Hollyhock Heaven

My Hollyhocks are finally blooming! I have liked hollyhocks ever since I was a little girl and my Grandma Mary had them, and we had some at home. I like the old fashioned kind, but this double bloom hollyhock is really pretty too. Whenever I look at them it reminds me of staying at my Grandpa & Grandma's house and going for walks with Grandma. She loved flowers, looking for rocks (one of my favorites also) and me! I bought a couple of quilting patterns for Hollyhock quilts that I am looking forward to making someday just because I like them so much.

Butterflies Are Free

I think Butterflies are beautiful. I can't believe how close I got to this one. I was able to get a few pictures before it flew away. Aren't the wings amazing!

Banana Split Pie

This is a dessert I came up with this morning. So simple and fast.

Ingredients:

(1) 3.4 oz pkg of Banana Instant Pudding

(1) 3.4 oz pkg of Chocolate Instant Pudding

1 Ready made graham cracker crust 9 oz size

1 or 2 bananas

Slice bananas about 1/4" and place on bottom of crust. Mix 1 3/4 cup of cold milk with banana pudding according to package directions. (I usually put in a medium size Tupperware type bowl and put the lid on and shake it for about 1 minute). Pour banana pudding over bananas. Let chill until set, about 1/2 hour.

Mix 1 3/4 cup cold milk with chocolate pudding according to package directions. (I use the shake method again). Gently pour over banana pudding. (I usually pour it over a spatula or something so doesn't dent the bottom layer of pudding). Let set for 1 - 2 hours until firmly set. Garnish with Whipped topping, maraschino cherry, or strawberry, or use whatever you want!

Enjoy

I just took the Better Homes and Garden color Personality Test. This is the results!
Quiz: What's Your Color Personality?

Your Results
Your color personality is: Green




It sounds like the hue you most relate to is green -- the color most evocative of nature. Adjectives such as kind, gentle, and contemplative likely describe you. You enjoy being involved with your neighbors and coworkers, but you also require plenty of time to yourself to recharge. You are social yet introverted, and modern but not trendy. Surround yourself with your signature color to create a restful, soothing environment. From sage to hunter, green can work well in virtually every room of your house. Use it generously to create a haven you'll love coming home to. • Colorful Kitchens Slide Show

Entryway needs helps

This is how I would like to paint and stain the stairs on my entry way to my house.

I would like to put down linoleum that matches the hallway and kitchen on the landing

A friend recently sent this quote to me. I am definitely adding it to my favorites.

Thanks MB for sharing.

Happy moments, praise God

Difficult moments, seek God

Quiet moments, worship God

Painful moments, trust God

Every moment, thank God

Granddogs

The only picture we will probably ever have of Riley with the dogs. Riley was resting and didn't realize the dogs were there. Doesn't Riley look huge next to BJ!

We just had the "Granddogs" for a week. They were so much fun, except that Riley (our cat) did not like having the extra company. He was stalking them every chance he got. Mario and BJ were very good about staying out of Riley's way. Now that the dogs have gone home I am missing the daily walks we were taking.

Oh beautiful Peony

About 5 years ago I planted some Peony plants that a friend gave to me. After all these years they are finally blooming beautifully. Every year bigger and better blooms. They are so pretty and fragrant!

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie created by Berny

9 inch pie crust (baked or graham cracker. I use the purchased graham cracker to save time.)
2 1/2 cups fresh strawberries
2 cups fresh rhubarb
1 3/4 cups water
1 c. sugar
3 Tablespoons cornstarch
1 (3 oz.) package strawberry Jello

*Wash and slice strawberries and rhubarb, keep separate.
*In saucepan combine water and rhubarb and boil for 5 -7 minutes until tender.
*Combine sugar and cornstarch, stir into water/rhubarb mixture. Cook on low heat until thickened. About 2 - 3 minutes.
*Add Jello and stir until completely dissolved.
*Fold in strawberries, then pour into baked shell or graham crust.
*Chill until set and serve with whipped topping.
Very easy and looks pretty. Serves 6 - 8 people depending on how large you cut the slices!

Rhubarb Dream Bars

These bars a quick and easy to make, and very good flavor.
CRUST:
2 c. flour
3/4 c. powdered sugar
1 cup butter (2 sticks)

FILLING:
4 eggs (substitute Egg Beaters for low cholesterol)
2 c. sugar
1/2 c. flour
4 c. thinly sliced rhubarb

Mix crust ingredients together with a fork or pastry blender and press into 15 x 10 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Combine eggs, sugar, and flour. Beat well. Fold in rhubarb. Spread over hot crust and return to oven and bake 40 to 45 minutes longer. Cool. Cut into bars. Makes 3 dozen bars.