dughlas

Actually champange is double fermented. The initial fermentation before aging and then again when a small amount of yeast is introduced at bottling. Hence the bubbles and the reason I can not drink champagne without developing a migraine.

Cabbage?

Glad to hear you had some success in the garden. Seems an Irish solution to over wet over long lawns might be sheep. They fertilize too.

Looks tasty though I must admit I prefer jager schnitzel. It's the mushrooms in the brown gravy though I suppose a rich chicken gravy would suit better in this case.

I love that while you lost much you still have something to treasure.

I know it can do that to me that's why I make it a point to sit outside each day. I have a nice shaded spot where there is often a breeze with a comfortable chair and a small table. I take an ice cold drink in my insulated cup, a bowl of fresh cold water for Thistle (I float a few ice cubes in the bowl to help the water stay cool) and my tablet. Maybe you can find a similiar spot. I noticed the heat and humidity are not quite so unbearable since I acclimated to them while I was at Mum's. The weather here lately has been similar to what June was like there.

I hope you were able to make some repairs to the garden. The day has brightened considerably from this morning's overcast. Now mostly clear with a few puffy white clouds. If out working in it the sun is strong, doesn't take long until sweat runs. I spent some time cutting back a wild rose bush in my lower yard. It was badly overgrown nearly 20 foot in diameter. It abuts the border between my yard and my neighbor. Several years ago a large maple tree along the edge of my yard came down as the result of an end of October snowfall. The snow was a heavy wet snow and the tree was still in foliage. The limbs weren't able to bear the weight and most came crashing down. At the time my neighbor was burning wood to help heat his home and the tree would provide enough wood for an entire winter. We cut the wood into lengths to fit his woodstove and then stacked those along the border of our property's to begin to season. By the time it came round to splitting the wood he had developed some back issues and my migraines were at their worst. That wall of wood still exists and has become overrun with weeds, etc. He said something to me the other day that when cooler weather arrives he would like to clear the wood away and clean up that area. While he no longer does he it as part of his job he is a qualified heavy equipment operator. His plan is to borrow a backhoe from work and use it to clear the space. He'll also pull some young mulberry saplings that are growing there. Today we talked and I said I was going to remove those roses bushes. He said if I cut them back he'll pull the remaining roots when he does the others. That is an enormous boon. Those bushes have been growing that for at least 40 years. Periodically I would prune them and clear out any deadwood. The base stocks of those things are as big around as my thigh. If I did it I would need to grind them out. I got roughly half the job done before I needed to quit. Now the pup and I are relaxing under the tree enjoying the breeze. Well I am, he just fussed at me. Likely because his spot at the foot of the lounge is currently in the sun and he wants me to move the chair. Guess I best get to that, he is afterall more pampered than Clo.

G'day y'all. There has been a distinct turn to the weather from yesterday. Warm, humid and mostly overcast. It was 73/23° with 87% humidity with nary a breeze when the pup and I left for our walk at 5:30. Both temp and humidity have increased slightly since then. I'm going to try puttering about at some outdoor chores until my head says no more. I already feel the effects of the weather as a dull swollen ache.

I read that they believe it to be the tracks of two separate critters travelling over the sand dune at differing times.

I love the qualities of the photo but am saddened by the damage to your garden. The bright spot is the roses survive to bloom again. Thanks for sharing your talent.

It was fresh and steamy hot, tender flesh and ... oh yeah, so was my fish sandwich plus it had a crispy coating ... they have a team of young guys working "Under the Tent". In all seriousness the sandwich was very good. The grocer has been the "Under the Tent" weekends for several years now before that they would hold sporadic fish frys on the summer holidays, i.e. Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day plus a lobster boil for Father's Day. It's very popular.

G'day y'all. The temp and dewpoint have both crept up overnight. Not oppressive yet but heat and humidity are in the forecast. I'll need to turn the ac back on later this morning. We had a pleasant walk this morning and then headed to market. Stocked up on a few things. Two stuffed chicken breasts and a smoked ham hock went into the freezer to take along to Mum's when we head back. Also, bought some potato salad, sliced roast beef for sandwiches, a small fresh peach tart, ginger-lime shrimp salad (think something along the line of shrimp stir-fry but without cooking the veggies). Oh and an 8×10 slice of tomato bread (I would call it tomato focaccia). I'll sprinkle it with fresh grated parmesan cheese and warm it in the oven. It will come out with a slightly crispness to the bottom crust. I'll eat with a fresh green salad for lunch on Monday. Currently we're enjoying a bit of quiet sitting out under the tree. In a bit I'll go to the grocer for things not available at market. I'll also get lunch there. This weekend they are serving fresh fried bluefish, yes, it's really bluefish, sandwiches from their outdoor pavilion. Each weekend, Fri-Sunday, from April through October they serve something special. Under normal circumstances patrons could sit at several shaded picnic tables to eat but with COVID the food is only available for takeout. The fish sandwiches are very good. They also offer crabcake or fried oyster sandwiches. You can but just the sandwich or add french fries or onion rings and a soft drink to make a meal. Much better than anything available from the fast food places.

Well he will stand up and walk on his back legs like this.

You don't need to eat the whole thing in one sitting. Save some for later.

I love you. I thought the same thing though I've never encountered an outdoor equipment supplier selling that item.

It's 79/26° and my nose and toes are ice cold, usually a precursor to a particularly nasty migraine. Blessed be y'all.

Wrinkled clothes help disguise wrinkled skin ... well, really, it's more a case of distract from than disguise.

Better have a firm grip on your umbrella.

I rarely iron. Typically it will be a shirt placket that has decided not to lay flat though I've occasionally forgotten to hang one of my linen shirts promptly and need to press it. I remember Mum ironing on Mondays while watching Monday Night Football. I can remember her "dampening" some things like cotton shirts and handkerchiefs by sprinkling them with water then wrapping them in a plastic bag that she put into the refrigerator until she was ready to iron. Apparently that was how you steam ironed before there were modern steam irons. Mum doesn't iron any more.

Thanks to you both. I was able to accomplish the weeding and cleanup in my lower flower garden and spread two bags of mulch around my daylilies. They typically die back some this time of year due to the heat and expose the soil under them. To prevent the hot summer sun from drying the bed I spread a layer of fresh mulch. I also planted a new variety of perennial mum I found at one of my local garden centers. Supposed to be hardier than standard garden mums. Got the hrass cut too. Unfortunately the sun is hotter and brighter than I realized and now I have a migraine. The plus is that it's very pleasant under the tree so Thistle and I are relaxing hoping the headache eases.

G'day y'all. It's a lovely cool morning here. Temp in the low 60's/17° with comfortable humidity and bright sunshine. I'm going to take the opportunity to do some weeding in flowerbeds and mow the grass.

Hi Page!

Blackberry is my favorite jelly. When shall I be expecting a jar to arrive? 😁

Thank you Clo. Fortunately Mum's neighbor's son and his family live 3 hours away and will not be visiting anytime soon.

It seems one of those students at UNC-Chapel Hill who tested positive for the virus is the step-grandaughter of Mum's neighbor. She's asymptomatic. The university is sending these sick kids home to their families. So thoughtful(?) ...