Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Flowers of the Day

Foxglove May 26

Cranesbill Geranium May 27

Peony May 28




Sage May 29



Chives May 30





Poppies and Peonies May 31




Foxgloves and Hostas June 1






Geraniums in the rain June 2









Wisteria June 3








Pink Poppy June 4










Roses June 5










Roses and Foxgloves June 6












Roses June 7












Day Lilies June 8






















Thursday, May 20, 2010

Beef and Tomato Stew

This is based on another Martha Stewart recipe.

Only 3 basic ingredients,

a chuck roast, plum tomatoes, and shallots.


Toss the plum tomatoes in olive oil, salt, pepper and sprigs of thyme.







Roast in 450 degree oven until they burst open,

about 45 minutes.



Season the meat with salt and pepper,

brown in olive oil in heavy dutch oven.




Add a tablespoon of tomato paste and cook 30 seconds.

Add a tablespoon of flour and cook 30 seconds.


Chop the tomatoes and add to the pot.





Add 2 strips of orange zest, a bay leaf, and a cup of water.

Bring to a boil on top of stove.


Cover and cook in 350 degree oven for 45 minutes.






Add the peeled shallots,

return to oven for another 45 minutes.

Enjoy!













Buds of May

Poppies
I really enjoy watching the buds develop in my spring garden.
More poppies


Peonies


Lily




Foxglove




Flag Iris





Clematis







Astilbe









Rose








Chives
















Saturday, May 15, 2010

The little pond in my garden








This is my quiet sanctuary.
I spend many a quiet hour here,
reading and meditating.