Nothing But Good Stuff

Sunday afternoon,  much to my delight, two of Sam and Mary's girls, along with their guys, came to visit me at the market. If ever there were two sweeter young woman, I haven't met them. That's obviously not true because I do have some wonderful young women in my family, but you get the picture. While visiting, they dropped off a bag of goodies from their Mom and Dad.

Both Sam and Mary are incredibly talented, AND incredibly resourceful. Mary is one of the first people I knew who planned her Saturdays around garage saleing. Google tells me that's not a word, but let's pretend it is. Anyway, she is always on the lookout for things she knows will bring her friends joy. Sam is a woodworker, and knows his way around saws, so when someone asked him to cut books into alphabetic letters, he was all over it. He even made one for me with cardinals on the front no less!

Isn't it cute?? Mary snagged this little cutie because it was both orange, and a MINI Cooper!

You know how much I would just love to have the real thing! Bruce keeps encouraging me to just go ahead and buy one, and I'll admit, I'm sorely tempted, however, my frugal nature keeps me from doing so. Then again, you only live once???

I think it must have been Wednesday night that, while locking the side door, I noticed an excellent sight--a huge, and I mean in the hundreds, of birds flying from the West at sunset.

Shoot! I'm getting ahead of myself because I saw two crazy things earlier in the day, one of which my Mom might have gotten a kick out of.

A former phone booth, using that term loosely, is now a shrine to Elvis. Our Mother was such an Elvis fan she requested one of his songs for her funeral, the title of which that I cannot recall anymore. I need to drive by this at night because I'm pretty sure I noticed a solar receptor underneath the sunglasses.

In the nearby shopping center, I was pretty much stunned by this:

Unbelievable, right?? I've no idea where they came from, nor do I know where they were going, but that's a pretty resourceful operation don't you think?

After five days of no rain, our grass was looking mighty pekid, prompting me to finally let the sprinklers run on Thursday morning. As is more often the case than not, when I do make that move, it rains. Running a few things over to Bill's house Thursday morning, the clouds started rolling in. This is a view towards downtown Orlando from the Lake Underhill park.

Well, indeed those clouds did mean rain, and it was a whomper! Two inches fell during the course of an hour or so, with huge thunder and lightening, scaring the dickens out of Baxter. He'd prefer I sat down and held him, but in this instance he had to be content with hanging around my legs in the kitchen while I made a nectarine cake. Tuesday I bought a box of them from the Fresh Market and are they ever fragrant, tasty, and beautiful. My very favorite summer fruit.

Aren't they just perfect? We tried the coffee cake this morning; a shout out to Ina Garten's delicious recipe.

Fortunately the rain stopped by the time I needed to pick up a friend at Dr. Phillips Hospital, my old stomping grounds. That said, it is barely recognizable to me what with all the expanding they have done since I quit working. There's a super view of the new Orlando Eye from Turkey Lake Road. Against the dark sky it was striking. For the record, holding the camera up, this photo was taken without looking to avoid injury to either myself, or those nice folks on the road with me!

Stormy days oftentimes produce lovely sunsets and last evening was no exception.

Allegedly there is an 80% chance of a repeat of yesterday--we shall see soon enough. While it was still dry this morning, I rode up to the dry cleaners with Bruce's dress shirts on the back of my bike. Riding a little bit in the neighborhood behind there, I heard the sounds of the Boone High School marching band. Well, why not take a peek? The football team were getting ready for Friday night lights,

as was the band. How those kids do it in the summer heat is pretty much beyond me!

Welcome to the Reservation indeed! For those of you who don't already know this, the entire Peck family went to Boone, some a long time ago, some a little less long ago.

Now wasn't this fun? Nothing awful like in my last post.

Finally, my sweet Matthew stood in a line for several hours last evening in order to get a book signed by one of my most favorite street artists, Stik.  It is hard to believe it has been three summers ago that B and I went on the Street Art tour in London, and learned all about him. Oops, finding this photo in my library, turns out it was four!

Have I been blessed with awesome sons, or what??

Have a lovely weekend,

Gail

Summer in Earnest

First off, thanks to those who sent along biscuit tips. This morning I tried one of them that Lisa passed along, which was one that suggested cooking the biscuits in a cast iron skillet at a higher temp than I used previously. These were the frozen ones, so I've yet to try a different recipe. They still weren't huge, but mighty tasty nonetheless.

I've been mentioning the relentless heat of the past week, and yesterday we apparently hit a record high of 100 degrees. Although some folks think Florida is super hot in the summer, and it really is, the truth is, we generally have thunderstorms around 5 in the afternoon that drops our temperature by about 20 degrees. Boy did that happen yesterday. The rainfall was not the deluge of last week, but let me tell you, the thunder and lightening were out of this world! As is often the case following such a storm, a rainbow occurs around sunset. Spotting the rainbow once again from my office window, I grabbed the camera--ta da!

Of course with that, a spectacular sunset is sure to follow. Last night was no different. If only I'd gotten a shot of the lightening the flashed across the sky. To date, lightening is not a part of my photo library.

While I was standing there shooting this, one car stopped in the roadway, taking a picture from the car, and an additional car pulled over on the grass to do the same. It was that breathtaking. :)

So, enough about the weather. Let's turn our attention to okra, as in some beautiful home grown okra from the Hill's, of Hill's Happy Hour fame, garden.

Because I had my heart set on fried green tomatoes for dinner, I decided frying the okra would just be overkill. Instead I grilled it after a little coating in oil and cajun seasoning. Get the grill, or grill pan, super hot before attempting.

I used the skewers for easier turning, but the truth is, without would be just fine as they tended to twirl on the skewer. Before turning the pan off, I threw a bunch of fresh pineapple chunks on there, and if you've never had grilled pineapple before, I suggest you do so, sooner rather than later. Talk about delicious! The okra was super good as well.

During my owl odyssey, I've chatted with all sorts of folks who are doing the same. One such folk mentioned that smaller birds often harass the birds of prey. Well, just this morning. as I was returning from the mail box. I heard all sorts of squawking in the pine trees. Sure enough, some birds were doing their best to get a hawk to move on. Loud, I tell you. Eventually, he got the picture.

It was so high up I can't be sure, but I think it was mockingbirds causing all the ruckus. They escorted him on his way.

While we are, surprisingly (!), on the subject of birds, I was off by a few weeks on the peacock babies. While making the collages, I came across a shot from a few years ago dated about the middle of June. Well you know where I went to see what I could see. There were a bunch more peacocks than I saw on my last visit, including this guy whose tail feathers seemed to have gone AWOL.

It was as odd as could be. I did notice he had a limp as well, so maybe he's old, or sick? I saw about six babies, seemed like three per mama.

Crossing paths?

I reminded you how adorable they are, and you can now confirm that I was not exaggerating! I really do admire people who get fantastic bird shots because they are anything but easy. You may wonder why I keep trying with the owls, and I'll tell you why--I still have not got the perfect shot, in spite of them being so accommodating of late. One of the kids flew down pretty low, so low in fact that if I were taller, AND braver, I could almost have reached out and touched him.

Well, maybe a slight exaggeration, but I was standing adjacent to these awesome tree trunks! Around our house, the cardinals are coming around non stop..

and the woodpeckers are plentiful.

And, if you are looking for a flower that can withstand the summer heat and humidity, look no further than this little one in the succulent family. You can just break off a chunk, throw it on the ground, and before you know it, they will not only root, but spread as well.

Tomorrow is Father's Day, and the Father in this household has been a little under the weather this week. David, the only son in town at the moment, because Bill and Fallon have gone to Vero Beach for her birthday, called to schedule an evening out tonight, but the truth is, he is not quite up to it. We'll just wait until he's feeling perkier, which we hope will be soon. He does, however, have two cards waiting from Jon and Matt so that will be nice.

Here's hoping we won't be having record heat tomorrow if Bruce is us to setting up the booth which is up in the air as I type. May well be a good excuse not to go!!

Keeping her fingers crossed,

Gail

p.s. this post seems to be full of puns--did you notice?

At the Office

I have to be honest with you, I did not watch all of Dr. Drew's Lifechangers with the Octomom. Reviving her former modeling career, my sister Carol has been busy taking acting classes, getting photographed and getting her name out to agencies. Didn't take long for some action, in fact, it happened in the first week after posting her head shot on LA Casting. She got a call to be a plant in the studio audience, one of the people chosen to ask you know who a question. Turns out, she didn't get to speak at all, however, the plant next to her did. At the very last second, as they showed the audience, I saw her smiling face. You, too can Be on the show, not exactly in the same way as she was but if your life fits one of the linked categories you can.

The Darden headquarters are very, very nice. Almost makes me wish I worked again, that's how nice it is. I packed up the Element on Tuesday afternoon, making a quick stop at the garden center on John Young Parkway where I was greeted by hundreds, and I mean hundreds, of beautiful potted poinsettias. Mostly red, a few in the newer shades. It was hard to resist, but frankly, I've filled up just about every place I can possibly put plants. Angela, on the other hand, has a big scheme whereby she plants little ones about now to give her garden some Christmas cheer. I couldn't help her with that size; I did bring home one for her porch though.

Anyway, once I got where I was going, I unloaded my vehicle, made easier with the help of a friend's rolling cart. Much, much easier. Security was simpler as well. As I was heading into the building the sky began to change and since I just so happened to have a camera with me...........

 They gave me three long tables, maybe more than I needed, leaving me room to spread out! The berry picture is from our yard and the wild poppies are from our London trip, taken about two blocks from Matt's flat.

And the rest of the room:

There were two women with wonderful quilts, a bunch of jewelry, some frou frou scrapbooking stuff, knitted scarves and hats, along with my personal favorite, Anne Marie Guzman's fantastic pottery:

Not only is her pottery super great, she is as well. That's really what I like most, seeing friends from previous years. Initially I was worried she wasn't coming because she wasn't with us on Tuesday evening. Here's why--they changed it from a TH/F show to W/TH and she'd never noticed! I was very happy to see her early Wednesday morning.

Each day I left the house before 7, returning home just before dark. After setting up on Tuesday evening, as I was headed to my car, I just so happened to have a camera with me......

One of the other ladies was nearby, saying, "you never quit do you?" Why, no I don't! Who could resist I ask you? Those rays were just too great to pass up!

I mentioned how nice everything is and I mean everything. There was a break room we could visit for snacks and drinks. The cafeteria is outstanding. Seriously, there was nothing not to like EXCEPT for the location within said building. Off the beaten path. Considerably less foot traffic than in previous years, but I'm not complaining. I've got other fish to fry. That said, this is the only thing some of the women do all year and they would have appreciated more potential buyers. 26 items left my baskets which is not outstanding, but not terrible either.  Before I tell you how I passed my time inbetween table visits, I want to show you this remarkable lawn:

It almost looked fake it was so green! The cafeteria faces this lovely space which today was used for the annual holiday gathering. Used to be much fancier, but these days they give the employees half day off after presentations and party food. I know what you're thinking--Bruce take a half day off? Not on your life--still working at his home office as I type!

My friend Harriett oftentimes passes on her copies of The New Yorker magazine. Mostly I never make time to read them because I'm such a run-around at home. I am thrilled to report that I read nearly every article in the September 26th issue devoted to style. An amazing article about stylish bullet proof clothing made in Columbia (of course,) Daphne Guinness--subtitled the art of looking interesting, great piece about Jean Paul Gaultier, the history of shoplifting, as well as a lengthy article about a German photographer named Thomas Struth.

I confess that my knowledge of world class photographers needs work with this great article giving me a start. Have you heard of him before? Furthermore I confess that I don't really know what makes a great photographer, you know, the ones who critics love. Studying the industrial photograph shown in the magazine, I couldn't figure out what was so special about it. His photograph of Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh, on the other hand, was very appealing. I felt it was somewhat ironic that the National Portrait Gallery chose a German for the task of photographing the Queen for her Diamond Jubilee celebration slated for next year. Maybe I've read too many WWII books? Anyway, lots of good stuff.

Speaking of running around, today was filled with washing and hanging the clothes on the line (superb weather here), straightening, running errands, and stopping to drop off a vase at Lois's house. The moving van is coming on Monday--boo hoo! Have I ever shown you Lois? She consented to a photograph even though she was in packing mode and not fixed up one bit. This will be a reminder of her sweet nature and smiling face. Plus, I thought she looked good in blue. 

She has been a good friend and supporter; her moving will leave a hole in my life.

Back at it again in the morning folks, your favorite blogger, or so I hope!

Gail

There's No Place Like Home

It's no secret that I have one of the best spots in the market each week. I've been asked what did I do to deserve 50 yard line seats. Not much really--just faithful, that's all. I'm ready to go back home for sure. I like being one of a family, not just filler for an art show. These last two weeks have shown me that slow and steady is the way to go. Regular readers know all too well that there are some months when it is crazy miserable, but at least it is close to home!

Before we delve into the weekend, let's go back to Friday shall we? When last we met I was preparing to do some very satisfying work in the kitchen. Naturally I had my camera close by. I believe I first cut up the okra for soaking in buttermilk. Some may not share my appreciation for the beauty of fruits and vegetables, if so, indulge me just the same:

How cute are they? I mean just look at the inside shape--just like a little flower. As a child I never once tried okra, mainly because both of my parents were Mid-Westerners and okra is more of a Southern dish. Bruce convinced me to try fried okra and I've been hooked ever since. Although I soaked it in buttermilk, apparently cold water works just fine. Then a quick roll over in a mixture of corn meal, flour and spices if you like.  Sometimes I put hot sauce in the soak and if so, I add some cayenne pepper to the breading material.

It can get pretty slimey so be prepared for frequent hand washings! Frying takes no time, wait for them to bob to the surface, drain on paper towels and you are in for a delicious treat.

While the okra was getting good and goopy, I made the pie crust.

For years and years I had this great Tupperware baking sheet that I used for rolling pie crust and cookies. Not sure what happened to it really. Anyway, this time I wet the counter top a bit, putting plastic wrap on it next. Flour well and get ready to rock and roll. While cleaning out Bruce's mom's belongings I came across this fantastic rolling pin which I've put to good use. It is very nice and solid. The plastic wrap peeled off the crust like a dream:

This is when I quit taking pictures because by now I was watching the clock. Apples peeled and seasoned, top crust rolled and crimped and into the oven in went. Meanwhile I was chopping green peppers and onions for the beans. Turning on the burner to heat up the oil I began the breading process for the okra as pictured above. The one thing about fried okra is it takes a bit of time because the pieces are so small. Totally worth it.

Once all the food was done I made lunch and soon thereafter we loaded up the truck and took off for Winter Springs, a 22 mile trip. Because the truck is packed to the top, he drove my truck and I followed in his car. You've heard it all before, set up is hot and hard. Unlike the previous week, there was not a cloud in the sky which allowed the sun's full force to keep us nice and toasty. Never one to complain, even Bruce remarked on how hot he was! We managed to get everything done fairly quickly, heading home to our guests. The meal went great; Barb was thrilled with both the fried okra and potato salad, and Steve couldn't get enough of the beans. It was such a thrill to see Steve almost back to form!

During the Saturday evening award presentation and dinner, the mayor mentioned that Winter Springs was on Money Magazine's Top 100 best places to live. The town center is quite nice, however, now that I've seen the population it is no wonder the show is so sparsely attended. Sunday afternoon as I looked to my left this was my view:

to my right here's what I saw:

The folks I did talk to were quite nice I'll say that. I managed 46 sales, all paper. With the inventory I now have, it should be months before I need more!

Mr. Bruce made the trek out to come to the dinner with me which was super nice. As well, my friend Brandy was directly across from me which was also super good; she and Bruce stood in the line for food, while I held our spots. On my drive home the sky was so darn amazing I had to stop for a picture, or two, or three....

Downtown Orlando is on the horizon in this view across Lake Baron off SR 436:

Simply stunning. As I drove it kept getting even more thrilling. I pulled into a little park adjacent to Lake Underhill. Getting out of the truck I saw I wasn't the only one who was pulling off to take a photograph:

Sunday morning Brandy and I amused ourselves with the Sunday crossword puzzle as we waited for some sort of crowd to materialize. Later on while walking down to the tent to get some money for a patron award, I overheard another artist say that it was like a party that people forgot to attend. Standing in line, another artist said the only way they continued to get quality artists was because they have good prize money. I say spend some of that on advertising!

The weather was milder than it's been, but not really as pretty as I'd hoped for. Serious humidity. Bruce arrived around 4 Sunday afternoon and soon thereafter we took down. After we got home, leftovers were dinner. Another weekend, another show.

This morning I sent Dana an email--I can't wait to come home!