Over on Facebook, a friend I met as a customer at the market, "challenged" me to post a nature photo for seven days. One photo a day...I cannot remember the last time I took only one photo a day! That said, over here on my blog I can post as many as I want and I will continue to do so until such time as either my eyes go bad, or my finger will no longer push the button!! Alas, let's begin with a nature photo shall we?
Is that not the most gorgeous color you have ever seen?? Maybe a bit of an exaggeration, however, when I saw pots of this at Publix, labeled azaleas by the way, I could not resist. Turns out there is obviously a scientific name, but for our purposes, it is called a Rozalea. I purchased it nearly two weeks ago and the blooms are still coming! From what I've read, the blooms can last for up to a month!
So, there is that, and here is our Mama Cardinal sitting on her nest. In all the years that I've been photographing birds, by golly, this is the first time I've been able to see the pupil!
Should you care to see it for yourself, and assuming the image is too small, you can always click on any of the photos and they will become larger. But you probably knew that already, didn't you? Returning from my bicycle ride this morning I wanted to check in on her. While doing so the fellows who were working on the street drain called out saying, take our picture! And so I did. Mike and Keith for the curious amongst you.
This is not the first time that someone calls out to have their picture taken and I suspect it won't be the last but it is kind of curious, don't you think? Nonetheless, they look happy doing a dirty job so that's a good thing. I showed them the nest and asked that they might be careful. I dare say they were pretty excited seeing her.
Nearly a year and a half later, I finally did something about my bicycle basket. The basket is good, don't get me wrong, but my manner of carrying my camera was not. I have been entirely too cavalier about putting a camera, that costs nearly as much as my new sewing machine, into a metal basket. Metal against metal is a no-no. Here's what I'd been using to cushion it.
Yup, a red Christmas kitchen towel that on most days bunched up just as you see it. The glove held my keys that also were not good for my camera. Of course there's some water, a coin purse, and a scarf given to me by Jonathan and Alissa from their honeymoon in Japan. I am so bummed because the other glove has gone missing! Anyway, I finally decided to do something about it yesterday morning. Well, actually it took me hour,s but I did begin in the morning....
Some quilt making woman of the past, and I'm not being sexist here, mostly woman made quilts, however there is a growing movement of men who do so. See this YouTube video channel for more!
Oops, lost my train of thought on that sentence. Okay, so they used whatever they had, making up patterns as their fabric dictated., thus the name patchwork. One of my least favorite parts of quilt making is the MATH involved, meaning I generally have cut too many pieces for whatever project I'm working on. With that in mind, I went to the box that held my red and blue fabrics from one of the quilts I made earlier this year. Fabric in hand, now what? Turning to Bruce he said he would make a pattern, but in lieu of that, here's how you should go about it. Using his advice, I began by just putting pieces together willy-nilly. I used one long piece for the bottom and ends, and two side pieces. Giving little thought to it, I came up with these.
The cover to my old machine on the floor to the right of the table was used as inspiration for the construction. If only Bruce were home all day, I've no doubt it would have gone a little faster! Alas he was not.
Once the fabric was made, using the term loosely, I wondered what I could use for backing before quilting the project. Aha...
For Christmas I'd made a table runner for Matt's in-laws that I was not in the least satisfied with, however, in a stroke of luck, I had not thrown it away. Perfect!! Once I cut it up it was pretty much the same size. Deciding it didn't really matter how it turned out because I'm the only one who will notice it, I tried my hand at free motion quilting with limited success. Still it was fun enough, and everyone has to start somewhere.
It was much more difficult and time consuming to put it together. I won't bore you with all the details, but I will say I had to cover both the outside and the inside seams with bias tape. As well, I used some old rick rack of Bruce's Mom for covering the bottom seams. Now I can have Judy along for my rides! Here is how it all turned out.
Using it this morning, I was pleased to be using the ties on the upper sides, (not shown) for my keys. Not as pleased with some movement of the front of it from the wind, which I'll have to think about. Better yet, I'll ask Bruce for a solution!!
In other sightings on my bicycle rides, it made me happy to see this in someone's front yard.
From my vantage point, it looks like a Nine Patch to me. I like to imagine children out in the yard playing, a sight rarely seen anymore by your roving reporter. In what seems like a very recent phenomenon, what do you think of this kind of yard sign?
I'm very okay with a little bit of bragging about your kids to your family and friends, but to complete strangers? Weird.
So, today is my darling's 63rd birthday. He's working, of course. In fact, the interior designer of his project is in town for a plan review with the architects of the upcoming project in Plano. The day very well might go long. The other day I said to him how the skin on my face is getting sort of saggy. Not denying it, he said to me, "when we were young, we never thought about getting older much." No, I don't guess we did. But, and I'm going to get all philosophical here, there is beauty in aging, you just have to look harder. I do so love that man.
This is the ticket for getting it into the pan with no muss, and no fuss. Rarely do I give photographic tips, but ask me about a whole host of kitchen tricks, and I'm your girl!
In that same vein, Thursday evening I decided to make an old favorite--a tomato tart. Those big boys I bought at the market were made for this sort of thing. Caramelized onions...now there is something that I find hit or miss. Love the taste, but getting them just right often eludes me. This time I used my small cast iron skillet with a little oil, and put a lid on it. Yep--a lid for most of the cooking. It worked like a charm this time.
Before putting the tomatoes in, I pre-salted them, letting them rest for about thirty minutes on the pictured paper towel to remove some of their excess juice. Better for the crust that way. Catherine came over to share it with me while waiting for Nancy and Bruce to arrive. Bruce, on time, Nancy not so much. Lisa was kind enough to drive her here from the Sanford airport as it is close to her home. We stayed up way too late....
Friday found Bruce working, while Nancy and I shopped. For dinner we went to her favorite, Linda's LaCantina for steaks and baked potatoes. Except, when the steaks arrived our server informed us they were out of potatoes. Seriously?
For the record, the steaks were just as delicious as we remembered.
Back in March, I wrote here about a woodpecker couple, or so I presumed they were. Well, obviously I can't be sure, but one day, I think it must have been Friday morning during a rain shower, I'd gone in to take a shower. Except, before closing the blinds, what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a baby woodpecker on the feeder. Running to find my camera, I'd left in my bike basket. Surely, the little one would be gone before I got back...nope, it was still out front, not on the feeder mind you, but on the palm, pecking away.
While on the subject of woodpeckers, did all of you see this incredible photograph? A good example of why having a camera with you at all times is an excellent idea!
It's been a long while since I posted a squirrel photo, mostly because they no longer bother my feeders, but this one was trying.
The lack of much of a tail is what caught my eye.
For the most part Saturday is a blur, but I do have photographic evidence of Saturday night to remind me of that part of the day! After much discussion we decided to get a pizza at Metro Espresso on Central Avenue. Pizza however, was not ordered by any of us, instead we decided on spaghetti. Following our meal I suggested Nancy might like to have a look at the fountain, so we walked just around the corner to see what we could see. So will you.
Twilight is a lovely time to take photographs. :)
While standing there, I heard some music, wondering where was it coming from. We followed the sound, and lo and behold, in the circle, where the beer garden is on Sundays, we came across this group making sweet drumming music together. The Sounds of Africa is their name.
I bet you did not know how much I like African music, did you? So much so that when I heard the same in the morning after setting up my booth, I went in search of them again. Apparently they'd asked to play in the same spot but Allison said no. They found another place, drawing quite a crowd.
As you can see, the weather looked super dreary, with rain predicted. Happily it never materialized, with my sales reflecting the weather. Not great, but good enough.
I thought this photograph of a different part of the market turned out nice.
Then it was Monday, and we had a birthday boy in the house. An impromptu party was very loosely planned. As in taco salad for the group.
I had to laugh when both Bill and David showed up wearing their undershirts from work. Instead of a cake, I made Bruce's favorite, an apple pie.
I bet it's been a while since you saw anyone blowing out birthday candles on an apple pie! Earlier in the day, Cheryle and David surprised him by appearing outside his office window to sing Happy Birthday. It was all just lovely.
Finally, I've not gotten around to telling you how well Matt is doing. Five days a week, Michael, Angela's son, has been working with him doing simple exercises using resistance bands along with light weights. I'd gone over with another batch of cookies, and was delighted to be able to participate, trying each exercise after Matt did them.
He was in very good spirits I am happy to report. And I left the house feeling the same.
Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and corn, all served up on the good china for my birthday boy!
The table was set, the food was ready, however, the guest of honor was not to be found. Actually, he was around, just sitting on the tarmac at the airport. Our strawberry shortcake dessert had to wait because by the time we finished dinner, we were both too full and tired to eat it. Nonetheless, our early birthday celebration was a success. Asking him what he thought I'd made when I told him over the phone that I was serving all his favorites, he replied that he knew it was either meatloaf or roast chicken. This is what happens when you've been married for nearly forty years!
Because I had some folks who ordered two large prints the week before Mayfaire, I had to go to Winter Garden on Saturday. Man, I wish I hadn't because aside from the those two items, I sold two cards for $6.00. And you thought I always had good days! Fortunately for me it's not often I do this poorly, but it happens. Thank goodness, Alan, our market masseuses boyfriend, kept me company all day, or I would have gone mad! That and the excitement I felt about the evening ahead.
Glamour was the order of the evening. According to the boys, the Citrus Club has undergone a major remodel in the last few years. Heading up in a special elevator to the 18th floor, I knew I was in love when I saw this kind of decor:
Shades of orange everywhere! We did not spend any time in one of these little spots, however, we did get there early to watch the running of The Preakness on their 120" screen television in another part of the bar/casual dining area.
There was a little nod to other citrus, but I'm happy to say that orange ruled! Earlier in the week David told me that coats were required in the main dining area which was good news to me. I really miss the days of dressing up to go out to dinner. The view from one of the large windows:
I bet this is super great when night falls. Mrs. Camera Crazy missed the little black dress memo!
The food was terrific as was the company. It was such a lovely way to spend Bruce's birthday and the only thing that would have made it better would have been having Matt, Tom, Jonathan and Alissa with us. You've got to love a place that has butter balls.
And no, I did not pick one up and eat it whole! David insisted Bruce spare no expense which felt a little weird coming from your son, however, Bruce did as told, ordering a nice bottle of Sequoia Grove cabernet for the two of us to share. This dinner was really a combo gift, Bruce's birthday, and Mother's Day for me. Michelle bought me a straw clutch with my initial monogramed in orange on the front! While reading the cards I burst into tears at the sheer beauty of the night and the love from our family. Do you every cry happy tears? This is not my first time doing so, and I imagine it won't be my last! By 9:30 it was all over, and we headed to our respective homes. I imagine they did not go to bed, but this Peck couple did just that.
While packing the car Sunday morning at 7:00, there was a little mistiness in the air. Bruce asked if I was sure I wanted to go? You know me, always thinking positive, said, "of course I do, it won't rain!"
So much for wishful thinking! Thankfully, Bruce arrived moments after I called him a little after 3, telling him the market was closing for a storm. Fortunately he'd been able to park his car fairly nearby, so he immediately began taking the print baskets to his car, along with anything else he could carry before the deluge, and deluge it was! How can this be that we experienced another massive storm and summer has not begun?
Not so glamourous now! Bruce is soaked to his skin! The rain came down hard and fast, and just kept coming, forcing us to hole up in the tent for more than an hour! At least it was just the two of us rather than a group of strangers this time. Huge cracks of thunder and lightening! Flooding again!
Because of the lightening, Bruce had us stand on the highest ground in our space.
Finally the drains kicked in and we were no longer standing in water. I do not like having soaked shoes for one minute; I ended up going barefoot, even running to get the car that way. I pretty much looked like a drowned rat by the time the rain finally let up and we packed the rest of our things.
By 7:45 Bruce was asleep, with me not far behind. Giving in, we went to bed and slept the evening and night away. When I get asked if I will make a deal on a print, I am not the least bit happy. I already keep my prices low, and when we got through an experience like this, I get all the more worked up at those folks. Walking by a booth, unless you know someone who does this for a living, it looks pretty glamorous, but you and I know differently. It is hard work! Our garage is still strewn with hanging sides and a half-opened tent for drying.
Adding the no sales at WG, to the rain ending Sunday, it was not my best weekend at the markets. Wasn't it lovely to have some glamour in between?
As of the writing of this post, there has been no merrymaking in the Peck household despite the fact that today is Bruce's birthday. All morning long he had nothing but work troubles to sort out, followed by a dash to the office for some afternoon meetings. He even had to cut short a birthday call from Matthew because he had to hop in the shower. No rest for the weary as my late Mother would say. That's not to say nothing good won't happen later though.
Actually, last evening he was indeed quite happy when I gave him his birthday gift a day early. During a visit two weeks ago to Blodgett Gardens I saw what I thought would be perfect. Once we discussed his birthday wish, I knew I had to return. If you live in Orlando, you may be familiar with Blodgett, after all, they've been in business since 1936, which is a very, very long time for any business in Orlando. What's more the link gives you a bit of the history, as in they opened on Edgewater Drive while it was still a dirt road. They know what they are doing, that's for sure. How inviting does this look?
They have fountains upon fountains, but for our purposes, I needed a small one for what was formally known as our sunroom--now officially Bruce's office. There were two to choose from--just perfect.
A very soothing little tinkling sound emanates now from the corner of the room. We've tried to surround it by plants, and of course, the little hula girl! The hula girl--not Bruce's idea but I think it's cute!
You've heard of Jack and the Beanstalk no doubt. Somehow, when Bruce was tying up my tomato plant, it came to mind. Good grief has that plant gotten tall!
Yup, almost up to the roof! Before he did this it was bent in two which couldn't have been great for fruit production as there are only about five tomatos on the whole vine. Perhaps, because it will be receiving more sunshine, things will improve.
As I was mowing the lawn yesterday afternoon, which looks terrific by the way, I recalled the science project I did while taking Biology at Valencia. The assignment was given, and that's when I thought the professor meant business, to do some experiment. Mine was this: Is there a difference between mowing straight lines or diagonal lines, given all things are the same, such as length of time between mowing, dry grass, that sort of thing. Despite the fact that I was still quite weak then, I did my experiment. Duh--that professor never even acknowledged the assignment. Darn her. I suppose this all came to mind because while going through my continuing education folder, for some unknown reason, loads of my imaging reports were in there with lots of scary words in the reports. Thankfully, they were wrong. Given that, there's one more reason to be doing a little merrymaking now isn't there?
Indeed, the grass. Wonderful, right? What do you see in the grass? If you guessed foraging squirrels, you guessed correctly. Please note the Vaseline smear on the baffler which seems to be working. I'm not holding my breath though because they've fooled me many times before.
Now here are some birds you've rarely seen me post:
Yikes--it's vultures up in our pine tree yesterday afternoon! How dare they? As I was walking over to Angela's house her lawn guy, who used to be my lawn guy, pointed out the vultures in her neighbor's yard, eating away at something. I started to get closer to have a look see and then thought better of it. I'm curious, but there are limits to my curiosity!
You would think this was a bird blog, what with all the photographs of birds, wouldn't you? If you are stumbling upon this blog for the first time, believe me it is not, it just looks that way. The following photograph will not convince you otherwise! A quick little drive through of the peacock neighborhood on my way to Lowes and here you go:
