OLD BLUE

The Back Yard Blue Cat had developed some bumps and bruises over the years.

There was a hole in his hollow plastic back from some scrape or another.

So SWMBO, as she is wont to do, set out to repair him.

She patched the rear with some duct tape, then applied a couple of coats of sealer to the entire creature.

After that came two coats of blue paint.

Finally he was ready to resume his patient watchfulness over the bird bath and the area surrounding it.

He appears to be a lighter shade of blue now and I remarked that he might give the artist a start if she looked out upon him in the brightness of a full moon.

But he seems satisfied and comfortable in his rediscovered hautiness.

And several varieties of birds quickly returned to the bath/fountain, comfortable in their knowledge that Old Blue is not a threat but a protector to them.

Life goes on.

MY LATEST BAKING PROJECT

Okay, I'm just joking.

Happy Monday, everyone!

Let's make it a great week.

FATHER'S SUMMER

Today is a day to honor, fete and treat the paternal figures in our lives.

Yes, today is Father's Day in the United States of America.

It's celebrated on the third Sunday in June in my country and many others.

But around the world dads are honored on different days of the year.

Here the celebration dates back to 1908 but it had a troubled history with resistance to it by people who claimed it was simply an attempt by merchants to sell more goods.

But in 1966 President Lyndon Johnson issued a proclamation picking the date.

And finally, in 1972, President Richard Nixon made Father's Day an official national holiday.

So on this day, let's all honor our male progenitors.

Oh, and sorry I missed it but yesterday was the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere.

Summer is officially upon us but the days will now begin to get shorter.

Fire up the grills!

(Photos are of SWMBO's tomato pot)

NICE BUNS

I just ate the last of my latest baking project, the one in the middle.

Cheddar Swirl Breakfast Buns

THE FRIDAY FUNNIES

Yea, though I walk through the Valley of Death, I shall fear no evil.

Because . . .

That's it for this week, Gentle Readers.

Now remember, stay home, practice social distancing, wear a mask and wash your hands.

That's not a lot, is it?

Have a great weekend and always keep laughing!

Here, kitty-kitty . . .

(awwwwww)

STATE OF THE NATION

Just a little tease for tomorrow.

WHEN TO BUY, WHEN TO BUY . . .

Johnny Cash has the answer and today's your lucky day!

HUNGRY YET?

Y'know, if I'd have honored all the requests I received yesterday, both in comments here and in emails, I'd have had no cookies left for SWMBO and I.

So, I kept 'em all!

Thanks for the compliments, though.

And thank you to Herself, who encouraged the baking bonanza by preparing a wonderful meal the night before.

Enchiladas Verdes Suizas

and a salad of avocadoes, cherry tomatoes and cilantro.

As longtime ago Mexico residents we love cilantro and, no, it doesn't taste like soap.

What's the matter with you people anyway?

COOKIES

SWMBO turned me loose in the kitchen today with her favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe.

I believe it was a success.

Made with confectioner's sugar, they have a shortbread base studded with dark chocolate chips.

A note on her recipe says if pecans are used instead of chocolate chips the resulting delicacies would be very much like Pecan Sandys.

I prefer the chocolate version.

FLAG DAY 2020

THE FRIDAY FUNNIES

Another agonizing week is drawing to a close.

So let's shut it down with some humor, shall we?

De Brie.  Debris.  Get it?

I know.  It's cheesy.

Okay, pun lovers, that's it for this week.

Now have a wonderful weekend, don't worry too much (at least until Monday), and always remember to keep laughing!

Here, kitty-kitty . . .

CONSTRUCTION

Okay, I gotta do it.

Someone sent me this one the other day and now Wacky Wally sent it.

Brace yourselves.

Oh, all right.

One more.

Ta-ta, Gentle Readers!

TECHNOLOGY

All hail the bread machine

Judy's favorite - whole wheat with Craisins

IN THE WEEDS

Speaking here for my wife, who is known as SWMBO for a reason, can anyone identify these critters from the world of flora?

They are all over our yard, not to mention the neighborhood, the town and the countryside and, yes, we know they are some type of weed.

But *what* weed?

Aye, that is the question.

DOUBLE VISION

Okay, poof, the weekend's gone, just like that.

So here are two different views for the beginning of another week.

And then, there's a more optimistic look toward another new beginning.

Thank goodness for Internet Cats!

SUNDAY SERVING

The Cooking Catalyst hied to the kitchen this morning and created this Gingerbread Spice Dutch Baby.

Topped with a spray of confectioner's sugar and a drizzle of syrup it was a great way to break a fast.

The recipe can be found in Deb Perelman's "The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook" or online.

I should mention the spectacular Apple Galette Judy made yesterday.  

Alas, I did not photograph it.

My apologies to her and to you.

HERE, KITTY-KITTY . . .

I just got this from the BRD and couldn't resist sharing it with you.

It's so cat.

THE FRIDAY FUNNIES

"Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag,

and smile, smile, smile!"

That's the first line of the chorus of a World War One song written by George Asaf and Stephen Powell in 1915.

Good advice for a hundred and five years later.

So let's start smilin', shall we?

THERE!

That should tickle your tummies for awhile.

Remember that old poem by the famous scribe, Anonymous.

"Don't worry if your job is small,

and your rewards are few.

Remember that the mighty oak

was once a nut like you."

That's all I got for this week except to wish you all a safe, secure and happy weekend.

And always remember to keep laughing!

Here, kitty-kitty . . .