Paper Cut Screams by Cheryl

Up and About

2012-05-31T19:57:00.001-05:00

In my previous post, I shared my outdoor, off-my-feet activities. Today, I'd like to show you what keeps me out of my chair during the summer months.

We have several birdbaths. When the birds use them, the water gets dirty and much of it gets splashed out. Filling them takes me to all corners of our lot.

Our fountain needs frequent additions of water too.

For color, I filled this planter with orange, yellow and red annuals.

Impatiens do well in our yard in the many shady areas. We love the red ones and continue to plant them year after year.

I planted impatiens all around this pin oak in the backyard...

and our crimson king maple in the front. These two areas take the most time and energy to fill but are well worth it. Before long the plants will miraculously fill the planted areas and the soil will no longer be visible.

Our wheelbarrow planter sits under a tree so of course red impatiens were the perfect choice to put in it.

All of our peony bushes blossom at once and only once each year. I sure wish they'd take turns and that the flowers would last a bit longer than a week or two.

These three hydrangea bushes under the overhang don't catch the rain so I have to remember to water them regularly. If they're thirsty, they pout by drooping their leaves. They're a sad sight and I simply can't ignore them!

When I'm satisfied with the yard, I grab my sunglasses and my MP3 player and head out for a walk around the neighborhood. With half a dozen cul-de-sacs nearby, I can walk for an hour without getting far from home.

I hope all of you are enjoying your time outside. There's nothing like fresh air and exercise, although fresh air and sitting down has its merits too.

Let's all have a terrific month of JUNE !!

Sum...Sum...Summertime!

2012-05-26T12:17:00.001-05:00

Summertime draws me outside. I like to mix it up by dividing my time between sit-down and up-and-about activities. Today I'd like to share a few of my favorite off-my-feet pastimes.

Observing birds at our feeders is a joy. We have more than enough feeding contraptions to keep a variety of birds coming and going.

When I have only a few seconds to sit, I open a crossword puzzle book. I must admit, there's nothing like a difficult puzzle to get me back on my feet again!!!

Journaling calms me and allows me to put my life in the proper perspective. (You wouldn't know that by the angle of this photo!)

I recently discovered LUMOSITY and am addicted to the brain stimulating games they offer. They're not exactly relaxing but I love a challenge.

I just finished this book yesterday. It's the second in the HUNGER GAMES trilogy. I'll start MOCKINGJAY later today. I understand why Suzanne Collins' books are bestsellers.

Blurry, but none-the-less, a majestic male cardinal. Birdwatching is awesome; you can enjoy it while you're doing something else. A quick glance up can award you a pleasant sight like this.

I hope you've enjoyed these photos and the accompanying words. I'll be back soon to share some of my up-and-at-em summertime activities.

I'd love to know you better by hearing about your favorite summertime stuff.

(I know it's not officially summer yet. Please humor me!)

Wheeeee!

2012-05-23T11:44:00.001-05:00

I'm on a mini stay-at-home vacation until May 31st, thus I have no excuses for not posting here. Stay tuned!

(That is, if I can haul myself out of bed. It's tempting to hang out there some days!! Today-Day One I got out at 7:30. Not bad, huh?)

Lon's Big Catch

2012-05-20T18:48:00.003-05:00

Lon caught this 47 inch muskeye on Lake Vermilion, Minnesota on 5/12/12.

Two days later, he caught this 37 inch Northern.

Lon and Jared had a great time on their fishing trip this year. These are only two of the many fish they caught.

A Bogged-Down Blog

2012-05-12T11:27:00.001-05:00

My blog and I are bogged down. Actually, my blog is fine. I'm the one who is dragging. Don't give up on me because I'll figure out something to say or photos to share one of these days.

Come on sunshine! Who doesn't benefit from some of that?

...and here's Miles!!

2012-05-05T20:07:00.001-05:00

Have hat, will travel! Wearing Lon's hat, Miles is ready to go.

Miles is full of smiles.

Holding Miles is a big challenge. He wiggles and squirms nonstop. I loved every minute of it!!

We had a fun afternoon at John and Phyllis'. My niece, Brittany, came from Appleton with her son, Miles.

Besides those already mentioned, we were together with Bob, Bonnie, Maria and her sons, Colton and Hunter.

Besides the fun of being together, we had a blast watching the Kentucky Derby.

What are you enjoying today?

No One Should Swing Alone

2012-04-26T10:13:00.002-05:00

Move over Mr. Moose.

Fifty Percent Norwegian

2012-04-18T12:11:00.000-05:00

I'm drinking from my "Norway" coffee mug today. I'm 50% Norwegian so I limit myself to half a mug at a time. :)

D'ya believe it?

My Grandpa Tom asked that question frequently after he told a story. He was 100% Norwegian and very entertaining.

Huge Maple Seed Clusters

2012-04-14T19:59:00.001-05:00

Can you believe this?

I've never before seen such large clumps of maple seeds, have you? I'd be shocked and awed if one of these seed bundles dropped on my head while working in the yard.

I googled "maple seeds" and found out that the seed inside the whirlygig is edible! I dug a seed out and ate it. It was a little bitter but according to the website boiling would fix that. They can also be baked and salted. Now all I need is a ton of patience to remove all the seeds from their "helicopters." I think I'll eat peas instead.

But who knew?

My PC Kindle Cloud Reader

2012-04-10T16:31:00.002-05:00

I'm reading the new book release, MRS. KENNEDY AND ME, on my laptop.

I downloaded a free application to my PC; it's called a Kindle Cloud Reader. It allows me to read Kindle books on my Windows PC using a Google Chrome web browser which I downloaded especially for that purpose. Although, I will have to pay for the books, I didn't have to purchase a Kindle.

I must be awfully lazy because I love the fact that I can read no-handed! With my PC on my lap, I don't have to hold a book or even a Kindle.  When I want to go to the next page, I do have to push the down arrow key, but I think I can manage that!

I normally get my books from the library so I've resisted buying a Kindle or other electronic reader, but I was so anxious to get my hands on the new release, MRS. KENNEDY AND ME, I didn't want to wait for a library copy.  With Kindle Cloud, I didn't have to wait.

Need I say more? Yes, I do! I'm in reading heaven.

I'm Making Potato Salad. Wanna Help?

2012-04-07T21:34:00.001-05:00

Come on into my kitchen. Don't look while I go through my disorganized mess of recipes. I know it's here somewhere. I'm sure it's in this stack. Come on, come on. Where did it go? Phew, here it is! My favorite recipe for today's project: Linda's Potato Salad.

I grocery shopped yesterday so you missed that fun. Let's gather the ingredients we'll be using. If you'd be so kind as to set them on the counter, I'll take the pictures. Of course, everyone knows what potatoes, eggs, onions, and all the rest look like, but humor me. I get a kick out of picture taking and posting them.

Let's put the eggs and

the potatoes on the stove to boil.

While that's going on in the background, I'll chop up the onion.

Would you put the mayo, mustard, salt and pepper in a mixing bowl? Thank you. Let's hustle these ingredients into the refrigerator.

I think we've earned a bit of a break and some wine to go with it. We have a few minutes longer to wait for the eggs and potatoes to cook.

Perfect timing. Our wine glasses are empty. We can drain the water from both pots and let the potatoes and eggs cool.

Now's a great time for a walk. Let's go.

After enjoying the fresh air and sunshine, we're back and the potatoes and eggs have cooled. I'll cut the potatoes into small pieces (leaving the peeling on) and you can remove the egg shells and slice the eggs. Don't worry. When I'm done, I'll help you with the eggs. Getting the shell off can be a pain.

Here's a small bowl of the finished dish after we added the onion and mayo mixture.

Voila! Mission accomplished.

Shall we? Since you're company, you get the first bite.

The Things of Spring

2012-04-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

I love the beautiful color of this proud robin's breast. He has a handsome profile too, don't you think?

See those long things hanging on our river birch?

They eventually get tired of hanging around and drop.

Maple trees work hard to reproduce too. These beautiful lime green casings hold precious seeds.

Tons of these maple seedlings are growing in our front yard. After another mowing or two, they should be gone. I feel bad that I can't allow them to grow and thrive.

Look at these cute Crimson King maple leaves.

Nature works her wonders in creating life while we go about ours.

Here's a twig that didn't survive this past winter. Strong winds sweep the lifeless out to make room for the new growth.

Happy day! I love it. Look who joined me at ground level!

P.S. I love comments of all kinds. It's SO fun to know who's paid me a visit! Even a simple HI is nice.

Disappearing Corn Crunch Clusters

2012-04-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

Here they are. Get a good look because they will soon vanish.

If you want some, you'll need 3 and a half cups of these,

half a cup of butter, real butter,

2/3 cup of this,

1 tablespoon of corn syrup and

1/4 teaspoon of this.

Melt butter in 3-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly (2 to 3 minutes). Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup. Increase heat to medium. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a full boil (1 to 2 minutes). Boil 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Add cereal and gently stir until well coated.

Drop mixture by rounded tablespoonfuls onto wax paper. Cool completely.

BEWARE! I sent a batch of these with Lon to work. He and Jared ate all of them before lunch.

Travel Channel Sand Wars Airing Again April 1st

2012-03-30T13:58:00.017-05:00

In December of last year, the Travel Channel's SAND WARS competition was filmed over a period of 3 or 4 days on the beach where we were vacationing. (That's yours truly posing in her bare feet on the beautiful white sand used by the sand sculptors to create their works of art).

Previously here on my blog, I posted several photos that I took during our many visits to the public beach to observe the Sand Wars activities on Crescent Beach, Siesta Key, Florida. You can see them if you go to my blog archives listed on the left of this page. Scroll down and click on "January." Scroll down the blog archive list on that page and click on "Sand Wars on Siesta Key." You'll see 24 close-up shots of the artists at work.

The initial presentation of the Travel Channel Sand Wars episodes was aired yesterday, March 29th. They will air again on Sunday, April 1st at 7:00PM, CDT.

(We watched last night's two-hour presentation. I spotted Lon and myself among a group of spectators in the final minutes of the show. That was fun!)

Ground Venison Burritos

2012-03-28T20:32:00.000-05:00

Thanks to my son, I have several packages of ground venison in my freezer. I browned one package of it and added my own combination of ingredients including: ketchup, worcestershire sauce, a bit of taco seasoning, some chunky salsa and, of course, a splash of Major Peters Hot & Spicy Bloody Mary Mix! (I withheld the vodka).

We wrapped the spiced up ground venison in these tortillas.

We added a generous sprinkling of these four shredded cheeses as a topping inside our burritos.

Finally, a dollop of sour cream completed the filling inside the tortillas. In my opinion, no burrito is worth eating without sour cream.

With refried beans on the side, we had a satisfying and very enjoyable dinner.

Unfortunately, I didn't take a photo of our ready-to-eat burritos. When dinner was ready, I was hungry and this blog post slipped down a notch on my priority list. I apologize.

In case you're wondering, ground venison tastes exactly like ground beef but is lower in fat. I've also used it in spaghetti sauce and my chili recipe.

Have you used venison in any of your favorite dishes?

I Like Brie, Do You?

2012-03-27T16:26:00.000-05:00

I'm in the mood to try different cheeses rather than limiting myself to the mundane kinds I normally buy.

A dear friend of mine, Sarie, used brie in one of her recipes recently. It reminded me that the one time I bought myself some many, many years ago, I'd liked it.

Sarie recommended a brand with the Eiffel Tower on it but I haven't found that one yet. I bought some in Florida earlier this month (I can't remember the brand name) and then this package today here in town.

I know it has a lot of fat (9 grams in a one inch cube) so I plan to eat only a small amount at a time, perhaps with a cracker in a lawn chair on the deck or screen porch.

Do you like the white rind that surrounds the block of cheese? I know it's edible, but sometimes I remove it. Does it have its own taste or is it my imagination?

I plan to try gouda next.

Is It March or Is It May?

2012-03-25T20:54:00.000-05:00

If I didn't know better, I'd swear it was May. We returned to southern Wisconsin from Florida a week ago to find our grass needed mowing and trees, bushes and plants were at least budding with many far beyond that stage.

I am rather put out that all this growing has gone on without our supervision. Lots of laundry is normally my major project after a vacation. This year, our yard called for immediate attention as well.

We were amazed to find:

day lilies well on their way

our coneflowers in fine form

peonies coming along beautifully

grasses growing tall and looking forward to swaying and rustling with the slightest breeze

'Plum Pudding' Coral Bells already clothed in deep purple

this hydrangea looking healthy and eager to bloom

Vinca vine with its cute blue flowers

more vinca vine

this Black-Eyed Susan just barely above ground

Lily-of-the Valley up pretty high

hearty Hostas hardy as ever

Flame Grass coming up amongst the dead shoots

Are you as astonished as I am with the abnormally warm temperatures and unheard of early Spring this year?

A Quote Put In My Own Words

2012-03-22T18:50:00.006-05:00

What I mean by an educated taste is someone who has the same tastes as I have.

--Edward Albee

You don't see it my way? Well, for Pete's sake. What's the matter with you!!??

(That's my stance and those are my words).

How many times a day do you feel like that?

Good Eating Here

2012-03-17T20:35:00.004-05:00

Captain Curt's isn't a fancy restaurant but it has the best clam chowder and King Crab.

This sign hangs above the bar.

Like I said before, the place isn't fancy; it's just plain fun.

On our way back to our rental car, we spotted this critter climbing up a pole along the street. We'd never seen one exactly like this before. It was about five inches long although it looks much bigger in this photo.

Need I Say More?

2012-03-17T15:48:00.002-05:00

Views From My Beach Chair

2012-03-15T16:07:00.001-05:00

All photos above are views from left to right on Crescent Beach.

I took these last two pictures on the beach, facing the condo complex.

We're Eating Good

2012-03-14T19:16:00.000-05:00

...for instance, this plateful of good stuff.

Look What's Blooming on Midnight Pass Road

2012-03-13T20:39:00.000-05:00

Morning Zoom Shots From the Balcony

2012-03-13T10:38:00.000-05:00

I can be lazy, sitting on the balcony with a cup of coffee and still get close up shots of life going on below, thanks to the zoom feature on my camera. Life is good.

In Lieu of Photos, Here's Haiku

2012-03-12T16:15:00.000-05:00

My camera battery died, my mistake. Lacking photos to show, I wrote verse instead.

In a nice lounge chair
I watch the waves washing in.
Never, ever done.

The sky once clear blue
Hides behind puffy white clouds
Yet peeks out, see it?

A swim early morn,
Then breakfast and a long stroll
Earn me some down time.

I came upon friends
On the beach from times gone by.
We stopped to catch up.

In my chair I read
And work on crossword puzzles,
Finally, I write.
,
I write some"haiku."
First and third lines each contain
Just five syllables.

The second line must hold
Seven syllables, it's true.
That's the rule, you see?

I think of something
And gather the words I need
To express myself.

It's easy to do.
Just remember to count them.
Syllables matter.

To master "haiku"
Grand eloquence just won't do.
Choose words carefully.

Haiku is a type of verse that consists of three lines as described above. It's actually not all that easy although practicing helps. After getting the rhythm, it moves right along. (I bet I looked funny, counting on my fingers this afternoon on the beach as I wrote!)