Spring Planting

Although this project officially started yesterday, completing it today was really the best part.  I finally got my tomatoes planted… along with some basil, jalapeños and cilantro.  (You know… the best friends of the tomato.)  We even managed to get some decorative flowers in pots in both the front and back yard.  It’s nice to add a little color around here.

I do not have a green thumb… but I can grow tomatoes.  At least I could grow them when we lived on the dairy.  Last year (in town, in containers) did not work out so well for me.  This year’s crop has to be in containers too, but they are strategically placed in the sunniest part of the back yard.  I’m hoping that makes a difference.  I absolutely LOVE tomatoes.  The more the merrier.  This year I planted 3 varieties: 2 Early Girl, 1 Beefsteak and 1 Grape.  My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

So now I have to be patient.  In the wise words of Margaret Thatcher,  ”I am extraordinarily patient, provided I get my own way in the end.”

The Tail End at 20:11

What I’m Doing at 20:11 in 2011…

This is my last 20:11 post… And I have to admit, I’m a little sad. This blog has been a lot of fun… and it has disciplined me regarding posting in a more timely manner. Something I’m going to continue to work on in the future. I’ve made a decision on my theme for next year, but you’re going to have to wait until 2012 for that announcement.

So tonight, in my last 20:11 post… I had to show you a picture of the delicious dinner Leroy prepared for us tonight. Dinner included filet mignon with sautéed mushrooms and beautiful lobster tails (among other things.)

The perfect ending to celebrate 2011 and welcome 2012!’

Happy New Year Everyone! See you next year!

2011 Blog In Review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Sydney Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 11,000 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 4 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

Lemony Memories at 20:11

What I’m Doing at 20:11 in 2011…

Leroy and I were watching a TV sit-com earlier this evening and one of the characters asked his mom to make lemon bars.

I’m familiar with the Rocha Family Story about Leroy and Anne competing against each other with their versions of lemon bars. I also knew that this scene from the TV show was going to force the re-telling of the legend.

Of course, Leroy claims that his (with with assistance of dear friend John Toste) version of the lemon bars was far superior to the girls… and I guess I’ll just have to take his word for it.

At 8:11… I was sneaking another piece. These are pretty darn good… and I promise it won’t be another 30+ years before he makes them again.

Doggie Doorbell at 20:11

What I’m Doing at 20:11 in 2011…

One of the best things about having a big dog… is the big dog (scary) bark that he produces. Charlie sounds like a big ole’ mean dog when he barks at the door. I know I’d think twice about being an un-welcomed visitor. I don’t know what he’d actually DO if he felt threatened (he is… delicate) but at least he sounds mean.

Daisy on the other hand offers vocal, backup support, but she needs to confirm there is really someone at the door before she’ll leave the warmth and comfort of whatever blanket in which she’s wrapped herself. She depends on Charlie to do the scouting.

Just before the blog alarm went off, Charlie had heard something outside and was at the door barking. I was back in the bedroom listening to see if there actually WAS someone at the door. Truthfully, I count on Daisy’s assessment quite a lot. She barked, but never emerged from the blanket. So I knew it was a false alarm.

Toddlers and Tiaras and Me at 20:11

What I’m Doing at 20:11 in 2011…

I’m home alone (AGAIN) and pouting about it. I guess, I’m not really alone… I have my canine companions and our canine house guest, but it’s just not the same. I need to find a new book to read.

Whenever I find myself alone, and in this mood, I can’t help but get sucked into an episode of Toddlers and Tiaras. (And, lucky for me it’s a new season tonight.) This stupid show mesmerizes me… I find it all so surreal. I do, however, acknowledge the fact that others out there might find our passion and activities surrounding football a bit… bizarre, to say the least. So, I won’t judge. But I do find it quite entertaining.

Now I have to get back to my recorded show from earlier. It’s Mackenzie vs. Eden… two of the “superstars” of the kiddie pageant world.

Sleepy Miss Molly at 20:11

What I’m Doing at 20:11 in 2011…

We are doggie sitting for a couple of weeks while Molly’s beloved family is away. Fortunately, she’s as lazy as Charlie… maybe even more so. I literally have to shake her to wake her up when it’s time to go to bed.

At 8:11, I was trying to convince her to go outside for one last potty run before calling it a night. Obviously, I have to do a little more coaxing.

Merrily Napping at 20:11

What I’m Doing at 20:11 in 2011…

It’s been a wonderful day… nearly perfect actually. While I am missing some family (including Sierra who had to work this afternoon) I can’t help but think that every Christmas should be this peaceful. I’ve been in my warm snuggie suit, all day, on the couch… and napping quite a bit.

The blog alarm work me up. Probably a good thing too, since I really need to sleep tonight.

Christmas Clean Up at 20:11

What I’m Doing at 20:11 in 2011…

When the alarm went off tonight, I was assisting the very talented Lori as she was (once again) washing dishes. This lady means business. She gets in and gets the (big) job done quickly. We had just finished our annual Christmas Eve dinner at my in-laws.

We were in conversation with Landon and Tia Rachel so I got them all to pose for tonight shot.