Sunday, October 30, 2011

My quiet weekend

I love that things are settling down and returning to a new normal around here. This weekend was a quiet one, and very nice.

 

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The driveway, as I was leaving for work on Friday morning, taken with the camera phone. I wave to my husband as I’m driving away, and then I get to this point on the road where he can’t see the car anymore. I’m not back to work full-time yet, but plan on doing so some time this week, as my husband continues to improve.

On Saturday, I was up and out the door by 9:30, headed to the mall with a 50% off coupon for Talbots. I found some great deals, then did some window shopping before coming home in the now-pouring rain.

 

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It was raining sideways . . .

And then . . .

 

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. . . it turned to snow.

But it didn’t last. However, it’s not too often that we see snow in Maryland during the month of October, so this was something different.

On Sunday, my goal was to finish bringing in the rest of the plants. These were outside in a protected area, and weren’t damaged by the freak snow. It’s a lot of work repotting plants. The asparagus fern had become pot-bound, so I transplanted it to three smaller pots.

Luckily, planter pots were on sale for half price at the local garden shop up the road.

 

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I brought all the geraniums inside, planting them in smaller pots, to winter over.

 

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I used to be able to go like there was no tomorrow, lifting heavy things, moving things around . . . but not any more.

I take more breaks now.

 

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I love this little bloom, and this color.

 

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I made Lemon/Rosemary-stuffed Chicken for dinner Sunday. The house smelled divine while it cooked, and my husband finds it interesting that I’m enjoying being in the kitchen. I find it interesting, too. Don’t know what’s up with that.

This is super easy to make.

You need a roaster chicken. Wash & pat dry, then salt & pepper inside. Stuff with a lemon (cut in half), and several sprigs of fresh rosemary. Rub chicken with olive oil and cook at 350 degrees for about an hour and a half, or until you can easily turn the drumsticks (that’s how I tell it’s done).

You can also cut up some root vegetables, sprinkle with olive oil, and some seasonings, and stir from time to time to keep the vegetables from drying out.

 

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While surfing Pinterest, I learned a new way to tie a scarf, although this photo doesn’t really do it justice.

Fold scarf in half. Loop around neck. Pull only one strand of the scarf through the loop. Twist loop, then pull other strand through.

See what you learn coming here? It boggles the mind, doesn’t it?

: : :

I’m hoping to have a good week, and I’m hoping you do, as well. Until tomorrow, my friends . . .

123 Signature

40 comments:

Denise at Autumn Sky said...

I love roast chicken, lemon and rosemary....so Score One.
I never know how to tie a scarf in any interesting ways...so Score Two.

My mind is definitely boggled:-)

Kerri Farley said...

Love the bloom! and the chicken - Yum-0!
Glad your hubby and you are doing well :)

Jill of All Trades said...

Love your photos and that chicken....mmmm...think I need to make that.

Connie in Hartwood said...

Love the flower, the photos of the rain and snow are lovely ... and I love the scarf tying method. Saw it on another blog a few weeks ago, and I gave it a try. I love how it looks!

Jeannelle said...

Lovely shots of the rainy windowpanes! I tried the scarf tie and I like it!

JC said...

I like your long driveway. I have a mini long one but you have more trees.

Donna S. said...

So glad things are returning to normal.

I have had an abnormal week. Had to put my best friend Duke (my little dog) down last week. Amazing how empty the house is.

Thanks for the scarf tip.

tj said...

...Boggled is good. :o)

...So glad you had a nice, quiet weekend - you deserve it. And 50% off at Talbots - sweet!

...I too love the photo of the precious lil' bloom. Beautiful!

...Wishing you a wonderful week ahead! "Hi" Country Boy & *pat*pat*pat* for you George... ;o)

...Blessings

Country Gal said...

I am soo happy to read how well your hubby is doing and of course you . It sounds like all is well . Love your photos and the chicken looks YUMMY I can almost smell it ! Have a wonderful evening.

Chesapeake Bay Woman said...

Your photo and description are so vivid that I can practically taste that lemon rosemary chicken. Except I can't. I tried reaching through the screen and it doesn't work...

JaneK said...

what a peaceful post, Kate. Glad your husband is feeling better. Cool on the scarf. I wish I knew how to just put one on and make it look fab but oh well. I love that shot of the bloom....beautiful. All your pics are great but I generally gravitate towards the ones that haven't been texturized and what no (that way with anyone's photography); but that one is really outstanding! thanks for sharing; it's been a nerve wrecking night and I needed some serenity.... you may not feel serene but your post was....

Cloudia said...

Ah! Great relaxation!



Aloha from Honolulu

Comfort Spiral

> < } } ( ° >

GailO said...

Just the right kind of weekend in my opinion...Love the geranium photo!

Hilary said...

Your lemon rosemary chicken sounds like mine.. except I use fresh thyme instead of rosemary and I add onion to the cavity too. Otherwise it's identical. ;)

Anonymous said...

Dee from Tennessee

I "used to" could winter over my geraniums...but no more.
would you mind sharing your method? It got to 27 last night-- moved all pots under carport/covered with a sheet. But the hibiscus in the ground.....was a challenge to save but we did! Praying that this is a blessed week for ya!

Country Girl said...

Dear Anon,
My method is simple: Repot them into pots that fit them, bring them inside. When the flowers stop, cut them back. They should come back fine next spring.

My brother-in-law winters much of his garden. He must have several hundred pots and uses the garage, and I believe, a small space heater. Whatever he does works, but he has the greenest thumb of anyone I know.

~ C.G.

Linda said...

Yum! What I like best about the roast chicken recipe is it's ONE pan. And so easy even I could make it, LOL!
That little pink geranium is lovely.

Savannah, Chloe, & Tyler said...

It sounds like a nice quiet relaxing weekend was needed and enjoyed. So glad you got it. I look forward to the freak snow storms here. I recently found Pinterest through a friend and have become hooked on it. It's a great place to store your ideas from recipes to furniture loves.

Anonymous said...

Oh boy! Your photographs just leave me speechless every time I come here, and that's pretty often!

I saw a news report about the snow in the US; I'm now waiting for it to start here!

CJ xx

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the scarf info. I'm a scarf freak this time of the year and rarely leave the house without one around my neck.

Great shots out the window... so perfect in depicting our weather.

Ellen said...

There's nothing like a quiet weekend.

Love the scarf - you look so chic!

altar ego said...

Love the picture through the raindrops! It is a great example of the truth that a picture is a worth a thousand words, not to mention feelings!

Daryl said...

Oh so preppy .. I'm staying with the fold/single loop myself ... and we had snow, oh boy did we have snow ..

The JR said...

glad your hubs is doing much better

snow....I hate that stuff

Your chicken sounds heavenly!

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

There's nothing like the smell of home cooked food coming from the oven! Your dinner looks delicious and healthy!

I love the scarf knot, I'll have to give it a try! I love wearing long scarfs!

Did you get much snow? We got 6 -8 inches! School was actually canceled today! And Trick-O-Treat has been postponed until further notice!

Happy Halloween!

Anonymous said...

I have to agree with JaneK - after reading through your post (and some of your others I've missed) I always feel peaceful. That's a good thing!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

I love roast chicken too... have never stuffed it quite like yours and will give it a try! I love rosemary and lemon.

I love scarves.. but perhaps because of the arthritis in my neck, the feel of them around it drives me nuts after a while. Too bad, because I do love the look and the extra warmth.

Yours is very pretty!

Sweetpea said...

Do I have to pay you for that scarf tip? Too nifty.

I cook chicken like that too, except for the lemons part...must try that, sounds like just the *kick* to push into the super-yumaroonies category. Guess you better set out your tip jar, my dear :>]]

And I'm so glad to read that so much is mending 'round your place...

Samantha said...

I love that single bloom. I think there's something so sweet about a single flower--so simple but still so full of life! I also very much like the first photo of the rain, with the window in focus and the patio area blurred in the background. It reminds me of a painting. Such a talent you have =)

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

I saw that scarf tip on Pinterest too, but haven't tried it yet. I think it looks great! That lemon-rosemary chicken looks SO good, and I absolutely love root vegetables in fall and winter!
Glad to hear life is settling down and continuing to pray all goes well.
V

Unknown said...

made chicken exactly the same way last night....and love the scarf tip....smiles.

Bluebird49 said...

Every single thing looks lovely---and that chicken looks so good. Do I see my favorite Brussels sprouts and carrots? Boy howdy!

Glad your hubby's improving and you can work more.:)

Anonymous said...

So glad things are settling down and returning to normal for you. You've been in my thoughts.

Isn't pinterest fun? I'll have to try that new scarf tie hint.

Love the rain shots!! Love them a lot!

beth said...

you boggle my mind, but in a really good "what would i do without you" kind of way......seriously !!

xoxoox

Jan's camera said...

The scarf looks really nice. I am going to give it a try. Hope mine looks as nice. Love the flower photo.

Mental P Mama said...

Yummy!! I think I'm the only person on the planet who hasn't been on Pinterest.....

Deb said...

so happy things are getting back to normal for you...I havent been on Pinterest either...guess i'm going to have to try it out...

Lili said...

The scarf looks so chic! We too are surrounded by our geraniums we repotted and brought in. All summer I collected terra cotta pots I found at yard sales for like 50 cents a piece! I enjoying seeing your kitchen creations too Kate. That flower is a very beautiful sight to behold. I just really enjoy looking at everything you post! xo ~Lili

Anonymous said...

I just love this post... and the scarf knot!!! Coolness!

A Scattering said...

Read this post, learned the scarf tip, used it the next day and it was a huge hit at work - had to show it to everyone. Thanks,Kate! Thinking of you both often.

cheers, Elaine