The Second Most Wonderful Time of Year

The second most wonderful time of year
is when peaches make their appearance at the Farmer's Market!
I was afraid there would be no peaches this year.
The best peaches in this area are grown in the hill country.
They need cold weather and they didn't get much last winter.

I've been having peach smoothies for breakfast.

I also came home with tomatoes.

It's bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich time.

With half of the tomatoes gone and only a few peaches left,

a trip to the market next Tuesday is definitely in order!

In Musashi's garden,

the day lilies I ordered from Oakes Lilies are starting to bloom.

Little Grapette was the first to bloom.

2″ bloom, 12-18″ tall, Early Season, Semi-Evergreen. 

Deep grape colored blooms with a deeper purple band around a small chartreuse throat. 

This is Mini Pearl. 

3″ bloom, 16″ tall, Early-Mid Season + rebloom, 

Masses of blush apricot pink blooms are held low on short scapes.

Wishing YOU well and much joy!

Five on Friday

Willy Nilly Friday

Mosaic Monday

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

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

Kale and Kohlrabi

When Lisa of Blue Heron Farms 

announced she was bringing baby goats

to the Farmers Market at Rice,

I knew I had to go, and early, before the line admiring cuteness was too long!



I'd like to introduce you to Kale.

Kale

Kale is a little buck.
His Mom had triplets.
And this is his brother, Kohlrabi.

Kohlrabi

They left their baby sister at home.
Probably just as well.
One can only take so much cuteness!
Meanwhile, the Rice Farmers Market was setting up for their Mardi Gras celebration.
The zydeco band was warming up.





The cupcakes sure looked good.





I was too early for the beer.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Wishing YOU well and much joy!