Garden Adventures

The annual garden club plant sale..... A pleasant gathering of like minded woman, all inspiring to make the world a more beautiful place. And so it may seem from a distance looking in on the picturesque quaint common setting on a cool New England morn. Everyone gathered around tables of moderately priced annuals and perennials, visions of winning the coveted "Garden Of The Month" club dancing in their heads.

Ohhhhh but don't be fooled, once inside this tattered little web, its a fight to the death, each woman jocking for position, planning their method of attack, and using any tactic to gain ground and be the first to nab the best plants. However, being a glutton for punishment, and a creature of habit, every year I go, and every year I am outwitted, usually by a neighbor. No matter how early I leave, she seems to leave earlier. This year as I sat on my coach sipping my coffee, I was sure I would beat her there, only to my surprise I spied her backing out of her drive way at 7:30 am.. Yes, 7:30 am... In disbelief I ran up over the steps, threw on the first thing I could find and bee lined it to the common in hopes of finding the elusive lupin at a reduced rate. Once again I missed my opportunity, however I am sure next year will be my year and I will assure that by pitching a tent.

Memorial Day

Located in a quaint New England town, My brothers house was the perfect setting for an all American Memorial Day celebration. Across the street in the common were historical reenactments, Abe Lincoln, his wife Mary Todd Lincoln, and a few of their friends from the 1860's were on hand for the festivities. Hand crafted sail boats glided gracefully across the common pond as they were gently guided by the warm summer breeze. Family time followed filled with laughter, games, swimming, and traditional cook out fair. At the end of the day, as we sat by the fire stories ensued of days gone by and the memorance of those who came before us.

The Splendid Kitchen

I think because I love to cook, I find great pleasure of filling my kitchen with splendid things. Now "splendid" as we all know is a relative term and certainly is in the eye of the beholder. However, I consider these items splendid, as they were given to me by two of the people who have made my life splendid, my husband Ed and my good friend Candy.

Post Time !

Post Time! ~Kentucky Derby Party~

Every year we host a Kentucky Derby Party which is loads of fun. Tradition prevails at the party, each woman decorating a hat in hopes of winning first prize for their creation. Food and drink include those that would

be served at the Derby including Chocolate Bourbon pecan pies and Mint juleps. Other treat included Kentucky hot browns, Lemon enhanced Deviled eggs with dill and shrimp, Browned butter rosemary carmel cookies and Almond butter bars with chocolate drizzle. The food was as much fun to make as it was to eat.

Shades of Violet

Spring has sprung and shades of violet fill the garden. The soft hues of pansies, lilacs and the tiny budding beauty of violets are images and scents one can only aspire to capture. I did just that by suggestion from one of the fellow Farm Girls on MJ Farm. She made a batch of violet Jelly and I followed in suite along with many other enthusiastic girls. It was great to read the posts as each member excitedly posted the results of their Violet Jelly making. Some said theirs came out tasting like honey, others said cantaloupe. Mine, well... sort of has a sugary sweet taste with a ever so slight taste of violet. I will be making another batch, but this time I will steep lemon verbena to enhance the flavor, yet keep the clear vibrant hue of violet. The other interesting thing is that some said their jellies were fuchsia, some purple and some a shade of blue. I think this may have to do with where the violets are grown, depending on the mineral and nutrient variations in the soil.

Glory Days

Definition of Glory Days according to Websters:

1. best time of life: the period of somebody's greatest achievement or happiness Well, maybe not my greatest achievement, but darn close..... Considering my garden skills, or lack there of.

This is my prize winning tomato. I grew this giant baby when my

neighbors and I challenged each other to see who could grow the largest tomato. It was the size of a dinner plate and it

won first place at the Topsfeild Fair which is the largest agricultural fair in our area. It took its place of honor in the enclosed glass case next to the giant pumpkin. Today, the remaining evidence, a blue ribbon and silver bowl now sit in my office. Some days you can catch me admiring myself in the gleaming sliver of the bowl..... (OK, not true, but it sounds fun and I might just try it!)

Thank You Easter Bunny

It was a quite day, the warm weather and a cool breeze was perfect for relaxing on the porch and talking to neighbors and those passing by. Nibbling on holiday goodies and relishing in the treasures that were found in our Easter baskets made for the perfect day.

Spring Has Sprung

The tulips peeking up through the soil confirm that spring has arrived. Its officially time to fashion a new spring wreath and hang it on the door to welcome the birds back. Apparently this little fat sparrow appreciated my efforts and has decided to nest in the bird jar on my porch.

To Market To Market.....

Off to the Farmers Market we go!
The chilly winds of March were extra brisk as we took that long run from our car to the inside warmth of the Exeter N.H. Farmers Market. So worth braving the Ides of March for what awaited us, a treasure trove of goodies, goodies worth far more then gold. Organic free range eggs in a multitude of muted pastels. Unprocessed milk and cream in large glass containers, the type you would leave on your windows sill if not for the spoiling. Cheeses, meats, fresh veggies

of green, purple, red and orange including carrots that nature had shaped like little twisted finger puppets. The aromof fresh baked goods filled the air. However the piece de resistance was the birch ball stuffed with wool roving, sure to be a spring delight as our bird friends stop by to pluck out little pieces to make their birds nests.