Saturday, April 28, 2012

Don't tiptoe through these, please!

Seems like our lilacs are running behind, from what others are saying, but the tulips are still going strong!




Thursday, April 26, 2012

Clematis prematuris??

There are three Clematis blooms in the process of opening up here!! Last year was the first year I ever had blooming Clematis, got hooked, and put in a few more. This particular one was a real scrappy death's-door one I got the girl to mark down to $4 - it could be a real show stopper this spring!


A little help?

I don't remember what this is - although it sure is colorful!


Wait just a little longer....

So many veggies, herbs and flowers got moved back into the greenhouse this week when the temps dropped again. Nighttime temps are forecast to go back above freezing early next week, so I'll be hauling these guys back out again.


Time to put away the Christmas tree?

I've been lazy about some things, like taking the lights off the outside trees. Hey, it's not like they're lit!! But if the spruce is starting to bud out, maybe that's a sign?? I should get before and after pictures of this tree - it added a lot of size last spring, and I wonder if this year will be the same??


Tuesday, April 10, 2012

It's that weird time of year

Crabapple in bloom?
Check!

Redbud in bloom?
Check!

Daffs and tulips blooming?
Check!

Lawn in need of a mow?
Check!

Snowing?
Check!
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Sunday, April 08, 2012

Are your berries blah?

Did you (or someone you sent to the store) pick up berries that look like this:



Kinda gross, right?

Don't worry,there's still hope.  Wash 'em, chop 'em, toss them with some granlated sugar, and then get a little creative and give them a boost.  I added just a couple tiny drops of cherry extract and vanilla to the berries, and then, knowing strawberries are often paired with balsamic vinegar, I added a couple tiny drops of that as well - figuring it would add a hint of depth to the berries (since they hadn't developed their full flavor in the sun).

A few hours of sitting in the fridge, given the occasional shake or stir, and the lackluster berries were a huge hit on angel food cake!


(Ok,the picture coud be brighter)

You could easily try different flavorings - almond extract might give a hint of marachino cherry, black pepper could be interesting, and I bet lemon and/or orange extract would be great!