Sneaky Fairy

There's a magical fairy that lives in my home. I think she must like Mr. Country Belle. She always grants his every wish.

Each day or night, all he has to say is what he needs.

"I need more shampoo."

Voila! That same night, or at least within 24 hours, the thing appears. I snapped this photo a mere 30 seconds after the request was made one night this week. She works so fast! What's her secret?

She also brings things my son requests. (I think she has a thing for my boys).

She brought this just the other day lickety-split.

So, I've decided to make a wish and see if the magical fairy will respond to me.

Here goes...

"I wish for 3 days off - from work, being a school marm, and the whole nine yards."

[Crickets]

Why is she keeping me waiting?

Maybe I should just wish for an iced coffee and leave it at that.

Love,
TCB

Spring Planting Time

It's time for spring garden planting. I am still using the"square foot gardening" method I used the last couple of years. That may seem strange considering we have land to spare living in a rural area, but somewhere along the way I got tired of fighting weeds and deer. Plus, our family is small, so a couple of square-foot gardens are perfect for our needs.

The beauty of a contained, raised garden bed is that once you mix your soil the first year, there is really not much follow-up for subsequent years. Just a trowel-full of compost into each "square" before planting, and you're ready to go.

This year, I mixed commercial mushroom compost with my own backyard compost, made from decomposed fruit and vegetable scraps, yard debris, and chicken manure. (Those chickens are good for something besides eggs. It's a 2-for-1 deal).

Doesn't that look like rich soil?

I'm into simple. This bed contains herbs - rosemary, lemon balm, and thyme with a space left for basil - and vegetables - broccoli and squash. The screen contraption is the only way I can keep out deer and rabbits and supposedly domesticated critters like cats.

This bed is all about the tomatoes - four different kinds. The best part of summer is home-grown tomatoes. I squeezed in a little cilantro and parsley. I love herbs for cooking and fresh ones make a big difference. They are expensive at the grocery store but so easy to grow!

Hope this inspires you to plant a garden even if you only have a small patio. Herbs and tomatoes will grow wonderfully there!

Happy Spring,
TCB

Related Posts:

Spoils of the Day
My Secret to Easy-Does-It Spring Gardening

More Lessons Learned from Pets

Here's Day 2 of some of the instructions I've received from my number one furry friend just by watching her go about her daily business. If you missed Day 1, here's a link to Lessons Learned from Pets.

Get dressed up sometimes. It will make you feel happy, just because.

Let it all hang out sometimes. (See note above).

When the work (or play) is done, for goodness' sake, take a rest.

We're having a happy rainy day down South. Hope you are having a happy one, too.

TCB

Lessons Learned from Pets

I continuously learn lessons from the animals in my yard and in my house. We treat them like family, and they love us in return (or at least love the food we provide).

Here are a few truths from our pets' perspectives:

Take a break and play several times a day.

Explore and experience fun within reason.

If a friend takes your favorite spot, scoot over a little.

She'll eventually share with you when she realizes it's your favorite spot.

Look outside the box for a little treat every now and then.

I'll send a few more lessons your way on Thursday's post.

Have a terrific Tuesday!
Love,
TCB

Related posts:

What I've Learned from my Pets

Trading Housework Duties

Housework has gotten a bad name. We lump every household chore into that category - and turn our noses up at it. Is housework really the bane of our existence?

I realize I'm treading into the quicksand here, but bear with me.

Do you really hate every single household chore you're tasked with each week?

I despise DESPISE dusting. I will clean my entire house and "forget" to dust.

My friend likes dusting. She says it's the only chore where you can see progress. I secretly think she's crazy.

So, I would like to propose a swap. I'll do your laundry and grocery shopping, and you dust my house and clean the showers. Deal?

Then you can spend your time watching the grass grow.

Or listening to The Rolling Stones.

Tell me in the Comments section below to which household chore you would like to say "hasta la vista?" (If you are reading this in email, click on the link at the bottom where you will be taken to the blog and can comment.)

Have a wonderful, work(free) day!

TCB

Simple Fruit Salad

I need a little spring in my life. The weather is cold and windy, but I feel as if I'm ready for something tropical. I suppose it will be a fruit salad since I don't see a beach retreat in my near future.

In the South, we like to slather our fruit salad with a dressing that contains a whole lot of mayonnaise or cream cheese or sour cream or something  totally fattening. When I'm really in the mood for something light and sweet, however, it's hard to beat a simple salad that lets the natural flavors shine through. (And saves you about a zillion calories).

I made a fruit salad last week when the weather was extra dreary. The beauty of this Simple Fruit Salad is the God-given ability to use any fruit you happen to have in the refrigerator or sitting on the counter. For my salad, I used blackberries, bananas, navel oranges (all from Aldi), and kiwi fruit (Sam's Club). In keeping with the healthy theme, I melted one to one-and-a-half  tablespoons of organic honey in the microwave and drizzled over the fruit mixture, topping with chopped pecans and dried cranberries.

The mint in my garden has disliked the cold weather as much as I have, so I did not have it to add to the dish this time, but it makes a wonderful addition.

The sky's the limit on variations. Trade out any of the fruits for something else, or substitute slivered almonds or chopped walnuts for pecans.

After having fruit dressed simply like this, I have begun to prefer it over the traditional, heavier alternatives. (And I'm thinking I may have to exercise fewer minutes because of it all).

Add a little sunshine to your day!
TCB

Household Critters

Earlier this week, I wrote about some of the country critters around these parts. There are several household pets that act like critters, too. What makes a critter? It's all about the mischief involved.

And sometimes it's just pure love. This critter has to be touching someone most of the time.

The critter in the laundry basket is sitting on my clean clothes!! Argh!

"Bad doggie!" (Kitty's words, not mine).

Ever heard the saying, "Don't wake the sleeping giant?"

"I give up. Chasing kitties takes up too much energy..."

"...and too much nap time."

Have a happy day with your critters.
Love,
TCB

Related posts:
Strangers in the Night
Pet Photos
What I've Learned from Pets