As Life Would Have It . . .

. . . it's been way to long since I touched base and brought you in on what's happening around my life. Busy is a word that first comes to mind.  Full is another one and excited is one more.  These pictures just might tell it all - or at least some of it.

Vintage Garden Boxes

In case you're needing something to do while waiting for fall to arrive (yeah, right!), I thought I'd share a cute (if I say so myself) idea I came up with late last fall.

We'd just moved into this Spanish style home with close to three acres and I was beside myself with itchy fingers to start digging, seeding, planting and what not for the garden area of what has now become The Simple Farm.

There were so many projects going on at once and priority was to get the inside of the home ready for the family transition.

One morning while walking around with my French Press cup of coffee, I noticed these pallets and decided to get creative. . . . thus coming up with some vintage garden boxes.

Needless to say, I was and still am pretty proud of my little creation.

Where ever I go, I find myself with this need to create sanctuary - not just on the inside of my home but very much so on the outside.  Back then these lovely Senetitis filled the vintage boxes, today, I've got artemesia (which will get transplanted), eggplant, peppers and some other color spots in them. 

PDX Has Awesome Food From The Trucks

It's been exactly a year since I walked down this PDX sidewalk to experience my first Voo Doo donut.



That Saturday, the word Voo Doo took on new meaning.

Opportunities awaiting me . . .

Oh, yeah! Opportunity galore. Maple, chocolate, sprinkles and more.

Have you ever had a Voo Doo donut? I am not sure what all the buzz is about and this donut gossip isn't verified, but I heard that Oprah loves Voo Doo donuts. Voo Doo donuts is also on twitter and I think I need to follow them. I also heard that the magic is in the hole. Check out their website....

The Little Garden Girl

This is old, but still makes me smile.  I'm a firm believer in getting kids in the garden. One of the ways I did that was to capitalize on a child's narcissistic inner nature (we all have that tendency) and to video tape my grandchildren -which they all love to watch themselves and each other . . . over and over and over again.

In this garden clip, Jillian was about to give her garden tour, when her fun loving mom pops in on the scene.

Little Garden Kid

It's Never Too Early To . . .

. . . get little ones in the garden . . .

Michael Makes Chevre' in My Kitchen

Chicken Feet - For All You Great Chefs

This one's for all you chefs out there!

 

Tracy Dempsey & Creative Partnership with Seacat Gardens

Tracy Dempsey of Tracy Dempsey Originals is one of those tender women who I think love to create with their heart.  I don't know that for sure, but Michael and I had the privilege of meeting her this morning at Old Town Scottsdale Famers' Market and there is just something so tender and sweet about her.  Besides that she's passionate about her "unique and savory confections" of which she displayed today at her table right next to her new partner, Carl Seacat.

Carl Seacat and His Melons

Michael and I finally finished Saturday morning farm chores early here at The Simple Farm allowing us to head on out to a nice breakfast at LGO - next time - we're heading to The Herb Box, however.  After breakfast, we shot down Camelback to Scottsdale's Old Town Farmers' Market where we schmoozed a bit with different venders - all amazing and awesome and like minded.

One very popular vender and local Phoenix valley gardener ~ Carl Seacat, of Seacat Gardens was quite gracious to let me do a short video clip as he gave a bit of an education about the special melons he grows.

My Notebook on European Comforts - Coffee

A few summers ago I had an awesome time traveling to England, Spain and France. And, since I'm (obviously) hooked on coffee, I thought it'd be fun to take pictures of my European coffee experience.

My absolutely favorite coffee experience - while in France. Can you guess why?

My second favorite coffee experience while in Basque Country.

My final European coffee experience while in London.