Going Green

Happy St. Patrick's day everyone!

I just finished reading about St. Patrick, and the meaning behind this day.
I love the idea of spiritual renewal more than anything, and praying for missionaries world wide.
Ya know; I've always thought the whole shamrock thing was only based on people who believe in "luck." But reading that St. Patrick used a shamrock to explain the Trinity to pagans, ... now that's cool!

My family does have a wee lil bit of Irish in us.
And yep, I'm wearin green are you? Must admit; I'm feeling quite festive in my green tshirt and apron.
--I even bought the guys and Tony's girlfriend all a t-shirt too just for fun.

See the little shamrock plant up above? Well; ... that was "my" t-shirt. lol ;)

Oh; and I also picked up a new bag of green dirt.
I positively love those giant sized bags of MG!
They're kind of cumbersome trying to load in my buggy at the store, but ... I go through lots of these bags in the Spring.
The new little shamrock plant is already potted in her new home.

And my poor spider plant got repotted too.

Meet the new Dahlia!
Can't wait to plant her in the garden.
I'm holding off a couple weeks, because it's just too early yet.
For now; she's living in the craft room.
Our son Tony got a couple days off this week, and came for a visit.
Here he is with his beautiful girlfriend Michelle.
Our other son Trent bought another jeep to make into a "toy."
Here, he was taking his brother and Michelle for a little ride.
Trent loves to go "muddin" and he told me this Jeep is getting a lift kit put in it.
I think it's the newest project. Hope he gets it done soon.
Our family is long over due for a day off to go muddin together.
(Those are some of thee best times I've ever had with them!) Our boys play hard!!!
This my newest memory verse.
I've been having a harder time remembering them, so I wrote it down on this slate and put it in my kitchen window while doing dishes. That helps alot!
Are you wondering if I just "felt" like washing all my aprons this week?
Nooooo... I didn't. I had to.
Remember "cousin IT" who showed up at our house awhile back?
Well.... this is a picture of him outside the window the first few days we saw him. He'd sit out there and stare at our screen door. --- "He" is why I had to wash all my aprons. Yep,.... I thought he was totally housebroke. That is until I was standing down the hallway and turned just in time to see him hike his leg and pee on all my aprons that I have hanging on hooks. Yes way Jose!!!! I could not believe it! Bad boy Oliver! NoNoNo!!!

Only a couple were actually wet but I thought,... what if he'd done it already before? Yuck!
They all went in the wash.
That was mistake number 2.
Opening the washer, I wondered why they didn't wring out in the spin cycle?
That would be because they were all in one big knot.
It took me almost 45 minutes to get them all untied.
The scissors came to my mind for one horrible minute... but I took a long deep breath and kept working at it. What a disaster.
What was I thinking?
Learn from my mistakes.
Don't ever wash all your aprons at once.
Look at him.
Will he learn?
I don't know?
He's been doctored,... bathed...
Brushed....
fed ALOT.....
loved on....
Given a $14 dollar pill because he was still crawlin with fleas.
He even had his hair done at the Beauty parlor.
I think I told ya we're calling him Oliver.
Yes, Oliver... Oliver. Just when you think he's starting to behave he picks a serious dogfight with our other dogs. Oh and have I mentioned that he hates cats? As in: he tried to kill the cat.*
Does it sound like my patience is wearin thin?
But, about the time I'm ready to choke him, he'll come lay that head on my leg or do something totally cute; like... just look into my eyes with those big brown eyes of his. Why do those eyes get me?
I don't know... but -- I'm not forgiving him for marking my aprons as his territory.
That's gonna take more time.
I want this to work out... but some days it's not easy.
Just ask the cat!


For our supper tonight, I'm making stew, and this whole wheat bread.
My friend Sue of Country Pleasures; shared a recipe she found for "St. Patrick's day wholesome Irish bread" yesterday, and this morning I gave it a try. (Sue has a wonderful blog and shares some great recipes. If you don't know her yet, go pay her a visit.)

I think the bread turned out really good! For dessert, I'm making Leprechaun cake. ;) -- It's really just jello cake. You know; how you bake a white cake and when cooled, poke holes on the top with the end of a wooden spoon? Then you pour liquid jello over the top and chill and then top with a carton of whip cream. I haven't made one in a long time, but they're so good.

And in case any of you want to try the bread recipe, I'll share it here.
This is a short version.

Irish Bread

1 cup all purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup butter or shortening
3 cups whole meal flour ( I used whole wheat)
1 3/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup to 3/4 cup golden raisins. (I omitted!)
1 tsp caraway, fennel, or anise seeds whichever you have. (I omitted that too for Myguy)

Mix together, and then knead 3-5 minutes. Shape and place in a well greased pan. Cut a slash (cross) into the top. Bake 375 for 45-55 minutes. Be careful to not underbake.

I better skidaddle.
It's time to peel potatoes, and carrots for the stew.
Have a wonderful day yall!
Holykisses xoxo
L