Waiting for Summer

Hello, Dear Friends, as we approach the summer solstice 

I am waiting for the sun.

It has been cool and damp, here in the Pacific Northwest. 

There is fresh snow in the mountains, 

and lovely fields full of wildflowers, 

which creates a pretty picture.  

But look at all those clouds! 

The forest loves the cool dampness,

 and everything is lush and green.  

Here, we see the delicate blooms of thimbleberry

growing along the edge of the forest. 

My roses are loving it, too. 

In between rain showers, 

I've been trying to catch up on all of my potting chores. 

These are tuberous begonias. 

I love these, as they will bloom in full shade. 

Creeping Charlie keeps them company. 

I've used white impatiens and creeping Jenny, 

for my window ledges. 

My succulents sent out off-shoots, so I 

potted up a few of those, too. 

The garden plaque belonged to my Mom. 

Although it is damp and cool here 

from late November until July, 

I am able to grow succulents by potting them 

in cactus soil and keeping them dry under the eaves. 

 I once had a tiny antique shop with my Mom, many years ago, 

on the upper floor of an old Victorian home. 

We named it 'Under the Eaves'. 

I still have the sign, hanging on the tool-shed. 

The beautiful old home was torn down for a parking lot

when a tire store moved in next door. 

'Progress'.......... sigh.........

I was craving a bit of color, so these coleus found 

a home on the tiny front porch. 

It is too dark and shady to grow flowers, 

but the coleus don't mind. 

I learned to grow coleus from seed 

when I was a beginner gardener. 

They were so easy that I had pots

 of coleus growing in every window!

All of this murky weather has me craving comfort food. 

A small batch of old-fashioned peanut butter cookies

satisfies the cravings. 

Here is the recipe. These are soft but delicately crisp on the edges. 

Small Batch Peanut Butter Cookies

Makes 15 - 3 inch cookies

Bake @ 350 degrees 8-10 minutes. 

1 cup peanut butter

4 tbsp softened butter

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup flour

1 egg

pinch of salt 

Cream together butters and sugars until smooth. 

Add flour, egg and salt. 

Divide dough into 15 balls.

(About walnut size)

Press onto greased cookie sheet with a floured fork. 

The kitchen smells so good! 

I keep out only a few. 

Ramblin' Man has a sweet tooth. 

The rest are in the freezer. Hidden :)

He is known to gobble down several at a time. 

And he doesn't gain a pound. Imagine that! 

It's just not fair. 

I like to have one with a cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon.

(Depending on how much caffeine I need.) 

I am on the go all day long and by late afternoon 

I need a pick-me-up. 

Don't ask me what I do all day. 

I couldn't tell you. 

It is a million little things......

You all know what I mean. 

I may be retired, but that doesn't mean I have 

free time. My job description has increased 

in direct correlation to how much 'free time' I may have. 

Funny how that works. 

I always find time to read a good book, though. 

Mostly late at night. 

Hence, the need for caffeine..........!  

This is a sweet story of love at midlife, after 

difficult loss. 

It was written by a Seattle author and the story 

takes place at a bed and breakfast in the highlands of Scotland.  

Don't you just love the cover?

We'll be celebrating Father's Day this 

weekend with the whole gang,

on Saturday, so all of the Dad's get their own day.  

I love this photo of Papa with the little ones.

It's nice to take time to celebrate all of the unsung heroes 

in our lives that we call, 'Dad'. 

I am serving chicken enchiladas, Spanish rice, 

tacos, and something totally unrelated, 

but Ramblin' Man's favorite.....

Boston Cream Pie! 

And guess what? 

The forecast is calling for sunshine! 

xoxo

I hope you all have a lovely weekend, 

Dear Friends. 

xoxo

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xoxo