Warmer?

Well it IS..... in here! I'm baking cookies. Temperature outdoors at 10am is only 60° and cloudy. We're expecting some rain. Today's treat is Snickerdoodles. (Recipe at bottom.)

Yesterday I went for a short buggy ride. Wore a jacket! Still wasn't warm but was determined to find color. I did... a little of it!

Itoh Peony — Love the yellow here!

Daylillies, Stella

I like the fence ...

Wild Foxglove

Chinese Lantern from a friend

My Prize of the day!!!!!!

Here's lookin' atcha! LOVE IT!!

Tap image to view larger!!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Snickerdoodles!

Ingredients

2 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup butter, softened - I use salted (2 sticks)

2 cups white sugar, divided

2 large eggs (thank you neighbor for the eggs!)

2 tsp. cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

Cream together the butter and 1 & 1/2 cups sugar until pale yellow, about 2-3 minutes.

Mix in eggs until well combined.

Add the flour mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough comes together.

In a separate, small bowl, combine 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon together.

Shape dough into about 1-3/4 inch balls and roll the balls in the cinnamon sugar.

Space the balls about 3 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet.

Bake for 9-10 minutes. (Oven temperatures may vary. Cooking time may be more or less.)  Rest before removing onto rack to cool. 

Father - Putter Pop -

He lived his dream. He left GOOD, & G R E A T memories! Father's Day is always a happy one for me with thoughts of him.

He was a peaceful and gentle family man with strong ethics and a friendly composure. Hard work never put a dent in his attitude. He always found a way to be proud of his way of life and knew how to relax and enjoy his surroundings no matter what or where they were.

tap image to view larger

"Putter Pop" left in 1999 but he lives on. His mark is everywhere, especially in my heart.

Quick Ridearound

I couldn't resist a short ride around the lake to see what is blooming today. I did find some new colors showing off. The Hawkweed were pretty. 

The peonies have started to open. I'm waiting for a particular one to bloom as it is a white one, but in the meantime the pinks are nice!

For many years I made elderberry jam and I see that the bushes are still flourishing and berrie blossoms are beginning to show. If you have never tasted this treat, do it! Labor intensive but worth the work. (I have recipe)

White and rather small iris are blooming on the other side of the lake and I think they were planted last year or I either missed them or they were finished.

Now for my attempt to plant poppies from seed. I scattered them in an old piece of plastic pipe up by the rock garden. First I had my yard guy fill the container with new soil. After scattering seed, I lightly sprinkled water on the planting three days in a row. We had a little rain one afternoon. I think what happened is that the water washed the seeds to one side of the container and this is what I see today! Yikes! Time will tell how this works out!

don't forget to tap image to view larger

I did cut some more wild spearmint to root. The first batch I made last year are doing just fine and spreading well in the front flowerbed!

Trapped

This is my local news station.

Yes, the air quality here is awful and...dangerous!  At 9:20 this morning I took 2 pictures.

Within 1/2 hour the views from my window were these!

On my honor I have NOT done anything to these images. This is really what I saw. It was eerie! Later, as the day went on, the orange glow changed to a grey smokey-hazy view. The air had a smoky aroma as well. (not unpleasant)

The day turned out to be OK here inside my den. My potter friend Al, just delivered a new item that I saw on one of his artist display posts. I asked him to hold it for me. It is a beautiful hand thrown treadle wheel piece. He says it is one of his newest ventures into carbon trapping and his results are amazing! This pour bowl feels great when cupped in my hand, and is unique! It holds 2 cups to the brim.

please tap image to view larger

Over the Hill and through the woods....

We got a little much-needed rain last evening after I took a short rideabout.  It was a little warmer  yesterday but not enough for me to be comfortable! This post is just another photo op for June blooms, etc. 

tap on image to view larger