Art and Alfalfa: October 2016

Monday, October 24, 2016

Visitors

Welcome and Unwelcome Visitors.

They woke us up at midnight.

All 300 of them were trapped on our property.

This was not the first time. In the past we received a visit checking on the damage. Alas, the old farmer has passed on and the Young Ones don't care.

They had walked more than 3 miles.
I know that you have not heard 300 cows mooing at midnight...
So, I won't even ask.

Our Pond must have been a welcome sight.

Only a few days earlier my helpers and I planted 600 tulip bulbs.

and hundreds of new Daffodils.

Now for the good news

Friends stopped by and brought persimmons from their Lemon Grove.

All grown on their beautiful estate in Rancho Santa Fe, California,

along with oranges and lemons and limes.
Thank you dear Friends.

Nothing ever stays the same.

New doors open, old doors close.

Wishing you a week full of good news and good health.

Gina

http://viewingnaturewitheileen.blogspot.com/

Monday, October 17, 2016

Be careful what you wish for.

You might not have room for it.

I have loved and coveted this French daybed since I first laid eyes on it many years ago.

Now it is mine and I don't know where to put it.

For now I have placed it in front of the upstairs bedroom fireplace.

If we want a fire all we have to do is pull it away.

It is two sided.

If you love something enough,
You will always find a spot somewhere in your house.

Have a great week, dear friends.

Gina

http://betweennapsontheporch.net
http://theessenceofhome.blogspot.com/2016/10/
http://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/2016/10/
http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2016/11/

Saturday, October 15, 2016

Let's turn on the heat

On Ice Grapes
and make raisins out of them.

Grapes are left on the vine until they freeze. Ice grapes are used for a very special wine, Ice Wine, a desert wine.

If ever you come across

"Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Spätlese", be sure to take it home with you.

I was up at the crack of dawn.

Because I noticed that birds had discovered our Himrod Ice Grapes.

We had to pick them. Can't wait for the frost and snow.

Raisins they will be.

We saved a few for table grapes.

The basket is more than 30 years old (see below).

Off to the Bank goes Mr G.
All come out to pick their favorite squash.

(Who is in charge inside?)

The basket (above) brings back wonderful memories.

The La Mamounia Hotel in Marrakesh filled this basket with exotic fruits to fortify us for the long drive to Casablanca.

That was more than 30 years ago.

Have a great weekend, dear friends,

Gina

Thursday, October 6, 2016

I grow red cabbages because

They grow all by themselves.

They make me look good.

Cooked Red Cabbage (Recipe follows) as a side dish.

Cook cabbage in small amount of water until al dente.
Drain.

Add bacon bits.

When you add vinegar cooked cabbage turns a beautiful red.

The last flowers from my garden (everything else froze)

Little cabbages sometimes form at the base of the big cabbage heads. They end up in a salad or a Fall table arrangement.

Ready for the Freezer.

Red Cabbage goes well with game, meats, it is wholesome and delicious.

I'm sharing my Mothers recipe:

shred cabbage, cook for 15 to 20 minutes

cook with apple chunks (optional)
DRAIN

add crumpled bacon

add salt, sugar and apple cider vinegar to taste

One head of cabbage will make 3 to 4 servings.

Have a great week dear friends

and

next time you see a red cabbage take it home with you.

Gina

http://betweennapsontheporch.net/

Sunday, October 2, 2016

Have a little fun.

And make it practical at the same time.

Cut out pear shapes from old Computer Mouse Pads or sheets of foam and use as Stamps.

Pears are always a good subject.

Or cut circle shape and make a pretty Christmas Card.

Paint circle stamp with acrylic paints and press onto paper.
You will get two to three images out of every print.