My Neighbor’s Garden

I have neighbors that are really there for me when I desperately need them.
Like when I desperately need their garden booty to make Pico De Gallo, Bruschetta or Shrimp Pasta Primavera.

This pleasant little harvest came from the neighbor that we are building a front entryway for.

She loves to bless me with tomatoes and I do not want to rob her of this blessing.
I like to eat this blessing.
Home grown tomatoes embarrass the store bought ones any day. They have the most wonderful, full flavor a bruschetta lover could imagine.

Don’t even get me started on the hot peppers she has given me. One of these cute little jalapenos has flavored an entire bowl of Pico de Gallo. The gentle spiciness mingles with the lime juice, onions, cilantro, green peppers and tomatoes oh so well.
I am in love.

These mild peppers have graced everything from my salads, to grilled sandwiches (which we call ‘sandies’), and taco meat.
So yummy.

I have never met a tomato I didn’t like. Unless of course you count the days when I was less than fifteen years old.
I was stupid then. I didn’t know the pleasures of a sun-ripened tomato.

This little guy intimidates me. It is a spicy red pepper. He has been staring at me every time I open the fridge door. I mean, just look at him.
Take a really good look at him below.

I think he’s yelling at me.

Here is the Crème de la crème. This fragrant basil grows in my neighbor-to-the-north’s front flower bed.
I cut a sprig of this lovely herb and sniff it for the next five hours.
I know, I am weird. But, it just smells so dang good.

I am so thankful for neighbors. And especially thankful for the neighbors with gardens.

Grandma’s Got it Going On

What you may already know is that several weeks ago, Biceps and I went to Iowa to help Grandma move out of the large farmhouse and into town. What you may not know is that this 94 year old, Bible quoting, tender-hearted, hard-working woman has amazing taste.

This is Grandma whipping up whole wheat pancakes when she lived with us. Just look at that face. I love her so much.
Anyways….Grandma gave away almost everything that she owned and I highlighted a few of these things in my post, ‘Treasures from Yesteryear’.
I wanted to show you a few more things that are really killer.

Hello beautiful ladies! Where have you been all my life? I love your aluminum ways. I love your colors. I love your stack-ability. I know I already highlighted you in my earlier post, ‘Treasures from Yesteryear“, but I cannot help myself. I am in love with you.

I absolutely love paint-by-numbers. And I love that Grandma did several of these for her home.
And the 3-D copper horse on the left? Don’t even get me started.

I must find appropriate frames for these two cuties. I found out that Grandma did these to help her relax, but became frustrated with trying to stay in the lines. She said it was ‘stressful’.
How cute is that?

These lamps have been in one of the two guest rooms at Grandma’s for who knows how long. There are two of these lamps-one for either side of our bed and they match our room perfectly.
I can remember year after year, clicking on these lamps to do my hair at Grandma’s house.

There are tiny roses encased in the plastic center that are so sweet and delicate. I think it’s amazing that a practical farm woman owned these.

This sofa has held years of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I swear there’s some sort of sleeping potion that seeps out of the cushions and lulls you into the best nap time ever.
Now, we have it. I cannot relay to you how good a nap is on this couch.

Just look at the arm of this couch.
It is begging for you tired head to lay upon it. And I will not deny its request. I will not and have not, ever.
Although Grandma has moved on with her life and I know we must, I am so thankful that I get to keep the memories of her and the solidity of her farm home. Change is good, but change is also very hard sometimes.
Grandma, you certainly have amazing taste and truly got it goin’ on.

My Memorial Day with Concrete

We stayed the entire weekend on a yacht surrounded by scrumptious food, delectable drinks and servants that waited on us hand and foot.
And, it was all free! Can you believe that?

Nope. Neither can I, but I like to dream.
Below is what we really did on Memorial Day while others were out basking in the lake’s glory…

Ladies and Gentleman, may I introduce to you my neighbor’s front porch.
It was a nice front porch, but much too small. Hubby and I are making that sucker huge for her.
This is the beginning of the concrete forms. We’ve already cut out the side forms and have reinforced the sides with rebar.

Here is a disgusting and sweaty version of me at this point in the day, cutting more sections of rebar for the top step.

As you cut rebar, a scent infiltrates your nose. It smells of fireworks and burning flesh all at once.
Oh wait…that was my flesh burning.
A bad word might have escaped my lips. Please God, forgive me.

After Hubby drilled holes into the top step of the old concrete, I pounded all of the rebar in about three inches.

This here was pretty much the highlight of my day. This and when I went to Lowe’s for the bazillionith time. I love going to Lowe’s when I stink like a pig farm.
I suppose I fit in, however.

We cut pieces of 6” welded wire mesh, tying it to each piece of the rebar. This further reinforces our step and will survive a nuclear attack.
Then, we added three 2” x 8” boards which will make the steps.
I tripped over these stupid boards countless times. My legs are all scratched up and splintery. I might just take some pictures to prove it.
Tomorrow, we pour the lovely concrete. Pray that it goes well, folks.

Treasures from Yesteryear

Leaving the large farmhouse to move into a more manageable place in town, prompted Grandma to unload many things she didn’t need anymore. She generously blessed the family with items she’s collected throughout her life. And these are a ‘few of my favorite things’ that I was able to bring home!

I love this cute little squirrel and the feathers seem quite appropriate residing there. Plus, they drive Cowboy Cat crazy from time to time. Great entertainment for both of us.

What could be better than getting a jar of glass marbles? Lord knows I needed replacements for the ones that I’ve seem to have lost.

Buttons, buttons, who’s got the buttons? Now I do-and lots of them!

Here’s a few of my fav’s. I love the leather ones the most.

I have many projects planned for this stack of hankies-you will see them very soon, my dears. Very soon.

I can just picture Grandma embroidering this hanky. I love the tiny orange dots leading away from the leaf. So delicate, so sweet.

My hubby had to paper-rock-scissor his sister for these. I am so thankful he rules at almost everything.
He said that he ‘got into her head and messed her focus all up’ and that’s why he won. He’s kind’ve a weirdo, too.

I now have a plethora of vintage aprons, as well. I just know I can create something fun from them. I am keeping back a couple, though.
I am quite a messy cook….

The stamp on the left bears Grandpa’s signature. I couldn’t hold back the tears when Hubby’s sister gave this to me. I still miss him a lot.
I have never seen a plastic tree like this one. It’s about a foot high and folds down flat. I can’t wait to decorate it!
And that sproingy dog has been sitting on Grandma’s desk since Hubby could remember, holding mail, receipts and what not. I think he likes his new home.

What a crock!
Moving on…

Some fiesta ware, some not. I don’t care-I just think they’re super fun.

You might not know it, but I have a thing for cowboys. This tray caught my eye and no one fought me for it. I was really hoping to have at least one arm wrestling match, but no luck. It matches my living room perfectly! I’ll show you more treasures from time to time.
Do you have any treasures that have been handed down to you?
If so, please share!