Is it the heat and humidity?

It’s been over 90 and humid for quite a few weeks now and there is no let up in sight.   The break to MN last week was refreshing cooler temperatures.  I’m tired.   Didn’t need to do anything today and I didn’t. I know I traded off pretty much no winter for hotter summer and that was still the right choice.   Watched for the second time the film “The Men Who Stare at Goats”.   Weird entertaining mindless yet thought provoking film.

 Got 5 bug bites that itch like crazy, don’t think they are mosquito bites because I haven’t seen a mosquito since I moved here. Hope tomorrow brings me more energy.  Cats don’t seem to mind the heat too much because they are out much of the day.

How many Windows patches can you put on an old XP computer?

I have an old XP computer that has been sitting unused for a few years so I decided I would get it cleaned up and put on all current Microsoft patches and then give it to someone.  I stopped counting at the automatic updates at 200 patches and that DOES NOT include huge patches for .Net and Windows Service Pack 3 and IE 8.   Of course then there is all the hard drive clean up of unnecessary files and registry cleanup and defrag the hard drive as well as updated virus protection and firewall.  What an undertaking that took me two days  but all went well with no problems so someday soon someone will have a new computer.

New idea for my hanging pots

The four pots hanging in our back area get so much sun and no matter how much I water the best flowers are challenged.  While in MN last week I saw a TV garden show on planting succulents in pots so today that’s what I tried.   I got a variety of hens and chicks and sedum and some small vining plants and got them all in my pots.   Should be a fun experiment.  If I am lucky they might even hold over all winter and I would have year round plants.  Wish me well.

My trip to Minnesota

I returned on Monday night from a 10 day trip to Minnesota.  The purpose of the trip was to see family and friends and I would call it a great success.   We were very, very busy and on the go all the time, sometimes seeing three groups of people in one day, but I feel like I had the opportunity for quality visiting time with everyone.   I saw between 50 and 60 family and friends and these weren’t all at one big party.  Many visits were with 2-4 people.   I found that the visit was a good excuse for people to get together and have a party with others that they don’t see very often. 

I fly right out of Greenville with a stop over in Detroit or Athlanta.  My flight out left late and I missed the connecting flight but it all worked out.   Landed a couple hours later than I planned and my luggage arrived too so all is good.

P.S.  – Bob came too and he got to see lots of his friends also.

South Carolina Produce

My neighbors across the road have their blueberry sign out so I plan on picking my gallon of  blueberries for $5 tomorrow before it gets too hot.  I’ve been advised to allow plenty of time when I go to pick berries because the elderly couple like to visit and that’s fine with me.

Local peaches are in and that will be my next stop after the blueberries.   I couldn’t get enough of them last year.  I bet without too much trouble I can come up with some delicious recipes for both.

Furman University Farm farmers market is open on Mondays from 3:30 to 5:30 and I signed us up for their CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program starting for us on July 12.  I have never done that before and am really excited about getting all kinds of fresh vegetables.   It is $80 a month.   I figure I will try it for a month and see how it goes.   It’s great you don’t have to sign up for the whole season.  Fresh carrots, beets, potatoes, beans, radishes and who knows what else!  Bet I have to find some new recipes for some of these veggies.  From what others have told me you get plenty of food.

I am trying to cook more nutritious foods with more fruit and vegetables and less meat so this is a another good step in the right direction.   I do admit it is hard to break a lifetime of the “red meat” habit.

Happy Fathers Day

Wishing all those wonderful fathers out there a very special day. 

I so wish my own dad was still here so I could give him a big hug but he has been gone for many, many years.   I still miss him.   He was a great dad and did all the right things when he raised me.   I think he would be proud of how I turned out.

Beautiful piano music by Minnesota artist

Are you looking for some soothing beautiful piano music.   Harbor Lights Music and artist Neal A. Topliff is someone you want to check out.  http://www.harbourlightmusic.com/hope-and-wishes.html

He has a new CD out called Hopes and Wishes and shipping is free!

 

Trailside Creamery, New business in Travelers Rest

Travelers Rest, SC – On Saturday, June 11, Trailside Creamery, a soft serve ice cream shop, will be opening at 11 S. Main Street in Travelers Rest, SC.

With the GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail bustling behind the business and an expanding downtown community, the Creamery, locally owned and operated by Jennifer and Anthony Bolcato, will no doubt be a welcome addition to those seeking a cool treat on a hot summer day.

An eco-friendly company, Trailside will feature 100% recycled bags, paper products containing the highest post-consumer fiber content on the market, and plant-based compostable spoons which will be recycled. In addition, only the highest quality fruit purees and dairy based products with no artificial flavors or preservatives will be used.

The shop interior features a natural, homespun look with a wooden barn-themed bar and a few seating areas.

“This is an ice cream shop for everyone,” said Jennafer Conley, a marketing professional working with the Bolcatos. “Children and adults alike will no doubt relish in [the] delectable treats and friendly atmosphere.”

The Bolcatos, who recently relocated from Florida, chose Travelers Rest not only because of its beautiful views and weather, but because they feel community is important. They wanted a place where they could be involved.

“We hope to get to know local business owners and customers who in turn will get to know each other,” said Jennifer Bolcato. “What’s better than getting to know your neighbor over a cone of ice cream?”

The Creamery’s grand opening hours will be 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. on June 11. In celebration, they will be offering $1.00 cones from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and free balloons for kids.

The Creamery will not only feature soft serve ice cream, but also fruit smoothies and specialty items. (The full menu can be viewed at www.TrailsideCreamery.com.)

Sunday Blues Brunch

We used one of our Living Social coupons for a return visit to the Brown Street Jazz Club for Sunday brunch.  We had a front row table to let us see  Wolf and Merck.  Their music was like sitting and listening to Eric Clapton playing blues and gospel.   It was fantastic.   Bob and I didn’t think we were big gospel music fans but we sure enjoyed it.   Our favorite song was the music from House of the Rising Sun (one of our favorites) with the lyrics from Amazing Grace.   It was such a fun and original song.  There were two guitars and one harmonica and one great vocalist.

They told us of this group Blind Boys of Alabama and they did that version of Amazing Grace.  Click here to listen to it.

I had Eggs Benedict over crab with stone ground grits for a side and a really good Bloody Mary.   I don’t remember the last time I had one of those drinks.

By the way, B B King played near here on Sat. night.  We did not see him.

Smoky and Sabrina Entertain Us

Ever since we got Sabrina we have noticed that she likes to hide.  Remember she hid so well the first three days we had her that we couldn’t find her?  Her usual hiding spots are under either of the two beds or at night when we are getting ready for bed she hides behind the clothes in our closet and waits for Smoky to come find her.   Really funny.  The most entertaining thing she does is hide under rugs.  She roots round on the rug until she is all covered up and then peaks out just a little.   If you look closely at this photo you can see the tip of her black nose on the left and her tail on the right.  Bob and I can’t help but laugh out loud when we watch her do this.  She will stay hidden like this for quite some time.  We have a couple rugs in entry ways and we have to make sure we don’t step on her.

Smoky continues to be our big curious fellow.  He is a big cat, not just a little chubby, but long, heavily muscled and big boned too.  As you can see he doesn’t quite fit in his bed anymore but that doesn’t stop him from taking his nap.

I have mentioned before he loves explore any open door and  gets into cupboards, closets and drawers and we have to be careful he doesn’t get locked in.   Here he is exploring a new sitting spot.  He is sitting there watching us watch TV.

Smoky is cute, cuddley, curious and clumsey.   I don’t know if it is his big jelly belly that gives him a bad center of gravity but he is like a little bull in the china shop knocking over things, missing the chair when he jumps, etc.  He also loves water.  Rember the photos of him sitting in the bathroom sink and he plays with water dripping out of the faucet? This morning I woke up about 4 a.m. and heard this thump and saw Smoky walking out of the room where we have the bathroom toilet.   I got up to investigate and there was Smoky sitting on the rim of the toilet trying to drink.  He must have fallen in a few minutes before because there was water all over – on the toilet seat, two walls and the floor.  Obviously falling in didn’t scare him because he jumped right back up for more. I shut the lid and went back to bed.

They are certainly both so much fun to have around the house.  I wonder if we do things that entertain them?