Friday, June 14, 2013

PLAYING IN THE GARDEN & KITCHEN


Because I get so much shade in my yard from all of the huge walnut trees and so much sun on my patio, I planted 3 tomato plants in this really big pot.  I think they are going to do just fine.  I've had little luck growing them at the lake because of the watering factor, so I'm really happy that I came up with this idea.
Before dinner we had this Loaded Baked Potato Dip that I found here.  Very simply:  Mix 16 oz. of sour cream with 8 oz. of cheddar, 12 oz. of cooked bacon crumbled up and a handful of chopped green onion.  Delicious for dipping potato chips in!

The big storm front that started in Iowa hit us at about 6:00 Wednesday night, right when everyone was coming for dinner.  A lot of dogs don't like storms and Milo is one of them.  But then Emily and Mike showed up with Rusty, they didn't want to leave him home alone.  Then Kevin and Mary Clare came with who else but Tucker.  Talk about a madhouse!  All the dogs forgot about their fearfulness and ran around like crazy!  Luckily the bad part of the storm swept through just miles south of us and all we had was a tremendous downpour.  

So, we're off to the lake in a few hours.  I have pots to plant there, too, and I'm really excited...I bought curtains for the French doors that lead out to the balcony off our master bedroom.  We've never had curtains there before because the view of the lake is so pretty.  These are just white tab top curtains that we can leave open.  The room is quite large, I have a comfy chair and floor lamp for curling up to read, and The Husband eventually wants to get a desk for the corner so he can get a little extra office work done when he has the time.

So, I'm off to get a few things done, pack my bags and get on the road.  I hope everyone has beautiful weather this weekend.  The rain really ended all the humidity we were having and it is just gorgeous! :)

XO,
Jane

43 comments:

Paula@SweetPea said...

Your new plants look pretty in their pots. Your dandelion sign made me laugh!

Have a great time at the lake.

Traci said...

The plants are so pretty! I always say I'm going to have a color scheme & then I get to the nursery & love a million different things. Needless to say my yard & patio are a rainbow! I make a dip just like yours but I put a block of cream cheese in it. Sometimes I leave out the green onions. I have a few people that request it everytime we go to something. Have a great weekend.

Julie Marie said...

Your potted plants all look great Janie!... love those sitting in the ivy... sounds like the doggie party was a hit!... love it when my family all brings their pets here!... they are such a part of the family too... your little quiet area is beautiful... I can just picture you sitting out there with your coffee and a book... so serene... have a nice time at the lake... I am planning a weekend of relaxing with my favorite book out on my deck, some sweet tea and doing nothing else!... Happy Fathers Day to your hubby and all of the daddys in your family... xoxo Julie Marie

Susie said...

Blonde, Your flowers all look nice. I like the little area in ivy. Well yes, dogs can be as rowdy as kids.LOL. Hope you are truly enjoying your summer. I know it isn't officially summer....but since I used to have June, July, and August off from school(back in the stone age)I have always considered that summer. xoxo,Susie

20 North Ora said...

Your plantings all look really good. I envy you going to the lake for the weekend. It sounds like a peaceful and serene place. Enjoy!

Judy

Terra said...

Your dandelion sign is very funny, and the rose you show is lovely. Glad the storm missed you and the dogs were not scared.

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

That tea rose is beautiful! I love the colors. I hate when I go to the garden center and they don't have anything I'm looking for too, but I have found a couple of new favorites when I was forced to try something new. LOL! I LOVE baked potato dip!! You're making me want to make some right now. :) Your casserole sounds like something my hubby (and I) would love! Enjoy your time at the lake this weekend! Be thinking of me melting down here in 100 degree heat (with 110 degree heat index) :)

Primitive Stars said...

Hello Jane, yay!!!! To the lake we go, me too....we are going shortly.....Love all your flowers, so pretty.....Yum yum, looks good, Enjoy Francine.

Penny Carlson said...

Your potted plants are looking good Jane. Have fun at your lake house!

podso said...

I hope you have a relaxing weekend after all your gardening this week. It sure looks nice! I'm sure the patio is a restful place to be! Enjoy! And glad you were safe in the storm. We had two bad storms here this week and both of our sons' homes were affected but everyone is ok. We sailed through just fine for a change! The weather has been amazing.

Kathleen Grace said...

I love your rustic garden and the table and chairs sound like such a lovelyplace to spend time outside. That is one of my favorite things about summer, spending time in the sunshine and shade with a cool drink.
Have a great time at the lake!

Anonymous said...

Your plants look really pretty in the pots and I love all the ways you've displayed them.

Good looking food too!

Lynn said...

Lovin' your Dandelion Farm sign Jane, think I need one too:@) Have a great weekend!

Lori said...

Yahoo ~ your containers look beautiful Jane and I think I pinned that dip just last week! Have a grand time at the lake ~ we are headed to the cottage in the morning. xo

Unknown said...

I love your roses, they are gorgeous! I can never grow roses and I swear I do everything by the book. I am always in awe of them. I am also just loving your little rustic patio. It looks like the perfect spot to just chill and relax. I hope you have a great weekend Jane!

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Jane,
Your garden is looking lovely. I like the spot where you sit to relax and I can hardly wait until our house is ready. I seriously need some space of my own.
Your dinner menu looks and sounds so yummy. You are an awesome cook.
You always have the best family gatherings.
Enjoy your time at the lake house.

hugs
Sissie

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

Everything is so pretty, I love your roses! Hope you have a wonderful and relaxing weekend!
Blessings,
Cindy

Stacey said...

Your pots are so pretty. That area with the ivy and the dandelion sign is fun. Your recipe sounds like good comfort food. Have a fun weekend!

Linda said...

What a lovely cozy post! I just love your life!!

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

Now that casserole looks delicious and comforting! Yum!

Lynne said...

Fresh air after a rainfall is the best!

Jane! The pots look wonderful! I love the marigolds with the tomato plants, and that cute rustic garden vignette!

How nice was your Wednesday evening...a yummy meal for the kids and a safe haven for the granddogs!
I have been praying better weather for the Midwest. You have had some major storm activity over the past month!

Have a wonderful time at the lake!
Happy Fathers Day to The Husband!
~Lynne
withLove!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I'm glad you weren't hit too bad with that storm, Jane. I get so disappointed when I have my heart set on particular plants and there are no more. This used to happen to me with alysum and I had to make sure every year that it was the first flat I bought! Have fun at the lake!

Sonia said...

Love your patio pots! The marigolds look great with the tomatoes! Your patio looks great and I love your ivy area and that gorgeous rose! Enjoy the weekend!
Miss Bloomers

Melanie said...

Your tomatoes will do fantastic in the pots as long as they're in the sun. We planted a couple in a big pot the way you did and placed it in a sunny spot on the side of the house...they are doing SO much better than the ones we planted in our usual garden bed in back of the house. They don't get enough sun in the back of the house. Lesson learned! Next year we will do pots o' plants only.

I love how you placed the pots of flowers in the ground ivy - beautiful!

OK, you have to stop with that delicious-sounding casserole and loaded baked potato dip. I think I just gained 5 lbs from looking at that stuff! ;-)

The french doors leading out to a balcony at the lake house sound so pretty. After you get the curtains hung, be sure to take a picture so we can see it. :-)

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

The tea rose looks gorgeous!

I know what you mean about the patina on the patio table. I kinda like things a little worn looking too.

I hope you're having lovely weather. We had a beautiful day today, but tomorrow afternoon into the early part of the week it's supposed to rain again. I guess it's good for the flowers and lawns ;).

Unknown said...

Have a great time at the Lake!

Anonymous said...

Hope you are having a great time at the lake. I sounds like you are going to have a lovely garden with you new plantings.

Kathy said...

Just think some folks think the weekends are for relaxing. I love your picks and know they will do great anywhere with your tender loving care. I'm your newest follower. Kathy

Debbie said...

Your pots all look so nice in the ivy.
How nice that you can have all your kids together for dinner whenever you want, Jane. It's a blessing. I miss doing that since mine are all downstate.
I hope you are enjoying being at your lake house this weekend.
Smooches.
xo

Valerie@chateaualamode.typepad.com said...

All your plants are gorgeous. Love working in the garden. Now that casserole looks like something I would really love. Have a great week.

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Jane,
I hope you had a lovely weekend at the lake.
Your plants look pretty, and your right, this time of year things are getting pretty picked over.
And your cooking is making me very hungry.
We had gorgeous weather here yesterday...mid 80's with low humidity and sunny to boot.
Have a great week friend,
Cindy

Our Neck of the Woods said...

The flowers look very pretty! Too bad they didn't have what you wanted. But looks like you were creative enough to pick out something new :)

bj said...

The plants all look great..I too, am trying some container gardening this year. Not too many since I am HOPING to move.
Your casserole sounds amazing and i will make it next time we have a bunch together.
xoxo

Charlene said...

YUM that casserole looks fabulous... It's dinner time & we're having left overs! Enjoy your garden. With the move we're not planting this year. It's too late & too hot!!!! ALREADY!

Anonymous said...

Hi Janie! I'm sure you're at the lake by now! Your plants are looking good and sounds like you've had a great time. The casserole looks so good.
Thanks for popping in to see me. I had searched so long for a scale. I found some that were really rusty but I didn't want one like that so I hit the jackpot with this one.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Theresa said...

The flowers are SO pretty and that casserole looks DELICIOUS! I love hearing about your lake house:) Sounds SO relaxing! Have a blessed week dear friend, HUGS!

must love junk said...

Your patio looks great! Love your pots and that sign! :)
Susan

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

Wow, you have been busy in the garden, Jane. And it looks great.

How fun to have the whole family over. How are the newlyweds doing?

Fondly,
Glenda

ps. I finally posted wedding pictures.

Unknown said...

Hi Jane,

That casserole looks delicious. I am lagging behind in planting this summer as well. Just have a few pots on my front steps.

Love the idea for your curtains. I hope you take some photos when they are up. Have a beautiful time at the lake.

Karen

Maria Elena said...

Your plants are beautiful! And the casserole looks so good! I hope you had fun at the lake!

Leslie Harris said...

Hi Jane, thanks for sharing glimpses of your garden everything looks so pretty. And i'm so glad you can get away, have fun with the family!
Leslie

Laurel Stephens said...

Your garden is so pretty! I shared it on Friday Finds today. Thanks, and have a great weekend!

The Charm of Home said...

Have a good time at the lake Jane! Your casseroles look great and I love your rustic garden corner.
Sherry