Friday, July 14, 2017

Wishy Washy Summer.















Garlic is hung











Oh what a wishy washy summer it is..

Our skies just opened and it is pouring..

Our days have had rays of hope..but mostly  grey uncertain times..
still ,things are blooming and the gardens are a great source of joy.
For the work they give us and the rewards that come afterwards.

Take for instance those ranunculus blooms up there.. a few cheap corms from  Canadian Tire of all places this Spring and they worked..
I bought two more packages for next year.
I love watching things change..evolve,grow..the ones w/ buds perhaps the most..like hollyhocks and peonies and tulips..clematis also but they are EN MASSE..seing individual plants bloom ..well so exciting to me.
The hydrangeas are crazy though and I will have to try and get help and pull many..maybe Jacques can do it..I'll see..they are overgrown..lush..gorgeous..but I moved lillies..because they were lost amidst a sea of Annabelles..Annabelles are the worst.For spreading.



The girls are well..although one tried to eat my newly planted radish sprouts..I took two small areas where I pulled up the garlic..and am trying radishes..French and Watermelon..time will tell..if they don't grow..I'll have my daughter's attitude..:"It is what is is"  :)  

I made a neat little store ~in~ the~ fridge salad for my lunches.

I had bought a set of 4 Summer Fresh salads at Costco..saved the containers..and have twice now made 4 new ones..I never buy prepped food..I have moods when I am in Costco..I usually bee-line to the clothes,garden,books while Jaceques peruses every food aisle..I never go in the refrigerated parts..I wait for him by the rotisserie chickens..(don't ever tell my girls..)
But sometimes I get curious and throw my routine to the wind..
I love our friendly Costco..
So..the salad..

nothing complicated..

Quinoa
Green Lentils
Black Beans
Cherry Tomatoes
Red onion
Some peppers..orange..red..whatever..chopped
Garlic  ..my Garlic Confit..Google the recipes..pick the one that suits you...a keeper for me now...it adds such an earthy sweetness to everything:)
Herbs.
A dressing of Dijon..srirracha,maple syrup,lemon juice,evoo.s and p..sesame seeds.
Add some edibles and a balsamic glaze.

I love opening the fridge and there's my little lunch.

The bananas ripen at the speed of lighning and the last thing I want are those stupid eeny meenie minie fruit flies..I HATE those as much as SQUIRRELS..not as much as Rose Chafers and Beetles.

so I made a Marie The Great British Baker Chef recipe..a nice different banana bread..we can all use 100 recipes:)

Yum.

I see summer just flying by...by my flowers..the annuals.. they don't tell time here..but my perennials do..I could guage a calendar simply by looking at my blooms..a week or two off..at times..
but still.that's how ell you get to know your gardens.



Bon Weekend..Bonne Semaine~♥

PS if you want a little smile or a tear..my daughter sent me..

Lucas and I later..

I watched it..and cried.

59 comments:

  1. I hear you when you talk about telling calendar time according to when your blooms come and go. It makes me sad when Peonies wither away only because they're so beautiful and I love their scent. Our neighbor has a row of them next to our property so I get to enjoy their beauty just as much but it always seems that it rains and pours on them, they droop all the way to the ground and stay there and die :( I love their scent! We've had a very humid summer here which is one of the reasons why we left Virginia BUT like today, it's overcast, mid 60's and chilly! Had to close all the windows around the house! Hey, bring me your hydrangeas!! I'll take them. My sisters friend gifted me with bunches of Lavender, I hope and pray I don't kill them. I've never been to a Costco but those salads sound delicious. Have a marvelous weekend! :)

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    1. Oh if you lived next door we could ask your handy hubby to take many:)I have to wait for fall though..or else it wrecks the gardens moving things..
      Same weather here today..chilly ..my flip flop toes are freezing;)
      You won't kill the lavender..sunny they need sun..I must go back to the lavender fileds this week before they are done..hope I do:)
      A Costco becomes a habit.I find the quantities are large though..just the two of us..listen to me..quantities too large when some have nothing..disregard what I just wrote..
      sometimes we forget for moments..how life is so tough for so many..
      Do you find?
      Find a friend w/ a Costco card:) And go see..the quality of the products are so good..and the clothing quite reasonable and pretty:)
      Have a crafty weekend:)

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  2. All the pictures look beautiful and yes really summer, here is so cold but I love my winter :)
    hugs!

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    1. I love my winter too..but would love it more..shorter:)
      Thank you Gloria!

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  3. Dearest Nana it's a huge pleasure to read every and each of your posts.
    I think I may be in love with your girls!😍😍😍😍😍😍
    Your garden looks gorgeous with all those flowers.
    What to say about that banana bread? Delicious for sure. I'll try it soon .
    Have a great weekend.
    Lots of hugs.
    Nina

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    1. Nina..I visited you today..I can't make out the words....Is everything ok?I hope so..
      I am so impressed with all your stitchery:) And of course fashions for you:)

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    2. Nana, nothing serious is going on. I'm actually renovating my bedroom and bathroom. So we are living in camping mode among big cluster. Soon everything will be ready .Then I'll relax.
      Hugs
      Nina

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    3. Aww..I could see that it wasn't asuper happy post:) You will be after:) Camping mode is not me either;)

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  4. I love those chickens! Of course the flowers and your gardens and yard are crazy beautiful - but those chickens.....

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    1. Oh get some Chris..Scott could build you a small coop..cute cute..you just need 2..:)I love keeping it clean..feeding them..letting them roam..no regrets.And watching them is relaxing:)

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  5. Aw...your chickens are so cute. And that salad is way too pretty to eat. Thank you for the recipe. :)

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    1. You are welcome:)
      They are fun to have ..they don't need much..just care..so happy they are here and not in a huge plant somewhere.:)

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  6. Oh you sweet soul, Monique. Your gardens look gorgeous and yes, isn't summer flying by? The littles will be back in school before long. We have a Costco here now, but I've never been. My new favorite is Trader Joe's, but it is in the North Pole of town and I'm at the South Pole in the city. The prices and quality are great. Happy days to you.

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    1. Donna..Trader Joe's is a weak spot for me..Jacques likes it too:) When we are in a US state that has one..we are there:)
      People are so friendly..happy to wok there I think..
      TJ has fun charm..Costco has bulk:)

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  7. We have had a lot of rain here too. Not so good for the tomatoes. Your garden look lovely and lush.

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  8. Your photo's are stunning - thank you so much. I wish we would get rain. All we are getting is the humidity from the storms from Mexico. Really really hot here.

    Great post - thank so much for a great post.

    Have a wonderful weekend with lots of sunshine.

    Mary

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    1. Mary thank you so much:)

      I hate humidity..supposed to be great for the skin though..that must be your secret:)

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  9. Always a treat to stop by for a visit here. I need to try a garlic confit, I can't believe I haven't yet!

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    1. So many recipes on the net..the idea of it came from NoCrumbsLeft on IG..but I used a different recipe w herbs..now I can't find it;)Have to..thanks Pam.

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  10. all the pictures are very beautiful.. my garden is in total mess.. :(...
    The fairy is looking magical..

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    1. Oh I am sure it's not..also when I had girls yours sons ages..I wasn't primping plants:) I was primping them:)
      Take heart...:)

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  11. Your garden blooms are gorgeous, great photography. You take such beautiful photos. You have a lot more patience than I do! Our summer has been a happy mix of rain and sun, but today and yesterday, very cold. Love how your fluffy btttomed girls are settling in, like they have always been there. Was looking at insect houses the other day and wondering should I or should I not. Mmmm...Garlic confit. Looks fabulously tasty as does your beautiful salad. I like to walk through and get ideas and then go home and make my own. Probably tastier, healthier and better because I did it myself! that video, tear in the eye. We get old so fast, we should all be so lucky to have a grandson who cares like that. I know you do. You are blessed. So happy you enjoyed the banana bread! Its a winner if I don't say so myself! Have a bonne weekend! xoxo

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    1. I hope he does..I found it cute that caro sent it..
      Marie isn't it the truth?
      How all of a sudden we have gotten old fast.

      I mean all of a sudden..perfect your words Marie.
      I don't find the bee house has created any problems whatsoever..
      Aww..Marie who knows what our futures hold..I never worried before:(
      Enough gloom..HAVE a great weekend!
      Re the pics..not sure about the patience..I find if I have to work at a shot..it's because it will just never look ok..
      :)

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  12. I want to try garlic confit!
    Hope you have sunshine this weekend. A sweet friend has offered us to pick raspberries at her home. She said she has a ton.
    I should be in the garden as it is neglected but still looks ok.
    I agree with your daughter and have a bracelet that says "It is what it is" :)

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    1. Oh you do? How cute is that..you have given me an idea:)
      My friend Linda..from Gardenbuddy days says that too:)
      I am sure everything looks good chz vous! I just know it.

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  13. Your salad looks so pretty. Gardens too. I just made garlic confit for garlic bread.Hope you're having a sunny weekend.

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    1. I saw that and I will try it..mouth watering to me:)

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  14. Beautiful photos and a lovely post. I hope you get some well deserved sunshine this weekend. The days of summer are flying by. I did not plant a veggie garden this year. With helping my parents so much, it didn't seem feasible. Your girls are so cute and fluffy. I used to raise chickens and rabbits years ago. They were a lot of fun. I shall google garlic confit, it sounds wonderful

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    1. Linda..I know your summer has been all about thinking of others♥
      Thank goodness for little bicycles:) To cheer us up once in a while;)
      And gardens..:)

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  15. I've fallen hard for 'your girls'!! Do they have names? Are they friendly?
    Do they like mail from Paris?

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    1. They had one of your maps in their coop and it fell..but they had specifically asked for French artwork..:)
      Bécassine and Caramelle..when they are out..sometimes I force myself to just sit and nothing..they stay by me..go a few feet ..come back..but if I am working..they give up following me and wander..I have a Kraft single to get them back in..they run after me so happy to be getting cheese:)
      They are not cddlers..yet..but hunker down when I pick them up.It's a thrill to have them.

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  16. My visit will be brief as it's our annual gourmet fete here this evening. But guess what? It's sunny and dry! Oh may gosh have we had the rain this spring and summer. Yesterday it was actually chilly - cropped jeans chilly. The day before a deluge. I am so thankful for the sun today. I didn't get my garlic out yet because of the rain and the prep work for gourmet. Next week for certain. I love looking at your naughty girls :) I've tried and tried to radishes to no avail. Ranunuculus I will try next year! You must tell me when you planted them. May?

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    1. Can't wait to hear about le partay:) Yay for sun and entertaining!
      I planted when I planted early Spring..when I knew no frost would happen..they are more fleeting in the gardens compared to florist bought..but so worth it:)

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  17. I see delicious food...happy weekend love ria x ❤️

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    1. Ria my childhood friend from Amsterdam may be dropping by for coffee soon;)

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  18. You have the most beautiful garden I've ever seen! I love your garden house -- do you pot your plants in there and store your tools? I can imagine how absolutely lovely it is and it must smell so fragrant! Your "girls" are beautiful -- we won't tell about the rotisserie! And the salad looks wonderful.

    Don't you love the British Baking Show? I watch it every week and if I miss it on telly, watch online. I'm having trouble picking a favorite this time, though!

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    1. This is the first time I don't have a fave except the young girl..I forget her name who made the pub..all other shows we had 2 faves..:)
      Love the show..

      well you are super sweet because i took pics of my neighbours' gardens yesterday and mine pale this yr..something's up w/ my clematis..lol big problems ight?:)

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    2. Forgot to talk about the potting shed..I have a potting bench but mostly mix fertilizer etc.. shelves..lots of garden tools ..all in need of renewal..pots..etc..the back part is Jacques..workbench..etc..many large tools hanging..I have my chicken feed in there now too and the woodchips for them..:)

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  19. Look at all your lovely garlic hanging up! The flowers are all gorgeous and the birthday video was amazing. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. :) Tender video:) I loved it..we go through all our garlic..:) Fun to grow..you might like it:)Thanks Tricia!

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  20. I LOVED the video. It is so sweet. I can imagine you and Lucas (and the other boys dropping in) to see Nana. So will you be as footloose and carefree as that when you are 100? A side of Monique we do not know? I know how you feel, Frankie and I have been working in the garden together and it has been a good summer for bonding.

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    1. :) Summer for us is least bonding:( Yes every birthday..occasion..we all get together.. 3 weekends coming up and all of us going away again..but they are in camp every day..and every weekend..they have camping or boating or etc.. not like the school yr..that's what summers are for..I want them carefree and busy and having a ball:)
      oh lucky you and Frankie gardening:)♥
      Have no clue about being like that and 100:)

      Let's see what 64 brings LOL..

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  21. I love the sound of your salad, sounds like the perfect lunch. Our summer is especially hot and humid this year and saps all my energy. But I do have a tiny bit left for bananas. As soon as they are ripe I freeze them and make ice cream. I like it much better than the commercial one.
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. Humidity is truly an energy zapper..you can feel the power draing lol!
      Happy rest of summer charming stitcher:)

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  22. Nana,si vous placez quelques bouchons de liège imbibés de vin avec les fruits,les bibites disparaissent ,ca marche ici.

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    1. Merci! Du vin..nous en avons! J'ai jeté un bouchon de liège hier:(

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  23. Beautiful flower shots! Loved the Macklemore video. :)

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  24. As always, gorgeous summer portraits...Me, very très (trop) occupée...Je reviendrai bientôt....R.

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  25. Ranunculus now? hat's an April bloom here! So funny how things grow in different climates. Lots of rain everywhere this summer. A spot on my lawn that's usually brown by now is still looking OK. I was in Maine last week and we had so much rain on several of the days. Coming home it was so bad I had to pull into a rest stop for a while. Scary driving. Anyway, back to you. You show lots of color so I'd say your summer is doing well. Of to the Caribbean tomorrow on a cruise.

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  26. Nothing wishy washy about your gardens...chickens...cakes or glorious garlic!
    Your pictures and stories always make me smile...
    Enjoy the rest if your week...
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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  27. Dearest Monique,
    The flowers you show of your garden look like a dream!
    For growing things we need rain... Even though we don't like the dreary grey days.
    We had a rather wet summer too but for now it is blue skies and we have to enjoy it while it lasts.
    Biking...
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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  28. Pleuré aussi ... puis me suis consolée en regardant ton ail confit ! :-)

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  29. I liked the arrows for their help in organizing your notes.
    หนังตลกฝรั่ง

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