March 30, 2008

My best dog-Scruffy

One more reason Scruffy was my best dog.

He wore a small, red, plastic purse around his neck, and not always willingly.

March 28, 2008

Childhood Memories

We made mud pies as kids, maybe it was just a southern thing. Entertainment had to be cheap back then and nothing beat playing outdoors.

Mom would give us items from the kitchen she didn't need any longer and we had fun!

Read my article about making mud pies and maybe you'll be inspired.

March 20, 2008

Spring has come to the Carolinas

photo: Kissing daffodils by J.J. Fields



After the cold and sometimes icy days of winter, dry skin, chopping and hauling wood, spring is a welcome sight. The daffodils, raise their pretty little heads, and announce the arrival of spring.
Spring is when the earth warms and becomes fruitful with new grow. The air begins to stir with activity. Butterflies begin to flutter about, spreading sparks of color. Humming bird feeders are taken out, cleaned and prepared for a new season of speedy visitors. And serious spring cleaning begins.


Some of the Carolina's early blooming flowers are irises, crocuses, and azaleas. Azaleas are a native plant which is hardy and easy to grow. This evergreen plant provides texture and color to the landscape year round with some varieties bursting with new blooms early spring.


A sure sign of spring in this area is pollen and a lot of it. The major contributing party here is the pine tree. With about 12 varieties there is no shortage of pollen producers. The distinct yellow dusting of yard, porch, and vehicles becomes common place. Pollen sticks to clothing and hair and triggers many allergies. Pollen may deter some but the true southerners still throw up the windows to air the house out.


Then there are other signs, the kind we may appreciate even less. The fire ants, busy builders and determined warriors, are on the move. The great nemesis they are, they scamper ever ready to invade and irritate. Oh, they never really go away, but burst out with renewed energy come spring. The fight is on!

March 18, 2008


Apple Jiffy Muffins




This is a recipe that I stirred up a few days ago. It turned out wonderfully. I like to experiment in the kitchen.



1 small apple
1 tbsp honey
t tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 box Jiffy Corn Bread mix



This recipe is made with layers and all ingredients should be divided evenly among muffin cups.

Slice apples thinly and place into bottom of cupcake liners, apples will need to be cut to fit. Drizzle honey over apple slices, divided into each cup. Add butter, divided into each cup. Sprinkle with cinnamon again divide among each cup. Add brown sugar the same way. Finally, mix Jiffy Corn mix according to instructions and add to each cup on top of the apple layer. Muffin tin or paper should be filled to edge of paper and spread evenly. Bake in pre-heated over following baking temp and time on the mix box.

This recipe makes 5 muffins. Muffins can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated.

March 14, 2008

Tasty Snacks

Try making these nice little treats when looking for something a little different.

Cheese Crisps

Ingredients:

Shredded sharp chedder cheese

non-stick spray or vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease cookie sheet ( pan wide sides works best) with vegetable oil or non-stick spray. Place small haystacks of cheese, about 1 tbsp, on cookie sheet. Space 2 inches apart. Bake in hot oven, 425 degrees, for 1-2 minutes or until edges start to brown slightly. Immediately remove crisps from pan to cooling rack. Serve with sandwiches or these are great with grits.

Note: Crisp will be fragile so be careful when removing from pan. Using a very thin metal spatula or parchment paper makes this recipe easier.

March 9, 2008

Happy St. Patrick's Day...

Early wishes!

Isn't this the most beautiful picture.?

I love green. The greens of our natural Earth.

I don't really care for celebrating St. Patricks day, however. I recall as a school-aged child other children could be cruel, with all the pinching that went on, all day, if you were unlucky and didn't wear green.

One year a sweet old teacher would not have this nonsense in her classroom. She set about with tape and a sheet of green construction paper and by the end of her rounds every one in class had his/her chest adorned with "green". End of pinching!

The worst was when Mom dressed me head to toe in green, that awful green striped top. Going off to school looking like a piece of green pepperment candy was not good. Oh My!

On the look out here for spring, for sure!

March 1, 2008

My Best Dog



I have crossed the paths of many a dog in my day. None other than Scruffy came close to being on the top of the pile. He was a Chihuahua full of life. A tiny little stranger who stole his way into my heart and has never left. Here are a few reasons he was my best dog and why I loved him so.

1. For twelve years Scruffy was my best friend.

2. He brought me peace.

3. He chewed gum.

4. He drank beer.