A Collection...

Just a collection of all the bits and bobs happening in these parts!

The pit is almost finished!  The water issues in this space have been plenty.  We are just elated to be close to the finish line. 

We discovered once we started digging that the pipes for drainage under the slab were all broken.  One main pipe was wrapped in siding from our house which would explain some things!!!

We recycled some of the concrete to make the steps and walkway.  This space now connects to the upper area off the kitchen and was reduced in size to be used as a small sitting area.

My wonderful husband wheeled 12 yards of dirt back here to fill in this massive pit the day before my daughter's birthday party.   Do you see all of the new space for plants!?!  

Off the kitchen is where I had some of my veggies. 

Now we have a deck for a table.

Big bean is now 5!

For her party I wanted some color for the center of the table so I filled a vase with water and water balloons.  A fun and bright display!

 Apple picking and baking this weekend.  

Cortland apples

Mom's Apple Crisp...

Cut-6 large apples into small pieces
Mix-with 1/2 cup sugar and one tsp cinnamon
Spread into 9 by 13 glass baking dish

For the crumble
Mix-6 tbs of softened butter with 3/4 cup of flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt
Sprinkle on top of the apples

Bake at 350 for 45 minutes

raspberries are coming in

a happy pot of asters from my mom

I went with simple planters this year for the front porch.  Pumpkins and sticks!  

The simple things are the sweetest things!
Wishing everyone a lovely new week!

happies

some happy for the week....

Being inspired by my friend Amy over at her lovely blog Love Made My Home to start diving into yarn.  There are many joys in her space and working with yarn is one of them.  Her most recent stunning creation is this blanket....

It has pushed me to work harder at crochet as it is my goal to one day make one like this!  

My only wish is that she lived closer so that we could sit and work together!

This book....

The Layered Garden by David Culp.  I won this book in a giveaway at my friend Jason's blog, Garden In A City.  I have not been able to put it down as the inspiration is mesmerizing as is Jason's garden!

I wish I had a picture for this story but I don't....just trust me on this one.  I have mentioned before that we have crazy squirrels in our yard.  Well when looking for the beans' sand shovel my husband just happened to look up and there it was.  50 feet up in our old ash tree.  Just sitting on a branch.  Ha!  We all just stood there (neighbors included) with our mouths open!

This happy window....

Teaching my bean to weave on our homemade cardboard loom...

some of my summer pots...

shade scene...

whimsical planter...

new favorite perennial for foliage..

Golden Japanese Spikenard

favorite annual of the season...

Oxalis Fireglow

veggie eating in the garden

my sweet girl has a talent for bouquets

Hope that your weekend is full of happy little things....be back soon to share a garden treat with you!!!

a collection...around these parts

 School is winding down and summer break is upon us.  Kinda nice to have a loose schedule to look forward to.  Here is what has been making me smile as of late...

~My youngest getting the hang of the creek~

~The front garden is a work in progress but it is coming along a little further this year~

~An awesome scene at the arboretum~

~Found this bench to be perfectly magical tucked into a woodland garden on a stroll with the beans~

~My bean boy independent and free searching for tadpoles~

~My oldest touching the tadpoles~

~The children's garden where we spend many good days~

~Our go to dish that looks pretty with basil from the garden~

Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

A recipe adapted from the Barefoot Contessa...

Simply prepare the dressing and pour over warm pasta.  I add chunks of fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes from the garden, basil, and you can even cube chicken and add it if you like.

The dressing (which I always double)

~5 sun dried tomatoes in oil drained

~2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

~6 tablespoons good olive oil

~1 garlic clove, diced

~2 teaspoons kosher salt

~3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

blend it in a food processor and pour over warm pasta

sprinkle with parmesan cheese before you dig in if you want to tone down the flavor

~Peonies are opening~

~A new tablecloth for spring~

~Along the dry creek bed is my new favorite woodland plant...Bowman's Root (part shade) paired with Lamium, Autumn Joy sedum, and geranium~

~A new throw for summer~

~Chocolates in town with the hubs on our date night~

Here is to the little things that make us smile!  

Happy making, baking, and growing!