So Saturday

It was a lot of fun heading off to the farmer's market with Erik and Mae yesterday. The market is only just getting going for the season, and there were about half as many vendors as we usually see. Even the folks selling food were in short supply, but there were some interesting and yummy dishes available. Erik, Mae, and I split this enormous omelette three ways, and we also shared a plate of bacon-wrapped asparagus. The omelette was stuffed with vegetables and pork.

One of the vendors was a baker of dog treats. These cracked me up.

I ended up getting a pork loin for our dinner tonight. We're really hooked on the pork loins for the moment, and Mike will do that in his Trager grill tonight. Also, I picked up some beautiful asparagus. There was a recipe in the NYTimes a few days ago I want to try.

Also, someone had samples of "Cowboy Candy." I've wanted to try it because it's something I can make and can at home. Working with jalapenos is downright treacherous, however, and so I wanted to taste it first. It turned out to be really good, and I bought two jars. I'm still not convinced I'll want to make it at home. The fumes from jalapenos are killer when cooking with them in high volume. Anyway...these are good. They're a pickle, but somewhat sweet, while maintaining the heat of the jalapenos.

Before leaving home yesterday morning, I stitched real fast and finished off June's heart.

Here are the three I have so far.

When I got home, I walked around the yard to see what was blooming. The second cherry tree, the Black Tartarian, is all in bloom now. Both cherry trees were alive with bees...always good for the fruit.

A few of the azaleas are ready to burst forth. They are the real stars of the garden this time of the year, and we have several different colors.

Also, the new tree from last year, the Dappled Willow, is starting to "dapple." I can't wait for this to put on its show. I'm actually not sure if it will have a flower or if the leaves are the real show since I've only ever seen them from a distance. They are wonderful, however, and so I'm excited to see it. Of course, I'll keep you posted on its progress.

It was a little too chilly to be outside yesterday, and so I opted to hold off on any gardening until today. The weather should be warmer and sunnier today. Instead, I did another five 4 x 4's on the pansy mosaic.

I still need two more 4 x 4's before I'll be able to sew the fourth section to the rest, but I laid out what I had. The yellow pansy is really starting to emerge now.

When I went upstairs, I found Mr. Smitty lying in the afternoon sunshine. It's just another day in purradise.

With the three hearts finished, I'm ready to start on the "Stitch" sampler from Crabapple Hill Studios. Fingers crossed I can pull off some of those fancier stitches. It's hooped up and waiting for me downstairs.

Also waiting downstairs, Mike loves his Sunday blueberry oatmeal pancakes (I like them too), and so that's where I'm headed next. Today I'll be spending some time gardening, doing laundry, and a couple of small housekeeping chores. I'm hoping to get that fourth section finished on the pansy mosaic too.