The Dead Weather

I love Jack White no matter which band he's playing with, but I was in the mood for the Dead Weather tonight.

Blackberry Farm in June

These are images from June in Ohio this past summer. I had such a great time being on the farm, I couldn't stop compulsively carrying my camera around, the consequence being that I have a lot of random photos of the lovely old place.

My beloved home base.

Here is rescued, semi-tame Griet and her son, 100% tame Cheddar.

The view from my window.
Antique roses.

My dad's metal and sandstone sculptures inhabit the gardens, adding a surreal element to the atmosphere.
Sour cherry tree. The humidity is high, air is damp and getting warm this time of morning.

One of dad's pieces of stonework is next to the picnic table.

Cosmos.

Day lilies. I went through a Sam Gribley phase as a kid, must have read My Side of the Mountain a hundred times. Sam was my hero so of course I tried digging up cattail tubers and making acorn flour, but one experiment that worked was fried lily buds. My mom's lucky she had any lilies bloom! They're yummy and reminded me just a little of friend okra. A little tart and very tasty.

Darn, I can't remember what this is.

Or this. Rats!

Freya, enjoying some time outside. She's supposed to be trimming weeds and the lawn, but she prefers checking out what's in the cultivated beds.

Sam's been working all day patrolling the barnyard and gardens, he's pooped!

The comfrey patch is an exotic insect resort.

The red geranium. I love this color.

Sunset in the Mountains

In the Lagomorph's Lair

Take a moment...

...and give this a look-see.

If you haven't, then you should...

...listen to The Be Good Tanyas. I love Frazey Ford's voice.

"Let’s play this one out, until it explodes
Into a thousand tiny pieces
What’s the story universe
You are melody in numbers
You were shapes you were rhythms
There are signs that we can learn
Place over the heavens
To predict how long we’ll burn
How long will I last?
Can you turn up the heat?
What star am I circling?
What’s circling me?
Am I ebb, am I flow?
My lack of control
Turn it on, turn it up
Say yes, play no

Things keep changing
Things keep changing
Things keep changing"

Snugglepiggy Photoshoot

My mother's dog Maggie is full of personality. She's constantly earning new nicknames, but 'Snugglepiggy' is a great way to describe her cuddling technique. My mom gave her that one. She's not actually allowed on the bed, but while I was staying on the farm, I had a roommate. And frequently woke up with no pillow or blanket, next to a fast asleep puppy face! Seriously though, who could resist?

Ramblings of the Sleepless

What a strange coincidink. I'm currently watching one of my fav movies, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and randomly just came across this while I was looking for links on arachnophobia. Hm, I was looking up arachnophobia because that fiance of mine is terrified of the eight legged. I won't let him kill any bugs or spiders in the place, I rescue them and put them outside.

Something else I just randomly came across. And now....sweet dreams!

Let's play "What's in my fridge?"

When you enjoy the satisfaction and health benefits of cooking your meals from scratch, prefer meat-free meals, and your man has a good appetite, you really have to stay on top of things in your kitchen. Before I left for Ohio in mid July, I took stock of my kitchen supplies trying to use everything up and with a couple of tweaks, made lentil soup. I know, soup in this heat?? But it's good cold too. And more importantly, it's cheap to make! That's basil from my wonderful indoor garden. With these ingredients, plus a small cooking onion, I basically follow this recipe, get creative with spices (I like to add a little finely chopped fresh ginger, cumin, coriander, and hot sauce), and have a simple filling soup that feeds us for several days. It's even better after the flavors develop in the fridge for a day or two. With brown rice, Irish soda bread, or grilled cheese, you can't go wrong or hungry!

Pigpen Emotes Next to a Jug of Beer

Inquisitive.

Pensive.
Annoyed.
Sweet eyes.