Vintage Lighting

Last summer, I went to an estate sale just down the road and found some fun stuff. I bought this fixture and wasn't sure if I would be able to use it or not but thought for a couple of bucks it was worth the risk. So, 10 months later, we had an electrician coming over so I set this out and asked him to put it up above the kitchen sink if possible. Well, it was a piece of cake I guess and it works perfectly with our cabinets and everything else really. It's fun when things work out that way.

Finally spring!

The pansies love the cooler temps.

My favorite variety

The primrose are very healthy this year.

Last year I planted this window box late so this year it was the first planter I filled.

I haven't put in many flowers yet but I have been planting my herbs, lettuce, onions & spinach in pots. It's coming up so quickly, can't wait to eat my own homegrown salads. I will plant my other window box on the house this afternoon and then I really should clean/organize the potting shed corner of our garage. I've neglected it for a couple of years. It's been raining most of the morning here.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to my two favorites!

I am very blessed.

Happy Mother's Day to all my blog readers who are moms too!

Rhubarb Nut Bread

As I am writing this, my rhubarb bread is just finishing up in the oven. It smells especially good as it's the first thing I've made with rhubarb this season. I had some sad rhubarb plants growing to the south of the garage that didn't get enough sun so I moved them down by the cabin. It's been 2 or 3 years and this year they are finally taking off. I did read it can take awhile. Junior has the world's best rhubarb plant down there so I thought it had to be a good spot. Here's my very favorite rhubarb recipe:

Rhubarb Nut Bread

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

2/3 cup oil (I sub. half with applesauce)

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

Mix all of the above-add:

2 1/2 cups of flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

Mix that gently on top and then fold in with bottom-it's the efficient way.

Next add:

1/2 cup sour cream or yogurt

1 1/2 cups diced rhubarb

1/2 cup chopped walnuts/pecans

Topping:

2 T white sugar

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 cup pecans/walnuts-if desired

The real directions say to spray 2 loaf pans and bake for 55-65 mn. I use an old fashioned muffin pan and the rest goes in my Scandinavian fluted pan and I reduce the time. Then I don't have such a hard time getting it done in the middle. I have this issue with most of my dessert breads.

"Tis the Season

It finally seems to be safe to start planting. This year I am hoping to plant herbs again and even more lettuce than I ever have before. Yesterday, I planted 3 planters with a variety. I tried planting some of the little scallions too, we'll see how that goes. My kitchen window boxes are full of impatiens and begonias in pinks, reds and white, with some ivy. The stone planters will be full of pansies. That's all I have so far and it doesn't seem so late after all.