Someone's Growing...Fast!

How can you do this to me??


When his mama came in to find him standing in bed for the first time, she ran to get a camera and snapped this picture. Of course, this is not what she saw originally...but the fact that she didn't come rescue him right away, (instead, took a picture!) brought on this expression!

Thanksgiving Day, playing with his "car" at Grammy and Grandpa's house; it's an old car and one that his daddy "drove" when he was little.

Storytime with Grammy. He's just delightful now and enjoying his world. Amazing what he's doing for mine!

Beth

Ready for Fall

Time flies when I am having fun! Doing a lot of knitting, playing with Ryan, beginning to cook a bit again....

My grandson is doing much better after medicine to help his acid reflux. He cut his first tooth, is trying to crawl (but managing to get wherever he desires, anyway), and enjoys all the "old" toys we managed to save over the last 40 years. This has reduced Grammy's anxiety by leaps and bounds!

I have been spending a bit more time in the kitchen; cooler weather inspires me in that direction. A delicious Apricot Honey Cake was the latest baking venture; the apricots sank to the bottom of the batter, so next time I will make them smaller and add later. But the cake is delicious so I will show it to you sometime.

Before summer slipped away, we paid a visit to Biltmore to see the flower carpet. It was a beautiful warm, clear day and we enjoyed the outing greatly.

This mountain spot is worth the visit; tickets aren't inexpensive, but one could spend an adult weekend here and and enjoy every moment. The house is decorated handsomely at holiday time and so is the surrounding village, with loads of good shopping!

I am going to enjoy Autumn this year! Hope you do, too.

Beth

Fresh Summer Harvest

We enjoyed this easy meal a couple of nights ago; just put it over fragrant Jasmine rice.
I like using the crystallized ginger; I simply minced it.
Peppers are crisp and sweet; they're loaded with nutrients as well.

We enjoyed having the kids over after their return from two weeks at the beach. With temperatures in the 90s, we were disinclined to eat outside, so I made this Sweet and Sour Chicken. It was the perfect recipe for the sweet, ripe pineapple, so I cut it into chunks and put the whole thing into the pan.

Over rice, this was an entire meal. We enjoyed Denver Chocolate Pudding Cake for dessert...with ice cream. Try it!

Beth

Is It Love?

Whatever it is, Blue and Lance seem to have a thing going! Lance, the little Burmese, is the "old" man; Blue is the baby. Friendly, sweet Blue has been Lance's friend from the beginning; it's a nice thing to watch.

Beth

First Trip to the Beach!

Ready for fun in the sun! Hat and shades, swim suit, sunscreen...and Dad!

Mama says, "See? It's just water! You know what water is; it's just like your bath!"

"Eeeww! This isn't just like my bath!"

A first trip to the beach must be very much the same for many babies. Ryan looks as though he is going to need a lot of convincing before he agrees with the majority of folks who just love the beach!

Beth

Forest Floor

Rain is needed in the forests of Western North Carolina. In Joyce Kilmer, there are some trickles of streams remaining, where tiny plants thrive. Gnarled roots are visible everywhere one looks. Where bark has fallen away, the undulating markings of a burl are evident.

Beth

Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest

What a lovely getaway! Just a few hours from home is this wonderful world of tall trees, pileated woodpeckers, ferns, mosses, and peace and quiet. Wild waters and old growth forest allow a person to forget, for a while, the 21st century!

Beth

Rain!

We finally enjoyed a nice little rain shower this week; our town is behind 8 inches this year, on top of finishing last year with a 14-16 inch shortage. So the welcome rain refreshed people and plants alike.

Beth

Let Freedom Ring!

Beth

Strawberry Ice Cream Pie

Add sweet fresh strawberries to a good-quality vanilla or strawberry ice cream. (Of course, you can make your own! But for me, this was the next best thing, and worked quite nicely.) Fill a Rice Krispies/Marshmallow crust with the softened ice cream; cover and freeze. Soften by removing from freezer about 10 minutes before serving. Cut into wedges and garnish with fresh berries and mint sprig. It's right out of the 1950s - I know!
It's fresh and cool, easy and attractive; and I always like to find those recipes that can be made ahead. Enjoy!

Beth

Bringing a Smile!

My grandson's smile always brings a smile to my face; I hope it brings one to yours today, too!

Beth

It's a Fundraiser

Beth

Art's Interpretation in Flowers

Beth

Art in Bloom

Beth

Odds and Ends

These berries are so pretty by this utility pole; I think the colors are lovely together.

Grasses at the water's edge, beneath a big, clear sky.
This looks a lot like Queen Anne's Lace, but I am not certain it is; the tulip poplar beneath it is ubiquitous in these parts.

Beth

River of Dreams

Beth

I Love Looking at These!

The leaf colors in this pond are amazing to me. I would love to have them for a blanket!

Beth

Water Lily v. Lotus Blossom

Do you know the difference between a Lotus and a Water Lily? The blossom of the water lily rests on the surface of the water; the lotus blossom is often several feet above the water. The lotus is from the East; water lily from the West. I am sure there are many other differences a botonist could tell you about, but at least now when you see them, you'll know which is which.



Beth

Three Pictures on a Post

Beth