Lush & Fresh

Japanese Fern

A reprieve from the rain, however, the misty fog hung around all day. The plants love the moisture, but I'm hoping for a little more sunshine next week.  Basically, it was a catch up chore day for both Bike man and me.  A quiet day is a good day!

Note:  Checkout my Turtle recipes for my Rhubarb Custard Pie recipe.....it's so easy!

Raindrops

Cool, damp, cloudy and breezy today.  Wasn't a motivating day for outdoor activity, however, I did finish my first assignment for the food co-op.  Wrote my article for the Morsel newsletter and finally submitted my copy to the Board today.  Had a few other assignments to complete, in order to be ready for the next meeting in two weeks.

By late today the storms and rain returned.  Heavy rain and blustery conditions passed through leaving more tree branches for me to pick up.... and now there's more rain in the forecast for tonight.  Oh that's right, it's spring!

Storms

Storms in the morning, and more storms late this afternoon.  Canceled a bicycle ride due to questionable weather, but still ended up getting completely soaked during my alternative late afternoon run.....lightening and thunder added in for adventure!  Yup, this is spring.  Thanks Bike man for driving out to check on me during the brief thunder boomer!

Songs of Spring

Storms to the south of us, which made for a beautiful sunset. The spring frogs are singing tonight, celebrating the spring-like conditions.  I love the month of May.  Nature is at it's peak with the song birds scoping out their territories and in their peak of mating season, and the wild flowers are slowly emerging with each passing day.  Remember to stop in your busy day and listen.....listen to your surroundings.  Hey, there's no charge either, it's completely free!

Play Time

He played first, then came home after his playfulness and worked on planting annuals.  Bike man rode the hilly route today putting in 28 miles....lucky duck.  The south - southwest winds gusting to 30 mph made for an interesting ride.    I think it's safe to say he was tuckered at the end of his ride!

Looking forward to much warmer temperatures the rest of the week.  Hello spring!

Made a Promise

Ahhhh, spring's favorite vegetable is finally ready for picking!  Rhubarb is my favorite seasonal treat, but we really enjoy it like a fruit.  Rhubarb is very similar to celery in texture, but cooks and bakes nice and soft.  It's totally tart, so you'll need to add adequate sugar......unless you're like Bike man.  He likes to cook rhubarb sauce with very little sugar, so it turns out thick, soft and tart !!!!

I made a promise yesterday and I always keep my promises.  I baked a rhubarb custard pie tonight for Bike man.  I'm guessing there'll be a piece missing by the time I go to bed tonight. I'm happy to tell you this is one of those old family recipes that was handed down to me by my mother.  If your from the midwest, you'll likely have a rhubarb plant or two growing in your yard.  Now, if only I could figure out how to send my sister (in Jacksonville, FL) some rhubarb.  Sorry Deb, I'll work on that.

Ride Time Together

We haven't spent much recreational time together, so finally this morning Bike man and I decided we needed some ride time together.  Sunshine, and warmer temperatures convinced us to get our road bikes out. 

I've only ridden Ruby twice this month.....yikes!  I was surprised to see no bridge closing sign posted as we crossed the bridge this morning.  Still not sure when the Tainter Lake bridge will be shut down, but hopefully we will have another month or so.  

I meant to take a photo of the lake as we rode by my favorite spot on the southside of the lake.....well Bike man kind of got in the way of the picture (he never likes to stop ya know?)!

Rejuvenated later today with some tasty colorful vegetables cooked on the gas grill.  Lots of olive oil, and my favorite Penzey's spice mix.  So delicious.  Also slowly cooked two small pork loins prepared with a special tea rub from Infinitea Teahouse.  Nice end to a long week.  (21 miles)