Another hot one . . . .

What the temp was in my vehicle this morning . . . . . at 7:30 A.M.

Yep, it's going to be a hot one today. According to our local weather wizards - we will be breaking record temps all week.   And, those records go back to the 1930's.  

One of the few plants in our garden that thrives in this heat - crepe myrtles.  They bloom when everything else has given up and turned brown.  And, they make me smile on these hot days.

Loved to shreds . . . . .

This is the result of over 4 years of loving  - - - 

and, if you think this is bad - you should have seen the back. 

Yes indeed, 'Soft Blankie' (as Laney calls it) had seen better days.

But with careful surgery, some fusible interfacing,

a soft vintage sheet (with pink flowers of course) and creative stitching -

Soft Blankie is again ready for even more cuddling and loving. 

Growing up before my eyes . . . . .

The western view from my patio - corn.  Growing by leaps and bounds. 

It is, as the song says, 'as high as an elephant's eye'!

Also growing way too fast -- our only grandson, Joe.

This sweet boy turned 9 on Monday.

Time needs to slow down a little -- my grandbabes aren't babes anymore!

Which brings me to my last photo of this post.

Our youngest grandbabe, Laney-Bug, at VBS for the first time. 

Can't believe she's 4 - wasn't it just yesterday that she was born?!!

Sprinkler birds . . . . . .

I've always known that children loved running through sprinklers on a hot summer day --

 just never realized that the birds loved the sprinklers just as much !

Picture taken at the bedroom window - 7:15pm

Getting there . . . .

Still playing with the buttons on my camera - evidence below

My current evening project (obsession) - granny-squares. Much better definition than a flash shot but still not what I'm looking for - -
5:45pm in natural & lamp light

Abandoned bird nest (can't bear to throw this beautiful piece of hard work by a pair of Robins) -- 7:45pm in natural light using macro setting.  

Actually like this shot.  

Natchez White Crepe Myrtle in bloom - love this picture.  Just wish I could have shot from above - but that would have required getting a ladder and convincing Willy Jay that I really needed to be climbing said ladder just to get a picture of a flower. 
7:45pm in natural light using macro setting. Favorite shot of the evening. 

Giving up the 'auto' setting

Experimenting with some 'new to me' settings on my digital camera.  I've had this camera for 5 years and I'm just getting around to learning what all the buttons do - crazy, I know. 

This out-of-focus picture was taken in low light without a flash - snapped at 6:30 this morning as I listened to the morning news/weather and did a bit of crocheting. 

Would have gotten a much better shot if I had taken the time to flip on the overhead light and turned on my macro setting.  Need to remember that next time.  -- and, also need to remind myself that relying on the 'auto' button won't get me the pictures I really want.  More 'expermential' shots to come.

Notes:  The basket is a vintage Longaberger, a birthday gift from my sister, Vali  --  the basket's not only pretty with it's leather handles and brass plate -- it's also perfect for holding granny-square supplies. 

A 'keeper' recipe . . . . .

I invited the 'The Barefoot Contessa' for dessert yesterday. 

Unfortunately, the invitation was only extended to one of her recipes  -  I was sure Ina would be too busy with her own 4th of July celebrations to make the trek to Mustang, Oklahoma.

What you see below is my first attempt with the recipe for 'Honey Vanilla Pound Cake' -- and, even though I didn't have cake flour and used plain old all-purpose flour -- the cake turned out beautiful.  One of the loaves was 'taste-tested' prior to supper -- and, I will say that this is a 'keeper' of a recipe.  Moist, dense buttery pound cake with just a hint of honey - perfect topped with strawberries and whipped cream.  

And, in my opinion, I think my little loaves looked just like the picture beside the recipe - 

except for  the professional photography and the very expensive loaf pan! 

Note:  Recipe is from 'Barefoot Contess, Back to Basics' -- Mine was a gift from my Son & Daughter-in-Law.  Read all about it here:    *http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/barefoot-contessa-back-to-basics-ina-garten/1102302103?ean=9781400054350&itm=2&usri=ina+garten