Tag: nature

Posted on

Restoration and Renewal @ Heath

IMG_1680
{Getting top soil, peet moss, manure and a bit of compost into the ground after tilling helps combat the clay soil}

IMG_1687In order to beat the heat and humidity of the mid-Atlantic region, there are those of us who are taking clear advantage of the 70-degree temps and balmy breezes to finish off spring-cleaning chores. Such as tilling and weeding the garden, maintaining the lawn by mulching, mowing, weeding and edging. Plus the necessary task of restoring the front and garage doors with a fresh coat of Minwax to protect against the extreme heat of the western summer sun.

IMG_1683
{My brother John helping till the garden, which we will shape into rows for the various vegetables and flowers}
IMG_3044
{My brother Stephen helping me stain the garage doors, while the weather is reasonably cool}

I enjoy the teamwork from each of my family members, primarily my brothers, as everyone knows what must be done to complete all chores. Paul keeps the lawn trimmed, John gets the mulch down around “Poison Ivy Row” and into the garden after pulling weeds on the northeastern potion of the property and Stephan takes care of maintaining the front and southwestern part of the house along with staining the front and garage doors with me.

IMG_1709
{And yes, Malcolm the cat also helps around the property by keeping watch from the Liriope}

An extension of vibrant color is added to the front porch and deck with reddish-orange gerbera daisies, orange and pink impatiens, hot pink geraniums, deep purple petunias and dragon-red begonias being placed into planters for added beauty.

All in all the weekend was a huge success with a lot of work accomplished by all and Heath being carefully maintained for another year!!!

Work stylishly,
K

 

 

Posted on

Fresh from the Farmers Market

IMG_1572
{Blueberry crumble muffins with chocolate and almond croissants for breakfast}

Our local farmers market opened today and it was sheer heaven to be able to amble through stalls of unbelievably fresh fruits and vegetables, freshly baked goods along with artisan cheeses and organic meats. The flowers were absolutely gorgeous and I wanted to purchase every bouquet that was situated in the mason jars, but decided to wait for mine to flourish at Heath.

My first purchases were aromatically baked blueberry muffins with almond and chocolate croissants to serve with freshly brewed coffee for breakfast this morning.

Next I was onto the “greens”, which consisted of a huge bunch of mustard greens, spring onions, leeks, asparagus and a few herbs; parsley, cilantro, thyme and rosemary.

IMG_1651
{Several ears of freshly shucked sweet white corn to steam for today’s lunch}

You could get 12 ears of sweet white corn for $2.00 and boy did I dive in for the kill. Steamed corn was definitely on the menu for lunch today. I absolutely love corn with no butter or salt, and to have a bit of room to saw into several ears without question.

IMG_1659
{Fingerlings to go with Sunday’s menu of steak and herb buttered potatoes}

And last, but most certainly not least were the fingerling potatoes that would be perfect for Sunday’s menu. Several of my friends and I from work have been experimenting this past week with herb butters to keep for various evening meals. Cynthia our culinary expert shared her recipes for garlic and shallot herb butters and I cannot wait to try them on either steamed or pan-fried fingerling potatoes.

Garlic Herb Butter
In a mixer combine, a stick of butter, several tablespoons of garlic and about a ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese with a dash of kosher salt. I added a touch of Herbs de Provence and et voila…. herb butter. Portion the mixture into a log using plastic wrap and that which you do not use may be frozen.

Shallot Herb Butter
In the mixer combine, a stick of butter, 1 small shallot, minced, flat-leaf parsley, rosemary and kosher salt with crack black pepper. Blend and form into a log using plastic wrap.

These flavored butters are great with crusty breads, on pan-fried steaks, potatoes or with fresh asparagus. The possibilities are endless!!

Market stylishly,
K