Tuesday, May 6, 2014

SPRING STIRRINGS










I remember once asking a friend how it was when she and her husband became empty nesters and eventually retired.  Her face absolutely lit up.  "Oh, my gosh!  We golf together every morning and we hike and ride our bikes.  Most evenings we make dinner together and then watch a movie.  You are going to just love it, Jane!"  Somehow I just don't see that happening.  I'll never golf and I thought, he'd never garden.  And now, here he is on my turf (so to speak).  I'm territorial.   I was aggravated that he was using my tools and leaving them all about.  He was claiming areas to start new beds where he got more sun than me.  He became a BFF with the woman that ran the nursery in town at the lake.  She gave him all sorts of free advice and a few free plants and discounts.  And what really made me want to SCREAM was he would take her advice over mine!  So no, having this little hobby together will never work.  Oh, we'll both be out in the yard together, but certainly not side by side.  And our tools will be color coded.




It's going to be an interesting summer.











While you are boiling a pot of water for the pasta (1 pound of fettuccine or linguine), heat 2 T of olive oil and 3 T of butter in a medium sized skillet or saucepan.  Saute 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion with 2 cloves of finely chopped garlic over low heat.   When soft, add 2 T of pine nuts and cook until just browned.  Toss in 2 cups of loosely packed fresh snow peas and saute until just tender, about 2 minutes.  Grate in about 1 T of lemon zest and the juice of 1 lemon.  Bring to a boil and add 1/2 c white wine.  Let wine cook off, turn to low and season with 1 T of dried tarragon, salt and pepper to taste.  Drain pasta and pour sauce over.  This is great with a tossed salad.  

I'm still working on our upcoming trip.  I have researched and Googled and printed and Googled and I don't want to even think about the itinerary yet.  .  We will be in 6 towns over 7 days.  And then 5 straight days at our condo in Asheville where I am sure we will be too tired to do anything but sleep and loll around by the pool.  I'll tell you more the next time I post.  Hope you're off to a great week! :)

XO,
Jane

56 comments:

Sarah said...

Glad to see your garden blooming, Jane. Pretty! '-)

Simply LKJ said...

Beautiful. My peonies are in full blo and I am loving them!!

Stacey said...

Laughing! Your territorial feelings make me laugh because I'd be the same way. Yes I want my husband out there but he's my helper. It's all mine!!

Cathy @ My 1929 Charmer said...

The only thing I let hubs do in my garden is dig the holes, and he's OK with that, thank goodness. I'm pretty territorial about my garden too. I loved seeing your spring flowers! I've been seeing my tulips just about ready to pop, then guess what not only do I have the squirrel brothers from hell but now I have the bunnies for hell to! When I walked out this morning they ate every single tulip in the front and back yard. I never even got to see 1 sticking tulip. So glad I planted them for a rabbits meal. She better be careful she could easily become a dinner around there soon! Glad to see you're making progress on the trip details. I sent you the info you asked for by email!

Beth said...

Your flowers are all so beautiful!

Heaven's Walk said...

I feel your territorial pain, girl. lol Luckily, my hubs stays out in his veggie garden and leaves my flowers alone. lol Hey...maybe you could suggest a veggie garden for him to tinker around in? lol

xoxo laurie

Susie said...

Blondie, I know what you mean.... When I take the time to try to grow something, I sure do not want my husband trimming without me being right there. When it comes to digging raking hauling, we do that together. The dogs seem to be loving the lawn. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

Terra said...

I like the lolling part of your vacation plans, and your bird feeder. I have several, each with different types of seeds to attract different birds. Enjoy.

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

You always have the neatest random things on your posts - like you are just talking to a friend. I love that about you.

Your garden really is taking shape and coming alive, yay!

Wanda said...

Jane, you DO have beautiful flowers. Love the tulips.

Just got back from our trip, and trying to catch up, since I didn't have a computer on the road.

Deserae said...

Your flowers are so beautiful....how nice that the blooms are lasting a little longer this season too! I wish my husband showed even a little interest in flowers of gardening but I don't think that will ever happen. LOL!!!! Have a great week!!
~Des

Lynn said...

It's always nice to be able to get out in the yard for a while Jane! I'll be filling my planter this weekend and look forward to it too-enjoy:@)

awal.ny said...

I would have to strangle my husband if he decided to do the flower gardens with me. He likes yellow flowers, done! Out of my garden. Good luck. Alaina

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh your flowers are all so pretty. It is already getting too hot here, so not much blooming.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

You are so funny about the hubster and your garden! Your pasta meal sounds great!

Julie Marie said...

Hi Jane... love all your pretty Spring flowers!... and Layla looks so comfy out there enjoying the sun lying on her back... tummy getting a tan!... so happy you got a birdfeeder!... it is so enjoyable to watch our feathered friends, and they really do appreciate it so much!... as for your photo, I think you may have hit "digital macro"... that will let more light in, and make it appear that way... maybe that's what you did?... either way, I love that photo!... and how fun you had two Sparrows!... you must let Deb know about the Sparrows!... enjoy your beautiful gardens and time outdoors... xoxo Me

Debbiedoos said...

You got the stirrings alright! Love Dafs.

Lynne said...

Well...there you are!
...finally!
...in your garden!
I can feel the comfort and joy from here, Ms Territorial! LOL!

Our garden has been a bit neglected, as Mr D worked 27 out of 30 days in April, and we have already has our complete allocation of rain just 7 days into May. The forecast is decent for the weekend, and we're going to make it a three day. The yard should be ship shape by Tuesday!

Your upcoming travels sound quite adventurous! Will you have much work to do at the condo?

A morning coffee toast toast... To life back in the garden once again!
withLove!

Balisha said...

Wait till he starts to organize your kitchen....Just sayin'

Balisha :)

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

Your thoughts on getting out in the garden echo mine. And yes, I would have a problem if my husband decided to start gardening. It's bad enough when he decides to trim trees or such and inadvertently steps on my flowers - makes me crazy :-)

Deb said...

your garden looks so pretty jane ~ no wonder the sparrows were the first to arrive at the feeders ♥

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

You crack me up, but I know EXACTLY where you're coming from on gardening with your hubby! After years of getting in the dog house for chopping down something of mine, my hubby now knows (for the most part) to stay away from my stuff. Lol! I'm glad you're getting some pretty spring blooms! That blue flower is so pretty! Layla sure is enjoying the outdoors! You'll probably have tons of birds visiting your B&B now that word got out about it. Just like my stray kitties...we still have new visitors pop up every now and then. :)

Linda said...

Oh that made me laugh, Jane!
My boyfriend is NOT a gardener...
He steps on everything, or when he whips, he just mows everything down!
Soooo...I do the whipping!
Guess he is pretty smart,eh?
Your yard will be filled with very grateful cheeps very soon!
Cheers!
Linda :o)

Traci said...

The plants are all really pretty! Hope you get outside soon!

It's me said...

Beautiful flowers !!!..happy spring darling...love Ria...x !

Barbara F. said...

Thanks for the first photo, Jane! I planted these in November 2012 and they came up last spring and this one. My daffodils are nothing more than green shoots, flopping over already. Sad. I did not remember that these little blue flowers were anemones. xo

Olive said...

You are giving me a giggle. I would pay for help in my garden-I think I would anyways. I would get upset about errant pruning though:}

Melanie said...

Happy spring, Jane! Doesn't it feel so good to be outside? I've been working hard in my yard, too. Hoping to set the patio up yet today before it rains. We'll see. I got my lettuces planted today.

Debbie said...

Things are just starting to sprout up here. I did set the furniture up on the patio yesterday. Still too cold at night to put out the plants, and fill the window boxes. It sounds like you are settling in nicely for Spring weather at your house. I hope you have a super Mother's Day, Jane!
Debbie
xo

Unknown said...

Your pasta looks so good! I've been on a crock pot kick recently. Still having back problems, so if I can drop something in the pot and leave it I'm happy.

Hope you have a wonderful trip to the South!

Your flowers are lovely! I finally put petunias in some pots today, and brought all the green plants up from the basement, or at least my husband did. Not me!!

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

Most of this post was absolutely hysterical! LOL!!

I know what you mean about blooms...in Blogland we've been seeing the southern blooms for a month or so now, and then there are those people in California harvesting their veggies, and in our neck of the woods it is just starting! :)

bj said...

Awesome post, Blondie....I love it all.
We haven't planted any flowers here at the Summer House yet...I am anxious to try some container gardening this year. When you get as olden as I am, you look for all kinds of EASY.....:))
XOXO bj

bj said...

OOO, and meant to add that retirement can get waaay too close sometimes. I do like my space and when hubs is close all day long, every single freakin' day, ya start looking for a little ME SPACE. Most of the time, we do really good and enjoy it all...other times, when the closeness isn't fun that day, I find SOMEwhere to go for awhile. :)

Beth said...

The anemones are beautiful, Jane. There aren't a lot of true blue flowers but those fit the bill. I have some anemones that are white. I like yours better. :)
It's GREAT that your hubby is gardening - if you want to have him gone for awhile, send him my way...there's PLENTY to do here! lol
You will love the birdfeeder. It's so much fun watching them! I haven't planted my annuals yet, but I did plant seeds and some are coming up.
Ah, spring! It's fantastic!
Enjoyed your post!
Hugs, Beth

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

This post cracked me up! Isn't it funny how some people take to retirement so easily and others drive each other nuts?! It's only been a few weeks for us and we've been so busy with all the qwap from the theft and getting our papers in order it's too soon to tell how we will roll.

You're right about birds taking a while before they warm up to feeders, but it looks like word spread quickly that the 'Blondie' house was open for biz.

Your anemone is the perfect cornflower blue color! Me wanty. ;)

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

Love the flowers and the "unintended photo"...it is actually very cool!...thanks so much for leaving the wonderful comment about my booth at Coastal Charm today...Have a wonderful weekend!

Maria Elena said...

Love your garden. The flowers are really looking beautiful! Got to watch my husband and the flower. A few weeks ago I caught him with pruner in hand getting ready to "demolish" my knockout rose bush, which btw, is in full bloom, because he said it look too big. You could hear me down the street screaming nooooooooo! LOL Have a very happy Mother's Day, Jane!

Linda said...

I love the way you described the competition between you and the husband!! Louis Dean THOUGHT he wanted a wife that could play the guitar or another instrument and sing! He did NOT get one! Now he thinks that was for the best since we would then have that same competiton most likely!
So.....when do you plan to start playing golf?? ;0)

RURAL said...

I have to laugh at your description of your "poor" husband trying to eke out a bit of sod for himself....just joking.

I'm totally jealous that he sounds like he has a knack for doing this from the start. And what is in his fertilizer, I have the darndest time growing things here, and our daffies just bloomed, so we are similar climates.

My husband likes to use my girly tools to do tough jobs, and I love my girly tools...hands off baby.

Jen

SImple and Serene Living said...

Ha, thanks for the laugh. I love the color coded tools idea. I guess you are going to have to establish some big guidelines. (he really cut back your wisteria?) xo Laura

Kit said...

Good luck with your hubby! My hubby is retiring in 2 years and I am grateful there is no way he would garden...LOL Kit

Anonymous said...

oh my gosh you always make me laugh, the battle of the garden tools, your blooms are beautiful, so much further ahead than we are, your recipe sounds very good, I could eat pasta everyday!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Jane,
I love the little competitive gardening thing you and Al have going.
Your flowers look just amazing!
I am so ready to get some annuals. I think tomorrow I will shop.
I may be covering things with sheets at night though.
Beautiful day here, warm and sunny.
I am very excited about your trip!
Let me know if you came up with a weekend in July to get together.
Dan will have to make sure he doesn't get scheduled to work that weekend.
It's been so different with him working 2 jobs. Take care friend,
Love ya,
Cindy

Theresa said...

This post made me giggle! My Husband and I are both retired and spend LOTS of time together:) I feel like my flowers are MY flowers and he is constantly doing something with them that just isn't quite right, TO ME:) Anyway, love all of your blooms! SO pretty! Enjoy your week ahead dear Jane, HUGS!

Lori said...

Yeah for blooms and warm weather!! Hope you had a fabulous Mother's day Jane with all your crew.

Helen Philipps said...

Love all your pretty spring flowers and those sleepy pets and your description of gardening with your hubby made me LOL!
Have a great week!
Helen xox

Fishtail Cottage said...

wanted to let you know I just posted about the tart tins (tutorial) on my blog today! thanks for your interest in learning how to make these! xoxo, tracie

Kathleen Grace said...

I have to laugh at your discomfort with your hubby horning in on your gardening territory. I adore my husband, but he works from home, and before this job he was laid off for several years when the economy was so bad. Can I just say, sometimes a girl just wants her own project and nobody elses input on it? I know what you are going through! Lol. He's away this week on a business trip to California, I'll miss him, but I'm actually a little bit thrilled to have the place, and my schedule, to myself!

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

Oh I can SO relate to the sharing the gardening thing! We have had our issues too! But you have some lovely stuff popping up. I think lavender needs heat and sun and not too much water. It does well after it is established. I keep a few pots that I treat like annuals. just love the look and smell of it around. So nice that you stopped by!

Nancy's Notes said...

Jane, I'm chucking again as I do when I read your posts! You funny lady, love to read your stories! I so know that territorial feeling so well! Your blooms are awesome and what a great pasta recipe! Thank you for aharing~
Hugs,
Nancy

farmhouse-story said...

sharing the garden with your husband, makes me laugh:) i've threatened my husband that i'm painting all my tools pink, just so he won't use them and LOSE them! hope mom's day was great, jane!

Laura Sudderth said...

Did he really trim the Wisteria? OMG. This was the most hysterical post I have read in a long while.

Rose Broadway said...

I'm here in the midwest with you. I know it was "summer" when you did your outside work, but we're into winter again now! Had to turn on the furnace this morning. At least we're never bored.
Your flowers are very pretty!

Kelly said...

I got a kick out of reading the story about your husband trying to "out garden" you! The nerve!! LOL. I would feel the same way if I started something before him and then he tried to take over. I gladly let my husband do the gardening though since he has a lawn business on the side anyway. My husband will be home more often in November when he retires from the fire dept. I'm sort of dreading the change too. He has worked there ever since we've been married. It will be weird to have him home every night.

Brenda Pruitt said...

Wow, it took two weeks to have birds come to my not least expensive shiny bird feeder filled to the brim with shiny black sunflower seeds (which ain't cheap either!) And I thought that would bring 'em flying in, but it took two weeks to get sparrows and it's not that often. So I'm scratching my head. Now when it comes to cheap bird feeders, I'll just say that the squirrels will probably have a field day if they can get to it. I usually spend a bit to get the ones that keep them out. Maybe yours does too.
Brenda

emily barlocker scott said...

I love the term, "Emilyville"!!! Hopefully my decorating skills will one day resemble your stylish daughter's.