Hello Dear Friends! Here it is already June, and I can't believe
half the year is gone.
We are still stuck in a very wet and cool weather pattern
here in western Washington state.
This is not unusual and is frequently known as 'Junuary'.
All the rain has created lush growth, but has inhibited
any sort of control over it all, so I have been using
this time to do a little entertaining and socializing.
Recently we invited old friends over for a Southwest style dinner.
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I pulled out all of my collected decor from our
time living in Tucson, and visits to Arizona over the years.
I made the tray using decoupage with a scenic napkin from The Desert Museum.
The little painting is from Tucson.
We were newly-wed when we moved to Tucson, Arizona.
Growing up in small, New England towns, we felt the need to escape
and have some adventure before we settled down to start a family.
We lived in a desert bungalow on the boundary of the Saguaro National Park
for two years.
It was like moving to another planet for two born and raised New Englanders.
We fell in love with the desert and always wanted to move back,
but the fates had a different plan for us, so I have settled
for the occasional visit and a small collection of treasured mementos and memories.
My new 'Pioneer Woman' dish set that the Mr. gifted
to me for Christmas, lends itself beautifully to
the bright and colorful southwest style.
With the weather being so gloomy, I wanted
to brighten things up!
I made guacamole from a recipe I've had for years.
It's easy and so delicious, and not too spicy.
Here's the recipe:
Classic Guacamole
2 large ripe avocados, mashed
1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
2 tbsp lemon juice (1/2 lemon)
2-5 drops hot pepper sauce, if desired
1/4 to 1/2 tsp garlic powder ( I used one clove minced garlic)
1/4 tsp salt and dash of pepper
1 med. tomato, chopped fine
2 tbsp finely chopped green chilies (canned) or 1 sm. fresh chili, chopped
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Mix all ingredients and serve with tortilla chips.
Will keep for a day or two in the refrigerator.
We have known our dear friends for over 20 years.
Ramblin' Man and he were co-workers
and immediately hit it off. Both married their
high-school sweethearts and were strong family men,
with the same sense of humor.
Through the years we've shared achievements and milestones,
along with hardships, loss and unspeakable sorrow.
We've shared weddings and funerals,
and now, retirement and old age.
xx
"Age appears to be best in four things; old wood best to burn,
old wine to drink, old friends to trust,
and old authors to read."
- Francis Bacon -
I set up a taco bar on my 'Kitchen Queen' Hoover cabinet.
The enamel top slides out to make a large surface
perfect for serving.
A peek at the cabinet shelves.
I crocheted the 'doily', which is actually a dish cloth!
I also sewed the tied-up bundle of lavender sachets.
These are great to repel pantry moths.
My kitchen window with my pepper and tomato salt and pepper shakers.
Can you have too many?
When I was a little girl, I remember visiting my Grandmother's
little cottage for Sunday dinner (My Dad's Mom).
She had a 'sun porch' with windows all around where
we could play. In that little room were a few toys,
some comfy chairs and footstools, her little parakeet in a cage,
and best of all, her glass curio cabinet that held dozens
of fascinating salt and pepper shakers!
She would pick out a few that my sisters and I could play
with, as long as we promised not to chip or drop them.
Some were pairs of puppies and kittens, some were little
fruits or vegetables, and some were kitchen appliances
or tiny figurines.
I wonder if my Grandmother knew that this simple
gesture would create such wonderful memories for
me? She's been long-gone, and I wish that I had told her,
but I think she knows.
xx
