Backyard Goodies

 

I was so surprised to see these Calla lilies come up several weeks ago, I had completely forgotten that I had planted them.  I went out back to look at everything after the big rainstorm yesterday.  We needed the rain and could use a few more days like that.

 

Our blueberry bushes are covered with berries, I picked a bunch of them yesterday and will get a lot more tomorrow too.  This is our first good harvest from them after planting them about 4 years ago.

This is my first time growing okra and it seems to be doing well. Killer hates to have her picture taken but she obliged for just one shot, then she ran inside to hide, or to chase the cat...

 

My gardenia is loving where it is planted and is covered up with blooms.  I only had 1 squash so far and I cooked it up with the okra and a little bit of bacon.  Yum!

Storms, Salad, and Shrimp

Thanks to my best friend, Allyson, I got out of my refried bean rut tonight. I had been eating refried beans for 5-6 days. Her suggestion...shrimp. I never think about making shrimp but they are so tasty and like fish it is a meat that I really don't mind cooking. I also made a delicious salad with roma tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, chick peas, onion, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh basil, and salt and cracked pepper. Been sick with a cold all weekend and it was nice to start the week feeling better and with some good eats.

We are going to have storms tonight and I am excited to be off work so that I can enjoy them. Thinking about storms today I remembered a great one that we watched roll in on Florida's gulf coast a few years ago. The only thing better than a storm at home is a beach storm!

Rainy Tuesday

Struggled through my pre-dawn cardio on the elliptical this AM, not sure if I was still wiped out from the session with my trainer last night or I was just being lazy because I know I have to go back to work tonight. But...I made it through thanks to some recently downloaded tunes.

Next the sun had come up but was hiding behind some rain clouds. I love a good RAIN! The birds were chirping and I left the back door open to enjoy the sounds and fresh air while I made some SUN-DRIED tomato hummus and cleaned the kitchen.

Breakfast of champions: Roasted pork loin, garlic, and broccoli in marinara with side of asparagus in BBQ sauce *this was a new and amazing treat. I never thought to put BBQ sauce on veggies until I saw it on Caitlin's blog. I must say this is a repeat for sure!!! Oh and before you judge about me eating this for "breakfast" remember I am a night-shifter ; ) K, Thanks!

Now to relax and let my stomach settle before catching some zzzzzs before work.