Tuesday, May 10, 2011

SPEAKING OF BIRDS . .

. . . yesterday I wrote briefly about birds in the hand.

Today it is about one bird in not exactly the bush but in our as yet unbloomed Mimosa tree.


In this next view part of a twig makes it appear as if he has four eyes.  I assure you it is an optical illusion.


And then there's cookery.  Last night I cooked Chicken Saltimbocca.  For those not familiar with it, chicken breasts are flattened to a quarter of an inch or so, salted and peppered, layered with several small basil leaves, topped with prosciutto, lightly floured and sauteed in butter and olive oil.  When they are golden, a sauce is prepared consisting of white wine, lemon juice, chicken broth and a bit of flour for thickening.  Yum.

SWMBO fixed a pea risotto to accompany the chicken.  Delicious!  And, joy of joys, there was enough to have it again tonight!

Now, here's a puzzle for you.  Can you figure out what this is?  It is baked in a 12-inch (or so) black iron skillet.


The second photo should give it away. 

It is a Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie! 

I swiped the recipe from Melissa at Alosha's Kitchen.  Hers looks better than mine because I think I baked mine a bit too long.  All I know is that the half I have left is hard as a rock.  But it is tasty!

Monday, May 9, 2011

Magpie 65


He gazes at the birds
In his hand.

He wonders.

What has nature wrought?

He thinks.

This is all that life means.

Birds . . .

In the hand.

Others.  At Magpie Tales

IN A HURRY



O.K.   But what's the rush?

Sunday, May 8, 2011

MOTHER'S DAY 2011

My Mom
Hattie Loretta (Hylland) Taylor
1904-1953



A Western Mom



Instructions for all Moms

Here's hoping you all have a
Happy Mothers Day!

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Friday, May 6, 2011

THE LEADER OF THE PACK

I spotted this group of motorcycles this week and couldn't resist a photo.


Parked nearby all by itself was this lovely white Harley.


Of course, I couldn't be sure but the contrast to the bright colors of the other bikes could mean that this belonged to "The Leader of the Pack!"


Thursday, May 5, 2011

THE 3 STAGES OF ALERTNESS

Blackwell was taking a breather from his toils of the day, lying in the shade on the back patio, nearly asleep.



So you thought.  But without changing his position, he was suddenly awake.


And then . . in a blink . . on alert.


What stirred him to this stage?


Need you even to have asked.  Just look at that plump, prime target.


But the story ends well.  The bird, dumb as it is, flew away to safety before Blackwell started his charge.

And another day slows to a conclusion.