Sometimes when you have a stressful day or week,
you need some
silliness to break up the day. If we are honest, we
have a lot more
stressful days than not.

Here is your dose of humor...

Follow the instructions to find your new name.
And don't go all adult - a senior manager is now
known far and wide as
Dorky Gizzardsniffer!

The following is excerpted from a children's book,
Captain Underpants
And the Perilous Plot Professor Poopypants, by Dave
Pilkey, in which the
evil Professor forces everyone to assume new
names...

So:-

1. Use the third letter of your first name to
determine your New first
name:

a = snickle
b = doombah
c = goober
d = cheesey
e = crusty
f = greasy
g = dumbo
h = farcus
i = dorky
j = doofus
k = funky
l = boobie
m = sleezy
n = sloopy
o = fluffy
p = stinky
q = slimy
r = dorfus
s = snooty
t = tootsie
u = dipsy
v = sneezy
w = liver
x = skippy
y = dinky
z = zippy

2. Use the second letter of your last name to
determine the first half
of your new last name:

a = dippin
b = feather
c = batty
d = burger
e = chicken
f = barffy
g = lizard
h = waffle
i = farkle
j = monkey
k = flippin
l = fricken
m = bubble
n = rhino
o = potty
p = hamster
q = buckle
r = gizzard
s = lickin
t = snickle
u = chuckle
v = pickle
w = hubble
x = dingle
y = gorilla
z = girdle

3. Use the third letter of your last name to
determine the second half
of your new last name:
a = butt
b = boob
c = face
d = nose
e = hump
f = breath
g = pants
h = shorts
i = lips
j = honker
k = head
l = tush
m = chunks
n = dunkin
o = brains
p = biscuits
q = toes
r = doodle
s = fanny
t = sniffer
u = sprinkles
v = frack
w = squirt
x = humperdinck
y = hiney
z = juice

Thus, for example, George W. Bush's new name is:
Fluffy Chucklefanny.

And remember that children laugh an average of 146
times a day; adults
laugh an average of 4 times a day. Put more
laughter in your day.
Have fun!
from Sloopy Dippindoodle

Hard to believe half a year is over..time goes by too quickly....it will be Christmas before we know it....good time to start any Christmas projects or handmade gifts you may be thinking about...I have the last pillowcase almost finished, then I'm going to do some cross stitching for some journal covers...I just found out my next door neighbor is expecting so I might make a nice quilted baby blanket, the baby is due in late November or early December.....think I will use the circus animal transfers I wrote out earlier.
I also added some free tutorials and patterns sites on the left if you are interested in needlework, etc.

Please remember to pray for dear Cora..she is going tomorrow for a biopsy and a talk with the surgeon....a trying time for her.

Gas is so high, we really haven't gone or done anything much..our gas is $4.65 right
now and it is said it will go up to $5.00 a gallon by the 4th. We have millions (160+) of barrels of oil here in the States, the oil companies would like to drill but its all held up in Congress...it is said that there is enough oil to keep Americans free of imports and produce enough to help our own people for the next 60 years...long enough to develop alternate fuels...I could say more but I won't...but be sure you look into this before the next election ...find out who is holding us back and making us dependent on imports. Listen carefully.
I remember as a child, that Texas was the big oil state and the middle east was just dusty tents in the desert....

Sunday Morning

Good morning, our town had its 4th of July celebration yesterday....with fire works in the evening....I don't know why they celebrate almost a week early but that is the way it is....they have a parade and then festivities in the park afterwards.

The weatherman had predicted a hot weekend but it turned out nicely, only a tad warm in the afternoon yesterday....we are still doing clean up in the garden, lots of weeds to tackle...Paul James (the gardener guy on HGTV) said once that 60% of what he does is weeding. My least favorite thing to do but that's the way it is too.

Our tomatoes are starting to produce! We picked the first ones and ate some right off the vine...delicious! Then we strolled over to the nectarine tree and munched a few too...life is good.....

glad you like the postcards!

Vintage 4th of July Postcards

I am going to be posting a few postcards to celebrate the 4th..if you check by through the posts I do this for most holidays a week or two before the big day..these are all public owned and free for the taking so enjoy! I collect postcards and have for several years...its a fun hobby and takes little space..they go up in value so they are an investment of sorts...a little like baseball cards.
Please be sure to listen to todays scripture reading if you can. Just click on the tiny speaker beside the scripture on the top left.

The 4th of July is almost here....in the past this holiday was one of the biggest in US history...it is still up there to my way of thinking.
The best 4th I ever had was one we celebrated when we were visiting Iowa and Alan's family...
It was hot as only July can be in the Midwest and humid..I felt drier when I was in the shower than out of it if you know what I mean....the 3rd of July, the hometown had a parade which we all went to as one of the nieces was in it. People were lined up on the street, the street was decorated with red,white and blue bunting and flags flew everywhere...the high school band played patriotic music, the boy and girl scouts walked by with their leaders, the local Grange had a float..there was a feeling of excitement, patriotic pride and joy.

That evening we sat outside in the backyard and enjoyed the fireflies.

Here is a postcard of the downtown, circa early 1900s. I have a nice size collection of Independence postcards.


The next day, the 4th was the big day...his parents,and we drove up to another little town as they were known for great celebrations and later, fireworks. Alan and I can't remember the name of the town now...it might have been Aurora. Being a Californian girl, I had read about small town celebrations but had never experienced one.
I couldn't figure out why many of the women were taking off their right shoes and putting them in a huge pile. A crowd encircled the pile, when a group of young men and boys ran and started going through the shoes..shoes were flying everywhere while each man tried to find his lady's shoe, run and quickly put it on her foot. The first one completely shod won.

Another game was the greased pig contest...this is very popular today too and the teams have names like Bacon Bits, Pork Rinds, and the Pig Pirates..then I think it was individual kids, mainly boys, running down trying to capture a slippery porker.
(I was reading people are protesting this sport as the pigs can be hurt...I can understand that..not fair when its 4 against one in the team games)
I don't believe any pigs were caught in the one against one game..the pigs won!

Of course, there was lots of food...
We ate grilled hamburgers,hot dogs, potato salad, 3 bean salad, pea salad, lots of pie..(oh, pie..there was a pie eating contest too) and as evening approached, we found our places on the lawn for the fireworks...and what fireworks they were...the display lasted over half an hour, and it was wonderful....we went home afterwards, tired, sunburnt and to my dismay found my first and only chigger bite.

I found this very cute little pie eating contest for my readers, http://www.microprizes.com/mp32.htm
enjoy!

Paula, of Fraker Farm has awarded me the Arte y Pico Award. Thank you!

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Now the rules to this award are the following:
1) You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserving of this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also contribution to the blogging community.
2) Each award has to have the name of the author and link to his/her blog to be visited by everyone.
3) Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that presented her/him with the award.
4) The award winner and one who has given the prize have to show the link of "Arte y Pico" blog so everyone will know the origin to this award.
5) To show these rules.

I always have a difficult time choosing between so many wonderful blogs..I have met so many nice people through blogging..so its taken me awhile to pick out just 5..
I have chosen the following because I have met each of these (except one) through blogging or Ebay...Linda from Living in Buhl-a-Land, her descriptions of Texas, photography and compassion for others is inspiring, Judy from Judy's Postcards Plus is a favorite as I love old vintage postcards. If you've read my blog for anytime vintage postcards and photos are right up my alley...Cyndi, from By the Light of the Moon..her tender heart and sweetness makes my day, Alan, (my dear husbands blog), Locksmith92584 ...he always has something to say ..and finally Naomi, of Naomisnotions, she has the greatest prim creations and I dearly love her family..her boys are so much like ours when they were little.

Blogging has brought me new friends from all across our great country and overseas...that I never would have met otherwise...I hope we can continue to learn from one another, encourage each other, pray for one another, and have some fun along the way...

I just finished another pillowcase..getting a little "burned out" of pillowcases and making myself start on the matching one is a chore..these are very easy to do though and don't take much time...I actually think I am getting the hang of the French knots..this case is already trimmed with lace which is nice. I haven't even washed it yet, you can still see the ring where the hoop was.
I cleaned out my small linen closet and organized it yesterday...this house just wasn't set up with a woman's point of view...hardly any cupboards or storage for linens. Just a few shallow shelves...what were they thinking? There is no room for sheets, tablecloths, blankets, etc.
I'd like to get some kind of chest of drawers to store linens in...maybe one day. I did find a roll of vintage hand crocheted lace I had found at an estate sale last year that I forgot about...

Last evening Alan and I went out in the garden and did some rose dead heading, and examining the chaos after the heat wave...some clean up needs to be done....and always the dreaded weeding...the heat never bothers weeds! Its supposed to stay cool for the next two days so it should give us time to get it cleaned up again......warming up by the weekend..
I made Lemon Chicken for supper, the recipe is simple:
1/3 cup. fresh lemon juice, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 c. chopped red peppers, 2 chopped garlic cloves, and 2 T. Dijon mustard...mix this all together well and pour it over 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts...marinate for at least 1/2 hour and then grill, brushing the marinade while they cook..it was very good and is a keeper......easy to remember too...I didn't have any red peppers so just omitted them...

Has anyone clicked on the little speaker for the Bible reading? The speakers voice is wonderful...at least I think so...what does you think?

Wednesday Pet of the Week

This is Rusty, a long haired chihuahua...he is 4 years old, a little timid and shy, needs a forever home....he has been brought back to the shelter several times through no fault of his own...this is hard on dogs just as with people...
The 10 commandments of Dog Ownership
1. My life is likely to last 10 - 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you adopt me.
2. Give me time to understand what it is that you want from me. I need to go to a basic obedience class so I can learn what you do want, not just what you don't want.

3. Place your trust in me...it's crucial to my well being.
4. Don't be angry at me for long and don't hit me or lock me up as a punishment. You have your work, your entertainment and your friends. I have only you.
5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice when you are speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Please be gentle and kind to me. Remember I have teeth and claws that could easily hurt you, but only fear or pain will cause me to use them.
8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, or I've been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak.
9. Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old.

10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch." Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember that I love you ..

In our neighborhood, we see some mistreatment of dogs....mainly through neglect..people are working, and busy with their lives and the poor dog is stuck in the back yard all alone for days...they are not bad people...just ignorant ones who do not realize that a dog is a pack animal, and they are his pack...when he is ignored, he feels that he is being punished. The dog in turn gets bored, barks, digs, chews, etc. to relieve the boredom and then gets into trouble when the owners come home...sad ...

one neighbor had a little white poodle, who was ignored..Daisy would bark incessantly, dig, chew and run away whenever she could, she also was very dirty and ungroomed..fortunately, another neighbor offered to adopt her, she is now being groomed monthly, looks white and beautiful, never barks, looks and acts like an entirely different dog. When the new owner walks her, she walks with
spring in her step, and you can almost see her smile. Daisy is one happy dog and a wonderful companion...
Don't you like happy endings that this? I hope little Rusty will find his family soon, the poor guy has been through a lot.

Tuesday Chat

I just found a new feature for my blog. You will notice on the left hand side at the top, there is a new bible verse, a small speaker is posted there, just click on it and you will hear the scripture being read...its very good and hope you will profit from it greatly.
I was reading old posts on the blog, the Spiritual Heritage of our Founding Fathers and was blessed greatly with one in particular....but when I went back, couldn't find it again....the gist of the post was that as Christians we should have the mind of Christ and everything in our lives should be filtered by that....too often we don't read the Bible as we should, we read all types of other Christian books by pastors and teachers but not the one source that leads to eternal life, gives comfort, strength and hope.
Frankly, I haven't read any books by Christian authors, pastors or teacher in quite a while...we've been misled too many times by popular teachings that are off the mark.
If you go way back in my blog, I talk about the deception we were under for over 8 years....it happens all too easily. The bad teaching that is going around is even worse now than then. Marantha!
I've been reading only the bible on a daily basis and have grown so much in doing so..I encourage you to do the same. and if you do read other teaching, or blogs or whatever, please be like the Bereans and check everything by the scriptures to see if it is right.
At the bottom of this blog, there is a online daily Bible reading plan, its what I use.
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we are so thankful today that our weather has cooled off...although they say it will warm up during the weekend. We actually each enjoyed the first fruits of our fig tree yesterday, we found 4 ripe figs, and they were so good....just picked from the tree..sweet and moist...we've been enjoying the nectarines too...they are small but so sweet and juicy...you bite into one and the flavor just explodes in your mouth.
They don't look real good, all organic but wow! Our youngest boy discovered them yesterday and ate 3 at one sitting.
The other day, he was talking with us and said "ya now, Mom, I am happy now with small things...its kinda cool".

Pillowcases in my Store

I am listing these pre-stamped pillowcases in my store as I really don't need 3 similar sets....these are very pretty with a circle of flowers around the lady with ribbons and an easy pattern if you are a novice...mainly outline, lazy daisy, and few French knots. These pillowcases have a perle edge so no lace is needed unless you want to add it. The fabric is 180 thread count cotton blend. It washes well and needs little ironing...I always iron my pillowcases. They look so nice, ironed and neatly folded on the linen shelf.
This is the next set of cases I am working on.


After I get finished with this set. I will be about caught up with everything. I plan on working on the baby quilt and have an idea for another one, using embroidered circus animals and then ragging the solid blocks...may or may not work as I haven't done ragging before. My problem in quilting as that there are NO
yardage stores here at all and the closest JoAnns is a round trip of 50 miles. The Walmart has a selection not a great one.

Its a little cooler today, in the 90s, and that's a relief...some of our potted plants didn't do well...mainly the petunias which isn't a surprise as they are more a spring perennial...

Finally Finished!

I finally finished the two pillowcases I've been working on...think they came out nicely...I was surprised to find two more sets of lady pillowcases, I might put one in my store as I don't think I need 3 sets of similar pillowcases...I bought these from the Calico Spice Shop....I will probably list them at my cost or a little less...
It's so hot outside, our thermometer says its 110 on the covered patio...our poor plants! Even the fig tree that can take hotter temps is limp...I've been spraying it with water to cool it down and it will be in the shade soon as the sun travels...

Here are two vintage wedding photos.....it is June after all. Another scorching hot day here...supposed to hit 107 today..it did cool off nicely last night though. Alan has two jobs, one the morning and one this afternoon...he always takes bottled water with him in a cooler, a necessity this time of year.

I am so thrilled to say that Kay has started her blog..she is a talented artist...here is the link to her blog http://blogggingalonggg.blogspot.com/
Please encourage her and name the sheep!

Caught in the Moment

My friend, Kay always sends me great photos...she did it again, these are terrific...
these are caught in the moment photos...














This is going to hurt...

She's started a blog but hasn't posted yet...I can hardly wait for her posts!!!

This is another unfinished project, a little redwork baby quilt....I have all the embroidered blocks done but still have a long ways to go as far as putting the pieced blocks together and then finishing the top. Some of the piecing needs to be adjusted as it doesn't meet up correctly. I have a very nice solid bright red tablecloth for the back...its old but in like new condition. You can somewhat get the idea of how it will look, and I plan on hand quilting the pieced blocks....I found a large hoop at an estate sale to use. As I am an older mom, I don't know if I will be around when the grandchildren come so thought I would make several baby quilts to put away for that day...plus I get a lot of fun out of it.
I also have transfer patterns for a zoo animal baby quilt, but the embroidered blocks are smaller.
I think the animated dish pattern I have in the store would make a darling kitchen wall hanging but I don't have much wall space in our kitchen.





We had BLT sandwiches last night with the rest of the coleslaw...just too hot to cook although it did cool off nicely.
We covered up the strawberries with shade cloth and they are doing well in spite of the heat. The cloth is supposed to cut the sun by 70%...the nectarines are just about ripe, we've been checking them every day and actually picked one yesterday. Alan and I shared it, the flavor was out of this world, and it was very juicy.
I put a corned beef in the crockpot early this morning and thought we could use it for sandwiches..even got a jar of sauerkraut for Reubans with swiss cheese...the weather is too warm for big heavy meals and hot kitchens...but we get tired of grilled food every night. Everyone likes a good sandwich occasionally with cold salads.....

My bible reading today was Proverbs 8, wisdom calling out to all who will listen.
" Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold,1for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
2"I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.
3To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.
14Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power."

We've stopped watching most of the news and many of the new shows, have a few favorites, of course but mainly watch the old re runs, and old movies....."evil behavior and perverse speech" seem to be the mainstream anymore, especially the cable shows.

Wednesday Pet of the Week

Meet Tornato, a 5 year old, long haired chihuahua....he is ready for his forever home and would make a wonderful pet and companion...long haired Chihuahua's are so cute and actually look much like little foxes....

Over the weekend, our son found this little kitten behind our back wall and rescued her...she is so cute and only about 6 weeks old..we tried to introduce her to the other cats in our family but our one black cat, Smokie, just wouldn't tolerate her.
Donny took her to the dog rescue and kept her in the office...he was able to find her a good home in just a few days..from what I understand, there are so many kittens right now that need homes...this kitten was lucky....I read that the local regular animal shelter has to destroy 70% of the kittens and cats that are turned in as they just don't have room...we always have our animals spayed or neutered and I believe that is being a good responsible pet owner...

Another warm day today, I have a weather widget on the side of the blog, and it says its going to be 100 all week....this hot weather always makes me feel tired and not wanting to cook, is it the same for you? Last night we just grilled some chicken outside plus some coleslaw and avocado salad...just too hot to heat up the kitchen.

I worked more on the second pillowcase and also worked on my online store ...I decided to make it mostly embroidery items....looking at the EZ shop directory I am the only one doing this so that may or may not be a good thing. I found more patterns and pattern books to put in the store which I will do today. I found a source for embroidery blanks too so I will be listing some pillowcases, etc. to embroider....
I don't consider myself an expert at embroidery....I'd put myself in the moderate category...and am always trying to get better, with smaller stitches...there are others that do finer work. I've seen some fantastic blogs with wonderful detailed work. I would like to encourage people to embroider and hope I can help them along the way. You can do it! I know you can...

Tuesday

Its turned really warm here and we've had to put the AC on most days.....over 100 but that is not very unusual for June....its very dry though so isn't too bad. I went out early and checked everything outside......this is a new variety of petunia called
"Lemonade" and is doing well...sat the pot under the fig tree so it gets shade from the hottest part of the day.

The hollyhock seed pods are started to dry out and we harvested a few seeds...with the heat, we should get more in the next few days...

Saturday, I decided to go with Alan to help him do some locksmithing...I hadn't been out all week and needed a change. The first house was a repo and the renters were moving out when we arrived. Thankfully, they had bought their own home and were happy that everything had worked out well for them....there was a nice lemon tree in the back yard and they said to take all we wanted of the lemons...

I made a lemon pie yesterday and will probably use the rest for lemonade....
The second house was a repo too but was quite a long ride...it was in Yorba Linda which is about 45 miles from here....very nice home in a quiet neighborhood, I liked it very much...and there was a green park just at the end of the block...there was only the front door to do so it didn't take long....afterwards we went to Mickey D's for lunch so it was a nice day....I was very tired when we got home...the locksmith van bounces quite a bit, between that and the heat..I was beat.....

As its been so hot, most afternoons we are inside (if Under dog isn't working) and watch old movies...I have the second pillowcase about 2/3 done. I work on that while we watch the movies....very relaxing...

Thank you for all the kind words about my Fathers Day post....my dad was a great guy and I only wish he could have been with us longer...he passed away at 59....
John 11:24,26"Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" Yes, I do and know we will be together again.
He passed away in the 70s and I know he would sure be amazed about all the changes in the last 30 years....home computers, cell phones, digital TV, CDs. DVDs, Blue Ray,solar cars, etc. he would have really liked all of it, I am sure..he was constantly learning. He was studying Spanish and real estate law at the local college before he got sick. I also think he would have been alarmed and saddened by how our country is falling away from Christian principals and morality... I could say alot more but think I will leave it at that... many here are uneducated about our history and don't understand what a republic is...I am thankful there are blogs like
The Spiritual Heritage of Our Founding Fathers".

I want to give a small tribute to my dad today...he taught me many things, confidence, trust, faithfulness, honesty, humor and faith...
I remember him laughing so hard he cried.
I remember walking with him at the park, holding his hand and pushing me in the
swing higher and higher.
I remember his smile and the twinkle in his eye.
I remember him coming home from the Korean war...me waving at everyone
on the ship coming into port, searching for his face, being wrapped in
his arms, my mother in tears..
I remember the smell of Brasso when he polished his brass buttons and
belt buckle of his Marine Corps uniform day before inspection.
I remember going camping and watching him fly fish...him cooking fresh
trout for breakfast.
I remember sitting in church, leaning over in the pew and watching him pray.
I remember him giving us Walnettos on our car trips, ice cream when I was
sick, and a soda every Friday evening as a treat.
I remember his favorite TV show was Gun Smoke, his favorite meal was Pepper Steak,
and he loved to barbecue.
His favorite singers were Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, and The Tijuana Brass.
His favorite color was blue, like his eyes.
and how handsome he looked in his dress blues.
I remember his lessons to be true to God, to yourself and your country, don't follow the crowd, always do your best. He said don't be so spiritually minded, you're no earthly good. He said do good to others and follow the golden rule.
Thanks, Daddy...I love you


Daddy and me...around 1955 in San Diego, Ca

Monopoly Board Pattern

We were at the county fair one year...I always have to look at all the needlework people enter..and saw someone won a blue ribbon for a cross stitched monopoly board..they had covered it with plexiglass and framed it to protect the stitching so it could really be used. I thought it would be fun to make one also and found this pattern on Ebay including the thread..but have never made it....

I have this for sale in my store so if someone would like it, I am selling it for far less than I paid...would be a fun project to do this summer. All you need is the Aida cloth.

Two New Features

I added two new widgets at the bottom of my blog...first is the One Year Bible reading plan I use, and secondly, a language translator for my overseas friends......

I know I post a lot about our gardens, crafting, recipes, etc. but first and foremost is my relationship to God and His Word....this Bible reading plan is a very good one, I've used several bible study plans in the past but this has worked the best for me.
God's Word is alive and brings life.

The translator is good ..you just click on your nations flag and this blog will translate into that language...I have a lovely young friend from Brazil who speaks Portugese I met through blogging and now she can read this blog in her own language...how cool is that?

Also as you can see, I have a small banner about praying for the persecuted church..so many of my brothers and sisters in Christ suffer on a daily basis for their faith. If you want to hear news of this, click on the top Worthy News button on top left...and please pray for them.

I finished the one pillowcase and will start soon on the matching one...it was fun to do, except for the french knots...they are my nemesis...I studied the online tutorial time and time again, but still have trouble with them...fortunately this pattern didn't have many. This was the first time I used a crayon to color her hat...I kinda like it and it will soften as its washed....
The second photo is of a tea cloth my grandmother made about 60 years ago...the cloth is in good shape for as old as it is.....the color is brighter than the photo..she would have card parties (was a bridge player) and set up card tables in the living room with a pretty cloth on each one....


I hope if you are thinking about doing embroidery, you decide to...such a nice hobby and makes things that can be passed down, like my grandmothers tea cloth...another thing I like is that it doesn't take up much space..you can take it with you and also its so relaxing to do.
I especially like pillowcases as they really look nice on our bed...at least I think they look pretty....I like to make things we can really use.

Serena, from Embroidery Treasures is having a fabric giveaway....I really love these green fabrics....I think it would be so wonderful for a quilt, especially one with added embroidery blocks...anyway, if you'd like to sign up its
http://www.embtreasures.com/2008/06/monday-giveaway-bit-of-benartex.html">

Wednesday Pet of the Week

This is Polly...she and her two litter mates were dumped on the side of the road, and found by some kind people. It is unknown what mix she is, or how old but she looks to be about 7-9 weeks....She is such a sweet puppy who needs a family to love her. Her litter mates are Annie and Katie. No dog or puppy deserves to be dumped on such a way, these puppies were fortunate to be found and rescued.


This is Annie

Sun City K-9 Dog Rescue is the only non kill rescue in the Menifee Valley.If you are interested in Polly, Annie or Katie, please give the nice people at the rescue at call at 951-679-6444.
They do wonderful work and have found homes for over 500 puppies and dogs in the last year. My son has been working at the rescue for almost 3 years and finds it very rewarding.






This is Katie..
They accept any donations, pet supplies, old blankets (nights can get cold), food, etc. Volunteers are always welcomed.
Good News! My son informs me that they will soon be accepting Paypal donations!

We've got Figs

Alan took some photos of our fruit trees yesterday. Before we got the fig tree, I had no idea how figs reproduced....they form on the new growth....and just pop out...neat, huh? We planted this tree about 3 years ago, it was 6 ft. tall then, and its grown to about 10 ft. now...they are fast growers and a pretty tree...There is a lot of fruit on the tree this year...we lost count after 50. The variety is Brown Turkey..the fruit is a nutty brown color when ripe and very sweet.


I think its grown this year about 3 or 4 more inches at least. They grow to be about 20 ft. tall or so....it seems to like the east side of the house, it gets really hot there in the afternoons, one reason we wanted a tree there to shade the house.
The second tree is our nectarine...its a semi-dwarf and was planted last year...its just loaded with fruit and they are starting to get ripe.


Next year I will know better and thin the fruit out..so they will be small this year..This is its first year of fruit so we are learning.
We also figured out how to harvest the hollyhock seeds, we should have tons.....not ready yet though...they are still blooming. In Alan's research, he found out the tallest hollyhock ever recorded was 24 ft.!

I found this photo on the Menifee 24/7 site, just wanted to share what we face here...
is this scary or what? there are a few gas stations a little cheaper but it looks like we will be facing $5.00 a gallon soon the way things are going.

I don't see how our rebate checks will "stimulate" the economy....ours (still waiting for it) will go to pay bills and buy gas..have you got yours yet?
Its a hot day today...we opened up the house this morning and shut it this afternoon....still not bad inside yet and we hope we won't need to turn on the AC if we can help it.....we watered early this morning so the plants are ok.
I marinated some carne asada yesterday and its ready for the grill this evening....I also made a cherry pie yesterday..
Friday night I made Crash Hot Potatoes that Ree has on her website, Pioneer Woman Cooks....we like the flavor of dill, so that is the herb I used and even the boys really liked them.....I should have cooked them a little longer in the pot before I took them out as when I used the potato masher on them, two of them just broke apart entirely but still tasted yummy...this recipe is a keeper..

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I haven't found anything but good recipes on her site....the latest posting is for green beans which are one of my favorites.
Here is the photo of the barristers bookcase Alan's John Deere tractor collection is in...the swinging doors go into the kitchen...the little rocker is one we bought for Donny back in Amish country Iowa.