The Days of Muffins and Roses

Our rains have ceased for about 4 days, and now we are trying (not too successfully) to keep the Japanese beetles off of the roses. There is always some challenge when it comes to gardening. I do feel sorry for the farmers in this area, because it has been impossible for many of them to get their crops planted, due to the rain.

When the weather gives you rain and 60 degree temperatures, it is time to make muffins!!! Ahh yes I found the best recipe for banana nut muffins, and just happened to have some very ripe bananas ready for the batter. They are yummy.

All the rain, causes the trees which have died back in the woodland to become saturated with water, and become top heavy and fall. While we sat on the deck we noticed this large tree had fallen across the smaller tree, and had it bent over, so Leon got his chainsaw and released the tree that was bowed under the weight of the big fallen one.
Someone had to take pictures during this intense work, and that would be me!!! While I was watching the work, I found this pretty orange fungus growing on the forest floor. All the rains have caused lots of interesting fungi to pop up all over the yard.

Now my job of digitally capturing all the work that goes on around our place, was very intense earlier this week, as we got the trenching done in our front yard. I am so happy to report that the project is complete, and we are just waiting for more rain to settle the ground, so we can bring in more soil to fill in the trench and plant some grass seed. I must admit, Leon did lots of digging and shoveling, while I took photos, and helped when I could. As Mom used to say, "'We' killed a bear. Pa shot it." We both were so thankful that the rain held off and we got it finished.

Here is a picture of the work in progress.
This is a tiny lily that managed to bloom, despite the frigid weather and excessive rain. It is only about an inch across, but precious. After taking this picture, "Fluffy" wanted to know why I had not taken his picture recently, so I must include his pose in this posting. He hurried over and laid on these stones and waited for his photo shoot.

Next time it rains, gather yourself a bouquet and make a batch of muffins. They are wonderful with coffee and a good book. The following is the recipe, so you have no excuse.

Banana Nut Muffins

4 ripe bananas, mashed

1/3 cup butter, melted

3/4 cup sugar

1 egg, beaten

1 tsp. vanilla

1 Tablespoon strong coffee

1 tsp. baking soda

pinch of salt

1 1/2cups flour

1 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix butter and bananas in a large bowl. Mix in sugar, egg, coffee, and vanilla. Sprinkle baking soda and salt over mixture. Add flour, but don't over mix. Fold in the nuts. Pour into muffin tins. Bake 25-30 minutes. Makes 12-15 muffins.

Enjoy!