Designing in Life

Las Vegas

We have been in Las Vegas for two weeks.  Much of that time was without internet, but we're now connected and up to speed.

I can't say that I would want to live here, or in this part of the country, but it's a fine place to visit, and consider it a "gateway" to a world of adventure.

The other day we drove through a Joshua Tree reserve.  I was startled at how delicately beautiful the blossoms are.  I've seen Joshua Trees before, but never in bloom.  Their out stretched branches have always eeirly appeared to be people reaching out of nowhere. Not something you would ever imagine having a blossom like this.

I couldn't get close enough to find if there was a scent, but thought they look so much like a hyacinth that maybe, they too, smell a little like our springtime garden bulb back home.

Isn't it nice to know that the desert celebrates the change of seasons too!

Curried Chicken Salad

Being unemployed has meant that I can make, take and have lunch with Nick when he's working.  Winter months are slow in a pool store here in Vermont, so taking a half hour lunch is possible.  All that will change very soon, so I'm going to enjoy it (believe me – he enjoys it more) while it lasts.

Yesterday we had a curried chicken salad on greens.  No recipe needed.  Just make chicken salad however you like it (mine has diced chicken, craisins, walnuts, celery and onion), and add the dressing you like (I mix dijon mustard and a little mayo together), then add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of powdered curry.  This works great on tuna and egg salad as well.

Today's lunch?  Well, I've scouted the kitchen and see that there are some ripe avocados and tomatoes, so I guess I better put my culinary imagination in gear!

What are you having for lunch?

Grow Food, Not Lawns

Sometimes you find something posted on Facebook that just has to be passed on.  This comes to you by way of Patty P. from GrowFoodNotLawns

It's not just clever, it's just plain wonderful, and I just had to share.  Now I'm wondering where I can get seeds for one of those!

Monday's Design

Here is my Monday design.  I'm working on some complementing designs for quilting, and it's been a fun  project.  This is just one of a series I've done.  I've researched what quilter's look for in designs, in an effort to pull together groups of about 6 or 8 that would look good together.  What do you think?  I'd love to hear your feedback.

You Just Never Know

It's true.  I just never know what I'll find outside my door on any given day. 

Today is a very snowy Sunday.  This is what greeted us outside our bedroom window this morning.

To the right is a red-bellied woodpecker, and to the left is a pilated woodpecker.  The red-bellied is actually a fairly large bird, so you can see that good ol' Woody Woodpecker is huge!

I know this is a bit blurry, but it's not easy taking a picture of a woodpecker who is pecking like crazy on a tree.

Then when we opened the front door after going downstairs:

I immediately called the neighbors.  We live on a treacherous corner, and didn't want to have anything happen to the cows or a driver!

I hope you're enjoying your snowy or not-so-snowy first Sunday in March.  Was I talking about spring a few days ago??