Category: Pleasures

Pleasures & Pots and Pans – Meyer Lemons

On By TimelessladyIn Pleasures, Pots and Pans4 Comments

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Finally, after years of reading and hearing about the superiority of Meyer Lemons, I finally spotted a display of the elusive citrus fruit in my local supermarket. Perhaps they have been there before, and I passed right by them, thinking the yellowy-orange fruit were unripe tangerines, but this time the sign over them caught my eye. I snapped up three of the beauties even though they were steeply priced at 1.00 each.

What did I do with them? Well first, being me, I created still life compositions for photographing all over my house.

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The next thing I did was search out a good recipe to use them in. I found the winner at Tutti Dolci All Sweets Blog: Meyer Lemon Cloud Cookies. I followed the directions as written. The cookies were easy to mix up and bake, and delicious as a lemony cloud…really! The one thing I would change would be to double the recipe. Why make only twenty cookies when forty cookies would be just as easy and almost as quick?

The cookies would most likely be scrumptious using a regular lemon too. Happy Baking!

Pleasures – Sunrise on Elk Neck River, Maryland

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Today I’m experiencing again, through photographs and a Youtube video, one of the best sunrises I ever gazed upon along the Elk Neck River, Maryland, in 2007. Why revisit the past? Because it reminds me of what to look for in my future. On the flip side, spending time reliving experiences that are negative will capture and bind me in a defeated, discouraged mindset. Live in the present, remember the moments filled with love, true joy and sweet contentment…banish the negative past from your thoughts.

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Praise & Pleasures – Singing Stones

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“For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12

I love the sounds of nature. On this Sabbath Day I am remembering the joyful singing of the rocks on Block Island, Rhode Island. The pound of the surf across the sand is followed by the gentler roar of the waves receding. The stones seem to sing as the water flows back into the sea. I might be inland, but in my heart I am hearing the briny symphony of those New England waters.

Try to take some time today to hear the clapping of the trees, the singing of the rocks, the chirping of the birds. Take a walk and listen to the Lord’s gentle symphony. A blessed Sabbath to you.

Pleasures – Ocean City Boardwalk in Autumn

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The beaches might be empty, but the Ocean City Boardwalk was bustling with people, surreys and bicyclists this weekend. I was one of those pedaling a bicycle. What a joyful Autumn day!

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Summer never arrived this year, at least not in its usual “HOT” attire. Most people in this area were thrilled with the cooler temperatures. Those of us who love the swelter of beach heat considered the lack of it a letdown. The Autumn season in a beach town does have its pleasures though, and bicycling the boardwalk ranks high on the list.

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“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

Plants & Pleasure – Wonderful Wednesday/Gourds

On By TimelessladyIn Plants, Pleasures2 Comments

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I’ve tried to grow birdhouse gourds many times over the years. Unfortunately, my efforts usually produce small or mid-sized fruit. Often the developing gourds have rotted on the vine. This year I was determined to try again. I sowed the seeds indoors for an earlier start, and instead of planting them in the ground, I placed the plantlets in pots of very rich soil.

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The pots rest beneath the trumpet vine outside my kitchen window. The sturdy trunk of the trumpet vine provides natural support for the upward climb of the gourd plants. The vine has reached the top of my garage roof now. I am hoping that the heat of the roof will help the gourds grow big, bigger, biggest. Even if my strategy doesn’t work…it does my spirit good when I see the small fruits adorning the vine. I’ll update their progress, or hopefully not…their demise. 🙂 Happy Gardening!

Plants, Problem-Solving and Pleasure – Tomato

On By TimelessladyIn Plants, Pleasures, Problem-Solving2 Comments

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My tomato plants have thrived this year. I have been diligent in removing suckers on the indeterminate plants, and now I am reaping the rewards of the time spent caring for them. I am pleased with the heirloom varieties and also the varieties I planted that are said to contain high amounts of the antioxidant anthocyanin. Indigo Apple, along with Gypsy (another dark tomato) have been welcome additions to the garden.

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I’ve had a few problems, this stem at one point in time had several leaves, now it is bare. I never found the culprit, but I am pretty sure it was a tomato hornworm. I am crossing my fingers that he fell victim to a predatory wasp. Hopefully, he is the only one of his kind to visit my plants this summer, and I won’t feel compelled to whip up an organic spray. I’d much rather hand-pick the pests away or let nature’s predators help me out.

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This is the largest tomato I have ever grown. To protect if from squirrels eager to sample its lushness I surrounded it with hair from my cats. I know it looks ugly, but it worked. Here is the harvested tomato, finishing its ripening process in my kitchen. Success!

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If you don’t have cats or dogs, I’ve read that human hair will also repel critters. Happy Gardening!

Pleasures – The Dragonfly Whisperer Returns

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The Dragonflies are back. Two years ago I blogged about my close encounter with a dragonfly here: July 2012 Dragonfly Whisperer

Yesterday I once again put a little of my dragonfly knowledge to the test…they will usually land on the highest stems. I gently nudged the fellow/gal off of the garden carrier and sure enough when the dragonfly found rest again it was on my index finger. Drat! Why wasn’t my camera in my pocket when I needed it? I jostled the dragonfly off, ran in the house to get my camera, disturbed his rest on the carrier again and “O Happy Day” he once more chose to land on my index finger. I was able to get a pretty good photograph.

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Here are some interesting dragonfly sites to check out:

Ten Fascinating Facts About Dragonflies

The Dragonfly Woman

Pleasures – Summer Tea in Pink

On By TimelessladyIn Pleasures2 Comments

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In an attempt to use more of my fresh spearmint and lemon balm, I concocted a brew that is beautiful to gaze upon and sensational to the taste. The delicious tea only takes a few minutes to mix up, and a few hours to brew. Place three to four good-sized sprigs of spearmint* and lemon balm** into a the jar, along with two herbal tea bags. I chose Pomegranate and Raspberry Green Tea by Stash. Add about four level teaspoons of sugar for a light sweet taste, or more or less according to your own preferences. Honey would work too. Pour the boiling water almost to the brim, put the lids on and set in the sun for several hours. I don’t know if the sunshine did much in the way of brewing, but the tea sure looked pretty catching the sunbeams within the pink liquid.

I decided to make two jars at one time, and I am so glad I did, the tea is delicious! It has a very delicate taste, almost like a flavored water. If you want more flavor and heartier quality, add another teabag or two. An added bonus: the tea brews up to a gorgeous shade of clear pink. Try it, or try a concoction of your own choosing.

* Spearmint is filled with antioxidants, has anti-fungal properties, relieves digestive problems, can relieve headache, fatigue and stress.

**Lemon Balm is good for digestive problems, alleviates melancholia, calming, reduces sleep problems and restlessness. Might also reduce the growth of some viruses.

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Pleasures & Plants – Volunteers 2014

On By TimelessladyIn Plants, Pleasures4 Comments

In blog posts of past years you will find me praising the season’s “volunteer” plants. Volunteer plants are those whose seeds have slumbered in the earth through the winter. These seeds spring to life when the temperatures become warm. Volunteer plants are one of the top reasons I don’t mulch my flower beds. Besides being filled with unwanted chemicals and dyes, a heavy layer of mulch smothers any hope of volunteer sprouts seeing the sun.

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When I spotted the pink trumpet of this petunia growing in the crack of my front sidewalk I was astounded. How had the small plantlet survived the tromping feet of my grandchildren, the mailman, myself and my husband, and other visitors who come to my front door? I knew I had to try and save the petunia. It was definitely living on “borrowed time.” Sooner or later the sole of a shoe would smash it’s tender blossoms and leaves into the unyielding surface of the concrete.

I knew that pulling the petunia from the scant dirt between the sidewalk blocks would be doom. The roots that it had so steadfastly sent into the soil would be torn away and the plant would wilt and die within an hour. What was the solution? Perhaps I could loosen it a bit with a plastic knife, and then gently tug until I could pull it away from the confines of the concrete.

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Happily, for both of us, the knife worked. The plant loosened its grip, I tugged, it left its first home. The small petunia is now planted in a bare spot in my front garden. After the passing of several days, it is still alive and thriving in the hot summer sun of June.

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I have dozens of volunteer plants springing up in my gardens. At times I let them grow where they have begun, but often I dig the sprouts up and move them to bare spots. Happy Gardening!

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Check out this terrific article on the Mother Earth News Website: Volunteer Plants: A Garden Bonus

Planting & Pleasure – Anticipation

On By TimelessladyIn Planting, Pleasures4 Comments

I grow the type of garden kind people would label a “tapestry” garden. Acquaintances who are blind to the charms of my flower beds might call it a tad “unruly.” Those who are hard-hearted garden snobs would snort and pronounce my gardening endeavors as being in serious disarray, not well-planned or color-coordinated.

Perhaps all of the above are correct, except for the accusation my gardens are not well-planned. They are very well-planned indeed. You see, I LOVE not knowing exactly what color most of my annual flowers will be when they burst into bloom. Case in point, the zinnia in the photographs below. As the tips of the petals emerged, the joy and anticipation that filled me was intense. In a few days I knew I would see the color of the zinnia. I love a surprise! I wasn’t disappointed when the zinnia bloomed. What a gorgeous shade of pink. I’m thrilled for I have several weeks to enjoy watching annuals and wildflowers burst into bloom. Oh my…I could shout aloud a “Hallelujah!” for the joy of it. Happy Gardening!

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Pleasures and Problem-Solving – Bunnies

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Years ago I transplanted some violets to my gardens. They are very prolific…almost becoming weedlike in spots. They are even scattered throughout the lawn. I love them though…they are welcome in my yard.

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Recently, I spotted this little bunny under a pine. I have mixed feelings about bunnies, squirrels and chipmunks. I love them and enjoy watching their antics in the yard, but they also can be invasive and cause quite a bit of damage in the yard and gardens. I guess I will have to develop the same love for their invasiveness as I do for the violets and learn to battle them gently, but also enjoy their presence.

Pleasure & Prose – Sea-Beans from the Tropics

On By TimelessladyIn Pleasures, Prose6 Comments

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    A few years ago I first heard the term “Sea-Beans.” Of course, since I love to beachcomb, I was entranced by the thought of something new to search for on my beach walks.

    The definition of Sea Beans, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is as follows: “Any of various beans or showy seeds of tropical origin that are frequently carried by ocean currents to remote shores and often used as ornaments.”

    The hunt was on. Happily, for the bibliophile within me, I found a terrific book on the topic: Sea-Beans from the Tropics. I have found a few “sea-beans” on my beach walks, but most have been the throwaways of beach picnics, fruit pits, etc. That does not mean I have given up the hunt. One of my best days of finding “beach drift” was on the shore of the Chesapeake bay. I don’t think what I found that day could be considered sea-beans, instead perhaps I should call my finds on that occasion “Bay-Beans.” 🙂

    My dream is to find some tropical sea-beans and somehow sprout them. It has been done, and there is a whole chapter in the book on the how’s and why’s of growing sea-beans.

    Another happy find was re-connecting with a link I had lost, a community page for sea-beans with a link to other forums. You can check out the sea-bean community page here: Sea-Bean Community

    If you are an avid beachcomber, you will love this book. I checked Amazon.com today to see if the book is still available. It is, but oh my, along with the book I found several others listed that look interesting and appear to also be full of great information. It’s going to be hard to keep them out of my "Shopping Cart."

    Listings of sea-bean books can be found here: Sea Beans from the Tropics and Others

    I searched some WordPress bloggers to see what they thought or wrote of sea-beans. I found some terrific posts. Take a look: Sea-Beans on the Keys / Sea Beans and Beachcomber’s Festival / Danielle’s Dives – Sea-Beans

    Happy Hunting!

Pleasures – Two on Tuesdays/Impulse Buys

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I was on a daytrip this past Saturday and browsed a bit in a well-known chain store. Oh my! Off in one corner of the store were pallets of perennials and houseplants that appeared to be delivered, if not that day, within a day or two prior. Some still had the protective plastic netting stretched around the pallet. The houseplants were a good price, and one, a begonia, was unique to what I usually see in these stores. Into my shopping cart they went.

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The begonia and asparagus fern placed in an antique planter make a beautiful centerpiece on my dining room table. Combined, they cost about the same as a bouquet of cut flowers. They will last much longer, and in the long-run be more economical than buying fresh flowers weekly. Well, it sounds like good logic anyway! 🙂

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I also bought three packages of spring perennials. They were reasonably priced and the packets seemed very fresh. My three choices netted me eight plants: 1 clematis, 2 bleeding hearts, 5 columbines.

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I hadn’t intended planting a clematis this year, but I fell in love with the way this one was determined to grow and thrust its way right through the plastic of the packaging. That’s my kind of plant!

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Instead of waiting to plant them outside when the soil warms up to 50 degrees, I planted them in pots and placed them under lights in the cool of the basement. Since they had already put out green shoots within the confines of bag, I knew they’d be better off in the soil. Happy gardening!

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Pleasures – Spearmint Tea

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I love Spearmint…the fragrance, the taste of the tea. What seems a bane to some gardeners: the invasive spreading of the plant, is to me a blessing. Here is a repeat of some of the reasons why I feel this way.

It’s true, if you don’t contain spearmint in some way it will spread everywhere. The fact is though, I am very happy mine has taken over portions of my yard andgarden. I love spearmint tea. Pick off a bit  of the stem with a few leaves intact, cover with boiling water, add a dab of honey, and you have a soothing, fragrant, delightful and vitamin packed cup of tea. I’m a cheerleader for spearmint in the garden: “Go, spearmint, go. Rah! Rah! Rah!”

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Pleasures – Aurora Borealis

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I am reblogging one of my favorite posts today. Take a look at this gorgeous two minute video of the Aurora Borealis, beautifully highlighted with the soundtrack of one of my favorite movies, “Gladiator.” (See my thoughts on this movie below) Enjoy!

Youtube video by: TESOPHOTOGRAPHY

I serve the Lord God, creator of the heavens and earth. He is an AWESOME God! He is the ONLY God. Hallelujah!

” ‘I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.’ ” Revelation 21:6-7 (NIV)

*”Gladiator” starring Russell Crowe. Even though this movie is filled with over-the-top violence, the story within is one of fortitude and integrity. The violence is jarring. From what I know of the era portrayed it is realistic and probably even less violent than the games were in truth. I wish the main character had prayed to God our Father, rather than his idols, but his actions and religion are also are a true portrayal of Roman life at that moment in time. When I watch this movie on DVD I am thankful for the fast forward button to get through the gory violence.

Pleasures – The Stowaway

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Now usually this little guy on a geranium blossom would cause me to inspect the whole plant for any of his brother and sister cabbage worms. But…this guy somehow survived very cold temperatures and stowed-away on my plant when I brought it indoors. So instead of this post being categorized as problem-solving, it is titled “Pleasures.”

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It gave me quite a chuckle when I began watering my geranium and caught sight of the small caterpillar. I will let him live out his lifespan on the geranium. Maybe he will spin a cocoon and overwinter, or maybe even hatch in the house. It wouldn’t be the first time we’ve had a butterfly or moth flying in the house, taking us by surprise.

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He hasn’t done much damage at all, just a few small holes and some missing geranium florets. Happy feasting little bug! 🙂

Pleasure & Planting – Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Catalog

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Oh the JOY of receiving this amazing catalog in the mail! It is over 350 pages and full, and I mean FULL of heirloom seeds. There are also hundreds of pictures that prompt an instant, “Ahhhh…” Well, let me stop right now and give you the link to the website and you can order a catalog of your own. Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds

Here is a sampling of the pages in the seed catalog. Truly, it is the best seed catalog I have ever held in my hands. Amazing!

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Pleasures – I’m Happy to Say, “I’m Back!”

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It’s fitting to begin blogging once more with the same image that I used to announce a hiatus from writing a daily post. It was good to take a break, recharge, and best of all receive a laptop/notebook that allows me to work in any room of the house instead of sitting in the basement at the old computer. Now, don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed using that old computer, but since I watch grandchildren four days a week, this new computer allows me to watch them and also compose a blog post. Thank you to everyone who still follows this blog and thank you to my children for giving me this brand new “TOY!” Stay tuned for more posts…

Pleasures – Chickenfoot Dominoes

On By TimelessladyIn Pleasures2 Comments

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I love playing Chickenfoot Dominoes. It’s similar to the dominoes you know and love, but it has a fun twist. Below is a game of Chickenfoot dominoes with a chickenfoot in the works. Until one of the players completes the third toe of the foot the game is locked. It is so much fun, and a great game for all ages 6 and up.

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Here’s a link to the rules: How to play Chickenfoot Dominoes

Having specialty racks for dominoes makes the play much easier.

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I fill up small dessert cups with jelly beans, goldfish crackers, grasshopper cookies, cashews, candy, etc. It’s adds to the fun to have something to nibble on.

This is a great game to play with your family and friends. We have a notebook that we keep with the date and everyone’s score. It’s fun to page through it and remember the good times we had playing. Also, a calculator makes counting up a bit easier for those who lose with a full rack of dominoes.

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Games.com has an free online version of Chickenfoot. Give it a try! Play Chickenfoot Online Too!