Last of the Rice Pudding

The rice pudding is gone and so is my sister. She had to go home to her family. Darn!!

I will see her again in a few weeks when I go down to Mom's, but I sure wish we lived closer to each other. She even went out and said goodby to the goats: I'll make a farmgirl out of her yet.

Goodby Sis,
Drive carefully. Thanks for the great dinner you made us and ,of course, the rice pudding; and the wine; and the haircut. Oh my gosh! Mostly, for making the 3 hour drive up here to see us. We enjoyed your visit so much.
See you soon. I love you......

"Sale'ing" in Amador City

Sis and I went to Amador City yesterday. We wanted to get there early because a woman who owns a business down in town told us she was having a yard sale and we knew it would be a good one. We had plans to be there by 8:00 p.m. but there were chores to do and ,of course, rice pudding to eat for breakfast. We finally got there around 9;30 and there was no place to park.
This is one of the most charming towns in the Mother Lode. The houses are lovely but the roads are quite steep and not very wide. Finding a place to park on them is difficult. I think living here requires a lot of patience or a good garage. We finally found a spot near the cemetary and we went "yard sale'ing"

They had so many good bargains. It was hard not to over spend. I think you need to go in with an idea of what you're looking for. Sis and I exercised a lot of restraint. I came home with a wonderful old wicker sewing basket, a small round embroidered table cloth, and old silverplate dish and a new reproduction of a 1903 journal.

Sis found a set of beautiful lined drapes and a little shabby chic table that will be perfect (for a plant) on her patio this summer. We had a great time then we went home, ate lunch and took a nap.

After we had dinner we went to see SEX IN THE CITY. I didn't watch the mini series so I didn't know any of the characters but Sis did and she filled me in during dinner. Even if you haven't see the mini series you will enjoy this movie. It's a real "Ya ya sisterhood" kind of story about four woman who have know each other for 20 years in New York City. Some of it is kind of out of my element but most of it was fun and it was nice to see women who show their age (gracefully) and aren't trying to act like teenagers. The clothing is amazing and the magazine bridal shoot was wonderful. If you love "love", shopping, men and "best" girlfriends...., go see this movie.

.... and she made Rice Pudding!

My sister has come up to visit us for a few days. She arrived yesterday afternoon and I'm so glad she's here. The dogs were delighted to see her. I really think they remember her each time she comes. We introduced her to the goats and she just loves them.She helped me try to catch Squeeky, who got out this morning when the prospector was changing their water . We got Squeeky cornered but she flew up onto the top of the coop and we never got her back inside. We gave up and decided to go have lunch in Sutter Creek.
We had lunch at this tea room on Main Street in Sutter Creek. It was so lovely and the food was delicious. Then we went and look in some of the stores nearby. Didn't buy much. Just browsed and had a good time.






This is my beautiful sister. The one I asked Mom and Dad for when I was 7 yrs. old. I'm so glad they were listening, because we're such good friends now and I can't imagine not having her in my life.





Look at this pretty table. We ate here. The tea was really good and you can buy anything on the table or in the room. We didn't but you can.

Tonight Sis fixed dinner for the Prospector and I. She is a great cook. We had a big Tabouli salad with lots of veggies and cashews....., and she made rice pudding for dessert.

I have to go now..., time for some rice pudding.

Wordless Wednesday: double exposure collage

The lovely Hanna Blue

I could'nt resist buying this fuchsia when I was buying bedding plants a few days ago. This is a "Hanna Blue" hybrid Fuchsia. Isn't it beautiful? I love it's graceful presence in my garden but they don't have a long life here. I think I have a green thumb most of the time but buying a fuchsia has always been a bit like: " Yes, it is beautiful isn't it. I'm going to pay you some money and take it home with me so I can slowly watch it die." I have never had one that survive this foothill heat in the summer. Never! So, I have a plan.( It worked for Brownie goat). Yesterday I planted it in a hanging basket with really good planting mix. Then, I hung it on my front porch. It's high enough that it will only get early morning sun. I will remember to water it religiously and maybe, hopefully, it will make it through the summer. I may even talk to it. A little encouragement never hurts.

This morning I went out to admire the lovely "Hanna Blue". She looked just fine. She likes her new digs. She didn't say this in so many words, but I could tell. She even had company. During the night one of our little "porch" frogs took up residence under her branches. This is a good sign.

Glove-lyness in my spring garden

These are all my gardening gloves. I'm suppose to wear them when I work in the garden. They protect my hands from bugs, dirt , thorns and such. Notice that one pair haven't been used yet. I like to keep a clean pair for special occasions.
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Finally,I've got the vegetables, herbs and gourds planted. There is a little more room left. I'm not sure what else I want to plant. There will be more room later on when the luttuce dies from the heat, then I can plant something in that space.
Moke may be my helper in the kitchen but Maggie is my main dog in the garden. She doesn't help much, but she's great company. Moke was here somewhere but, as usual, he has his own agenda.

I have redone the garden outside the fence. If you'll remember, this was the area that my "free range" chickens trashed on one of their wild afternoons. I've got it ready for some bedding plants and tomarrow morning I'll plant them. I've raised the edges and will mulch it well with bark. It should look really nice. CHICKENS BEWARE! NO TROMPING THROUGH MY GARDEN. They may be "chicken cooping" all summer. Two eggs yesterday. Slackers!

I love gardening. It's physical, satisfying and dirty. Oh no! Where are your gloves old lady? I can't remember where I left them. Must be a senior moment..... Maybe Brownie ate them. Maybe the dogs are using them to play tug -o-war..... or maybe it's just more fun without them.

Grapevines and Fog