My first Award!!!

My day was just made by Balisha...

I am so excited, I just checked one of my favorite Blogs and found out that she has bestowed me with a Awesome Award. It is the Bella Award, an Award for a Lovely Blog... It is my first Award...

Balisha you are just fabulous, you must have known I needed a pick me up after a very long day!!!

I LOVE IT ,LOVE IT, LOVE IT!!! THANK YOU!!!

Now I must pass it on...

http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/

This is my favorite Food Blog, with gorgeous pictures and exquisite recipes... I have been participating in her Foodie Friday for a couple months and I'm having so much fun.

So HERE'S TO YOU !!

Check it out!!!

This Award originally came from Wsprsweetly of Cottages http://wsprsweetlyofcottages.blogspot.com/

Have A Good One,

Lynn

Virginia Bluebells

Virginia Bluebells are blooming like crazy, the flowerbed is not cleaned out yet but they came up anyway!!! LOL

We worked like crazy people this weekend with 86 degree weather I didn't want to come in until dark. Two truck loads of mulch and we are about a third of the way done. This weekend we will work on my large back bed, at least it doesn't take as much mulch, because it is full of perennials. Although I need to move a lot of the flowers in this bed to another. I love the heat but, it was crazy hot for April this last weekend.

I only came home from work at the garden center with 4 plants this week, but next week I get to work at West Virginia University Greenhouse and I know I will bring home lots. I've already called and begged them to propagate a few pieces of my favorite Geranium for me. That place will be crazy this weekend, it is the first weekend of the Annual Sale. I will take lots of pictures, I promise...

Ok it is bed time, I worked both jobs today and I am dead tired.

Have a Good One,

Lynn

Foodie Friday... AMAZING RECIPES !!

It is another Foodie Friday...

Where you find jaw-dropping recipes every week...

I could spend the day looking at each and every recipe, trying to pick which one to make first!!!

So check it out at: http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/

Chicken in Dumplings....This is my wonderful Mother-in-Law

She makes the most amazing dumplings I have ever eaten!!!

Would you look at the size of those babies !!!

Lil's Chicken in Dumplings

1 can buttermilk biscuits

2 c. diced cooked chicken
2 Tbs. butter

1/2 stalk celery finely chopped
1 Sm. onion finely chopped

1/2 green pepper finely chopped
1 tsp. parsley

1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup

3/4 c. water
1/4 c. chicken broth

1/4 tsp. black pepper

Saute celery parsley and half the onion in 1 T. butter until tender. Add chicken and black pepper. Toss ingredients until well blended. Set aside.

Melt other T. butter in 2 qt. saucepan. Saute balance of onion and bell pepper until tender.

Pour in cream of chicken and mushroom soup, water, and broth. Stir until blended.

Flatten 10 biscuits with rolling pin. Making large circle. Drop 1 t. mix in center. Fold like dumpling fashion. Bring sauce to boil. Drop dumplings. Cook until they done (they will float).

This has been a family favorite, Lil got it out of a Grit Magazine years ago. She always makes 4 batches of this recipe. We all fight over them. They are worth fighting over too!!!

Have A Good One,

Lynn

Inspiring Artist and Seedling Update...

Inspired...

Inspired by a beautiful Artist... Penny is a Mosaic Artist in the Mountains of North Carolina. Penny's work is so awesome I just had to try it. Each piece is more beautiful then the one before it. I am in awe of her work. You can check it out at: Lavender Hills Studio http://lavenderhillstudio.blogspot.com/
Of course I really had no idea what I was doing, but I have never been known to let that stop me...LOL A few weeks ago I had broken a bowl that was very dear to me. Therefore I knew I just couldn't put it in the trash. After looking at Penny's blog I knew just what I had to do next! I had this little Well/Fountain in the basement unfinished for years. You know one of those projects we buy and just never get too... Well it was time, so around the edge of the roof I used my bowl. In the center just some ceramic tile that was left over from the bathroom floor. Not having any real tools to do this I just smashed it with a small hammer and glued it down. Grouted it and painted the rest. It has a pump inside so the water really flows from the bucket...

I added a little greenery and a small birdhouse so it is finally finished!!! Thank you so much Penny for the inspiration your Blog gave me, you are one of a kind Wonderful!!!

Update on seedlings...

I can't wait to get these babies outside and growing... Usually it is plenty warm to at least get them outside in their little greenhouse this time of the year. Although this year winter just doesn't want to give up... It was in the 30's last night. Even though I know it really isn't time yet I am just going crazy!!!! I WANT IT TO BE TIME. This weekend it is going to be in the 80's and stay there at least up until next Wed. I hope this is the beginning so some warmer weather. I think the greenhouses will at least go on the covered porch. We can usually put annuals out around Mothers Day weekend. But I always like to push it a little. I have so much that is ready to go into hanging baskets and in the ground, I just need to get things outside! New little black cherry coleus...

I am going to plant lots of coleus this year. I love pretty leaves, usually I just plant them in pots but this year I am going to plant them in my flowerbeds. I saved some this winter at school in my windows and they are doing well. The things at school will come home next weekend.

A little of this and that, Petunias and Torenia and maybe Galardia...

Tomatoes are really ready...

Hot Peppers

Impatiens are doing remarkable well... I'm surprised they aren't blooming yet. I probably have about 60 plants right now. My girls love them.



Ok all done rambling on....

Have a good one,

Lynn

First day back to work...

It was my first day back to work at the garden center on Thursday. I got to work on Thur., Fri. and all day on Sat. The weather was beautiful and everyone was out and ready to work in their yards this weekend. I know I already have a full time job, and yes I leave one job and go right to another one.... BUT, I love it, call me crazy... I got to see so many people this week that I haven't seen since last fall. They were so excited to be back looking at all the beautiful blooming trees, new perennials and it smelled of tuns of fresh mulch. Yes I love the smell of mulch, IT JUST SMELLS LIKE SPRING! I brought home a truck load of mulch today, so tomorrow I will be out there trying to beat the rain. My wonderful boss laughs at me because he says I work for DIRT... Today was also pay day and I am already in the RED... But that is why I work there, it pays for my summer addiction. I only came home with 2 plants today!!! It is a Phlox Coral Creme Drop. (Phlox paniculata Ditomdre)http://http//www.bhg.com/gardening/flowers/perennials/new-perennials/?page=25

This one blooms all summer and is a perennial. So what could be better than that!

I just got done reading one of my favorite Bloggers Blog all about Hummingbirds. You can check it out at Never Enough Time @ http://balisha-neverenoughtime.blogspot.com/

I love Hummingbirds but just have never had feeders. After spending an evening last summer at a friends gardens I fell in love. She had so many feeders and the birds were everywhere. I couldn't believe how many there were. So I decided this was the year for feeders. I received several for Christmas and have found a few this spring. So I think I am ready.

This one all the glass is that crackled look...

This one came from Cracker Barrel...

These little

ones came from Lowe's...

This one Glows in the dark, how cool is that.

I can't wait til it is time to put them outside.

I KNOW ...PUT THEM OUT AND THEY WILL COME!!!

So thanks for all the info Balisha!!!

HAVE A GOOD ONE,

Lynn

Foodie Friday...

It's Foodie Friday with Designs by Gollum @ http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/


Go check it out there are always wonderful recipes here on Fridays!!!

Chicken Cheese Lasagna

Any lasagna with spinach and lots of cheese has to be good, but this one has lots of other great stuff too...You have to try it!!!

1/2 cup margarine
1 medium onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
2 cups chicken broth
1-1/2 cups milk
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divide
1 tsp.dried basil
1 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. white pepper
1 carton (15oz.) ricotta cheese
1 TBS. minced fresh parsley
9 lasagna noodles (8oz.) cooked and drained
2Pkg. (10oz. each) frozen spinach, thawed and well drained
2 cups cubed cooked chicken

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until tender. Stir in flour and salt; cook until bubbly. Gradually stir in broth and milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil 1 minute. Stir in c cups mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano and pepper; set aside. In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, parsley and remaining mozzarella; set aside. Spread one-quarter of the cheese sauce into a greased 13 in. x 9in. x 2 in. baking dish; cover with one- third of the noodles. Top with half of the ricotta mixture, half of the spinach and half of the chicken. Cover with one-quarter of cheese sauce and one-third of noodles. Repeat layers of ricotta mixture, spinach, chicken and one-quarter cheese sauce. Cover with remaining noodles and cheese sauce. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting. YIELD: 12 servings.

NOW EAT EAT EAT !!!

HAVE A GOOD ONE,
Lynn

My indoor greenhouses are looking wonderful, with little seedlings really doing well. I am so ready to plant them in something bigger. But here in West Virginia I don't dare put anything outside yet. It will be at least the second week of May before any annuals go in the ground. I'm going to plant a few hanging baskets in the next week or so and put them on the porch where they can't get any frost on them. The greenhouses will move outside in a few weeks also, when I can open them up to get acclimated. Then as always when they are ready my girls start looking at what they want for their yards. They both love planting and making their very own flowers beds look great. "AT LEAST ONE OF THEM LOVES PLANTING!" I do most of the planting in the other one then she does the watering!!! LOL
The next 3 days are going to be wonderful with temperatures at just around 70 degrees and NO rain!! Finally. But as luck would have it, the weather gets better and Tomorrow is my first day back to work at the local Garden Center. So as soon as I finish with school tomorrow, I will go right there!!! Something I have been looking forward to all winter. I work the next 3 days, there's not to many flowering plants out yet but lots of trees and shrubs. But it won't be long...

Here are some pictures of what is growing here at home now!A little Torenia and some Million Bells...Lots of Impatients....Petunias lots of different Petunias... My children call me the Petunia Queen...
But they love when it is time to plant their own... I did lots of double cascade ones this year!Double Lt. Pink
Double Pink
Double Burgandy
Double Blue
Double LavenderI just planted all my Lobelia and Alyssum last night. So they are in the greenhouse with light and heat mats... Nice and warm in there!Tomatoes are doing almost too well, they will be blooming before I get them out!LOLThis is a whole different story, I took these from my daughters attic yesterday. She moved into a house with lots of leftovers in the attic. West Virginia Commemorative RC bottles. They are dated 1974, the same year we were married. I just had to have them.

Wait until you see the Huge antique picture frame I came home with also... ANOTHER PROJECT! Just what I needed another PROJECT!!

Have A Good One,

Lynn

The Fainting Couch is finally FINISHED!!!

The antique Fainting Couch is finally finished. It was in bad shape when I received it, and needed lots of tender loving care...

Who ever had recovered this piece last did not recover it right, so when I started I had to do a lot of research on it. I only came up with one picture and it wasn't very good. So I was on my own as to how I was going to recover it. I would put a piece on and take it off again, that went on for quite a while. RIGHT OR WRONG IT IS DONE!

BEFORE PICTURES...

All the springs had to be redone, and retied. Than came the burlap, after that lots and lots of cotton batten. I wanted to do it like it had been done. No Foam!!!

This was the first time I retied the springs, than I found out they weren't tight enough. So I untied and retied!!!

I used lots of tacks of all sizes. I used no staples... I am a pro with a tack hammer now!!! LOL

It seemed like I used a million or so....

I only ran 2 into my fingers, but when I did it I did it good....This was this stage of the project that really worried me! LOL

THANK GOODNESS FOR A GREAT HUSBAND AND HANDY TOO!

It didn't even look like a couch at this point...

FINISHED...
FINALLY!!!

Even the back looks cute...

The pillows on the couch were made from antique dish towels that came from my husbands Grandmothers house. I much rather use something like that than just leave them in a drawer never to be seen... This just seemed like the place to put them!

Side view...

Front and Leg detail.....

See the new carved pieces on the front of the couch, I found them online and bought 2 sets. I cut one set in half and sanded the edge down until it fit in 2 pieces on each foot. I just kept working it. I was really surprised how well the round swirl fit on the round edge of the foot. LUCK...sheer luck!!!


It is a cool piece since both arms recline.... It looks like a great napping spot...

I put this in our family room, not sure if that is where it will stay. But for now this is it's home.

I told myself after so much work trying to find out anything about this piece, when I was finished I was going to take all the pictures and all the information put it in an envelope and nail it to the inside of the frame. So when someone else tries to take it apart and redo it they will know a little of it's history..So I better go print those pictures...

HAVE A GOOD ONE...

LYNN

UPDATE: I'VE ALREADY MOVED IT TO THE OTHER WALL I THINK I LIKE IT BETTER HERE...

The rug on the floor was made by my husbands Grandmother back in the 60's . I have 3 of them in this room now...

IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE WEATHER....

It is West Virginia... If you don't like the weather...WAIT A DAY!!! That is what my Father-in-law always told me! Sunday it was beautiful at 71 degrees, I got to work in the yard all day. When I woke up yesterday morning at 6am it was 61 degrees. By 9am it was in the mid 40's raining and windy. Last night around 8pm it was 32 and snowing. "WHAT'S WITH THAT" I love spring but Winter just doesn't want to give up this year. This is my Spring Break Week , I so wanted to get outside some. But I guess it will be house cleaning and finishing up on the Couch project kind of week. I should have the couch in my family room by Easter.
We are having a big crowd for dinner on Sunday. What I thought was going to be just a few has really grown. The more the better I always say. I love having all the family around.


I was asked about this wonderful plant the other day, I decided I really didn't know what it was for sure. So I just got on Dave's Garden and posted pictures for ID. I'm sure someone there will know what it is. Then I will know too... LOL



I love it and so do the Bees......

UPDATE: 5:57pm
WE HAVE A NAME!!!
I knew Dave's Garden would come through for me!!!


PlantFiles: Oregon Grape, Oregon Grape Holly,
Holly-leaved Barberry
Mahonia aquifolium
My poor little birdie laying in the garden just waiting to be picked up. This bed needs a lot of work...

Have a good one,

Lynn

FINALLY... A flower blog with real flowers...

I finally felt up to working in the yard today, after a week of laying on the couch and running to the Dr. everyday. I didn't do much but at least I was in the dirt. I told my husband look at these nails!!! Don't they look wonderful full of "DIRT"! It is really Spring. It was 71 degrees today, I love it!!!

This is the front bed today, edged and cleaned up ready for mulch... This is what it will look like in just a few weeks, it will be ready for all the annuals to be added and I can't wait!

I took lots of pictures of the Cherry tree at the end of this bed, the flowers are so beautiful right now!

As I sit here and type I can hear the birds on the front porch, just singing away.... It is so nice to have the doors open and hear all the sweet sounds of spring! As I walked through the yard today looking at everything coming up so beautifully and the sun shinning, I knew Spring had finally arrived. MY FAVORITE TIME OF THE YEAR!!! IT'S HERE.....

HAVE A GOOD ONE,

LYNN

Spring is finally here...

It has been a tough week, I have been sick all week. I can't remember the last time I took a whole week off work. But I am getting a little better. Yesterday I even ventured out in the yard to snap a few pictures. It was 71 degrees and the only pretty day this week.
Finding honey bees was a great thing to see again... The neighbor has hives so we do have plenty.... You really know it is spring with things finally coming up...

The sunshine on this one was beautiful...

Have a good one,

Lynn