had gotten a tree the last few years. For several years they have been naming their trees. Maybe if your tree has a name you will pay north of $150.</p><p>I kid you not but this was one of the names...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Tf28Ng0oafUBy3d_TKrZQMrLK8lvxsZlWfesiNlYt8nh7j81M1c0hc6GmxvdGTrp3wAmalvmWUVBM1TVCeYlo2FrmUcN61yjsVT3r9GXPTe-hoBcNER7XkiyCUwjJdQSOJe7759I9L8k3SCLURjmh1epNIrOHhf-TMTaOmtqC7oyQl4_qEE-P-oyuoM/s4032/IMG_2916.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Tf28Ng0oafUBy3d_TKrZQMrLK8lvxsZlWfesiNlYt8nh7j81M1c0hc6GmxvdGTrp3wAmalvmWUVBM1TVCeYlo2FrmUcN61yjsVT3r9GXPTe-hoBcNER7XkiyCUwjJdQSOJe7759I9L8k3SCLURjmh1epNIrOHhf-TMTaOmtqC7oyQl4_qEE-P-oyuoM/w300-h400/IMG_2916.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>I thought about swinging by the store yesterday just to see if Princess Bubblegum had sold.</div><div>It was a nice looking tree, but really.<br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>With the Republican caucus in about 20 days we are getting campaign ads several times in a 30 minute slot. I am embarassed and saddened that any person would support any of those candidates.</p><p>We are now about 63 days from March 1. At that point, if it is this warm I will start raking to let the early bulbs truly emerge.</p><p>Pray for peace. Find a little way to brighten someone else's day.</p><p>Merry Christmas and Happy holidays.</p><p>Philip</p></div></div>philip Mearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04384629201161240341noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509434911388799.post-26538710372704342712023-12-17T06:05:00.000-06:002023-12-17T06:05:46.326-06:00December 17, 2023- Week 4 of the contest<p>Saturday morning, 6 a.m.</p><p>It is dark and will be dark for a while. That is even more so as it is cloudy with a little drizzle.</p><p>When this goes to print it will be 4 days until the shortest day of the year. The winter solstice. Check your Stonehenge calendar. It is a special day. After that day, the days will get longer.</p><p>In Iowa City not much has changed. This week was a carbon copy of last week. Thursday and Friday were in the 50's with no real cold or rain in the forecast. We gathered more leaves for the city. The little yellow crocus persists. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UdnMBVll7n_r72sTPpFfkEN5U9iQbihdDnMLhZDZy98HmIbS7xNkou6HXpGFzOUbu9Yk2pngaLBZGx59EJvXFWi4J6-WzXoOE9vTWKd2cR1DdZRt2K91W7BD8kX-NYsaOuHv_AsdAaLv921v8nWSlZcaba4a08GX25wZlCErxEeLutGIjzLHFb-g4rY/s4032/IMG_2886.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UdnMBVll7n_r72sTPpFfkEN5U9iQbihdDnMLhZDZy98HmIbS7xNkou6HXpGFzOUbu9Yk2pngaLBZGx59EJvXFWi4J6-WzXoOE9vTWKd2cR1DdZRt2K91W7BD8kX-NYsaOuHv_AsdAaLv921v8nWSlZcaba4a08GX25wZlCErxEeLutGIjzLHFb-g4rY/w640-h480/IMG_2886.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>As does the kale, dusted with a lovely frost.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCoEvOHWTZtzkFOevfeXHacyIRK1cHg4gSK_x71-mJEj5pj7VtQANbC4Rotvb7LpoL0ZGGIaS2dnfE42DQ4JYb0839yE622Ge_tLTxrtEiOvTOHRfP2VcVEaqszfE3yVX9eUMgxaLiRxuxslhSJALJQEB2ie7PjJyMiBdKRIeJ9JLvf5uKOaZm_Jv2VQI/s4032/IMG_2883.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCoEvOHWTZtzkFOevfeXHacyIRK1cHg4gSK_x71-mJEj5pj7VtQANbC4Rotvb7LpoL0ZGGIaS2dnfE42DQ4JYb0839yE622Ge_tLTxrtEiOvTOHRfP2VcVEaqszfE3yVX9eUMgxaLiRxuxslhSJALJQEB2ie7PjJyMiBdKRIeJ9JLvf5uKOaZm_Jv2VQI/w640-h480/IMG_2883.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>It is a busy time of the year. The to-do list is long. </p><p>Now it is time to think about pictures and talk about a real cliffhanger of a vote.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Last week in the contest</b></span> </p><p>The winner was the violet, by a nose. After several blowouts, this contest was close from the start. The daffodil took the lead. Then lost it. The third place picture was the Shirley poppy. That picture also had good support.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTfvirnePlyj0Ma6VytpicItOEK_AyXN3C7pT4UIhbtROTvrr0aWwPcdsA_fE4s46-YtVXhbb-8z_ahUVQyA-gdSeRgBvFWVscfyK7-D57TWmaL7OyBqNWLcLIoDkeKQXTm4jPM_1DnQ8HQ_k-mYaKIFdQhN_Rc_4H9VJBit7wee1yCvQLNEHsqoEewM/s3079/IMG_9821.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3079" data-original-width="2521" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTfvirnePlyj0Ma6VytpicItOEK_AyXN3C7pT4UIhbtROTvrr0aWwPcdsA_fE4s46-YtVXhbb-8z_ahUVQyA-gdSeRgBvFWVscfyK7-D57TWmaL7OyBqNWLcLIoDkeKQXTm4jPM_1DnQ8HQ_k-mYaKIFdQhN_Rc_4H9VJBit7wee1yCvQLNEHsqoEewM/w524-h640/IMG_9821.jpeg" width="524" /></a></div><br /><p>The full vote was</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYu_qNqNtElKtYay7ACwA1WnQUgZzjOsvDjUl0zT7i9yJSCY0DOrgEDvWdIHR_jjsjEhAYFCUpnsWxsWDFPp6n__mquETtO0YxkbclYm4ZeILzazoLz09lTTgN9IUNE-6uXbzXXPQ_0SnUM4OpYIta7zEOYOanK1hXqdv0mlcxQ58gg48yFjrfCLFJ7U/s319/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-17%20at%205.24.18%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="319" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYu_qNqNtElKtYay7ACwA1WnQUgZzjOsvDjUl0zT7i9yJSCY0DOrgEDvWdIHR_jjsjEhAYFCUpnsWxsWDFPp6n__mquETtO0YxkbclYm4ZeILzazoLz09lTTgN9IUNE-6uXbzXXPQ_0SnUM4OpYIta7zEOYOanK1hXqdv0mlcxQ58gg48yFjrfCLFJ7U/s1600/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-17%20at%205.24.18%20AM.png" width="319" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>For all you daffodil fans, you should remember that it should stay alive as a possible wild card. There are 13 weeks of new pictures, followed by 3 weeks of playoffs. The 13 winners advance to the playoffs along with 2 wildcards.</p><p>46 votes was the most so far this year. I really like to see that number grow. Share voting with someone. You can vote on the same device by refrshing the cite.</p><p>I also do appreciate the comments or reply emails. I do like your explanations for why you liked a particular picture.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>This Week- Week #4</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#1 Purple Siberian Iris May 27, 2023</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgIkzXDJJ2s9QizDcEwa2VXdC0kXiAyiXnqSpSMzH8CduZI_yzDAsrCS-uop5sijcvRBdjR-ZksHXVieoQpkXoxXRNzxLXYlLB7y0Ov8wLLNy2BgvXRI35HL_cOQfJaczIAGy82l7LYMid_zPxe2zT8q-vkyK4uD75XcXmansLIJJKHJkdz5qX8KtK4Q/s3229/IMG_0755.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2535" data-original-width="3229" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgIkzXDJJ2s9QizDcEwa2VXdC0kXiAyiXnqSpSMzH8CduZI_yzDAsrCS-uop5sijcvRBdjR-ZksHXVieoQpkXoxXRNzxLXYlLB7y0Ov8wLLNy2BgvXRI35HL_cOQfJaczIAGy82l7LYMid_zPxe2zT8q-vkyK4uD75XcXmansLIJJKHJkdz5qX8KtK4Q/w640-h502/IMG_0755.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In the iris progression, the Siberian Iris bloom right after the bearded iris. This purple flower is one of the best purples of the year. The contrast with the little touch of yellow is striking.</div><div><br /></div><div>Iris siberica is the name of the species. The genus, wait for it, is Iris. Remember that genus is the bigger grouping. Each genus has many species.</div><div>One major difference between the Siberians and the Bearded iris is in the roots. Bearded iris have rhizomes, that are the size of your fingers. The rhizomes then have some roots.</div><div>Siberian iris just have roots. </div><div>Bearded iris will rot (not do well) if they are too wet. Siberian iris love the moisture. They also love the sun.</div><div>While Siberians comes from lots of places in Eastern Europe and Asia, there is a similar wonderful wildflower found in the mountains of Colorado. (See bonus section)</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>#2 Dark Hoya flower cluster May 29, 2023</b></div></span><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5ZAQoVYmNy1HVs5gPV9Sep5oiTYuDRxldzINgD2wFkx_bh0Idd2u1631CG0fHdOOOvAUQLpaERMGQU8Ob1hG9pgjDvlAtj1gjHPaSue-Ai62fr6ffVF98VpJg1twiImSqfNwiABNgTib9WgVj0y3NQLRY2dWOZ6SP5IZG9kQkuIIPGiJYmn8lXoPc48/s2459/IMG_0815.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2391" data-original-width="2459" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5ZAQoVYmNy1HVs5gPV9Sep5oiTYuDRxldzINgD2wFkx_bh0Idd2u1631CG0fHdOOOvAUQLpaERMGQU8Ob1hG9pgjDvlAtj1gjHPaSue-Ai62fr6ffVF98VpJg1twiImSqfNwiABNgTib9WgVj0y3NQLRY2dWOZ6SP5IZG9kQkuIIPGiJYmn8lXoPc48/w640-h622/IMG_0815.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><p>This is the flower from one of my growing number of hoyas. It probably is "Red Buttons." Publicalyx is the species. It is a fast grower and has this amazing flower. It is described as a good plant for beginners.</p><p>I have become fascinated by hoyas. My collection is up to about 16 varieties. Julia describes me as a serial enthusiast. My current enthusiasms include hoyas, sansevierias, snowdrops and martagon lilies. I probably have forgotten someone.</p><p>Hoya plants differ in several ways. As it takes a while for them to bloom, mostly I notice the difference in size and shape of the leaves. I suppose they differ as to whether they are big or little.</p><p>Some leaves are long. Some are round. One is heart shaped. Most are like succulents. Some that are popular are variagated. There is one cultivar called Crimson Princess that is quite attractive. A relative is Crimson Queen.</p><p>Then there are the flowers. That is actually what got me hooked.</p><p>They bloom repeatedly throughout the season. They will bloom inside. My mother kept two big plants over her kitchen sink forever. I now have those plants.</p><p>When they are inside they do have a resting period. I try not to water them much, and do not fertilize until spring. </p><p>The flowers come in colors other than the one in the featured picture. Some are red. Some are almost black. I am growing some of those plants, which have yet to flower. You always need something to look forward to.</p><p>Many hoya plants are from the species <i>Hoya carnosa</i>. One is <i>Hoya carnosa compacta</i> which is the Hindu rope plant. The flower clusters look similar. The foliage is all crinkly. </p><p>Hoyas provide an opportunity to learn new words. </p><p>The flowers grow in an "umbrel". It means there are short flowers that spread from a common point. The word is related to the word umbrella.</p><p>The flower clusters develop on a part of the plant called a "peduncle." That is a part of the plant, attached to the stem, where a flower will grow. It appears on a stem. Flowers grow from the same peduncle. You will not have a flower until you first have a peduncle. At the same time the wait can take forever once you grow one.</p></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>#3 Caladium July 15, 2023</b></div></span></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglS6oIAGfuJkXuzNH2Xi2BM2Lxn43ugMIgkFFyt0Xw4xxv8TgNWd4mcUz77PFu8ixlZHNgMcB7E6GotCdo6fgqKUu-b75sFdsSxPc1cpBdAZBfPGRtXqeNV2cCzZoYP9SQ5eqeVrQ_G06HsBWMHdsjVY1ujI3YKnt7aNKAul7KzwbvasY7nkMmhdyNKU0/s4032/IMG_1531.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglS6oIAGfuJkXuzNH2Xi2BM2Lxn43ugMIgkFFyt0Xw4xxv8TgNWd4mcUz77PFu8ixlZHNgMcB7E6GotCdo6fgqKUu-b75sFdsSxPc1cpBdAZBfPGRtXqeNV2cCzZoYP9SQ5eqeVrQ_G06HsBWMHdsjVY1ujI3YKnt7aNKAul7KzwbvasY7nkMmhdyNKU0/w480-h640/IMG_1531.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Over the years caladium have been an important part of the garden. They are a bulb that is not hardy in Iowa. In that way they are like cannas, calla lilies, amaryllis and dahlias. They are tropical. They say the bulb will not germinate until the soil temperature is not 70 degrees. Over the decades I would plant the bulbs inside in early April. </div><div><br /></div><div>Caladium will do fine in the shade. Most of our trees are mature. That means we have high shade. </div><div>They are a good companion to hosta. They will last through September. </div><div><br /></div><div>I do not save the bulbs. I do save the calla lilies and of course the amaryllis. Instead I have bought my caladium from Florida in groups of 25, and the price was reasonable.</div><div>You do need to order your plants as early as possible. The last few years by the time I ordered them, they were sold out. This past year I was told the harvest had been disappointing.</div><div>This is marked on my calendar to start checking in January.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#4 Zinnia July 29, 2023</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_YmevGl3snhPkgu8XvS2piGOACwchyzVayEMFOr1xZKiSik-DFzhlviyHpeP_mSvHLELfipC4QHNeXW4wdRLxOl9_ayUEG4eLu7dqSW3ctkyeo49aSLp-aliw2nSfuJ3bu0LKQ1KRDJxVn_bzsE9w4O5n47V9NWii-arXvLba7MLergNfni7B29CaIUo/s3024/IMG_1665.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2515" data-original-width="3024" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_YmevGl3snhPkgu8XvS2piGOACwchyzVayEMFOr1xZKiSik-DFzhlviyHpeP_mSvHLELfipC4QHNeXW4wdRLxOl9_ayUEG4eLu7dqSW3ctkyeo49aSLp-aliw2nSfuJ3bu0LKQ1KRDJxVn_bzsE9w4O5n47V9NWii-arXvLba7MLergNfni7B29CaIUo/w640-h532/IMG_1665.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Zinnas may be my favorite annual. Well, of course, there is lantana and kale and Persian Shield. I should say zinnias are one of my favorite annuals. </div><div>This picture just blew me away. The quite unique color combinations. Then there are all those things in the middle. </div><div>Given more time I could tell you the variety. Here is a revelation: there is no more time.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>#5 Gold Crocus</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> March 15, 2023</b></div></span></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqTf8wvZiWiqcnA9Im-VorUpCqt-9lXirAD81g3JSuF_COzmQiKSJTrFIUsO2iACgcKbCNN70GEiZTlP9GnnKVj2quKQDrXb7WOt4JIWfgoSb900bNqh6B4pAk-Hq5Bb6SMY_tr0kpIeLqKD86O4CP347aasxwSLseIZLPIgwvW1VKUuV57Jm_kiAcow/s4032/IMG_9817.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqTf8wvZiWiqcnA9Im-VorUpCqt-9lXirAD81g3JSuF_COzmQiKSJTrFIUsO2iACgcKbCNN70GEiZTlP9GnnKVj2quKQDrXb7WOt4JIWfgoSb900bNqh6B4pAk-Hq5Bb6SMY_tr0kpIeLqKD86O4CP347aasxwSLseIZLPIgwvW1VKUuV57Jm_kiAcow/w480-h640/IMG_9817.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>March 15. As of today that is only 89 days away. </p><p>I have sometimes marveled at the different shades of yellow. </p><p>The wonderful color in this picture springs out at you given the dark background.</p><p>I did try to look up the variety. Bulb companies have mostly taken their fall bulbs down from the websites. I do see that the bulb sales have reached 75% in many places.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Bonus pictures</span></b></p><p>Hoyas</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHWBasEYpRnNBPHbjj2VNSdh-QkU96IndxBP7gTy1Mf-hmq3joGW54COSDLPbIs2wLpMiBvFgbopL4UR6v1SH6HSx-ILdt4o_XSbshgjsZK7-5ru2dqg02WwcgyYy_sC0Xyo0uvKquidWgjzbd4YJyM6ILUngZpw08lH-KIyNbPpKUcx6EPWT_itF14c/s4032/IMG_1463.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHWBasEYpRnNBPHbjj2VNSdh-QkU96IndxBP7gTy1Mf-hmq3joGW54COSDLPbIs2wLpMiBvFgbopL4UR6v1SH6HSx-ILdt4o_XSbshgjsZK7-5ru2dqg02WwcgyYy_sC0Xyo0uvKquidWgjzbd4YJyM6ILUngZpw08lH-KIyNbPpKUcx6EPWT_itF14c/w480-h640/IMG_1463.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYb8vL00rN2KgEfnr_NMB4ysiR7hR0THTwdzOvsdk_YUkajw7RQuLAAEr1W0_xVComduMoQCGXoJTH2TIizTj72YxsLy2a6YRoMQV4k5i-XZYP7ng5AF4HfrGSAtbOIDbGrrSobMcNruDh9q_UzkqpwNdQ_je7Zk0Vg-_wj1ISHJTNEhNO7lQrFuBv9o/s4032/IMG_1578.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYb8vL00rN2KgEfnr_NMB4ysiR7hR0THTwdzOvsdk_YUkajw7RQuLAAEr1W0_xVComduMoQCGXoJTH2TIizTj72YxsLy2a6YRoMQV4k5i-XZYP7ng5AF4HfrGSAtbOIDbGrrSobMcNruDh9q_UzkqpwNdQ_je7Zk0Vg-_wj1ISHJTNEhNO7lQrFuBv9o/w480-h640/IMG_1578.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMgEeaA-NAzpBazA-_OEnL2e-kDADHBYUlbNJNoGG8p-tzoCHIT1H-pTdkYVtnLslmR6o3kaOA_VmuB3IXKqEJ0hb6ZacPWJEJmP55zMwiAG_uXvtXT0lMWYyXh-SAdaw1JZPQ-Uyt1kyFkHGAwPtVLcOfNKLUd_gPbzPc9tZlPoHN0JF8ZmUH08hiug/s4032/IMG_1583.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMgEeaA-NAzpBazA-_OEnL2e-kDADHBYUlbNJNoGG8p-tzoCHIT1H-pTdkYVtnLslmR6o3kaOA_VmuB3IXKqEJ0hb6ZacPWJEJmP55zMwiAG_uXvtXT0lMWYyXh-SAdaw1JZPQ-Uyt1kyFkHGAwPtVLcOfNKLUd_gPbzPc9tZlPoHN0JF8ZmUH08hiug/w640-h480/IMG_1583.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcMjpZIo3H57E9btSB57dRqLE5r2aAL4NEpm1Qt-1gi5y8OKQehgdKrE4TKueu6Qm6yGZkq7o_4F_pZqD1kgMIJpzQ7oBT5LQkS076LIVhZ-SVudBMHjE4d2jjzFe4kBV74eWbGVAzY_BEXRjHGHgcSX7Ec4A06XOIOIYNtMcdsDCvJ8HOfLCRb4q_So/s4032/IMG_1668.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcMjpZIo3H57E9btSB57dRqLE5r2aAL4NEpm1Qt-1gi5y8OKQehgdKrE4TKueu6Qm6yGZkq7o_4F_pZqD1kgMIJpzQ7oBT5LQkS076LIVhZ-SVudBMHjE4d2jjzFe4kBV74eWbGVAzY_BEXRjHGHgcSX7Ec4A06XOIOIYNtMcdsDCvJ8HOfLCRb4q_So/w480-h640/IMG_1668.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>This is the rope hoya. The picture is from several years ago. It got a touch of bugs last winter. I pruned it a lot and sprayed it a lot. No blooms this last year. I planted the cuttings and everybody was/is fine. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGVWi6HqpO1BQYTWsHpVP40iGReIFHlmHi-L7TwgBcO7OLXUpTuKNi8BuD0VW6PR2R-yfxYsRH__JrVKUefReeUq6MOLqcGtBZI_223cU6wJQaEIymkrjePzSIkB9_2-SVksu3KMoXgX8BxUHNZj2FyaWSsTGFof3pjDFibHwOzK9NEWDHn0QaFFHxks/s2334/IMG_6165.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2334" data-original-width="1910" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGVWi6HqpO1BQYTWsHpVP40iGReIFHlmHi-L7TwgBcO7OLXUpTuKNi8BuD0VW6PR2R-yfxYsRH__JrVKUefReeUq6MOLqcGtBZI_223cU6wJQaEIymkrjePzSIkB9_2-SVksu3KMoXgX8BxUHNZj2FyaWSsTGFof3pjDFibHwOzK9NEWDHn0QaFFHxks/w524-h640/IMG_6165.jpeg" width="524" /></a></div><br /><p>Siberian Iris</p><p>Here were some of the iris that were all over wet places in Rocky Mountain national park. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacdss9VEcSQ6hyphenhyphendocOeJhwQwSNcwprxrOn91sc1v1rBfrv9ALP2UjfsaUAarfv5394QrkmZ0wjyK0CE-lVQ7xRFniycu0ApKZFTVm0KTSiXgBB1_1qqNGDAtXUjoPdbZxyzHrADkVLTgINrxGN-aJ6z-boHITqEbMAUufDLEtx4IvgFf2mnP-l_lPkSU/s4032/IMG_1154.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacdss9VEcSQ6hyphenhyphendocOeJhwQwSNcwprxrOn91sc1v1rBfrv9ALP2UjfsaUAarfv5394QrkmZ0wjyK0CE-lVQ7xRFniycu0ApKZFTVm0KTSiXgBB1_1qqNGDAtXUjoPdbZxyzHrADkVLTgINrxGN-aJ6z-boHITqEbMAUufDLEtx4IvgFf2mnP-l_lPkSU/w640-h480/IMG_1154.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuL9QjBtmVSsom1qGhVBcQ9qwg2Tyt1N4kYJfhE9dK-EXxsYQXCVP9bBNanvIxnWl4qqTN2wiH25JxfKfe6TKY3JLS7XaPX6eN02YqVhI2-Aw6IaUojfj_s_wzk42hSufkVP0xEp2kIAd57ZPw2aGZw74GC_gJt_JIiVcGzPwSVlhU34Ew-oyDCBeeBNw/s4032/IMG_1155.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuL9QjBtmVSsom1qGhVBcQ9qwg2Tyt1N4kYJfhE9dK-EXxsYQXCVP9bBNanvIxnWl4qqTN2wiH25JxfKfe6TKY3JLS7XaPX6eN02YqVhI2-Aw6IaUojfj_s_wzk42hSufkVP0xEp2kIAd57ZPw2aGZw74GC_gJt_JIiVcGzPwSVlhU34Ew-oyDCBeeBNw/w480-h640/IMG_1155.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>These are from the garden in 2023.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmBI4y9Cc28oMVRvVVbbdeHOQlG-oFWuTZYNlOOcjrztmn3l64K-PxzL1tRkA5RI1sBypGu5LWjfWA04JIem1kgPsRhGLolsdW1DQrOiwHHh8U9BmmZ62FwOSDNaxAyB9aEL9XscKu1uwAmzf6TbUELjRZ1O6mf_3bRgbBVJEbhG9nPcnCSZOf7FAV0E/s4032/IMG_0717.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmBI4y9Cc28oMVRvVVbbdeHOQlG-oFWuTZYNlOOcjrztmn3l64K-PxzL1tRkA5RI1sBypGu5LWjfWA04JIem1kgPsRhGLolsdW1DQrOiwHHh8U9BmmZ62FwOSDNaxAyB9aEL9XscKu1uwAmzf6TbUELjRZ1O6mf_3bRgbBVJEbhG9nPcnCSZOf7FAV0E/w480-h640/IMG_0717.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4NDholHET-jdxgYDMrhY-UVODbfMcK2Dd3g1k1tlREqx0igRnJITXpvpf8TazzRj_MQNFBDib_ryrVUOVQYXJoYrq91eenCmip71rQ0oi80MTcUwCa9QPYn6TTXivOymKe5R4lPeh9TOv8yI0KHisMipP3HCfD3Rt477SHjBNH2goqqZ1qc1rZvoRc0/s4032/IMG_0792.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4NDholHET-jdxgYDMrhY-UVODbfMcK2Dd3g1k1tlREqx0igRnJITXpvpf8TazzRj_MQNFBDib_ryrVUOVQYXJoYrq91eenCmip71rQ0oi80MTcUwCa9QPYn6TTXivOymKe5R4lPeh9TOv8yI0KHisMipP3HCfD3Rt477SHjBNH2goqqZ1qc1rZvoRc0/w480-h640/IMG_0792.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-C4eJQVt5d_oOhzbQfWbTF2NpKyeTOxiG9YzvKSgvniDR_7RKmouYk4NvU5xokMTOYCjxotE33AyGmiGeq3FirGb0EFoK5WMG58PuyWz3ylbn7HkRnUs1cMgeN_pS0S7d1M6_e4VuzEauuwKKG-WfjU4H-5tV1QAqVwSgSD25UZPFTqmhJO7pI3WjGY/s4032/IMG_0794.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-C4eJQVt5d_oOhzbQfWbTF2NpKyeTOxiG9YzvKSgvniDR_7RKmouYk4NvU5xokMTOYCjxotE33AyGmiGeq3FirGb0EFoK5WMG58PuyWz3ylbn7HkRnUs1cMgeN_pS0S7d1M6_e4VuzEauuwKKG-WfjU4H-5tV1QAqVwSgSD25UZPFTqmhJO7pI3WjGY/w480-h640/IMG_0794.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>Caladium</p><p>All these pictures are from past years. 2023 just had about 15 plants, purchased in May from one of the bulb companies. I need to look and them and remember to order plant in January, if possible.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdieFNa9ZpZ9i2JNVVUHnuAoDFWlp1S5dnOLnv5JsDBOKEIgLTbIuXgUxCT1a5sX7nBmtpHCqZ9ELZfk7-pA0XINCMBXtc1wVY8GBLYco-nzI2ULyH8rEWMI9Tt6FEqsS_EFbrx6_Rx9hhYNGQADYGXtkY6REMk6NiPtug9-3AVvqFIXjoa1M7ni7alBM/s1632/IM002701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1232" data-original-width="1632" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdieFNa9ZpZ9i2JNVVUHnuAoDFWlp1S5dnOLnv5JsDBOKEIgLTbIuXgUxCT1a5sX7nBmtpHCqZ9ELZfk7-pA0XINCMBXtc1wVY8GBLYco-nzI2ULyH8rEWMI9Tt6FEqsS_EFbrx6_Rx9hhYNGQADYGXtkY6REMk6NiPtug9-3AVvqFIXjoa1M7ni7alBM/w640-h484/IM002701.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8i0xt47SmCGJXHJVZhEZ_8LazQD-NMAOEjfLgBEOlhhYLuVrOEy18FuAHurQat6N4Ph2fyEpPEWwVKDoSVGYCkTHEpfZPew0i0NZ0Hwx83Jbsdjcww-_qd2Z_BqvDv71EwA9H5w-SUEF0RjROACwmWhRouYpXHUqMnTyhvogqfXm8XADiqJE_lJoMxs/s3264/IMG_1054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8i0xt47SmCGJXHJVZhEZ_8LazQD-NMAOEjfLgBEOlhhYLuVrOEy18FuAHurQat6N4Ph2fyEpPEWwVKDoSVGYCkTHEpfZPew0i0NZ0Hwx83Jbsdjcww-_qd2Z_BqvDv71EwA9H5w-SUEF0RjROACwmWhRouYpXHUqMnTyhvogqfXm8XADiqJE_lJoMxs/w640-h480/IMG_1054.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>This one is called Gingerland, and is really nice.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczFcjtzMLIXjWtxByViOZDotdxgmZJZGVNLHV4cJUJP0t45R-XIX6dLwpVbwR0y8Iu4eqwYW2OWTiWnxOCXetoi5iIrEnYuDVFVmyjnu36yoaBfbuHZ1GJAAPUGaWL45qZsOM6Cbuygdiyh5b_8yY0IPNQhyphenhyphen5FpfTlINrGi3U3KcKM04Ozhh-Ms6MAsk/s5184/IMG_3092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczFcjtzMLIXjWtxByViOZDotdxgmZJZGVNLHV4cJUJP0t45R-XIX6dLwpVbwR0y8Iu4eqwYW2OWTiWnxOCXetoi5iIrEnYuDVFVmyjnu36yoaBfbuHZ1GJAAPUGaWL45qZsOM6Cbuygdiyh5b_8yY0IPNQhyphenhyphen5FpfTlINrGi3U3KcKM04Ozhh-Ms6MAsk/w640-h426/IMG_3092.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Right now</span></b></p><p>Violets play a nice part of the inside season. This is Birth of a Galaxy. It was in the contest last winter. It advance to the playoffs but was not the winner. I like the sparkles in petals.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21l_OvhFEgXlxJ1wIVTReHHOhwoktBHr2BIlmmAYbqYsO_z_W3yvyTs95GlhyphenhyphenItVKY88ZVE49ShLS4nfb3CLuABnA7eR-tDiol0Omd6xg8rCbM47ApAUDOAJOs1JIJVMrYI1RMSnDEaXtex5_5CIuDcEwdKJVO_VwgFmEYBfri_BT02sebf3Zf1iFG6w/s4032/IMG_2858.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21l_OvhFEgXlxJ1wIVTReHHOhwoktBHr2BIlmmAYbqYsO_z_W3yvyTs95GlhyphenhyphenItVKY88ZVE49ShLS4nfb3CLuABnA7eR-tDiol0Omd6xg8rCbM47ApAUDOAJOs1JIJVMrYI1RMSnDEaXtex5_5CIuDcEwdKJVO_VwgFmEYBfri_BT02sebf3Zf1iFG6w/w480-h640/IMG_2858.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I understand this Christmas cactus is probably a Thanksgiving cactus. It was a really nice plant until the deer took a big chunk out of one side of the plant. It still bloomed nicely from the parts that were not pruned. That little pink thing on the end is wonderful.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTwNPtmyUr3ZjBoIY2GccC1AV_UYD3GgNvSg9YsZDi_9QIlmOPUVuxTbtMku0LDObHJRI5GdiEBsXAJZFjk58endAvdjXdhR4vBalJIxByjquBX5P5pYMjDj_eE0pfzRiHcdx9gDyAOZZ6-_IW37V-TeHw_u3ooszKBST8ShVuOtO551dTw6fnVO6VsM/s4032/IMG_2859.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTwNPtmyUr3ZjBoIY2GccC1AV_UYD3GgNvSg9YsZDi_9QIlmOPUVuxTbtMku0LDObHJRI5GdiEBsXAJZFjk58endAvdjXdhR4vBalJIxByjquBX5P5pYMjDj_eE0pfzRiHcdx9gDyAOZZ6-_IW37V-TeHw_u3ooszKBST8ShVuOtO551dTw6fnVO6VsM/w480-h640/IMG_2859.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>This next is the corn plant, aka dracaena fragrans. I have had the plant since 2009. It bloomed for the first time 3 years ago. It skipped a year and started to bloom again last December. I hope it will now be on a regular schedule. I put it in a bigger pot, where there are 4-5 branches. So far only the oldest has started to produce a bud.</div><div>Julia and I can certainly attest to the fact it is named "fragrans" for a reason.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAKAVO3h3m8LmebmNms4W29Ca4d6oEAKnY64yWrM9QYqXr_72WX4jP4wGTOAo30Q0RmLq8Sgi10ZzuO_SniCAW4tce3C-k8By7YKQ1kZ1Rlj-hKFMk10FBzXRCzLYGFkH1CsRJj5xzAAh_oE8LQ9V6YTgh425Rk0UzcX0kLWqrLfpXrYKDn6eD5OjeROI/s4032/IMG_2860.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAKAVO3h3m8LmebmNms4W29Ca4d6oEAKnY64yWrM9QYqXr_72WX4jP4wGTOAo30Q0RmLq8Sgi10ZzuO_SniCAW4tce3C-k8By7YKQ1kZ1Rlj-hKFMk10FBzXRCzLYGFkH1CsRJj5xzAAh_oE8LQ9V6YTgh425Rk0UzcX0kLWqrLfpXrYKDn6eD5OjeROI/w480-h640/IMG_2860.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXwQfvT8t3n71HXHKxWPF6CDonW2yjTxtMylHcMJ3Wr8wntSiAorkYVqzp19iv7GNIOS4mUAS7ziZshyFmrkSS8UpJ7m3YiNku-ho9T_zvfcLwp-8bM3pzmuYf1x6uiUSJz-fiQ2DYbfGiqwjJrQvBD-cFCwcE2DBWacowsWkGVIvl7P3-QB4hQUYlKc/s4032/IMG_2861.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXwQfvT8t3n71HXHKxWPF6CDonW2yjTxtMylHcMJ3Wr8wntSiAorkYVqzp19iv7GNIOS4mUAS7ziZshyFmrkSS8UpJ7m3YiNku-ho9T_zvfcLwp-8bM3pzmuYf1x6uiUSJz-fiQ2DYbfGiqwjJrQvBD-cFCwcE2DBWacowsWkGVIvl7P3-QB4hQUYlKc/w480-h640/IMG_2861.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>You will recognize this next flower from several weeks ago. The plant is inside where it is starved for sun. Yet it will bloom off and on all winter. This was from Thursday.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoDefeApkFMMZ8kzyvFt2CYyK4rrkDYgddYSwrBeru9RuL_u1-YjleOhU1w4NcQ9gQPk0U9WlveKVPT6217AFREy4Gi4qXxl43-Hq6ba5afOx2I5mmqkEo222mM49dWybB3TXmNc3jYbmckcei9pqltCoieh0_hruVimwLLKu9YrI1xa_vyPFwQ9pa-8/s4032/IMG_2884.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoDefeApkFMMZ8kzyvFt2CYyK4rrkDYgddYSwrBeru9RuL_u1-YjleOhU1w4NcQ9gQPk0U9WlveKVPT6217AFREy4Gi4qXxl43-Hq6ba5afOx2I5mmqkEo222mM49dWybB3TXmNc3jYbmckcei9pqltCoieh0_hruVimwLLKu9YrI1xa_vyPFwQ9pa-8/w480-h640/IMG_2884.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This next picture is orchid Bc Mackni Mayumi. Bc stands for Brassavola and Cattleya.</div><div>I have had the plant for 6-7 years. I divided it 2 years ago. Then I had three plants. Next year I will put at least one out on the sale table.</div><div>This picture is at the office, where we have a light stand.</div><div>Remarkably the one at home started to bloom within 24 hours of the one at the office starting.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjCawV7G2j9p819YSsTsC5WV1PFEcVm-Chfgx336ItKp2k8jHoCjzRu-1y2XFsCXiGbxySj7ThAjTLJ-LASV1Yp6hceLrgyePOIC6uqFB0pz_39gFuuHIKgNnfOkX_KvY57wrOGJ-z6Sxc5_fCEaDaLeAllXDgJ3s7j5vL9H31L1tU5gbrvNwsumtavA/s4032/IMG_2890.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjCawV7G2j9p819YSsTsC5WV1PFEcVm-Chfgx336ItKp2k8jHoCjzRu-1y2XFsCXiGbxySj7ThAjTLJ-LASV1Yp6hceLrgyePOIC6uqFB0pz_39gFuuHIKgNnfOkX_KvY57wrOGJ-z6Sxc5_fCEaDaLeAllXDgJ3s7j5vL9H31L1tU5gbrvNwsumtavA/w640-h480/IMG_2890.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Violets do make a real presentation with the leaves edged in white.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1eOYo9Qij3pXXtxMhxgYFiNT8kTZ-lwNmPajjaMVsBmscLSMudddmiS0znl6a-NNTvG4wl16I5dX78YN-zzUzlMSvMqGY6m9cLgyH6CxSg72IyZkcqfhYW0DSzk1m78ZEDDrP1WTZqbJQenGAmwqqxYO_bYgVVQy2ndapCjyt0M_J3XJK4hxPOlYigk/s4032/IMG_2897.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1eOYo9Qij3pXXtxMhxgYFiNT8kTZ-lwNmPajjaMVsBmscLSMudddmiS0znl6a-NNTvG4wl16I5dX78YN-zzUzlMSvMqGY6m9cLgyH6CxSg72IyZkcqfhYW0DSzk1m78ZEDDrP1WTZqbJQenGAmwqqxYO_bYgVVQy2ndapCjyt0M_J3XJK4hxPOlYigk/w640-h480/IMG_2897.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Julia's recipe</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Udon noodles and spinach</b></span></p><p>I was thinking about how many starch plus spinach recipes I make. Some have appeared on this blog. Some have not, and I will be posting some more in the next weeks. Here is another spinach and noodle dish - Asian influenced. It's from the NYT; it's fast; it's tasty and it's a nice companion to simply prepared protein like roasted salmon or baked chicken pieces. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIaiOcxfYN_grD905rX2tSWoineBTmULwB3_KG6vCAYeShUBLlNRkDaPVSqjc_0-RJQ1iivsW905vgqfkP1_K22JieI4V2vIUPmXIWvsNKXzj_JVQbMAp_l1bNM1-47avn1qMMYIlqVluwze7SlbGRobAvuWPHOr3p5PXGL9W9pY-f8pLsS4h2IPg8tI/s4032/IMG_2835.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIaiOcxfYN_grD905rX2tSWoineBTmULwB3_KG6vCAYeShUBLlNRkDaPVSqjc_0-RJQ1iivsW905vgqfkP1_K22JieI4V2vIUPmXIWvsNKXzj_JVQbMAp_l1bNM1-47avn1qMMYIlqVluwze7SlbGRobAvuWPHOr3p5PXGL9W9pY-f8pLsS4h2IPg8tI/s320/IMG_2835.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>The ingredients:</p><p>1 pkg. (8 oz) wide udon noodles;</p><p>1/2 lb. baby spinach;</p><p>5 tablespoons butter;</p><p>1or 2 or more tablespoons soy sauce;</p><p>maybe 1/2 teaspoon sugar;</p><p>maybe 1-1/2 teaspoons black pepper; and</p><p>2 or 3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvml73rPlvtT4Yaa57ITxA-OsedoVG1GRVmCACk_FehWphKRjidYWMSXOKuvI8ZlI0vZ3i7MpA28ybXJISfF0JZBFDUV6FTyvPzWa0yJCwnqC6aZL7lfW-_wqGKHAInRhYF_iqg5XzJZw-0U46h8gfPWT_6rEs2K24Q37URjp0mFyqHGcNud9iBw8Ozs/s4032/IMG_2836.jpeg" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvml73rPlvtT4Yaa57ITxA-OsedoVG1GRVmCACk_FehWphKRjidYWMSXOKuvI8ZlI0vZ3i7MpA28ybXJISfF0JZBFDUV6FTyvPzWa0yJCwnqC6aZL7lfW-_wqGKHAInRhYF_iqg5XzJZw-0U46h8gfPWT_6rEs2K24Q37URjp0mFyqHGcNud9iBw8Ozs/w400-h300/IMG_2836.jpeg" width="400" /></a></p><div>No vegetables to prep, except for rinsing the spinach. I put a pot on the stove, and when it came to a boil, I added the udon noodles. </div><div><br /></div><div>They cooked for maybe 10 minutes (as I recall - I tasted them when they started to wiggle in the water). I fished out a cup of the water when the noodles were almost done. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihFDlUiyYGt4aZ44P_5q6uMCiOodV8Wp7io9Bo8puTAbgCzxjgIuNg-d2Ng3qRGbxMkzLSrFSj2sjLnny_O-hs4xjP6oYzPbIzRbILGcoPbYUbi9IGoPcHVqnkwpPDlKBb2WTIyRgsp78Iwrdb9U2fgUAV57i67cdDiiZopkQeNDtsXI9hoRH3_FhzgP4/s4032/IMG_2837.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihFDlUiyYGt4aZ44P_5q6uMCiOodV8Wp7io9Bo8puTAbgCzxjgIuNg-d2Ng3qRGbxMkzLSrFSj2sjLnny_O-hs4xjP6oYzPbIzRbILGcoPbYUbi9IGoPcHVqnkwpPDlKBb2WTIyRgsp78Iwrdb9U2fgUAV57i67cdDiiZopkQeNDtsXI9hoRH3_FhzgP4/w400-h300/IMG_2837.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>We had the noodles with salmon roasted with just olive oil, salt and pepper. While the oven was heating up, I roasted the sesame seeds in a pie pan. Keep an eye on anything like seeds or nuts when roasting as seeds or nuts can burn more quickly than you might think.<br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlAPLogW2JiJyHmJBDcqn79L7VDEpPZ-q7BiWeqjG0v_8Oh3_APZV2Gbb_sXEN0et5kNLZTCZWxIWNDi0zD3uW6DV4h4AKaqkCUc5cCf04zamt5hd1ChdCVTGqQ8GMNJpmAoWvIH6KXG1IbTggevheK4hyphenhyphenHTpmwGG81ycK3vY8S9fs9JzKG0DQsLXuko/s4032/IMG_2838.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlAPLogW2JiJyHmJBDcqn79L7VDEpPZ-q7BiWeqjG0v_8Oh3_APZV2Gbb_sXEN0et5kNLZTCZWxIWNDi0zD3uW6DV4h4AKaqkCUc5cCf04zamt5hd1ChdCVTGqQ8GMNJpmAoWvIH6KXG1IbTggevheK4hyphenhyphenHTpmwGG81ycK3vY8S9fs9JzKG0DQsLXuko/w300-h400/IMG_2838.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>When the noodles were almost done and after I had fished out the cup of cooking water, I added the spinach in handfuls. </div><div><br /></div><div>When the spinach was just wilted, it was done. <br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj837fCZ99iYTeKe1d_NA5Tt18QS40CxqCGihoVQu_s56qWB6YSlxByrPSJ2Ks4X0HrHXQW6TdFAKh5vnLvMclZUtC1twyiw2TNZ8albwGtN9iguUwJN3v-fQtxgsfhMCyaQexUI-pupLRYY91pqn1WvW1KrmsQo6ALlmce7ForJ5ID7LlUJ4quKhW7aGU/s4032/IMG_2839.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj837fCZ99iYTeKe1d_NA5Tt18QS40CxqCGihoVQu_s56qWB6YSlxByrPSJ2Ks4X0HrHXQW6TdFAKh5vnLvMclZUtC1twyiw2TNZ8albwGtN9iguUwJN3v-fQtxgsfhMCyaQexUI-pupLRYY91pqn1WvW1KrmsQo6ALlmce7ForJ5ID7LlUJ4quKhW7aGU/w300-h400/IMG_2839.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>I drained the spinach/noodles. <br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWSA9v4CWiAZtLFJWG3ibHzCg4jl7py7H35-I8yJJZBYHmqy766GF43Mq1K_LoZ7_q9rD9WHGZLVNsfuA0kNwUMK8hdOsIFJpc-Q-ueWfQwe7tacTMXMTH3cHBRLkUklO7lLDUeXD3dKM41Yq5l88P2qamn4k8Yw_jcqbb4SKOiVFoyFWNgtOhVjw0Vg/s4032/IMG_2840.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWSA9v4CWiAZtLFJWG3ibHzCg4jl7py7H35-I8yJJZBYHmqy766GF43Mq1K_LoZ7_q9rD9WHGZLVNsfuA0kNwUMK8hdOsIFJpc-Q-ueWfQwe7tacTMXMTH3cHBRLkUklO7lLDUeXD3dKM41Yq5l88P2qamn4k8Yw_jcqbb4SKOiVFoyFWNgtOhVjw0Vg/w300-h400/IMG_2840.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>I then melted 4 tablespoons of the butter in the pot that I had just emptied. <br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj648-iPcGC9dveMGRcw8lPC4p_nzVg0kk0H9nNpkwcQvcgmMKE-4Sn43-qzKQUiM-6Fp6DGEQ9o7ji0HBPd3DSwmtMhp5dJXNKFFGTuN2D1XwEP-aSIDGPivzuqbnM4VUAqojQC-J1EU_J4z_Wt-G_lLLB8E7yraO1wpbzsmbla8Lc_VPT7zBT2CL71dE/s4032/IMG_2841.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj648-iPcGC9dveMGRcw8lPC4p_nzVg0kk0H9nNpkwcQvcgmMKE-4Sn43-qzKQUiM-6Fp6DGEQ9o7ji0HBPd3DSwmtMhp5dJXNKFFGTuN2D1XwEP-aSIDGPivzuqbnM4VUAqojQC-J1EU_J4z_Wt-G_lLLB8E7yraO1wpbzsmbla8Lc_VPT7zBT2CL71dE/w300-h400/IMG_2841.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>I melted the butter over medium-low heat. Then I continued to cook it until it began to brown. At that point, I added the black pepper and stirred it in.<br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I think this is a video ot browning the butter and stirring in the pepper. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dylU59YRcVVUxtWehrhVkJrZCwp1rQpZHLa9Vbgp6azWbT1ONUzNft4LAYJr72M3PmZbUhZ78yfx3QSlLwc' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p>After the pepper was stirred in, I dumped the spinach and noodles into the pot, followed by the sugar and the soy sauce. I stirred it up and then added a bit of the retained udon-cooking water, maybe 1/4 cup. The idea is to have the sauce cling to the noodles. The recipe called for 1-1/2 teaspoon of soy sauce. Not enough. I doubled it, and then added a little more. So the advice I have is - soy sauce to taste. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplB6HDsA8kje6F604jiyw6L6UPUwac45EWYRKyo9BD_OrSKVpEzA0sxUqj8UMgm90GGxEHZoUn6RzMlljPSfnr_kXl13Pzy6hkYw7XyJeKTEOGyedk5Ked9nzl5KK_FMjL_YGUmwozUeuIy0kHc_JdjpCdVSI5dbQSa1q6IoQRw6r2wuFJnvFKQvWNJM/s4032/IMG_2843.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplB6HDsA8kje6F604jiyw6L6UPUwac45EWYRKyo9BD_OrSKVpEzA0sxUqj8UMgm90GGxEHZoUn6RzMlljPSfnr_kXl13Pzy6hkYw7XyJeKTEOGyedk5Ked9nzl5KK_FMjL_YGUmwozUeuIy0kHc_JdjpCdVSI5dbQSa1q6IoQRw6r2wuFJnvFKQvWNJM/w300-h400/IMG_2843.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>I took the pot off the heat and stirred in most of the sesame seeds and the last tablespoon of butter. Then I put the dish is a nice serving piece.<br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpbPMsppYr2LJCwTSUoWh0FDeKjeS5Mn7UsPrfN_n2n2GggXP02R2fwwi4Gr3QF9fwiMHDgGBJGAx3MRhpSikRDvkx_gEkBXeqW6Ckb5CJDSlHJ5jDBbKeF5-TAffjMOh1wA5s1ZZeD-a3vbJpHn96P-uv8NITDjLYWkWAEiwskslI0Q85OnN8C5usjk/s3225/IMG_2845.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3225" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpbPMsppYr2LJCwTSUoWh0FDeKjeS5Mn7UsPrfN_n2n2GggXP02R2fwwi4Gr3QF9fwiMHDgGBJGAx3MRhpSikRDvkx_gEkBXeqW6Ckb5CJDSlHJ5jDBbKeF5-TAffjMOh1wA5s1ZZeD-a3vbJpHn96P-uv8NITDjLYWkWAEiwskslI0Q85OnN8C5usjk/w400-h375/IMG_2845.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>I sprinkled the finished dish with the last of the sesame seeds and it was ready. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I said, we served it with simply roasted salmon. And salad and berries and yogurt. </div><div><br /></div><div>Maggie joined us for dinner, and we did not have any leftovers.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you are feeding more people, double everything! <br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Odds and Ends</span></b></p><p>This story was somewhere this last week. The project is out at the old Johnson County Poor farm. That is on the west side of town, west of the highway. They do have quite the set-up out there.</p><p><a href="https://practicalfarmers.org/2023/10/thinking-globally-growing-locally/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=12.10.23&fbclid=IwAR33Q72qMWaDZmck6a0WK9oltyEhAcPtzKDkWr_bSQFiDhwiy6xehdb4s78">https://practicalfarmers.org/2023/10/thinking-globally-growing-locally/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=12.10.23&fbclid=IwAR33Q72qMWaDZmck6a0WK9oltyEhAcPtzKDkWr_bSQFiDhwiy6xehdb4s78</a><br /></p><p>For whatever reason "Rainbow Mountain" also crossed my screen this past week. Do you know about this place? It is not some Walt Disney movie. It sounds like a great place to visit until you read that it is 5,200 meters in elevation. I can just hear you doing the calculation. Yes, it is 17,000 feet. I remember Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mount National park. That is 12,000 feet. This Peruvian wonder is a full mile higher than that.</p><p><a href="https://www.rainbowmountainperu.com/">https://www.rainbowmountainperu.com/</a><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>One more white orchid is about to bloom. It is getting some help. This is the rare ladybug in the inside garden.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNAcvHisrWxbbJLxCeXfYUIV-uPZB1JNf6-xesLXjb0wIPiA7iLA5t8N_8sylbSevqRzhmv8iXWIMCBhr-jx9h6EvfaX_1-BpD1b-K1rTn74orMRORKaCoKWyLAav3408Tm4u95DCKy1gNxkLYGs6ju0BCllmHPuMCUU5-BV30e38LAIsKWWNabhcx_wM/s4032/IMG_2832.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNAcvHisrWxbbJLxCeXfYUIV-uPZB1JNf6-xesLXjb0wIPiA7iLA5t8N_8sylbSevqRzhmv8iXWIMCBhr-jx9h6EvfaX_1-BpD1b-K1rTn74orMRORKaCoKWyLAav3408Tm4u95DCKy1gNxkLYGs6ju0BCllmHPuMCUU5-BV30e38LAIsKWWNabhcx_wM/w480-h640/IMG_2832.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>The amaryllis remain in the garage. That stays close to the target 50 degrees. I did bring in one that wa potted and dormant inside. We will see if it wakes up. </p><p>I try not to think about the condition of the world, which trickles down to the country and the state. We are having to weather through the R politicians, who are preparing for the caucus in less than a month. Lots of TV ads to mute. Guess what? We do not get robo calls from politicians. We are not on their list.</p><p>It is a busy time of the year. I have to really work to find the time for my plants. I must remember to check the less obvious corners.</p><p>Pray for peace. Find some little thing to do to make the world a better and kinder place.</p><p>Philip</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>philip Mearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04384629201161240341noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509434911388799.post-75652587896105516962023-12-10T06:18:00.000-06:002023-12-10T06:18:06.101-06:00December 10, 2023 which means Week #3 of the contest<p>Welcome to the picture contest. Welcome to this little place to escape and move towards Spring.</p><p><br /></p><p>Goodness gracious. Look what appeared out of nowhere on Thursday.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxuoQU3t7e7ectAMQvG5JCUl_SIy4gUymAtnwEqp8y-QfVoeT9-4J_Td47xN62-X1x42ePtbHwtUTFM36Zv5R25s7W2oNwzNbttKE5mM1Is4f3F2x4tAoatrhUILJDPke-cpLu64FAIX_UiEtb6nrvgtzuft_Me9z6Ux9O4EeCpyg35vNtsl_oU0gA1Y/s4032/IMG_2828.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxuoQU3t7e7ectAMQvG5JCUl_SIy4gUymAtnwEqp8y-QfVoeT9-4J_Td47xN62-X1x42ePtbHwtUTFM36Zv5R25s7W2oNwzNbttKE5mM1Is4f3F2x4tAoatrhUILJDPke-cpLu64FAIX_UiEtb6nrvgtzuft_Me9z6Ux9O4EeCpyg35vNtsl_oU0gA1Y/w640-h480/IMG_2828.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>It was a little Sternbergia lutea. It is sometimes called the winter daffodil. It is marketed with fall crocuses. For that reason it was not really out of season. Fall crocuses will bloom in the same fall that they are planted. No waiting around for winter to be done. </p><p>In fact I planted 5 of these guys this September. They are listed as zone 6. (Wikipedia lists that as a 7.) We are 5 or 5b. I can never remember. I think that means we are moving toward 6. I have to decide if I think that is a good thing.</p><p>One reason is it was late in blooming was that we continue to be very dry. We should have had 34.7 inches to date. We have had 22.3 inches. None is in the forecast. I guess one positive to that forecast is that there is no snow. When I first noticed this little guy, I brought out the watering can and gave it a good drink.</p><p>But we certainly were moving towards zone 6 this week. Thursday and Friday, it was sunny with temperatures in the 50's. Not so much yesterday. 40 with a stiff breeze meant a heavier coat.</p><p>Lutea means yellow.</p><p>Sternbergia is/are in the Amaryllis family.</p><p>With that significant warm up, we did fill up our cans with leaves for the City to take away. </p><p>I have to confess having that little bit of color did make me wonder what other plants might be stirring. There have been years when we had a snowdrop on January 1.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Last week in the contest</b></span></p><p> the winner was...Blissful, the dwarf iris.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacA59YslaefNG8ZcU0XSwWOoN0PImrKVpbl1GFMDsV3OiKlf45t5nVT2WHTXE7pPz3dnk2g_BTZmMcBsbRChbCFSQC3kh6aAH3h1MGelGfM9UMWJCAaaVFuO-0Yc6yYQ5CfajQAMMWU5_eHSQjLAOdRn1EgNAIYfP-ezxBjZNt2o2VFVIjpJkxIpHpr8/s4032/IMG_0526.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacA59YslaefNG8ZcU0XSwWOoN0PImrKVpbl1GFMDsV3OiKlf45t5nVT2WHTXE7pPz3dnk2g_BTZmMcBsbRChbCFSQC3kh6aAH3h1MGelGfM9UMWJCAaaVFuO-0Yc6yYQ5CfajQAMMWU5_eHSQjLAOdRn1EgNAIYfP-ezxBjZNt2o2VFVIjpJkxIpHpr8/w480-h640/IMG_0526.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>What a wonderful color.</p><p>The full vote was</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuinIkUp_oENBDD26XRc2ouvuojsMNFDDlcseuf9JcCo0YlwM09QI7kyX7PN4MuIUjhORS7xKOXfj7SBf4C60ipXDjad8YW0qUTKwEfxDf2-XVpnkpm1zDmZKO_tLNcqXL77h3Wh8BF5nFVLuMOhvilrwL82pBeu8pDU70MLpipkMawcvHHe-YsKqzzbQ/s312/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-10%20at%205.47.59%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="312" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuinIkUp_oENBDD26XRc2ouvuojsMNFDDlcseuf9JcCo0YlwM09QI7kyX7PN4MuIUjhORS7xKOXfj7SBf4C60ipXDjad8YW0qUTKwEfxDf2-XVpnkpm1zDmZKO_tLNcqXL77h3Wh8BF5nFVLuMOhvilrwL82pBeu8pDU70MLpipkMawcvHHe-YsKqzzbQ/s1600/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-10%20at%205.47.59%20AM.png" width="312" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>This week is Week #3, </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>as we do slowly move along toward spring.</b></span></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#1 Daffodil Tahiti </span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">April 15, 2023</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSrYv1XG9edbvRv6oJVNEleMgwc3kcLLV5oDNMCunGeyA5T3nGUbBHFwGRz-9OtUVEI6NZxmQ6FwutUz8n56PW1TvulnKShv5FMdsHhpD08J6bVCHS1186ZZhxtDcda992GOVDLduMkRYDAKPFSfjfnyxL6HWCo5EsaRjiJOc7TIyRHQPAyrdWQMYpnQ/s4032/IMG_0165.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSrYv1XG9edbvRv6oJVNEleMgwc3kcLLV5oDNMCunGeyA5T3nGUbBHFwGRz-9OtUVEI6NZxmQ6FwutUz8n56PW1TvulnKShv5FMdsHhpD08J6bVCHS1186ZZhxtDcda992GOVDLduMkRYDAKPFSfjfnyxL6HWCo5EsaRjiJOc7TIyRHQPAyrdWQMYpnQ/w480-h640/IMG_0165.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Daffodils are just so cheerful. </div><div>I sometimes forget about daffodils. In the early spring there are crocuses and aconite and snowdrops. Then there are the daffodils. They come in all sizes and shapes.</div><div>This is Tahiti, a very nice double. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#2 Shirley Poppy, in red</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> June 20, 2023</span></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0W80W-qEujcEQQOjA8_MAEob-r1VBSTVMbNNPU1oYqT-KJVHZ42QBjbm1N0T68dFMsB8b8bc3Zeo3y_KO7O1-skgWMJZOzZjow1PY1kdQRqq1nC9mi6Ya_4Jg_3JniZNq6AGQapnM-nuIH5hVCMr3TENWwvEtJtyO8USRU0FPFM506PTlCVAw8mS66Rw/s4032/IMG_1096.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0W80W-qEujcEQQOjA8_MAEob-r1VBSTVMbNNPU1oYqT-KJVHZ42QBjbm1N0T68dFMsB8b8bc3Zeo3y_KO7O1-skgWMJZOzZjow1PY1kdQRqq1nC9mi6Ya_4Jg_3JniZNq6AGQapnM-nuIH5hVCMr3TENWwvEtJtyO8USRU0FPFM506PTlCVAw8mS66Rw/w480-h640/IMG_1096.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Why do you like a picture? Is it the color? The composition? </div><div>In this picture you see the flower, the seedpod, and the bud, all right together.</div><div>What remarkably hairy stems these plants have.</div><div>And there is that golden center, all the more pronounced with the red in the petals.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#3 Blackberry Lily </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">July 23. 2023</span></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0zi_kAy_RRPk85IHxao9TzBLSE62TOxeqnBc6xMopaj5t2NgiUuKkaoJfVdbfrQyi4fDn_X-K-B5EMbBSPMAWzjWg-v_E-BgbgEeKIWL1nv_FMAEhRLb7tSBgFvYTPXZThaX7R2Ww7lpbvZ6u-swraruGTKNHbovlADtf7-vef1mKF_IqWVUE7eJQok/s4032/IMG_1605.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0zi_kAy_RRPk85IHxao9TzBLSE62TOxeqnBc6xMopaj5t2NgiUuKkaoJfVdbfrQyi4fDn_X-K-B5EMbBSPMAWzjWg-v_E-BgbgEeKIWL1nv_FMAEhRLb7tSBgFvYTPXZThaX7R2Ww7lpbvZ6u-swraruGTKNHbovlADtf7-vef1mKF_IqWVUE7eJQok/w640-h480/IMG_1605.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>This, for lack of a better name, is a blackberry lily. It has spots to make a toad lily envious. I particularly like the fact that after they roll up, almost looking like a caterpillar.</div><div><br /></div><div>When is a lily not a lily? When it is an iris. There are these plants that bloom in late summer. They all look like each other but the precise name can be confusing. There are Blackberry lilies and Candy lilies and something called pardancandas. </div><div><br /></div><div>What exactly are these obviously related plants?</div><div><p>Are pardancandas the same thing only with a fancier name?<br />Are they Blackberry lilies or Candy lilies? </p><p>Are they even a lily? The answer is no. DNA was actually involved in switching the genus about 20 years ago. Who knew?</p><p>Here is Dave's Garden discussion. However I will then give you the condensed version.<br /><a href="https://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/2866">https://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/2866</a><br /><br /></p><p>There have been Blackberry lilies for a while. They have been around long enough for some of them to run away from gardens and become wild flowers. (But apparently not in an invasive way.) They were called <i>Belamcanda chinensis</i>. That name was reworked in 2005 when they became <i>Iris domestica</i>. Mostly they bloom orange with some spots.</p><p>There is a yellow one that is <i>Belamcanda flambellum</i>. Actually now it would be called something else.</p><p>Theses plants are called Blackberry lilies because of the seedpods. After they flower, they look like...blackberries. (See bonus section)</p><p>Along came Samuel Norris. It was 1967. In addition to dabbling with paw-paws, he crossed the Belamcanda plant with a Vesper Iris. For a while it was called <i>pardancanda x. norissii</i>. At least as of 2013 when the Dave's garden article was written it was being called <i>Iris x. norissii</i>. Are you paying attention?</p><p>Samuel Norris came up with a plant that looked about the same, made the same seedpods, but had many more colors.</p><p>In the garden I have had several varieties, including some that are clearly the early blackberry lilies, and some that are the norissii type. Some are the original orange. There is a yellow one. Then there are crosses, including many that have a wonderul maroon.</p><p>So what can you conclude?</p><p>These plants really are iris.</p><p>They self seed. Each year I pot up ones that are growing in the woodchip paths.</p><p>Other than reblooming bearded iris, these are the last iris of the season - a season that lasted from March to August.</p><p>They do provide color and interest when many of the other perennial plants of high summer have ended.</p><p>They like sun, but will grow in part shade.</p><p><br /></p><p>Here is the wikipedia page for iris domestica, aka blackberry lilies.</p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iris_domestica">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iris_domestica</a><br /><br />More information, with pictures is found here:<br /><a href="http://amycampion.com/candy-lilies-why-i-love-em-how-to-grow-em/">http://amycampion.com/candy-lilies-why-i-love-em-how-to-grow-em/</a><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#4 Cattleya Arctic Star Snow Queen</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">October 1, 2023</span></b></div><p></p></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZAXHG4TD4KiELdgs1S6Bh-p8Ls8QUTlpKPbR1IcEsJPjm3o0CX1UlIV0v4e_1JZYz6PyOf8RmDf75k4Ck3k7euVyqmlxELMpGVY03Fb0krGgnLGR-q06nGza0EXONwks2LxzDrwxeyS7UW2w7llWdiMsyM_B27Gs-_k-kQOweRmeBty8C4vr2X3pXwQ/s4032/IMG_2276.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZAXHG4TD4KiELdgs1S6Bh-p8Ls8QUTlpKPbR1IcEsJPjm3o0CX1UlIV0v4e_1JZYz6PyOf8RmDf75k4Ck3k7euVyqmlxELMpGVY03Fb0krGgnLGR-q06nGza0EXONwks2LxzDrwxeyS7UW2w7llWdiMsyM_B27Gs-_k-kQOweRmeBty8C4vr2X3pXwQ/w640-h480/IMG_2276.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I have had this cattleya orchid since at least 2015. I divided the plant in the last year. As a result I have had one blooming plant after another for the last 3-4 months. There is one blooming in the living room at the moment. There is another in spike under lights in the basement. "Being in spike" means there are buds you can see.</div><div>Remarkably an orchid can be in spike for months.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#5 Violet Mermaid Kisses </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>March 17, 2023</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKeivjJeUzI5rmGC3PRFIEch6TmczRaW6TGjBHzNqu0TkdmKnHGCmdasMwnefm-hUXvk5BGcGFi5W6C0AgxZZFic8VCGAo6kU3Tekt5bN2vF_fLNURtAA1tSoDhYh7Nl-BxfSnEcxdWiR9tHxH5nwwP8ECINvOZlDQBGfiEodYUbb5itBCOJf3b_kcGY/s3079/IMG_9821.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3079" data-original-width="2521" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKeivjJeUzI5rmGC3PRFIEch6TmczRaW6TGjBHzNqu0TkdmKnHGCmdasMwnefm-hUXvk5BGcGFi5W6C0AgxZZFic8VCGAo6kU3Tekt5bN2vF_fLNURtAA1tSoDhYh7Nl-BxfSnEcxdWiR9tHxH5nwwP8ECINvOZlDQBGfiEodYUbb5itBCOJf3b_kcGY/w524-h640/IMG_9821.jpeg" width="524" /></a></div><br /><p>We discovered African violets last winter. Iowa City has a winter farmer's market. It is at the Fairgrounds on Sundays, from November to April. It takes place about every other week. There was a person selling African violets, complete with the wicking already set up. I would get one almost each market.</p><p>Do you know about wicking? You dangle string out of the hole in the pot, into water. The water then wicks up the string and keeps your plant watered. Some people use the technique for other house plants. (You do need to be careful with your potting mix. There should be lots of perlite.) </p><p>Remarkably the plants were inexpensive too. Our coffee table on the south side of the dining room is now full. I am not sure where more will go. There will be more.</p><p>More information about African violets:</p><p>They are not related to the violets that grow outside.</p><p>They are in the genus Streptocarpus. That sounds like a disease. </p><p>They come from East Africa.</p><p>New plants can be grow from leaf cuttings. I have done that. Of course, then what happens? You have more plants.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Bonus Pictures</span></b></p><p>Other violets from 2023</p><p><br /></p><p>Sometimes you just have to marvel at the leaves on some of these plants.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxpKuPu9Wp4SetJgZSUoM_doq7P1gqW83lqWNZDkVBneKYFq0oBoLkhJfmd8c79vgE8d7PoU2nTjHfH50O99VfRoIr-YrEUs5VTDBigsmhEOIlIxCyhjn47_laviGFpxuiThs181IIcGObRs2cMCWoO9Xx-7g7E3Ij4Zqv_NMOkpj5qFFvhtIq5vEul0/s4032/IMG_2090.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxpKuPu9Wp4SetJgZSUoM_doq7P1gqW83lqWNZDkVBneKYFq0oBoLkhJfmd8c79vgE8d7PoU2nTjHfH50O99VfRoIr-YrEUs5VTDBigsmhEOIlIxCyhjn47_laviGFpxuiThs181IIcGObRs2cMCWoO9Xx-7g7E3Ij4Zqv_NMOkpj5qFFvhtIq5vEul0/w480-h640/IMG_2090.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This gives you a view of the wicking process. You do have to have a small enough pot, where the bottom will fit in a pint jar.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXfRF6ry3vMlGTxZtuOW9RIZ_VN1mTXxQcdLGXXj-5qjnvO2LyznCURMV0ytLuDsOCW3bSPKtQ38WXQOO6RtdxAoEmTtvpdq5JbEUnVGDBgHtrESSiWjx8WpiLRPeqSWKt9OdclkouCwHTqSkYlkibJik0Lw-0tMccxbyPNF0gRqac2tR2IPCHP6AyVs/s4032/IMG_2687.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXfRF6ry3vMlGTxZtuOW9RIZ_VN1mTXxQcdLGXXj-5qjnvO2LyznCURMV0ytLuDsOCW3bSPKtQ38WXQOO6RtdxAoEmTtvpdq5JbEUnVGDBgHtrESSiWjx8WpiLRPeqSWKt9OdclkouCwHTqSkYlkibJik0Lw-0tMccxbyPNF0gRqac2tR2IPCHP6AyVs/w480-h640/IMG_2687.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozofbNMG9RW3pSBejIPwqsq6bma5L7cTUZU8NPBQoWiwmQ_8zEO9xpc0rnNd1HmtiDzA0NjIQCnr8es7S3rHIvHbPjaI8J7GafFjOOnGK7-bWMss24XlqhX7tQH9j3r3mAef6oMkeJL4GyAtmQj9hepWd2aRIX-yqniM3qRfCpdAsQlTe7Xqy74oaHVo/s4032/IMG_9487.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozofbNMG9RW3pSBejIPwqsq6bma5L7cTUZU8NPBQoWiwmQ_8zEO9xpc0rnNd1HmtiDzA0NjIQCnr8es7S3rHIvHbPjaI8J7GafFjOOnGK7-bWMss24XlqhX7tQH9j3r3mAef6oMkeJL4GyAtmQj9hepWd2aRIX-yqniM3qRfCpdAsQlTe7Xqy74oaHVo/w640-h480/IMG_9487.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzdfd8y6VKJ9_5PhXr4O5_pdcQUo2jDiMlHefciUxwCRQYQSYgvXJA2kXddnIXr7UWB9KdiHR9o6p4Yi9-R9cQeW_le_ZMv5lJPNCBCXFkz2c5S1mAHjDu0qOXh1dHtD4LUk7p-o0sqToTHk7Dh-tQtUIXfcD5oLw_m0d36SU-RuWMuX2RcMs-_vEOGk/s4032/IMG_9782.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzdfd8y6VKJ9_5PhXr4O5_pdcQUo2jDiMlHefciUxwCRQYQSYgvXJA2kXddnIXr7UWB9KdiHR9o6p4Yi9-R9cQeW_le_ZMv5lJPNCBCXFkz2c5S1mAHjDu0qOXh1dHtD4LUk7p-o0sqToTHk7Dh-tQtUIXfcD5oLw_m0d36SU-RuWMuX2RcMs-_vEOGk/w640-h480/IMG_9782.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>More Arctic Star-Snow Queen</p><p>Here is the bud, for the plant that bloomed in early October.</p><p>I should add that having grown some orchids now for probably 30 years, I find cattleyas to be about the easiest, and most dependable to rebloom. They are also easier to spell.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnWjYgkSxmeS3k91D7PTkTp1C99mqJJ8p5rQeIh2MV68y-YrWD87A48nmxXRNayqu9xSpe6fdDnHzltype3WRRLSs8lBsOu8MgDaccjdROTZj4VFHBKTASjKDb3lvx09F4biuqluAQFbqJh7IPWEEEu0DIF4j9VKdmw9tYFkSGnzkcTdvzLRE4kjsE8M/s4032/IMG_2101.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnWjYgkSxmeS3k91D7PTkTp1C99mqJJ8p5rQeIh2MV68y-YrWD87A48nmxXRNayqu9xSpe6fdDnHzltype3WRRLSs8lBsOu8MgDaccjdROTZj4VFHBKTASjKDb3lvx09F4biuqluAQFbqJh7IPWEEEu0DIF4j9VKdmw9tYFkSGnzkcTdvzLRE4kjsE8M/w480-h640/IMG_2101.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">9-16-23</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Here are early blooms, on other plants.<div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITGY7tKC3KSnvuxK-zJu1xjD4QZ2s6d_Huc-3EraIL18WBWPrhi-Do4VqUbGgP9nob8kDWJmrHFj6S-oH_lYYkFqYWn-0pis5gkpWlvg-iEYdR1cPl1U_xoMCypibcMjFki-NGXqBLRBNsBwRKlEnrPghRLsxgsKbNlpIr0sPi_Lb8U2L7FiJxiDOLzM/s4032/IMG_1593.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITGY7tKC3KSnvuxK-zJu1xjD4QZ2s6d_Huc-3EraIL18WBWPrhi-Do4VqUbGgP9nob8kDWJmrHFj6S-oH_lYYkFqYWn-0pis5gkpWlvg-iEYdR1cPl1U_xoMCypibcMjFki-NGXqBLRBNsBwRKlEnrPghRLsxgsKbNlpIr0sPi_Lb8U2L7FiJxiDOLzM/w480-h640/IMG_1593.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7-22-23</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05zP5bRBkanK_BdJQtb_49lNMwKNANyN-1BtXTOjiytqyrnEeoOMlx8pwpAZadU-ysyaL-02-msOJk3A7JbMAOtaD3BS2fiBjJvTfyAiaJsA-v8qCBriVaPPtFQiIJAhKxLAVxOsQUsD2geeEAgSLhGOEjLzyrX0FSS1KqHOMH0ddFfIseHEiwwEM3rI/s4032/IMG_9450.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05zP5bRBkanK_BdJQtb_49lNMwKNANyN-1BtXTOjiytqyrnEeoOMlx8pwpAZadU-ysyaL-02-msOJk3A7JbMAOtaD3BS2fiBjJvTfyAiaJsA-v8qCBriVaPPtFQiIJAhKxLAVxOsQUsD2geeEAgSLhGOEjLzyrX0FSS1KqHOMH0ddFfIseHEiwwEM3rI/w480-h640/IMG_9450.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1-19-23</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p>More blackberry lilies</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjHkfk__yvb19jIz2kRD6OTi27yJsbgTK-hcjNaaqAoY4XtDmYaX4SorPglhIwUI5NVw864GM7PGtgP9o9gH8RUT4mZm2z3bpA6mPpUFFzZrB7zQ-EICvgCw8XmA3Tv5EbxriHhR6pwjI1JMcG9pzthXnaUgC7wDHb6VB7kqafRGuShaGhQXWRPjZ7VPI/s4032/IMG_1603.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjHkfk__yvb19jIz2kRD6OTi27yJsbgTK-hcjNaaqAoY4XtDmYaX4SorPglhIwUI5NVw864GM7PGtgP9o9gH8RUT4mZm2z3bpA6mPpUFFzZrB7zQ-EICvgCw8XmA3Tv5EbxriHhR6pwjI1JMcG9pzthXnaUgC7wDHb6VB7kqafRGuShaGhQXWRPjZ7VPI/w480-h640/IMG_1603.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEoA1HYhzBhxHZ4sjxmMG6yyjMuW-xbsvLJtPIKd1ncRaBw-Oc81dsxXDqJOsAiKKsCzoS9jxWV_tg3OmTF-TE0jcL9ri_F7Y_zpeuZhB_2vMs9eHOZucFEt7vLokHgYL-A5OdfidWgNMDwoLvECwHbjrW3gpuKx6eHKDPg0GDoVSnTvS6kpNVQq36LkM/s4032/IMG_1657.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEoA1HYhzBhxHZ4sjxmMG6yyjMuW-xbsvLJtPIKd1ncRaBw-Oc81dsxXDqJOsAiKKsCzoS9jxWV_tg3OmTF-TE0jcL9ri_F7Y_zpeuZhB_2vMs9eHOZucFEt7vLokHgYL-A5OdfidWgNMDwoLvECwHbjrW3gpuKx6eHKDPg0GDoVSnTvS6kpNVQq36LkM/w480-h640/IMG_1657.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>This is why the are called blackberry lilies.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGei-TSTGRhF7RqDUHCpDBCtdKgH8e99z46Ml-emFm3JjWrELNNjjJ7yqcvBTLkDRWl69-j35-hkK6JXB6i39yD1oNjrOhVlAP1y8IskH65c2xG7bZCHSmAxBuTUWLx5Iu8acko2kS5ElBE-OuwzanQ5QWaLSav2dzbQeuQZOdK3f8mEM2V4bbrFCZsE/s4032/IMG_2047.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGei-TSTGRhF7RqDUHCpDBCtdKgH8e99z46Ml-emFm3JjWrELNNjjJ7yqcvBTLkDRWl69-j35-hkK6JXB6i39yD1oNjrOhVlAP1y8IskH65c2xG7bZCHSmAxBuTUWLx5Iu8acko2kS5ElBE-OuwzanQ5QWaLSav2dzbQeuQZOdK3f8mEM2V4bbrFCZsE/w480-h640/IMG_2047.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>The people at Joe Pye Weed Gardens have been hybridizing these iris/lilies.</p><p>I have had grown some before, and had some bloom in the past. My expeerience is that there were not as hardy as their more common cousins.</p><p>But you should see what they have done.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHT7bOX9V712kT1Uq4_lyIDq6Bgo3vpA3Pjd2LfPUXyddll7uwPkc7IoASFj_pzaMniF37QBGKl1CEB9yM1OHCZvD8ZZRX7Jt4seqdSC3PdQZ42bJiW6v4Jlp-uJ8pu1ri3zGi8so9ArpZIy5c9v-Xz4GyxhwfXmXCjVoqIiC_OefZzknb6kCmcw7ZzQI/s2124/IMG_6254.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2124" data-original-width="1967" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHT7bOX9V712kT1Uq4_lyIDq6Bgo3vpA3Pjd2LfPUXyddll7uwPkc7IoASFj_pzaMniF37QBGKl1CEB9yM1OHCZvD8ZZRX7Jt4seqdSC3PdQZ42bJiW6v4Jlp-uJ8pu1ri3zGi8so9ArpZIy5c9v-Xz4GyxhwfXmXCjVoqIiC_OefZzknb6kCmcw7ZzQI/w592-h640/IMG_6254.jpeg" width="592" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdkxHn0GJ-sw2peMYB5a6gaKVcODev6m1-DttflSYG7gjbo87LqB7CAWzkxA-V6NjNKOjnhCtqldZMo6m0LNiOr67d0UCo_040GOSzFxI3Nkyi7r8j9W73-Yjt-FjfyRGyjsNk_G1D5Aqt2K9YHKB6Vb3CcRoeErVZsvzEgBKYfoGfMb5AxVrzWQW9Pw/s2664/IMG_6356.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2636" data-original-width="2664" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdkxHn0GJ-sw2peMYB5a6gaKVcODev6m1-DttflSYG7gjbo87LqB7CAWzkxA-V6NjNKOjnhCtqldZMo6m0LNiOr67d0UCo_040GOSzFxI3Nkyi7r8j9W73-Yjt-FjfyRGyjsNk_G1D5Aqt2K9YHKB6Vb3CcRoeErVZsvzEgBKYfoGfMb5AxVrzWQW9Pw/w640-h634/IMG_6356.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Maybe I should try them again, giving them a little extra care. They also really do well with lots of sun. It is interesting to see which plants do need extra care. That is important to know when time in the garden is limited.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Right Now</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">This pink cattleya is dominating the living room.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwftort6AJrPGqPuSotsmI_o9-GPIsaaVbBMJlR9yxYaa0qMxk5iF4MHOMX48x5AvmVoqj9k4jyXWkswdp-' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is a still picture. It is fragrant, particularly in the morning. This plant is a testiment to how some orchids/plants will survive some neglect. This sat out all summer on the ground. I had thought about repotting it but did not. At this point I will just think about a trim, when it is finished blooming.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9KnUVwltCfZ-gEUPYlQDfjcZhajueIuZZ2Sp-UaxmNY9E2eJHXMABsTdKyJbZHxnGF4ekE-nw3Syp-RbpnqZzvffDDyWJ9_2rhK4Ab5fix7SkiGxeEpWLvUMNF9XihOCqXpfie1UpsUrlObWd1GZuKZ1gqlkTrH8DQ0N1K_QlVJmuw1RXKeLUIa8pII/s3258/IMG_2827.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3258" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9KnUVwltCfZ-gEUPYlQDfjcZhajueIuZZ2Sp-UaxmNY9E2eJHXMABsTdKyJbZHxnGF4ekE-nw3Syp-RbpnqZzvffDDyWJ9_2rhK4Ab5fix7SkiGxeEpWLvUMNF9XihOCqXpfie1UpsUrlObWd1GZuKZ1gqlkTrH8DQ0N1K_QlVJmuw1RXKeLUIa8pII/w640-h594/IMG_2827.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Outside the kale is still going strong. It is already quite frilly. When the frost comes along it just gets better.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEVahwp3nlVWY1oGx3DTNIlLjBDaOsUzwyY9FAXRs9TmCX7jN8MHoq7Vmp5j1dGkpsmkhFfyVW4psUA9lJAFNswZAc5TBbc4GMQsXkw44wkJkQlmtOKgjY86jJ_cM0GjE3wFwowEkGTwueYAmaaTnz0o7hnXCf-mtZq3_SbKs_xbKhY8HAhJ-nnjsmEU/s4032/IMG_2821.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1529" data-original-width="4032" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEVahwp3nlVWY1oGx3DTNIlLjBDaOsUzwyY9FAXRs9TmCX7jN8MHoq7Vmp5j1dGkpsmkhFfyVW4psUA9lJAFNswZAc5TBbc4GMQsXkw44wkJkQlmtOKgjY86jJ_cM0GjE3wFwowEkGTwueYAmaaTnz0o7hnXCf-mtZq3_SbKs_xbKhY8HAhJ-nnjsmEU/w640-h242/IMG_2821.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>This is a nice little orchid called Coelogyne viscosa. </div><div>It always starts to bloom in December.</div><div>I divided it 3 years ago so now it has company.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgLKobb4S4f4S36zZUglwT_sQGyN1MaC5vpqDKNicdQ8eirgYjpyKSK4ueaf88tqGxpgEd6gXx4goA0V1aw6Z8BupmmQmQHJeWZtROHQF38hA5FYYCppSXw2TtM17_rxwG_UZl3hR1aN4lpbnrjyW8LgOm3dxOx0HMdpoqI3cfEFOUPQNLCT58q-2BOE/s4032/IMG_2825.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgLKobb4S4f4S36zZUglwT_sQGyN1MaC5vpqDKNicdQ8eirgYjpyKSK4ueaf88tqGxpgEd6gXx4goA0V1aw6Z8BupmmQmQHJeWZtROHQF38hA5FYYCppSXw2TtM17_rxwG_UZl3hR1aN4lpbnrjyW8LgOm3dxOx0HMdpoqI3cfEFOUPQNLCT58q-2BOE/w640-h480/IMG_2825.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Julia's recipe</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Cranberry Lemon Bars</span></b></div><div class="separator"><br /></div><div class="separator">It's the New York Times again, this time with a bar cookie that is seasonal and tangy. Tangy was something of a trigger word when the children were young. They did not like tangy. Apple pie with a handful of cranberries was tangy. Fruit salad with a generous allotment of grapefruit was tangy. I, on the other hand, like tangy things - lemon tarts, cranberries in almost anything, grapefruit in salads. These bar cookies include both cranberries and lemon. They're very good, unless you don't like tangy.</div><div class="separator">They take a little time, as do all shortbread-based cookies, but not so much hands on as baking and cooling. Give them a try. There will be plenty to share if you're having a holiday gathering. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpVgSJLN88iSdmXzbheqV0lB46tlx_MFgcrUvLWSjEnjK3TXx77yHEfYxkQuRKu5TUF-4BvuP-qs40HWmupYw64rAkM4ppPsLM46rU5XAcYMyK8MHyIzj5rCaOTzKFM5Z_BBu-__xjLYVSrzUrSAvIK46Ybzkq2_IsvbnIxeMhNsN28KdYd1544nZqXw/s4032/IMG_2789.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpVgSJLN88iSdmXzbheqV0lB46tlx_MFgcrUvLWSjEnjK3TXx77yHEfYxkQuRKu5TUF-4BvuP-qs40HWmupYw64rAkM4ppPsLM46rU5XAcYMyK8MHyIzj5rCaOTzKFM5Z_BBu-__xjLYVSrzUrSAvIK46Ybzkq2_IsvbnIxeMhNsN28KdYd1544nZqXw/s320/IMG_2789.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>The ingredients:</div><div>For the crust:</div><div>1-1/2 cups flour;</div><div>1/3 cup white sugar;</div><div>1/2 teaspoon table salt;</div><div>1 teaspoon vanilla; and</div><div>3/4 cup (that's 1-1/2 sticks) butter, melted and cooled to room temperature.</div><div><br /></div><div>For the cranberry layer:</div><div>1 12 oz. bag of cranberries (frozen is okay);</div><div>3/4 cup sugar;</div><div>2 big lemons; and</div><div>3 tablespoons water (not shown!)</div><div>For the lemon layer:</div><div>1 cup sugar;</div><div>1/4 cup flour;</div><div>a pinch of salt;</div><div>3 eggs at room temperature;</div><div>1/2 cup lemon juice.</div><div><br /></div><div>The same ingredients turn up more than once, so the ingredients list looks busier than it acutally is. I always use salted butter. If you use unsalted butter, increase the salt in the crust layer to 1 teaspoon. I did not measure the lemon peel (you'll see why below) but I think it was between 1-1/2 and 2 teaspoons. I juiced the self-same big lemons and got 1/2 cup of juice. If you run short, make up the difference with the bottled stuff. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7R1V29SKg-UEboVNQTXZcqN5UNA0QXFxql0vpDMw9s6cDsHRoVBoYF_qgcmho4XHQw4QeQfBLsPC4BswkBEc7bo9wH9DGs0Ny5EGjUH9NKcFbSyJoeW8l2OW65G65DYaln09LkODYfDhWgMXa9bWObj3UJ1_cNEX3P2zYxpkFKHnvSi7LBd-BLB5NxI/s4032/IMG_2794.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7R1V29SKg-UEboVNQTXZcqN5UNA0QXFxql0vpDMw9s6cDsHRoVBoYF_qgcmho4XHQw4QeQfBLsPC4BswkBEc7bo9wH9DGs0Ny5EGjUH9NKcFbSyJoeW8l2OW65G65DYaln09LkODYfDhWgMXa9bWObj3UJ1_cNEX3P2zYxpkFKHnvSi7LBd-BLB5NxI/w300-h400/IMG_2794.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>First, I turned the oven on to 350 degrees. Then I started with the cranberry layer. I looked over the cranberries and removed the few questionable (shrunken) ones. I put the rest in a saucepan with the 3 tablespoons of water and the 3/4 cup of sugar. I grated the lemons right into the pan. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZYBxgHQuJKuAcjxBZEMoyO-8a00pGSXDQ6bLfas6SPzhUfyyXYWm1EwtBFaRc5pf-UzKXQfYxGvZMXn9YSSnva4FGauSlESxLNygl04JXTmrBVk1O4RO4QoN3L5oR0iURVcYoEUvitH1FHf6-ejQmmJ_edx7WshR7F91LvLg7f_0Ym0hFtNXW-whpw0k/s4032/IMG_2795.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZYBxgHQuJKuAcjxBZEMoyO-8a00pGSXDQ6bLfas6SPzhUfyyXYWm1EwtBFaRc5pf-UzKXQfYxGvZMXn9YSSnva4FGauSlESxLNygl04JXTmrBVk1O4RO4QoN3L5oR0iURVcYoEUvitH1FHf6-ejQmmJ_edx7WshR7F91LvLg7f_0Ym0hFtNXW-whpw0k/w300-h400/IMG_2795.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>The suacepan with all of the ingredients for the cranberry layer. I gave it a stir and put it on the stove on medium high heat. When it came to a boil, I turned it down a little and set the timer for 8 minutes. I kept an eye on it and stirred a few times. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LlOVVC4z2hpzMgd9Bn_fkmZhsm_5cBSmxHkL73bEFGI_npJusCU7KSZ6WK-pSmQWs-2divlHLXTh9dgQ83m5pDrbvu16nxw4-ZeT0qBBf4KZRySdNRntVK5qKi6N2d3bEf7kU4svmAkHzTRFTKEVHbydYXOc5_4EXjy_gl3upn2MQNrGgKYSHSbsicE/s4032/IMG_2796.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LlOVVC4z2hpzMgd9Bn_fkmZhsm_5cBSmxHkL73bEFGI_npJusCU7KSZ6WK-pSmQWs-2divlHLXTh9dgQ83m5pDrbvu16nxw4-ZeT0qBBf4KZRySdNRntVK5qKi6N2d3bEf7kU4svmAkHzTRFTKEVHbydYXOc5_4EXjy_gl3upn2MQNrGgKYSHSbsicE/w300-h400/IMG_2796.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div>Then I put the butter in a little pan and melted it. I forgot to do this first so after it was melted, I put the pan on a trivet in the refrigerator to cool off. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Cranberries cooking away. The goal was for the cranberries to get "jammy". I used a wooden spoon to mash any berries that remained whole. Because the cranberries had much less water than one would use to make sauce, the mixture did get thick and jammy.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyX-cH26IKlg1FO_Gezk8nWm46-ku7cYy2MBYZwvJ-r1OfNexXlmBZLI_c-m-iVuIdbVPkK4kpjlRHC6KzR' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p><br /></p><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHs1Y95w56lKSR0-rg3orjlIomtlyPJDIwUwbSu8BqTSlUFvBRnBZ-j5H6O8lasECEoZY6qlhxyEIl4nYjj2AoPoO_6RjaBVvgsuKksWoDQJ842kUqAB1yJVWZjOT0p6V8Ja5WJr7wJPe6i5lTsrwFL-fmLuYEYSitPkS6YbTxA29P_-Dzq7-ZyAYrj9U/s4032/IMG_2802.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHs1Y95w56lKSR0-rg3orjlIomtlyPJDIwUwbSu8BqTSlUFvBRnBZ-j5H6O8lasECEoZY6qlhxyEIl4nYjj2AoPoO_6RjaBVvgsuKksWoDQJ842kUqAB1yJVWZjOT0p6V8Ja5WJr7wJPe6i5lTsrwFL-fmLuYEYSitPkS6YbTxA29P_-Dzq7-ZyAYrj9U/w300-h400/IMG_2802.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>While the butter was cooling and the cranberries cooking, I prepped the pan. I lined a 9" x 13" pan with a big piece of foil and then I sprayed the foil. This arrangement is referred to as a foil sling and it really does help get the bars out of the pan and then off the foil.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-u3aSRNQsMCo1u8A_t9jQtlCUT8XEvWQvtjw4ApWlbQoTxA8K168QXorPZW9K24C8_atBgIYXG1R3oQElIZ5I_pHFUARRTA-PHaBRoeuas1Letl23lA-5bWdx53Ac3yUO3YShZx03avYHatWwzvtTLOtwHbwVhdte8EaT-WFwEMzQwwyQlwWIDxswBOs/s4032/IMG_2803.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-u3aSRNQsMCo1u8A_t9jQtlCUT8XEvWQvtjw4ApWlbQoTxA8K168QXorPZW9K24C8_atBgIYXG1R3oQElIZ5I_pHFUARRTA-PHaBRoeuas1Letl23lA-5bWdx53Ac3yUO3YShZx03avYHatWwzvtTLOtwHbwVhdte8EaT-WFwEMzQwwyQlwWIDxswBOs/w400-h300/IMG_2803.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>I put the dry ingredients for the crust in a big bowl and whisked them together. I stirred the vanilla into the butter.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then I poured the butter/vanilla mixture into the dry ingredients. I mixed it with a spoon. Too thick to whisk.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLaTpJR9WP35Qxw8SlsnXFy9L1NN1lW60dzXVw_n3EU-7hHWSCHSelhn-UD5CV19aipXsnwh3Fr7KTrxW7AFi4LboMxyXaXQAMSCrEVQXyDVukli6NEgpnkMI73Q3iQHS6C5C7BfQgk2UWe-QIZlBi2l2EBMyB-XRU29NYgHdQa4t9uu45EH9Z7FfYuQ/s4032/IMG_2805.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLaTpJR9WP35Qxw8SlsnXFy9L1NN1lW60dzXVw_n3EU-7hHWSCHSelhn-UD5CV19aipXsnwh3Fr7KTrxW7AFi4LboMxyXaXQAMSCrEVQXyDVukli6NEgpnkMI73Q3iQHS6C5C7BfQgk2UWe-QIZlBi2l2EBMyB-XRU29NYgHdQa4t9uu45EH9Z7FfYuQ/w300-h400/IMG_2805.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div>Then I dumped the crust mixture into the prepared pan. </div><div><br /></div><div>By the way, the golden/orange stuff in the pint container is thawing mashed up pumpkin. We needed to make pumpkin bars for the free lunch program later in the day. But I digress. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirofQ0GREfyRrxYQ_sPGCLADoBM8weiyu9KQnfXIeXhsVLRJ25Av8ikWBG14HoYqFKD8T4ulbkuPkEiOKqdEJbrro6ck_HRfLf5HfScm4A3ukGGsMNgAVyTG9gs1Lhsv7JPB3tLbZtqhva7n1COApLgZjdRN2-Rvzh5BT36pg-MfnH8Qa3VA-LRWCKU2w/s4032/IMG_2806.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirofQ0GREfyRrxYQ_sPGCLADoBM8weiyu9KQnfXIeXhsVLRJ25Av8ikWBG14HoYqFKD8T4ulbkuPkEiOKqdEJbrro6ck_HRfLf5HfScm4A3ukGGsMNgAVyTG9gs1Lhsv7JPB3tLbZtqhva7n1COApLgZjdRN2-Rvzh5BT36pg-MfnH8Qa3VA-LRWCKU2w/w300-h400/IMG_2806.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>I used my hands and an offset spatula to spread the crust into a thin layer, all the way into the corners. </div><div><br /></div><div>And then I put it in the oven for about 15 minutes. I think it ended up being 16 or maybe 17 minutes. </div><div><br /></div><div>The crust is done with the edges are slightly golden brown and the crust is set. What's "set"? If you touch it lightly in the middle it is not even a little bit gooey.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HXxir0fX3f-e1-D1hYDK7e1-OE_VbMpNEr8ePFjb4QddwweZKpXAz_b3HNlttwb5UuPB4xcjepCQxnRtv4LHbBe0bhl6rJShZX5XZTF_ZsQ4VzcZS6YSybnZPF_fF6b2VbDzOYeQhHm3DNj5M4YDNZAN7duQby-0sCdli5052HuuyIaNRAK8FjGeKRw/s4032/IMG_2808.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HXxir0fX3f-e1-D1hYDK7e1-OE_VbMpNEr8ePFjb4QddwweZKpXAz_b3HNlttwb5UuPB4xcjepCQxnRtv4LHbBe0bhl6rJShZX5XZTF_ZsQ4VzcZS6YSybnZPF_fF6b2VbDzOYeQhHm3DNj5M4YDNZAN7duQby-0sCdli5052HuuyIaNRAK8FjGeKRw/w300-h400/IMG_2808.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>When the cranberries were jammy, I took them off the stove onto a trivet.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last up - the lemon layer. I used the same bowl as I had used to make the crust. I juiced the lemons; put the dry lemon layer ingredients into the bowl and whisked to combine. I added the eggs and the lemon juice. This seems to be an artistic shot of the stream of lemon juice being added. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFeRdnTqCOEZCBCOyC3_v74XrUpBqAn8vv_X3aWJ9Ffpvu1ufjEuzFLhLFlZD9lZvOoGRW9Do8GYvj_GLouodYDL5ribRfJQGtgx4P916ikFBL1UGQ08IVLNkv1-UeXzyzcns23O28vu7wsBuUPMTlJCDjnT9zY8DL8aPmNbJsJnCS5KPeMcvT9IwM5dw/s4032/IMG_2809.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFeRdnTqCOEZCBCOyC3_v74XrUpBqAn8vv_X3aWJ9Ffpvu1ufjEuzFLhLFlZD9lZvOoGRW9Do8GYvj_GLouodYDL5ribRfJQGtgx4P916ikFBL1UGQ08IVLNkv1-UeXzyzcns23O28vu7wsBuUPMTlJCDjnT9zY8DL8aPmNbJsJnCS5KPeMcvT9IwM5dw/w300-h400/IMG_2809.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div>I whisked the lemon layer ingredients together. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBKX_B3FpbjurcC6HYPC6na2D46Wl1N4OXD6qduRUmuPehP0U93nZOQYr_LK0mUDwIMsm0wGptDFxOWbiZMhQU1PnJH7ViHu42R0QTh_sFqrWEhm0DtkdComI3GO4R2lGw0BTD9UaP7AhuVt9aaE1ZfEqGLiVco5rfwtAUCJQERmJn55IUoUotT1W-Go/s4032/IMG_2810.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBKX_B3FpbjurcC6HYPC6na2D46Wl1N4OXD6qduRUmuPehP0U93nZOQYr_LK0mUDwIMsm0wGptDFxOWbiZMhQU1PnJH7ViHu42R0QTh_sFqrWEhm0DtkdComI3GO4R2lGw0BTD9UaP7AhuVt9aaE1ZfEqGLiVco5rfwtAUCJQERmJn55IUoUotT1W-Go/w300-h400/IMG_2810.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>When the crust came out of the oven, I dolloped and spread the cranberries over it, using the offset spatula to make a smooth layer. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj698GybB0pQaGaDZx07a-7zjEN3YVrILtqROgT4HfNjAESQAjjuyrwusFwdwZIxc4wQzArWPkvN9yCXRFdA6lXsMv2EsLm6xUq_VbGRZQdcVSiE4Dhvn1QulJZ8aZXjGTO_h8TZbZXKowbYNXQThH7f4pgD07PaYHXs1v7UJmeIfXmnrzpDdfP-qBQolU/s4032/IMG_2812.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj698GybB0pQaGaDZx07a-7zjEN3YVrILtqROgT4HfNjAESQAjjuyrwusFwdwZIxc4wQzArWPkvN9yCXRFdA6lXsMv2EsLm6xUq_VbGRZQdcVSiE4Dhvn1QulJZ8aZXjGTO_h8TZbZXKowbYNXQThH7f4pgD07PaYHXs1v7UJmeIfXmnrzpDdfP-qBQolU/w300-h400/IMG_2812.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div>Lastly, I ladled the lemon mixture over all. The lemon layer was thin and so it poured without needing to be smoothed out. I used the ladle to make sure the whole surface was covered. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-NPGEQxw0qCDvopyUDXvJRkU0hSXLHWS-KwwBiTapTKR3I-OzKDWjwG-zh_JCQpkDBGkU715xE__wlRaaGNrgg8Zu3-aG90yM8SiE2CsjQq5IWB_NhfjzSMUG5vW81zbQxfbV2MrpxEhPujqqMY9Lwaglmq6jZebRZPqSGS2Lkzk0GAQM1xIM56CJ90/s4032/IMG_2813.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-NPGEQxw0qCDvopyUDXvJRkU0hSXLHWS-KwwBiTapTKR3I-OzKDWjwG-zh_JCQpkDBGkU715xE__wlRaaGNrgg8Zu3-aG90yM8SiE2CsjQq5IWB_NhfjzSMUG5vW81zbQxfbV2MrpxEhPujqqMY9Lwaglmq6jZebRZPqSGS2Lkzk0GAQM1xIM56CJ90/w300-h400/IMG_2813.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>Back in the oven for maybe 18 minutes until the lemon layer is set. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then out of the oven onto a cooling rack until room temperature. Then into the refrigerator for an hour or two to firm up. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBNCLWiFUC6y_g1OxCg1IM1qFjQM0dJXKH9Iv1TjibMocH_6HXcMJe-dufynFKatOLrBJ4kNEODBddfa3UFOYmzRQrnak6isaQ1Z4qv_dnhgS8BedCIIWJOpAB66z6mI_pUUCvpY5imw-vYnwFb88hLTHyMCmTRilIonb_hkwrMh5MiftLc9uzA1AdfI/s4032/IMG_2814.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBNCLWiFUC6y_g1OxCg1IM1qFjQM0dJXKH9Iv1TjibMocH_6HXcMJe-dufynFKatOLrBJ4kNEODBddfa3UFOYmzRQrnak6isaQ1Z4qv_dnhgS8BedCIIWJOpAB66z6mI_pUUCvpY5imw-vYnwFb88hLTHyMCmTRilIonb_hkwrMh5MiftLc9uzA1AdfI/w400-h300/IMG_2814.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Out of the oven. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdW_HC2RpJaP-mej7tSMcprtvcWNEyyeKQDciSX7oZy_ZMyn_VssT8DKdQ38RuKako9lqA-PY4f_P8LXJn8Rcrhqgt4XtfMTmjd7teV_uhyphenhyphenlTYncOVGdxVhK1vD7bQPfowalaX5UPBCfs1MjtxG8b06dxROnsSD_SFQdyXV74ZoWGqxWIJkcMOpj0emiU/s4032/IMG_2815.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdW_HC2RpJaP-mej7tSMcprtvcWNEyyeKQDciSX7oZy_ZMyn_VssT8DKdQ38RuKako9lqA-PY4f_P8LXJn8Rcrhqgt4XtfMTmjd7teV_uhyphenhyphenlTYncOVGdxVhK1vD7bQPfowalaX5UPBCfs1MjtxG8b06dxROnsSD_SFQdyXV74ZoWGqxWIJkcMOpj0emiU/w400-h300/IMG_2815.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Out of the pan (after refrigeration) and off the sling. Slid right off with a little loosening help from a pancake flipper. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXQPzIrwuEJsthidIjMIzSzbpeWHc_GpilvauvXFbRx6jReWnz9c_sOa6npCW9VjxGNLJdJs1W_pA7pJPFCCUDZTbIc-wQPa5Ae8iwQ94fqZBcLF5vFErhzusq5WrnUFY7U667OC74yYGc5NgHWvGyqstxt-O_fpA4ZxO1Io72gfWKQDicmdgSur6JhA/s4032/IMG_2816.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXQPzIrwuEJsthidIjMIzSzbpeWHc_GpilvauvXFbRx6jReWnz9c_sOa6npCW9VjxGNLJdJs1W_pA7pJPFCCUDZTbIc-wQPa5Ae8iwQ94fqZBcLF5vFErhzusq5WrnUFY7U667OC74yYGc5NgHWvGyqstxt-O_fpA4ZxO1Io72gfWKQDicmdgSur6JhA/w400-h300/IMG_2816.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>On the plate. A better picture would probably be a side view so you can see all three layers. </div><div><br /></div><div>This recipe makes a lot of bars. Of course, this depends on how you cut them. I think we got about 24 bars. They keep well; they do not need to be refrigerated after the initial firming up period. </div><div><br /></div><div>I think they would be a good addition to any holiday festivity. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Odds and Ends</span></b></p><p>With the very warm weather there was the beauty of the little yellow fall crocus.</p><p>I would be remiss if I did not show you this other yellow flower. It also bloomed on Saturday.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigDpTTlNGsXI8la_WIns_JXy6TyGnHiLB1CJut4680s1c0y6jToVu7DlmHfrSEKAwt5Y-8Cqq8TWJPZqjdK0KTHNI2mQj3oaXxHW06625u7cTNo0mgrLtMvn6wYTFGLgXNuYb7_ScmfcSZgzVYl9uYXa9CE-4C1iVy84kp1Ms5Xb82-1vJgOo2sDNMdwU/s4032/IMG_2829.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigDpTTlNGsXI8la_WIns_JXy6TyGnHiLB1CJut4680s1c0y6jToVu7DlmHfrSEKAwt5Y-8Cqq8TWJPZqjdK0KTHNI2mQj3oaXxHW06625u7cTNo0mgrLtMvn6wYTFGLgXNuYb7_ScmfcSZgzVYl9uYXa9CE-4C1iVy84kp1Ms5Xb82-1vJgOo2sDNMdwU/w480-h640/IMG_2829.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>I really have mixed fellings about the warm weather. I see just this morning that next weekend will get back to 50 degrees. </p><p>Another week and more of the same in the world. We struggle to even think about the middle east. Mostly I think it is very complicated. So much simplistic thinking. On all sides. The problem is that thinking becomes reality.</p><p>That is why I need to spend time with plants, and flowers.</p><p>Not much odd/funny this week. If you find something tell me about it.</p><p>Pray for peace. And find something to do to make your little part of it, kinder.</p><p> Philip</p></div>philip Mearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04384629201161240341noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509434911388799.post-66589674405435685062023-12-03T06:10:00.002-06:002023-12-03T06:10:41.636-06:00December 3, 2023- Week 2 of the contest<p>Welcome to Week #2 of the Picture Contest. It is December. One full month of the inside time for the garden has passed.</p><p>Last Sunday we woke up to winter.</p><p>It was only 1-2 inches. Nevertheless, it was snow.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRmQzAviHpRigAwwjJfonKuNyU3Q8jBg7J7iPAaH6k_7d8uFDIvDDx-vhqGiDt32CG9iG-z5Ze6HvZYKRv5XB0GW-ab7z-F0fTphnFnAIeXpAQeXhxq9nTAygiFCxEn9V_66ArgorOnw5ivV273xK-EK6lxwBWHTH7VRFXVAwKk0iU5dCySyGijrZJmg/s4032/IMG_2766.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRmQzAviHpRigAwwjJfonKuNyU3Q8jBg7J7iPAaH6k_7d8uFDIvDDx-vhqGiDt32CG9iG-z5Ze6HvZYKRv5XB0GW-ab7z-F0fTphnFnAIeXpAQeXhxq9nTAygiFCxEn9V_66ArgorOnw5ivV273xK-EK6lxwBWHTH7VRFXVAwKk0iU5dCySyGijrZJmg/w640-h480/IMG_2766.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>The temperatures fell to the single digits by Tuesday.</p><p>We wore real winter coats to go outside.</p><p>It was remarkable how quickly we adjusted. </p><p>However, by Wednesday, the sun was out and it warmed. In fact when we came home for lunch there was this faint sound of melting. As the snow melted there was the promise of what early spring would be like.</p><p>Yesterday, Saturday, it was gray and 40 degrees. That seems to be the ten day future, with even a few days in the 50's. I went out and raked some leaves. It felt good.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Last week in the conte</b></span><b><span style="font-size: large;">st</span></b></p><p><br /></p><p>The winner was the gray poppy. That entire group of gray Shirleu poppies was really wonderful, and lasted for some time. It will be time soon to start remembering where I found those seeds. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpjpOvik195R4-ZW0-DXFBp5BHs7xumQu1CkKAUds-Sl8Pp0C2G5YXNx4q0T_KqsUrYoJMB-lkB3TwHypcgkMFpM34zGErjPtq_DUcjwYyn5S1KekL-sJJwSToOSxFL71PTwQhlSDi8lExj_oU6RoQC52IJ-5T78SAg-XCN4T0vTXUPAVq2Q7n8Z0PL0/s3024/IMG_0844.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2534" data-original-width="3024" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpjpOvik195R4-ZW0-DXFBp5BHs7xumQu1CkKAUds-Sl8Pp0C2G5YXNx4q0T_KqsUrYoJMB-lkB3TwHypcgkMFpM34zGErjPtq_DUcjwYyn5S1KekL-sJJwSToOSxFL71PTwQhlSDi8lExj_oU6RoQC52IJ-5T78SAg-XCN4T0vTXUPAVq2Q7n8Z0PL0/w640-h536/IMG_0844.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>The full vote was</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMphgtjr_3hfK7rrOMIOGGczjK1JIKfzVFRBOh2Wst3csydvIYWYjrwxkpIJGp9y9b7v9G3HdAkd2bI1obuTMk0YEEYgepede1eteqYGX85Dajf6cAo9Nkanc6goVN4uhiKp9CcVuvJJRcGCj97637yV8rgYCljvPhi505mH6dxLyyELF3964P_k1gDU/s310/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-02%20at%208.13.53%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="310" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMphgtjr_3hfK7rrOMIOGGczjK1JIKfzVFRBOh2Wst3csydvIYWYjrwxkpIJGp9y9b7v9G3HdAkd2bI1obuTMk0YEEYgepede1eteqYGX85Dajf6cAo9Nkanc6goVN4uhiKp9CcVuvJJRcGCj97637yV8rgYCljvPhi505mH6dxLyyELF3964P_k1gDU/s1600/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-02%20at%208.13.53%20PM.png" width="310" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">This week is week 2</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#1 Dwarf Iris Blissful- May 5, 2023</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZJml_KqKj6Pwrm-YS1xlY48UtvY4VRP7L8pdqz-3yG86p0i5bAOLyi2MdKlXc41v79ljKdNIJbxk3Te7Yogdb1ui6-cmpD5CYW-Wy3AIO69_t_uC6_2jVe1VNAI3uMvHireEgwz3XA86h8ZL2dVdMUJJ5kMoW4XBEiZJmzT1aokmWrAnnGW2qIp8q8I/s4032/IMG_0526.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZJml_KqKj6Pwrm-YS1xlY48UtvY4VRP7L8pdqz-3yG86p0i5bAOLyi2MdKlXc41v79ljKdNIJbxk3Te7Yogdb1ui6-cmpD5CYW-Wy3AIO69_t_uC6_2jVe1VNAI3uMvHireEgwz3XA86h8ZL2dVdMUJJ5kMoW4XBEiZJmzT1aokmWrAnnGW2qIp8q8I/w480-h640/IMG_0526.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is a Standard Dwarf Bearded (SDB) iris, named Blissful. It was developed in 2016 by Paul Black. He has developed iris in the Salem, Oregon area for 30 years. That area seems to be where nice iris are developed. I get most of mine from a company in Portland, Oregon. Paul Black's accomplishments are listed in this page from the American Iris society's website. Looking at a few of the iris he has developed over 30 years, can help pass the time before 6 in the morning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://wiki.irises.org/Main/Bio/HybridizerBlackPaul">https://wiki.irises.org/Main/Bio/HybridizerBlackPaul</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I love dwarf bearded iris for many reasons. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">To begin with they are iris and I love all iris. Iris come in so many varieties, and bloom for such a long stretch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The first ones to bloom, early in the spring, are the little reticulata iris. They bloom with the crocuses. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Next up are the bearded iris. They bloom in sequence, in order of their height. The smallest comes first. I chuckle almost every time I just look at the categories of these bearded iris. They are, by size:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Minature Dwarf</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Standard Dwarf</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Intermediate</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Miniature Tall</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Border </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tall</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The bearded iris last through the month of May. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Next up are the Siberian, then the Louisiana, the Japanese, and finally the Blackberry lilies (which are really iris). The flowers of the blackberry lilies, of course, look nothing like iris, which confused the people responsible for names. The blackberry lilies (iris) bloom into August.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After that there are certain bearded varities that rebloom in the fall.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I like these short iris in part because they bloom about the time the initial rush of spring bulbs is ending. In 2023 these short iris bloomed from April 26 to May 6.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Another reason to like these little iris is that they do not need staking. This is unlike some of the tall bearded iris. And some of their colors are really fantastic.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#2 Tree Peony Phoenix White- May 10, 2023</span></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY54v-PPMwhl3RY0DkGU4WvYkmRh9EMpUcCl_xJlNIl0mFcC9NB9lbKC2LClI_y8VwdkVgac0QmDDkLFeWxF6FI5kwTzrm_gXtRULwl52ZFrFU18lsPECIBPVmC7pgtD0JAuYHDflD8XKC0byT-SkMNKtNl3VAk0sFeKU2rw01w2NiUhdp3j2wwBjpdPs/s4032/IMG_0614.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY54v-PPMwhl3RY0DkGU4WvYkmRh9EMpUcCl_xJlNIl0mFcC9NB9lbKC2LClI_y8VwdkVgac0QmDDkLFeWxF6FI5kwTzrm_gXtRULwl52ZFrFU18lsPECIBPVmC7pgtD0JAuYHDflD8XKC0byT-SkMNKtNl3VAk0sFeKU2rw01w2NiUhdp3j2wwBjpdPs/w640-h480/IMG_0614.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>These lovelies are home grown in all respects. The plant, and three of its companion blooming plants, were grown from seed in the garden. The seed came from my sister's yard in Maryland. She has now identified the plant as Phoenix White, obtained from Cricket Hill probably 20 years ago.</div><div><a href="https://www.treepeony.com/">https://www.treepeony.com/</a><br /></div><div>I carefully planted some of the seed about ten years ago and waited. Nothing. The seeds did not grow. So I just planted the remaining seed and forgot about it. Sure enough, the next spring I noticed little plants I thought looked like peonies. Well they were. Four years later the first one bloomed. That was in 2016. You can see the blog post from May 8, 2016 in the archives section of the blog.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are now four blooming sized plants from this seed pool. One was buried by a snow pile 3 winters ago and broke off at the base. Remarkably or predictably, it grew back. It is now big enough to bloom, even though you can pick out which plant had to grow back.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since the success with seeds I have been planting all the seed I harvest in September. Then I wait to see what happens. I have about 2 dozen seedlings at this point, throughout the garden, ranging in age from 1-4 springs. If things take a long time to grow, it helps if you have some in various stages of development.</div><div>I even had enough seedlings to put some out for the foodbank sale. </div><div>I do believe the oldest of these seedlings may bloom this coming spring. Pictures are in the bonus section. </div><div>The first year seedlings die back to the ground that first winter. In the next 1-2 years they will develop a woody stem, that does not die back. The 3 of the biggest and oldest of these seedlings grew to about 10 inches tall this summer. But what is exciting is that they set a bud, or two. That is what mature plants do in the fall. They set the buds for the following spring. The bud then lives through the very cold and blooms in the spring.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#3 Asiatic Lily John Hancock -June 22, 2023</b></span></div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7k5DD_-4d4LY7XwQHwjbIhUWGkwotN1RBPa0bVtHfTSl2CxB5lmbNTrmeP2hncBn8l9NCsSn1L_WaJ_62nHEpi34PArxwZjPifctCM2lbdcyxi5xTDSYZYtrKTFt3YBa-rBZuG3DBKT-1w8dhr5tPbwkCmWIq2Y4cZ4fvrhebdQO-Plvq8U9ErzXCLsw/s3024/IMG_1109.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2246" data-original-width="3024" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7k5DD_-4d4LY7XwQHwjbIhUWGkwotN1RBPa0bVtHfTSl2CxB5lmbNTrmeP2hncBn8l9NCsSn1L_WaJ_62nHEpi34PArxwZjPifctCM2lbdcyxi5xTDSYZYtrKTFt3YBa-rBZuG3DBKT-1w8dhr5tPbwkCmWIq2Y4cZ4fvrhebdQO-Plvq8U9ErzXCLsw/w640-h476/IMG_1109.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>I love lilies. I am talking about lilium lilies. I also love daylilies but they are something different.</div><div>Lilium are a genus of plants called...wait for it...lilium.</div><div>They are found around the world. There are some that are wildflowers in North America. I remember encountering some in Rocky Mountain National Park.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is the wikipedia page</div><div><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilium">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilium</a><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">John Hancock is a "tetraploid Asiatic" lily.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tetrapolid has to do with the number of chromzomes. It is sort of like a plant on steroids. There are tetraploids that are lilium or hosta or daylilies. Mostly they are bigger and stronger. But this gets close to real science which is beyond me. I am a lawyer who has a big garden.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All lilium want full sun. That is a limited commodity in our garden. But they do well in 5-6 hours. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lilies are listed as having a vase life of 10-14 days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Asiatic lilies are a group of lilium that appear to be all hybrids. They do not appear to be in a particular set of species. They are mostly defined by their characteristics. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Asiatic lilies bloom first, before the rest of the lilies, usually in June in Iowa.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They have no scent. This is in real contrast with the Oriental lilies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They vary in height from 2 to 5 feet tall. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Recently they have been developing dwarf lilies. They apparently are for the front of the garden. (My daughter Katie, at the age of about 4, explained to a neighbor that the secret of gardening was "tall things in back.")</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Asiatic lilies have the widest color range of all the lilium.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#4 Japanese Anemone Prince Henry</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">September 16, 2023</span></b></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGvy85t_FpmAL49JavKdSw-boPBwDd0sy_ud9lxmqa8HorH8yaYP3Qya05hp4cxbmfYj24zEv4apMyMSeTq3W1Vq_-FLOErDVYIhFv0xl3r205kL5i-_8MwHRzq8Qx8ygTIhX5UvIYVnKNfraD3sDyTEQZJ2UU7EwU417j_wwB2AxP3y2QfO_iBegKTQ/s3285/IMG_2105.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2729" data-original-width="3285" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGvy85t_FpmAL49JavKdSw-boPBwDd0sy_ud9lxmqa8HorH8yaYP3Qya05hp4cxbmfYj24zEv4apMyMSeTq3W1Vq_-FLOErDVYIhFv0xl3r205kL5i-_8MwHRzq8Qx8ygTIhX5UvIYVnKNfraD3sDyTEQZJ2UU7EwU417j_wwB2AxP3y2QfO_iBegKTQ/w640-h532/IMG_2105.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Japanese Anemones are a major flower for the fall. A simple pink one leads off, at the end of August. See Bonus section. It grows so thick that weeds have little chance.</div><div>By October those more common anemones have given way to several hybrids, including this beauty. The hybrids are not so vigorous.</div><div>They still grows nicely and comes back every year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are a few things to know about Japanese Anemones.</div><div>First, the botanical name is Eriocapitella japonica.</div><div>I read that it was introduced to Japan from China and Vietnam.</div><div><br /></div><div>Deer do seem to leave them alone. Deer will nibble on the toad lilies however.</div><div>Bees love them, as they privide lots of flowers at a time when there may not be many flowers.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#5 Toad lily - September 30, 2023</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-mHyFJ5lU5BUmn-vNMJEFvJxt12DacKhOAQTC7qjVjm8TLfK0bj-PMd3Jh2I4aANuy5nxMIG65cE2-vyvscc2I00HJdhkoJK4rdP7rwymo6sUVcBOjq6o7Q4cbwUaGF6tF6fLMBYHuWBD6Rkf6_pU3R1pdlZGyATXfUi8gq6s0ZpoURFAAF3dlNmOYU/s3163/IMG_2243.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3163" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-mHyFJ5lU5BUmn-vNMJEFvJxt12DacKhOAQTC7qjVjm8TLfK0bj-PMd3Jh2I4aANuy5nxMIG65cE2-vyvscc2I00HJdhkoJK4rdP7rwymo6sUVcBOjq6o7Q4cbwUaGF6tF6fLMBYHuWBD6Rkf6_pU3R1pdlZGyATXfUi8gq6s0ZpoURFAAF3dlNmOYU/w612-h640/IMG_2243.jpeg" width="612" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Do you love spots?</div><div>This is the toad lily.</div><div><p>Keeping the garden going in the fall is always a challenge. The two main perennials are Japanese anemonies and toad lilies. Toad lilies were developed in Japan.</p><p>The botanical name is Tricyrtis hirta. They are known for their spots. There are white flowered varities which are on my "get one' list. There is also a yellow one, which I had for a few years but probably would have prefered a different location.</p><p>Tony Avant of Plants Delight Nursery has a nice piece if you want to know more about them.</p><p><a href="https://www.plantdelights.com/blogs/articles/tricyrtis-toad-lily-bulbs-hirta">https://www.plantdelights.com/blogs/articles/tricyrtis-toad-lily-bulbs-hirta</a><br /></p><p>I have found that I can pot up toad lilies in the spring. I have these big clumps. I just dig up pieces all around the edges. </p><p>One thing I love about gardening is introducing other gardeners to new plants. Many people do not know about toad lilies.</p></div><div><br /></div><div>There you the contestants for week #2. Thank you for voting. That you for the comments or the reply emails. Spread the work. Find someone else to vote. </div><div>I do really love to hear back from you. Tell me why you like particular pictures? </div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bonus Pictures</b></span></p><p>This is a favorite section of mine. I do like to write about particular pictures. However in the bonus section I can show you many other pictures that relate to the contestants. Sometime, as with little bearded iris, I limit the bonus section as other dwarf iris will be in the contest later in the winter.</p><p><br /></p><p>Tree peony seedlings</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyT2UhuELStdo7RpmHZJN6mMDM61lA6QM5I12MhdOQEOXawIv2GkbUHen1bbz2rtCjswNFs_5CjWbHks79XvAwGEt1X77ghUTAWHzrk-3W91aQwtwCZav1B0o6bwQ21mbLG715JRczEX5t-IsYYNXyslwzHTCxZE4FI_Iu-z9TFirro3ObMiTahrm3VVc/s4032/IMG_2570.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyT2UhuELStdo7RpmHZJN6mMDM61lA6QM5I12MhdOQEOXawIv2GkbUHen1bbz2rtCjswNFs_5CjWbHks79XvAwGEt1X77ghUTAWHzrk-3W91aQwtwCZav1B0o6bwQ21mbLG715JRczEX5t-IsYYNXyslwzHTCxZE4FI_Iu-z9TFirro3ObMiTahrm3VVc/w480-h640/IMG_2570.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 21, 2023</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWX6tm7cC7THWeHXeCa2u_-dN07q71ElAwcerXD-rH7vZxjCCE-FjSbp1Jva__iN8HB_sr5F3j-8rUAQi2rZKC37fRCPgjKZJ23qxtQMkjT2Ty5ukjlz6R0hQ8RQKIHLsK94hUtT8WSrUPkof3IyZkXLutYS6w89hpMuCDu8PPTlpofs4H9lmqDaAAps/s4032/IMG_2572.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWX6tm7cC7THWeHXeCa2u_-dN07q71ElAwcerXD-rH7vZxjCCE-FjSbp1Jva__iN8HB_sr5F3j-8rUAQi2rZKC37fRCPgjKZJ23qxtQMkjT2Ty5ukjlz6R0hQ8RQKIHLsK94hUtT8WSrUPkof3IyZkXLutYS6w89hpMuCDu8PPTlpofs4H9lmqDaAAps/w480-h640/IMG_2572.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>Other pictures of tree peonies</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpNK-pf5ETy6my2QXTKX85SYSXUc8qz7t8k3LdUUZAVYCyWCDJEhZ3rYNrsH6h9SeEeryVxV9VvSENbJ-XzWoivp-U29YlV5miUOsjf0dlW3lPgbWrubAcw2zlMewuNitK8Y_Et0ogMBh1vdpHJlspYQcuGKKgBMqZTaMCKi03pM1Ack25YvIfVrBmWo/s4032/IMG_0613.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpNK-pf5ETy6my2QXTKX85SYSXUc8qz7t8k3LdUUZAVYCyWCDJEhZ3rYNrsH6h9SeEeryVxV9VvSENbJ-XzWoivp-U29YlV5miUOsjf0dlW3lPgbWrubAcw2zlMewuNitK8Y_Et0ogMBh1vdpHJlspYQcuGKKgBMqZTaMCKi03pM1Ack25YvIfVrBmWo/w640-h480/IMG_0613.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7xD6fUX5jcIOohtD4B_K4w5mE8tDZhC4KMNoJDuUssO6ly21-7ZUjCeXmzLC6XqAadJPh6iEr84WmGZ0TjJtW6xkkG7Fv3IZhsse5M9IKaQgKjxA-GWzYmDKV6nZQI0Kv7E43_E_LnrZ08rOP4P618sq73sPD82gIgE_1lrZaKcjMBcpYsPEQFgYS4o/s4032/IMG_0615.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7xD6fUX5jcIOohtD4B_K4w5mE8tDZhC4KMNoJDuUssO6ly21-7ZUjCeXmzLC6XqAadJPh6iEr84WmGZ0TjJtW6xkkG7Fv3IZhsse5M9IKaQgKjxA-GWzYmDKV6nZQI0Kv7E43_E_LnrZ08rOP4P618sq73sPD82gIgE_1lrZaKcjMBcpYsPEQFgYS4o/w640-h480/IMG_0615.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>This next picture is my white peony's parent plant, growing at my sister's garden in Maryland. She lost a nearby fruit tree in 2022. This gave her peony much more sun. It responded with this show.<div>Tree peonies can be magificent. With adequate sun and moisture they can live for hundreds of years.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89RvkXThjZa5PGlEw88tu371FRvzdl68rbBAj4e1Oxyim5iw-DNnd5VF0GxZsu55Lvf8taqREoXcoyNycwPA28oHF61qgzFjIlbn8PdYVxk1cR9TS6NSB180Qf6MjwJVIP44GA2tJGAECZ1fC3WQ4Yod3l48l1cJanZLpPRHrUDsKEu22bMOjCsfSKEU/s4032/IMG_1823.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89RvkXThjZa5PGlEw88tu371FRvzdl68rbBAj4e1Oxyim5iw-DNnd5VF0GxZsu55Lvf8taqREoXcoyNycwPA28oHF61qgzFjIlbn8PdYVxk1cR9TS6NSB180Qf6MjwJVIP44GA2tJGAECZ1fC3WQ4Yod3l48l1cJanZLpPRHrUDsKEu22bMOjCsfSKEU/w640-h480/IMG_1823.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Here are the seeds getting ready to be harvested.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGLCIZoABvixFok65s24g_7YdIZ4b7jgQK3Xn0sdHpVMbRvNL0MbT6_hTz3wNB6v1Rj4rkGFYobIeGtqwT0D7yUJqtAucyp_6soOl4sZu9aqi0LaF4zJy2_NV5_EIy0SRouBu2gGfZbfJ1zuBi3HP0KeczmHLTNcK-S4GrUEjuReSYyYiIxfbhKyGCfk/s4032/IMG_1999.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGLCIZoABvixFok65s24g_7YdIZ4b7jgQK3Xn0sdHpVMbRvNL0MbT6_hTz3wNB6v1Rj4rkGFYobIeGtqwT0D7yUJqtAucyp_6soOl4sZu9aqi0LaF4zJy2_NV5_EIy0SRouBu2gGfZbfJ1zuBi3HP0KeczmHLTNcK-S4GrUEjuReSYyYiIxfbhKyGCfk/w480-h640/IMG_1999.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">September 2, 2023</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8Nd7-K8xCSSNk1Iuz-Z4oGV5bGsyIHIax03ZuZiObxSQPGtlhgM29xCLb6lzxnIhswgfbQrFxzV6dsm-O9DGnzm44_R1-0dx4PqalLT1z4RYzC5jmShU2jGuRnxAvmINxFmW3v06ZrnHJGT6demxXgDnFUBkLydxl0iEXRh1Prlfw1nF4nQQ87MPDQ8/s4032/IMG_2001.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8Nd7-K8xCSSNk1Iuz-Z4oGV5bGsyIHIax03ZuZiObxSQPGtlhgM29xCLb6lzxnIhswgfbQrFxzV6dsm-O9DGnzm44_R1-0dx4PqalLT1z4RYzC5jmShU2jGuRnxAvmINxFmW3v06ZrnHJGT6demxXgDnFUBkLydxl0iEXRh1Prlfw1nF4nQQ87MPDQ8/w640-h480/IMG_2001.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUTnl0p1eUABAh4IuD63XTMe1TrX4pHQBXEeRtiHdwfAt5qdHEJbBQeBj1bpBJ46Do92ubEbcTy0_zP9E5pmgGlOn5EA15tiMroYfFrsfhxir_fTSV43o8-W77lJstwl2x3Y6v3KQFcK1Q3eJEYhLEorJMQP7meijSdeBu2n-vC9_8cZW_QA4ql7F4Bg/s4032/IMG_2010.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUTnl0p1eUABAh4IuD63XTMe1TrX4pHQBXEeRtiHdwfAt5qdHEJbBQeBj1bpBJ46Do92ubEbcTy0_zP9E5pmgGlOn5EA15tiMroYfFrsfhxir_fTSV43o8-W77lJstwl2x3Y6v3KQFcK1Q3eJEYhLEorJMQP7meijSdeBu2n-vC9_8cZW_QA4ql7F4Bg/w640-h480/IMG_2010.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Toad lilies</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This year they bloomed in the garden for about a month. At the same time they were just one or two plants that were blooming at that time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are more pictures</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When the clump is in full bloom there are a lot of flowers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Y5VhcMbpoAp7dsGtS-yhj7auHoh_0u1TG-thglAnR5wMo-t68W_1onfgv68bPXIO76HE0PEGQPXrcOfiWDvCdxGFyjujfhV5H2ZdPgZ_oT78mtZiYXTuOKTl84gf0YRTkxpfSv-vuhsF_dUNNfcxzk6JTavHC1bP6E6037qE0g3CaA-x_za8Mbs1prs/s4032/IMG_2216.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Y5VhcMbpoAp7dsGtS-yhj7auHoh_0u1TG-thglAnR5wMo-t68W_1onfgv68bPXIO76HE0PEGQPXrcOfiWDvCdxGFyjujfhV5H2ZdPgZ_oT78mtZiYXTuOKTl84gf0YRTkxpfSv-vuhsF_dUNNfcxzk6JTavHC1bP6E6037qE0g3CaA-x_za8Mbs1prs/w640-h480/IMG_2216.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmMXLD6ofBu04wZBxY_2YZiau9Sp1iEiRI5jn9jIhyphenhyphenmaWyu80bZc2AucNoFnDYoZAzfULdgJHPWK_jeH3Tj5V0k23n44gota9irIHmSGlGuT06pRXnZEnJ23A2aHATdalDTVzetp6rY8t947knLU8CeVrVeeC4Y9mUgiznbsvIVCmaYjlfNW_8Vs9wWA/s4032/IMG_2244.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmMXLD6ofBu04wZBxY_2YZiau9Sp1iEiRI5jn9jIhyphenhyphenmaWyu80bZc2AucNoFnDYoZAzfULdgJHPWK_jeH3Tj5V0k23n44gota9irIHmSGlGuT06pRXnZEnJ23A2aHATdalDTVzetp6rY8t947knLU8CeVrVeeC4Y9mUgiznbsvIVCmaYjlfNW_8Vs9wWA/w480-h640/IMG_2244.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNo28jvymzf-4ePfvgkKZ5wAae74-A4IbXenWRPez84tQUeTz1r4-09GOiCv0bQlQ6EzVewRe-SO_8pomKqbJ8YQKFfCbF9n-jYr3pkbV6XvnsxdCU_8fmWZS7D-0LUySEIMYCQ9sYXfTIWJPWL4HHeNXR1dtcfrF5J8Dbu-bOBVBxVJCTTNY0OEh5O0Q/s4032/IMG_2245.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNo28jvymzf-4ePfvgkKZ5wAae74-A4IbXenWRPez84tQUeTz1r4-09GOiCv0bQlQ6EzVewRe-SO_8pomKqbJ8YQKFfCbF9n-jYr3pkbV6XvnsxdCU_8fmWZS7D-0LUySEIMYCQ9sYXfTIWJPWL4HHeNXR1dtcfrF5J8Dbu-bOBVBxVJCTTNY0OEh5O0Q/w480-h640/IMG_2245.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwnMFuC9AgLDNO0r-kr5ZiVoZfeAnEFJi7xO7U_PX10N9kh-f_5AP-_E_wBkpHqszPl5Ut0_DM4I0jOOUDZ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">More Japanese anemonies</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is the single pink one that grows in a large clump along the street.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIB55p7IPin9crtsoAGNBIw3ag_z5kKQ_mR2ytvPi6qEFM2RaP8mqRFqjgMSyV2KuJxLwFPNGctKjInWm0dJSINIVrz0mM4s0wy-N5ZvqSL3l28nSm4eOqof937OddwrCdYwbc4CxjJyXAE5nZ1-1RwgJyVXkA6Jofx6GnzSKS5N72Jv4FxmbqtCGSeA/s4032/IMG_1824.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIB55p7IPin9crtsoAGNBIw3ag_z5kKQ_mR2ytvPi6qEFM2RaP8mqRFqjgMSyV2KuJxLwFPNGctKjInWm0dJSINIVrz0mM4s0wy-N5ZvqSL3l28nSm4eOqof937OddwrCdYwbc4CxjJyXAE5nZ1-1RwgJyVXkA6Jofx6GnzSKS5N72Jv4FxmbqtCGSeA/w640-h480/IMG_1824.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IZFLiqfm56tQqLabtR2jIvdfecykzNKikbByBeRiYNs__k7hR9Smyu-mYKXsvTSCoFNRiL2BAfHHIonGlU5AHwtYd9xmdNvUxXkYmpzmX-r0W3R76gxXfOfaSt6FfR6sPv9vtPz2K1yNJyw6v36qFE5AgZQVFF_CrbzvdljO7OcKlGuajjpDANhLtKU/s4032/IMG_1847.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IZFLiqfm56tQqLabtR2jIvdfecykzNKikbByBeRiYNs__k7hR9Smyu-mYKXsvTSCoFNRiL2BAfHHIonGlU5AHwtYd9xmdNvUxXkYmpzmX-r0W3R76gxXfOfaSt6FfR6sPv9vtPz2K1yNJyw6v36qFE5AgZQVFF_CrbzvdljO7OcKlGuajjpDANhLtKU/w640-h480/IMG_1847.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy3GreJ2ywTLdzVgIeoN2K9JWm2QHP0b7Ughzc1myGK1aAj4pid6S5_wzA1Xg-FXnmA-zKW0OSCB7YR7JVO' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Asiatic lilies</p><p>Unlike daylilies, lilium flowers can last quite a while in the garden. The orange lily is Fiamma. I was really disappointed when the international sellers of lilium took Fiamma off the market. I understand they came up with something better.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfoKvT6nY51KKAGE8hCRLqm7a-jKbqQSQT5XN3P47SuJWtIhoQOzPcz43GW05O07aakDrfJ3dGiDLscL71J9KiA_8kiXB1YS3k5D8OCzoKtCHfJd13GAKphJHSeRvVfRyvviC3tuCSvHyEdJyT41vgnsG4Finrz4yj7kQsIG8UCv9mVWx1a4keVPGoLE/s4032/IMG_1124.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfoKvT6nY51KKAGE8hCRLqm7a-jKbqQSQT5XN3P47SuJWtIhoQOzPcz43GW05O07aakDrfJ3dGiDLscL71J9KiA_8kiXB1YS3k5D8OCzoKtCHfJd13GAKphJHSeRvVfRyvviC3tuCSvHyEdJyT41vgnsG4Finrz4yj7kQsIG8UCv9mVWx1a4keVPGoLE/w480-h640/IMG_1124.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes they can form a big clump.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxQrv3lO_ol0ciYokaNd6_rMupnlOo1gAwGNKEqf75VrxYrV1Z1YXhM7K0sWbIvQ4VcOiXR4zzUyMBZHDE6' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p><br /></p><p>Right Now</p><p>Outside</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxcSlJ38EcM8feGqKER0M-fL4D6fNo4REb2M3yYzWs90qC2d0oO801kIbzS6WnjMfLuaCMy5Zj9UVOr19aLvlyo7FEhj-sMv5u7w-_IuwbxYsi0rjFbDTiobA4uifYfwVwRqogxszxT0oaEWYR6ukBZ_-m5Cs4mBf5MZkmDSQq327I4i_qzyvMd7eXiA/s4032/IMG_2762.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxcSlJ38EcM8feGqKER0M-fL4D6fNo4REb2M3yYzWs90qC2d0oO801kIbzS6WnjMfLuaCMy5Zj9UVOr19aLvlyo7FEhj-sMv5u7w-_IuwbxYsi0rjFbDTiobA4uifYfwVwRqogxszxT0oaEWYR6ukBZ_-m5Cs4mBf5MZkmDSQq327I4i_qzyvMd7eXiA/w480-h640/IMG_2762.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I have lots of lupine that keep their foliage into the depth of winter.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFz6Tw9zYRgxOsd1liF_X-BpNKGirhrZM9iL739utBya-sAlSpYJFZBOBr1lALyd2WEJRnQFKVR9pU2f_Kh3-Q4zU54o2wL2I8zR4dx3DC1R_Al27a1-zvkASrYCEB3NgZ_zgU_pv-7ZbkepFiPckZ05Pjp-CGSPIHgmkQrOLg5rVKT6O7o-cpkvqEHc/s4032/IMG_2797.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFz6Tw9zYRgxOsd1liF_X-BpNKGirhrZM9iL739utBya-sAlSpYJFZBOBr1lALyd2WEJRnQFKVR9pU2f_Kh3-Q4zU54o2wL2I8zR4dx3DC1R_Al27a1-zvkASrYCEB3NgZ_zgU_pv-7ZbkepFiPckZ05Pjp-CGSPIHgmkQrOLg5rVKT6O7o-cpkvqEHc/w480-h640/IMG_2797.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp67EGef_QL6qab6tpsPpD9981APtvwkQVAsIeuKa6R8WEXAe_E6NfYsRClKAEWQqGRb6HmaKN9qimieLbJRw2i8zsfGS1EVtyo4fmXviVOxf_N34yOA51Ni2IYs1bmJe3pHgPpLxFo9gh8Ltxq7zKWy3f-cPL9owJOQK9qaZ18FuYnArrQ8fLmHr2ka0/s4032/IMG_2798.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp67EGef_QL6qab6tpsPpD9981APtvwkQVAsIeuKa6R8WEXAe_E6NfYsRClKAEWQqGRb6HmaKN9qimieLbJRw2i8zsfGS1EVtyo4fmXviVOxf_N34yOA51Ni2IYs1bmJe3pHgPpLxFo9gh8Ltxq7zKWy3f-cPL9owJOQK9qaZ18FuYnArrQ8fLmHr2ka0/w640-h480/IMG_2798.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigtO2QAKBwxLmVpbCU_UMcf1MWJZ0CWJMrgp_ChH0JvkPZR2gx5Jo75orOPIvq6sOx6tGNjnbUY4pHULxH6acwerx-rX6sYHySBjVaJ0fTEIEyzPhDbf4O0RRL1Xu_I8xBB2aCymPHQziiccdZWD6SkZYvignSJVCIADfDod4bv1Gt1GZlHmtwtPrcyY/s4032/IMG_2800.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigtO2QAKBwxLmVpbCU_UMcf1MWJZ0CWJMrgp_ChH0JvkPZR2gx5Jo75orOPIvq6sOx6tGNjnbUY4pHULxH6acwerx-rX6sYHySBjVaJ0fTEIEyzPhDbf4O0RRL1Xu_I8xBB2aCymPHQziiccdZWD6SkZYvignSJVCIADfDod4bv1Gt1GZlHmtwtPrcyY/w640-h480/IMG_2800.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Inside</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is a large cattleya orchid. It regularly blooms about this time of year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_neIDdDRkAo22LgmE9vDkucrvSzAzlVx-uybMm1r9wtm6AeZAsnVNkPkDyo78vwpm7gwDHr4e2fvHgi6RgX9xYj4HghyVofCxybF3l5RQ6BquiiuFIZaq0tH4hdhO0SfYbHsDZnZp4jqV_KadQ09ZK8Nv_vkLXes6JeetitS5E-XZcBJfJdjy2RppJw/s4032/IMG_2782.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_neIDdDRkAo22LgmE9vDkucrvSzAzlVx-uybMm1r9wtm6AeZAsnVNkPkDyo78vwpm7gwDHr4e2fvHgi6RgX9xYj4HghyVofCxybF3l5RQ6BquiiuFIZaq0tH4hdhO0SfYbHsDZnZp4jqV_KadQ09ZK8Nv_vkLXes6JeetitS5E-XZcBJfJdjy2RppJw/w480-h640/IMG_2782.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Another orchid</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nXdG2am-JM7XMjZhCWgoO4t1NZQZWRnHV00PQ9XT2SqHPXVkPRysMikjX6GBKjoy2LFb8ggYbr4HOHa4VAi68SzE6aFG8we20odI09dI5-hnD0yHlfc_q72ZxAtktrH-XRDgqbmQvhMMRKEo3qMn2ciVJCVejMIog0nmqaEwB802tBU8wIJ1P4c2dk4/s4032/IMG_2787.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nXdG2am-JM7XMjZhCWgoO4t1NZQZWRnHV00PQ9XT2SqHPXVkPRysMikjX6GBKjoy2LFb8ggYbr4HOHa4VAi68SzE6aFG8we20odI09dI5-hnD0yHlfc_q72ZxAtktrH-XRDgqbmQvhMMRKEo3qMn2ciVJCVejMIog0nmqaEwB802tBU8wIJ1P4c2dk4/w480-h640/IMG_2787.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This is the little airplant that is really a bromeliad. It will get much bigger.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWruKthHJQAKVy47hQWW_X8fsZTgrDTgkkdJw7oQjyMrWftz9CMK-LWUzKV6g8oyt1IYMWIROKsKYPAuJ2XngSPqr99xfLxCvhnhqwt52pmQktVfZt3gy7cYYzx79stbWzabti5elzPWEK2nk8mOOdB466b1ygi4wM8H8EcSPFDjk0TSyf7MbTVjSZp5k/s4032/IMG_2788.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWruKthHJQAKVy47hQWW_X8fsZTgrDTgkkdJw7oQjyMrWftz9CMK-LWUzKV6g8oyt1IYMWIROKsKYPAuJ2XngSPqr99xfLxCvhnhqwt52pmQktVfZt3gy7cYYzx79stbWzabti5elzPWEK2nk8mOOdB466b1ygi4wM8H8EcSPFDjk0TSyf7MbTVjSZp5k/w480-h640/IMG_2788.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsxpIZMoEXCA8wEjpstoY7usp5kX2fKi3J7w52m4OEtpRgSseYRJwmVVFLzNW6-GHRh69RoTVu8waPI4KCI6VT27-hn04FsR4n4j8uKJqSQdcG8svLlBNCXiLYEbryaIgltJDoEFgfTtxfoh38LgLiXPP66bWNGkUqYPibk47DP21vTCLrhNFLWEp2CI/s4032/IMG_2792.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsxpIZMoEXCA8wEjpstoY7usp5kX2fKi3J7w52m4OEtpRgSseYRJwmVVFLzNW6-GHRh69RoTVu8waPI4KCI6VT27-hn04FsR4n4j8uKJqSQdcG8svLlBNCXiLYEbryaIgltJDoEFgfTtxfoh38LgLiXPP66bWNGkUqYPibk47DP21vTCLrhNFLWEp2CI/w640-h480/IMG_2792.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Julia's recipe</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Spanish rice with Cheese</span></b></p><p><br /></p><p>This recipe, from NYT, is a variation with Spanish rice, but with sharp cheddar cheese on top. I made the recipe more or less as it was written, but I have thoughts about making it better and easier. That said, even as written it is pretty quick and flavorful. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyIMhyphenhyphenTNU_zinLhfKzdJZ_mnf-edK7HuwNaKP1HgjE6LTNeA_Sps9Fq3HUexmcsEogSuDbV3vuobAkrAOwf1on0XWtPKIQCJ1PfV8osXOWviJUNN7676NFgdT_9E76XjppTWFVVSRzn3dAYZH1-_IIphdWQEsDkQysMptKHI3KVsSLk8JnKE3tBLSzVs/s4032/IMG_2771.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyIMhyphenhyphenTNU_zinLhfKzdJZ_mnf-edK7HuwNaKP1HgjE6LTNeA_Sps9Fq3HUexmcsEogSuDbV3vuobAkrAOwf1on0XWtPKIQCJ1PfV8osXOWviJUNN7676NFgdT_9E76XjppTWFVVSRzn3dAYZH1-_IIphdWQEsDkQysMptKHI3KVsSLk8JnKE3tBLSzVs/w400-h300/IMG_2771.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>The ingredients:</div><div>3 cups cooked rice;</div><div>1 28 oz. can of diced tomatoes;</div><div>1 serrano chile, seeded and sliced thin;</div><div>1 cup chopped onion;</div><div>2 tablespoons olive oil;</div><div>1 teaspoon kosher salt; and</div><div>8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese. </div><div><br /></div><div>The recipe called for basmati rice, but I used regular mediume grain rice. The floral fragrance of basmati would be lost here. Regular rice is also less expensive and more available. It was fine. I had cooked rice in the refrigerator, which shortened the prep time. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBH47c2KbtPxvyGbKmrW4kxieCdfxDR1jMcQYMWcVG1WBkO5ImD_eVVLVLMNh7jN_vyMjr8M9_IBeUDzEhXdyeANAdsAM3qMfgl-Zj4U9rjPFA0t_dPtjjlxpSWTX39RYCx9maUt0VQ6Z3rjtpaOXJzEUbQ5BTcaGA3tuwOYo7yKzywRFtfFC-2fqMK8/s4032/IMG_2772.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBH47c2KbtPxvyGbKmrW4kxieCdfxDR1jMcQYMWcVG1WBkO5ImD_eVVLVLMNh7jN_vyMjr8M9_IBeUDzEhXdyeANAdsAM3qMfgl-Zj4U9rjPFA0t_dPtjjlxpSWTX39RYCx9maUt0VQ6Z3rjtpaOXJzEUbQ5BTcaGA3tuwOYo7yKzywRFtfFC-2fqMK8/w300-h400/IMG_2772.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>First, I peeled and diced the onion. Then I halved, seeded and sliced the serrano.</div><div><br /></div><div>I won't bother with that again. Dealing with a serrano (or other hot pepper) is always a bit of a bother. I do it when I think it will make a difference. It did not make a difference in this recipe. The pepper's heat was barely perceptible.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next time, I will use a drained little can of chopped jalapenos. I like hot jalapenos. But they are sold at various heat levels so you can pick your heat level. Whatever heat level you choose, the jalapenos will be perceptible in the final dish because there will be more of them.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7IJi70k5UsTR_lJ5HaPeHBRtK21tCimkUumiJ8-W9_s_hcaw_ViUEoI4VX557ToAtz3wFXdwgoemLF7Mazr8jnKKFFLov9jESKJJAt-oKy50-yBDy92wJ2iV88vUYbkqx6wnfra_DX3h2tgZwuWHpl0l8P7VEPu1VNzVB79gc_NHcs7kDUGhg0PVI6wA/s4032/IMG_2773.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7IJi70k5UsTR_lJ5HaPeHBRtK21tCimkUumiJ8-W9_s_hcaw_ViUEoI4VX557ToAtz3wFXdwgoemLF7Mazr8jnKKFFLov9jESKJJAt-oKy50-yBDy92wJ2iV88vUYbkqx6wnfra_DX3h2tgZwuWHpl0l8P7VEPu1VNzVB79gc_NHcs7kDUGhg0PVI6wA/w300-h400/IMG_2773.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>I put the olive oil in a big skillet and added the onion and serrano. I cooked the aromatics for about 6 minutes on medium-high heat. With a little salt. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWW18ldb78qXDKhxPxjbXuzxHcQPdkTOkT2wCX7TiMHu6oZqSAZXsh2vvMGtLg15kRIz4s84agzBYI7lb38kTnRMc_aje11LhxIqKqebJfS4SfAhqFOWZq7y3ix1y2VvyYpwt7lkohAaqxTWbjUWPfqzv3p6FD3WlHApybFSQsDBDQXJtQuxCta65h_U/s4032/IMG_2774.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWW18ldb78qXDKhxPxjbXuzxHcQPdkTOkT2wCX7TiMHu6oZqSAZXsh2vvMGtLg15kRIz4s84agzBYI7lb38kTnRMc_aje11LhxIqKqebJfS4SfAhqFOWZq7y3ix1y2VvyYpwt7lkohAaqxTWbjUWPfqzv3p6FD3WlHApybFSQsDBDQXJtQuxCta65h_U/w300-h400/IMG_2774.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>When the onions started to look a little brown around the edges, I added the tomatoes. </div><div><br /></div><div>My next quibble: I think a 28 oz. can of tomatoes is too much. A 14 oz. can plus one-half of a second 14 oz. can plus a bit (say 1/2 cup) of water would be less intensely tomato-y. And therefore better. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0nycFexgQGo6SeEstVkbRW7I8_3W653Bj4F8AHfxaaZ6OaEkSCinFlYC54KTKe_9r4qmmEhsxPmBeGxiQzCuwEUjmsYQKkUV0L4PYyiKxfGk1IfQ4QCO4pVjmVmYRiHBfZPjoqYVwqAAFXAkxIPdvXV_nWF5xMZuNbZj8yS35f6DMaxX4wngeNHTm0Rk/s4032/IMG_2775.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0nycFexgQGo6SeEstVkbRW7I8_3W653Bj4F8AHfxaaZ6OaEkSCinFlYC54KTKe_9r4qmmEhsxPmBeGxiQzCuwEUjmsYQKkUV0L4PYyiKxfGk1IfQ4QCO4pVjmVmYRiHBfZPjoqYVwqAAFXAkxIPdvXV_nWF5xMZuNbZj8yS35f6DMaxX4wngeNHTm0Rk/w400-h300/IMG_2775.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>I cooked the tomatoes for about 5 minutes on medium high heat until the tomatoes were saucy. </div><div><br /></div><div>I had turned the oven to 400 degrees. Which was fine because we were having salmon and 400 degrees is a good temperature for salmon. </div><div><br /></div><div>And I got out an 8" square baking dish, which I sprayed with cooking spray. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAqO3pMERwk0Tx5A4xbsEyxbR88m7uBchr2lnGk87AYtnsk-ylY2yobeVEOL8c_9n_3L9mi4Y2fmMWzbjgHpMxNEZOpnlxDGlVRhYQins60L9y5_4KbJw7J2f9xvYeUG_U-wwLVNJwAxgvrKLC5XGYzuV8ythE3x_8Dhw9FWYtZmlncNPu9ZjtH-dZWY/s4032/IMG_2776.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAqO3pMERwk0Tx5A4xbsEyxbR88m7uBchr2lnGk87AYtnsk-ylY2yobeVEOL8c_9n_3L9mi4Y2fmMWzbjgHpMxNEZOpnlxDGlVRhYQins60L9y5_4KbJw7J2f9xvYeUG_U-wwLVNJwAxgvrKLC5XGYzuV8ythE3x_8Dhw9FWYtZmlncNPu9ZjtH-dZWY/w300-h400/IMG_2776.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>I stirred in the rest of the salt and the rice.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next quibble: 1 teaspoon of salt is not enough. In my opinion. After you stir the rice in, taste for salt. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh49YsKk29wx2uE1unnS1UKXn8cyo6AxmeinHT38GGMnHkNonL_pAWPRypB_gtoaucV64E_j53zYNuJ7IfI_6XtCcKKEVxGC2ZVEvYz4frYwFSTGpx2nVifMcc8ErlztYZeMMp2aj9p0MKQjTpHNbcuhfI2HyqVfFBFoTJJWm9JaA3C02smX3H27dLO-U8/s4032/IMG_2777.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh49YsKk29wx2uE1unnS1UKXn8cyo6AxmeinHT38GGMnHkNonL_pAWPRypB_gtoaucV64E_j53zYNuJ7IfI_6XtCcKKEVxGC2ZVEvYz4frYwFSTGpx2nVifMcc8ErlztYZeMMp2aj9p0MKQjTpHNbcuhfI2HyqVfFBFoTJJWm9JaA3C02smX3H27dLO-U8/w300-h400/IMG_2777.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>I dumped the rice mixture into the baking dish.</div><div><br /></div><div>And grated some nice sharp cheddar cheese. I used a coarse grater, which is faster. The cheese melts so coarsely grated cheese is fine. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRe_IOS6Zbqjhp_Tl0hqsRzd6g8okken4xWUxxAx_Hzq3KgbV8m4cbL4YB8X6wJ8jk9Z_US_IVxpeDudJWAVrB11bu0emzzS962LmY8ErQn3KoBnK6dO_z7sckhvg-QeKBD3lbCo-tZMzVk-raDDiHct4UA53vzUvNrLhL9QsXveBydsipwEKTp5-XKs/s4032/IMG_2778.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRe_IOS6Zbqjhp_Tl0hqsRzd6g8okken4xWUxxAx_Hzq3KgbV8m4cbL4YB8X6wJ8jk9Z_US_IVxpeDudJWAVrB11bu0emzzS962LmY8ErQn3KoBnK6dO_z7sckhvg-QeKBD3lbCo-tZMzVk-raDDiHct4UA53vzUvNrLhL9QsXveBydsipwEKTp5-XKs/w400-h300/IMG_2778.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Ready for the oven. I baked it for about 10 minutes until the cheese was melted. Then, summoning up my courage, I switched to the broiler and broiled it for about 3 or 4 minutes to start browning the cheese.</div><div><br /></div><div>I do not like broiling. Feels dangerous. And spattery. I know it doesn't have to be dangerous or spattery, but feelngs are hard to dispel. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAJpTKpH1flCeRBbJZanB5CPCnKFOS9ei_43D1dGcr8cwAB5UeO2KdiMWDFLyR2r59luB4a36ERy9xJ9oyp8Qlti5OpDYH9rnl9qrwtVKpxDVpimwBLqHKnIhRaqmKfYfBTbjYAFvAFLnd5nSgoi7eQyExWem5URsDRtLFO_Z-fXUxJfqb6n85Cgdi0w/s4032/IMG_2779.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAJpTKpH1flCeRBbJZanB5CPCnKFOS9ei_43D1dGcr8cwAB5UeO2KdiMWDFLyR2r59luB4a36ERy9xJ9oyp8Qlti5OpDYH9rnl9qrwtVKpxDVpimwBLqHKnIhRaqmKfYfBTbjYAFvAFLnd5nSgoi7eQyExWem5URsDRtLFO_Z-fXUxJfqb6n85Cgdi0w/w400-h300/IMG_2779.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>And here it is. Cheesy, tomato-y, not spattery or dangeous. </div><div><br /></div><div>We had it with salmon which I roasted while the oven was heating up. And broccoli, salad and berries. </div><div><br /></div><div>The rice kept just fine and reheated well for lunch. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Odds and Ends</b></span></p><p>I did like that Japaese anemones are not from Japan.</p><p>There are many sales of bulbs at the moment. Of course you would be gambling that the ground would not freeze.</p><p>We did carve a few pumpkins over Thanksgiving. The recipe for hanging pumpkins is to carve them right before a good freeze. Well we had the predicted hard freeze for 48 hours. Only now it is going to warm up again.</p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHKrcKg9_QIBnsKr9nHJUcYLwwLZkor9fGHUwdRxRMRVO3i1-HkreKlfKShnPzqhzdoqqT8rfyV-cMxtXwwtAbbHnQsdqnns6cBwws91M6819L7WH8Js7szQGp8msmGHF3115MZWdNNRybI7ogn1qzufGDB36a9wgWj6gY5Rb9K0m0a6aGepd4cSDbcw/s4032/IMG_2783.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHKrcKg9_QIBnsKr9nHJUcYLwwLZkor9fGHUwdRxRMRVO3i1-HkreKlfKShnPzqhzdoqqT8rfyV-cMxtXwwtAbbHnQsdqnns6cBwws91M6819L7WH8Js7szQGp8msmGHF3115MZWdNNRybI7ogn1qzufGDB36a9wgWj6gY5Rb9K0m0a6aGepd4cSDbcw/w640-h480/IMG_2783.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNzRP8JzIqjFMabL7bd5f71nPBGUwiP-S8gwyb7LGchX3f1qCJ2VzulfX7hdDsJW_IgkVHW86gREy0mQce2iEjaDGtUZ5Sp9p5JqBft7dT1D9ppKcGWQr9DkHM-1M-h8w0Dqww7Zhx15r0hWqyCaPZ3mI48y43o5SsydFSML6X-QTHA4j1OU-RG-VnDA/s4032/IMG_2785.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNzRP8JzIqjFMabL7bd5f71nPBGUwiP-S8gwyb7LGchX3f1qCJ2VzulfX7hdDsJW_IgkVHW86gREy0mQce2iEjaDGtUZ5Sp9p5JqBft7dT1D9ppKcGWQr9DkHM-1M-h8w0Dqww7Zhx15r0hWqyCaPZ3mI48y43o5SsydFSML6X-QTHA4j1OU-RG-VnDA/w640-h480/IMG_2785.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is a new month. By some measure the inside time is 1/4 done. March 1 is the date I point to.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is so dark now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wars go on endlessly. We see many ads for republican politicians in Iowa, as the caucuses get closer. They do all preach division. They want to lay blame.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pray for peace, and reconcilliation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But make some good trouble.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Do what you can to make the world around you a kinder and better place.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And think about the flowers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Philip</div>philip Mearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04384629201161240341noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509434911388799.post-12009841915912460882023-11-26T06:03:00.000-06:002023-11-26T06:03:20.758-06:00November 26, 2023 Happy Thanksgiving- Let the contest begin<p>Welcome to the Mears Garden blog. This week the winter picture contest for 2023-24 begins.</p><p>But before we look at pictures it is a time to reflect. It is a time to give thanks. It is a time to think about the future. It is time to start the countdown to warmer times.</p><p>In the garden, the big dark, as a friend used to describe it, has arrived. Normal temperatures have arrived here in Iowa. That means daytime temperatures in the 30's, with hard freezes every night. I do quite a bit of blog writing in the dark. </p><p>Update: Overnight we had the first snow. It was only about an inch. But it was snow, covering the garden. </p><p>I do like to start this first week of the contest with pictures from the real beginning of the garden season. In 2023 that was in mid February. Mid February is less than 3 months away. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9zelvGuXZYQniBPZTMmc2BbYPoZHK3n5-NBcUrzhmo-oE1Op9D4fliPuO5ZeYEtD16wfBUp26hDO79tLg4BMxs2lpVp-IZlutLRExVBf2P__2QNYOpYE92KXldgJKMW4oM36JZq6z_VOjZ5nUSjYFB0oRCReedEtE8wekGxUT3H8uGLzF1ip5vP3cwQ/s4032/IMG_9553.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9zelvGuXZYQniBPZTMmc2BbYPoZHK3n5-NBcUrzhmo-oE1Op9D4fliPuO5ZeYEtD16wfBUp26hDO79tLg4BMxs2lpVp-IZlutLRExVBf2P__2QNYOpYE92KXldgJKMW4oM36JZq6z_VOjZ5nUSjYFB0oRCReedEtE8wekGxUT3H8uGLzF1ip5vP3cwQ/w480-h640/IMG_9553.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">February 12, 2023</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGU2DjFvxA_ee6KFT7_O-oC9QUfFZEMXQQT66fPB9Kx_MPdiXmfUfNO7owwk5zQQyG2DoSLhyphenhyphen-UDLWQy3JqZTJvthvZpJCixGsTDYK5f-P5VJsPXsNBQvJj59IRETSMWB5HZfdmipZywy1IU1mTDXJBI0FhTympaprL4K0DaZY1ypwoAB9O36aM5uXXnU/s4032/IMG_9581.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGU2DjFvxA_ee6KFT7_O-oC9QUfFZEMXQQT66fPB9Kx_MPdiXmfUfNO7owwk5zQQyG2DoSLhyphenhyphen-UDLWQy3JqZTJvthvZpJCixGsTDYK5f-P5VJsPXsNBQvJj59IRETSMWB5HZfdmipZywy1IU1mTDXJBI0FhTympaprL4K0DaZY1ypwoAB9O36aM5uXXnU/w640-h480/IMG_9581.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">February 15, 2023</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>With those images in mind, let us get to the contest for 2023-2024.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The winter picture contest</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Our little way of getting through the winter</b></span></p><p>The first contest was in 2005. There has been contests each winter ever since, skipping one year. The reason why I missed that one year eludes me at this point, which is fine.</p><p>For 13 weeks there will be a contest between 5 pictures from the garden in 2023. You get to vote, using a poll located on the website. The 13 winners and several wildcards advance to the next round. After a final vote, the picture of the year will be selected. By that point, hopefully, spring will either be here, or will be right around the corner.</p><p>The pictures are posted early on Sunday morning, with voting available all week. Everyone in the household can vote. I think if you refresh the post that allows another vote to be cast.</p><p>Technology hint - How to vote on your phone. If you are viewing the blog on your phone, you must scroll to the bottom and click on "view web version." That will get you to the poll.</p><p>Comments are encouraged and much appreciated. Upon request I also send out an email when the new post is available. If you do not already get these reminders, send me an email if you would like this notice. My address is philip.mears@gmail.com</p><p> Some people like to comment by using the reply to the email. Others use the comments section at the end of the post. I always am interested in why you picked a particular picture. Comments can be about any subject however, including how your garden is doing or what you think of Julia's recipe.</p><p>Other features of the blog, during the contest include:</p><p><span> </span><span> There of course are the contestants, and the announcement of the winner from the previous week. If you are interested you can check back during the week to see how the contest is going.</span><br /></p><p><span><span> </span><span> You vote in the poll section. If it is working correctly, you can see each week's vote totals going back to the beginning of the contest. Voting ends at the end of the day on Saturday. There are always a few people who wait to vote to the very end. This can add some suspense if the vote is close.</span><br /></span></p><p><span><span> </span><span> There is a "bonus" section. This contains other pictures related to the contestants. Sometimes for example I will show you the same picture, only with different cropping. </span><br /></span></p><p><span><span> </span><span> There can be a section called "right now." This contains pictures from the garden taken this week. Mostly those will be inside pictures.</span><br /></span></p><p><span><span> </span><span> Then of course there is Julia's recipe. She has been doing recipes since the summer of 2016, when that awful election was going on. Katie made us a separate blog for all of her past recipes. It is located at </span><br /></span></p><p><span><a href="https://mearskitchen.wordpress.com/">https://mearskitchen.wordpress.com/</a><br /></span></p><p><span> </span><span> Finally there is a section called "Odds and Ends." It contains things I have found odd. It is also located at the End of the blog. </span><br /></p><p><span>So let us do it. For 2023-24. </span></p><p><span><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The first week's contestants.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#1 Tulip acuminata May 2, 2023</b></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZUee9bUirXrWGSjG-iA51vPf2QjZDYF00bhMqlcZWnaakw6KzDyIzCqKATOX7KJuXtlyuPjsC1_09R_F6wo2h0y_Jp5czUi0K93-EctdJtzBaaid6IhFgIa78OMHM_Zf6MhP0tDSsK_68dQSrLApJ2q6kaGve0lLvfBT4QQCP4bs-bMjyu2Ih3NYIXY/s4032/IMG_0476.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZUee9bUirXrWGSjG-iA51vPf2QjZDYF00bhMqlcZWnaakw6KzDyIzCqKATOX7KJuXtlyuPjsC1_09R_F6wo2h0y_Jp5czUi0K93-EctdJtzBaaid6IhFgIa78OMHM_Zf6MhP0tDSsK_68dQSrLApJ2q6kaGve0lLvfBT4QQCP4bs-bMjyu2Ih3NYIXY/w480-h640/IMG_0476.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p>Acuminata is in the tulip grouping called "species tulips." That means it is not a hybrid. That also means it is more likely to come back every year. </p><p>I also think that species tulips do not taste as good to deer. A survival trait for any plant is not tasting good. None of the very early spring bulbs taste good.</p><p>I particularly liked this picture with the vertical lines of the flower being reflected in the greenery all around it.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#2 Gray Shirley poppy June 2, 2023</b></span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7Om2P9WAUpUG_fIpUMHeSyrEIEDwyTB4ThGuyRbjpTm8AQL5gL5lXE9OvpAVSWIEOb7IwAjvu4Em-urcpqx5Jl593UEia2vD0e9BfLiFpeVfQ8nPNXq-qHLKk7TDFgeuJMKaxmRBhmlv2EnwFIsSBh6-uEH8Eu929-WR4jwLUyUHIf-xUt1t71RGo1w/s4032/IMG_0844.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7Om2P9WAUpUG_fIpUMHeSyrEIEDwyTB4ThGuyRbjpTm8AQL5gL5lXE9OvpAVSWIEOb7IwAjvu4Em-urcpqx5Jl593UEia2vD0e9BfLiFpeVfQ8nPNXq-qHLKk7TDFgeuJMKaxmRBhmlv2EnwFIsSBh6-uEH8Eu929-WR4jwLUyUHIf-xUt1t71RGo1w/w480-h640/IMG_0844.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The first year for Shirley poppies was 2021. They are now a permanent member of the garden, or as permanent as any annual can be.</div><div><br /></div><div>I discovered that they come in various shades of grey. I bought some of the seed a year ago and was not disappointed.</div><p></p><div>I grow Shirley poppies from seed each year. In past years I grew Iceland poppies the same way. I start them right after the first of the year. Actually I now understand that I should wait for the first of February this year. I discovered that if started that early, the plants are too big in March. While poppies can deal with a light frost, they still should not be put in the garden until April. </div><div><br /></div><div>What is there to like in any picture? There of course is the color, or perhaps the color contrast. Then there can be symmetry or lack thereof. </div><div><br /></div><div>So what can I tell you about Shirley poppies? <br /><br />They are a cultivar in the species <i>Papaver rhoeas</i>. Those are the red flowered poppies known as the Flanders poppy and in a judgmental world, as the common poppy.</div><div> </div><div>They are mostly annuals, but they can self seed if there are enough of them.</div><div><br /></div><div>They last until about July. The heat does them in. </div><div><br /></div><div>They were developed by a vicar in England named William Wilks. That was in the 19th century. He was the vicar of a parish named....wait for it.... Shirley.</div><div><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#3 Colorful coneflower July 13, 2023</span></b></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoMZZbL82JFKmvrQFFmOW0uvqBxwh14SwLI5f-WNE-t6EIq1LwtADNYkJcJ9MaszqrILrA1mveF0BfrJPQ9N7tNY2YWDui5Q_GZaDTUiuoVWTM_O_mFAzJ1T15Zy09QH9sES2-LYNMwES63Z_GHr7LOrbTeYRsnASbWYrga5lt-VTRXhJMYgH5svLKDE/s2676/IMG_1415.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2676" data-original-width="2579" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoMZZbL82JFKmvrQFFmOW0uvqBxwh14SwLI5f-WNE-t6EIq1LwtADNYkJcJ9MaszqrILrA1mveF0BfrJPQ9N7tNY2YWDui5Q_GZaDTUiuoVWTM_O_mFAzJ1T15Zy09QH9sES2-LYNMwES63Z_GHr7LOrbTeYRsnASbWYrga5lt-VTRXhJMYgH5svLKDE/w616-h640/IMG_1415.jpeg" width="616" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>I really like coneflowers, in all shapes and colors. At the same time I have not been able to keep good track of names.</p><p>I liked this picture as it was so symmetrcial. I rotated it several times, having a hard time telling which was the correct orientation.</p><p>Coneflowers do come from prairie plants. For that reason they like lots of sun. That limits my use of them to certain parts of the garden Wanting more sun means they have to compete with iris, daylilies and many more sun loving plants.</p><p>Varieties of coneflowers exploded in the last twenty years. Coneflowers that were purple, white and yellow, were crossed with each other to produce lots of colors, and lots of shapes. If you look at a plant catalogue this year, it will probably have more pages devoted to coneflowers than any other type of flower.</p><p>The botanical name for the genus is echinacea. The name echinacea comes from the Greek word meaning hedgehog. Think about that spiny central disk. Also understand that the Euopeans named this north American plant. </p><p>The Lakota name for the purple coneflower found on the prairie is ichahpe hu.</p><p>As a group of plants they have many health benefits.</p><p>The plant is somewhat unusual in that it comes from eastern and central North America.</p><p><br /></p><p>Here is the wikipedia page.</p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echinacea">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echinacea</a><br /></p><p>There are many hybrids developed over the last few decades. Names include Cantalope, Butterfly Kisses, and Tomato Soup. Bluestone Perennials lists 48 varieties. Here is that link with pictures.</p><p><a href="https://www.bluestoneperennials.com/genus/Echinacea">https://www.bluestoneperennials.com/genus/Echinacea</a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#4 Bright yellow hibiscus August 7, 2023</b></span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxN7L4l3WMqCFvIWt6IynklIOU62vcbfWOZG0fvrk170c0ISbOmqrf4vg1iLcO9wwEHAaRXKf9_uXHAVrFa67Dg_jjAqvcV6S_t8P1N8Yp12BKbkAQUzf2bZQ_INPTpuuEYrJ8KVM-flScuwsYnUNbHsTa997GAoLTBWxmrDY9XNNvJXAtEAFM4K2IsE/s4032/IMG_1739.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxN7L4l3WMqCFvIWt6IynklIOU62vcbfWOZG0fvrk170c0ISbOmqrf4vg1iLcO9wwEHAaRXKf9_uXHAVrFa67Dg_jjAqvcV6S_t8P1N8Yp12BKbkAQUzf2bZQ_INPTpuuEYrJ8KVM-flScuwsYnUNbHsTa997GAoLTBWxmrDY9XNNvJXAtEAFM4K2IsE/w640-h480/IMG_1739.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We have had this yellow hibiscus for years. It is probably 6 feet tall. It has to come inside for the winter. </p><p>This picture does in a very nice way present the color yellow.</p><p>I had early visions of turning it into a standard. There was never enough light for that. So mostly it is tall. It blooms all the time. It has had two blossoms in the basement (under lights) in the past week. </p><p>Hibiscus are in the mallow family. </p><p>Some mallows are hardy, and in the garden. See the bonus section.</p><p>The Rose of Sharon is a bush in the mallow family. We grew Okra this summer in our detached city garden plot. It's a mallow. There are hardy hisbiscus that grow here. Starry, Starry, Night is one of them we have had for several years.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#5 Tommies with ice March 11, 2023</span></b></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_FeJlvSZaCJTSVghjCp0HlYDOcQ670AHUxTJ6u9H8_z_xAIloA4Eemu8iWVzQrf2l8CREJlt386vqJ44aglwA0SlTzhbKWJbDQXH4jsnUBzgban-VvU0ELChWqvFO4yF72K1x6YL-vV2JYr_GhYdwXJXjv2d2elNUaXqXAaSFAcVgKYk2KhCq5bosqc/s4032/IMG_9746.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_FeJlvSZaCJTSVghjCp0HlYDOcQ670AHUxTJ6u9H8_z_xAIloA4Eemu8iWVzQrf2l8CREJlt386vqJ44aglwA0SlTzhbKWJbDQXH4jsnUBzgban-VvU0ELChWqvFO4yF72K1x6YL-vV2JYr_GhYdwXJXjv2d2elNUaXqXAaSFAcVgKYk2KhCq5bosqc/w480-h640/IMG_9746.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I love pictures with the early spring bulbs and snow. Here there are the little "tommies" (tommasinianus crocus) not minding the snow, at all.<div>It naturalizes quickly, and is just about the first crocus to bloom in the spring. Some people think of crocus as the greek word for squirrel food. I has been my experience that planting most crocus bulbs can be a trick with a neighborhood full of squirrels. Actually the"tommies" as they are called do not attract squirrels. They do not taste as good as most of the rest. That only makes sense if you think of them appearing early in the spring. If they tasted good, they would not have made it this far.</div><div>Other tommy facts:</div><div>They are sometimes called the snow crocus. Guess why? </div><div>It is from eastern europe, but not as far as the Causasus. </div><div>They are not expensive. You can get a 1000 for as little as $72. And that was the regular price, before the current sales.</div><div>It would be tempting to get a few hundred and plant them in the lawn. But not really. The ground should be frozen any night now.<br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Bonus Pictures</span></b></p><p>This is the section where I show you pictures related to the contestants, that did not make it into the contest. </p><p>Sometimes it is difficult to decide which picture to include in the contest. There were quite a few wonderful "grey" Shirley poppies. Here were the two where the choice was hard.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiBZ6qvRYmmia1_RNsQdbpSgoxY7XSPL4ol99jmrVq-gZkFTMadUc-oRQLeo17sKDrmZz3JwJ4QrQ3-mjxRe4GUg8MxSfecJUG9jaVEcCBSCyq5QYlnLoB395SAqpaNOQrrJNFD1RYiem8g7Acy3s3uTpg-F63VYCOOuh9SIZQI97j_aKuLKL0f30UNA/s3024/IMG_0844.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2534" data-original-width="3024" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiBZ6qvRYmmia1_RNsQdbpSgoxY7XSPL4ol99jmrVq-gZkFTMadUc-oRQLeo17sKDrmZz3JwJ4QrQ3-mjxRe4GUg8MxSfecJUG9jaVEcCBSCyq5QYlnLoB395SAqpaNOQrrJNFD1RYiem8g7Acy3s3uTpg-F63VYCOOuh9SIZQI97j_aKuLKL0f30UNA/w200-h168/IMG_0844.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3v1xyIjtjw3QLQKi_hfvhCH8jW354QakoCbv-2zD-aysMUkcLrrDn1TTmqoZp6reU6h4ema2QZJ3wsTZcYFFL6gHH2ilhqLdbDLUtWYyHZVSixFq4BvURX3mKqZI8jeOFi4WsCGWTtBlLC4l6UXkCHqaEDOtxCE-D9rapGm_3ekYnbz-dgF2q6zqOrg/s4032/IMG_0836.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3v1xyIjtjw3QLQKi_hfvhCH8jW354QakoCbv-2zD-aysMUkcLrrDn1TTmqoZp6reU6h4ema2QZJ3wsTZcYFFL6gHH2ilhqLdbDLUtWYyHZVSixFq4BvURX3mKqZI8jeOFi4WsCGWTtBlLC4l6UXkCHqaEDOtxCE-D9rapGm_3ekYnbz-dgF2q6zqOrg/w200-h150/IMG_0836.jpeg" width="200" /></a><br /><p><br /></p><p>I chose the one on the left, for the additional color. But I also really liked the one on the right. Look at that picture in full size. What do you think.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqRDhl6wXiKGcnqrEH_6ZF3S3j1sHm4e2lQzsIei6vijcFgJgr5HjXsYXRSxH2PgCo86O7PMi7HeAYDLhiTouaA2W-oVaSClu6MVDQ_zlUosfnbZO3vKjQcIwODHXrOFX1c8lvFo3hpztzRYycIfy9qpYHardX4GsgbMUynnrWs0IQBHdNuESgG8k0d4/s4032/IMG_0836.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqRDhl6wXiKGcnqrEH_6ZF3S3j1sHm4e2lQzsIei6vijcFgJgr5HjXsYXRSxH2PgCo86O7PMi7HeAYDLhiTouaA2W-oVaSClu6MVDQ_zlUosfnbZO3vKjQcIwODHXrOFX1c8lvFo3hpztzRYycIfy9qpYHardX4GsgbMUynnrWs0IQBHdNuESgG8k0d4/w640-h480/IMG_0836.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>As I looked back at the pictures for the thrid time I found these other "grey" Shirley poppies. This is your one look at Shirleys from this seed pack.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB85z7s7mYYj2vsGUa-HBIoEVavGIk9MISE-gYnJJsMBU3k2rOezu6Kgf-RXJEMK2SvFOirYb_kOsBIdKkrBAJ5wp7VsEoiuo21-nM2IrKVEuOF2RmypFO7AeslvybgghOEXKXlLQ1UiNal5VWfGcfwTvmox46Pz_6p4oF0HCWIs17EdRkup1PUrZ-ofM/s4032/IMG_0746.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB85z7s7mYYj2vsGUa-HBIoEVavGIk9MISE-gYnJJsMBU3k2rOezu6Kgf-RXJEMK2SvFOirYb_kOsBIdKkrBAJ5wp7VsEoiuo21-nM2IrKVEuOF2RmypFO7AeslvybgghOEXKXlLQ1UiNal5VWfGcfwTvmox46Pz_6p4oF0HCWIs17EdRkup1PUrZ-ofM/w480-h640/IMG_0746.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzwq54aKkWKpTAuSm39BKe_IiPm8GzpeIbIvuwMwUDzG3EYsplZIeDgX4FZs9GM9yrrtyDqzrzNR0JLtYchbHdL1kW9CdOPFEu_TFSiqZPa8_t0mzHmJUANxRlHYZnXSvGI32eil7pCkkXtDPh2R_bSOwlcNsnYfcjLwd4mqTdqa041OM5Brs1n2jiE8/s4032/IMG_0748.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzwq54aKkWKpTAuSm39BKe_IiPm8GzpeIbIvuwMwUDzG3EYsplZIeDgX4FZs9GM9yrrtyDqzrzNR0JLtYchbHdL1kW9CdOPFEu_TFSiqZPa8_t0mzHmJUANxRlHYZnXSvGI32eil7pCkkXtDPh2R_bSOwlcNsnYfcjLwd4mqTdqa041OM5Brs1n2jiE8/w480-h640/IMG_0748.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jj_oWCDaf579XKtlNRP8NVbVbpDZlQUxZJ_K8FRMglZfLDNaKsXyTigQ2Wd2wFDIdidsdk-WGaulirBlYjL1Uft__fVsxrpvKGQYZNEP6S61H_N7kf59T0pHXU4RHmsQbID6wfpm1Tx0g5e64Ike0Dw5LTq4w_LQCcFzySiFNS-JAghfQO8AFIzj4y0/s4032/IMG_0845.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jj_oWCDaf579XKtlNRP8NVbVbpDZlQUxZJ_K8FRMglZfLDNaKsXyTigQ2Wd2wFDIdidsdk-WGaulirBlYjL1Uft__fVsxrpvKGQYZNEP6S61H_N7kf59T0pHXU4RHmsQbID6wfpm1Tx0g5e64Ike0Dw5LTq4w_LQCcFzySiFNS-JAghfQO8AFIzj4y0/w480-h640/IMG_0845.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Coneflowers from 2023</p><p>The centers have such wonderful patterns. They are spirals of all those little spears.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfFv5NzE9RtVOPHOUt3-MF1jAHCbe4DEyEjOWtVN2oYIXAEBdgS1QO5uaIx0YOBcPbRLC6F_57fnJj1WFaohaLuQwte7ZcgrryJyPqvH91T4YULKI7_yLeogoZcCpbDpO_mtF3DVY_f2K39OL1iZ3tVjxuwB-gz5FrKjXt3xHL-dss2mUDbsdPK2Y5oc/s4032/IMG_1405.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfFv5NzE9RtVOPHOUt3-MF1jAHCbe4DEyEjOWtVN2oYIXAEBdgS1QO5uaIx0YOBcPbRLC6F_57fnJj1WFaohaLuQwte7ZcgrryJyPqvH91T4YULKI7_yLeogoZcCpbDpO_mtF3DVY_f2K39OL1iZ3tVjxuwB-gz5FrKjXt3xHL-dss2mUDbsdPK2Y5oc/w480-h640/IMG_1405.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvByBDMi4BA-9nzPRh7WPAB7clmNf8GCG1WRkNwis2n1mBObu9baKydGJM5OVrRVwA1l1EsFLMVEwMJWAHwRiEd0SBBKwY0XWD3BV2RIYJ235C0_o_XPrdtkLjP2vI8cbbwERnDmpi-O97-9od6hrgfE0mm6EVtZKdmLX1eoguhkEo-br178Zwql3eAU4/s4032/IMG_1407.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvByBDMi4BA-9nzPRh7WPAB7clmNf8GCG1WRkNwis2n1mBObu9baKydGJM5OVrRVwA1l1EsFLMVEwMJWAHwRiEd0SBBKwY0XWD3BV2RIYJ235C0_o_XPrdtkLjP2vI8cbbwERnDmpi-O97-9od6hrgfE0mm6EVtZKdmLX1eoguhkEo-br178Zwql3eAU4/w640-h480/IMG_1407.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>This is the picture that produced, with some cropping, contestant #3. I actually like the way this uncropped picture has the not yet blooming flowers.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9u6UPY2GVVcIMcdHnXSh35kK01d9Vhfvs_gX5Fx0dsDzeWj9vMgSZnM7UtZjgqsoPf_iMz3dwTOccQbXLSKIXuBPs7a7HXLTyzLKAlWHQ0P6ktiMGVcq4yLlluf639dokv9H4IAc2tmjeYRxzmMIdbvts8XYYzWAl7JjZyeV0Hv2jfck5tx5Wg7Tg1E/s4032/IMG_1415.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9u6UPY2GVVcIMcdHnXSh35kK01d9Vhfvs_gX5Fx0dsDzeWj9vMgSZnM7UtZjgqsoPf_iMz3dwTOccQbXLSKIXuBPs7a7HXLTyzLKAlWHQ0P6ktiMGVcq4yLlluf639dokv9H4IAc2tmjeYRxzmMIdbvts8XYYzWAl7JjZyeV0Hv2jfck5tx5Wg7Tg1E/w640-h480/IMG_1415.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqko4gxewsOOvaH0JYcWOzmMKrYb94d-__ofZAIBgoS99hRLMD7GtITaQQAm7iWmxCgNgOSLniPHU5SFAp5cEfiE-3uso8fASe-1iDBqXU8fwDm89LUQJyFJBRat9m3jqtMkbkbH8b4IyiyefZI4wQNd-oy9q0xRMrUack0reOrkjYCjIz_NoLqFp5uM/s4032/IMG_1466.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqko4gxewsOOvaH0JYcWOzmMKrYb94d-__ofZAIBgoS99hRLMD7GtITaQQAm7iWmxCgNgOSLniPHU5SFAp5cEfiE-3uso8fASe-1iDBqXU8fwDm89LUQJyFJBRat9m3jqtMkbkbH8b4IyiyefZI4wQNd-oy9q0xRMrUack0reOrkjYCjIz_NoLqFp5uM/w480-h640/IMG_1466.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGAmd4wJNmhf6IeQbDwFE96iG6tcCidHhL4wjt6mJchitO0Eom2Kfu5lx3au_cUid4d3Dij0QZjZgTPoN9fQR5OxqBxkR-TAjoLwZ6fo82-UeviBedVi8qDw_NvX1LFUlWe1VOtxNVEJHxtkB_eNXfetLTcOmPsUJKJbO3KAYD48SIDftU-8dvjHABQw/s4032/IMG_1467.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGAmd4wJNmhf6IeQbDwFE96iG6tcCidHhL4wjt6mJchitO0Eom2Kfu5lx3au_cUid4d3Dij0QZjZgTPoN9fQR5OxqBxkR-TAjoLwZ6fo82-UeviBedVi8qDw_NvX1LFUlWe1VOtxNVEJHxtkB_eNXfetLTcOmPsUJKJbO3KAYD48SIDftU-8dvjHABQw/w640-h480/IMG_1467.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This was almost in the contest.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDMkKc6Omai_CrlHO4Z80Fr0w6r2NbmFhFU9gARjoLFuH_En1b95-szwM9dmqS1HCGXuxrWPU2aS2lIrcHdR-cDMhwbUb8loaYq-IxgruOxLyS3AbytsnWT8s1RO0WzVP7BWCqSJdhr9PElldhPiywNkdgY9psjf3gEoTFkdH-ocdQK5UCzFSQovKTus/s3024/IMG_1486.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2453" data-original-width="3024" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDMkKc6Omai_CrlHO4Z80Fr0w6r2NbmFhFU9gARjoLFuH_En1b95-szwM9dmqS1HCGXuxrWPU2aS2lIrcHdR-cDMhwbUb8loaYq-IxgruOxLyS3AbytsnWT8s1RO0WzVP7BWCqSJdhr9PElldhPiywNkdgY9psjf3gEoTFkdH-ocdQK5UCzFSQovKTus/w640-h520/IMG_1486.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Tommies- the early crocuses</p><p>Early bulbs are the most likely to be effected by special climate zones within the garden. The front yard is often the part of the garden where the snow melts last. The backyard, which is on the south side of the house, is sometimes 2-3 weeks ahead of the frontyard. </p><p>Aconite, snowdrops, and the early crocuses start in the backyard, and move to the front over several weeks.</p><p>Here are tommie pictures. (Other crocuses will appear later in the contest.)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzEyK2LKmz0ewRqtVOfs_CZ727wV5YmFM2u_xqFqwhIf5mpnFrM53VmPpYyE_qEBS5owojunXprRQJ3NaihuD-JsVleXdlaco_-e4o233bcEslnPDz49ZX_ydqsxeCiHWRH5DjNdDq7CQDhXYGTNMSTX5RcurCgZW07UAmT3x3-plft5KjmTvVaOSGsA/s2617/IMG_9806.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2198" data-original-width="2617" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzEyK2LKmz0ewRqtVOfs_CZ727wV5YmFM2u_xqFqwhIf5mpnFrM53VmPpYyE_qEBS5owojunXprRQJ3NaihuD-JsVleXdlaco_-e4o233bcEslnPDz49ZX_ydqsxeCiHWRH5DjNdDq7CQDhXYGTNMSTX5RcurCgZW07UAmT3x3-plft5KjmTvVaOSGsA/w640-h538/IMG_9806.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes a narrowly cropped picture really is pleasant. The brown leaves in the spring are a good background.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwDaroMiNgUAD690szc373MFAuLUbzLva1ndprVLRQNjYk6hlHCBv1B5ypGbTxHcK13uX_xH0tXpVhZeyykN3tRpHsEwGFcBmzaJGdITBgcvDzEN-k4xw9nPdyMv8znRXZCApMNY9FJawFyjsHlV7KhSPk4ilHtZ5WGQ6I4nj7W0nw-bt0zw8YBmdfEw/s4032/IMG_9812.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1493" data-original-width="4032" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwDaroMiNgUAD690szc373MFAuLUbzLva1ndprVLRQNjYk6hlHCBv1B5ypGbTxHcK13uX_xH0tXpVhZeyykN3tRpHsEwGFcBmzaJGdITBgcvDzEN-k4xw9nPdyMv8znRXZCApMNY9FJawFyjsHlV7KhSPk4ilHtZ5WGQ6I4nj7W0nw-bt0zw8YBmdfEw/w640-h236/IMG_9812.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The colors do vary a little.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3OXCyKWkg6MiMJ8kpjgT-qjZhqhMjZSHt_CBJlOv8ZrbBb655z-DWNyQ3dqiB2Br-tO_Adyxuod4aqgvwzk2I94-atvOguxMlNi-4j2j2vVKFDdUJfbD02c1wjd6lCZlt6COkFJH1vuxEWoYNU49JFi_UeVeHg-pn58gKWy3fllJKShkUvLt7BtPsJY/s4032/IMG_9815.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3OXCyKWkg6MiMJ8kpjgT-qjZhqhMjZSHt_CBJlOv8ZrbBb655z-DWNyQ3dqiB2Br-tO_Adyxuod4aqgvwzk2I94-atvOguxMlNi-4j2j2vVKFDdUJfbD02c1wjd6lCZlt6COkFJH1vuxEWoYNU49JFi_UeVeHg-pn58gKWy3fllJKShkUvLt7BtPsJY/w480-h640/IMG_9815.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lCIokwaudcb6IwAqUF3_iKYU56nfjJAF743_iJERnAtRH0EZbUCRMs41LBntz437BOvH4QviiYmx9Vty7VThtYZsrT0K5rQ2v4qF-UknIJiFngWeZwL-d6MrpAH5ErV5-dg1hbHMcNtRZG_KaJA7Pt_r0rtXE_qOOf4d8_R5SMNxa8uvsw-K9oXN3i0/s4032/IMG_9913%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lCIokwaudcb6IwAqUF3_iKYU56nfjJAF743_iJERnAtRH0EZbUCRMs41LBntz437BOvH4QviiYmx9Vty7VThtYZsrT0K5rQ2v4qF-UknIJiFngWeZwL-d6MrpAH5ErV5-dg1hbHMcNtRZG_KaJA7Pt_r0rtXE_qOOf4d8_R5SMNxa8uvsw-K9oXN3i0/w640-h480/IMG_9913%202.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>More Mallows</div><div><br /></div><div>This is okra. We grew okra for the first time this year. Once I saw the flower I understood why it is in the mallow family.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BnK_RClbLI8gCFEPN-40bphvVCONx2LXfhCWh-dh5kLaIFB1FP-UUupegDIJUnm67_XSFPDj_2WGArD_CSdc6D0T8mpO-HAxatyVvKamzBufrOzudAOTww3X8pvjS8KThdrphiXr71x1vfMGVHw7nrsah49fkbAfpT5KUOJlguWnWgrQDmPbrqO_0a4/s4032/IMG_1658.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BnK_RClbLI8gCFEPN-40bphvVCONx2LXfhCWh-dh5kLaIFB1FP-UUupegDIJUnm67_XSFPDj_2WGArD_CSdc6D0T8mpO-HAxatyVvKamzBufrOzudAOTww3X8pvjS8KThdrphiXr71x1vfMGVHw7nrsah49fkbAfpT5KUOJlguWnWgrQDmPbrqO_0a4/w480-h640/IMG_1658.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Starry, Starry, Night. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZm-rGhbbIdt2F4scfgEwMnvWMqbS415WU5Hswt8_aQwTMq_00l53cj6-dmeHaXUc0TojBXRhRpe7SkovA4w_sEYKp3Vr18ELN6M7iH_N_WS4NSIAzQaT7j2jbtVLPmbVOFH18Agx5Ywkk157GomCvRUw7PhQLwv2obi7NrSmK5eG9xY0Or9nELiaNSzI/s4032/IMG_1711.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZm-rGhbbIdt2F4scfgEwMnvWMqbS415WU5Hswt8_aQwTMq_00l53cj6-dmeHaXUc0TojBXRhRpe7SkovA4w_sEYKp3Vr18ELN6M7iH_N_WS4NSIAzQaT7j2jbtVLPmbVOFH18Agx5Ywkk157GomCvRUw7PhQLwv2obi7NrSmK5eG9xY0Or9nELiaNSzI/w480-h640/IMG_1711.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This plant that produced the contestant, was doing well this summer until some late deer damage. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimh9RHBAmNIDxAiWcNOcpD7sHJkwecKmSr9eRBAgdSNK39SuxRCtDMAKcMvIGONrjZ8Ntx5CVH1Ak1reJZOzoqwAPtYI5X1m8aOWCBQ87hef8GA4EUt-eOvv74zPB076EQOG7c-DfGggyVKzx2vVkEYe_OLSrRflhL2I2Z5H5CiIS1aAMa7sFKCXZ74XY/s4032/IMG_1738.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimh9RHBAmNIDxAiWcNOcpD7sHJkwecKmSr9eRBAgdSNK39SuxRCtDMAKcMvIGONrjZ8Ntx5CVH1Ak1reJZOzoqwAPtYI5X1m8aOWCBQ87hef8GA4EUt-eOvv74zPB076EQOG7c-DfGggyVKzx2vVkEYe_OLSrRflhL2I2Z5H5CiIS1aAMa7sFKCXZ74XY/w640-h480/IMG_1738.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This is Rose of Sharon, a late blooming shrub.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0i8zf-zPSvjBvAqh10TenTswBuymMEenkYwZhgBzj1w8qUDlkGKoVb2U1xxeSeF7P0r-9Icy-Dwn1SeGeVgpYJ0YQMyR6vvzKp2bYvRkrM1UTctD9BFB9jVtNyvsHfGLQsZroo0ZyqjcVpGFfAHU2ZbX_geQ6h7xgWZmcD1M-hWY_QV4CcI7nBuF6fO8/s4032/IMG_1873.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0i8zf-zPSvjBvAqh10TenTswBuymMEenkYwZhgBzj1w8qUDlkGKoVb2U1xxeSeF7P0r-9Icy-Dwn1SeGeVgpYJ0YQMyR6vvzKp2bYvRkrM1UTctD9BFB9jVtNyvsHfGLQsZroo0ZyqjcVpGFfAHU2ZbX_geQ6h7xgWZmcD1M-hWY_QV4CcI7nBuF6fO8/w480-h640/IMG_1873.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><p>species tulips</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqbf9fjjjrfuh1G1X6x32KacwEuAy3HUWbTFQzALVZ92EzPKihB4SiidA9wXD9YQEsTxT-_LlpDlcTGYzRtGTu_57M9AmgEhVGyvyXgY6iby9aQdlcJJR2am5u9i3WHXEFvGaVpjbZjXzxGp9QMLUBz4DtM6Xmc8_L4k-8DuTWWplUICYOWCG-4gcnpA/s4032/IMG_0162.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqbf9fjjjrfuh1G1X6x32KacwEuAy3HUWbTFQzALVZ92EzPKihB4SiidA9wXD9YQEsTxT-_LlpDlcTGYzRtGTu_57M9AmgEhVGyvyXgY6iby9aQdlcJJR2am5u9i3WHXEFvGaVpjbZjXzxGp9QMLUBz4DtM6Xmc8_L4k-8DuTWWplUICYOWCG-4gcnpA/w640-h480/IMG_0162.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxL5fOm1-9cxwWBNT-dqsCh_irwWh6Cnfv8_rlzWD7E_1GxjuzMvPtqFIQiusaPCzOJ2M3ED1KRVD-Z4fFR76KWY3mhAlbuYeWHy0JPro2WZLRS8d4mV2-n0jQqdUdr-SaqsA0Nmj8QW5zLcTDE3cIRiY3QH9-Y6Vnala9KkOmxth2hvlKzqtgvvLkMVk/s4032/IMG_0534.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxL5fOm1-9cxwWBNT-dqsCh_irwWh6Cnfv8_rlzWD7E_1GxjuzMvPtqFIQiusaPCzOJ2M3ED1KRVD-Z4fFR76KWY3mhAlbuYeWHy0JPro2WZLRS8d4mV2-n0jQqdUdr-SaqsA0Nmj8QW5zLcTDE3cIRiY3QH9-Y6Vnala9KkOmxth2hvlKzqtgvvLkMVk/w480-h640/IMG_0534.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Right Now</span></b></p><p>The kale we grew from seed is doing well. I can imagine trying different kinds next year and starting them earlier. They really can create interest in November. I do think they could be accompanied by some dusty miller, which is a nice bright gray that holds up well into November. I will try to get some pictures today with the snow.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJqC1brWLGqa4UxwX2VEGe-z65oeYU-0HNYiwDl-75b32GzR7tYfSMX8UxynRh4PuTOAlwgGkPIYT69bd1cshP6ZY2oV98aeTDO0DHa5ir9hrm9nFS6D0eVgogbIKWujT5AGM9jEvq0LqtruDTh5ATaAVSiQ_nakXi1HBYP0U-bA8OiEcJGNhXKZ7mcc/s4032/IMG_2720.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJqC1brWLGqa4UxwX2VEGe-z65oeYU-0HNYiwDl-75b32GzR7tYfSMX8UxynRh4PuTOAlwgGkPIYT69bd1cshP6ZY2oV98aeTDO0DHa5ir9hrm9nFS6D0eVgogbIKWujT5AGM9jEvq0LqtruDTh5ATaAVSiQ_nakXi1HBYP0U-bA8OiEcJGNhXKZ7mcc/w640-h480/IMG_2720.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This little orchid hangs over the kitchen sink. It is so cheerful. Its name is Maxillaria variabilis. We have had it for almost ten years.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTXYSCQQ-tpQokTYbdhpNtx3QQpWUm_hcCfq8T5nJp2iHXInxhBz5ZjR9d1ykcAYurzXlFtA0uDS99o_1a63QY-kCVT6TA1tj5KOXh9obO_WJDD9fmji8lzVV7oXUPv2t3OTA6aQbauqsF6FxBBF5wViZA18vdXrUqp_rQUXraKpX4MiH8qj_ym6qUqk/s4032/IMG_2724.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTXYSCQQ-tpQokTYbdhpNtx3QQpWUm_hcCfq8T5nJp2iHXInxhBz5ZjR9d1ykcAYurzXlFtA0uDS99o_1a63QY-kCVT6TA1tj5KOXh9obO_WJDD9fmji8lzVV7oXUPv2t3OTA6aQbauqsF6FxBBF5wViZA18vdXrUqp_rQUXraKpX4MiH8qj_ym6qUqk/w640-h480/IMG_2724.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This cactus at the office will have some flowers all winter. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWDKqlEIfbeSQOZkjacsOJUUUY2uLVF9olw_VYvJ3U1YEg6Qu_2HHDO4wZh2BXpi8wv9DYAti6ugrBo0ka9bCT2G3aLJfq2JJmTvohfysTDXFjoAN778Yyqtgpltn-T4osME3JXUWvebtCpgDsW4haCL5i9HSCbtTu0yoJuaaxc6TRBNUbJBRasw18u4/s4032/IMG_2751.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWDKqlEIfbeSQOZkjacsOJUUUY2uLVF9olw_VYvJ3U1YEg6Qu_2HHDO4wZh2BXpi8wv9DYAti6ugrBo0ka9bCT2G3aLJfq2JJmTvohfysTDXFjoAN778Yyqtgpltn-T4osME3JXUWvebtCpgDsW4haCL5i9HSCbtTu0yoJuaaxc6TRBNUbJBRasw18u4/w640-h480/IMG_2751.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I divided this cattleya called Arctic Snow this last winter. Now I have 4-5 blooming size plants. Since they can bloom more than once in a season, we have one of these blooming almost all the time.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0DwWe7hLQ_CgTq0-Ifz5hCnktZOTRWoKbwhWiGdlGrrC7IGE0_vOgUz83QSoJv6sYCVzkj7LieOhK-57I5dGPBnzpkI-uXUagXoQdyd4uP6mgBasoMxDJAp2slP-JTOA-Z1dxnNE38V7AEtzyNLa0jJpYbYnUxAtXYT0QG653H13cNEzji02ZhMQ4U0/s4032/IMG_2753.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0DwWe7hLQ_CgTq0-Ifz5hCnktZOTRWoKbwhWiGdlGrrC7IGE0_vOgUz83QSoJv6sYCVzkj7LieOhK-57I5dGPBnzpkI-uXUagXoQdyd4uP6mgBasoMxDJAp2slP-JTOA-Z1dxnNE38V7AEtzyNLa0jJpYbYnUxAtXYT0QG653H13cNEzji02ZhMQ4U0/w480-h640/IMG_2753.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Julia's recipe</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Green beans with potatoes and almond butter</span></b></p><p>A few weeks ago I posted a recipe for green beans with warm spices and tahini. I read from someone who is not a fan of tahini, and almost immediately thereafter, I came across a recipe for green beans with some potato and a different set of spices and almond butter. Variation on a theme. It's good. And there's no tahini!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBmT6uhtpXtkWxiZyBCyU-XdhNfenM49v_9d6CRoKy3TG5_fnkByNHLo60zSvEa2XiShPHgUZlr90G4hoK1-eiVp27fPizPsLT711YqzTgoJm8oBSg4gbM5cP3CiTwr5HubCdqplbSKUF2H7jgYhJ0cpMunhNXhU6nO8aXKvRSWNY1bovksrabEhKztc/s4032/IMG_2740.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBmT6uhtpXtkWxiZyBCyU-XdhNfenM49v_9d6CRoKy3TG5_fnkByNHLo60zSvEa2XiShPHgUZlr90G4hoK1-eiVp27fPizPsLT711YqzTgoJm8oBSg4gbM5cP3CiTwr5HubCdqplbSKUF2H7jgYhJ0cpMunhNXhU6nO8aXKvRSWNY1bovksrabEhKztc/w400-h300/IMG_2740.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>The ingredients:</div><div>1 russet potato, peeled and diced to yield something like 1 cup of potato cubes;</div><div>8 oz. fresh green beans;</div><div>4 tablespoons olive oil;</div><div>1-1/2 teaspoon smushed garlic;</div><div>1-1/2 teaspoon grated ginger;</div><div>1/2 ( or more) kosher salt;</div><div>1/4 teaspoon black pepper;</div><div>1-1/2 teaspoon ground cumin;</div><div>1-1/2 teaspoon ground coriander;</div><div>2 tablespoons almond butter; and</div><div>a splash (1 teaspoon or a bit more) lime juice.</div><div><br /></div><div>You can use regular salad oil if you don't have olive oil. You can use frozen green bean pieces if you don't have fresh (which would also cut down on prep time). You can use yukon gold instead of russet potato. Don't use red potato - wrong texture. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTYbscG9R7spYvmAa4mbI2SQLWRm75wV4DUYI4aT1_qzyGSsKtVdIS3RAB4V_bIU2GpQU8nFpyC4fgCPNCl9mD1Ck9B5fAlhy2BqpBf1O2VoflsYlBdh__EG-1tx3GqsQC4zI3vW0LZPIf2Au_LD6MbXO4RaazOzkU3fzKpXBj2961tbUly0fFt-kR4w/s4032/IMG_2741.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTYbscG9R7spYvmAa4mbI2SQLWRm75wV4DUYI4aT1_qzyGSsKtVdIS3RAB4V_bIU2GpQU8nFpyC4fgCPNCl9mD1Ck9B5fAlhy2BqpBf1O2VoflsYlBdh__EG-1tx3GqsQC4zI3vW0LZPIf2Au_LD6MbXO4RaazOzkU3fzKpXBj2961tbUly0fFt-kR4w/w300-h400/IMG_2741.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>I peeled and diced the potato (into pieces about 1/2" scubes). And grated the ginger and then smushed the garlic.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yGmn1kaqXSqukKDmhZWFyQZUZKu5pOFudYVj5Pq1faX-jNJRK_e9n2SRqziMG3H2PZJC2WM23ISogn1yPWHozGXoJFOQAEAVlewbcDFEPHAkzsPxgS_IU68oj7HOnkqB1fDXt_aMCa5IbAE1M9pNV61OYnikXbCnJ_gOxc_Uai3nvrZcIMIlj7GvnLQ/s4032/IMG_2742.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yGmn1kaqXSqukKDmhZWFyQZUZKu5pOFudYVj5Pq1faX-jNJRK_e9n2SRqziMG3H2PZJC2WM23ISogn1yPWHozGXoJFOQAEAVlewbcDFEPHAkzsPxgS_IU68oj7HOnkqB1fDXt_aMCa5IbAE1M9pNV61OYnikXbCnJ_gOxc_Uai3nvrZcIMIlj7GvnLQ/w300-h400/IMG_2742.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>Next, I put all the spices (garlic, ginger, coriander, cumin, and pepper) into a little bowl with 1/2 of the salt. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEz0BtvXxWRD5Dm5FuGVpdAPrrFnXRYy25q-SMxyiN_NhHGxR6RZgVfLIQHOnwRVpErJh8tkviCDP08u2-79K5ZLlaR6NsGQr52MPQunn6pPT8SOY4vzMnB9PCyC6dI6HpAu0-1c4ES8TpM9LcjCrTql6HR34How61in9I2VuApR7EZpPy8iXOL27R7M/s4032/IMG_2743.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEz0BtvXxWRD5Dm5FuGVpdAPrrFnXRYy25q-SMxyiN_NhHGxR6RZgVfLIQHOnwRVpErJh8tkviCDP08u2-79K5ZLlaR6NsGQr52MPQunn6pPT8SOY4vzMnB9PCyC6dI6HpAu0-1c4ES8TpM9LcjCrTql6HR34How61in9I2VuApR7EZpPy8iXOL27R7M/w300-h400/IMG_2743.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>I warmed the oil in a large non-stick skillet and added the potatoes and 1/2 of the salt. I was looking to brown the potatoes, but not over high heat. More like medium-high. It took maybe 5 minutes with just a little stirring.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVu-ZZPqNWd4MnDOUKJB2u8Ih3zorvWcQ60lSxPuolCaD1k268s3I33yTMJ-fK6r9BnX5Z9HDeY258-8-YPc99KT69JBjmpVTRWWRUkF2cDxTQkYlS7XWTjEseYdCaejfD2pUPeGX3ed_qpSyIcn6PxwaV7DYlP6MIQIxM-Jh4TFL3Hbw-ZnQlqK4ORyw/s4032/IMG_2744.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVu-ZZPqNWd4MnDOUKJB2u8Ih3zorvWcQ60lSxPuolCaD1k268s3I33yTMJ-fK6r9BnX5Z9HDeY258-8-YPc99KT69JBjmpVTRWWRUkF2cDxTQkYlS7XWTjEseYdCaejfD2pUPeGX3ed_qpSyIcn6PxwaV7DYlP6MIQIxM-Jh4TFL3Hbw-ZnQlqK4ORyw/w300-h400/IMG_2744.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>While the potatoes were cooking, I cleaned and cut up the green beans. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here are the potatoes after about 5 minutes. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Action video of dumping the green beans into the skillet followed by 1/4 cup of water. Sizzling and noise. I cooked the green beans on medium heat for about 3 or 4 minutes. If you use frozen green beans, you will not need much (or maybe any) water. Medium heat, lid on the skillet for a few minutes until the beans are sort of cooked but not at all mushy. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxHkGcRVehT120ZmEjb39b2DmPUABcu0Ng6eVFNjr2wnrxlR_MzpydZ1V6BzJZ21vsDFIlYE-DpjKMokw2V' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p><br /></p><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IrR_c-rRsTbt4IWy_K3RCaDwTBY9DO03JkM6vDk8affrcVcTRNihnmEwmmE2IcTwUrIMclwr_5aqZkyJP3oC2yVig2wUKRxFcKEpU1OVaNvDX6UXELlmLBYYMjpanv7HoO92IXg5ktCQbWfeoqruVPMxPT9QgES5bfLJgO16DeS06q4yHpkZxvBRnGI/s4032/IMG_2747.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IrR_c-rRsTbt4IWy_K3RCaDwTBY9DO03JkM6vDk8affrcVcTRNihnmEwmmE2IcTwUrIMclwr_5aqZkyJP3oC2yVig2wUKRxFcKEpU1OVaNvDX6UXELlmLBYYMjpanv7HoO92IXg5ktCQbWfeoqruVPMxPT9QgES5bfLJgO16DeS06q4yHpkZxvBRnGI/w400-h300/IMG_2747.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Next I added the contents of the little spice bowl and stirred eveything up. I let the mixture cook for a minute or two until I could begin to smell the garlic and ginger. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOT4SSNirWO-DCO34EXiC99TD8WV6VkAD3TEQU1prFBqsLk4fPQprE2UyH4uMSaUR8H55_Cgi4rw4lyRPXLiWJ4DLyuhLIsql7t9Sv35JpHK4bHPM6M80vOSed3-ORKMBujmqjM-BtRszYAJbtDwk-lKPWWMNgLXt1Eb_FV0qAFo1mO6gWNh2zcLsUV4Q/s4032/IMG_2748.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOT4SSNirWO-DCO34EXiC99TD8WV6VkAD3TEQU1prFBqsLk4fPQprE2UyH4uMSaUR8H55_Cgi4rw4lyRPXLiWJ4DLyuhLIsql7t9Sv35JpHK4bHPM6M80vOSed3-ORKMBujmqjM-BtRszYAJbtDwk-lKPWWMNgLXt1Eb_FV0qAFo1mO6gWNh2zcLsUV4Q/w300-h400/IMG_2748.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>After the spices were mixed in, I added a blob of almond butter. I stirred a little and then turned the heat off. I wanted the almond butter to melt but that's it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Just before serving, I stirred in some lime juice (less than 1 tablespoon) to liven things up. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqVnYcC8Mb2lONSmoX4s8HUX1_pIv_faiiklZXBl2xv-RNahfwdHGI93G6vbJTQ1vjII4xxW4iydmBplgxR-3dXANZ4WpOp4KVt8BuSbXdvvxcjdpssgGQlyd5l9lATFuLm5T7yWE_eJA6iDhNdV6wlnSKpOSuoeFpuZyBj2YDaAsrBymRWEwwYgNn9w/s4032/IMG_2749.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqVnYcC8Mb2lONSmoX4s8HUX1_pIv_faiiklZXBl2xv-RNahfwdHGI93G6vbJTQ1vjII4xxW4iydmBplgxR-3dXANZ4WpOp4KVt8BuSbXdvvxcjdpssgGQlyd5l9lATFuLm5T7yWE_eJA6iDhNdV6wlnSKpOSuoeFpuZyBj2YDaAsrBymRWEwwYgNn9w/w400-h300/IMG_2749.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>On the table. We had this dish with salmon and salad and berries and yogurt. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Taste for salt and pepper - I found the dish needed a little more of both. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Odds and Ends</span></b></p><p>The picture contest started almost twenty years ago. That is a long time. There was a post in January, 2008 when we were all going to caucus for Barak Obama. Then there was COVID, when Katie and family trekked across country and lived with us for two months. </p><p>In the midst of all that history there has been the garden. So many different enthusiasms. </p><p>2023 was a challenging year, with our part of Iowa experiencing a real drought. Johnson County is the one all in deep red, with the boot heel.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHN_LEiaU2-1HkRXXSR1oYNDfYGNi8Wwwd94b_i4J-wj7afuc4WjrHxOwdhIOyX985x7lGk7_U-cJGsi2lit5yLu3ZAOjSSaMPqeXWKBsqjzEjdDfV-zQbctuTDkhXY6E5g4Npo-HBQyuSDLbXOCGdNEya46PA9RaRTBxeqzEJQft6CfTcujF6lMcbEM/s585/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-25%20at%207.40.21%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="585" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHN_LEiaU2-1HkRXXSR1oYNDfYGNi8Wwwd94b_i4J-wj7afuc4WjrHxOwdhIOyX985x7lGk7_U-cJGsi2lit5yLu3ZAOjSSaMPqeXWKBsqjzEjdDfV-zQbctuTDkhXY6E5g4Npo-HBQyuSDLbXOCGdNEya46PA9RaRTBxeqzEJQft6CfTcujF6lMcbEM/w640-h524/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-25%20at%207.40.21%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqufpHLs_qUjv7ozNJIu_TEGFm0Vvchob6g-lvwFyozBsf0zUTB386q9yq1ZUorFhN4yIefRXGonr0AjSV7qHGULaZKOAz3jogvU1WaM3ZPE7z3cWomNlAl3FE9QXU0exFSPsqPwTPUpZyemV5BTB5mMl2ZDyulAa2qy4VjsV-zxf9qoG_TjZthKQnbIk/s918/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-25%20at%207.41.51%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="918" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqufpHLs_qUjv7ozNJIu_TEGFm0Vvchob6g-lvwFyozBsf0zUTB386q9yq1ZUorFhN4yIefRXGonr0AjSV7qHGULaZKOAz3jogvU1WaM3ZPE7z3cWomNlAl3FE9QXU0exFSPsqPwTPUpZyemV5BTB5mMl2ZDyulAa2qy4VjsV-zxf9qoG_TjZthKQnbIk/w640-h266/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-25%20at%207.41.51%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>It has not been the best year for the world, our country, or the state. Peace seems a long way away, even with temporary cease fires in one of the world's hot spots. I try not to think about politics.</p><p>As we avoid the worst of the news, we must all do whatever small things we can to make this a kinder and fairer world, country and state.</p><p>In the meantime we must get through the big dark, and even more than usual welcome the new beginning in just a few months.</p><p>I hope you enjoy the blog.</p><p>Please vote in the contest, and get your friends and relations to vote too. It is always good to hear from you.</p><p>Philip</p></div></div>philip Mearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04384629201161240341noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509434911388799.post-86419775916358578842023-11-19T06:17:00.001-06:002023-11-19T06:17:17.844-06:00November 19, 2023- memories<p>I remember Thanksgiving weeks from the past. They would usually mark the line when the cold started. Until that point the garden would limp along with bits of green here and there. Hardy perennials and some annuals would last past the frost and even after a freeze. Then Thanksgiving would come. Usually that meant 4 days away from work. There would be the neighborhood walk after the big meal, but before pie. I remember the first snow would often come the week after Thanksgiving, perhaps waiting for Monday.</p><p>Travel stories feature in those memories. There was the year when the second leg of my mother's trip from Missouri - the plane from Chicago to Iowa - cancelled, with her being stuck in Chicago, late on Wednesday afternoon. She joined a group of passengers who rented a car to drive to Iowa. Well, she was not kidnapped. She was dropped off at a gas station on the Interstate well into the evening. She, of course, thought this was all fine.</p><p>We also made a tradition of going to the local greenhouse and buying discounted spring bulbs. This of course meant that the ground was not frozen.</p><p>Earlier still, the entire family would go out to the tree farm on Friday and pick out a Christmas tree. We could reserve it and come back closer to Christmas and bring it home. It was on one of those trips that Maggie first learned to read something. The sign said "no dogs."</p><p>But it is 2023.</p><p>The greenhouse has closed, and the tree farm stopped letting you reserve a tree. I still have a few bulbs to plant, which really needs to be done this weekend. (update- They were planted.)</p><p>The big temperature drop comes early this coming week. The highs will drop from the 50's to the 30's. The ground will freeze. Actually it might be right for pumpkin carving. I have maybe 15 pumplins in the garage waiting to be decorated. The plan is to carve them and have them freeze solid. I would hang them from the ropes in the front yard. </p><p>Some pumpkins, survive the winter, having become completely dry, light to the touch. Here are some on display in the living room.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7109Rj8CoApRmBqNGdutaUG-55gqVaRnCNP_GgifQsMwopMK4Q-BupIC37mC3xqVudDOocFxdzDPXCPz5Cb9jkYvRofG_46Ugl_42AmqRg9nIKDUlfdm1nRIjHGN9sDEVT8f8l1pn-mx3-0LAlXQ70vBRqYWz4v6h_1CDaI_-l4aHbZxk-J5TVQiAuA/s4032/IMG_2717.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7109Rj8CoApRmBqNGdutaUG-55gqVaRnCNP_GgifQsMwopMK4Q-BupIC37mC3xqVudDOocFxdzDPXCPz5Cb9jkYvRofG_46Ugl_42AmqRg9nIKDUlfdm1nRIjHGN9sDEVT8f8l1pn-mx3-0LAlXQ70vBRqYWz4v6h_1CDaI_-l4aHbZxk-J5TVQiAuA/w640-h480/IMG_2717.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>The picture contest is coming. I have 90 pictures selected for 65 spots. Sometimes it becomes like an eye exam. You put two pictures next to each other and see which you like best. I do not have to have it reduced to 65 right at the beginning. For the first week, all that is required is that I pick out the first 5. I think I have done that. So many variables. Color. Composition. Time of the year. I try not to include too many pictures of one type of flower. Remember Shirley poppies? There are many Shirley poppies in the 90 selected to far. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Pictures from the garden in real time</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Just last week I had thought there were no what I call "wow moments." Then I glanced at this little cactus at the office. All of a sudden it had started to bloom. Once it starts it blooms for a long time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58ztqxLTCsw0-11wyPQ2DBJQE4KhhkPoNF9ak-IQdDJx_2JSaABA4CGyTft09q5LYlma7yuQsyYYf44HV6HpYgPzJkFe6zv96Fj3YA3_BmepgLYmmdlz3si3gzchjNZ7g31oSJtyTBgllMUk_BeZ4niUPIZ18DVTyo2TW3UHddfXVbdA7MMrM-7nOyeI/s4032/IMG_2713.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58ztqxLTCsw0-11wyPQ2DBJQE4KhhkPoNF9ak-IQdDJx_2JSaABA4CGyTft09q5LYlma7yuQsyYYf44HV6HpYgPzJkFe6zv96Fj3YA3_BmepgLYmmdlz3si3gzchjNZ7g31oSJtyTBgllMUk_BeZ4niUPIZ18DVTyo2TW3UHddfXVbdA7MMrM-7nOyeI/w640-h480/IMG_2713.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This white cattleya orchid had been in bud for a long time. It just opened this week. It is now on the dining room table.</div><div>I first got the plant in 2014. It has been divided so I have 3-4 of the plants. I think they all bloomed at one point this year. </div><div>In the world of orchid progression, first you have a lovely plant which dies. The next one lives, but just barely. Then it reblooms. Then it grows enough so you divide it. Then you have too many. </div><div>Orchids are certainly a good way to get through the dark time of the year.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbuUdJ7Uel_p8Ze-KfrYuYHXHN8_yTh9PTFK6kADwkWskh5QdUFis0Ogsf8zWvV8EisD1n9jBxPoYW8V_oluQm-mDIvcO6Y74ynE81WMrCjmiuOirrBcDSwp9oKrkQinuD1nDEAhicTTfioQ3gf6_dhMttn-iXZCTt_GuiB9ugNIQzhVQ3wzRwO1GWOeE/s4032/IMG_2714.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbuUdJ7Uel_p8Ze-KfrYuYHXHN8_yTh9PTFK6kADwkWskh5QdUFis0Ogsf8zWvV8EisD1n9jBxPoYW8V_oluQm-mDIvcO6Y74ynE81WMrCjmiuOirrBcDSwp9oKrkQinuD1nDEAhicTTfioQ3gf6_dhMttn-iXZCTt_GuiB9ugNIQzhVQ3wzRwO1GWOeE/w480-h640/IMG_2714.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The kale looks good. I discovered kale a year ago. One difference is that this year we grew all these from seed. On a bright sunny day in November they were the main color in the garden.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzHM5RbOih0Ul8x1hx9K4TyNN1AxE165pEBAFz4jgITTNf_YbqDob8aAZxl1Fsnuks_J5aYU9bxGi4k-0B1q1kp5yVN_thp0mOq87lkRB7Jf8nfLy7JyxxliazzRk1I18ciIJ7ZewDrArMm5XIAhgd7sZrxasebUdGE6xFTF_2ILZKIQ9eM85xYHTIRg/s4032/IMG_2720.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzHM5RbOih0Ul8x1hx9K4TyNN1AxE165pEBAFz4jgITTNf_YbqDob8aAZxl1Fsnuks_J5aYU9bxGi4k-0B1q1kp5yVN_thp0mOq87lkRB7Jf8nfLy7JyxxliazzRk1I18ciIJ7ZewDrArMm5XIAhgd7sZrxasebUdGE6xFTF_2ILZKIQ9eM85xYHTIRg/w640-h480/IMG_2720.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifD-iKk_MyKGv-qw7fDJKWMytnkX_JpEMPSAhv5grD_7Ul1AJnVZyQ6yXROmBe_JmN4AQd_6aKTBMYzK5bm_rcVQ_oNbTnUqrhUBeeSV4LCNPKJOQbxsdHI6P64YhKnwA9RtyiHkhab39RfWHPFlZnk6LwCGAxdOLcWSaqZqkzQ69U3NOsTEh9PHo9IkU/s4032/IMG_2722.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifD-iKk_MyKGv-qw7fDJKWMytnkX_JpEMPSAhv5grD_7Ul1AJnVZyQ6yXROmBe_JmN4AQd_6aKTBMYzK5bm_rcVQ_oNbTnUqrhUBeeSV4LCNPKJOQbxsdHI6P64YhKnwA9RtyiHkhab39RfWHPFlZnk6LwCGAxdOLcWSaqZqkzQ69U3NOsTEh9PHo9IkU/w640-h480/IMG_2722.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Here is that same video I have been showing you for the last 6 weeks.</p><p>I look forward to the same video in 2-3 weeks, as the cold arrives with the turkey.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyVj5hlis72RDcxW6hRZjinQinDf_1jgffPAvuzooujI7QwVoBDH4SR0M8MV4OKD_bdtVw2TlBGkSbT8hpz' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Julia's recipe</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">White beans with kale and cheese</span></b></p><p> As I have reported before, Katie gave me some dried heirloom beans from a fancy dried heirloom bean store in California. Nice beans. And then I noticed an NYT recipe for a recipe for white beans with tomato and cheese. Sounded good, but I tinkered with it some, like you do. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMEBNC61UFVI9hx3PHRuDxjiIslUwMFMPF-j6HKUXwOx3Wk4JE1XK1bEiJ6bqe_g8pHYcSvFMNDLLneIAASxh5p2T8FWvfMu26FIyiXwdWOwnZmqiXE-xkxxdFl2qGoq5tAP_wop4_b3AU97yT2H8xqHifJRZo2B5MBK7FzKCsC5A78z_zAO8CMDJaKw/s4032/IMG_2585.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMEBNC61UFVI9hx3PHRuDxjiIslUwMFMPF-j6HKUXwOx3Wk4JE1XK1bEiJ6bqe_g8pHYcSvFMNDLLneIAASxh5p2T8FWvfMu26FIyiXwdWOwnZmqiXE-xkxxdFl2qGoq5tAP_wop4_b3AU97yT2H8xqHifJRZo2B5MBK7FzKCsC5A78z_zAO8CMDJaKw/w300-h400/IMG_2585.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div>The ingredients:</div><div>2 cups cooked white beans of some kind (or canned would be fine);</div><div>1 bunch lacinato kale (because it's the easiest to prepare);</div><div>3 tablespoons tomato paste;</div><div>1-1/2 or 2 tablespoon peeled and sliced garlic;</div><div>1/2 cup boiling water;</div><div>1/4 cup olive oil;</div><div>8 oz. fontina cheese;</div><div>some salt and pepper.</div><div><br /></div><div>The NYT recipe did not include kale. I like kale in things and it's a nice shade of green so I added it. Some frozen kale (say 1/2 of a big bag of chopped kale) would be fine, and faster.</div><div><br /></div><div>The recipe said to use mozzarella cheese. I thought fontina would be more flavorful and would melt just as well. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8JNVLx5wsnPvKHloyDYjtnDWjyEyu75K3-Y7mYK6ip9gEKqmLk-Toj6HSkc_yx_nSZsMhKf8gAK_hcYz4V1NKNmgAqJ_GvP6_ks3HwTPKXC6hZcX2j1b927jvjzJVF0WpAP-U_-0liZDegjg0IzWq8emj7nfFSGttMIgl3rkwvp_OWLJxa7fDnBSqDM/s4032/IMG_2586.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8JNVLx5wsnPvKHloyDYjtnDWjyEyu75K3-Y7mYK6ip9gEKqmLk-Toj6HSkc_yx_nSZsMhKf8gAK_hcYz4V1NKNmgAqJ_GvP6_ks3HwTPKXC6hZcX2j1b927jvjzJVF0WpAP-U_-0liZDegjg0IzWq8emj7nfFSGttMIgl3rkwvp_OWLJxa7fDnBSqDM/w300-h400/IMG_2586.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>I had cooked white beans on hand, so no need to cook them. As I said, canned white beans would be fine. Two 15 oz. cans, drained. </div><div><br /></div><div>I prepped the kale, cutting out the ribs and slicing the rest into ribbons, sort of. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicj5IsYhK1oFjZ4eIxRxqkBbJrkTypkOeZQLxdXFDGT_8RzFlC4_hzwi3TPXVug7tQv_IjujVRZr1DaT4SoI2tAjimFoCCx0jS_Uv1ceCrE5hrLHe9_ihq4QviO_TpZ6BdJLcqMZg1xmwmW5pn4BUy4nB5RrF0TjwxN3491RcXm6zYBq5GQcX8cnonLPE/s4032/IMG_2587.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicj5IsYhK1oFjZ4eIxRxqkBbJrkTypkOeZQLxdXFDGT_8RzFlC4_hzwi3TPXVug7tQv_IjujVRZr1DaT4SoI2tAjimFoCCx0jS_Uv1ceCrE5hrLHe9_ihq4QviO_TpZ6BdJLcqMZg1xmwmW5pn4BUy4nB5RrF0TjwxN3491RcXm6zYBq5GQcX8cnonLPE/w300-h400/IMG_2587.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>I then peeled and sliced the garlic. I heated the olive oil a bit (warm, not hot) and added the garlic. I wanted the garlic to soften and flavor the oil, not fry.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNEoAZ8GS3HXpIe2QH7exEOLNATHvG9DQXaRr7w9-bi7zpCzKuw6GUhFEWuV843bcNmnkXSed8p-cGlHZTIx5uqioq9htKBEnFhOvxMzw5KZqP3WOfhTSeKlhUdYkMR0M5UNSRezSEvnmkD8Hs-ZyeIcUVyJR1tKHW8whrhaH9wiqGZv0RkdLpk2culM/s4032/IMG_2589.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNEoAZ8GS3HXpIe2QH7exEOLNATHvG9DQXaRr7w9-bi7zpCzKuw6GUhFEWuV843bcNmnkXSed8p-cGlHZTIx5uqioq9htKBEnFhOvxMzw5KZqP3WOfhTSeKlhUdYkMR0M5UNSRezSEvnmkD8Hs-ZyeIcUVyJR1tKHW8whrhaH9wiqGZv0RkdLpk2culM/w300-h400/IMG_2589.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>Meanwhile, in another pot, I cooked the beans with the kale and the boiling water until the kale wilted some. This is where frozen kale would shine - put it in the pot with the beans and the hot water and cook until the kale thaws. </div><div><br /></div><div>I grated the block of cheese while the kale was wilting and the garlic was softening.</div><div><br /></div><div>And I turned the over on to 425 degrees.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9Cpai2W7wgKSY1ALB0ZyqlNPlIUzQNoeNLRLiPWBsxNWxZXAzjOS6wF053IsFt1TYmdyiIAQNZNhTuxCD9zIYowHFMRa49nYjTJzpIzp85GgIhJftpL-H1iAx3ZVaU325BhEVPF7Gi6PpcaJkkU2oe8mju4O6wKmLr6hIplxxVeuw_gVD4CPw_BX9_Y/s4032/IMG_2590.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9Cpai2W7wgKSY1ALB0ZyqlNPlIUzQNoeNLRLiPWBsxNWxZXAzjOS6wF053IsFt1TYmdyiIAQNZNhTuxCD9zIYowHFMRa49nYjTJzpIzp85GgIhJftpL-H1iAx3ZVaU325BhEVPF7Gi6PpcaJkkU2oe8mju4O6wKmLr6hIplxxVeuw_gVD4CPw_BX9_Y/w300-h400/IMG_2590.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>Next, I added the tomato paste to the skillet with the garlic and olive oil and cooked it (stirring) until the tomato paste was a darker shade of red. Maybe 1 minute. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HlLqOuSlMayDQdJKuHRgro1G_zRPnEaoXqh5cLXHvVxdcd9dcAPpj-93ONWluFQAnNxCKG9Je6uAgXdJR0h7uQE92vOv2hQMft_xQ0KwSY4WifwOkb9f-20xlnNe4d8kj4ItV6lU9k-LirYJu-lIT0x2bBxjiH4Dxzv6_8DFy8ar24p7sW4AqhmxSY4/s4032/IMG_2592.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HlLqOuSlMayDQdJKuHRgro1G_zRPnEaoXqh5cLXHvVxdcd9dcAPpj-93ONWluFQAnNxCKG9Je6uAgXdJR0h7uQE92vOv2hQMft_xQ0KwSY4WifwOkb9f-20xlnNe4d8kj4ItV6lU9k-LirYJu-lIT0x2bBxjiH4Dxzv6_8DFy8ar24p7sW4AqhmxSY4/w300-h400/IMG_2592.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>I took the skillet off the stove and added the beans and kale, stirring everything around and adding both salt and pepper. The beans were not salted and neither was the kale. Tasting is okay, as there is nothing raw.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqPxP40zqjLot4hL04Y1CVWQYYR84vKXDiATMWlfWstIlt3UvJEjr45q4ZwhsejN2j9mvJf3NBTGRG6fszXnv2wzDcYE68-jJOEujxk4wpB6_69ItMkfylaLpWkjNpBDltGzms2jNnUeEKYPM9BtzHdBGh-np7ml9RoXxjzVkMyuLFSQ_k3gMp53smWE/s4032/IMG_2593.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqPxP40zqjLot4hL04Y1CVWQYYR84vKXDiATMWlfWstIlt3UvJEjr45q4ZwhsejN2j9mvJf3NBTGRG6fszXnv2wzDcYE68-jJOEujxk4wpB6_69ItMkfylaLpWkjNpBDltGzms2jNnUeEKYPM9BtzHdBGh-np7ml9RoXxjzVkMyuLFSQ_k3gMp53smWE/w300-h400/IMG_2593.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>Lastly, I smoothed the ingredients into a more or less even layer and topped with the cheese. </div><div><br /></div><div>The skillet I used is both non-stick and oven-proof. This is ideal </div><div><br /></div><div>I baked the dish for about 10 minutes. Then because I wanted more color, I took it out, changed the oven from bake to broil and broiled for maybe 4 minutes. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pDp4bzz71-_t_Iuf8ats-w9GPIVdQCAjJyRDnTRiocirSCEpzD-8jaeHyq1mJEjuO4IxZDQ_NnChsHbsbq0Oze9IAueEw0yMF9oFuMjhHVjmDvCb34x7SIekQKr1J71QG7-iF0gCkifQ7Jnw9ir5WvoIi6TB5GuY9kBi4709sTA4_IuECM5LOvtcrhw/s4032/IMG_2594.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pDp4bzz71-_t_Iuf8ats-w9GPIVdQCAjJyRDnTRiocirSCEpzD-8jaeHyq1mJEjuO4IxZDQ_NnChsHbsbq0Oze9IAueEw0yMF9oFuMjhHVjmDvCb34x7SIekQKr1J71QG7-iF0gCkifQ7Jnw9ir5WvoIi6TB5GuY9kBi4709sTA4_IuECM5LOvtcrhw/w400-h300/IMG_2594.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>On the table. We had it as a side with salmon, with a salad and some berries. </div><div><br /></div><div>It would be fine as a vegetarian main dish with some nice bread plus the salad and some kind of fruit.</div><div><br /></div><div>Philip had leftovers for breakfast. He said it was excellent cold. </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Thanksgiving! If you want my advice, you could make sweet potatoes with lemon yogurt, roasted brussel sprouts and two kinds of cranberry sauce - recipes are somewhere on the kitchen blog. Also no-knead light rolls, which are always a big hit. And whatever protein you choose.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Odds and Ends</span></b></p><p>The pandas are coming. </p><p>When Julia first read this during her edit of my ramblings, she wondered if I had mean 'pansies.' </p><p>No, I explained. I did mean pandas.</p><p> I found it oddly encouraging that the news from an otherwise grim picture of the world, included a meeting with the head guy from China and President Biden. The meeting produced the news that China was going to send us some pandas.</p><p>Yesterday was a good day to putter in the garden. It was sunny and 50 degrees, with no wind. I moved some inside plants around to better make them all fit. I planted some of the lantana cuttings, which had rooted after about a month. My goal is to have a full flat of lantana and persian shields by April.</p><p>I did get the last of the bulbs planted. </p><p>I have 2 little tree peony seedlings in the backyard, that are about 10 inches tall at this point. They have solid stems and several buds showing. They are 3 years old. This coming spring will be the first time they will bllom. I just put some metal stakes around them. I am less concerned with the deer eating them. Instead I worry the deer will step on them. </p><p>While the cold will come, time marches on.</p><p>As of November 19, it is only 123 days until official spring. (March 21) It is only 88 days until February 15. If we have a mild winter and there is not real snow cover, by February 15, the first spring bulbs should emerge.</p><p>The world is in sad shape. Wars have become the new normal. The recent elections were mildly encouraging. In Iowa for the next few months we will have to put up with adds for some awful people as the caucuses are in January. About that time the Iowa legislature will come back for its 3 month term. I expect them to pass laws eliminating "equality" and "fairness" from the Iowa Code. </p><p>It is dangerous times. Prayers are somewhat in disfavor these days. That is in part because prayers do not mean much unless accompanied by action. Action does not have to be large. Then there must be doing what you can.</p><p>So pray for peace, and reconciliation. </p><p>Then go do what a wise man once called "good trouble."</p><p>Philip</p>philip Mearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04384629201161240341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509434911388799.post-19400361649099752062023-11-12T07:03:00.000-06:002023-11-12T07:03:43.361-06:00November 12, 2023- more of the same<p> There was not much to write about in the garden the week. That is related to the fact I did not spend much time there this week. We are just too busy at the office. To maintain my balance I need to do better.</p><p>Other than mentioning that the Sycamore leaeves are everywhere, there are a few things to tell you about.</p><p>Scott and I got the 1000 aconite planted. It is mostly in the front parkway. It was mostly Scott. He planted the last 700. He had a tool.</p><p>I am learning the watering schedule for the indoor plants. We are growing some lettuce which was started in August and has been limping along. It actualy needs watering every 2-3 day.</p><p>It seems like I have more cattleyas this fall. Why am I surprised. This was this past Februrary.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77vT-8-xNmecHTjnr4nznK9FQ1DtUaeFPDND-yUHvCNvlHl2RZLrKi8sR9IJlIiEJ5efdr7OJqO0th_m-osPh6D61JsVeZrb9Y3mhwpobTk0xwLe5c-D44OEuso-xvUmL6BP4Lf8AtLLTthU_qIHT6p70ZD76EwmdC_-lhlrh1vYAIq-GPkYKoN4oBoA/s4032/IMG_9594.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77vT-8-xNmecHTjnr4nznK9FQ1DtUaeFPDND-yUHvCNvlHl2RZLrKi8sR9IJlIiEJ5efdr7OJqO0th_m-osPh6D61JsVeZrb9Y3mhwpobTk0xwLe5c-D44OEuso-xvUmL6BP4Lf8AtLLTthU_qIHT6p70ZD76EwmdC_-lhlrh1vYAIq-GPkYKoN4oBoA/w640-h480/IMG_9594.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgke8yhJ3uDzHJalj18RY8uWYz8tFYs7Usdyg2dCV11ldtLD9BSXE2eq0_m23SkJQFZnCod5SwLgDtGdCPXyOBdHBN6Pk35QQPdbcqkY7shGTZ_nzI73F6TbsXq7_H5HYi9v7GWHT8yFV5dWzMODOMQgPnnDjo6skqz3wbMuMxGF5f-MkDV2rLQNAoRzEc/s4032/IMG_9597.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgke8yhJ3uDzHJalj18RY8uWYz8tFYs7Usdyg2dCV11ldtLD9BSXE2eq0_m23SkJQFZnCod5SwLgDtGdCPXyOBdHBN6Pk35QQPdbcqkY7shGTZ_nzI73F6TbsXq7_H5HYi9v7GWHT8yFV5dWzMODOMQgPnnDjo6skqz3wbMuMxGF5f-MkDV2rLQNAoRzEc/w480-h640/IMG_9597.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>One bloomed in October. This one will bloom by Thanksgiving. There is a third that is just starting to show a bud.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCpODbUIug13mArxcpuyW8sdVZK5ljQxv1h7Rm9PnoukEPcJ2o6VCTNCHYlORnwpJ7QbJbWDLpwzOBlRi0gXZvn-dGzMBZxwzr8l8a5rX1DTstUvr0qCpSf6O8AfJImTDrPZ6ThL4okqjIcEvO7xskM0_z-YQf0EQvAgt4ewzxvpJnlj7sQTDhXvthdAE/s4032/IMG_2680.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCpODbUIug13mArxcpuyW8sdVZK5ljQxv1h7Rm9PnoukEPcJ2o6VCTNCHYlORnwpJ7QbJbWDLpwzOBlRi0gXZvn-dGzMBZxwzr8l8a5rX1DTstUvr0qCpSf6O8AfJImTDrPZ6ThL4okqjIcEvO7xskM0_z-YQf0EQvAgt4ewzxvpJnlj7sQTDhXvthdAE/w480-h640/IMG_2680.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>The Kale continues to be good. It has such wonderful patterns.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIMmrlFj4v3unodoAUovnPE1DCOnpgNzXU9DoI9coAeqOSncHVkg6D4u2RAdVWZxj83oCl-W6IFgB3R98tT_i45zj___eTcnl9pg3EgK20UW_nwiJjfIk7tYfWWn2F0VAZ2nhTmIo7vJbvAWJMeRaLsDMsjVp8VUZHbiP3UUFFXJMPv6jlFuNho9MAwU/s4032/IMG_2706.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIMmrlFj4v3unodoAUovnPE1DCOnpgNzXU9DoI9coAeqOSncHVkg6D4u2RAdVWZxj83oCl-W6IFgB3R98tT_i45zj___eTcnl9pg3EgK20UW_nwiJjfIk7tYfWWn2F0VAZ2nhTmIo7vJbvAWJMeRaLsDMsjVp8VUZHbiP3UUFFXJMPv6jlFuNho9MAwU/w640-h480/IMG_2706.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwX4Y7U83oKI2mU96rw29TqM7JetvoRDVx0kvBbmSTk5JSMQm6CjvjW2oXLQ2k81rsSM46E2hb5Fgstnw-p-VRjOLmGRLQwRqRLypndM7Q251ieqX57CsMYsoOBC0Xla6RHDeqXT7FCQ7TahRx73CLd6E9aPzO0SGit91uVZ5K93-0cfSzpzzeoivQbc/s4032/IMG_2707.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwX4Y7U83oKI2mU96rw29TqM7JetvoRDVx0kvBbmSTk5JSMQm6CjvjW2oXLQ2k81rsSM46E2hb5Fgstnw-p-VRjOLmGRLQwRqRLypndM7Q251ieqX57CsMYsoOBC0Xla6RHDeqXT7FCQ7TahRx73CLd6E9aPzO0SGit91uVZ5K93-0cfSzpzzeoivQbc/w640-h480/IMG_2707.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>We had the first winter's farmer' market last Sunday, at the Fairground. The violet lady was there.</p><p>This violet came home with us. It is named "Amour Elite Standard." </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghiQlDUT55sXcSsdQc2_A9p1U0y7pqpbykyZMm2X4veb-6yEyiqqT8Nop5gWUuLAeC323xIzJk_K94Ulkn-lcs0PjWqqAfcCkNOq1A7IBzdp6hKZJmU5Osl8_BAI1gaXzkTRrqREMilmeYVEYVT6N1tyBLtzrven7didbJD0Wi6EbjCYvEvlXkQ0E3mw/s1853/IMG_2688.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1853" data-original-width="1725" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghiQlDUT55sXcSsdQc2_A9p1U0y7pqpbykyZMm2X4veb-6yEyiqqT8Nop5gWUuLAeC323xIzJk_K94Ulkn-lcs0PjWqqAfcCkNOq1A7IBzdp6hKZJmU5Osl8_BAI1gaXzkTRrqREMilmeYVEYVT6N1tyBLtzrven7didbJD0Wi6EbjCYvEvlXkQ0E3mw/w596-h640/IMG_2688.jpeg" width="596" /></a></div><br /><p>The picture could be in the contest, which is just around the corner. By my self imposed rule, it will have to wait for the first flowers that were not already in bloom when I brough it home.</p><p>I hope to launch this year's contest in one of the last Sunday's of the month.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Julia's recipe</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">one pot macaroni and cheese and sausage and kale</span></b></p><p>This recipe is from the NYT which identified it as an update of Hamburger Helper, damning with faint praise. I don't remember ever making hamburger helper but I do remember making tofu helper, in the early 1990's. We were being thrifty, and they sold boxes of tofu helper, near the case with the firm tofu, at the Co-op. To the best of my recollection, the children would eat it. This recipe is pretty thrifty, and it is undoubtedly better tasting and better for you than stuff from a box, whetherhelping hamburger or tofu. Pretty fast too. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_DYhBcKXgi6eNwLN3TE4_HoqMRnWx0Z2WqFjdFGr5vx9w5Vm5cF-1kpMphR4yDC_oHoiiwcOJczdL-PQcSGU8o8wWhUuzhrHwNdEJFQFiEHs5P4K32Bz_PgpLj7pSI2xtFk6bP7LtD8j4KZFBHos9G45ELHyfKKiokyDcOtwh_5bP6vqJsw5f5vLj_7Y/s4032/IMG_2691.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_DYhBcKXgi6eNwLN3TE4_HoqMRnWx0Z2WqFjdFGr5vx9w5Vm5cF-1kpMphR4yDC_oHoiiwcOJczdL-PQcSGU8o8wWhUuzhrHwNdEJFQFiEHs5P4K32Bz_PgpLj7pSI2xtFk6bP7LtD8j4KZFBHos9G45ELHyfKKiokyDcOtwh_5bP6vqJsw5f5vLj_7Y/w400-h300/IMG_2691.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>The ingredients:</div><div>1 lb. Italian susage;</div><div>1/2 big bag of frozen chopped kale;</div><div>1 lb. big shell pasta;</div><div>2 tablespoons tomato paste;</div><div>1/2 cup diced onion;</div><div>1-1/2 teaspoon smushed garlic;</div><div>2 tablespoons better than bouillon to make 6 cups of broth;</div><div>2 cups (8 oz) sharp cheddar cheese;</div><div>1/4 teaspoon or more red peppper flakes;</div><div>1-1/2 teaspoon sriracha or other hot sauce;</div><div>some salt; and</div><div>maybe some oil (not pictured).</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5VGJhMcQ4jar77q5ZB5Alk8__HQNurBKFgZHJO7NlJAewa0Q8N-Wso1mj8byOgXe0gh1zlPs1yVqRmul7CsN7zODZuHuDu8Mp7beJufsnVv5F_bKoN3aXFh_h_CRHXqjJ8tHFIQV8KhbsETXd2aTcpBbmTEto9NyIctOJ5j06iaGrVfJzXx_IgGdqNg/s4032/IMG_2692.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5VGJhMcQ4jar77q5ZB5Alk8__HQNurBKFgZHJO7NlJAewa0Q8N-Wso1mj8byOgXe0gh1zlPs1yVqRmul7CsN7zODZuHuDu8Mp7beJufsnVv5F_bKoN3aXFh_h_CRHXqjJ8tHFIQV8KhbsETXd2aTcpBbmTEto9NyIctOJ5j06iaGrVfJzXx_IgGdqNg/w300-h400/IMG_2692.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>I started by browning the meat in the pot I would eventually serve from.</div><div><br /></div><div>My Italian sausage was lean. Not a bad thing, but it did mean that later on in the cooking I needed to add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil to keep everything moving (i.e., not sticking).</div><div><br /></div><div>When the meat was no longer pink, I added the frozen kale. I have come to think that it is usually a waste of time (and another pan) to cook separetely vegetable that can cook with the rest of the ingredients. Like frozen vegetables. </div><div><br /></div><div>While the kale was cooking (all this time on medium high) and the inevitable water steaming off, I diced the onion and smushed the garlic and took the lid off the can of tomato paste. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5l8AMbOU8eN0oUI0HIVyVszptBBYlJrdOH5Y_gjHGHV6xewyBKlxh8adjYKOfxTUTRH0bT0a8POI9l7-_Ak2Q2ARpoCnzUxn6X6ELc3tsAHN86Gc-Pma4Wsi5A0iQdmmUc29rffuQ4xNxdNUGRHNOsa6Neuvue3JMuOOUenr0V0P0ojL2dCOYv-9Nxw/s4032/IMG_2693.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5l8AMbOU8eN0oUI0HIVyVszptBBYlJrdOH5Y_gjHGHV6xewyBKlxh8adjYKOfxTUTRH0bT0a8POI9l7-_Ak2Q2ARpoCnzUxn6X6ELc3tsAHN86Gc-Pma4Wsi5A0iQdmmUc29rffuQ4xNxdNUGRHNOsa6Neuvue3JMuOOUenr0V0P0ojL2dCOYv-9Nxw/w300-h400/IMG_2693.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>When the kale was softened and the pot looked dry (i.e., no kale water), I added the onions. </div><div><br /></div><div>I needed to add a bit of oil, and stirred stuff around.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0WUKW5rFa5V5-I5UU5R0OdIdTCGmC6mED-k1VV6xXWQnIqghWIz6vlDQLZEU7P0q5BtKsJVGQxWY9Ton2auZsARmi5qn9bLAGSIN-iqhaar26ifAIBciljdBNjvb1cgVUKOOYE-nPcME3gWF8tI-5ZzrdrDbVLzWGKs2kXi7q_-0LM3hdiYn0Y_JOU_M/s4032/IMG_2695.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0WUKW5rFa5V5-I5UU5R0OdIdTCGmC6mED-k1VV6xXWQnIqghWIz6vlDQLZEU7P0q5BtKsJVGQxWY9Ton2auZsARmi5qn9bLAGSIN-iqhaar26ifAIBciljdBNjvb1cgVUKOOYE-nPcME3gWF8tI-5ZzrdrDbVLzWGKs2kXi7q_-0LM3hdiYn0Y_JOU_M/w300-h400/IMG_2695.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>Next I shoved everything off to one side, added a bit more oil and then added the garlic and tomato paste. I cooked these for maybe 2 minutes until I could smell the garlic and the tomato paste looked a bit darker.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMZgJgeHq9c3Hw-641WQTY2-m5P9u7k1aKTjGEVcOWqTMR1wOtn4XVTx1jWv1uqPOjecCX5z_zrjz-_YDkat9iXFr7car2qfllUYgkuulHsH_0rfwiYvrWBuYFpQ37owcJVeUoeSw6-kVgsSGXVTc7UyPZQu8Di7nmJoFrzgzgCwyrjyibcQASwFGU-g/s4032/IMG_2697.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMZgJgeHq9c3Hw-641WQTY2-m5P9u7k1aKTjGEVcOWqTMR1wOtn4XVTx1jWv1uqPOjecCX5z_zrjz-_YDkat9iXFr7car2qfllUYgkuulHsH_0rfwiYvrWBuYFpQ37owcJVeUoeSw6-kVgsSGXVTc7UyPZQu8Di7nmJoFrzgzgCwyrjyibcQASwFGU-g/w300-h400/IMG_2697.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>Next I added and stirred in the better than bouillon. I did not add alt at this point, given the seasoning in the sausage and the salt in the bouillon.</div><div><br /></div><div>But I did add the red pepper flakes and stirred.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FM7ZRVxLv8sn93uzSe1x236M0BeteuSNg0oDD8NeyooG5tIpASlX_kTR6iVt8p1xoOqdgXQM2-OQEcgOINJed-5B4uRkiPPmZxhXEFxNUqbTTiVTB_O018LwukJW_pmDctej7Fcx7hKz_pQa4jNpYJKfIhaEUPAF3AzY5FE-Ntm_dCHQIjcLaDUNdHo/s4032/IMG_2698.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FM7ZRVxLv8sn93uzSe1x236M0BeteuSNg0oDD8NeyooG5tIpASlX_kTR6iVt8p1xoOqdgXQM2-OQEcgOINJed-5B4uRkiPPmZxhXEFxNUqbTTiVTB_O018LwukJW_pmDctej7Fcx7hKz_pQa4jNpYJKfIhaEUPAF3AzY5FE-Ntm_dCHQIjcLaDUNdHo/w300-h400/IMG_2698.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>I added the 6 cups of water.....</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4cvW2mHQ1stQ_6NxJhVfbDav_tCp4_aw0H7tolG-GCeNNUQy4c6tNjCdg7b-b3SVglMnKNS30bTmVC3KcOQ7_TFzHrUK15Du4lwkdQRCJmGJm9LQSoW-M61eDUVg89LGDK3seLYV4YlZ0abh66SV99W19u8i2C1RECvI8UW3-i5UT0VpeUuxpMy1a7s/s4032/IMG_2699.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4cvW2mHQ1stQ_6NxJhVfbDav_tCp4_aw0H7tolG-GCeNNUQy4c6tNjCdg7b-b3SVglMnKNS30bTmVC3KcOQ7_TFzHrUK15Du4lwkdQRCJmGJm9LQSoW-M61eDUVg89LGDK3seLYV4YlZ0abh66SV99W19u8i2C1RECvI8UW3-i5UT0VpeUuxpMy1a7s/w300-h400/IMG_2699.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>followed by the box of macaroni shells. More stirring.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-0PrV8PNyLHuz-YJ7DCcajc59Bzlt5HBqrMg0E6sjE3u3COPJnS-SzJyq0fRszmM_nWEA9nAdEexYe-MdcZ98XXpmz3C7Na2F_J1wQ-uzgvtFyA82Cvx6GfZS5CjeMiROa2sTd09l-2O-jZ2gnFmRc-G5dB08gJ1kZeY2MyV6H3chtvykg8AHU_bK3A/s4032/IMG_2700.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-0PrV8PNyLHuz-YJ7DCcajc59Bzlt5HBqrMg0E6sjE3u3COPJnS-SzJyq0fRszmM_nWEA9nAdEexYe-MdcZ98XXpmz3C7Na2F_J1wQ-uzgvtFyA82Cvx6GfZS5CjeMiROa2sTd09l-2O-jZ2gnFmRc-G5dB08gJ1kZeY2MyV6H3chtvykg8AHU_bK3A/w300-h400/IMG_2700.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>The aforementioned stirring.</div><div><br /></div><div>I brought the stuff to a boil, turned the heat down to achieve a simmer and covered the pot. I set the timer for 10 minutes. </div><div><br /></div><div>At 10 minutes, the pasta needed another minute or two to get to al dente (not mushy).</div><div><br /></div><div>During the pasta cooking time, I grated the cheese. Coarsely grated is fine, and faster. The cheese gets stirred in and melts. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNiL80CMXy5fpqrcvseKoK-gy7PqWkKFmjtemyAAXc3cuIkEs5POgaWTFi5r-UwYr1_MyIiLAdlt4aqO8eLHZya3sYCZWcnLTmGG3Ag0wjee1rqv3E1UPxcC11fLTWGJMDQYvLcx638hbFcM7TY9uBiJt-hawuSkVz3q741GEXb2Jr0vaq3VFETLmXJ0/s4032/IMG_2701.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNiL80CMXy5fpqrcvseKoK-gy7PqWkKFmjtemyAAXc3cuIkEs5POgaWTFi5r-UwYr1_MyIiLAdlt4aqO8eLHZya3sYCZWcnLTmGG3Ag0wjee1rqv3E1UPxcC11fLTWGJMDQYvLcx638hbFcM7TY9uBiJt-hawuSkVz3q741GEXb2Jr0vaq3VFETLmXJ0/w300-h400/IMG_2701.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>Adding the cheese.</div><div><br /></div><div>Off the heat, I stirred in the sriracha, tasted it and added a bit of salt. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQrqoYV-9WeTx45nEveQJOHi-bBOpTvly4i16xwd11kNrN_pKF46V-vaQjOdonlNLdC-3faOjgzPu92J9fJBzp0PazVz000pyQASY7X8YEPWpBmI3V4SxCsID3G5rOF7R8ukklmKH-k11Hk1JmFu3q3d49dPUNXQjxkupCaY1YyiH8YlhnZUe4sFFWek/s4032/IMG_2702.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQrqoYV-9WeTx45nEveQJOHi-bBOpTvly4i16xwd11kNrN_pKF46V-vaQjOdonlNLdC-3faOjgzPu92J9fJBzp0PazVz000pyQASY7X8YEPWpBmI3V4SxCsID3G5rOF7R8ukklmKH-k11Hk1JmFu3q3d49dPUNXQjxkupCaY1YyiH8YlhnZUe4sFFWek/w400-h300/IMG_2702.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>On the table. It was good and took less than 40 minutes from walking in the door to on the table. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you don't like spicy, use less sriracha and red pepper flakes. </div><div><br /></div><div>Fresh kale would be fine, if more work. I suppose you could use chopped broccoli instead of kale. I think spinach would be too wimpy. Maybe corn. </div><div><br /></div><div>This dish is a jazzier, spicier version of a one-pot spaghetti dish the children made when they were young. They had a Betty Crocker kid cookbook which included the one-pot spaghetti recipe. They cooked dinner once or even twice a week, starting when they were in junior high. They were good cooks; still are. Leftovers keep and reheat well. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Odds and Ends</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div>Clematis are great vining plants. Someone contacted me a few weeks ago about a bush variety. They had grown them and did not have the space to overwinter them. Would the sale project be interested?</div><div>So as directed the person brough three plants by, already in pots. We sunk them in the ground and will see.</div><div>I did look them up and they are hardy for zone 5 or even lower.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you voters in Kentucky, Ohio and Vvirginia.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lat I checked the craizies are still sunning the show in the House. I really thought the legislation that would give money to Israel by taking it from IRS enforcement kind of showed where their hearts were.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pray for peace. One does have to wonder how much good prayer does. So maybe in addition to some prayer, everyone should think of some little thing to do to make it a better place.</div><div><br /></div><div>Philip</div><div><br /></div>philip Mearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04384629201161240341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509434911388799.post-76673822839561760542023-11-05T06:04:00.000-06:002023-11-05T06:04:18.492-06:00November 5, 2023- It is the start of inside time<p>Greetings from the other side of the garden. We have moved through that curtain into the new season. The inside season. Dawn comes artificially in that new season, with lights set on timers, going off at slightly different of the early morning. Upstairs dawn is about 5:45. Of course time is now messed up a little as we adjust our watches away from daylight savings time. Some clocks are smart clocks, magically knowing to change on their own. The timers for the indoor lights, not so much. They will have to manually be changed. </p><p>Of course some people call it the big dark. </p><p>This week I am going to do two things. I will tell you about garden life in that new season. I will then tell you about what is happening outside, as we move past the first freeze. We had the freeze but there has since been somewhat of a thaw.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Inside</span></b></p><p>Some plants come inside, with buds already formed.</p><p>These cactus were a pleasant sight, blooming for two days.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5orWOCQcBXj_SF1SD6LHB2kE4NYmv2blJp_pJ4JYeAEwiLuhhktH7zFczN2h-ZjgYb7M8KbG4DXLES2ZE8qxTo5zgeFUe3sJZOm0SfYu6LxbeQnZvy8ltkNrbZSHNya60wCPTmslqlRZSDcnF0MfhZ4QD1NRk5hk4216zpwQ7JfxNzwnp6x9vJ7GUac/s4032/IMG_2654.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5orWOCQcBXj_SF1SD6LHB2kE4NYmv2blJp_pJ4JYeAEwiLuhhktH7zFczN2h-ZjgYb7M8KbG4DXLES2ZE8qxTo5zgeFUe3sJZOm0SfYu6LxbeQnZvy8ltkNrbZSHNya60wCPTmslqlRZSDcnF0MfhZ4QD1NRk5hk4216zpwQ7JfxNzwnp6x9vJ7GUac/w480-h640/IMG_2654.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6iYvq0cIFfPsntQyMOGcfUeeVKt959fgGLFtFF71J8Y4LRvYtRXb6V52ETK7k7INNl5RUHvlO4r_KqiRtIraSuMuBc822EcnWi6OZ09BLE91DfhOjx0HaDsF4XgznWqbKoOBCw-R_gnYrm0ABiKhzw1ueJCgRXk-Rz48gE6ct68HlCUCAZLCNfwWHwA/s4032/IMG_2655.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6iYvq0cIFfPsntQyMOGcfUeeVKt959fgGLFtFF71J8Y4LRvYtRXb6V52ETK7k7INNl5RUHvlO4r_KqiRtIraSuMuBc822EcnWi6OZ09BLE91DfhOjx0HaDsF4XgznWqbKoOBCw-R_gnYrm0ABiKhzw1ueJCgRXk-Rz48gE6ct68HlCUCAZLCNfwWHwA/w480-h640/IMG_2655.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>Plant storage</p><p>Plants are everywhere.</p><p>This is the plant stand at the office. These plant stands last for years. We have one at the office and one at home. They must be 20 years old. Occasionally we have to change the ballasts or the light bulbs. They are worth paying the extra price.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0_xYOEXJ-jQIXKW67OmgwcZFnDqtjaPe9mdvvdi9OWF6KnTmipakn9tZW6A09HnVYvOqAMPm8kJmkWH2ah4RkKA4cZwY_bHPwe2iawa0YtymkRVLfWeUyuNmMlQZbGTvN1BROLiL1uXxMMyIfAe4eurnMBWrnDaPwv-nn1bPAyEw5VUCuv2F6eUOMzY/s4032/IMG_2676.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0_xYOEXJ-jQIXKW67OmgwcZFnDqtjaPe9mdvvdi9OWF6KnTmipakn9tZW6A09HnVYvOqAMPm8kJmkWH2ah4RkKA4cZwY_bHPwe2iawa0YtymkRVLfWeUyuNmMlQZbGTvN1BROLiL1uXxMMyIfAe4eurnMBWrnDaPwv-nn1bPAyEw5VUCuv2F6eUOMzY/w640-h480/IMG_2676.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>These are just cattleyas. When you divide them you get more. It is simple mathematics.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPSczEPkt5Hu4PmNXYWbxKCF935VKHo6SbD29cIkAj5Gen6EAGy73n2uXqH8txuoL4Gf5lSN-yUzbxmOKZ0LI9l-zCZB40gGXeGSLGzGZyQ6eUc3Gntf55pCZkuI6CJWdcsdad1QZu9xamdnDDkXtt4ux635F5Mz2sY-HQyKTPdMBPVFGAVIXyRA9JYs/s4032/IMG_2679.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPSczEPkt5Hu4PmNXYWbxKCF935VKHo6SbD29cIkAj5Gen6EAGy73n2uXqH8txuoL4Gf5lSN-yUzbxmOKZ0LI9l-zCZB40gGXeGSLGzGZyQ6eUc3Gntf55pCZkuI6CJWdcsdad1QZu9xamdnDDkXtt4ux635F5Mz2sY-HQyKTPdMBPVFGAVIXyRA9JYs/w640-h480/IMG_2679.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>These are some of the lights in the basement.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXbNeCa8jfQhtgAO1_Rl3gOp5bLllDgbHmhtb3xpC4DCSpfbRyun4ygBQ-GNeznUHf8E-t3hXUhZjkZIdJE018XPkPfcwa3anGGriy4vIvLpaM0vvEVN3gpwtzJjfCdY6nlRQPCCTEkxloyQWD0GhIZDsBSE1HwnnLHpbz48GyXZkFP-4sRJcJ5wfHNY/s4032/IMG_2681.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXbNeCa8jfQhtgAO1_Rl3gOp5bLllDgbHmhtb3xpC4DCSpfbRyun4ygBQ-GNeznUHf8E-t3hXUhZjkZIdJE018XPkPfcwa3anGGriy4vIvLpaM0vvEVN3gpwtzJjfCdY6nlRQPCCTEkxloyQWD0GhIZDsBSE1HwnnLHpbz48GyXZkFP-4sRJcJ5wfHNY/w480-h640/IMG_2681.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>I think the cactus will move upstairs to the cold room once they have bloomed. Actually there is one more bud coming.</p><p><br /></p><p>Buds coming</p><p>These are orchids. The buds are quite slow to develope. But they are coming, perhaps to brighten up Thanksgiving or Christmas.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWoBmtYn1tB1UH164sgIvsBKKUDZIIERTVxwHnQfBvyoRzjBD2ZK07jegNlUKssJrglDOSPQnAUnmVFm5OWBgYmYrXI0gdp7oUzI55usYEc8R8OZ7ywXHKLrAj9aIkKFmKbLwu0emox7edlyN-f_7tL-PNnYRQ0a8OZg2o9ZuiAqEqp4fUaa7UbAiUYgc/s4032/IMG_2666.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWoBmtYn1tB1UH164sgIvsBKKUDZIIERTVxwHnQfBvyoRzjBD2ZK07jegNlUKssJrglDOSPQnAUnmVFm5OWBgYmYrXI0gdp7oUzI55usYEc8R8OZ7ywXHKLrAj9aIkKFmKbLwu0emox7edlyN-f_7tL-PNnYRQ0a8OZg2o9ZuiAqEqp4fUaa7UbAiUYgc/w480-h640/IMG_2666.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWZqikEKhdgIX8jOgJ8Xc1LaP3cIMmXBYo8InANm_gB9iC6sZMCQPBF0cQFgiohatgYOg5paEsAPoOU236mC-46h8jgBmQoaxZUnUeiXbQzeCKNFp1fV682M1S7eWNUWPw-O60qz2xWaGBq9_wpZN03fqT3zCqOBZDRCEJn7hwXpeb4T5ImJVFW9AGZQ/s4032/IMG_2680.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWZqikEKhdgIX8jOgJ8Xc1LaP3cIMmXBYo8InANm_gB9iC6sZMCQPBF0cQFgiohatgYOg5paEsAPoOU236mC-46h8jgBmQoaxZUnUeiXbQzeCKNFp1fV682M1S7eWNUWPw-O60qz2xWaGBq9_wpZN03fqT3zCqOBZDRCEJn7hwXpeb4T5ImJVFW9AGZQ/w480-h640/IMG_2680.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><b>Plant maintanence</b></p><p>There was the big rush to get all the plants out of the cold. It has now been almost two weeks. Now I have to have to water most of the plants. Some types can go completely dry. Amaryllis and clivia are two such groups. </p><p>Others need to be watered every 2-3 weeks. Some like the crotons need watering every week. Some already started to drop their leaves complaining of a 10 day drought.</p><p>Orchids are tricky. How much water they want depends on the size of the pot and the potting medium. Bark dries out quicker. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMESVg93V6gdor3hFPBZsoX6ehTdJGfnSAkRBFUn8Bo6x7lC1Tv6jve-WA6ZQ7oYaC4uMdNbBhE15oa-JONxavtSiz5ac8mRAJXZBTcmD3tYLd0hPJtRFv9i7TMk5nWyWrgo3xXZIbqaR36Vg9rx-e-UV_d6kRTsWzhiYdAJRUY8b5e7EpDeLLC_PiHI/s4032/IMG_2667.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMESVg93V6gdor3hFPBZsoX6ehTdJGfnSAkRBFUn8Bo6x7lC1Tv6jve-WA6ZQ7oYaC4uMdNbBhE15oa-JONxavtSiz5ac8mRAJXZBTcmD3tYLd0hPJtRFv9i7TMk5nWyWrgo3xXZIbqaR36Vg9rx-e-UV_d6kRTsWzhiYdAJRUY8b5e7EpDeLLC_PiHI/w640-h480/IMG_2667.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Flowers</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMGzrfBiJKAcSSYUhXZFLVbKBWfljQew4XKKly_mbFJ3Q98bxB21KQk-LxCirocaOS-YKvSrNIvqjcKNVZmptyic5akX4t9pO82FRFFc0KJy9CUz9bEKdgnAs09RikxrPtJiYO0pcnDBuhnXWYTA8PZ0lbnnp57aPp8V2Qn3mJEedgUtE_BItAZw4zl8Q/s4032/IMG_2668.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMGzrfBiJKAcSSYUhXZFLVbKBWfljQew4XKKly_mbFJ3Q98bxB21KQk-LxCirocaOS-YKvSrNIvqjcKNVZmptyic5akX4t9pO82FRFFc0KJy9CUz9bEKdgnAs09RikxrPtJiYO0pcnDBuhnXWYTA8PZ0lbnnp57aPp8V2Qn3mJEedgUtE_BItAZw4zl8Q/w640-h480/IMG_2668.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Violets were added to the indoor colection last winter. They are so cheerful, once you get the trick about watering with wicks. They do get big. You can also make little ones from leaf cuttings.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Kto0KjKqTvPZCuyqCDPUab0-2qEAs62uAdTH9fso6NtVZLVjakNFs5iGh5wyF8VplQEo-Wok3d8mWxm83xCGHcjfmtyeUnvYwkDasVw4SUnAfBCkQe18pb83uuwfesqNsU52gwr9rooGMjDl5If2ELcxS_hdN-yj7JeGaGnDaIeXQhXVBSzxCqMs4Sc/s4032/IMG_2674.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Kto0KjKqTvPZCuyqCDPUab0-2qEAs62uAdTH9fso6NtVZLVjakNFs5iGh5wyF8VplQEo-Wok3d8mWxm83xCGHcjfmtyeUnvYwkDasVw4SUnAfBCkQe18pb83uuwfesqNsU52gwr9rooGMjDl5If2ELcxS_hdN-yj7JeGaGnDaIeXQhXVBSzxCqMs4Sc/w480-h640/IMG_2674.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>This is the tiniest order I have. It has its place over the sink in the winter. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcIu4Bvsu1B3g4Md49To4IhCuH0ENYNozTZ_PQv-eozdr80lv2Ghj8EdOv50ZLpbvLCSieGD9NamIFBoVjDzypPZYTIj0aTZRkx626KMMvHysiTh85zLZbVtg6t7EmEeu6SXcmQfR08RWMROSiW0hk4hCcxkHyuN0xGRNdGjeZxlr90cClWrZfIC71J4/s4032/IMG_2684.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcIu4Bvsu1B3g4Md49To4IhCuH0ENYNozTZ_PQv-eozdr80lv2Ghj8EdOv50ZLpbvLCSieGD9NamIFBoVjDzypPZYTIj0aTZRkx626KMMvHysiTh85zLZbVtg6t7EmEeu6SXcmQfR08RWMROSiW0hk4hCcxkHyuN0xGRNdGjeZxlr90cClWrZfIC71J4/w640-h480/IMG_2684.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of the kitchen sink, here is tillandisa, which has graced that location since 2015. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMztDel9dEKT3ijCl7sxDhsMpj-PmVjM5EJXC1tRlR2zUTnDiR3kJG8lBI7TzuHPLYWLT524w4aPY70Ogv86AYkaONR-rLbTL9gtk5Ofx_nUod7GSu5ZD6BLTxas-z8uhZE83g7Vo4iN-GY1cCsIZT7P29UuQxLwvgOs_6fC4GoCwOT2Kb2LzEsAWa8I/s4032/IMG_2683.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMztDel9dEKT3ijCl7sxDhsMpj-PmVjM5EJXC1tRlR2zUTnDiR3kJG8lBI7TzuHPLYWLT524w4aPY70Ogv86AYkaONR-rLbTL9gtk5Ofx_nUod7GSu5ZD6BLTxas-z8uhZE83g7Vo4iN-GY1cCsIZT7P29UuQxLwvgOs_6fC4GoCwOT2Kb2LzEsAWa8I/w640-h480/IMG_2683.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I did bring in some small zinnias, when it was going to toast them. They make a good combination with the purple Persian Shields. One year one of the zinnia flowers grew some roots. They did not amount to anything.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cRbpSHfvJ3PzyY4jsMuU1WPgkxhTQZd8r21USMMdJV5GHRaBAlVquwBTBYamyNh6MbI_bm9gN-hr1UC7-yJZBv2l2qLhMkQzt1xiE_2TEmxPwbdxvDH9Mu3-25bNUKG2y3I21E_mR1GGdC8rymbWs6ZeB3ovSxIANhwXh6L1-Vlp-d45VOqaWZ5Zmlo/s4032/IMG_2685.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cRbpSHfvJ3PzyY4jsMuU1WPgkxhTQZd8r21USMMdJV5GHRaBAlVquwBTBYamyNh6MbI_bm9gN-hr1UC7-yJZBv2l2qLhMkQzt1xiE_2TEmxPwbdxvDH9Mu3-25bNUKG2y3I21E_mR1GGdC8rymbWs6ZeB3ovSxIANhwXh6L1-Vlp-d45VOqaWZ5Zmlo/w640-h480/IMG_2685.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Outside</p><p>Last Sunday is technically within the pictures for this week. The freeze was not until Sunday night. These last flowers were photographed before the cold descended.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfU3CV8v3nvLiryl5X4jDITzJDYKPVI3RbFyj7xrEYP3cAOt_azTY4iUzFAWe0XDdKTi9Zfr0WuhlN8oItLU7cFDfeApwiS1Bsmv5C_BzDr-Y-rF4y6gm9I8gIN15GMKwMAQwz5ZT9QvGb-VHKkctio9MIo01yuZvQbH9IuHadQsTM3bx277ut9QZFrYo/s4032/IMG_2646.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfU3CV8v3nvLiryl5X4jDITzJDYKPVI3RbFyj7xrEYP3cAOt_azTY4iUzFAWe0XDdKTi9Zfr0WuhlN8oItLU7cFDfeApwiS1Bsmv5C_BzDr-Y-rF4y6gm9I8gIN15GMKwMAQwz5ZT9QvGb-VHKkctio9MIo01yuZvQbH9IuHadQsTM3bx277ut9QZFrYo/w480-h640/IMG_2646.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>What a wonderful yellow.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi138fqjfHONWzX1L8JjWyNoGvSuwRjqBFpmhTg0qjQoliryTWNVBondbBO_Xnx1OH6-u93aJ9buSlqkaf8tzW5QFbgJQAcJnF38i3oOaqBl5ZxY4IVcCsjw-1ils42g9IsNK_2md68y-a-3BP-Yb8CrOCRBYRZEZd2HCtxhOIfWGk0vLZ1C6Pk-et9sQk/s4032/IMG_2647.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi138fqjfHONWzX1L8JjWyNoGvSuwRjqBFpmhTg0qjQoliryTWNVBondbBO_Xnx1OH6-u93aJ9buSlqkaf8tzW5QFbgJQAcJnF38i3oOaqBl5ZxY4IVcCsjw-1ils42g9IsNK_2md68y-a-3BP-Yb8CrOCRBYRZEZd2HCtxhOIfWGk0vLZ1C6Pk-et9sQk/w480-h640/IMG_2647.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqzP8thotjw5wC-tzDozkRBNYtFOWYBTsNNtLnpE1oql1aoj3KgHH9SvbvyzMqEztjWpPIWVZOF01rAyxMuKEKpE3si9Sq5uNnVMPGu9egA94zdWAKaOmXKOx5U-Mt1CJuEOQfUd_5aOTEjC4Mj2D-Ftlw7FHXIlPxgnEQpFYsQd8FOqjlbbGh4UHsZc/s4032/IMG_2649.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqzP8thotjw5wC-tzDozkRBNYtFOWYBTsNNtLnpE1oql1aoj3KgHH9SvbvyzMqEztjWpPIWVZOF01rAyxMuKEKpE3si9Sq5uNnVMPGu9egA94zdWAKaOmXKOx5U-Mt1CJuEOQfUd_5aOTEjC4Mj2D-Ftlw7FHXIlPxgnEQpFYsQd8FOqjlbbGh4UHsZc/w480-h640/IMG_2649.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The kale did not really show any signs of frost damage. That is the thing with kale.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscqPqVJcbwp-LrhlUeo0DqSeBSGJ0TwX8dW8WuiU7zrtZtfreTdHJ9IHrHdey4HwiZP2pRI3a2f8HKea3rbdP64XE2sj2Wu0slyuBtLFNn1rM2yBJO1k-_4adLIezWKO6qjD9s68xm_d5Nf8I5foFUtyqkfrssFcQAZwQ-x7k2jgxKBMidwVGfVLK52w/s4032/IMG_2660.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscqPqVJcbwp-LrhlUeo0DqSeBSGJ0TwX8dW8WuiU7zrtZtfreTdHJ9IHrHdey4HwiZP2pRI3a2f8HKea3rbdP64XE2sj2Wu0slyuBtLFNn1rM2yBJO1k-_4adLIezWKO6qjD9s68xm_d5Nf8I5foFUtyqkfrssFcQAZwQ-x7k2jgxKBMidwVGfVLK52w/w640-h480/IMG_2660.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYarRbo6J7hrg_JXYwr5V5vFghGaXCZxkQbWzAifKB5GjS-H1lTR4WFoEWmiYbBe8KdPuNtewY-szWNyCSPSPPi1CcN_4E4Xl-YD7z1trETAOrbBqGXK8hRVOS3bdibPxswfvees5ga2tYXr5WuUUFU0fy-oqlIBeBB7_jZASzwkBXf2rBon59db2hcgE/s4032/IMG_2661.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYarRbo6J7hrg_JXYwr5V5vFghGaXCZxkQbWzAifKB5GjS-H1lTR4WFoEWmiYbBe8KdPuNtewY-szWNyCSPSPPi1CcN_4E4Xl-YD7z1trETAOrbBqGXK8hRVOS3bdibPxswfvees5ga2tYXr5WuUUFU0fy-oqlIBeBB7_jZASzwkBXf2rBon59db2hcgE/w640-h480/IMG_2661.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90bLDVdVHkBELZ5qDEdrnM94nclBGT7BfpFgMd2FkFNPS9ckNB0zc56xAMatFrfExqg0hw5oqC0RHzBQYuP-TTdvPXXst9yrZ3Yqp5dW_HeWq_AxwOUDERd-zBtePVkZYvUwPmOTa6xSPyKED_0SWSiZ-80plbMllQw6fyppKDfOOYCZkpSYZ8UbNP-c/s4032/IMG_2662.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90bLDVdVHkBELZ5qDEdrnM94nclBGT7BfpFgMd2FkFNPS9ckNB0zc56xAMatFrfExqg0hw5oqC0RHzBQYuP-TTdvPXXst9yrZ3Yqp5dW_HeWq_AxwOUDERd-zBtePVkZYvUwPmOTa6xSPyKED_0SWSiZ-80plbMllQw6fyppKDfOOYCZkpSYZ8UbNP-c/w640-h480/IMG_2662.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>One other thing about kale. The plant can survive down to perhaps 10 degrees. So can the cabbage worms. Remarkable. <br /><p>There are perennials that survive the frost. Epimedium, pulmonaria and hellebores are the big three.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBBrPJhT_BYGTM6DEccntH7QnFCXuByPC0HLRicQJfqPjJRImeG2uFmOQ7bNkGKXDWxjTzlLCuLqrXf3_RO-_jauqK8qaI05pELIWOU1I9SU4ik_8WEz4WfA1Tv3SXZ7Y-PQ6h2qicfYJW8LB9QJJpokMp0_49FCJXoG3-YsCaLgIyYbggsF5kyW68uc/s4032/IMG_2671.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBBrPJhT_BYGTM6DEccntH7QnFCXuByPC0HLRicQJfqPjJRImeG2uFmOQ7bNkGKXDWxjTzlLCuLqrXf3_RO-_jauqK8qaI05pELIWOU1I9SU4ik_8WEz4WfA1Tv3SXZ7Y-PQ6h2qicfYJW8LB9QJJpokMp0_49FCJXoG3-YsCaLgIyYbggsF5kyW68uc/w480-h640/IMG_2671.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDh6WUVJp9YJ2D3U2yCLcOQfsLzHqUe3EhlEF-MvtaU0fTMPWCA4ubYcHY1Ou_nz4fyAbmQO2jnnt02nwLVeOfh7weSvJI5VDEVex9hlVvSRZoSjT4RRSHxyMWqNrk32uuzGUvUtmmaq5uZj3aOo7yozID5ydJetcmk0Q_9UbqwS3QQOrTO5hENXy-Rok/s4032/IMG_2673.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDh6WUVJp9YJ2D3U2yCLcOQfsLzHqUe3EhlEF-MvtaU0fTMPWCA4ubYcHY1Ou_nz4fyAbmQO2jnnt02nwLVeOfh7weSvJI5VDEVex9hlVvSRZoSjT4RRSHxyMWqNrk32uuzGUvUtmmaq5uZj3aOo7yozID5ydJetcmk0Q_9UbqwS3QQOrTO5hENXy-Rok/w480-h640/IMG_2673.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The other task for outside, now that migration is over, is bulb planting. I planted the first 100 of the aconite Friday. 900 to go. But at least I have a good idea where they can go. The frost is gone from the 7 day forecast, so the ground can accept any bulbs that are planted.</p><p>Update- 800 aconite to go. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Julia's recipe</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Green beans with tahini</b></span></p><p>This green bean dish is from Madhur Jaffrey's Asian vegetarian cookbook, which is full of good recipes. I had not made this dish in a while; in hindsight, I blame a difficult can of tahini. The oil floated to the top and the solids became impenetrable. Then I got a new brand of tahini (Wild Harvest organic tahini), which I recommend. The jar told me to refriegerate after opening, which I did. Maybe it's the brand, maybe it's the refrigeration, but it is both stirrable and measurable, a vast improvement over whatever it is I used before. But I digress. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAsYry1UzeOQ6-MdhUSRRQoVlDnN-f1nJkCM3O8ZwxWVjxj_J28X1oSydcy5h0zOnyg_A5inX2HDs1O5uuVRsdtWk30mfZXy19gK9YhaVadUBYKajZlHi_1kkHlSw5Im_nXraHKt1yZTzaqqC4C1NfkxVQuk3vxWDwir-Tgs2Qvd-zrmzB4Lcz5f6iJw/s4032/IMG_2634.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAsYry1UzeOQ6-MdhUSRRQoVlDnN-f1nJkCM3O8ZwxWVjxj_J28X1oSydcy5h0zOnyg_A5inX2HDs1O5uuVRsdtWk30mfZXy19gK9YhaVadUBYKajZlHi_1kkHlSw5Im_nXraHKt1yZTzaqqC4C1NfkxVQuk3vxWDwir-Tgs2Qvd-zrmzB4Lcz5f6iJw/w400-h300/IMG_2634.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>The ingredients:</div><div>about 3 or 4 cups of cut green beans;</div><div>1/4 cup regular oil;</div><div>2 teaspoons mustard seeds;</div><div>1-1/2 teaspoon smushed garlic;</div><div>1 tablespoon grated ginger;</div><div>3 or so tablespoons tahini;</div><div>about 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon salt;</div><div>about 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper;</div><div>about 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; and</div><div>1 tablespoon lemon juice. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>If you have fresh green beans, by all means use them - cleaned and cut into 1" or so pieces. (See below for more.) I had a package of frozen green beans plus about 1 cup of leftover fresh green beans, the last of the farmer's market crop. So I ended up with something like 3-1/2 to 4 cups. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have made this recipe with broccoli, which is delicious. Or you could use cauliflower - any sturdy choppable vegetable. Cooked carrots give me the willies. But they would probably work too if you are not averse. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuC5CahxAWqe6ivKJZIr4EoeG-AjcpSmfzGpSSQPpiRfs0bzI3XhPTJutQBpPbTq95CCs6JstZR9-gPpwNicxpz0C9v6McQIKBvxt9CM89S_ZzqrxzJ7ksw01J6yw-jpPvxR7ZO_4s9e_6FeoW32rLLOgkLIfNekONw4dRx5AFgK9LN9wkDBmUdmf2ng/s4032/IMG_2635.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuC5CahxAWqe6ivKJZIr4EoeG-AjcpSmfzGpSSQPpiRfs0bzI3XhPTJutQBpPbTq95CCs6JstZR9-gPpwNicxpz0C9v6McQIKBvxt9CM89S_ZzqrxzJ7ksw01J6yw-jpPvxR7ZO_4s9e_6FeoW32rLLOgkLIfNekONw4dRx5AFgK9LN9wkDBmUdmf2ng/w300-h400/IMG_2635.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>I started by prepping the garlic and the ginger. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I have probably said before, I keep my ginger in a small plastic bag in the freezer. This way it doesn't get moldy, and it is easy to grate on a rasp type grater. I don't even peel it. It doesn't matter in the final dish. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiys7IHa5JIIz6op78v-LKsFTbl65fm8KpzYQPfq7VjdTuLD3fmvUxZE-2wyGl8TOuzWEF77NwjRr41L5i6RVADzbf-ZI2uZA_soLXXVvYVcSTQ9fLPGQ0DiqBajWkePWru0iZBJI0kdvUQMRg6mP6nqijuid5GVQ1LBeGbzchkuwJXwEPYr8hbfiSTkXI/s4032/IMG_2636.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiys7IHa5JIIz6op78v-LKsFTbl65fm8KpzYQPfq7VjdTuLD3fmvUxZE-2wyGl8TOuzWEF77NwjRr41L5i6RVADzbf-ZI2uZA_soLXXVvYVcSTQ9fLPGQ0DiqBajWkePWru0iZBJI0kdvUQMRg6mP6nqijuid5GVQ1LBeGbzchkuwJXwEPYr8hbfiSTkXI/w400-h300/IMG_2636.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Next, I poured the frozen green beans into the skillet I would be using to cook everything. No reason to use a saucepan to cook the beans. I used a tiny bit of water - maybe 1/2 cup. I just wanted to thaw out and warm up the beans. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you're using frozen broccoli or cauliflower or carrots instead, you could use this method too. These are harder vegetables, so you will want to cook them until they can be pierced easily with a paring knife or skewer. Green beans are not so hard. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>If you are using fresh (that is, raw) vegetables, you will have to cook them separately. Just until they are pierceable. Not mushy. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9u1n14Pc5uXicfPbYsSU51xUUWKMk3LAUqaj3LCr4Abb_eWConiCi4tBAQ_j4QnTXeKeui4AYE9tFEhMAJkOkU3xmGvPoi5Z0_hA4n7R1GGEbB3WOFGRSpkAK4Ogy-n2CjliM3Felwo2l9SE9U5xkB6CKz-Hny1J9uW5IhrrojiS7ttYpef_ia2tocU/s4032/IMG_2641.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9u1n14Pc5uXicfPbYsSU51xUUWKMk3LAUqaj3LCr4Abb_eWConiCi4tBAQ_j4QnTXeKeui4AYE9tFEhMAJkOkU3xmGvPoi5Z0_hA4n7R1GGEbB3WOFGRSpkAK4Ogy-n2CjliM3Felwo2l9SE9U5xkB6CKz-Hny1J9uW5IhrrojiS7ttYpef_ia2tocU/w300-h400/IMG_2641.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>When the frozen green beans were cooked through and the water pretty well evaporated (this took maybe 5 or 6 minutes on medium high heat), I added the leftover green beans (a slightly different shade of green).</div><div><br /></div><div>Then I shoved the green beans off to one side of the pan and added the oil. When it was hot, I added the mustard seeds. </div><div><br /></div><div>As soon as the mustard seeds started to pop (but before they began to jump all over the stovetop), I added the tahini, garlic and ginger and stirred everything up. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4Lo9lPN53yEC6IgdBbAlDfYMvVI_cnjWcnow3zr1_XuHlsWuBOdKMjLO_1pfwYit9Dsd-WPoXfiaFydAv3XOa5T4FRYURzaGJ-EHmCPL3lGHGTsDCXZuzpXTzMYEPU1JWxp0aBSy9c_hHiu1dKrXsKYaHY8-iGr-YI3AhHPZqsC5mpPTjTgn3QFeSDI/s4032/IMG_2643.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4Lo9lPN53yEC6IgdBbAlDfYMvVI_cnjWcnow3zr1_XuHlsWuBOdKMjLO_1pfwYit9Dsd-WPoXfiaFydAv3XOa5T4FRYURzaGJ-EHmCPL3lGHGTsDCXZuzpXTzMYEPU1JWxp0aBSy9c_hHiu1dKrXsKYaHY8-iGr-YI3AhHPZqsC5mpPTjTgn3QFeSDI/w300-h400/IMG_2643.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>After those ingredients were combined, I added the salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper and finally the lemon juice. More stirring. </div><div><br /></div><div>As the ingredients combined, the tahini clumped up a little with the ginger and garlic and mustard seeds to make some delicious spicy bits. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK5s3Hm-hY2qB38Xq1qNqhH8w7-ecOGQ6kMdTBvGf3Ad2G-Gu4F_OEuid-eoAGpW3yXvNTx1vVAc_ukfEHqWD1xosboGTmG9m1f-rdfA7RzTYp_AS4l4qZnsQohccVeLpdpN9PKu8saKcrkEQuJ5XTqUhJQF98CxK7rkoe72-fK1h861CsR2VGZi6bCS0/s4032/IMG_2644.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK5s3Hm-hY2qB38Xq1qNqhH8w7-ecOGQ6kMdTBvGf3Ad2G-Gu4F_OEuid-eoAGpW3yXvNTx1vVAc_ukfEHqWD1xosboGTmG9m1f-rdfA7RzTYp_AS4l4qZnsQohccVeLpdpN9PKu8saKcrkEQuJ5XTqUhJQF98CxK7rkoe72-fK1h861CsR2VGZi6bCS0/w400-h300/IMG_2644.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>On the table. We served this with meatloaf, roasted red potatoes, pickled beets and green salad. </div><div><br /></div><div>It is nice to have a combination of somewhat bland foods (meatloaf, roasted potatoes) and more assertive foods (the green beans and the pickled beets). Kind of a harvest time meal, really.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have served the broccoli version with baked fish and potatoes or with baked chicken and sweet potatoes. And sometimes even with other Indian dishes. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Odds and Ends</span></b></p><p>I do find it odd that cabbage worms can survive a freeze. But I already told you that.</p><p>Today will be odd as we adjust for the time change. I do not think the outdoor plants will notice.</p><p>This little lupine seedling cheered me right up. Then I noticed the really tiny sprouts all around it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2V7adPsVOYv9LhUzvqNykhmFe2k1OMVPGADfpDz1Ek7yz9Orgp26JlCjIZ-fdztnh7rA96uH1QtAxgS2QJuXv5gMljPkYYKLkkPFTh-DLvPZEK7rA5V79dRAgFiPVrO0Thrg5FJQOMv84yUAG0nODob0SC6izfNZ6C8ihQZHvvTHki5fcQNGNRpXmvs/s4032/IMG_2672.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2V7adPsVOYv9LhUzvqNykhmFe2k1OMVPGADfpDz1Ek7yz9Orgp26JlCjIZ-fdztnh7rA96uH1QtAxgS2QJuXv5gMljPkYYKLkkPFTh-DLvPZEK7rA5V79dRAgFiPVrO0Thrg5FJQOMv84yUAG0nODob0SC6izfNZ6C8ihQZHvvTHki5fcQNGNRpXmvs/w480-h640/IMG_2672.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>The world did not get any better this last week. I hope that voters in Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia give us some cause for cheer.</p><p>Be kind.</p><p>Do what you can to make this a better world.</p><p>Philip</p></div></div>philip Mearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04384629201161240341noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509434911388799.post-30344671107909258092023-10-29T06:02:00.000-05:002023-10-29T06:02:21.979-05:00October 29, 2023- it is now inside time<p style="text-align: center;"> <b>The frost is coming.</b></p><p>All week we have know the frost was coming. It has not come yet. But...the predicted temperature does not even leave room for any question. By tonight it is suppose to be 24. Those lows will persist for 4 nights. I even saw a prediction for a 19 at one point. That is clearly toast time in the garden.</p><p>However, for a good portion of this past week the temperatures stayed between 60-80. 80? </p><p>That meant the accelerated plant migration had decent weather. Scott came over on Thursday and brought in the 6-7 really heavy plants. That included the big old orchid cacti. It was so warm you did not even a coat. Some of those plants have to go to the second floor for the winter.</p><p>Of course that weather changed Friday afternoon. It was a day when the coat choice changed several times in a matter of hours.</p><p>One should not complain. Frost free until almost Halloween is fine. </p><p>So now the migration is over, with the exception of some stragglers. Those will get hurriedly placed in the garage, with their more specific placement yet to come.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Garden pictures</span></b></p><p>Actually the garden still looks good.</p><p>This is one of the kale we planted the end of July.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsEaWopeKZPqWsx5_CwFvVqv4P5BASbW_g6UZpxhxNpZ0GL-ZArKNIp3p2NWwnfgofaMo8dE1NG-WQxcNzL0PxqZ-9u2ihz01Xh2OFtkK6iit_ERDxTVVvtkHRTULpC7G43rk_PLoIIoqne34usDyv3GqJJI_uulNyhsvGXfvwJsuiavpyrQJosf5iuw/s4032/IMG_2609.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsEaWopeKZPqWsx5_CwFvVqv4P5BASbW_g6UZpxhxNpZ0GL-ZArKNIp3p2NWwnfgofaMo8dE1NG-WQxcNzL0PxqZ-9u2ihz01Xh2OFtkK6iit_ERDxTVVvtkHRTULpC7G43rk_PLoIIoqne34usDyv3GqJJI_uulNyhsvGXfvwJsuiavpyrQJosf5iuw/w480-h640/IMG_2609.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The kale looks good. We will have to figure out what to do about cabbage worms, when you plant in the second part of the garden year. It seems like in the fall the cabbage worm network alerts their friends there are tasty morsels at the Mears garden.</div><div>Suggestions from the facebook garden group range from planting companion plants the moths do not like, to shade cloth (which seems a little severe) to BT, a chemical that would also impact other bugs. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBsceOq1c6xpmOLJn-3aUsful2d3CYBEHnlCqqndTFERql9N5iAtna29GS1xyqJZgK5oALOq785EsRdu8gfMeVq4pG6atqWMKnWn9S-w_sw54UEmswlANQdefzYgvCVQuDlwl5dmo1i2Xgz7Pt-5jBNS-1OTXcEiNZ-QtwAM4gg4D9R0MsE_49ikZlfY/s4032/IMG_2614.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBsceOq1c6xpmOLJn-3aUsful2d3CYBEHnlCqqndTFERql9N5iAtna29GS1xyqJZgK5oALOq785EsRdu8gfMeVq4pG6atqWMKnWn9S-w_sw54UEmswlANQdefzYgvCVQuDlwl5dmo1i2Xgz7Pt-5jBNS-1OTXcEiNZ-QtwAM4gg4D9R0MsE_49ikZlfY/w640-h480/IMG_2614.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I do want to make more room for annuals, particularly along Fairview.</div><div><br /></div><div>The white anemones persist to the end. This picture was taken Thursday, but the flowers were still around yesterday.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrQNZbnWf9xCvStIL3fOQ6iN4xcikYJu3OvKCnqXxFkAGsoVMla5hG5XXdeplG1TbWrM1pczhs82bjoeCdo80xVOqQUzijPju2Atz5EPCH7sT_ht9Abm_4mtGWmLBavFiocNQ62MWw_2RafFd5J99yWuzziOhHbdhfZ-_4vre3wdrnjR4cMBvDr-lZXg/s4032/IMG_2615.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrQNZbnWf9xCvStIL3fOQ6iN4xcikYJu3OvKCnqXxFkAGsoVMla5hG5XXdeplG1TbWrM1pczhs82bjoeCdo80xVOqQUzijPju2Atz5EPCH7sT_ht9Abm_4mtGWmLBavFiocNQ62MWw_2RafFd5J99yWuzziOhHbdhfZ-_4vre3wdrnjR4cMBvDr-lZXg/w480-h640/IMG_2615.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This lone coneflower brightened up the back driveway.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJfCEc51JnGUkIDUQN04naLRLVxLQUfbiYaG-mgeb2I1ivmCLXoK4yOn7RbJ8n88En01kGWDQ_Jn4ZPkV2ujucNZgVn3VFfg5vrHHt7B4xNGXKWhQqFioOy9KD5f84CUD10DQVJBp-nATR13PiXqevIL9EgRN2u5scUJVzH9J97Q0PTmt7PuF7rThI7g/s4032/IMG_2627.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJfCEc51JnGUkIDUQN04naLRLVxLQUfbiYaG-mgeb2I1ivmCLXoK4yOn7RbJ8n88En01kGWDQ_Jn4ZPkV2ujucNZgVn3VFfg5vrHHt7B4xNGXKWhQqFioOy9KD5f84CUD10DQVJBp-nATR13PiXqevIL9EgRN2u5scUJVzH9J97Q0PTmt7PuF7rThI7g/w480-h640/IMG_2627.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>These are zahara zinnias. They really are good until the end. They stay short. And cheerful. Maybe I should pot some up to brighten up the inside for a few weeks. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6fggj3R4thVbBHBXZjfnH8P6B5QaGFtNAjSyCYd4Bq4DQSgevI5k0ZldqrrJceN3V9bCN6I67EQhit3WrGplaGY2KDUSozl7sA5WMOjj4nhXoWp5o2CS-uvXdychlbofe2Kaa7PmJpLM4M-zONHcCXpG4eIgnHa8WiCTRt4ywTAZP9GQMAC3PVSQ3Qg/s4032/IMG_2629.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6fggj3R4thVbBHBXZjfnH8P6B5QaGFtNAjSyCYd4Bq4DQSgevI5k0ZldqrrJceN3V9bCN6I67EQhit3WrGplaGY2KDUSozl7sA5WMOjj4nhXoWp5o2CS-uvXdychlbofe2Kaa7PmJpLM4M-zONHcCXpG4eIgnHa8WiCTRt4ywTAZP9GQMAC3PVSQ3Qg/w640-h480/IMG_2629.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The taller zinnias have not done so well this year. Part of that was the deer. I also just did not plant enough.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1q6Td8XDb5d5Wx4re2Sr01j1B40SUduqTtdy8d6Z_4ZVQgnqD7zrBPRGYteezL-g6so9_v0N46Z9fGm3prS-ulaobHPDvA_nMXCV_X-36bjYkSFn7hVliPSimbxanbaWiAVDREIyDF7wJZqY4gBP0VVWGrf4AICqQk7Rz_epQMyLvBPWrRyO7rPyUuU/s3287/IMG_2631.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3287" height="588" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1q6Td8XDb5d5Wx4re2Sr01j1B40SUduqTtdy8d6Z_4ZVQgnqD7zrBPRGYteezL-g6so9_v0N46Z9fGm3prS-ulaobHPDvA_nMXCV_X-36bjYkSFn7hVliPSimbxanbaWiAVDREIyDF7wJZqY4gBP0VVWGrf4AICqQk7Rz_epQMyLvBPWrRyO7rPyUuU/w640-h588/IMG_2631.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Even as many plants continued to be green, others knew it was time to shut down, even before the frost.</p><p>The hosta in particular were shutting down.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNFwM-kgwrXUFSf8NY4GoMukpW-jnTxCobWTnMyXjo1uhlJMXyLGgmq-VZWdfWl64PeHY-jvPzA6HUodQsJumH2JEzNo883-UIQtm4a8cfe34lufhhumFTJB07t8wrhjdY-_xemqTWHjGDtqLMfrCrc1qPbBkUU3-8J237vAVMb9F0XnW29pLXJS_7tg/s4032/IMG_2611.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNFwM-kgwrXUFSf8NY4GoMukpW-jnTxCobWTnMyXjo1uhlJMXyLGgmq-VZWdfWl64PeHY-jvPzA6HUodQsJumH2JEzNo883-UIQtm4a8cfe34lufhhumFTJB07t8wrhjdY-_xemqTWHjGDtqLMfrCrc1qPbBkUU3-8J237vAVMb9F0XnW29pLXJS_7tg/w640-h480/IMG_2611.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Some of the leaves are wonderful. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_oB4cLtq7PJVVbNCo9aeIvZSDV2aHhhp_d2e0wCYGbmtCGBqufZrMc-kWn_ZrjB4-MaBIqVx7iKbBctWaH8omIi7OeLzBmKpqnj_K1G62ozDKAWyzUUTpXcCVbRWsgEVZ75XiCIzhcb4ga86orwOB8Hy6yxwvgj_CuT2qYdLnaeNAzkAdkjyX5BgMiY/s4032/IMG_2613.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_oB4cLtq7PJVVbNCo9aeIvZSDV2aHhhp_d2e0wCYGbmtCGBqufZrMc-kWn_ZrjB4-MaBIqVx7iKbBctWaH8omIi7OeLzBmKpqnj_K1G62ozDKAWyzUUTpXcCVbRWsgEVZ75XiCIzhcb4ga86orwOB8Hy6yxwvgj_CuT2qYdLnaeNAzkAdkjyX5BgMiY/w480-h640/IMG_2613.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN3zDO1EQjuMTnFisnfCmCpjkMXuIaiKX9U9BguRSF6-MYJo3RHjsWvc63x9aEwKDi4Z9Anwhyphenhyphen2h4bI0Xq47arbMFSKatCtsqEbt2t0uiTSekmB-E-62TMHmXMSolMh-xRMUwTE4WX9xbET9SYsVj7KrlJCk6H0Pkt_Di8ojsM-QDWG-PUozaJgu74rFs/s4032/IMG_2620.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN3zDO1EQjuMTnFisnfCmCpjkMXuIaiKX9U9BguRSF6-MYJo3RHjsWvc63x9aEwKDi4Z9Anwhyphenhyphen2h4bI0Xq47arbMFSKatCtsqEbt2t0uiTSekmB-E-62TMHmXMSolMh-xRMUwTE4WX9xbET9SYsVj7KrlJCk6H0Pkt_Di8ojsM-QDWG-PUozaJgu74rFs/w480-h640/IMG_2620.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNyiZ4M6i907UaaRiUOLJV9SQrfu4BkWv7CaYMooOlf5AlTkL9ZTBYM5Wo_7TWBbABbXA8A32BAJJFzotfg_aY_3ym8t9sBPSR1McqDul1NdelA_mG5bXYoIlaJ7VUjkYyAi7Xz5XVkHT9E0yvQQuW_vVv5-JEO-DlXlcqtCjw5NFyouLx4iGpWxp2eo/s4032/IMG_2621.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNyiZ4M6i907UaaRiUOLJV9SQrfu4BkWv7CaYMooOlf5AlTkL9ZTBYM5Wo_7TWBbABbXA8A32BAJJFzotfg_aY_3ym8t9sBPSR1McqDul1NdelA_mG5bXYoIlaJ7VUjkYyAi7Xz5XVkHT9E0yvQQuW_vVv5-JEO-DlXlcqtCjw5NFyouLx4iGpWxp2eo/w480-h640/IMG_2621.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>Remarkably there were some hosta that were every bit as green as they had been in July. </p><p>Even after the frost there will be a number of plants that hold onto their green for a while. I think of pulmonaria, epimedium, and hellebores.</p><p><b>Preserving annuals</b></p><p>It is time for holding over certain garden annuals. I have many cuttings of persian shield. The first cuttings, from several weeks ago, are growing roots. We actually dug up a few plants Thursday to bring inside. I can report that once potted they did not even wilt. The fact it was overcast and a little rainy did not hurt. My goal with the persian shields is to have 20-30 plants by April.</p><p><br /></p><p>I mentioned last week that at closing time in the garden you sometime need the encouragement to go on. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Things to look forward to:</b></span></p><p><b>New Tree peony or two that will bloom</b></p><p>There are several tree peonies that might bloom for the first time this coming spring. These are pictures of the largest plant in the middle of the back yard. There are clues that it might be ready. First it is close to 12 inches tall at the point. Second the bottom 5-6 inches looks like a twigg. Finally it has formed a bud at the top. Tree poenies do that. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vAqQUYDpdGlmJ2Yt7sKovHEV3kJrvgLLkFt-XPAbahQNTc48SMXrNbllUDPk4-6LPl6CPVcVDvCmpnaRVhDIXe9h8MOjHHHGQhhllcCjm7zcdXC4DfYg9pnrGMBotDg3v-2ukIcqkcPZa_fxR3SA_EVd5LkCpA673_eOxCRfW7T1-fC2YlpoCCD-zgM/s4032/IMG_2570.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vAqQUYDpdGlmJ2Yt7sKovHEV3kJrvgLLkFt-XPAbahQNTc48SMXrNbllUDPk4-6LPl6CPVcVDvCmpnaRVhDIXe9h8MOjHHHGQhhllcCjm7zcdXC4DfYg9pnrGMBotDg3v-2ukIcqkcPZa_fxR3SA_EVd5LkCpA673_eOxCRfW7T1-fC2YlpoCCD-zgM/w480-h640/IMG_2570.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1lWLfLMiMMv0UrIvILbjmLNJ3VL2P7YZKk7mwpObAzN5Bgdw-bWNQY-WuS9rPiUQyKNY-lsu5hUM32gS4Y1S3HCV0SrOg8r-Q7tZ63-7Fx3JZffhyOxGabxnXTMsRxeZ7pQgaSrmZI8e2-42mGCM52F5X9Qv1I_ZYulIWo9fDbioPta4GT-T4xbZpdY/s4032/IMG_2572.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1lWLfLMiMMv0UrIvILbjmLNJ3VL2P7YZKk7mwpObAzN5Bgdw-bWNQY-WuS9rPiUQyKNY-lsu5hUM32gS4Y1S3HCV0SrOg8r-Q7tZ63-7Fx3JZffhyOxGabxnXTMsRxeZ7pQgaSrmZI8e2-42mGCM52F5X9Qv1I_ZYulIWo9fDbioPta4GT-T4xbZpdY/w480-h640/IMG_2572.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>It takes 4-5 years for a tree peony seedling to bloom. That seems like a long time. The plan is to have some new ones show up each year. After 3-4 years you have a crop at every stage in developement. Each year you would then have ones that would bloom for the first time.</p><p><b>Martagon Lilies</b></p><p>As I mentioned last week, I just planted about a dozen new martagon lilies. That just about doubled the number planted. I am so looking forward to spring and watching them develope. Mae West said something like "too much of a good thing is just about right."</p><p>The marties as they are knows, bloom in early June this year. I hope they will get bigger and bigger. Of course sometimes the instructions explain they may not come up or bloom until the second year. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCyXDx9tk9Rtc8sEVKCYtwVhjtB1QUz9Go4ipRUQ61XkHdt9Usis3wz7ULVUuToupS6wjopAV0yRubMmO1YSwlPqJMg8SZ-fSt9Ishm1Sy05pPRSdPX12S0_ssVDXJsS3IcvFjRVejv4ZHvWhz5dGFyFumYViYWaKtrQihVeGEfIEey4Kacc9T3y8BXQ/s4032/IMG_0885.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCyXDx9tk9Rtc8sEVKCYtwVhjtB1QUz9Go4ipRUQ61XkHdt9Usis3wz7ULVUuToupS6wjopAV0yRubMmO1YSwlPqJMg8SZ-fSt9Ishm1Sy05pPRSdPX12S0_ssVDXJsS3IcvFjRVejv4ZHvWhz5dGFyFumYViYWaKtrQihVeGEfIEey4Kacc9T3y8BXQ/w480-h640/IMG_0885.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBjsPx28M22_mWJaeGAD3XkxDuTSInfcuZTCt0YzWgh_TT-vEx_z0X1BRN6FkHBoGbpbbzmL-WNZQqMF3JcAA777jbgR1vmG_VBMpUGKnyFBNMzNE6GO2MNvfYaOTgpi70EIV2h0YdOkKQUJ6y4UzPD35Alx2Q84K9bIa1APsWvcE5Bqc5s8AD7wmSGBQ/s4032/IMG_0886.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBjsPx28M22_mWJaeGAD3XkxDuTSInfcuZTCt0YzWgh_TT-vEx_z0X1BRN6FkHBoGbpbbzmL-WNZQqMF3JcAA777jbgR1vmG_VBMpUGKnyFBNMzNE6GO2MNvfYaOTgpi70EIV2h0YdOkKQUJ6y4UzPD35Alx2Q84K9bIa1APsWvcE5Bqc5s8AD7wmSGBQ/w480-h640/IMG_0886.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWE_oZZEuBTr6kRhZxhA39tZR82AYb3eDX9XlvHsAAYjj8j7MPbjzzb8fvLQd8n234uycChLmtPwBSOH_mtzudKqkDYI9sE2lTTq1VLA-Dvyxeg-FGGKWXk85tSSOzfxQXjpSMfPpN9RKFaa2LcWjpd7bz-PT3c6hUcfbhzUku89s2OuM787Mw8FT1bjs/s4032/IMG_7446.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWE_oZZEuBTr6kRhZxhA39tZR82AYb3eDX9XlvHsAAYjj8j7MPbjzzb8fvLQd8n234uycChLmtPwBSOH_mtzudKqkDYI9sE2lTTq1VLA-Dvyxeg-FGGKWXk85tSSOzfxQXjpSMfPpN9RKFaa2LcWjpd7bz-PT3c6hUcfbhzUku89s2OuM787Mw8FT1bjs/w480-h640/IMG_7446.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Video of an ending garden.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxE6PDeHH0W0oaz0Th8HSuPNFgHofeJ_7aOy5AG-AAo2f-i-tZThEFggeRgxOTefcJ88HUwfnUEf3xQ9AqZ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p>Bulbs</p><p>With the migration ending I now need to turn my attention to bulbs. I planted the martagon lilies. But I have many more to plant. Aconite, anemone blandas, and alium. That is just the letter A. I did get some iris bucharica. I had some of those quite different iris in the past. I think I was down to only one plant this year. </p><p>Of course it is not as easy as saying I need to plant bulbs. I need to have an idea of where they will go. Then after tonight I have to have the ground not be frozen. Fortunately the temperatures should rebound and be above freezing after maybe 4 nights.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Julia's recipe</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Apple pie </b></span></p><p>I thought I had posted a recipe for apple pie at some point in the past, but I find I have not. It is apple pie time of the year, and also we have some video of apple pie making while we were in Maine which is charming. So here you go. This recipe is largely Betty Crocker, reliable as to midwestern cooking. I use more apples than she calls for, and she likes two crust pies but I don't. Otherwise, she and I are on the same page.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOT-Xt2M_GCIiYPZ7kBHnPydPb5sav-gdNLsP8nGeAW9u13UGn6Hb3-i8l4Yr4kyWP-kiMwKR3cpYCH36Eq-ZLA6c46Fw8lYn42IwmyQNTO2Wg8cM1t8ALxBBsGijbGNZ4JVGbn5zgzinlDWEGFV0oPwFTmPcvkqCQuo_jjXc1khAI6dwfaVfF4oov58Y/s4032/IMG_2552.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOT-Xt2M_GCIiYPZ7kBHnPydPb5sav-gdNLsP8nGeAW9u13UGn6Hb3-i8l4Yr4kyWP-kiMwKR3cpYCH36Eq-ZLA6c46Fw8lYn42IwmyQNTO2Wg8cM1t8ALxBBsGijbGNZ4JVGbn5zgzinlDWEGFV0oPwFTmPcvkqCQuo_jjXc1khAI6dwfaVfF4oov58Y/w400-h300/IMG_2552.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The ingredients:</p><p>1 9" pie crust (Philip made one for me. There's also storebought);</p><p>about 7-1/2 cups peeled, cored and sliced apples of various kinds (more on this below);</p><p>3/4 cup of sugar;</p><p>1/3 cup of flour;</p><p>1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg;</p><p>3/4 teaspoon cinnamon; and</p><p>1/4 teaspoon salt.</p><p>For the topping:</p><p>1 cup flour;</p><p>1/2 cup (1 stick) butter (not shown); and </p><p>1/2 cup brown sugar. </p><p>About apples: use several kinds if you can, to add some depth of flavor. Do not use Red Delicious which have no flavor and are mealy. Yuck. Do not use Granny Smith which take a very long time to soften in a pie. I also don't like Winesap or Rome, but I have less strong feelings about them than I do about RD and GS. Early in the season, Lodi, Greening and Yellow Transparent apples are tart and tender, making up nice soft and tart pies. On this occasion, I was using several different kinds from the farmer's market: Jonagold, Song of September, Zestar and (I think) Orleans Antique. Buffalo Ridge Orchard is a mainstay of the farmer's market so we get to try lots of different kinds of apples. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaC_J_RpZIePR0ocqFR9URNhwbb3ThPXI0K2W8q6ZpEgw8KWI_k-GfyuFSW0tqDkg2joT90Opqw4uunlaj_gUbyPOsSBejh38DPuYEcc0tih7CFQH7O6l6PO9_kmEfg_aPqrXtDMRdE9GeofjSPeB94jxjKffxuIAAJ8cNrp3xtoyXEavNBB_IzgpqupQ/s4032/IMG_2553.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaC_J_RpZIePR0ocqFR9URNhwbb3ThPXI0K2W8q6ZpEgw8KWI_k-GfyuFSW0tqDkg2joT90Opqw4uunlaj_gUbyPOsSBejh38DPuYEcc0tih7CFQH7O6l6PO9_kmEfg_aPqrXtDMRdE9GeofjSPeB94jxjKffxuIAAJ8cNrp3xtoyXEavNBB_IzgpqupQ/w400-h300/IMG_2553.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I started by peeling (and then quartering and coring) all of the apples.</p><p>It turned out that 6 apples of various kinds and sizes did the trick. I had an apple on stand-by just in case, plus more in the refrigerator. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuR5uWrtTb-_0EdT2n42v2rUu4SlQOcXkNMtzi_0rb0K-y5exq5A5EfogGxxtXUddZ0_IdGu_9cZoqWusPv7pdMcZErt8NN7Ax8oKLRR_Ba2T9XV5guY0KTJQMlBxfqbUEwN-QHqBS-h_l_SlggWkYQ15kRl6CKIMJ81H-e7G7WeaE9f3qLTsvFpyROQo/s4032/IMG_2556.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuR5uWrtTb-_0EdT2n42v2rUu4SlQOcXkNMtzi_0rb0K-y5exq5A5EfogGxxtXUddZ0_IdGu_9cZoqWusPv7pdMcZErt8NN7Ax8oKLRR_Ba2T9XV5guY0KTJQMlBxfqbUEwN-QHqBS-h_l_SlggWkYQ15kRl6CKIMJ81H-e7G7WeaE9f3qLTsvFpyROQo/w400-h300/IMG_2556.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>A pile of apple quarters. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBcFHYhkKqZGRVgPKTwhUNMetow8NrgFWCiLr5c-IRRuruxxb0s9H7o_0V_jUUuvn8fvtS8VQhTIOHNLL_OJYZLMOYHsPLhqEe5nlOleqXH8jLJ5fx0e0xSepkBRPUVP3bGw9EoFA2saZioFa1anznfAPhUN1861Pg67hphY90xkDaY4TdZPi-0nWjWE/s3024/IMG_2557.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2556" data-original-width="3024" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBcFHYhkKqZGRVgPKTwhUNMetow8NrgFWCiLr5c-IRRuruxxb0s9H7o_0V_jUUuvn8fvtS8VQhTIOHNLL_OJYZLMOYHsPLhqEe5nlOleqXH8jLJ5fx0e0xSepkBRPUVP3bGw9EoFA2saZioFa1anznfAPhUN1861Pg67hphY90xkDaY4TdZPi-0nWjWE/w400-h338/IMG_2557.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I sliced the quarters in half (hence, eighths) and then sliced across to make small, thin (say 1/8" or so) apple bits. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8x1_R21JTZPjFnATw10keK-ZmsvJmyVTnJKWRTRN9pdIA8O1VFn2O3k8f-aILHbHNESqjbhhNWBUu-H8KV3ZnjEadAr-lCEfTJtAnbefqWAkkztpBuN-Abu85tNN0qWWTenfL18vmjoZp0l4aLI0qlZ9F2PEb1PuC79imjL3OeVkWzyvJqtAJ-nQdufc/s4032/IMG_2559.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8x1_R21JTZPjFnATw10keK-ZmsvJmyVTnJKWRTRN9pdIA8O1VFn2O3k8f-aILHbHNESqjbhhNWBUu-H8KV3ZnjEadAr-lCEfTJtAnbefqWAkkztpBuN-Abu85tNN0qWWTenfL18vmjoZp0l4aLI0qlZ9F2PEb1PuC79imjL3OeVkWzyvJqtAJ-nQdufc/w400-h300/IMG_2559.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I put all of the apple slices in a big plastic measuring bowl. Very old. I recently realized it was part of a tupperware set we got as a wedding present. </p><p>Next, I put the flour, sugar, cinnamon and salt into a bowl. I am grating a nutmeg, using a very old nutmeg grater.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0zSRVob9zmKOQxXqvM1KpCc7SLRO3S4ah6jQnF9JOV9HbFV34its8U9ytzK1v4LhBnPB1m4nKs37L0VC2blF7nT-FZ-jMUVSoHU_drN2UykIIpJy7DZiCElpjvqxXxxmIUD1VDiF_BigtGOmMzJbPX8yztueRVZKS1A28_-LclYmF4jPJ1jKNW0e0-c/s4032/IMG_2561.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0zSRVob9zmKOQxXqvM1KpCc7SLRO3S4ah6jQnF9JOV9HbFV34its8U9ytzK1v4LhBnPB1m4nKs37L0VC2blF7nT-FZ-jMUVSoHU_drN2UykIIpJy7DZiCElpjvqxXxxmIUD1VDiF_BigtGOmMzJbPX8yztueRVZKS1A28_-LclYmF4jPJ1jKNW0e0-c/w400-h300/IMG_2561.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I stirred the dry stuff together.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-KHJPUTVdWLeBzS2lWEZPEfEwWry1PvGBTuMpOO-uYtI3Y7eZ8iDa5QWw9RzlY519Tm81KK1a0CiRZhyGcG8BR5TXdvtaH3JUMbDBpVDHFHmjwAoJqXgRenYaEhGDJQ0lIqHPER9iJEK8H2TyKbZY-qBpt0NXgsUiHOSGedLBlrZR6KcIzb4SlFtjYM/s4032/IMG_2562.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-KHJPUTVdWLeBzS2lWEZPEfEwWry1PvGBTuMpOO-uYtI3Y7eZ8iDa5QWw9RzlY519Tm81KK1a0CiRZhyGcG8BR5TXdvtaH3JUMbDBpVDHFHmjwAoJqXgRenYaEhGDJQ0lIqHPER9iJEK8H2TyKbZY-qBpt0NXgsUiHOSGedLBlrZR6KcIzb4SlFtjYM/w400-h300/IMG_2562.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>And added the apple slices to the flour-sugar-spice mixture. And used a big wooden spoon to turn the contents of the bowl over to mix the apples and the dry stuff gently.</p><p>I preheated the oven to 375 degrees.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>And here we are on the apple pie baking day in Maine. Christopher and Maisie were doing the gentle mixing. Katie was standing by. Maisie was hampered in her mixing as she was trying to eat a chocolate chip cookie at the same time. </p><p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxNLBCawIwvpatMWeeVSOj--1IspCT6voESz5YZyBioGYcjkjFhMLPyLVVTkG0Ek4kQ4f9y17S-aqswDDpy' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTJbVwhzvR0k19lbEPhdhyoZnq6a6ZA9FPZodd7uCdpr_wtWxM7Dmy_AzodJd0AbhronQRf_mF0RzUPKZLrloewdiVs24D3K-f9CnuBhL3M3GeVWbwsA7tb9atgLkH9v5pEeJ8126GHKA_xHDsw4lgNuBMhY2AEjM6pg1_K_41CXcG55V3DVA1RgTMbQ/s4032/IMG_2563.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTJbVwhzvR0k19lbEPhdhyoZnq6a6ZA9FPZodd7uCdpr_wtWxM7Dmy_AzodJd0AbhronQRf_mF0RzUPKZLrloewdiVs24D3K-f9CnuBhL3M3GeVWbwsA7tb9atgLkH9v5pEeJ8126GHKA_xHDsw4lgNuBMhY2AEjM6pg1_K_41CXcG55V3DVA1RgTMbQ/w300-h400/IMG_2563.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>After everything was mixed, I piled the apples into the pie crust. It looks like too many apples, but it's not. Apples shrink in the baking. You may need to do a bit of tucking apple bits into gaps in the filling. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Here is a video of the process of transferring the apples from the bowl to the pie crust. Cooperatively, in alternate cupfuls (cupsful?).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzY3PJ9L4_j_MXxkBpEZiVOgksX9WeZYxN78B_GmAlQRnbG4YVxZEJVLOVWOh_AQcAuNcpxjD_3wU5cRNm7' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_G_acCPHfjn0k02KkzYHbd8u3HnVn6NHWQTA6HsP5XdXKM3tqOFqdq1V3d-C1JEZWmAiH4UVIqKOv_Q2PrIVj4R7Z3LrjhJjx4h6wRJXbT1h3Z71npFd4PV4CSiw4XLBV2APf4BoAwMwMtHrspw1iQxpwMEehrPXE7kaC8yvtYHh7wXb9VfpGqjuWNjA/s4032/IMG_2565.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_G_acCPHfjn0k02KkzYHbd8u3HnVn6NHWQTA6HsP5XdXKM3tqOFqdq1V3d-C1JEZWmAiH4UVIqKOv_Q2PrIVj4R7Z3LrjhJjx4h6wRJXbT1h3Z71npFd4PV4CSiw4XLBV2APf4BoAwMwMtHrspw1iQxpwMEehrPXE7kaC8yvtYHh7wXb9VfpGqjuWNjA/w300-h400/IMG_2565.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Once the pie crust was full of apples, I turned my attention to the streusel topping. And here are the ingredients in the bowl - the same bowl the apples had been in. No need to dirty another bowl. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAga0RcfFdGP7r5fHW1KvOo9edTqwvum_y6vv0LQLN4FlIzW88loeAHDHkEMqmQlGOGuqzKVgdUPJYVu6IPzOhSec1ARpS01OxzL2ncDy2vaIYVnEWFNiXB0QiEGnKiOK4fI_c8UAj8IO0Dzt4974obrGwW7JOHg2Mdc34jmZ4DD4VVR_pBGnT0_uovfY/s4032/IMG_2566.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAga0RcfFdGP7r5fHW1KvOo9edTqwvum_y6vv0LQLN4FlIzW88loeAHDHkEMqmQlGOGuqzKVgdUPJYVu6IPzOhSec1ARpS01OxzL2ncDy2vaIYVnEWFNiXB0QiEGnKiOK4fI_c8UAj8IO0Dzt4974obrGwW7JOHg2Mdc34jmZ4DD4VVR_pBGnT0_uovfY/w300-h400/IMG_2566.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>I used a pastry cutter to cut the butter cubes into the flour and brown sugar. I worked it until the butter was in roughly pea-sized pieces. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNnA9Fu61x6zWv_PDaD6zG1fK0mo0mZ2jeQ9wBZYSO8ncGUluui81n8UDV4hzZyqhT3MoVBcRzLYfkzGsUkuYqxmBUaiHdNGXkw1LrHB_k_qK1N6Xvg2WmkWcR3fcIonGfg5tay0fbCzOQDi55tdCIHC2zwfXazZvPDm81b7FOnTEt2lrP3a-VwPXpf4/s4032/IMG_2567.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNnA9Fu61x6zWv_PDaD6zG1fK0mo0mZ2jeQ9wBZYSO8ncGUluui81n8UDV4hzZyqhT3MoVBcRzLYfkzGsUkuYqxmBUaiHdNGXkw1LrHB_k_qK1N6Xvg2WmkWcR3fcIonGfg5tay0fbCzOQDi55tdCIHC2zwfXazZvPDm81b7FOnTEt2lrP3a-VwPXpf4/w300-h400/IMG_2567.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Then I used a 1/2 cup measure to sprinkle the topping over the pie. Slightly messy, but fine. </p><p>Notice that the pie plate is in a rimmed baking sheet. Fruit pies tend to bubble over. Use of a rimmed baking sheet is really mandatory. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3wybQth1jKn1y1ySzrjZflPs6H7VmrMLlVeqSqHc7Qi1TLeLaAyuzK2SVZ2j2sWmF8zato2PCndiSoelHQ8Dky5bGXvkDuApu0adr18wUwwavH-JqAYJwoe5v6QK6sNKv-2ErUvITzDyOXVVhMB_ANowALB8Kvb1Splk047qjYt1U1q1o7Tk2sYtUKA/s4032/IMG_2568.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3wybQth1jKn1y1ySzrjZflPs6H7VmrMLlVeqSqHc7Qi1TLeLaAyuzK2SVZ2j2sWmF8zato2PCndiSoelHQ8Dky5bGXvkDuApu0adr18wUwwavH-JqAYJwoe5v6QK6sNKv-2ErUvITzDyOXVVhMB_ANowALB8Kvb1Splk047qjYt1U1q1o7Tk2sYtUKA/w300-h400/IMG_2568.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Into the oven, where it baked for a long time. And I didn't use Granny Smith apples! </p><p>I started checking after 1 hour. The apples were still resistant when poked with a bamboo skewer.</p><p>The pie ended up taking 1-1/2 hours to reach the correct degree of tenderness. Apple pies take the longest time. Peach pie or rhubarb pie or berry pies or pumpkin pie does not take as long. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadCWSuiW6Yl1qB5riGA1Wbrn2J6uXTxRcVPgZSUrR737_H1qivOONxF5L5KP2K7Cp1z_NOiIJDOYrJAF_ScWJnQtOjJgAqQioSCxOLil8fjTPGQ72LOcPLcTWfd0w00g0SPuBQHJ1drNvHLJEInZ30I4wS9X-xQnFzVdBVH2_NlQmyMeLxXyeXaXlMwc/s4032/IMG_2595.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadCWSuiW6Yl1qB5riGA1Wbrn2J6uXTxRcVPgZSUrR737_H1qivOONxF5L5KP2K7Cp1z_NOiIJDOYrJAF_ScWJnQtOjJgAqQioSCxOLil8fjTPGQ72LOcPLcTWfd0w00g0SPuBQHJ1drNvHLJEInZ30I4wS9X-xQnFzVdBVH2_NlQmyMeLxXyeXaXlMwc/w400-h300/IMG_2595.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>After the pie came out of the oven, it needed to cool on the counter to room temperature. If you want pie for supper, bake it in the morning or early afternoon. </p><p>But note how nicely it holds its shape. We did have pie for several days, both plain and with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Tasty both ways. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Odds and Ends</b></span></p><p>My sister sent me this story and picture. As you may know I have always been a fan of pumpkin art. These people carried it to the world record.</p><p><a href="https://hyperallergic.com/852757/massive-halloween-themed-pumpkin-mosaic-sets-new-world-record/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=D102723&utm_content=D102723+CID_6617dfc5dc1253da11b793702a413125&utm_source=hn&utm_term=world+record+for+the+largest+mosaic+made+of+gourds">https://hyperallergic.com/852757/massive-halloween-themed-pumpkin-mosaic-sets-new-world-record/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=D102723&utm_content=D102723+CID_6617dfc5dc1253da11b793702a413125&utm_source=hn&utm_term=world+record+for+the+largest+mosaic+made+of+gourds</a><br /></p><p>A friendly vendor at the farmer's market gave us 15-20 smaller pumpkins yesterday. I will store them someplace until maybe Thanksgiving. Then we will carve them and hang them in the trees.</p><p>If you find something odd, let me know about it.</p><p><b>Leaves</b>- They are finally coming down. I will need to at least rake any bed that will have bulbs added.</p><p>I often close on the somber note, thinking about the world, the country, or just Iowa. So much violence. So much killing. So much disfunction. The events in Lewiston, Maine were only 35 miles from Portland. That is where Katie and family live. I understand they closed the school in Portland, with the shooter on the loose. Think about how one would explain that to first graders. It would be a crash course in reality.</p><p>Then there is the clown show put on by the House Republicans. It would be amusing if the consequences were not so serious. </p><p>And there is Iowa. It is not Florida or Texas, but it is going in that direction. </p><p>I must stop.</p><p>Pray for peace and more sensible government. I read how some people disparage prayer. They say that prayer does not do anything. Well, if prayer is all you do, I understand the criticism. Prayer has to lead to you to do something. It has to lead you to do something. Maybe the biggest prayer should be for strength.</p><p>You may not be able to personally stop climate change. But you can and must do the little things. You can then be part of something bigger, that might do something, eventually.</p><p>Martin Luther King, Jr. reminded us that "the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." </p><p>Change takes a long time, but it does happen.</p><p>Work for change, and find your balance.</p><p>Until next week. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznbZmt_VX3-iaSGA_fR5sa5h46wzNp_dOsvE6BPa1ohNDc2LejoxJfVYOoaPqreUvRlsFyUY_dWUkTbte2ht8RQ_3S9z-mkSYd_HKJK4MJYwI7Cv112IpjBiblTqnARfbwO__IsKLaC8LUAns970I8gUzJ7dPZMfwbFG38NZRN7ncR6AWSaD01lMnjpo/s4032/IMG_9644.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznbZmt_VX3-iaSGA_fR5sa5h46wzNp_dOsvE6BPa1ohNDc2LejoxJfVYOoaPqreUvRlsFyUY_dWUkTbte2ht8RQ_3S9z-mkSYd_HKJK4MJYwI7Cv112IpjBiblTqnARfbwO__IsKLaC8LUAns970I8gUzJ7dPZMfwbFG38NZRN7ncR6AWSaD01lMnjpo/w480-h640/IMG_9644.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">February 26, 2023</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Philip</p>philip Mearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04384629201161240341noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509434911388799.post-86285972646403383712023-10-22T06:00:00.002-05:002023-10-22T06:00:48.267-05:00October 22, 2023- Home again<p>Busy Busy Busy</p><p>It is an exciting time in the garden. I would enjoy it more if there was not so much to do.</p><p>We got home last Monday night, after 11 days on the road. We managed two posts for this blog while on the road. Particularly while we were on the road it was so good to hear from so many of you. We had responses from Iowa, Minnesota, Florida, Maine, Maryland, New York, and Wisconsin. I am still waiting to hear from Ohio and Missouri. Are there other people out there from other states? You can reply either by using the comments section of the blog, or by emailing us at philip.mears@gmail.com. </p><p>We are home where there has not yet been a frost. It looks like a certainty right after next weekend. There are temperatures in the upper 20's predicted in 7-8 days. The main question is whether it will hold off for one more weekend.</p><p>The outside garden is closing down. The buckeye tree and the walnut tree have lost most of their leaves, particularly after the very windy day yesterday.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzQ2ftssO8dq_GAsFE2pf7Uj1fjy63DJ7nLvJOX5nqgLXOYlZ-1HEQkfmFGtxa91nbPyqw9k7n-rPkkKzbU' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p><br /></p><p>Actually it is an interesting time in the garden. There is a small dose of the present, with fall crocuses popping up, and the toad lilies being wonderful. There is a certain amount of the past, as I clean up plants that are finished for the year. But there is a big part of the garden that is the future. There are bulbs to plant, heralding what is going to start in less than 5 months. </p><p>Yesterday I finished planting about a dozen martagon lilies. This time I purchased the labels before the bulbs arrived. That way I could put the label right next to the hole.</p><p>It is planting time and harvesting time all at the same time. Dreams and reflections dance together. Look at this amaryllis harvest. After they had grown in the sun for the outdoor season, they had to be out of the City garden plot by October 13. Scott dug them for me while we were gone. Thank you Scott.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQn0YcSLSrV-F1Q83mSRf-dIEiRhzecmeOIqS83uxAJRV0nhF74sYk8Ykum6h8Kp34MMYNkm_dytNo0slf1xNFphb6EeC0XKgowtEkW9-CUxUVZkQX19zrGGzJN33S59dcHH8uKTBMuvNVEM_NLjYC_lvFFoFReE5XvwW0EU0FKwE7jqjhLpX0edjBHo/s4032/IMG_2513.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQn0YcSLSrV-F1Q83mSRf-dIEiRhzecmeOIqS83uxAJRV0nhF74sYk8Ykum6h8Kp34MMYNkm_dytNo0slf1xNFphb6EeC0XKgowtEkW9-CUxUVZkQX19zrGGzJN33S59dcHH8uKTBMuvNVEM_NLjYC_lvFFoFReE5XvwW0EU0FKwE7jqjhLpX0edjBHo/w640-h480/IMG_2513.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXce4J6NDG_3qmOzY_77_C9PbGhLG5WQx8A7rVvN-J0VT02meEItUJpxbTLxZmnJI6lIjzCKmY0NAp-8MkLVGfwxi0s6VHH7VXXa9JKMZqMqkw1VdADhGHZQbotJPJE6br9d9yaSgTLHaMF545gokQc5gF_OlgjkHh7sDt04E5saLW1evefILXTxavBM/s4032/IMG_2514.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXce4J6NDG_3qmOzY_77_C9PbGhLG5WQx8A7rVvN-J0VT02meEItUJpxbTLxZmnJI6lIjzCKmY0NAp-8MkLVGfwxi0s6VHH7VXXa9JKMZqMqkw1VdADhGHZQbotJPJE6br9d9yaSgTLHaMF545gokQc5gF_OlgjkHh7sDt04E5saLW1evefILXTxavBM/w640-h480/IMG_2514.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>The bulbs have been drying for the last week. They are now sufficiently dry.Today I will store them in peat moss for the winter, grading them by size. Any bulb that is at least 2 inches in diameter should bloom next year. Of course I have no idea what color they are. That will be some of their magic.</p><p>Adding to their mystery is the question of when they will break dormancy. They will get no moisture for months. Nevertheless there will be some bulbs that will just start a bud sometime after January. </p><p>My goal is to have them wait until spring. There really is something magical about having blooming amaryllis in the garden. When you can have several that just increases the grandeur.</p><p>This wonderful flower bloomed this summer, over at the garden plot. I suppose I could have marked the bulbs. Instead it has gone back into the big group.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnx74mILKx5ko5_BKWX-CsugRItxFjV0iwalWHHnOSbNIMpZKbklBK5sh3iNRFWwz2K-hOgzQ7DXKyNscFBBKSh6Mzfu72yhrOs43oeeRGwMyoYjX0QpfmrV6ogGZMzzXce0OnWXJEa1Q16Z1_TP600TblEJeelZDvIB8sDOQxFZWpDExq2sdnlDX3HI/s4032/IMG_2026.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnx74mILKx5ko5_BKWX-CsugRItxFjV0iwalWHHnOSbNIMpZKbklBK5sh3iNRFWwz2K-hOgzQ7DXKyNscFBBKSh6Mzfu72yhrOs43oeeRGwMyoYjX0QpfmrV6ogGZMzzXce0OnWXJEa1Q16Z1_TP600TblEJeelZDvIB8sDOQxFZWpDExq2sdnlDX3HI/w480-h640/IMG_2026.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Here were amaryllis on parade in June of 2022.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZ3rDNp5v7IR-h0WtjdkXIseBWR22eBfkxpfbSs_Cv9yQsVJ7pt1_sF0wMcQsttPkAgKeQ1qB5zbAb1Wd_UODyj5gcfrA1-4BOOlfyHhFksn9WkCPsIKJq-lY0R2TTLcKnEKo3JebYBdp8a-w_FiDsRUVdKTcel23zLJHqTo-kWCmgTRKynimdNAunqQ/s4032/IMG_7462.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZ3rDNp5v7IR-h0WtjdkXIseBWR22eBfkxpfbSs_Cv9yQsVJ7pt1_sF0wMcQsttPkAgKeQ1qB5zbAb1Wd_UODyj5gcfrA1-4BOOlfyHhFksn9WkCPsIKJq-lY0R2TTLcKnEKo3JebYBdp8a-w_FiDsRUVdKTcel23zLJHqTo-kWCmgTRKynimdNAunqQ/w640-h480/IMG_7462.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>The toad lilies are spectacular at the moment.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIX8zNRPc5JL_lZhtaPfKYY2Wl8d7I5XMSYi2EmDBWQUBmhnu5fpDIF4EPEUv5C9nHdlozM16zz2OoHt0CcB4My_LkuMBZbEJk8aqsnX_PhtkizfJlCRW6_baHV9409hrMu1D381XAX8WlV-yKrt6ULzsWHiyCu8tbeUNPc7dwkQ1LA3-UWiuGgYt2Ug/s4032/IMG_2510.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIX8zNRPc5JL_lZhtaPfKYY2Wl8d7I5XMSYi2EmDBWQUBmhnu5fpDIF4EPEUv5C9nHdlozM16zz2OoHt0CcB4My_LkuMBZbEJk8aqsnX_PhtkizfJlCRW6_baHV9409hrMu1D381XAX8WlV-yKrt6ULzsWHiyCu8tbeUNPc7dwkQ1LA3-UWiuGgYt2Ug/w640-h480/IMG_2510.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>They started to bloom a month ago. At that time they bloomed near the top of the stems. Now they are blooming all up and down the stems.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQz1IvGEXJJbXeMc22ldVvB5CpOcGAmM1VmY-f59y7MK1Dmd8OL5ZqCWeacEqg0942h_RuDDBAPwoKn2B5AxU5YGnqryPnODrK43vk6CuZKPhipQiOPzObjJ_9HP-ATv3bANXpDh8fZfS9yr0y710ufPZat8hN81BhcJPNbPJXaa02UCEwOs_ckmGkYss/s4032/IMG_2511.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQz1IvGEXJJbXeMc22ldVvB5CpOcGAmM1VmY-f59y7MK1Dmd8OL5ZqCWeacEqg0942h_RuDDBAPwoKn2B5AxU5YGnqryPnODrK43vk6CuZKPhipQiOPzObjJ_9HP-ATv3bANXpDh8fZfS9yr0y710ufPZat8hN81BhcJPNbPJXaa02UCEwOs_ckmGkYss/w640-h480/IMG_2511.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gWpTeyRpihFRtbOjhdpoJagC_fL1OC3HMyE5D4CcnPLPIifylNA4FQ8CRaoCy2GMb7FuVg2ReDMDFOyw9kAz8Tqo9RFBdBuobUDXOl-kNLJAC-X9n8fnrISX8gowYxp_3qAAY8G7yrOyjK0DbjubZNfaS2S4ySL1N4L0BYfhnD8mmZSZ-QBgNRu5AFE/s4032/IMG_2538.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gWpTeyRpihFRtbOjhdpoJagC_fL1OC3HMyE5D4CcnPLPIifylNA4FQ8CRaoCy2GMb7FuVg2ReDMDFOyw9kAz8Tqo9RFBdBuobUDXOl-kNLJAC-X9n8fnrISX8gowYxp_3qAAY8G7yrOyjK0DbjubZNfaS2S4ySL1N4L0BYfhnD8mmZSZ-QBgNRu5AFE/w640-h480/IMG_2538.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwb41julrfeo6CDrxYNVuB2kV-e7_XBvMWKSjoBdm6HRaJSL7wkDKekxKQct2znQ5TVaEb2XJS5CJcRKech' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Then there are the fall crocuses. These are true crocuses, being related to the spring bulbs. It only took one very sunny day for them to come out all over the place. That was Friday, which of course was a work day.</div><div>There were many crocuses at Katie's house in Maine last week. She had planted hers in the fall of 2022. They are supposed to bloom the same year you plant them. That makes them better that other bulbs that have to wait for the next season.</div><div>Katie's crocuses had really spread in just one year. Of course they had almost 50 inches of rain for the year. This is in contrast with Iowa where normal is 30 inches and we were 10 inches short this year.</div><div>Katie did confide that when she was planting the hundred crocuses she planted, sometimes she would drop two bulbs in one hole.</div><div>These pictures are from our garden.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiEj7bJeBqjf-jnGSRQtsWQWxa_Z4DM_nHWayQlG_2cUBZ3heeys4u4M0df0tBXMkKNRWOTKnqooYx2XWxLNOW-hV3DCEORRBZogu7msEIw-swVTtTI18Jz6y6aldLY9s0_EN4JHynNDOogp9WKeFdmGD1BYSC3ka6UTkZCz61VC2-1cTw2ELcjchl34/s4032/IMG_2529.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiEj7bJeBqjf-jnGSRQtsWQWxa_Z4DM_nHWayQlG_2cUBZ3heeys4u4M0df0tBXMkKNRWOTKnqooYx2XWxLNOW-hV3DCEORRBZogu7msEIw-swVTtTI18Jz6y6aldLY9s0_EN4JHynNDOogp9WKeFdmGD1BYSC3ka6UTkZCz61VC2-1cTw2ELcjchl34/w480-h640/IMG_2529.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The bees do appreciate the toad lilies and the crocuses. There are not all that many flowers these days.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPjIjpAjo7qPdaUjTL6GVrNU9FNyoCZNqyZYZ31kfR5SrsgSwYALZcaUVBALK-YBKeiYEyGrLNMnvfnmAKw9gcOo0AkBMRJlgxvGT7xp59KhOHCe0Eh2e8wOR0___kfOyS0IdYumR2fBaGqYBAtkaC6fdhutPv6nsUHgNf59EsQrujsn94tyUNd_V6kE/s4032/IMG_2527.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPjIjpAjo7qPdaUjTL6GVrNU9FNyoCZNqyZYZ31kfR5SrsgSwYALZcaUVBALK-YBKeiYEyGrLNMnvfnmAKw9gcOo0AkBMRJlgxvGT7xp59KhOHCe0Eh2e8wOR0___kfOyS0IdYumR2fBaGqYBAtkaC6fdhutPv6nsUHgNf59EsQrujsn94tyUNd_V6kE/w480-h640/IMG_2527.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieF5w4VZAMvZebxJo4u6X1p_OFWQnRb-Cqs6hgOz7onduKIJk2kQosi34ZalNwMbhIUOafjKc6_2E5L9JK8HvwTlkgAJd0_OuIFrY-tx96uRltqJwpGSTptAwGDo166eMGjiYIvsbiGemHFlKBarQia5VZ35RhZNJU9uEryK5tQbwcLm23nJMPyu_0A8U/s4032/IMG_2550.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieF5w4VZAMvZebxJo4u6X1p_OFWQnRb-Cqs6hgOz7onduKIJk2kQosi34ZalNwMbhIUOafjKc6_2E5L9JK8HvwTlkgAJd0_OuIFrY-tx96uRltqJwpGSTptAwGDo166eMGjiYIvsbiGemHFlKBarQia5VZ35RhZNJU9uEryK5tQbwcLm23nJMPyu_0A8U/w480-h640/IMG_2550.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>There is so much to do.</p><p>The plant migration has begun. This fall I even had some lettuce starts almost already to eat. They are now under lights in the basement.</p><p>My collection of cattleya orchids has grown considerably. Remember cattleyas? I took the advise of the local orchid group and repotted several. That mostly meant dividing them. That in turn meant there were more of them.</p><p>This plant started to bloom on October 2.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw67HBnfcQHvMt_RKIlkgJWhJlSeAc2hRQy-Nb3EbCvDNLS9TcY1iHmcEFeqxtm2aA-14h1Dhb4Yf_SGtjsMPVYnPr30m3-teT-mJ06ytZ2YA8w9xZ8RXzUwVD5lW4QWSWUfI9g_PTMz8y-smBpyczA2h8-u5wZ43HrQwFHteCWotyLPMs_Go0L2KF_0Y/s4032/IMG_2282.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw67HBnfcQHvMt_RKIlkgJWhJlSeAc2hRQy-Nb3EbCvDNLS9TcY1iHmcEFeqxtm2aA-14h1Dhb4Yf_SGtjsMPVYnPr30m3-teT-mJ06ytZ2YA8w9xZ8RXzUwVD5lW4QWSWUfI9g_PTMz8y-smBpyczA2h8-u5wZ43HrQwFHteCWotyLPMs_Go0L2KF_0Y/w480-h640/IMG_2282.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The plant came inside with this picture taken on October 20. It blooms for weeks.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwJ33oRNR-B5SAxCy9OfC0YuQhRn0aTYOxg1qiLF1B3xXISjazDy5VISDh8ef4rD3nbY77xMVxoetYhk8FkL7s1-QIuNF3GCag5i1WXw3VMAC7Kkca83c8fVe6-LBKh9YbZhwdPYAyzwl-WtPjTp8P_XqWzNm7lkmT8uneUPXnbYeUaVIhx8dqUi70D0/s4032/IMG_2536.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwJ33oRNR-B5SAxCy9OfC0YuQhRn0aTYOxg1qiLF1B3xXISjazDy5VISDh8ef4rD3nbY77xMVxoetYhk8FkL7s1-QIuNF3GCag5i1WXw3VMAC7Kkca83c8fVe6-LBKh9YbZhwdPYAyzwl-WtPjTp8P_XqWzNm7lkmT8uneUPXnbYeUaVIhx8dqUi70D0/w480-h640/IMG_2536.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>The orchids are some of the first plants to come inside. </p><p>It is time to make cuttings of some of the favorite annuals. Many of these will be toast when it gets to 32 degrees. So far we have missed that frost. I understand there has been light frosts...in those low lying areas. But we mostly still have leaves on some of the trees. That does provide some protection from light frosts. </p><p>The kitchen windowsills are starting to fill up. Persian shield cuttings are in the must do category. I am trying lantana cuttings this fall. They take almost a month to root, but eventually they root. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0GPhikohbYDtSCJRLhQxZoT8Qs9rs04U0XRiIMyT3mybzvwF6-l-L4mo0qHuwh-c60kV2t1ZY5mrK6k0uYJ2eaCqq-9ecMwPU5E9U9bJIYaIuGrlw8t2vnwgBh9TNjpPLGbjIG9Gh2PpfQs2rLm9kVOr422b3bV1Suds_PpdqwAg6Zq5rnrinpavkMYg/s4032/IMG_2591.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0GPhikohbYDtSCJRLhQxZoT8Qs9rs04U0XRiIMyT3mybzvwF6-l-L4mo0qHuwh-c60kV2t1ZY5mrK6k0uYJ2eaCqq-9ecMwPU5E9U9bJIYaIuGrlw8t2vnwgBh9TNjpPLGbjIG9Gh2PpfQs2rLm9kVOr422b3bV1Suds_PpdqwAg6Zq5rnrinpavkMYg/w640-h480/IMG_2591.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>We were in Maine last week. Let me add a few more pictures.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVokkfn6n2sEyHEirbWp0x0q-Ls3ev-DLq23bLHijoktfdQCQDmamGhfuMqzPWRaCNXrkgCVuMWZCQuDFAHRrJ7bJJyuPDgZo9hdMHstFkVmlQVV1M_nwoYvMst4ZSQaD5ojN2aUwm8bFRvSekYZ3M_QGI0kLBFLz3_pJtoJC7qAaVukkH55iQA9fjOE/s4032/IMG_2416.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVokkfn6n2sEyHEirbWp0x0q-Ls3ev-DLq23bLHijoktfdQCQDmamGhfuMqzPWRaCNXrkgCVuMWZCQuDFAHRrJ7bJJyuPDgZo9hdMHstFkVmlQVV1M_nwoYvMst4ZSQaD5ojN2aUwm8bFRvSekYZ3M_QGI0kLBFLz3_pJtoJC7qAaVukkH55iQA9fjOE/w640-h480/IMG_2416.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1jB1Ix4ABqDfxNBM-tEf5Ts8caHAFKXa-_O0fNsAk3KmfZMStOownRdfmDXP8SdNamWjkYCTCoFBgZR3LbK0QeFH9OLBkR-_RKcfeMThuFyGi7AT4_jRpcySLtvSo-2W9pKfRdJyhpr9P1ZmuMcO8DRpRUZWbyZn-G60K7vZjvbUxQZRGSMj2F4T0Wk/s4032/IMG_2424.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1jB1Ix4ABqDfxNBM-tEf5Ts8caHAFKXa-_O0fNsAk3KmfZMStOownRdfmDXP8SdNamWjkYCTCoFBgZR3LbK0QeFH9OLBkR-_RKcfeMThuFyGi7AT4_jRpcySLtvSo-2W9pKfRdJyhpr9P1ZmuMcO8DRpRUZWbyZn-G60K7vZjvbUxQZRGSMj2F4T0Wk/w480-h640/IMG_2424.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The children were helping make apple pie. We had picked the apples.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0iV2f3lSnbCXev5I22WzYeylot7-ZN9bmYs8VqgKTf7dhxg2Nl1pGE-e_uMXRRr5LNxdTrt7NwTY2fTJ0IqER8CMfTwXZX4nnZdQmdyC10h8K1RBXBg94_pC6qH41RYnlRhXey8MP2pAMMCDA_Xp6qP4vjo6e0EY1F9P4Ub5ULIfJwo7Mi4CdcbwZTU/s4032/IMG_2450.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0iV2f3lSnbCXev5I22WzYeylot7-ZN9bmYs8VqgKTf7dhxg2Nl1pGE-e_uMXRRr5LNxdTrt7NwTY2fTJ0IqER8CMfTwXZX4nnZdQmdyC10h8K1RBXBg94_pC6qH41RYnlRhXey8MP2pAMMCDA_Xp6qP4vjo6e0EY1F9P4Ub5ULIfJwo7Mi4CdcbwZTU/w480-h640/IMG_2450.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Christopher is in a first grade soccer program. They have teams and outfits. Last Sunday there was a double header. Katie is the coach, who also acts as the referee. Julia and I were there for only part of the fun.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BuKo3rN-rAhzRf50DN97vYIxpo41eUOsuiTrINPC2H0W2hRbYyoEUZ7tvXNXDPxszp6Ig-s57vDoLeWdiLEtsTqxhZz_3ojLFcRrxxlaebmNFFS1v-oZEyUyZ4nUngfH5bRrECVkjsua7ehs43HFWotYyTJZZ6f1a-wesCmfT94Ea1f_6_MmxpUfq_8/s4032/IMG_2473.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BuKo3rN-rAhzRf50DN97vYIxpo41eUOsuiTrINPC2H0W2hRbYyoEUZ7tvXNXDPxszp6Ig-s57vDoLeWdiLEtsTqxhZz_3ojLFcRrxxlaebmNFFS1v-oZEyUyZ4nUngfH5bRrECVkjsua7ehs43HFWotYyTJZZ6f1a-wesCmfT94Ea1f_6_MmxpUfq_8/w480-h640/IMG_2473.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The nieghborhood had a wonderful climbing tree, which we think was a larch.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbPQifYJ0GHd6DI4MAuEdbAcNRJtu2i-U38Ox0OjbPx-uz48g7m5_1yt638VDLc-chZ34Wu5xdr_g63fI9xmwdoGktnx3r-zKJD5ykDT0YZsEfv2ahmKFCoFcdW-0qOUCqDDVFntmveul53oGndVcIc0ZLEEWEy-79FpJtLMT9HboiTPIyhcaWLhNqxk/s4032/IMG_2486.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbPQifYJ0GHd6DI4MAuEdbAcNRJtu2i-U38Ox0OjbPx-uz48g7m5_1yt638VDLc-chZ34Wu5xdr_g63fI9xmwdoGktnx3r-zKJD5ykDT0YZsEfv2ahmKFCoFcdW-0qOUCqDDVFntmveul53oGndVcIc0ZLEEWEy-79FpJtLMT9HboiTPIyhcaWLhNqxk/w480-h640/IMG_2486.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Maisie likes to carry a spray bottle and spray many things.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjN72ikwpiygZijojH-IvDh_1ngCX_00K8pEqoiY0wpz08-4KFlQOKrhDQcbAZUHHSw7vGSpIdY0NR-bFhC1v7M28fF_7UXQxZJnkuB8-qB9txgEvwqseKUZtaK-U-w7P83ajeJ9-OPf6HTxZTIub_FmtZC0ehZ4Z-2RAxHEsoobZCSMvyxisDlw-c8k/s3024/IMG_2488.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2533" data-original-width="3024" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjN72ikwpiygZijojH-IvDh_1ngCX_00K8pEqoiY0wpz08-4KFlQOKrhDQcbAZUHHSw7vGSpIdY0NR-bFhC1v7M28fF_7UXQxZJnkuB8-qB9txgEvwqseKUZtaK-U-w7P83ajeJ9-OPf6HTxZTIub_FmtZC0ehZ4Z-2RAxHEsoobZCSMvyxisDlw-c8k/w640-h536/IMG_2488.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Such concentration. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKLJtKICz1Bss0I1DoR8vxoNUpdGSPjOCqbzf8Smd2vUgXCTt9-WxX_0hySgoEnm2JdlKlTeK0Im5AKaJwfSX7e6v7MyoKCqksQb9TlYL1J494ZaUq5li7k5MIyGKpWY28c5lTHnr4RU_Nf0mf1izaUHsm_3pjxg2sihhdPCncu9wnydqzrDN5n9k_G4/s3077/IMG_2497.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3077" data-original-width="2908" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKLJtKICz1Bss0I1DoR8vxoNUpdGSPjOCqbzf8Smd2vUgXCTt9-WxX_0hySgoEnm2JdlKlTeK0Im5AKaJwfSX7e6v7MyoKCqksQb9TlYL1J494ZaUq5li7k5MIyGKpWY28c5lTHnr4RU_Nf0mf1izaUHsm_3pjxg2sihhdPCncu9wnydqzrDN5n9k_G4/w604-h640/IMG_2497.jpeg" width="604" /></a></div><br /><p>I can show you some videos from our trip, which I could not add to the blog on the road.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxfNY6QU16-MIFyhjrmej_-03IQc9F-fEsGMHyGKplV9yDpRvhPGCYxNVL6dKN00bSE1bqgU6WiXdwYw7Cs' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz8S5M30upx29ntQhSrKGDAuQEpHVL-QRBlbt1hQbW3QiT1xJtw1aKdRln3bZ7mVCtgRPByvlrUdM8bm3x3' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>There is a neighborhood trampoline.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyMIN30CMtMJ4zfbNG1sW4Z66zUSl1Y_HTvGPz-8rnoFODNxlvzDY6TWo-DLldZrLWwCT6azznpRFhZujkh' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>This was at the Portland Children's Museum.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxGUXFAzOv9NaqShF0ULwsAR5b4F6M46agoQwAWdIoREd3xLcAypUAwrhAwe1_C2dUc-VGi_0Ghi0P9GlaD' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p>Other pictures from the Iowa garden.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ooPK0uGWxOepjqrlyLFAN5GnIjYaBvvY8ndH1DjgJ2SBci3QT1JgYYKC37k-wsYhmdoKKB7G5_saed7qe5hXagJrlC72S0pK5CsAEG4SEvVQ1uxgsWY7N4oot2xs7QBuARoTwBFddw4sFNqS95McoqEVF6pURzH8WfXEapTyGNDESjdzzNKGpwU58bA/s4032/IMG_2506.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ooPK0uGWxOepjqrlyLFAN5GnIjYaBvvY8ndH1DjgJ2SBci3QT1JgYYKC37k-wsYhmdoKKB7G5_saed7qe5hXagJrlC72S0pK5CsAEG4SEvVQ1uxgsWY7N4oot2xs7QBuARoTwBFddw4sFNqS95McoqEVF6pURzH8WfXEapTyGNDESjdzzNKGpwU58bA/w480-h640/IMG_2506.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XRwCLmWDV5Dq6QLv3Wyc6-hgbacIqmIcSboRrHNQ1wOBCEAroULNlr0xCdxIh1PH5atnjelUYpO2h-30VM-DsCnpDHjHS5iLWlvp7GQl9YgEUgk11RKNyLy8kE4DM5FdoGiLL6VNtZSy3ywLnZG39t7ILu3fcieQah9287FF8L6FMGvPprvpsQZv1Ew/s4032/IMG_2534.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XRwCLmWDV5Dq6QLv3Wyc6-hgbacIqmIcSboRrHNQ1wOBCEAroULNlr0xCdxIh1PH5atnjelUYpO2h-30VM-DsCnpDHjHS5iLWlvp7GQl9YgEUgk11RKNyLy8kE4DM5FdoGiLL6VNtZSy3ywLnZG39t7ILu3fcieQah9287FF8L6FMGvPprvpsQZv1Ew/w480-h640/IMG_2534.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoeS-7BGs8Rf1SpIHvyGklRDAaYB_DFxJyHkL9y9ouzXqTs1jJYhpSpiu0_82QaKA0xKY_T-eGy0jNzNiV_LWyLjrpc2Qziw6aYIkIXb0mgnxt3Bwf6J8boCiCYLwoa2GVHkrs7UkE_jlEeEtAvud3oHG_O0yX-H04qR5v26WerWGofCl3q2-0vHv_Ec/s4032/IMG_2541.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoeS-7BGs8Rf1SpIHvyGklRDAaYB_DFxJyHkL9y9ouzXqTs1jJYhpSpiu0_82QaKA0xKY_T-eGy0jNzNiV_LWyLjrpc2Qziw6aYIkIXb0mgnxt3Bwf6J8boCiCYLwoa2GVHkrs7UkE_jlEeEtAvud3oHG_O0yX-H04qR5v26WerWGofCl3q2-0vHv_Ec/w640-h480/IMG_2541.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfiCluD7ziIT7GmrdU0MUoAAAbDRGWfdHuMKKd5dPM-3Bk8NrSF6iaBaDakTTNqxVt7ecGXi49EqEyhw9Mv8eN0Pu2EnlWhQpa8Su6MyyRWcugPYPzBWf8x2rbGruhY6-P0DUhNEWwoP8kpb4zGU8ay3V1QSxShtFgTUCAnD_epgXCn8BQ5pOa__MXw0/s4032/IMG_2547.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfiCluD7ziIT7GmrdU0MUoAAAbDRGWfdHuMKKd5dPM-3Bk8NrSF6iaBaDakTTNqxVt7ecGXi49EqEyhw9Mv8eN0Pu2EnlWhQpa8Su6MyyRWcugPYPzBWf8x2rbGruhY6-P0DUhNEWwoP8kpb4zGU8ay3V1QSxShtFgTUCAnD_epgXCn8BQ5pOa__MXw0/w480-h640/IMG_2547.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This is in a neighbor's yard.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3heBCJwt8KtDMF3lumVCqgTnWG7aRzZ1Csyw_A50gfZOV5UOJaodnzTz2GAJU2WtyD8hYypiIk8IoSDloI9W7R_n-YOi-M9Ix34Xsh2VQvSNd9gV4X5ZrgJQNpgXnQqcTmAZ7IctBVgegOCqq6BS4bldYmf-8klZvOP_g9lKxE163SRgDUlu06lq-Wz8/s4032/IMG_2548.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3heBCJwt8KtDMF3lumVCqgTnWG7aRzZ1Csyw_A50gfZOV5UOJaodnzTz2GAJU2WtyD8hYypiIk8IoSDloI9W7R_n-YOi-M9Ix34Xsh2VQvSNd9gV4X5ZrgJQNpgXnQqcTmAZ7IctBVgegOCqq6BS4bldYmf-8klZvOP_g9lKxE163SRgDUlu06lq-Wz8/w480-h640/IMG_2548.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH_LS6674gvNlqHeCPsMJtgVx4ia0FQnaJ2GGvGN955HWm9bfNfoAZaY_imV1to4sMKPMp_aWbyKnRo8SPfnzw6qvg2KvivxkWI_6yt6Ky26zgkuMfmCYgy8M-4WMaJY_4Yq2kDjP049eclpGqhlJ0AKMy0R2I5k-J4H0pxlTiCMCaFUfcgDVpNFEAQu0/s4032/IMG_2580.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH_LS6674gvNlqHeCPsMJtgVx4ia0FQnaJ2GGvGN955HWm9bfNfoAZaY_imV1to4sMKPMp_aWbyKnRo8SPfnzw6qvg2KvivxkWI_6yt6Ky26zgkuMfmCYgy8M-4WMaJY_4Yq2kDjP049eclpGqhlJ0AKMy0R2I5k-J4H0pxlTiCMCaFUfcgDVpNFEAQu0/w640-h480/IMG_2580.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Julia's recipe</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Pork, Peppers and Tomatoes</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Sometimes one cooks what is at hand. When we got home from Maine, we found several bell peppers that needed to be used up, plus a few tomatoes Maggie had picked up for us at the farmers' market. And I had a chunk of cooked pork. So that's what I made for supper. This is a sort of variation of sausage and peppers, for which there is a recipe on the kitchen blog, but I think this may be better - more complex. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIBb1OjK8c0WllpFe0hSy1_O1Hw4ZOstU4fZX0FI61w6VcyaTJu5tThReV9VD4VR3sB2o3ipYcy6nFuOKsbLuxEnZo2IpmDbeQY0FHldMnOqL9pkEFTOb93giGJB5gxf3p-vwNoJ26HKDWH8P-o-x8yxLY5ddQb2PpleGYdtNT4xzT60XHyWFP4RH0_I/s4032/IMG_2515.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIBb1OjK8c0WllpFe0hSy1_O1Hw4ZOstU4fZX0FI61w6VcyaTJu5tThReV9VD4VR3sB2o3ipYcy6nFuOKsbLuxEnZo2IpmDbeQY0FHldMnOqL9pkEFTOb93giGJB5gxf3p-vwNoJ26HKDWH8P-o-x8yxLY5ddQb2PpleGYdtNT4xzT60XHyWFP4RH0_I/w400-h300/IMG_2515.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>The ingredients: </div><div>3 cups of diced cooked pork;</div><div>1 cup sliced onion;</div><div>2 cups peppers, cut into squares;</div><div>2 cups tomatoes, cut into chunks;</div><div>1/4 cup olive oil;</div><div>1/2 cup white wine;</div><div>1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; and</div><div>salt plus red pepper flakes. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfEYHbqkSnW1zh3_EkgtQ191sfhqkyR9wNNn2X4snJRdJWWlTDAwbVrTzlkYFuqFSxwemEfcut1o6QdKVqgpwUx37cAr-GjVZYdESW21IB8mL76FiteG8VqpORn3AYRm1gWUzTagBjusGK2HE0HIUgXW-e_xz6Tt1QF12sZFEm13VpLBOqw3cukdzdnc/s4032/IMG_2516.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfEYHbqkSnW1zh3_EkgtQ191sfhqkyR9wNNn2X4snJRdJWWlTDAwbVrTzlkYFuqFSxwemEfcut1o6QdKVqgpwUx37cAr-GjVZYdESW21IB8mL76FiteG8VqpORn3AYRm1gWUzTagBjusGK2HE0HIUgXW-e_xz6Tt1QF12sZFEm13VpLBOqw3cukdzdnc/w300-h400/IMG_2516.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>I started by prepping all of the vegetables: cleaning and slicing the onion into half-moon slices about 1/4" thick; cleaning and cutting the peppers into about 3/4" squares; and coring and cutting the tomatoes into rough wedges. </div><div><br /></div><div>I also cubed up the pork. No leftover pork on hand? Leftover chicken would be nice or maybe salmon. Probably any meat or fish. Or you could leave meat out altogether. It would still be delicious. </div><div><br /></div><div>When the vegetables were prepped, I warmed the olive oil in a skillet and added the vegetables. I added some salt and red pepper flakes and stirred everything around. </div><div><br /></div><div>I cooked the vegetables until they were beginning to soften.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>A video of gentle stirring. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwoWkV0RxUK-L8GVCpsy2o6T_WfOH64pFo7kUHqthNh11Zt_Az_WCwedV3CRrahSvEWZ2xFngM3zNH9fs2a' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNWyMGcVzn0EqNGd4KDVHL8xgpuwU3S9iMxsFU1_f6e30xrVE5fPq3AV4P2HG3emBr5-MuOAtUDdZna0LzAEpoVEooRtRHwMIujVeK3AJKCsYzRxYLZPaZVC0_ttkBfk_FlV27Gvcv70ke4hoR7Z6_GHoYXmlb9ARP3i8pFNoZRcecq707XbeVP2tXU4/s4032/IMG_2518.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNWyMGcVzn0EqNGd4KDVHL8xgpuwU3S9iMxsFU1_f6e30xrVE5fPq3AV4P2HG3emBr5-MuOAtUDdZna0LzAEpoVEooRtRHwMIujVeK3AJKCsYzRxYLZPaZVC0_ttkBfk_FlV27Gvcv70ke4hoR7Z6_GHoYXmlb9ARP3i8pFNoZRcecq707XbeVP2tXU4/w300-h400/IMG_2518.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Meanwhile, the salted water in the saucepan had some to a boil and I added some Israeli cous cous. That's the bigger pasta kind. Other small pasta would be good. Or rice. </div><div><br /></div><div>Next I added the cut-up pork. More stirring, just to warm the pork and let the vegetables flavor it. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVsuGp68v-AxRShvSHMYyScirG8uM78X8p6akxo2BC0wQPj_Ny1ibZ0L1s8JYw5o8WLnq5QiWHws3rEplo6maY3VEiNfpB7rDsRFaW8iXF3fhRdJpTXHRLEk7A_eIzAF5P7-MPlEu81trx4HNnfQeCgirPxstMGy8JlaSxfnO6_ZdqktgJuFZLelQ9Mg/s4032/IMG_2519.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVsuGp68v-AxRShvSHMYyScirG8uM78X8p6akxo2BC0wQPj_Ny1ibZ0L1s8JYw5o8WLnq5QiWHws3rEplo6maY3VEiNfpB7rDsRFaW8iXF3fhRdJpTXHRLEk7A_eIzAF5P7-MPlEu81trx4HNnfQeCgirPxstMGy8JlaSxfnO6_ZdqktgJuFZLelQ9Mg/w300-h400/IMG_2519.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div>I stirred the pork in and added the 1/2 cup of wine. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEM0Z5FVJTPSpuPemzL9cYfRIolSJFoxO0hjIEoXZv1ChDgVEAq-W4N68zcKviPAxp-iY_AJvOVmteUvn4UqmPJfWndw5zZNdSR9obEz8GtrWNYE0R3ppb1ncTLphEw95JAb0hgK_I71Aqq-7V_rS8tWAEfhC9HEL0mmkMi-j59KT7zLxY8OPQzDGLdw/s4032/IMG_2520.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEM0Z5FVJTPSpuPemzL9cYfRIolSJFoxO0hjIEoXZv1ChDgVEAq-W4N68zcKviPAxp-iY_AJvOVmteUvn4UqmPJfWndw5zZNdSR9obEz8GtrWNYE0R3ppb1ncTLphEw95JAb0hgK_I71Aqq-7V_rS8tWAEfhC9HEL0mmkMi-j59KT7zLxY8OPQzDGLdw/w300-h400/IMG_2520.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>When the stuff in the skillet looked good, I added the parmesan cheese. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes a recipe will say to cook tomatoes until they get "jammy." This is actually a thing - the contents of the skillet did thicken some on their own. Pectin, I guess. And thickened further after the addition of the cheese. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mANRlewBiQ2qvm3Qp7iLTFvKPnrKNhB0YA1Iqe7n-qN2grK8e0cqD_y-eZ1CMXsdN9VU0J-3RaA8YW6WCtkV2u0yY6nFfQ8Wh_jSczNnhDHXsKA7LkAo6KSFDUSQ6jqPEgFvYNMzPZvEPHF8EhgVI8AZpq1XJljQtpLBol1-PTdn1nJywR_ysyWV3QY/s4032/IMG_2521.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mANRlewBiQ2qvm3Qp7iLTFvKPnrKNhB0YA1Iqe7n-qN2grK8e0cqD_y-eZ1CMXsdN9VU0J-3RaA8YW6WCtkV2u0yY6nFfQ8Wh_jSczNnhDHXsKA7LkAo6KSFDUSQ6jqPEgFvYNMzPZvEPHF8EhgVI8AZpq1XJljQtpLBol1-PTdn1nJywR_ysyWV3QY/w300-h400/IMG_2521.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>Stirring in the cheese.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcvA2kXLiGRavx8lx-YK1_o42pCiVfqcNoTQ3Dyc8o96Rf1XWx4f05AN80UYrsUPSMuoH53v20W6j4bn0dmW9SVYs2g7eExChT0E8LnPsfqJibX9OgyeBkeardUonS5Kvjw2AXbxnhxhX_BDibJ6X2qq-MsUlkJuWB5VtZwo9bWvN16bnm3zz0-FMToA/s4032/IMG_2522.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcvA2kXLiGRavx8lx-YK1_o42pCiVfqcNoTQ3Dyc8o96Rf1XWx4f05AN80UYrsUPSMuoH53v20W6j4bn0dmW9SVYs2g7eExChT0E8LnPsfqJibX9OgyeBkeardUonS5Kvjw2AXbxnhxhX_BDibJ6X2qq-MsUlkJuWB5VtZwo9bWvN16bnm3zz0-FMToA/w400-h300/IMG_2522.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>On the table. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvRqmx9pE-hxPV4nJwcwOEv85sGio7nkn6_KKQaPh8hNyDIRqcOGr1O8nqs2N7mcRfjeaSN-qfDmNiaN839p9ekiCH3hC0tzNmA_HeQ6sAk1iPpZYbOXrVnDJTDxKxL7K7eVM19rykI5y_UOv5o7cg2Vt1V0dkqrBM3-noz9JgIAEmjRjrQWMMY1CyR4/s4032/IMG_2524.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvRqmx9pE-hxPV4nJwcwOEv85sGio7nkn6_KKQaPh8hNyDIRqcOGr1O8nqs2N7mcRfjeaSN-qfDmNiaN839p9ekiCH3hC0tzNmA_HeQ6sAk1iPpZYbOXrVnDJTDxKxL7K7eVM19rykI5y_UOv5o7cg2Vt1V0dkqrBM3-noz9JgIAEmjRjrQWMMY1CyR4/w400-h300/IMG_2524.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Served up with some cous cous underneath and some extra parmesan on top. </div><div><br /></div><div>We had it with salad and berries and yogurt - our standbys. </div><div><br /></div><div>Leftovers were good. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Odds and Ends</b></span></p><p>The plant sale for the food banks is winding down. We are over $6100 for the year. We are finishing the fourth year. I look forward to next year. </p><p>Actually "looking forward to next year" is more than just an expression if you are a Cubs fan.</p><p>We are now less than 5 months from the middle of March. That is not that far away.</p><p>This picture was taken on February 15, 2023. That is less than 4 months away.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQXJKgwivu6W-Rvr3xHcpwInoe6IDQ6PNQ9Y9BVpuckFsAiwjM1vTyy4EPX0NAk_j5c6yrPqdOOq8jIHbVcs8ULMFF3_fjNeQ__qTd9ot19twQpdtv59jpS6yFD_rrPPvIMiFJfVPV6-x_VYAYcIAjxi5uljq75zMYyqK8vGR-aeQaWWv5myJJTol2wE/s4032/IMG_9581.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQXJKgwivu6W-Rvr3xHcpwInoe6IDQ6PNQ9Y9BVpuckFsAiwjM1vTyy4EPX0NAk_j5c6yrPqdOOq8jIHbVcs8ULMFF3_fjNeQ__qTd9ot19twQpdtv59jpS6yFD_rrPPvIMiFJfVPV6-x_VYAYcIAjxi5uljq75zMYyqK8vGR-aeQaWWv5myJJTol2wE/w640-h480/IMG_9581.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This picture was taken on March 20, 2023. We have had crocus bookends to this 2023 garden season.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3wFYIW-6jEowjL-5s4JoQ1hnrjbxOnGPM2Fl3nfCaqUTaW8KDL8v94lv0H5-mlSssc0WdorEIsb-OUcgJqi487yxjChDcFqLnIWfE8IkhaS2kWozgNk6O8qWwEoAcFoMmTn2C2e5rfPfKsi9yuZvE90CGUS3XMzC3dSJWvUcwUBT4s4bot2N6WFDNns/s4032/IMG_9858.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3wFYIW-6jEowjL-5s4JoQ1hnrjbxOnGPM2Fl3nfCaqUTaW8KDL8v94lv0H5-mlSssc0WdorEIsb-OUcgJqi487yxjChDcFqLnIWfE8IkhaS2kWozgNk6O8qWwEoAcFoMmTn2C2e5rfPfKsi9yuZvE90CGUS3XMzC3dSJWvUcwUBT4s4bot2N6WFDNns/w640-h480/IMG_9858.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I think maybe for next week I will come up with a list of some of the things I am looking forward to in the garden next year.</p><p>While we were away it was not a good time for the world. Words fail.</p><p>I fear for the world our grandchildren will inherit. Actually I fear for the world we might have in the coming months and years. </p><p>Pray for peace. Pray for us to have governments that have positive visions. Pray to replace those who do not.</p><p>In the meantime let us all gather ourselves for the coming cold time. It is of limited duration.</p><p>Philip</p></div>philip Mearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04384629201161240341noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509434911388799.post-55262939403388368432023-10-15T06:18:00.003-05:002023-10-15T06:18:23.917-05:00October 15, 2023- on the road week 2<p>We are in Maine. We go home tomorrow. </p><p>There is still limited technology. So I cannot show you videos. Next week.</p><p>I do so appreciate the replies and comments this past week. </p><p>There were replies from Iowa, Florida, New York, and Minnesota. If you are in another state let me know.</p><p><br /></p><p>Back to Maine.</p><p>The house is quiet, very early on Saturday morning. That will change soon. There will be the noise of little feet, running from one room to the next and then thumping down stairs and into our room. </p><p>We arrived Monday after an uneventful trip north. </p><p>Since then there has been cooking, and story reading, and plant acquisition, which then includes planting those plants.</p><p>On Friday, the children got to skip school (and preschool), and we took a trip to an apple orchard. The forecast was for 60 degrees and sunny. The orchards are about an hour north of Portland, back into very rural Maine. We got to the orchard and it was overcast and 48 degrees. We picked our two bags of apples and jumped back into the car with the heater. </p><p>But there were inflatables for the children to jump around on. The children, of course, were nowhere near as cold as the grownups. </p><p>After a shorter trip from the orchard, we stopped at a little farm store in Turner, Maine. Sometimes the really wonderful places are not on the agenda. There was lunch, but so much more. It was also a yarn store, where they made their own yarn. There were looms and a great big yellow cat plus several friendly dogs.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnx0Jul3aT2tk_LvrS5NDmqjvpSybMGlT3GzcIx3L024DymFmqagtsfIjIWRclcsraU3yrCNBUSeossMNeAFW3tipIAUzgYSu8M79Zx_XdNzj26NC00xJ-RV_jPySSp0b_8IxrIdCZWYxLy3zZlcFELESs4yVhD4L43cUEDZPvZNRwkU0HvkSxE_C_cyk/s4032/IMG_2431%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnx0Jul3aT2tk_LvrS5NDmqjvpSybMGlT3GzcIx3L024DymFmqagtsfIjIWRclcsraU3yrCNBUSeossMNeAFW3tipIAUzgYSu8M79Zx_XdNzj26NC00xJ-RV_jPySSp0b_8IxrIdCZWYxLy3zZlcFELESs4yVhD4L43cUEDZPvZNRwkU0HvkSxE_C_cyk/w400-h300/IMG_2431%20(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcShmM9dSHvIAFFjrL5x4pj5B128tdaILDC_CpeBcQJKLd-Q-SrrUpa_o9iUwa03SXib4bOzNDEqShxrp7U_AhL2kj156H6msXGJu9MpULoLfvT8A0S1cezmrSHk0os8DE04j_AHnZlBi3ZteqMqmf8lwTXc1ugtXc7ddK3UjHWDW3dKTuG-EB_wCrXM/s4032/IMG_2430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcShmM9dSHvIAFFjrL5x4pj5B128tdaILDC_CpeBcQJKLd-Q-SrrUpa_o9iUwa03SXib4bOzNDEqShxrp7U_AhL2kj156H6msXGJu9MpULoLfvT8A0S1cezmrSHk0os8DE04j_AHnZlBi3ZteqMqmf8lwTXc1ugtXc7ddK3UjHWDW3dKTuG-EB_wCrXM/w480-h640/IMG_2430.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflsGqdX-ykk515oSICBpQZNtfEHPhDX4ZH8O95QJ5IkxjJJZz7IM57FYfxG4z1PmMYgBwThqsSu8K1EO3d_rJ2yqMLDkv37M2E1r8Q0xrgK-CEIjJAIELu19lna80QKqvrPdX6NTi9i2Ub_DCqkJuwpglY6WuEIyhdsbB9UZy6BdHv3K7lN2_SJ7-Rm4/s4032/IMG_2429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflsGqdX-ykk515oSICBpQZNtfEHPhDX4ZH8O95QJ5IkxjJJZz7IM57FYfxG4z1PmMYgBwThqsSu8K1EO3d_rJ2yqMLDkv37M2E1r8Q0xrgK-CEIjJAIELu19lna80QKqvrPdX6NTi9i2Ub_DCqkJuwpglY6WuEIyhdsbB9UZy6BdHv3K7lN2_SJ7-Rm4/w480-h640/IMG_2429.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>More of this week in pictures</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQi5YiKnDOCDvEOud97fBON90Ny4t80V35NIDQnDfoT3IwKhrbi2q_lf7LT6mstShY7mGM0-QZxIs_HA_9zKz7DsBYfrA9Tbk9G_CPhaOL0xJ_Ws8Dr8dlFKfQXcqED5Xv-4-rxsB-rQiIhvf_P5BZzr9DfT0Q2Qy3Nd07g3w26QJjJ4qCNg3zJO-YuQA/s4032/IMG_2390.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQi5YiKnDOCDvEOud97fBON90Ny4t80V35NIDQnDfoT3IwKhrbi2q_lf7LT6mstShY7mGM0-QZxIs_HA_9zKz7DsBYfrA9Tbk9G_CPhaOL0xJ_Ws8Dr8dlFKfQXcqED5Xv-4-rxsB-rQiIhvf_P5BZzr9DfT0Q2Qy3Nd07g3w26QJjJ4qCNg3zJO-YuQA/w480-h640/IMG_2390.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYLxrcQqGr7caWvx8BJn5QLf6KAU5QjGd23u3oRGqCJ1teNifNKGNX_YWLeqbookLjPUfuBWfGrHjRZRKO9ehS-cjYbLNGZJqxKPpz9SbBoKWJH0Vz_4RBOJ086IGApgqVkYzuY0tfwIkjnT5Ifq5qElFO2CWyVl1MD8e_ayCm-m82Ksf2Rq-bJhyWsc/s4032/IMG_2408.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYLxrcQqGr7caWvx8BJn5QLf6KAU5QjGd23u3oRGqCJ1teNifNKGNX_YWLeqbookLjPUfuBWfGrHjRZRKO9ehS-cjYbLNGZJqxKPpz9SbBoKWJH0Vz_4RBOJ086IGApgqVkYzuY0tfwIkjnT5Ifq5qElFO2CWyVl1MD8e_ayCm-m82Ksf2Rq-bJhyWsc/w480-h640/IMG_2408.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Katie planted one of those flower seed mixes in her front yard. It is wonderful, particularly at this time of year. Here are just some pictures. Of course it helped that they had more than normal rain. While it was harder to determine just how much they have had, the best estimate is close to 50 inches. Iowa City has had less than half that amount. (Actually I understand that there has been over an inch of rain in the last few days in Iowa City. )</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2UZWw0w7BlhQMdhYwneazfmoorR75B5gCmYjL58bw5W00fFyXNLDwmLyUkTeagEnBuyqBgMu9yMysfwNKFELto3zXa9zbWXCLao_1QV0EftG9rkQPM9HaPO_wO6ZuOSisNVCKOwDqrE3x0-IKQo_jj2XyOPu6dlLLyvRqKKIj038d23d3DC8gn5tZW8/s4032/IMG_2383.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2UZWw0w7BlhQMdhYwneazfmoorR75B5gCmYjL58bw5W00fFyXNLDwmLyUkTeagEnBuyqBgMu9yMysfwNKFELto3zXa9zbWXCLao_1QV0EftG9rkQPM9HaPO_wO6ZuOSisNVCKOwDqrE3x0-IKQo_jj2XyOPu6dlLLyvRqKKIj038d23d3DC8gn5tZW8/w480-h640/IMG_2383.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhBLk-P4UlGVp9yYB_Qm4K_5aidDpE2J0xxfloG0BXq_aZkYAY09l0HNcLJ3ZoJcaG57xMzgB5tG2vZqmR6sklNO15J-atfsF0O_c5XBShcym8HWDPXoCH6wCZY0xQ0sgOla8KBZpi4mE-46W7LOrj98L5MPZ2R3hIpiuOA8f2679RMABkOe_EXojN_g/s4032/IMG_2376.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhBLk-P4UlGVp9yYB_Qm4K_5aidDpE2J0xxfloG0BXq_aZkYAY09l0HNcLJ3ZoJcaG57xMzgB5tG2vZqmR6sklNO15J-atfsF0O_c5XBShcym8HWDPXoCH6wCZY0xQ0sgOla8KBZpi4mE-46W7LOrj98L5MPZ2R3hIpiuOA8f2679RMABkOe_EXojN_g/w640-h480/IMG_2376.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div><br /></div>Perhaps most exciting were the fall crocuses. Katie had planted them last fall, and some had bloomed then. But this year they have multiplied and are just now starting to bloom.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFvH_uDcq-ijw1MKgMm8ZbFd82VeeuHfEeF5QsZVlPNUgaiIzTjbc5UKOT3upOfiakLzagaHrdqWwgc73ilsJqEAKO5EOtci-9JxX4PmStUsmZnJaBnQoTbhA1sYJRNAT2Kvwg6QCS6pMxuYAr_dFkYtkWxag90fISQnaGEUYlf3W6dOtbfQqo9nALoc/s4032/IMG_2393.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFvH_uDcq-ijw1MKgMm8ZbFd82VeeuHfEeF5QsZVlPNUgaiIzTjbc5UKOT3upOfiakLzagaHrdqWwgc73ilsJqEAKO5EOtci-9JxX4PmStUsmZnJaBnQoTbhA1sYJRNAT2Kvwg6QCS6pMxuYAr_dFkYtkWxag90fISQnaGEUYlf3W6dOtbfQqo9nALoc/w480-h640/IMG_2393.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQ2KEW5ywqUt0u5A7Trka6xfCvyk-hSH3CGKIIf9Qn6WcfsdQewFO1HQ_K3YG9jhB2ILjRoe9IDxQoWSXvT7KgpgvAzWKr634Fz4sAYfbNxFmfc3_Y2DBjGYB8qrzBTusj06QPNlWy5acSQ4Fni2naeoB8zXMAQTYFjbJTnXG9N5bnj5Awm4w6TcZ4Tk/s4032/IMG_2459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQ2KEW5ywqUt0u5A7Trka6xfCvyk-hSH3CGKIIf9Qn6WcfsdQewFO1HQ_K3YG9jhB2ILjRoe9IDxQoWSXvT7KgpgvAzWKr634Fz4sAYfbNxFmfc3_Y2DBjGYB8qrzBTusj06QPNlWy5acSQ4Fni2naeoB8zXMAQTYFjbJTnXG9N5bnj5Awm4w6TcZ4Tk/w480-h640/IMG_2459.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>These are Montauk daisies. They are everywhere here in October. They have enough buds to bloom until a killing freeze, which has not come close to happening here.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2ZhptRo1cXtEIv8Z889d3BPdtOrV0fHMTmjEI0czhj1kN1Q_YLE3P004SLkYjQ44IpiH46D_E76iJRqIEHzsgTx465mYLYWdHQdWgZzi4hp2p-lbw4PxPjAMlXFp1JeVt2NhA1CdzU59Keqr3HSnyroeAfN81IGfMJidTlt9bB3VP1394ZSnNZsg-o0/s4032/IMG_2469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2ZhptRo1cXtEIv8Z889d3BPdtOrV0fHMTmjEI0czhj1kN1Q_YLE3P004SLkYjQ44IpiH46D_E76iJRqIEHzsgTx465mYLYWdHQdWgZzi4hp2p-lbw4PxPjAMlXFp1JeVt2NhA1CdzU59Keqr3HSnyroeAfN81IGfMJidTlt9bB3VP1394ZSnNZsg-o0/w640-h480/IMG_2469.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>We took a ferry ride to one of the many islands in Casco Bay, which is around Portland.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJeHoZ_cgMeSdd9VlsiRtqKSZSAHVfGEVk1tXapAw4fTTWbrE1i4UFWiIbKG844v7AEMbzsWtHE6npd8wBc0ST97uSMBEFHVZfIMVny9sZ4QowQfabCO7QD9suKfxY9EjrV0LVlXAM6Nfj5ffo6gIibsgtiNL_BVUXZQCmIugxEvRJVO7J703uQOMnW98/s4032/IMG_2464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJeHoZ_cgMeSdd9VlsiRtqKSZSAHVfGEVk1tXapAw4fTTWbrE1i4UFWiIbKG844v7AEMbzsWtHE6npd8wBc0ST97uSMBEFHVZfIMVny9sZ4QowQfabCO7QD9suKfxY9EjrV0LVlXAM6Nfj5ffo6gIibsgtiNL_BVUXZQCmIugxEvRJVO7J703uQOMnW98/w640-h480/IMG_2464.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig80-kHIHjjU1ws-TFWGVcl-Y71rmVkqcPgDXqe0qvYGwJU9WhX9juuAIqSfW9J0r_amj-S2fPrd9dO1-ZLNBWIn1ByYZ-YZKQgyr8HWKdCae2taYyL7DjnmR5O68irwn0e2O9wQ9hEtRn_D-urn1EFT_paVbY8Jycxzhi8clpwG1pK7R2lZdl-xb70G8/s4032/IMG_2441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig80-kHIHjjU1ws-TFWGVcl-Y71rmVkqcPgDXqe0qvYGwJU9WhX9juuAIqSfW9J0r_amj-S2fPrd9dO1-ZLNBWIn1ByYZ-YZKQgyr8HWKdCae2taYyL7DjnmR5O68irwn0e2O9wQ9hEtRn_D-urn1EFT_paVbY8Jycxzhi8clpwG1pK7R2lZdl-xb70G8/w480-h640/IMG_2441.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdoADdTWzAHV7PQ-XSoQOw0RKYwLt2QlWqyMCXmPHksdX3wgi6EncSgYUDdbBjDYrOAp9fktzlRYutB5XAY__XeH_YUecfGeeRrBoysIiXIIJ1XXFFvtbHfQH4GL9fYj0o-lbusoygCmrXGtoy9qPb2rHj2QbbOUW_8g9Pn8lfeD35tEPWFdi4HsDYvY0/s4032/IMG_2433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdoADdTWzAHV7PQ-XSoQOw0RKYwLt2QlWqyMCXmPHksdX3wgi6EncSgYUDdbBjDYrOAp9fktzlRYutB5XAY__XeH_YUecfGeeRrBoysIiXIIJ1XXFFvtbHfQH4GL9fYj0o-lbusoygCmrXGtoy9qPb2rHj2QbbOUW_8g9Pn8lfeD35tEPWFdi4HsDYvY0/w480-h640/IMG_2433.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Julia's recipe</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Blackened fish with polenta</b></span></p><p>I have always equated "blackened" in a recipe with "charred." Turns out this is not true. Katie made this dish while we were in Maine. We have split a share of Sitka Salmon (alternating months), and so she had some sablefish on hand. Other white fish would work fine, but sablefish is what we had. The polenta was the base on which the fish was served, and the whole meal came together in about 30 minutes. The recipe is from the NYT, with a few alterations. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDUwsLbQB5c92MiC_or5l1tSSQQyH0Djq4e72HFEZDWG3Hb58pWTw-7Fhc8b6N2rrlYZ9U_b9AjEEJUmq_Vkoj0FiQ7BLi_urhEqa8VC-mjo-YZiVfL59eRWf2-ScRkAz9mfCd-wHgTOSDKbgRQqulvUFHkuzMeCSLEzFl2-zSQtA-kUvfRk2CH8EM5Q/s2016/IMG_4277.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDUwsLbQB5c92MiC_or5l1tSSQQyH0Djq4e72HFEZDWG3Hb58pWTw-7Fhc8b6N2rrlYZ9U_b9AjEEJUmq_Vkoj0FiQ7BLi_urhEqa8VC-mjo-YZiVfL59eRWf2-ScRkAz9mfCd-wHgTOSDKbgRQqulvUFHkuzMeCSLEzFl2-zSQtA-kUvfRk2CH8EM5Q/w300-h400/IMG_4277.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>1) The ingredients for the fish:</div><div>about 1 lb. of fish;</div><div>spice blend (see below);</div><div>1 tablespoon olive oil; and</div><div>1 tablespoon of butter.</div><div>2) The ingredients for the spice blend:</div><div>1-1/2 tablespoons regular paprika;</div><div>1 tablespoon black pepper;</div><div>2-ish teaspoons dried thyme;</div><div>2-ish teaspoons dried oregano;</div><div>1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder;</div><div>1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt; and </div><div>1/2-ish teaspoon cayenne pepper. </div><div>3) The ingredients for the polenta;</div><div>2 cups polenta - fine, quick-cooking;</div><div>4 cups chicken stock;</div><div>2 cups water;</div><div>1/2 cup milk (not shown);</div><div>1 teaspoon kosher salt;</div><div>a bit of black pepper;</div><div>1-2 tablespoons butter; and</div><div>1-1/2 cups + shredded sharp cheddar.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>As it happens, Katie had a little jar with the spice blend already on hand. Sped up the cooking process. The ingredents listed above will be more than you need for this recipe which means the second time you make it you will also have a little jar of the spice blend on hand. I don't have garlic powder, but I think I will have to get some, as it is important to the flavor profile. Smushed fresh garlic would not really work. </div><div><br /></div><div>We made a lot of polenta, enough for leftovers. Cut the polenta recipe in half if you do not want leftovers. Also we had fine grain dried polenta, which cooked and thickened in about 5 minutes. I assume coarser grinds would take longer to cook. </div><div><br /></div><div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvdHlKnnH9-JFFoklfBD-iyNq5AfRgrREbYtlAHUusLjlcQeJY7mmyhlcwkS46-G1-8U5UuWgtcTVMZiGvYerjiVZkfmyX5c8DwTQsUImlZUUxs6SMsg9pSjkHj087lLSKY8ueX7gE_hHibRqRhqp73OOv1bH_1HkEf2Us9haDRTKcGDkktt4f4G4ZBg/s2016/IMG_4278.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvdHlKnnH9-JFFoklfBD-iyNq5AfRgrREbYtlAHUusLjlcQeJY7mmyhlcwkS46-G1-8U5UuWgtcTVMZiGvYerjiVZkfmyX5c8DwTQsUImlZUUxs6SMsg9pSjkHj087lLSKY8ueX7gE_hHibRqRhqp73OOv1bH_1HkEf2Us9haDRTKcGDkktt4f4G4ZBg/s320/IMG_4278.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Another picture of the ingredients at a less artistic angle. <br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0KPVxAM4vH0y8RlYMbhRmvaaa_dRj-HsdpAh3mipoAgLfb58mFFUxegulfmx1Ayek1Qfe-9ozf9hteBcEiTl7MNc23PmkndJdpajm3cbsZZYMdw7QGILs0HmN34yunTUoiXYfpe8eQEV_Yk-3S-KbHC7SiKSJI0NzmEQdAPasvkYTiqtInauloow_rK4/s2016/IMG_4279.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0KPVxAM4vH0y8RlYMbhRmvaaa_dRj-HsdpAh3mipoAgLfb58mFFUxegulfmx1Ayek1Qfe-9ozf9hteBcEiTl7MNc23PmkndJdpajm3cbsZZYMdw7QGILs0HmN34yunTUoiXYfpe8eQEV_Yk-3S-KbHC7SiKSJI0NzmEQdAPasvkYTiqtInauloow_rK4/w300-h400/IMG_4279.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>We unpacked the fish and patted it dry, then sprinkled it liberally with the spice blend and patted it in to help it stick. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sablefish is sold with skin on so we only spiced up the skinless side. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then the fish sat quietly for about 15 minutes. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSFMzXwHJQZsheHjH4AnKTDReqrqwjlsDp7Sv-IJcZ0MelZYvSobIRoh5-3DXpqEbsBRG7oZcgpl70epoUppqR98mpuoTTgDVqM9X2cdu_iBTCF_5Jx0_9_Z1vTzD8P6ZLfd_kjsevPmeVdYeozzdkPCjm3w1IZHoKwP6cr0wc222tJ2XRtJxcAnb4gA/s2016/IMG_4280.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSFMzXwHJQZsheHjH4AnKTDReqrqwjlsDp7Sv-IJcZ0MelZYvSobIRoh5-3DXpqEbsBRG7oZcgpl70epoUppqR98mpuoTTgDVqM9X2cdu_iBTCF_5Jx0_9_Z1vTzD8P6ZLfd_kjsevPmeVdYeozzdkPCjm3w1IZHoKwP6cr0wc222tJ2XRtJxcAnb4gA/w300-h400/IMG_4280.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>While the fish was resting, Katie made the polenta. She put the dry polenta, stock, water and salt into a saucepan and brought the mixture to a boil whisking as necessary to avoid lumps. When the mixture came to a boil, she turned it down and let it simmer and thicken. <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJehVAOGz4O9uGT7vWu1mnKc7Ty0n5ARqgZMVFMmmrWD9gROPCG_x4H-7XemETdV0BzlXDHZ-0TpFc9t1NlHHfdo2_mutZDkHZR-Ei6CnW0UiglwH8w-my6mpFllADPKnqrLIAKgnoh7IWrd2e3tGI28YyWByF3TcQ0fT7WSxW9j8mYA5PRsw5_ALShmg/s2016/IMG_4282.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJehVAOGz4O9uGT7vWu1mnKc7Ty0n5ARqgZMVFMmmrWD9gROPCG_x4H-7XemETdV0BzlXDHZ-0TpFc9t1NlHHfdo2_mutZDkHZR-Ei6CnW0UiglwH8w-my6mpFllADPKnqrLIAKgnoh7IWrd2e3tGI28YyWByF3TcQ0fT7WSxW9j8mYA5PRsw5_ALShmg/w300-h400/IMG_4282.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>When the polenta was thick, she stirred in the milk, and butter and pepper and finally the cheddar cheese. And turned the heat to the lowest of low to keep the polenta warm.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQ6CO7aCEel_Pdu8p3DKZEk3NqKxSqGRjwC2DPEsDZihqVCqsnHRfqBPSbnlbUH3zdmOCG8ehqdxJ8AN0PFQj0hkQvFQXDfJtaIZ01ZBi-lFAuhyEW9aAnshExdoTTRPW0ECznazyt2_6vGagjrA93J1-p-815vwlP6q-_Dn2ThzwaOOJ3Vzvn_V9NuM/s2016/IMG_4283.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQ6CO7aCEel_Pdu8p3DKZEk3NqKxSqGRjwC2DPEsDZihqVCqsnHRfqBPSbnlbUH3zdmOCG8ehqdxJ8AN0PFQj0hkQvFQXDfJtaIZ01ZBi-lFAuhyEW9aAnshExdoTTRPW0ECznazyt2_6vGagjrA93J1-p-815vwlP6q-_Dn2ThzwaOOJ3Vzvn_V9NuM/w300-h400/IMG_4283.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Back to the fish. Katie melted the butter and olive oil in a non-stick skillet on medium-high. When the butter/oil was hot, she added the fish, spice blend side down. </div><div><br /></div><div>The fish cooked quickly - first the spice side, then the skin side. Maybe 4 minutes per side. The fish should flake when poked with a fork. Cooking time will vary based on the thickness of the fish. Sole would take less time. Cod or halibut may take longer. <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgL9G6ZBAKNoct_mJDB1f6SqbOrVJ2VM4gpBYeqC_OGOS6GR6OrS7pOiJ6KIMn8ZXdcKJdZAe1CjnronCRzuhHb1EGDPdgqje6WrHvfPrQJQGBmU4rgQ_LZYY6qfHo834CE1bZ0XIDuIy49vkQ-ZfkFg80bUfXj68tQ0Tv6MI753uPfyKKovKHmUeGqE/s2016/IMG_4284.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgL9G6ZBAKNoct_mJDB1f6SqbOrVJ2VM4gpBYeqC_OGOS6GR6OrS7pOiJ6KIMn8ZXdcKJdZAe1CjnronCRzuhHb1EGDPdgqje6WrHvfPrQJQGBmU4rgQ_LZYY6qfHo834CE1bZ0XIDuIy49vkQ-ZfkFg80bUfXj68tQ0Tv6MI753uPfyKKovKHmUeGqE/w300-h400/IMG_4284.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Plating. Katie divided up the polenta and added some extra cheddar cheese. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then added 1/2 of each piece of fish to each plate. She took the skin off the fish because we are not fish skin fans. </div><div><br /></div><div>Note the Encanto paraphernalia in the background: this season's Disney offering. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8PY91snf5OzsVq5wp78nH-CyHOd79hMVd60qVoQBP4CWA1b1lHZajaQro8H3mzkE2gAbuetrh-y9J-rF07v3GNlD6cSXUlJG7UpCRdJFyv0cFzdRPxTFN1HbCxCNoe7OklDz9daeQEhICbtBwPODtf6EkX_zpX020FJlXJJBrABQHxnI_zIww-UKsXw/s2016/IMG_4285.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8PY91snf5OzsVq5wp78nH-CyHOd79hMVd60qVoQBP4CWA1b1lHZajaQro8H3mzkE2gAbuetrh-y9J-rF07v3GNlD6cSXUlJG7UpCRdJFyv0cFzdRPxTFN1HbCxCNoe7OklDz9daeQEhICbtBwPODtf6EkX_zpX020FJlXJJBrABQHxnI_zIww-UKsXw/w300-h400/IMG_4285.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>On the way to the table. We had the fish with some nice late season green beans and green salad and berries and yogurt.</div><div><br /></div><div>Truth-in-recipe disclosure: the children did not eat blackened fish and polenta. They ate fishsticks with ketchup. Artisanal organic fishsticks but still. Our children also went through a fishstick with ketchup period. </div><div><br /></div><div>Our response to Maggie and Katie was: "More (of whatever yummy thing they did not want) for the rest of us." And eventually children outgrow fishsticks and start eating the good stuff. </div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Odds and ends</b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;">There are many things that are odd when you are somewhere else.</p><p style="text-align: left;">There is the sound of a cheerio when you step on it. </p><p style="text-align: left;">There the expanse of the ocean.</p><p style="text-align: left;">There are flowers that remind you of home.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Then there is the newspaper letting you know the greater world is in a lot of trouble.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Pray for peace.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Philip</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p></div></div>philip Mearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04384629201161240341noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36509434911388799.post-40197829189039611812023-10-08T05:44:00.000-05:002023-10-08T05:44:39.255-05:00October 8, 2023- On the road<p> We are somewhere else. There is the ocean, and the beach. And seafood, seagulls. a few mosquitos and no one we know. There are also a few ghosts of people we used to know. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93RYbo2oyvQrWoBDdBDQDPOh1h-82a83LAwdY8Y9s0e49mMiJLz-Fv3GxKAI_70lcvMJjPEruriMcWyCN7GB5blznbQPUhnckRvMFagbZt-9ka_vhNBehmmlGOwxcPL_HExRKIH9qHflkHXYPZshdIlH1gqgf_pqx1ob3OMbaA8oF-WQ3zra2Tk4IWGc/s4032/IMG_2315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93RYbo2oyvQrWoBDdBDQDPOh1h-82a83LAwdY8Y9s0e49mMiJLz-Fv3GxKAI_70lcvMJjPEruriMcWyCN7GB5blznbQPUhnckRvMFagbZt-9ka_vhNBehmmlGOwxcPL_HExRKIH9qHflkHXYPZshdIlH1gqgf_pqx1ob3OMbaA8oF-WQ3zra2Tk4IWGc/w640-h480/IMG_2315.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>We are in Chincoteague, the town where my father was born. We are here until tomorrow, when we fly to Maine. We have visited here almost every year since 1974. That is a long time. (We missed two COVID years.) There have been many changes over the years. A new bridge. A new waterslide. Some things remain the same: the seafood restaurant we go to on our first night, the seafood store where we always buy our flounder and scallops. Other businesses come and go. Some things like the crepe myrtle in the back yard, just get bigger.</p><p>Before we left Iowa there were special treats in the garden.</p><p>In this somewhat abbreviated blog post, I will show you a few.</p><p>But first let me tell you about last week's voting. The choice was the violet with ruffles. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaeAAmmIObrg_Dw38W_LFOQNh2QqbSuM7hVgZINAg26sIOoDMEiujHWK7eiIi8K-9f12joZozl78XooWfpUK4f3VjXEtm-pRczIMkOln-4OCHf682nVAhYPHYjH2SwZ2LBKKqvGdbxG9ApjGBlkxpZm53XHD6pi1gj9MXJPitz9c32VVVgKf46f58b-jU/s3243/IMG_2217.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3243" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaeAAmmIObrg_Dw38W_LFOQNh2QqbSuM7hVgZINAg26sIOoDMEiujHWK7eiIi8K-9f12joZozl78XooWfpUK4f3VjXEtm-pRczIMkOln-4OCHf682nVAhYPHYjH2SwZ2LBKKqvGdbxG9ApjGBlkxpZm53XHD6pi1gj9MXJPitz9c32VVVgKf46f58b-jU/w596-h640/IMG_2217.jpeg" width="596" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>This week there were two gems in the garden.</p><p>I will show you pictures. No poll this week. That would be done on the home computer. I would like to hear from you without your vote. Please make comments or return an email. It is helpful to know that any of you are out there.</p><p><br /></p><p>This is a cattleya orchid called Arctic Snow. I have had it for a number of years. I divided it last year. Now I have 3-4 of these beauties. This particular plant had been in bud for quite some time. It finally opened.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzr20Q4FjzNnMbXnSenoYeXu2GzaikfAtxwMCyPMQ3hn_oJaeV5jtYC8yx0H39G71525RLZJZ8zLbTXUhYqlyL5SQdCC-rztrd3ZMWq2qWf0iydDgj_1AG4K1z3hBJu5AaKjI0IUE1I-uYcuu0Sd4WQciEp88zILIQ1E_iwolzVheF2TYIQL0R1FfyTU/s4032/IMG_2275.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzr20Q4FjzNnMbXnSenoYeXu2GzaikfAtxwMCyPMQ3hn_oJaeV5jtYC8yx0H39G71525RLZJZ8zLbTXUhYqlyL5SQdCC-rztrd3ZMWq2qWf0iydDgj_1AG4K1z3hBJu5AaKjI0IUE1I-uYcuu0Sd4WQciEp88zILIQ1E_iwolzVheF2TYIQL0R1FfyTU/w480-h640/IMG_2275.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDizKeNO0rxNpUztPGeQ5Jn6CK88NkG2PbmztpY8r-A-oG-TMjl70zChumoYPxag9kzoDE1mr8F7Wyu2UGL0m3iWAtov-p6IxiReXqGPnvRIkUm-KH3y4hVIl-ZeBnsfE2guM0LbpKIsLv86DbBOqlC5eiFbKscGWhrvV8flOt_K6ZNyp9riZekgI4VoA/s4032/IMG_2276.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDizKeNO0rxNpUztPGeQ5Jn6CK88NkG2PbmztpY8r-A-oG-TMjl70zChumoYPxag9kzoDE1mr8F7Wyu2UGL0m3iWAtov-p6IxiReXqGPnvRIkUm-KH3y4hVIl-ZeBnsfE2guM0LbpKIsLv86DbBOqlC5eiFbKscGWhrvV8flOt_K6ZNyp9riZekgI4VoA/w640-h480/IMG_2276.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqJbnF1VayaaW-oK8wRtoLhSaP96oX0cAY7Qj1DQEXSMQ7iSQbDogkdZzFcXvXSZaDVHPNVr7gD8QN3Azn2V3svHVS_Tjnp4-5mX9gfSckQCLOGFEssaCsGCWbuTvvqH7ydk8zshsl65XI0UlD6CYA7Ddk36Wkfa72uXZRTlUQowbdbzbO3yvt-BO5KI/s4032/IMG_2282.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqJbnF1VayaaW-oK8wRtoLhSaP96oX0cAY7Qj1DQEXSMQ7iSQbDogkdZzFcXvXSZaDVHPNVr7gD8QN3Azn2V3svHVS_Tjnp4-5mX9gfSckQCLOGFEssaCsGCWbuTvvqH7ydk8zshsl65XI0UlD6CYA7Ddk36Wkfa72uXZRTlUQowbdbzbO3yvt-BO5KI/w480-h640/IMG_2282.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The second gem was the Night Blooming Cereus. I had three plants with a total of 14 buds. The first bloomed the night before we left. That was Wednesday night. (We left for the airport at 4:30 Thursday morning-thank you Maggie for the ride.)</div><div>5 flowers bloomed that night. The rest bloomed the next night.</div><div><br /></div><div>This first picture was about 8:45 pm, Wednesday evening. The flower was not fully open.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyk7qIHDzc0nnvo58pB9jrxV00UGTg96Y0807UVpyx9llSfBPxzmtPUFZmPLaxld0Fsh7hUzvnqSvtddq5D2vmFkhNXVw_6282f4s4ABYbwwgmLxaRQSeB0yCHXmqpx7KgrTES9NttaIj8YSis3WEAuVc1AxSGdEG-E1LvPmti3AufPO3oRJmoLgMckBg/s4032/IMG_2311.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyk7qIHDzc0nnvo58pB9jrxV00UGTg96Y0807UVpyx9llSfBPxzmtPUFZmPLaxld0Fsh7hUzvnqSvtddq5D2vmFkhNXVw_6282f4s4ABYbwwgmLxaRQSeB0yCHXmqpx7KgrTES9NttaIj8YSis3WEAuVc1AxSGdEG-E1LvPmti3AufPO3oRJmoLgMckBg/w480-h640/IMG_2311.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This was about 30 minutes later.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOGMJkjRAqNXm9O1D16DlozIi8q872LgTQsmL8a5XwEVBxOmfV8tgUadeMOcmw3gGCTS1TENkWxCBaEWKuI2qUYBq02gLhinc7fqFiSSh_QmCqUBa8A2oQ9wAVTRqDYQ47Cj1BWFrKGpEzoLFmhGr3nKseviO71vWGHH6WIUaQG9PWCpCEQNm3aMjq2E/s5184/IMG_8329.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOGMJkjRAqNXm9O1D16DlozIi8q872LgTQsmL8a5XwEVBxOmfV8tgUadeMOcmw3gGCTS1TENkWxCBaEWKuI2qUYBq02gLhinc7fqFiSSh_QmCqUBa8A2oQ9wAVTRqDYQ47Cj1BWFrKGpEzoLFmhGr3nKseviO71vWGHH6WIUaQG9PWCpCEQNm3aMjq2E/w640-h426/IMG_8329.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Ten minutes later you had full bloom.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_bcJEHEgxa6K7MQALrp-n-UCbh3prpBsYUSOFAT1WycPuEjOL75CrSgMTX8GoZW3rWSFtNSyFFkDEJ2SWvbDVRkJ89z1I2or4l5aTA0s29upphsjMIzODaD_UoapK61L8NE5QEFeRHPeZwa7LptH9ehmcfBal-MhYHu3FMshYg-VKEqc6EVCoQU39Ik/s5184/IMG_8337.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_bcJEHEgxa6K7MQALrp-n-UCbh3prpBsYUSOFAT1WycPuEjOL75CrSgMTX8GoZW3rWSFtNSyFFkDEJ2SWvbDVRkJ89z1I2or4l5aTA0s29upphsjMIzODaD_UoapK61L8NE5QEFeRHPeZwa7LptH9ehmcfBal-MhYHu3FMshYg-VKEqc6EVCoQU39Ik/w640-h426/IMG_8337.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cAaiHYFZFel9oq-RwO7j799FKex7SD0SyzWByCuhyK0luHr4ZjI3AHeDHoXuBPYQs3U_9F5zto0egkIhMbrNUxtJOmcKTm6L2vfsGkrfmeQNRFbCUKOHaIOddYkhjbxGvW_wJqwW24Q6XXDeAuPdhbtWQ7myhdDrxfKQCytbSEzxXEp-gq_AaCFQvfI/s5184/IMG_8335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cAaiHYFZFel9oq-RwO7j799FKex7SD0SyzWByCuhyK0luHr4ZjI3AHeDHoXuBPYQs3U_9F5zto0egkIhMbrNUxtJOmcKTm6L2vfsGkrfmeQNRFbCUKOHaIOddYkhjbxGvW_wJqwW24Q6XXDeAuPdhbtWQ7myhdDrxfKQCytbSEzxXEp-gq_AaCFQvfI/w640-h426/IMG_8335.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6ja-zmq2AUwSkPcGSW892HTeq3M3hb0uCz1ElPs3qBml4FdUqNlkllL5cUR8sDK25UcK1lglbefveQsO4CjzL3ZfxfOXrK6oTdeCj70APAVNGkkznoSluFUtHTiXiH7Na3X_r51cWRE_mYluN5jeSUaJHS3cH4BCQaGHl1ziYEEiNiS2O3-T4W3RTuQ/s5184/IMG_8339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6ja-zmq2AUwSkPcGSW892HTeq3M3hb0uCz1ElPs3qBml4FdUqNlkllL5cUR8sDK25UcK1lglbefveQsO4CjzL3ZfxfOXrK6oTdeCj70APAVNGkkznoSluFUtHTiXiH7Na3X_r51cWRE_mYluN5jeSUaJHS3cH4BCQaGHl1ziYEEiNiS2O3-T4W3RTuQ/w640-h426/IMG_8339.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>This next picture is from neighbor Jim. He took this picture early on Friday morning. There was a larger bloom at that time.</p><p>In the summer the flowers are finished by dawn. With much shorter days in late September or October the flowers last into the early morning. I do believe this year was the first year there had been flowers in October. The very end of September had been the latest before this year.</p><p>Jim walks his grandchildren to school each day, walking by the garden. I had pointed out the buds and all of them had been watching for the flowers to open. The grandchildren were interested in the buds, since they were so different.</p><p>Jim tells me they ran down to the yard Friday morning and were not disappointed.</p><p>That interest and enthusiasm of children is one of the reasons I garden. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxT36_eIobjd0Wb7jX_LEewFCWiGXJ5paf6z1b9Kxkm3h6LQrQ6ptl49jxtmrWE18QMXlhv__0oS5cfQSvrJbVGZUhwc_uPXUY-yRePMhOWd0gEW3YUVxXRVgsnSyrhBwQ_Libfq_Hm91oIxJ2gXWmwyGia92Im9Cs19QnpcyIFD0_e6TudITtt0o0aM/s2048/384257272_10163071063426102_2085929522092022125_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxT36_eIobjd0Wb7jX_LEewFCWiGXJ5paf6z1b9Kxkm3h6LQrQ6ptl49jxtmrWE18QMXlhv__0oS5cfQSvrJbVGZUhwc_uPXUY-yRePMhOWd0gEW3YUVxXRVgsnSyrhBwQ_Libfq_Hm91oIxJ2gXWmwyGia92Im9Cs19QnpcyIFD0_e6TudITtt0o0aM/w480-h640/384257272_10163071063426102_2085929522092022125_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLMk6tvq4sd9EI9hiJ1Iak_ozEuyT8asWPYpggoDo8rVASs8zbu6XrpuLPACNx_nGjSePSZTtSzO4r0q9W1dRDzxFgOvDluOPBUaA-TWLxMqi8l3Zk4Z-Qmcpj-5UvHRWl1ZWkZYnGJf32PQfaqwX5m1qC_GtYrgOYnXInZHnEjh_zecFeFG9gWdgkxs/s2048/384200064_10163071063396102_26431769304457487_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLMk6tvq4sd9EI9hiJ1Iak_ozEuyT8asWPYpggoDo8rVASs8zbu6XrpuLPACNx_nGjSePSZTtSzO4r0q9W1dRDzxFgOvDluOPBUaA-TWLxMqi8l3Zk4Z-Qmcpj-5UvHRWl1ZWkZYnGJf32PQfaqwX5m1qC_GtYrgOYnXInZHnEjh_zecFeFG9gWdgkxs/w640-h480/384200064_10163071063396102_26431769304457487_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YxxPYvcy2qX2DkBMlsjOS6HyPWdq5g3LgJcMDvWJ-nL6AV7mD6K2FaxlRA5CRG3dKlqgvzR2jaP1974kFS64k0WsSXEDqJ75ag8xK2kZuWhZYBvuWpuq5NGHI2WLGkkT37py2_4MwBz7ItKMRaHJNEcjrt47nEqUsMMzCELmhID8k22sqtsUWmmORPI/s1280/384263956_10163071063351102_8657554919901832389_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YxxPYvcy2qX2DkBMlsjOS6HyPWdq5g3LgJcMDvWJ-nL6AV7mD6K2FaxlRA5CRG3dKlqgvzR2jaP1974kFS64k0WsSXEDqJ75ag8xK2kZuWhZYBvuWpuq5NGHI2WLGkkT37py2_4MwBz7ItKMRaHJNEcjrt47nEqUsMMzCELmhID8k22sqtsUWmmORPI/w640-h480/384263956_10163071063351102_8657554919901832389_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>We are someplace different. I should comment about the flowers here.</p><p>I love lantana. We have observed some of the biggest plants here I have ever seen. It took a while for the term "perennial" to occur to me. Sure enough, lantana is a perennial here. Hence the plants that are 6 feet high.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ApRBfvmuroIRZuqMtoEYXfTXjx78w4cg092BD34rvRGdi9HYyDwG5OFv6QEGGyDdMRKm36UxqvFNrWO84NZTZBiWZmIJ6f5SO6zEsZPr2knmKxh60ZQwWTG-X2hzfAtnQzAmwKDyOOodQR5766nBUIkbSEyihUzvMaGbP1Omv92IQEbkBpdxS8FHo9U/s4032/IMG_2314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ApRBfvmuroIRZuqMtoEYXfTXjx78w4cg092BD34rvRGdi9HYyDwG5OFv6QEGGyDdMRKm36UxqvFNrWO84NZTZBiWZmIJ6f5SO6zEsZPr2knmKxh60ZQwWTG-X2hzfAtnQzAmwKDyOOodQR5766nBUIkbSEyihUzvMaGbP1Omv92IQEbkBpdxS8FHo9U/w480-h640/IMG_2314.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This next picture is a plant called Ruella. We have admired it over the years in Chincoteague. It blooms this time of year here. We have also heard it called Mexican petunia or Britton's petunia.</div><div>Apparently it is a perennial in zone 7, which I guess is what it is here.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBU2XTHGPIB8CEE8Job_vG5mSToUeW-PgIolD2cEhzW6MzMWA7hITpXjGthr11PznoRyZzFgmfPjzQrkGCZdyr0lbP4Z3J1K73jCTW7pav59TsiR0LapGOHj21u0qa3Xxkej5FOJWiKsjwn0qXT0sdlvQh3Z9yR3tl9qBH6hkEmRFjGeo4JtH218pxY9U/s4032/IMG_2317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBU2XTHGPIB8CEE8Job_vG5mSToUeW-PgIolD2cEhzW6MzMWA7hITpXjGthr11PznoRyZzFgmfPjzQrkGCZdyr0lbP4Z3J1K73jCTW7pav59TsiR0LapGOHj21u0qa3Xxkej5FOJWiKsjwn0qXT0sdlvQh3Z9yR3tl9qBH6hkEmRFjGeo4JtH218pxY9U/w640-h480/IMG_2317.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Reblooming Iris are the same in any zone. They really are nice, whereever they are.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO44RXPX2fUS8Y6DnZCLH07LEaTDdTh2hHU9S3GlMCpsvtXBfeTYukfpOYS8yQkmFAUTMnzui81Yk5ZFOtcgjiXq9ZsXLG5bcP0M6nRVni6NVAYmC6KS5RsLObnu_8sVae6aR4AhuOd-fQttkl8_H0EXp0QaJlBVm4tbjb1vzPk0UmcjDsDC7lnd1CAIg/s4032/IMG_2337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO44RXPX2fUS8Y6DnZCLH07LEaTDdTh2hHU9S3GlMCpsvtXBfeTYukfpOYS8yQkmFAUTMnzui81Yk5ZFOtcgjiXq9ZsXLG5bcP0M6nRVni6NVAYmC6KS5RsLObnu_8sVae6aR4AhuOd-fQttkl8_H0EXp0QaJlBVm4tbjb1vzPk0UmcjDsDC7lnd1CAIg/w480-h640/IMG_2337.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Julia's recipe</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Another summer pasta salad</span></b></p><p>Here is one more summer salad using farmers market produce: corn and tomatoes and basil. The recipe comes from a cookbook called Raising the Salad Bar by Catherine Walthers. Maggie bought it for Philip some years ago. He makes a great salad, and he is always looking for new ideas, as am I. This is a main dish salad, although it was good as a side with salmon. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubQZ7WblVFZ2IQ57tnBLFiH64MuAsNc-_QvUOm5-qFyAW_T_edoh7TrmIoS-li_Xz7m5zpR2aaI1M3u4hUieybFNEDDUYJdIASxn_8sWiqo7Fmmdcefh32-tlN7NoPi-Gn9M-DTyt8jAOqNpWN5lsyZZyAyyFObS5rPqLL4SnHnEF8UZJaSiSGp8yKRg/s4032/IMG_2131.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubQZ7WblVFZ2IQ57tnBLFiH64MuAsNc-_QvUOm5-qFyAW_T_edoh7TrmIoS-li_Xz7m5zpR2aaI1M3u4hUieybFNEDDUYJdIASxn_8sWiqo7Fmmdcefh32-tlN7NoPi-Gn9M-DTyt8jAOqNpWN5lsyZZyAyyFObS5rPqLL4SnHnEF8UZJaSiSGp8yKRg/w400-h300/IMG_2131.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>The ingredients:</div><div>1 lb. penne (I actually only ended up using 1/2 of the cooked pasta);</div><div>1-1/2 cups corn kernels;</div><div>2 cups cherry tomatoes;</div><div>8 oz. of tiny mozzarella balls;</div><div>zest of 1 lemon;</div><div>1 tablespoon olive oil; and</div><div>some salt.</div><div><br /></div><div>For the dressing:</div><div>3 tablespoons lemon juice;</div><div>1 tablespoon wine vinegar;</div><div>1/2 (heaping) teaspoon smushed garlic;</div><div>1/3 cup olive oil; and</div><div>1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5gCScF7DFELt16m-b77KaxNOXz7MC9hHt2YBy7dIcQ3p_uILR9aIIo1FwOGoai2OZQzG1puZbgmSNr9ugFkLnK-qW_7gyyrZYyabY9qgutMrsFwkLYhpqaQyb6U5eyFbqjDrF3CtTbgzajIGS08-7S8YPu6ZDvrvIo6l3vxLv3w9M-FdbCmwGOWudc4/s4032/IMG_2132.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5gCScF7DFELt16m-b77KaxNOXz7MC9hHt2YBy7dIcQ3p_uILR9aIIo1FwOGoai2OZQzG1puZbgmSNr9ugFkLnK-qW_7gyyrZYyabY9qgutMrsFwkLYhpqaQyb6U5eyFbqjDrF3CtTbgzajIGS08-7S8YPu6ZDvrvIo6l3vxLv3w9M-FdbCmwGOWudc4/w300-h400/IMG_2132.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>I started by cooking the penne in salted water - probably about 1-1/2 teaspoon salt in the water. </div><div><br /></div><div>The recipe assumed I'd be using uncooked corn and so advised to add the corn kernels to the pot of cooking penne about 2 minutes from the end of cooking. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was using corn that I had bought (a dozen ears) on Saturday at the farmers market. I always cook all of the corn at once (by putting the shucked ears into a giant pot of boiling water and then turning the water off - the corn cooks perfectly). I freeze some and set some aside for corn salad or for dishes like this. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you are using uncooked kernels, cook them. Or use leftovers like I did. </div><div><br /></div><div>And I grated the lemon, put the zest aside and juiced the lemon. I put the lemon juice in a little jar.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_kk8032MYeAT-8PZFQgOKjLR8NhTtv6KZEYvqfGS07G-z1Pr_XMEqf85v_1RHzNQY7joKZLGNUcVpwKea-C0x2OfcPzpr3Du5OAWux4DnXeKzCBIgM_2kiltu3RhbJT3VIsCj36JE_j5CBy0RFj-JLekMl_rszCn3FJHeIDE5KRjCUSKpVURxuR-0i4/s4032/IMG_2133.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_kk8032MYeAT-8PZFQgOKjLR8NhTtv6KZEYvqfGS07G-z1Pr_XMEqf85v_1RHzNQY7joKZLGNUcVpwKea-C0x2OfcPzpr3Du5OAWux4DnXeKzCBIgM_2kiltu3RhbJT3VIsCj36JE_j5CBy0RFj-JLekMl_rszCn3FJHeIDE5KRjCUSKpVURxuR-0i4/w300-h400/IMG_2133.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Then I put the corn in the serving dish...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjceUTZzrH41rnbVUMZZyvH5GL8h8R0nK31oRfboQgpPsjjn0H1HBPIm_cXxoNnprQMZwpOTOsI_7ltfKgzPrSKqbLa7ZFeX6P_8xhuGKhprA-SSLBKyNgyC0nC2y8bBo7VpAcBjY_8ro903UMLD_1rHTwhptvVEK10ba_vJTWJJrdBRXAVOsfibeVTT9M/s4032/IMG_2134.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjceUTZzrH41rnbVUMZZyvH5GL8h8R0nK31oRfboQgpPsjjn0H1HBPIm_cXxoNnprQMZwpOTOsI_7ltfKgzPrSKqbLa7ZFeX6P_8xhuGKhprA-SSLBKyNgyC0nC2y8bBo7VpAcBjY_8ro903UMLD_1rHTwhptvVEK10ba_vJTWJJrdBRXAVOsfibeVTT9M/w300-h400/IMG_2134.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>followed by the cherry tomatoes which I cut in half. </div><div><br /></div><div>I smushed the garlic.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJholzDkDjvGwXMIK3iWeItnJKXrpSZp7xbJlPGAlMSGlC49X5BPnRpoZCk4DGB3ZxhkE8VQnkf2utgDhyphenhyphennwzrA52AK6qEspSCYCo-0p2isNnHkO1MfN0wzx7QNboCujF9delFqXkGjmlHaOaArUSEK7nIAYA9r6AbwX0lNTgSv0w5kEBnW_DVkIIJ8k/s4032/IMG_2135.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJholzDkDjvGwXMIK3iWeItnJKXrpSZp7xbJlPGAlMSGlC49X5BPnRpoZCk4DGB3ZxhkE8VQnkf2utgDhyphenhyphennwzrA52AK6qEspSCYCo-0p2isNnHkO1MfN0wzx7QNboCujF9delFqXkGjmlHaOaArUSEK7nIAYA9r6AbwX0lNTgSv0w5kEBnW_DVkIIJ8k/w300-h400/IMG_2135.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Then I added the mozzarella, also cut in half. </div><div><br /></div><div>I drained the penne and put it back in the pot and added the tablespoon of olive oil. </div><div><br /></div><div>On mature reflection, I thought the entire pound of penne was too much so I used half of it. </div><div><br /></div><div>I think the proportion of pasta to the other ingredients in the final dish is better using less pasta. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihj6VvELfDcyGGDHOuMFtHOrwFb0g6qEApnB4xW4CsKyGV9hqaQOUs4ySHob50szuhYQaJCq_vjPW9Eq6oTkH8h25O3h2e5JRBPick2hZRTtY86GBNRdQ6I6EF_dkAwLLKLemXnLH9pEjv8g4_437chZjNk6D2aRj7Y3N0eP8Oof6KnnkK046zKWypBnY/s4032/IMG_2136.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihj6VvELfDcyGGDHOuMFtHOrwFb0g6qEApnB4xW4CsKyGV9hqaQOUs4ySHob50szuhYQaJCq_vjPW9Eq6oTkH8h25O3h2e5JRBPick2hZRTtY86GBNRdQ6I6EF_dkAwLLKLemXnLH9pEjv8g4_437chZjNk6D2aRj7Y3N0eP8Oof6KnnkK046zKWypBnY/w300-h400/IMG_2136.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div>I added the penne and mixed it all up. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8Fs7N1Ulfxg4awTE3jvnCW4k-ppgdR9RLKcSbh7RENcg7JD6oDxqFx6SkWla9sM-AjyTt35DYXNOTCzdYhRNSoLwliZdorOFkn8wgd6CzZ6fMbz2vl1_hW5mNTXWOUuOvtC0lCxw7oqqp0nNDodVAaKPbEosk0VwmcU4LXpEFwba8xfdp_y7uQSV7G8/s4032/IMG_2137.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8Fs7N1Ulfxg4awTE3jvnCW4k-ppgdR9RLKcSbh7RENcg7JD6oDxqFx6SkWla9sM-AjyTt35DYXNOTCzdYhRNSoLwliZdorOFkn8wgd6CzZ6fMbz2vl1_hW5mNTXWOUuOvtC0lCxw7oqqp0nNDodVAaKPbEosk0VwmcU4LXpEFwba8xfdp_y7uQSV7G8/w300-h400/IMG_2137.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div>And I added the dressing and mixed some more. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnirUAYagKBj4gpMhNAN2dlfupS0xRE-JIsIJeZF4Vtkj1003jchviJ6ZeK_Qug72CekFplKcK_t7-_huumrpzh95JX4h5_XZ_E_o_i-AcXm23l4ykEK3dE9-1uHdLrH4o4T146P5JhPI9y93ccxEBW9lb10DtEMkUnXl4dub02xl5U7FQYSgHjMZTo0/s4032/IMG_2138.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnirUAYagKBj4gpMhNAN2dlfupS0xRE-JIsIJeZF4Vtkj1003jchviJ6ZeK_Qug72CekFplKcK_t7-_huumrpzh95JX4h5_XZ_E_o_i-AcXm23l4ykEK3dE9-1uHdLrH4o4T146P5JhPI9y93ccxEBW9lb10DtEMkUnXl4dub02xl5U7FQYSgHjMZTo0/w300-h400/IMG_2138.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Lastly I tore the basil up into smaller pieces and sprinkled it over the top and stirred it up. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjrD89dW6nT1jYsK7KjuTDaKqH_iuGF0gPs16wxzAeG1odGAsfsRZhM7oP-LQkeXXJnX7nIagXVXlsIPS1g5_gF0htFQu8RiO2Yqv8kFVCX4R-CRuChJuei0yW34lLxAHEr85pCZWpJD2Blr77F7a6qqyOVw6VlZOdw5xC28SHkVoR4mfRTeWIk9g7U8/s4032/IMG_2139.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjrD89dW6nT1jYsK7KjuTDaKqH_iuGF0gPs16wxzAeG1odGAsfsRZhM7oP-LQkeXXJnX7nIagXVXlsIPS1g5_gF0htFQu8RiO2Yqv8kFVCX4R-CRuChJuei0yW34lLxAHEr85pCZWpJD2Blr77F7a6qqyOVw6VlZOdw5xC28SHkVoR4mfRTeWIk9g7U8/w400-h300/IMG_2139.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>And here it is on the table. We had it with salmon and salad and melon. </div><div><br /></div><div>This recipe, even using less pasta, makes a very big salad. I think it would be good to take to a neighborhood potluck or family reunion or back-to-school night. Or to feed a bunch of hungry folks who turn up at your house.</div><div><br /></div><div>As with pasta salads in general, it holds up well and tastes good the next day.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><b style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">Odds and Ends</b></div><p>Julia finished one of her knitting projects before we left. These are hats off to some winter clothing distribution. They do make a wonderful presentation.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUl4znhVDOvJVqtwdpYmk5DH5B1uBXxCgYL3xCTdYKcBBn-ZvXt6M9hKUEKsFevGsBUieI8NtPicID2bdmKGqiws_ttlOMfpIW3qLKTTDvCRpWHgbYfAyd8mYhQAUrXzEXPmbseJ70IXQS9unlQcXw_XezdQoIL26-p7KKeQz9-b3sOksUguemxr6tgc/s4032/IMG_2283.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUl4znhVDOvJVqtwdpYmk5DH5B1uBXxCgYL3xCTdYKcBBn-ZvXt6M9hKUEKsFevGsBUieI8NtPicID2bdmKGqiws_ttlOMfpIW3qLKTTDvCRpWHgbYfAyd8mYhQAUrXzEXPmbseJ70IXQS9unlQcXw_XezdQoIL26-p7KKeQz9-b3sOksUguemxr6tgc/w640-h480/IMG_2283.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5kEmKuAp3Q_ngJt_c3cgma7UUJHLy7bPGFzh7aaf4sjFkuPj3rWOo53AdVLc-dZmWUE__L-qRQGQmbGF3GR2Sr9iBYFqYdWnAvdPhZ-ADoZo7S-YOHTErOrPxhjqRzqKpUQtwGSu8wwxqYJmfpq4CN2OP6htHbXvZa-edGfA-XDkJZbO8A9WGtNOYmI/s4032/IMG_2284.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5kEmKuAp3Q_ngJt_c3cgma7UUJHLy7bPGFzh7aaf4sjFkuPj3rWOo53AdVLc-dZmWUE__L-qRQGQmbGF3GR2Sr9iBYFqYdWnAvdPhZ-ADoZo7S-YOHTErOrPxhjqRzqKpUQtwGSu8wwxqYJmfpq4CN2OP6htHbXvZa-edGfA-XDkJZbO8A9WGtNOYmI/w640-h480/IMG_2284.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Flamingos were reported at Chincoteague in the last week. I had read about them being sighted in New York or New Jersey. I guess they were blown north in one of those two big storms in the last month. We will watch for them but really. It appears that the term for a group of flamingos is a "flamboyance." For those of you who care, he past tense of flamingo is "flaminwent."</p><p>We have left Iowa with many plants still outside. The frost will wait for our return. </p><p>The bots are gone. I guess they decided there were more interesting places to watch.</p><p>The world is a mess. More people are fighting and dying. Governments cannot seem to function, and when they do, their decisions are not very nice.</p><p>We do appreciate that the federal government stayed open. At least for another month.</p><p>Pray for peace. Pray for reconcilliation. </p><p>We will send you news and pictures next week from Maine.</p><p>Philip</p>philip Mearshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04384629201161240341noreply@blogger.com4