Work and Play

For the last week and a half, I've been working out in the yard.  Since it's hot (duh, it's summer!), I work in the mornings up to about lunchtime.  Walk the dogs first, of course, and then they cool off in  the shade and watch me work.   Our new-to-us yard needs a lot of work and we have big plans for fall:  repairing the shed, moving plants, setting up the garden spot for next year, and planting fruit trees.  Fall will be here before we know it and I wanted to get a jump on things so we don't have to do it all in a hurry.

I made a list. It's not all-inclusive.  For instance,  I didn't put on there "mow the yard".  That's a given, though I probably should have put it on the list so I could mark it off every time I did it!

 

I sweated...a lot!  I sweated through my bandana, hat, and leather gloves!  I got blisters even through my gloves.  I wore out gloves.  You know those endorphins that runners get?  I think I got those too!  It felt good clearing gravel, digging up concrete blocks, electrical lines, massive weeds, and plants!  It was great seeing the difference.  But then, of course, the downside is I was wiped out for the afternoon.  And, even worse, my arms were just too tired to do any quilting.  I tried it and my quilting was just way too wobbly!  Lesson learned there!

Our crepe myrtle finally bloomed!  It even has more flowers now. It's needs some pruning.  That will be Tony's job in the fall.

But it's not all work and no play!  I won a trip for two from our local radio station for a winery tour along the Eastern Shore!  I couldn't believe it!  We had a wonderful time and learned so much about wine making!  The main thing is it's a lot of hard work!

We traveled in style on a double-decker bus!  Very nice!

 

One of the grape fields:

Tony and I with one of the vintners:

On another evening, we also went to a big band concert at the beach!  It was really enjoyable!  I wanted to get up there and dance, even though I'm a terrible dancer, but Tony had on his motorcycle boots and was worried about my feet.  Since he also is a terrible dancer, that is a valid concern!  I think we need to take dancing lessons.  And guess what, they have them through the parks and rec department!  Hopefully, the next class offering we can sign up.  After seeing the way the people dance, we definitely need lessons!  These people can dance!  You should have seen some of their moves!

Tonight is our monthly community meeting.  It's always a good time!  We don't normally have a meal there, but tonight is the indoor picnic night.  Indoors because it's hot outside!  I'm taking a cucumber salad.  Light and refreshing!

The recipe is from a Taste of Home magazine, years ago.  Super fast and easy!

Kansas Cucumber Salad

1 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing

1/4 cup sugar

4 teaspoons vinegar

1/2 teaspoon dill weed

1/2 teaspoon salt, optional

4 medium cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced

3 green onions, chopped (I thinly sliced mine)

In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, dill, and salt.  Mix well.  Add cucumbers and onions; toss.  Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.

Now that I'm done with what I can do outside for now, I'm hoping to get back to my quilting.  Too bad there's also an inside the house list! 

LaDonna