New Growth
It may look alien, but this is actually quite hopeful: new growth on the orchid I’d thought dead!
Let’s party! [Yeah, it doesn't take much for me...!]
A working butter dish
My husband and I both remember the tradition of certain things left on the dining table no matter what: salt and pepper, napkins and butter. But we’ve wondered over the years about the wisdom of exposing the last item to air. It’s obvious that butter is refrigerated to keep it fresh, but how could our parents get away with having it sit at room temperature for days?
When not eating, wrapping Christmas gifts or doing the odd bit of scrapbooking on it, our table is bare. And truthfully, I’ve no wish to have butter sitting on it 24/7. But if I could have fresh, spreadable butter available at any time… well, there’s a spot next to the toaster that would work wonderfully! Enter le beurrier, the french butter dish, or butter bell.
I came across this marvelous item while indulging my etsy obsession. The very first french butter crock I ever saw was one made by seller PhenixPottery. Equally delicious is the beautiful yellow model that seller dbabcock makes… and look at that large, open mouth. But - are they supposed to be shaped like a bell for a reason?
Basically, the crock is in two parts. The base, which holds a bit of water, and the lid, which turns out to be the actual butter dish, usually built to hold one stick of butter. Oil and water do not mix, so the butter is kept airtight and fresh.
Lee Daniels Pottery in Brinnon, Washington makes a lovely butter crock and this is their explanation of the process:
Pack butter into the lid and invert into about one inch of cold water in the bottom of the pot. The cold water will form a seal to ensure the butter stays fresh and creamy. The water should be changed every two or three days.
Classic Lines Pottery in Boise, Idaho makes some lovely models as well… as does James Sloss Pottery in Dayton, Oregon.
If you do search for one, use alternative wording, such as ‘butter bell’. Same animal, but a completely new list of sellers/manufacturers pop up on google. eBay also lists some under ‘butter bell’. And keep in mind that even though it’s said that the butter will keep for at least a month in one of these dishes, it should be packed in tightly so no air can get in to cause spoilage. Also, a little salt in the water will help to keep it fresher longer.
It’s very difficult to choose, but I know I want one… and I’m equally as committed to purchasing a hand made crock here in America. I’ll follow up when I’ve used it for awhile…. and hopefully buttered many pieces of fresh baked bread!
I scream!
Here is Amber [grandchild V3.0] in the sweet little t-shirt I won over at Ardent Garden back in July! Thanks to her Mom for the pictures!
Tonie, she looks just like you in the top picture!
Tabatha just gave birth to the very handsome Dawson, on August 25th! Congratulations, and thanks again for the t-shirt!
Finish the sentence
Finish the sentence….
1. My uncle once: brought me an Eskimo doll he had bought while working in Alaska. I was only 5 at the time, so it was a very big deal. Her face and hands were dark, her hair jet black and her clothes! Oh, my. Her clothes were a buttery soft doeskin leather accented with bits of fluffy down.
2. Never in my life: have I swallowed okra. And that’s okay. [gag]
3. When I was five: I was stunned to discover that the other kindergartners couldn’t read. [I just left Richmond's answer, because it's true.]
4. High school was: German with Mrs. Grote, cutting off calves nuts in VoAg and a Spanish teacher who wore read underwear under his nasty white slacks. [shudder] Don’t make me go back!
5. I will never forget: Mrs. Strauss
6. Once I met: ….er…. a lot of people? I dunno!
7. There’s this girl I know: who is sitting in the path of a hurricane. 
8. Once, at a bar: I was thrown out. Twice.
9. By noon, I’m usually: ready for a nap
10. Last night: Bree got me up to go outside
11. If only I had: a doggie door
12. Next time I go to church: the roof will fall in
13. What worries me most: money
14. When I turn my head left I see: Bree
15. When I turn my head right I see: Arthur
16. You know I’m lying when: you wouldn’t
17. What I miss most about the Eighties is: ME
18. If I were a character in Shakespeare I’d be: Beatrice - I wish
19. By this time next year: my house will be painted - hopefully
20. A better name for me would be: whatever my birth mother would have named me?
21. I have a hard time understanding: anything having to do with math
22. If I ever go back to school: I’d want to study psychology
23. You know I like you if: I talk to you
24. If I ever won an award, the first person I would thank would be: God; He’s always the first I thank for anything
25. Take my advice: have fun every chance you get and love as much as you can, because one day you’ll blink and your time here on earth will be over
26. My ideal breakfast is: eggs, pancakes, sausages… and lots of syrup.
27. A song I love but do not have is: Don’t know…
28. If you visit my hometown, I suggest you: drive right on through to either Houston or Dallas, depending on which way you’re headed down I45…
29. Why won’t people: on the road and on the internet imagine they are speaking face to face and treat others with some respect?
30. If you spend a night at my house: you’ll discover that I can’t cook and hate to clean.
31. I’d stop my wedding so: Arthur could go to work. Happened!
32. The world could do without: hate
33. I’d rather lick the belly of a cockroach than: many things.
34. My favourite blonde: ?
35. Paper clips are more useful than: 90% of Hollywood stars
36. If I do anything well it’s: take care of Arthur; I’m a pro now!
37. I can’t help but: want another dachshund
38. I usually cry: when I hear the Star Spangled Banner, say the Pledge of Allegiance, see a man in uniform, an abused child/dog/elderly person… or when I’m extremely frustrated.
39. My advice to my child/nephew/niece: nothing. They won’t take it and need to find out on their own, anyway.
40. And by the way: It’s 9/11 - NEVER FORGET!
Filched from Richmond!
Night Sky
I have to use my old camera for sunsets, as the new one burns them so badly. I’ve tried nearly every combination but just can’t get a good one.
These were taken night before last, the evening Tammi came to visit.
I love this one.
Mood today is pensive. Thoughtful. Introspective. Saw a movie years ago -of course I can’t remember the name- and the theme was ‘there are signs everywhere’. That really speaks to me as I believe signs really are all around us. Sometimes they’re just exit signs.