It's September!

It's September!

Did you say "Rabbit, Rabbit" the first thing in the morning on September 1?

It's supposed to bring you good luck! 

I'm just hoping it will bring cooler weather.
How about highs in the 80s instead of 90s???!!!!
I'd go for that.

Down came the summer welcome sign from the front door 
and up went the burlap wreath.

It looks nice surrounded by the blue door frame.


I also changed out the flag that flies from the balcony.
The Scarecrow is flying high.




Then I went hunting for the fabric pumpkins.
I'm still looking for some of them,
but it's a good start.





Pumpkin Moonshine is one of my favorite little books by Tasha Tudor
and is always a Fall favorite.






When I'm not looking for fall decorations,
I have my knitting needles going.

I've made four (yes, four) Oblique Kerchief.
It's an easy pattern and the yarn is soft to the touch and easy to work with.

Now I'm working on the Ribbed Collar Bolero.
I have a stash of Lion Brand Homespun and this is an opportunity to use it up.
If I like the finished project, I'll make some more.
I've only "frogged" 4 or 5 times.
It is a simple ribbing, but trying to watch a baseball game
and having three kitties determined to sit on my lap and the knitting
makes dropping stitches very easy!
Knock on wood, but I seem to be moving right along now.

I finally got to my Stitch and Bitch group.
They are a crochet group that meets at a local restaurant twice a month.
Not much bitching, but a whole lot of stitching, laughing and eating going on.
They welcome knitters, too.







Now I'm looking for my little Dump Cake cookbook.
Autumn Dump Cake 
made with pears, apple pie filling, dried cranberries sounds good to me!










Wishing YOU well and much joy!

Willy Nilly Friday

Five on Friday

Mosaic Monday

Home Sweet Home

You've Been Warned

I was nervous about the rain we had earlier in the week.

We sure needed the rain,

but I didn't want to miss the Rice University Farmers Market Summerfest. 

I put on my raincoat -- sure that it wouldn't rain as long as I had it on!

And I was correct.

The vendors were busy.

 I picked up some tomatoes from the young man in the orange shirt.
He works for Atkinson Farms.
He didn't have any of the sweet yellow tomatoes that I love,
but the red ones will be good.

 Peaches!
Probably the last of the season. 
I was very happy to get them.
They have been delicious.

 I grabbed a beer from Karbach Brewery.
I tried the Hopadillo this time.
The cans are such fun.
The stories are always good.

"He lurks in the shadows, waiting in bold anticipation.
He's surprisingly bitter.
Bitter about something.
Legend has it that he feasts on those with fresh hops 
coursing through their veins.
This dry hopped, 
Texas IPA has a flavor as defiant as the Hopadillo himself.
It's packed with the bracing bitterness of hops from around the world
that this creature craves.
He's coming to get you.
You've been warned."

 I enjoyed my beer while listening to a fine, young trio.

They performed a rousing rendition of Goodnight Irene
and other snappy tunes. 

Not a bad way to end a very rainy day.


*
Beatrix Potter's 150th birthday was this week.
Three cheers for Beatrix, her love of nature, her great illustrations, 
her wonderful books. 
Pure Magic!
*


Wishing YOU well and much joy!

Willy Nilly Friday

Five on Friday

A Whole Lot of Something

It is too hot and humid here.

Not fit for man or beast or the garden.

So, when the latest email from Pier One arrived,

I thought it might help cool me down.

Christmas in July! 

Pier One Email

So far, the cooling down hasn't worked!


2. Last week I was opening my first box from My Texas Market.
This week the kitties are opening their Kit Nip Box.

No surprise that Mina was the first to check it out.
She went directly for the cat-nip elephant.





It didn't take long for Cassie and Teddy to join in the fun.


3. A whole of something has been going on in the water garden.




I wonder if the fish will eat the eggs???


4. In the atrium, an anole was knocking at the door.

"It's hot out here! Let me in!"


5. I finished another lovie. 
This time a panda.




His eyes are a little wonky and his grin is lopsided,
but not bad for the first try. 

So far, I've made three owls -- all delivered far and wide.
Have another owl to make and then I think I might try a puppy.

Wishing YOU well and much joy!

Willy Nilly Friday

Five on Friday

Saturday Critters

This and That

I googled "subscription boxes" and was really surprised by what google found.

I had no idea there were so many.

There's KitNip for cats, Cat Lady for cat ladies, Blue Apron and Hello Fresh for food.

Bark for dogs. Birch Box for cosmetics.
Art Snack for artists (and wanna-bes).
And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
I'm sure if you can imagine a box, there is one. 


Why my sudden interest in boxes?
I heard about My Texas Market and decided to give it a try.

They send carefully-curated boxes filled with small batch, 

artisan items from local Texas businesses to subscribers every month. 

I started with their July box that celebrates My Texas Market turning one.

I had a good time opening the box.
A lot of information was provided about the contents.
There's cajeta from my favorite goat farmers at Blue Heron Farm.
Peach Jam from the The Peach Boys (too bad the sample jar is so small). 
A soy cupcake scented candle from Ecobabe.
Cookie mix (gluten free) from Bona Dea.
Cornucopia Popcorn, Patriot Pop.


All Texas artisans and small businesses and
10% of all profits are donated to the Houston Food Bank.
I like that! 

2. The Tour de France has started.
The countryside is so pretty.
Great history.
Armchair traveling at its best.
Let the cyclists do all the work!

Credit: Getty Images/ Chris Graythen)

3. Several years ago, I heard Martin Walker interviewed on NPR and I was hooked. 
I wait patiently (??!!) for him to write another book in his wonderful Bruno series. 
The latest is: Fatal Pursuit. 
Bruno is chief of police in the beautiful village of St. Denis.
The characters are "characters", Balzac is a wonderful dog, the food sounds delicious.
There is history of the area and of France ... this time WWII and a missing Bugatti.
A little bit of everything including gardening by the lunar calendar.
This is a mystery series I really enjoy.


4. Every time I go to the grocery, I always stop and check out the flowers.
If there are carnations, they come home with me.
This time, they are pretty in pink!

5. All wrapped and ready for the baby shower this weekend.
Done! 

 
Wishing YOU well and much joy!

Home Sweet Home

Willy Nilly Friday

Five On Friday

SaveSave

This and That

I hope all my friends in the U.S. and Canada enjoyed their holiday weekend.
This is what happened around Twisty Lane. 

1. One last lunch to celebrate my birthday
and my friend's birthday.
We were about six weeks late, but it's never too late to celebrate.
We went to Little Liberty.
(Perfect for the 4th of July weekend.)

We both ordered the Hawaiian Poke
(raw fish salad appetizer)
with tuna, tamari, cucumber base, mango and avocado.
Delicious and it all was on my diet!

2. I finished reading Clammed Up (A Maine Clambake Mystery) by Barbara Ross.

A good read for the 4th of July weekend.
Clammed Up is the first in the series.
I thought it was amazingly good for the first book in a cozy series.
Clambakes, Murder and Recipes -- what more could one want??!!

3. I was ready for the 4th of July.

Uncle Sam was flying high over the bunting clad balcony.


4. I made a quick trip to Ross.
It's right next door to Michaels (more yarn).
I figured, why not!
Sometimes I find something, sometimes I don't.
I found these kitchen towels.

I watched all the fireworks at home on tv -- switching between channels.
No way was I going out in the heat, humidity and crowds.

5. Several of you wanted to see the crochet lovie blanket.
I finished one of the owls and have a panda started.
Too cute!
All finished in time for the baby shower.

Wishing YOU well and much joy!

Willy Nilly Friday

Five On Friday

Home Sweet Home

No Place Like Home

Make It Pretty Monday

This and That

1. I made a new friend last week.

His name is Bruno.
He belongs to a friend of mine.

Bruno is a three month old Mastiff.
He is a big teddy bear in a dog costume.
Like my kitties, he loves to have his chin scratched.


2. I'm working on another baby blanket.
Using my favorite pattern again.
It is quick and easy and looks complicated.
You can find the free crochet pattern here.

If I finish with time left before the baby shower,
I might try making one of these:

These little gems should be a good stash buster!

3.  I had a birthday at the end of May 
and all of my sisters-by-choice spoiled me.
They know all about my love for tea and I hit the jackpot.

One of my sisters is an accomplished needlepoint-er. 
She always has a project going on. 
The pillow is from her.
Perfect for her tea lover sister.

I love the Rosina teacup.
Very different with it's fluted tulip cup shape and high handle.
The saucer is fluted,too.
The blue design is very delicate.

The teacup sits on a Serendipi-tea Tea Box full of chocolate tea.
Sounds decadent, doesn't it!

Serendipi-Tea is a World Tea Awards Finalist for the Best Tea Brand.

4. In Musashi's Garden the plumeria is blooming.
Perfect timing: the gardenia just finished.
The garden has gone from one glorious scent to another.

5. When I put the crochet hook down,
I pick up Valiant Ambition by Nathaniel Philbrick.
I heard an interview with Philbrick on NPR.
I enjoyed it so much, I decided I would have to read the book.
It isn't exactly what I would call Summer Reading,
but it is a fascinating look at the American Revolution,
especially George Washington and Benedict Arnold.
With luck, I'll have it finished by July 4. 


Wishing YOU well and much joy!

Five on Friday

Home Sweet Home

This and That

1. Hard to believe.
I'm already getting emails featuring Halloween!
Maybe it will make me feel cooler.
We are well into the feels like temps over 100.
Heat Advisory Time.

Pier One Email

2. Every year on Flag Day (June 14) I look for my Uncle Sam flag for the balcony
and my Uncle Sam Welcome sign for the front door.








It's also not a bad time to start looking for the patriotic decor for July 4th!

3. I love carnations.
They are a cheap flower and last such a long time.
Getting ready for red, white and blue time!

4.. The Summer Solstice is just around the corner.
You might want to celebrate by making Honey Herby Cookies.
You can find the recipe here.

Source

5. Just about the same time each year,
I look out into the garden and see the little Inca Doves.
Magic!

Wishing YOU well and much joy!

Willy Nilly Friday

Five on Friday

Home Sweet Home

This and That

1. I missed the Farmers Market last Saturday.

Yep, more rain.

But, I hit the jackpot at the Rice University Farmers Market on Tuesday.

I came home with Greek Chèvre from Blue Heron Farm,

a loaf of Rosemary/Garlic bread, tomatoes, blueberries 

(I forgot to pull them out for their "portrait")

and, last but not least and certainly drum roll worthy,

Peaches! 

I'm really looking forward to the Rosemary bread toasted,
slathered with chèvre and topped with tomatoes....
good for breakfast, lunch or dinner ... snack too!

2. It was on the warm side on Tuesday and humid.
But, I lucked out again.
 Karbach Brewing Company
was giving away beer to those of us 21 and over.

I tried Love Street.
There was even a story on the can:

"In the 1960s on Allen's Landing sat Love Street,
a hot spot of music and social impact.
The venue hosted eclectic characters ranging from open mic-er's
to the Lizard King himself. Love Street was not only a place,
but a state of mind. A place to unwind and let the music refresh your soul.

Likewise, Love Street is a state of mind. Brewed in the Kolsch-style and
hopped delicately with floral German hops, this beer boasts a clean
malt profile that refreshes to the core, without sacrificing character.
So crack one open and find your own Love Street!"

Now I ask you, how could I pass that up??!!
So, I'm having a Staycation, enjoying my water garden,
listening to music, a book and kitties nearby.
Beer or tea?
It must be cold, whatever the drink of choice! 


3. The baseball season has come to an end for the Rice Owls.
They lost in the regionals to LSU.
The Owls gave the Tigers a good run.
Already looking forward to college baseball next year.


4.  I'm still lunching with pals to celebrate my birthday. Yeehaw!


5. ICAD continues.
This is one of my favorites from the past week.

Wishing YOU well and much joy!

Willy Nilly Friday

Five on Friday

This and That

1. I celebrated my birthday this week.

A good friend took me to Cafe Caspian to celebrate.

I had Chenjeh (chunks) of chicken breast, marinated, skewered and charbroiled, served with Albalu Polow (Cherry Rice) white basmati rice topped with flavorful sweet and sour cherries, almonds, and pistachios.

Peach iced tea.

Delicious!


2. I have more celebration lunches planned with members of my tribe, 
but it has to stop raining.
Yes, it is still raining.

3. ICAD 2016 is underway.

Fly High is my card for June 1.

Only 60 more to go! 

4. One year older means it's time for my annual with my Doc.

All the tests are done.

Meeting with him in two weeks.

The trials and tribulations of getting older!

5. I need to visit the farmers market this weekend.
I need more peaches!
I feel so bad for the farmers.
The rains haven't been kind.
Hope it isn't raining Saturday morning.

Wishing YOU well and much joy!



Willy Nilly Friday

Five On Friday

This and That

1. Last Saturday the Houston Zoo opened early for its annual family Spring fling.
It's always more fun if you go with little kids. 
Face painting, slides, jump ropes, hula hoops, a DJ and zoo animals.

2. Then there are the animal ambassadors.
This is Winston and he is a Juliana Pig.
He's a big favorite with the kids and adults.

 The Dingos have only been at the Houston Zoo for about 8 months.
The wild dog of Australia.
Did you know the Dingo is a separate taxonomy from the dog?







This is Charlie the Chuckwalla.
The Chuckwalla is one of the largest of the  native American reptiles. 
Charlie is very handsome!

3. Because it was so early, before the zoo opened to the public,
we had the African Forest and the gorillas to ourselves.

The bachelor group was outside and entertaining us.
They can sure move fast!






4. This is a pretty time of year at the zoo.
Before it gets too hot and humid and the flowers are blooming.

5. I finished crocheting a baby blanket.
It's one of my favorite patterns - quick, easy- and looks fancy!
You can find the free pattern here.

Wishing YOU well and much joy!

I'm joining:

Willy Nilly Friday

Five on Friday

Random Five Friday