Wednesday, September 11, 2013

SOME HO~HUM & SOME DRAMA


I brought this basket home from the lake last time I was there.  I had moved it around and couldn't find the right place for it so here it is.  I think it is the coolest thing!  I laid some different placemats in blue and brown (no fall colors yet)...
You know, the rosemary and I are getting a bad rap around here.  In order to keep this topiary looking good, I'm trimming it quite often and I've made the rosemary salt and olive oil too many times to count.  So I started adding it more and more to our food and I think it's been overkill.  The other night I made Greek Hamburgers.  I thought this was genius.  I made my burger mixture (ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, S & P), and then crumbled in some feta cheese, rosemary and green onion.  Ooh la la!  Well, my little family of 3 didn't "ooh" or "la la" too much.  The Husband has been on a "no spice" kick for several months, I don't get it.  After 28 years of my cooking, he suddenly declares he doesn't want me to season his food.  Okay.  One night I was making spaghetti sauce and he happened to walk by just as I had added my palmfuls of oregano, basil and thyme, yet unstirred.  "Oh My Gawd!!  What Is That???"  I really thought he had finally come unhinged.  So, as he works his way to the Funny Farm, I just keep doing my thing.  And then we had the Greek Hamburgers!!  Abby sat picking out the rosemary, muttering, "It tastes like a Christmas tree." and The Husband speared his salad pointedly while looking over at me from under his brows, saying, "I'm not eating the burger."  So now the motley crew comes to the table every night, looking around cautiously and sniffing the air for that piney scent, ready to protest, I'm sure.  By the way, you have to try these hamburgers, they were delicious!!

So The Husband came home and the first thing I asked was, "Are you going to go out and look at those trees when they're finished??"  He gave me a sideways glance.  I sulked for awhile and became even more quiet as Indiana started packing up the trucks with his guys.  Finally I broke down, even with a few  crocodile tears as I confessed all that I had been doing and how I wasn't finished and how I wanted it to be the perfect time to show him.  He just chuckled and hugged me and I knew I was making huge deal out of this.  So we walked out to the backyard together and stopped in our tracks when we saw this...

53 comments:

Bliss said...

RIP little squi......

Melanie said...

Oh, Jane...I am feeling your pain at the insulted dinner and the trees like telephone poles! I think it's time to go on strike, lol.

I can't believe Al didn't tell you about the tree trimming. Did he forget or did he think it'd upset you? I know how expensive that is...that's why we haven't had it done - we can't afford it! You are nice neighbors for having the trees trimmed because of it overhanging your neighbor's roof though...our neighbor's trees are overhanging on our roof and of course she doesn't care. We can only have them trimmed back to her property line.

Lori said...

Don't you just love that after cooking for so many years then hubby decides he no longer "likes" it! You did "do good" with your gardening. RIP on your trees ~ so sad to see them cut back like that but if they were in danger of dropping then it was for the best ~ not that it makes it any easier. xo

Sue said...

You have worked so hard and it shows! I never realized how attached I was to trees until we lost our first one here, a beautiful blue spruce, followed by the dropping over of 3 of our 5 Bradford Pears in the heat last summer. It felt like losing a friend. You must have been stunned at the "haircuts" yours got!

Pondside said...

I guess that more than a few of us will sympathize with the cooking part if your post! Been there!
Your garden beds look very pretty, but I am sorry about the walnut trees!

Jacqueline said...

Oh the poor sad walnut trees! We had an experience like that where the guy just chopped the tree in half! Wanted to wring his little neck!

I would eat your burgers! They sound fabulous to me. I adore the rosemary in just about anything!

Linda said...

I am still planning on making some of your Rosemary Salts and Olive oil....when I get a few minutes to DO something!

Tree trimming!! Oh, MY!! We have HALF an elm tree in our back yard! It's a HALF because of the power lines. We only pay to get HALF a tree trimmed - usually. This year we had them cut the rotting limb that stretched over a neighbor's yard.

I LOVE to read your posts! You have a most delightful way of saying things!! Love it! LOVE it!!

20 North Ora said...

Your yard is looking so pretty. Can tell you've done a lot of work.

Judy

Sarah said...

Jane, you are making great progress! I'm just getting started, but got the herb garden all cleaned out along with another flower bed close by. Friday I'm working on the urns on our back terrace. Lots to do, but you inspired me. ;-)
~ Sarah

Art and Sand said...

You are making me feel guilty because I definitely need to work in the garden, but I have been lazy.

My husband controls the seasoning by doing ALL of the cooking.

An Oasis in the Desert said...

Oh, Jane, I cannot believe what the guy did to your trees. I glad they didn't destroy the flowers in your beds.

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Oh my goodness Jane, what a story.
And by the way, your gardening looks beautiful.
And I would love some of your tasty seasoned burgers.
I can't believe what he did with the trees.
Big Hugs friend,
Cindy

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Oh my goodness Jane, what a story.
And by the way, your gardening looks beautiful.
And I would love some of your tasty seasoned burgers.
I can't believe what he did with the trees.
Big Hugs friend,
Cindy

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Well that tree trimmer really screwed up your beautiful tree. I would have been in his face.
And he didn't like his dinner - sure sounded really good to me. Love all those spices, especially rosemary.
Don't feel bad maybe he had a bad day.
My gardener's were not worth a darn today and he was so peckish. Maybe next week he will be better.
Your garden looks wonderful.
Have a happy happy day.
Mary

Love your posts.

April said...

I love lots of spices in my food, so you definitely wouldn't have gotten a single complaint from me! Makes me think of the time I made a quiche...and forgot to put eggs in it! I served it to my family, anyway! :) So sorry about your trees...I would have reacted the same way!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

ooooh.. defrocking the trees to that extent would have unhinged me for sure.

But.. your gardens look lovely.

My family doesn't like rosemary either.. I'm laughing at the christmas tree reference...

Sonny G said...



sorry about the burgers not being praised.. I know that hurts..


tree trimmers scare me.. they may know their business but they have no design sense..

good job on your pretty flower beds. you worked hard~!

Theresa said...

Oh girl, you made me giggle:) I know that your burgers are SO yummy! That family better appreciate your cooking or they will have to do it themselves:) Your work is beautiful in your yard! Hope the trees will shade you again soon! Have a blessed day dear friend, HUGS!

Primitive Stars said...

Oh My Jane, that's terrible about the trees, yikes......I would love to taste that burger, yum.....Gardens look beautiful though, Blessings Francine.

Mary said...

I'll eat the burgers IF you promise to leave out the meat please Jane! My new rosemary bush is looking a bit sad, hope it makes it. The old one needed your tree trimmers - it grew to be gigantic and in the end we got rid of it, I miss it though. Alan's looking good - tell him Bob and I said hi.

Your garden is looking good - the walnut trees a little bald - and can imagine the cost, we spent a bundle on tree removal and trimming over the years. Do you actually get edible nuts from those trees?

We spent hours in the garden this week and it's so hot still - reseeding, which of course means daily watering - removing ivy and pruning lots of overgrown shrubs. Have 6 barrels of yard waste standing at attention down by the street waiting for collection this morning.

Sending hugs and happier gardening days.
Mary X

Susie said...

Blondie, That tree trimming....looks extreme to me. Is that what you expected?? Maybe some topping to shorten the trees , then some branches removed...would that have been better? You did do a lot of yard work and it shows. I have had my daughter pick food apart when they were young.Sad.xoxo,Susie

Stacey said...

Oh I love this post! I can picture them sniffing out the spices. My husband HATES anything with wet chicken, chicken broth, or mushrooms. Can you imagine how many dishes that includes? So If feel your pain. I can also imagine one of my boys saying that something tastes like a Christmas tree. :)

I know it's painful to watch the trees get trimmed so much. I hope none of the things you've planted will mind that new dose of sunlight they will get.

Hang in there Blondie. :)

Lori E said...

My family rarely would complain about any of my cooking because they would then have to cook for themselves. Actually they cook for themselves a lot.... maybe it is my cooking. Perfect!!!!
Those trees break my heart. That is not a professional job by any means. Limbing a tree all the way up is terrible. Usually no branches ever grow back from the trunk and they will look like that forever.
I suggest growing some wisteria or Virginia Creeper up the trunks.
You did an awesome job in the garden and a big pat on the back is deserved.

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

I am SO sorry about the trees!

Other than THAT I was cracking up through this entire post!

Got a ROSEMARY recipe for you ...I remember trying it last year and it was from Simply Recipes. It was a roast chicken ( for cooler weather when one feels like turning the oven on ) and you stuffed it with lemon, green grapes, and rosemary ) Oh was that a great combo...

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

I have a love/hate relationship with my trees too. I want them to be trimmed and then when it happens, hate how bare they look! You deserve a good rest after hauling all those bags f mulch - that is hard work :-)

Balisha said...

Oh Jane...After all your hard work. After tree trimmers come...the trees always look scalped, but they soon start getting pretty and full again.In the meantime...your gardens are going to enjoy a dose of sunshine.
You two will have to work out the seasoning thing. A little seasoning goes a long way. I love well seasoned food, but not a lot of salt.
Have a great day...doing what you love to do.
Balisha

Beth said...

I am glad it all worked out!

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

I had to laugh at "tastes like a Christmas tree." LOL! I think those burgers sound delish! I love seasonings and I put a ton of them on almost everything. So sorry your big backyard reveal didn't go as planned. Indiana sure trimmed a ton off those trees. :)

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Oh well Jane, sometimes we just have to wonder what in the world our husbands are thinking! I can just imagine how shocked you were to see the trees trimmed so heavily...wonder why! LOL!
Your yard looks lovely and I would not have been able to do all the work you've done, my back and knees just won't bend anymore.
Keep your chin up and smile.

BTW, my husband left for golf this morning and I found his golf socks in the kitchen pantry....go figure!

hugs
Sissie

NanaDiana said...

How disappointing to see that trimming done like that, Jane. Even so it DOES look very, very nice. I love how it is all cleaned up and neat now. Hope you had a great day- xo Diana

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

You garden is beautiful. Those trees must have been quite the shock.

Fondly,
Glenda

Maria Elena said...

Jane, let me tell you, reading your post brought back many memories. Like you, after almost 32 years of marriage, I just found out my husband don't like chicken. Really? Do you know how many chickens this man has eaten in all those years? LOL Now, about the trees, when we were stationed in Seattle we bought our first home. The lot was full of trees and we knew some of them were going to have to be removed. Two months later we hired a company to come remove six trees, four from the back yard and two from the front. Next thing I know, my husband calls me from the neighbors house to tell me he is off work but that he can not walk to the front door. When I go to look outside, the stumps that they had removed were so big and deep that the wholes around the house could of been used to bury a whole car inside each one of them. My yard, grass and all flower beds were destroyed. Yes, I cried! For days! LOL You did a beautiful job with your flower beds. I know that was a lot of work!

Lynne said...

Mr D is finally "getting" Rosemary and fresh basil...but he is just like The Husband when it comes to herbs.
I know that I would have loved the burgers!

Jane, your Summer into Fall getting ready for Winter garden is absolutely beautiful! I was so focused on it's beauty, I didn't notice the naked walnuts.
Did I just say that?
Yes, I did!
I think that I am safe with you! <3
Happy weekend!
w/L

Debbie said...

Ummm....well...you should get lots of sun in your yard now.
Your gardens look great, Jane. You did a wonderful job cleaning everything up, and putting it all together. You should feel good about the way it all looks!
As far as your cooking goes....I'd eat whatever you served! It all sounds good to me!!
xo

koralee said...

You have been busy...some of my parents trees fell down in a wind storm and crashed onto the neighbors home sooo good thing you got to trimming.Hugs and thank you for always taking the time to visit me my friend. xoxo

Kit said...

Your gardens look wonderful! We had our maple pruned and one maple taken out last week. What an adjustment! My poor shade plants got a real shock. I like the look, but will have to plan new plants for next year. Kit

podso said...

Oh my! What is it about men and cutting down (or drastically trimming) trees? We used to have a lovely shady front yard but now it is like a prairie in my mind. And we had some tall trees trimmed way up like yours -- I hated them. Eventually a branch from way up high made it's way down during a storm through a front window into our living room, and then we had to get new windows all across the front (they had to match you know). So all the trimming didn't pay off as we still had a large limb (mini tree) fall can cause expensive damage. Eventually the tall trimmed trees were taken down, Now we have three lovely small trees growing like weeds and we have small bits of shade again. But your garden work does look lovely! You did good for sure!

Deserae said...

Your flower beds look so beautiful....your hard work really shows :o) Your trees got quite the trimming, but just think of how many less walnuts you will have to pick up now?!?!? Have a great week!
~Des

Vel Criste said...

I feel for you Jane, but you are indeed lucky to have a husband who cares at least, about the entire yard and also appreciates everything you do. I can understand their temporary 'disdain' for rosemary, but they'll come around to it again, you'll see. Wish I lived next door and I'll grab up some of those rosemary from you! Cheer up, there's always tomorrow. :-)

Mary Ann Pickett said...

What a hard and talented worker you are!

Tammy @ A Walk in the Countryside said...

I've learned to not tell the family the ingredients in any of the dishes I serve! A good example is that the entire family "thinks" they hate sour cream! They just have no idea how many dishes actually have sour cream in it! Your flower beds look so pretty and neat! Mine look like a jungle right now! I really need to thin and cut back!

Kathleen Grace said...

Oh goodness, the trees are a bit bare aren't they? Did you call the tree company and complain? Of course, nothing to be done about it now, but I think they may have gone a bit overboard! I have a love/hate affair with Rosemary, I feel it can taste a bit piney too, so I use it pretty sparingly. The gardens look beautiful, and I know how much hard work the mulching and cleaning and planting are! I have a lot to do in our yard before the cold winds blow.

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

You crack me up Jane. Really.

I love rosemary, so I'll eat your delish burgers.

Now that you have those poles surrounding your house, maybe your cell service will improve ;)

Unknown said...

A heatwave in the midwest is tough this time of year. Blondie 'you did good'. Your garden looks beautiful. I love how you were imagining the perfect moment to share it with your husband. Sweet!
I love a little rosemary in almost everything too. ;)
xx, Heather

Elaine said...

Heatwave! Yuck, we had it too but now it's over and there's a frost advisory north of here. Crazy! I must admit I am enjoying sweater weather.

Your garden looks great. You work really hard on your landscaping and it shows.

I love rosemary in everything!

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Ohhh...Jane..I would be upset. Looks pretty scalped but they did that in my back yard too. I was REALLY upset. They attacked my pine tree in front too..and that time I really did YELL at them. They were trimming for the trash truck to be able to pass and when they lopped off a huge part of one of the branches that was over my front yard..I said "WHAT?? The Trash truck is going to drive up on my lawn??? Idiots!

You did a lovely job on your flower beds. :) They look so nice!

Anonymous said...

Oh your poor trees...it will certainly change the amount of sun that comes into your yard. Your hard work shows in your gardens, they look terrific. Thank goodness the tree trimmers didn't destroy your beds. Your burgers sound delicious...seasoned properly in my opinion. Karen

bj said...

hahhaaaa, O, I so love your adorable sense of humor, Blondie. You should be a writer...I swear you should !!

We had a couple trees trimmed professionally (NO Indiana Jones or I might have paid extra if he looked like my man, Harrison) a long time ago and I loved how they looked. Your trees will "fill out" again and look amazing, I promise.

Your flower beds look gteat....
"you did great, Blondie"

Our Neck of the Woods said...

Haha, the burger thing had me cracking up! I like to use lots of herbs and spices in my cooking and luckily my hubby likes most of it. I grow rosemary as well and really like it :)

Thanks for the sweet comment on my blog-iversary! :)

Debbiedoos said...

LOL the end is perfect Jane. Your gardens do look awesome though. We have had many of those guys in our yard to shimmy and shaking those trees.

Cindy Garber Iverson said...

My heart aches for your beautiful trees. I have a loathing disdain for tree trimmers. The ones in our region are butchers and regularly denude trees in inappropriate ways that end up threatening the trees' health down the road. I am so sad for you. I have felt your pain. And I know it stings.

Traci said...

Yay for hard work!! It looks great! I can't believe the hubs is on a no spice kick. That's just craziness!!

Ricki Treleaven said...

LOL You know how I have an addiction to flower frogs....I love yours!