Wordless Wednesday

Tips, Tricks and Recipes From The Garden

We're knee deep is summer squash right now. I don't plant very many plants, but they sure do produce like crazy! We don't really care for canned or frozen squash (gag), so I don't put up much of it.

But I do put up a few quarts of frozen yellow squash slices for casseroles. I steam or boil (do whatever is easiest for you) a large pot of slices for about 10 minutes, cool in cold water and pack in quart freezer containers. When ready to use, thaw, drain any liquids and casserole 'em up.

And, I also put up a few quarts of frozen, grated zucchini squash for breads, casseroles and zuke puffs. To do this, I simply grate the zukes and pack in freezer containers. When ready to use, thaw, SQUEEZE out the liquid and continue with your recipe of choice.

So, if your squash is starting to take over the frig and your friends are locking their doors when they see you coming, try these simple tips. I promise, the squash will taste fab in the middle of the winter, when fresh, local produce is scarce.

Stay tuned for more Tips 'n Tricks.

Until next time.....

Bluebirds

If I could be a bird, I believe that I would choose to be a bluebird. Besides their color, which happens to be one of my favs, they have a very even temperament.

One of our bluebird houses up at Crystal Lake is around 25 feet from our campsite. Our presence doesn't seem to rattle them at all. Nor does the smoke from our campfire.

These birds are in the process of raising family #2 for 2009. The male and female both are very hands on when it comes to building the nest and taking care of the babies. They chatter away as they bring food for the babes. I could sit for hours and watch them come and go from the house.

We better get busy and hang more bluebird houses next to the fields. We're going to need them.

Until next time...

Love of the Sea

One of the things that influence my work is my love of the sea. Blue green salty water and sand under my toes. Give me those things and I'm as happy as a clam.

I grew up going to the Jersey shore every summer. And when I moved south, I found other beaches to visit. And once a year, we migrate to the coast. You can't keep this beach bum landlocked for long.

Enjoy the 4th~

Until next time.....

Thirsty Thursday

phto: MarthaMerry.etsy.com

Ice Cold Beer.

There is nothing better than an ice cold beverage on a hot summers day. I really enjoy pulling a cold one out of the cooler when we're camping. When I'm at home, and the cooler isn't iced up, I put my beer in the freezer. I set the bottle in there AND turn on a timer for 15 minutes. The timer is an important tool in this operation. Without it, I'm liable to space out and forget it. And yes, I have done that. Not fun!

photo: coyotecraft.etsy.com

To go along with this weeks post, I found these items from two Etsy shops. Cool, eh? Click on the photos and you'll be in their shops.

Have a safe holiday weekend.

Until next time.....