English Cucumbers and Sweet Basil

I returned home yesterday from my trip away. I am slowly finding some energy, the 11 hour bus ride home wore me out...

I was very surprised when checking out the greenhouse yesterday afternoon to find an abundance of cucumbers and that I have to get busy making pesto. I just picked 8 large English cukes, so I better find some friends who like them! 8 is a bit much for the two of us to eat. Does anyone have any great recipes for cucumbers? 

English Cucumber ... Carmen .... greenhouse variety

Sweet Basil

Silkworms versus Wolves...

Yesterday morning when I signed into Etsy from Megan's computer, I was excited to see my treasury on the front page! Quite a few pieces sold from the collection, always  a thrill!!

Is This a Cicada???

As Mark was getting ready to leave for his run, sitting on the back step, tying up his running shoes, he heard what he thought was a large bird plop landing on the greenhouse. It wasn't, it was this large bug. Of course you cannot tell the size of it in my photos, but I an not really that fond of large flying beetley type bugs.. I didn't want to put my hand near it.

I looked through my insect book, and  the closest I can guess is some type of cicada.

Look at its pretty lacey wings!

I would hate to have this little creature land on me, it would set me off screaming for my life...haha! Ewww!!

hip to be square.....

What a treat to wake up to!! My Etsy treasury has once again graced the front page!

I hope it will generate some sales for these talented artisans!

Birthdays!

I am getting ready to leave on a mini vacation. I have found life this past year a little stressful and more than sad. My moms sister, my Aunt Dimp is turning 80 next weekend. I was planning on traveling with my mom to celebrate her birthday. After the death of my friend last week, I decided to book a flight to London ON and visit my daughter and help her celebrate her 24th birthday. I will leave from there and travel by the trusty Greyhound and go to Sudbury to celebrate Dimp's birthday. I get to visit lots of family there!

I leave here on Saturday, and fly out early Sunday morning. I am very excited to see Megan  and Jordie, Space Cat the Space Pirate, and Inspector Carl, their new female puppy. 

I made this pretty pearl necklace for my Aunt, I hope she will love it!

Mauve, peacock purple, and light olive green freshwater pearls spaced with a bright purple seed bead!

I will be back home around the end of July!

Sonja's Hot Chicken Wing Recipe

I would like to share Sonja Stojko Brend's hot wing recipe. It is the recipe I use all the time. Enjoy!

Hot Chicken Wings

Flour drumettes and the long part with the two bones, garbage the tips. Place chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 400° F. for 45 minutes.

Sauce:

1/2 cup Louisiana Hot Sauce

1 tbsp. malt vinegar

1 tbsp. oil

a couple of pinches of garlic powder

1 tbsp. melted butter

1 tbsp. cayenne pepper

Combine and mix sauce ingredients. After wings are browned, put them in a skillet with the sauce until the sauce evaporates. Put back in the oven to dry. (about 5 minutes on low heat).

Sonja..........

I have not posted for a bit. Life keeps interrupting.

I lost a dear friend on Monday. Her death came unexpectedly, and has thrown us over the abyss. She was young, beautiful, intelligent and loved life! She had exquisite taste and had an eye for decorating. She strived for excellence. She was a much loved educator, and will be sadly missed by many. 

Our common bond was a passion for cooking, reading cookbooks, recipes....

Sonja I do hope you are at peace....

Her brother said to me...life carries on, and yes it does whether we are ready for it or not.

I posted this pretty pair of earrings in my Etsy shop this morning. They are made with a gorgeous vintage glass saucer shaped bead, blue and white speckled, paired with pretty pastel green matt frosted glass beads. Fun loving and full of life!!

Life Away.......

Yesterday morning I built a treasury on Etsy, all about the red Planet! Much to my surprise and excitement it made the Front Page just 4 hours later!!

I was very pleased to see that two pieces sold while it was up! Always a thrill!