hot weather dinner

I spent some time in the gardens today. It was hot. Blazing hot. The sun felt good - the sweat, not so much...

Tonight for dinner I wanted to use what I could from the gardens. I harvested peas, raspberries, and lettuce. I also had some corn from the market. I will be using the lettuce and raspberries tomorrow with chevre for a nice lunch salad.

I love summer salads! These are three of my favorites~

The pea pods with sesame oil and seeds are wonderful on a hot afternoon.

The corn salad is one of our summer staples - there is nothing like fresh corn off of the cob~

And this chicken salad with herbs from my garden is fabulous!

I hope you are staying cool wherever you may be - warm if you are down-under!

Have a fabulous weekend,

xx

I do believe summer has arrived

I do believe summer has arrived, albeit hesitantly, quietly, and certainly without the seemingly endless sunny warm days (today for instance, the clouds and cool weather are back). We have however had some sun, and the thermometer has reached 70 on a couple of occasions.

I was in the gardens yesterday working on the extensive weeding task that seems to have gotten away from me. I clearly hadn't been in the garden pasture for a while as the weather hasn't been all that inviting... However, when I was weeding around the red raspberry canes, I glanced up and saw this!

I then turned around and would you believe - there are peas! Honestly, this is the first year that they have come without me noticing.

The two little boys had a wonderful time picking the red raspberries and eating them immediately, still warm from the sun. The golden raspberries are nearly ready as well so I see a tart or two in our future...

Some of my favorite flowers are also blooming, which makes me so happy as my favorite time of year is early summer when the prettiest flowers bloom in the sun and gentle warmth. Now if only allergy season didn't accompany all of this beauty...

Have a wonderful rest of your week my friends,

xx

flower and garden show

I would like to start by saying that it is very difficult to take photos when there are HOARDS of people everywhere - walking right in front of you when you are CLEARLY attempting to take a photo, bumping into you from behind, and generally just making it difficult. Thus, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have allowed me to enter your events before the doors officially open as I had no idea what a difference it made when it comes to getting the shots that I want. So, a big MERCI to all of you!

So, with that out of the way, #4 and I went to the Seattle Flower and Garden show today and were inspired to do all sorts of fun things on the property this spring!

I absolutely want to build some of these this summer~

I would also like to plant more of these to enjoy next spring (as mine are already coming up all over the property - but I don't have any doubles anymore...)~

How clever is this little old truck? The cab was used for nesting boxes - the ramp came out the drivers door, and there was a little chicken run on the drivers side of the truck! The bed in the back was a complete vegetable garden and they even planted strawberries vertically on the outer sides of the bed! (this would be one example of where there was absolutely no way to get a photo of something incredibly cool due to the masses of other attendees...)

There were also a number of fabulous vendors. For example, the EVER FABULOUS JohnBob cool junk - who, sadly, do not have a blog. Yes, you heard me. Even though they have wonderful things - I bought another vintage basket and some vintage earrings - they don't have anywhere for me to link to, so that those of you who are far away and have yet to meet John and Bob could meet them. Sad, I know. Terribly sad... (this is my personal attempt to peer pressure them into starting one. I know, shameless really. Very *high school*. but a girl has to do what a girl has to do...) They even had this fabulous lounge chair - which they have assured me has a mate. How MARVELOUS would these babies be in front of miss mabel??? seriously. I also love the pink ones, but really, lounging is what I had in mind. A pink drink in hand, big sunglasses. I think you get the picture... I now just need to convince the man with the wallet - aka handsome husband... I sure do love that man. Sure do.

As for goats, well, we all know that I want some. I am thinking Nubian, but these Manchas were awfully cute. I just don't know if I can get past them having no ears...

It goes without saying that the Chocolate Flower Farm on Whidbey Island here in Washington is truly one of life's most marvelous destinations. Seriously. Gardening and chocolate? I bought the most magnificent chocolate for martinis at their little shop in Langley a few years ago and I need to be honest. I could live on chocolate martinis. You have not lived until you have had a chocolate martini. heaven. They also have candles, tea, and so many chocolate colored or chocolate smelling plants it is incredible.

I also met Laura who makes the MOST darling garden art - bugs, and flowers, and snails, and slugs, and worms. So. Incredibly. Colorful. #4 LOVED them~

All in all, it was a really fun day for the two of us. We met my Gram and my two aunties there as they were spending the day shopping and being inspired. Granted, without a 3 year old of their own, they were able to actually stay as long as they wanted, take their time in the gardens, and really look at the vendors. Aahhh... life with a little best friend at your side~ :)