Trouble W/ AC & Beef in a Box & Painting

   It's been a long day-well they are all the same hours-haha-but seemed long.

We had a new heating system put in early January this year, and the guys needed to come back out several times to get it working right.  We had replaced the A/C system when we first moved here.

  Yesterday the blowing fan started making loud noises, today it was much worse-our heating system is under warranty for a year for service calls and parts. It took me awhile to locate their phone number-I was never given a card and was not even on the manual. 

     So she was giving me a hard time that the a/c was the issue and I said no it's the blowing fan you put in for the furnace that also is used by the a/c.  So she finally understands but the service call is not until tomorrow late evening. They are booked solid-of course do to the extreme heat. Their service call charges is outrageous-so hoping no issues with that.

  So I had the a/c turned off all day and this evening it is just too hot for us so had to turn it back on always something isn't there?  I was concerned that the loud noise would make things worse but we both need the a/c especially Larry. The high heat plus humidity continues.

   I have been looking for a source to buy quality beef. After talking with the rancher that sells it at the little farmers market nearby I wasn't real impressed on how it was handled.  So  I decided to look into beef boxes as I am very happy with the Alaskan seafood that I have shipped.

 I spent a couple hours looking online. One I really liked a lot but after chatting with them the beef is from Australia and not the USA   So I decided on Good Chop-I liked their cuts-was looking for mostly lean cuts, they did not have free shipping like most do, but it was around $10.00 so not too bad.  Their special today for new subscribers was free shipping, $50.00 off my box and I think my next box too, I also got to choose from a couple free items-I chose the hamburger. The box size I chose--  the smallest-was to pick 6 items and they had many lean cuts to choose from.  The bill ended up at $108.00. Most of the beef packages had two pieces in them, the rib eye is very large. I thought I would get one really nice steak-that will feed us for a couple meals too.  This company represents USA ranchers and they had a high ranking- This company also lets you choose how often to get a box, can change the cuts as well. I could have gotten it next week Wednesday but decided on the second week in July.

 This morning, I found the spiral pad of watercolor papers and found many pieces I did two years ago, with my own made watercolor inks as well as the watercolor paints. Looking at them now-I was too hard on myself  Smiles. I was working out of  a watercolor book in hard cover spiral from Japan-I worked out of that book a lot-It showed you the strokes, and suggested paint colors.  

  This is what I ended up with

Here is the page I was working off of-I will try this again tomorrow as mine is totally different This is an Iris flower. I don't like the green I used either.  It was fun and relaxing-so that's a good thing. I had the a/c situation on my mind too

I also opened up the box of inks I had made two years ago-and I figured as much-they mostly changed to different shades of browns but I like them.  I used the back of the paper of the painting from yesterday for samples. If you  enlarge the photo-click on it-and you can read what I made the inks from. The hibiscus on the far right held it's color the best. I will use these up in paintings-love the muted soft colors.

Some of you may remember this piece-one of my favorites. I used stamps and my handmade inks, along with Winsor and Newton watercolor inks It took me a bit to find the post again-in 2023 This photo cut off Paris--Spring in Paris

Happy mid-week, and stay cool 

Watercolor Painting

   A couple years ago I tried painting with acrylics and also watercolor paints. I like the watercolor paints better. I got discouraged as this needs lots of practice, never took a class, but I have picked up a few books.

  I do like the watercolor book on wildflowers, and today I got the newly published book on making watercolor paints from botanicals and veggies which looks really good. I need to buy a few supplies to get set up though.  This looks like a good beginning for this project. Her You Tube channel is excellent with all sorts of different botanicals to make into the watercolor paints. One needs the book though to know what added ingredients are required to make the watercolor paints.

 I have a little desk top mini easel that is perfect for me. I grabbed a thick piece of paper that was included in some stationary and just played on that-for fun and to get the feel of it again. For me I think painting is a mindset-just be confident and do it haha  well hoping I get better this time of trying.

  So this was just for fun-used one of the flowers as a guide from the book, and added the little bird and birdseed and a little something top and bottom I think my style-if I end up with one-is more folk or country  the photo will enlarge just click on it.

Staying Cool?

    How are you all staying cool??  

I never had air conditioning in the house until we moved down to Missouri for our retirement years. In this area it is a must, especially for health conditions. We usually have high humidity along with the heat.

  We were mid 80's F before 8 am already this morning. I set up the garden hose so I could water the perennials early mornings or early evenings after the sun goes down a bit. I may need to water twice.

  I started on a deep clean of our home this morning-we have vintage wood pieces so a good time to get out the Liquid Gold wood cleaner.

 I was really stuck in the house over the bitter cold winter, and now summer begins with severe heat and humidity-that's Mother Nature for ya-Smiles.

 Thinking of cool foods for summer -what are your favorites??

    

Here is a link to lots of summer cold salads

a coconut shrimp salad from above link

How about ice cream?

  A few years ago I bought a ice cream cone maker-to make me a gluten free ice cream cone-have not tried that yet-not sure why now. I think that goes on my to do list this summer.

Please stay hydrated and cool during these extreme hot temperatures

 Hugs from the Ozarks

Hot in the Ozarks & Ramblings

   Summer came in with the Solstice yesterday. Hit mid 90's and will continue  through next week as  well. What a complete turn around here from too much rain and perfectly comfortable temperatures to this extreme heat wave-I will need to water my perennials this evening going forward.

  Snoopy says it best haha Of course the non seniors are loving this weather so the lake is crazy-always fun to watch the different boats go by

Yesterday morning I mowed on the hill and stood on a gravel path down to the lake that Larry put in a few years ago. Some how this messed up my back by evening yesterday. ugh I have lost a lot of weight figuring out what to eat for the acid reflux and over the winter I have lost a lot of muscle too I will need to work on that. Still in a lot of pain today so could not get outdoors to work this morning.

 We mostly eat port and chicken and I am eating more ocean fish now too. Today Larry informed me he is tired of pork and wants more beef. He never says anything so this must have been on his mind for awhile With his heart condition I didn't think beef was all that good for him. I did look it up online and it suggested beef cuts good for seniors.   The wal mart  here where we live now has horrible meat, and the beef prices are out of line too.  The local grocery store has a better selection to choose from so will need to explore that next time. I also put in a request for meat shops near me in a local facebook group for this area of the lake. Maybe there is butcher shop that sells meat nearby.

   I was a vegetarian in the past for several years and I  never cared for a lot of beef anyways growing up so I really am not good at cooking it either-Will need to look into that.

  :Looks like our nation has gone from too much rain and storms to a massive heat wave.

Stay safe everyone.  Oh and looking out my kitchen window today I saw a couple different butterflies and also one hummingbird enjoying the milkweed flowers  Smiles

  

Summer Soltice

 

June 20, 2025 9:42 pm central time

Summer Solstice Goddesses (below copied from online)

Aine (Celtic), Amaterasu (Japanese), and the Horae (Greek), particularly Auxo (Greek) are all goddesses associated with the summer solstice and its symbolism: 

1. Aine (Celtic):

• Aine is a Celtic goddess of love, fertility, and sovereignty.
• She is often associated with the sun and plays a significant role in Midsummer (summer solstice) celebrations.
• Aine embodies the peak energy of summer, the abundance of life, and the vitality of the earth.
• She is seen as a connection between the natural world and the realm of the faeries.
• Her radiant presence reflects the power of the sun at the summer solstice, symbolizing warmth, passion, and creativity.
• Honoring Aine during Midsummer celebrates both the abundant growth in nature and the inner strength of individuals. 

2. Amaterasu (Japanese):

• Amaterasu is the Japanese sun goddess, and a central figure in Shinto mythology.
• She is considered one of the most important offspring of the god Izanagi.
• While not directly tied to the summer solstice in the same way as Aine or Auxo, as the sun goddess, her presence and energy are inherently linked to the sun's power and influence, especially during the time of peak sunlight. 

3. The Horae (Greek), particularly Auxo:

• The Horae are goddesses in Greek mythology, representing the cycles of time and the seasons.
• Auxo is one of the Horae, specifically associated with summer, growth, and vegetation.
• As the goddess of summer, Auxo embodies the bounty of nature and the ripening of crops during the summer season.
• Her presence is associated with the flourishing harvest that comes with the abundance of summer. 

In summary:

• Aine and Auxo are both strongly connected to the summer solstice and its symbolism of abundance, fertility, and the peak of nature's energy.
• Amaterasu, as the sun goddess, is associated with the sun's power and influence, which is at its peak during the summer solstice. 

These goddesses represent different cultural interpretations of the significance of the summer solstice and the celebration of life, growth, and abundance associated with this time of year. 

It's Raining Again

   Good morning, It's raining early today. I am grateful for the rain as some years here in the Ozarks we get very little rain June til September.

  I thought I would browse the internet and share some photos. Rain an be calming and peaceful this time of year (these photos are all royalty free)

 Enjoy your day

Garden Photos

   This afternoon I got back out digging up the chocolate mint. I have never seen mint with such large root systems, and packed in like a brick almost-a huge job for sure. Never could dig this out without all the rain we have been having. 

  I made progress yesterday and I was back out a bit this afternoon. The runners are soooo long that I yank a section out and then dig out the root system. It is raining again so needed to come in. I did grab my camera before it started really raining hard.

   That just soil area is part of the area I have been working on. This mint is mixed in with Larry's shallots and those gladiolas-too, so that will be a chore to get the mint out in those areas  I may just dig up the gladiolas first and then dig up the mint and replant them

It doesn't look like much but all that blank soil was solid mint. 

around the garden-with all the rain ,all of the perennials I grew from seed and planted two years ago are now huge.

Do any of you know what plant this is below?  Two years ago this was a tiny little plant that I bought on ebay. I think it was one the hummingbirds like-Mary you bought one too do you remember the name?? thanks

   That tube sticking out directs the rain water down to the lake and in our basement-like it did when we first moved here.

This year the deer or the chipmunks keep digging up what I plant in my big copper pot (above) I just replanted it again with some flowers I grew from seed.

I have a few large clumps of yarrow

Below these pretty purple ones are mixed in with the shallots I really like these

This geranium seems happy in this huge pot

Below flower seeds I scattered last week-mostly zinnias, I did the same with saved marigold seeds today

Happy new week everyone.

Yesterday's Parade

   Good morning Sunday,

    I just wanted to share a link to the complete parade and very patriotic fireworks display.  I had watched the parade live on Newsmax yesterday and was disappointed when they cut off the fireworks show.

  I had recorded the parade on Newsmax and also on Fox-Fox also cut off the fireworks and also had less coverage of the parade then Newsmax  had shared.

  So this morning I am thinking I should have watched all of this on RSBN as they show everything live all the time. They also keep their recordings up on You Tube so you can watch again or if you missed it.

  This morning I buzzed through to the fireworks---if you love patriotism displayed for love of country this was just amazing-gave me goosebumps smiles  I do love a good fireworks display

  

Happy Weekend

   Happy Weekend Everyone,

I am getting ready to go outdoors soon-see if it is too wet-or not-and dig up more chocolate mint. I have some flowers and marigold seeds to plant as well.

 A couple days ago early in the morning I grabbed the weed eater and started cutting down weeds up on top where the mailbox is by our gravel road and near our cars. I have done this since we moved here. All of a sudden a huge bang and shattered glass everywhere. Look up and a small rock hit my back window of my old (1999) Mercury Mountainer  Stood there in disbelief. I called around right away to get this replaced as soon as possible.  At the time I didn't think about grabbing my camera to take a photo

   A year or so go now one of the neighbors that takes a walk around our circle stopped to chat and introduced herself and she gave me her phone number if I ever needed help.  Took me awhile to find it but she dropped everything to help me. Yesterday morning early I got the call that my car was done-that was fast-I was the first car they did. So thankful.  I keep pecan pies in the freezer from nuts.com and offered her one for helping me. I don't feel quite so alone now.

  We have good friends that we met from a mutual acquaintance, but he is having major medical issues right now. The doctors can't figure it out so they keep sending him home. He pinched a never in his neck and has horrible pain-they are thinking now possibly that he had a stroke in his eyes-never heard of this, but he does also have blurred vision. His wife will set up an appointment with an eye specialist. Sadly the hospitals near us-within an hour's drive are not good-perhaps this is the new standard sadly.

   I am looking forward to the big 250th anniversary of our army later today-sounds fun.

Happy weekend, Happy Flag Day, Happy Father's Day too

  Below found online

  President Donald J. Trump has proclaimed June 14, 2025, as Flag Day.

On June 14, 1777, a banner of red, white, and blue was woven into history when the Second Continental Congress passed the First Flag Resolution—making the Stars and Stripes the official flag of the United States of America

Let’s take this time to honor the flag and everything it stands for: freedom, unity, and the enduring spirit of America.

Going through Clothes

 Good morning Monday,

    After yesterday's evening storms-with high winds and lots more rain-we have a lovely sunny day today.

I did spend a lot of time working in the flower gardens yesterday and ended with digging up that chocolate mint-a good start on that project and overall a productive day. Of course I did too much and feeling it this morning-sigh.

  Not sure why but it popped into my head to go through our clothes this morning. We really do not have much in clothes like some do-but I ended up with a nice pile to take to the animal shelter's thrift store. I have lost over 10 pounds-and going forward plan to not put that weight back on. I started with my jeans drawer-only had 3 jeans and 1 jeans shorts that fit now-so that started my pile. Added to the pile tops that I just don't plan on wearing any more. Since we finally have a closet here at the lake house-I went through everything that was on hangers and discarded lots. Larry's clothes too that I know he won't wear any more-I asked him first.  This was just a spur of the moment purge-doesn't that feel good?   I called the thrift shop just now and yes they are taking items this week-they don't open til 10 am though but I will be going one day this week, and they will take any clothes not just summer so I like that. This animal shelter and store are just outside of Laurie and just inside of Sunrise Beach-so considering not a far drive.

  Of course I will need to check out their store too smiles.

  Many years ago we had gifted Larry's father a wool sweater with leather patches that zipped in the front for his fishing trips. We splurged and bought it from Orvis. Several years ago Larry's sister brought some clothes from his father-after he had passed-to see if Larry wanted any of them. In the pile was that sweater. It was well loved for sure, but he never told us how much he enjoyed it, there is an area that needs to be repaired-any suggestions on how to mend a wool sweater?   Interesting- in the pile that she brought was another sweater similar-very well worn but not the same quality at all and full of stains-I cut that one up for sewing projects   I looked for a photo online and found this one on Etsy-worn and still carries a hefty price-even used  I just checked Orvis online and they no longer sell this one. We bought this over 20-30 years ago, so interesting still available used online elsewhere.

     

    Larry's physical therapy went well the last month, problem with Medicare though is they do not stick with physical therapy twice a week-that is the only way one gets really good benefit from it.  He sees a physical therapist 3 weeks in a row and then his supervisor comes out the 4th week. He did that today and Larry explained this issue-he totally agreed and will continue to apply for the twice a week physical therapy I am grateful that he was able to get this again-they come to the house.

 Happy Monday and have a good week!!

Still Raining

   Still raining here in the Ozarks-Missouri which is keeping me way behind in outdoor projects-back to reading-smiles.  The weather people are saying an inch today-and then rain all weekend-soooo that means the lake will be peaceful for enjoying the water fowl and birds looking out our windows. 

   Happy Friday and Weekend

It's our 43rd Anniversary

   I needed to do the math the other day to see what year our anniversary was smiles. 43 years married but we were together a couple years before that. 

   We had a blue jean wedding outdoors, lots of deli catered foods, a handmade wedding cake, an outside refrigerator filled with beer, soda pops, wines and more,  a live band and married by a lady preacher-with no religious affiliate since we both had different religious beliefs. Larry's father and some of his uncles and aunts were there, my brother and cousin came, my parents refused. 

    That was such a fun all day event. We even set up an area of food that was all kosher for Larry's family

Larry's favorite meat dish has always been baby back ribs. (I know not Jewish food) Awhile back I had found packages of 1/2 of a rack which I thought the perfect size for us since we do not eat as much any more.

 With the acid reflux issue I am dealing with now-this is not on my food list-spices and bbq sauce-but I am going to eat a little bit anyway today. Smiles

  Today no rain with sunshine-however tonight the rains begin again. It is soooo wet out there not sure if I can work in the gardens or cut grass-will check on it late afternoon.

Sooooo Much Rain & This and That

   Wow we are getting a lot of rain right now. Started early last night with lightening and thunder, hard rain no hail thankfully.

  Waking up this morning it is still raining-will rain most of the day and tomorrow. The Missouri rivers will be flooded for sure. I am glad I got that one side of the property's grass/weeds cut down before all of this.

  I have flower seeds to plant so am glad now I waited-I didn't want them to go "swimming" smiles. I did get out early yesterday to run some errands and stop at the local grocery store Walmart the day before did not have nice-fresh looking veggies and the store yesterday did not either. Wondering why not-perhaps in between fresh crops.

  When I was at Wal mart Monday I was looking for a rosemary plant but they were all sold out. I did spot a table of nice size geraniums marked down to $10.00 I found a really nice one so took it home with me. I used to have one at the woods house-I love them. These in the fall you cut them back, before the first freeze and store them in the basement til spring the following year.  I had one for many years 

  Many years ago when my Mom was still with us she was reading a book series The Elm Creek Quilters by Jennifer Chiaverini  Now there are 22 books in the series along with numerous quilt pattern books. Back then I had access to a library for awhile and there was no kindle back then.  I read a few of these which are very well written. 

    The beginning of this series popped into my amazon kindle emails a few weeks ago. I could not believe how expensive these books are-her publisher must be doing this. I was lucky though as many were marked down to around $1.99 instead of the higher prices around $14.00 or more for the kindle books-I could not believe these high prices for a kindle version.  So anyways I kept an eye on it and was able to pick up all but 4 of the series at the lower price.  I like being able to read a series like this all together-my memory is fresh and her books flow together so well.  Here is the first book 

  Do you have a price limit on what you will pay for a kindle book? Some of these authors charge about the same as a hardcover book. Since a kindle is not a tangible book I just won't pay those high prices-my gripe for today haha

  This author has also written several other books historically based

    I have been enjoying browsing on Instagram lately-I am following different artists-painters, fiber artists, photographers and more. So it is a pleasing positive experience over there now. I still keep Facebook for the handful of very long time online friends-and since I don't use cell phones-people can message me there if they don't want to call on the house phone. I am not there much anymore-so many untruths floating and negatives on that site.

   With all this rain I may just get back to my slow stitch bag-I am in the process of taking an area apart that I started stitching to put the bag together-a tedious process.

  Enjoy your day

Updated-I did finally get a photo of my frozen yogurt-I made a second batch this morning. The one from yesterday is rock hard out of the freezer so will need to let it soften before scooping out some in a dish. I am liking the honey in this. and I finished off the vanilla extract in the first batch-but found in my pantry a bottle I had made back in 2009-excellent flavor now smiles

Making Frozen Yogurt & Recipe

   I am making frozen yogurt in my ice cream maker this morning.

     I searched for a creamy recipe and found this one online (see below)

 My stomach doesn't like full fat anything any more-so I changed this recipe to Greek yogurt with no fat, 1/2 and 1/2 instead of full cream. Used half honey and half organic sugar with vanilla extract. 

     Soooo since I did not use full fat ingredients this will most likely be very hard coming out of the freezer- will be patient and let it sit out of the freezer for a bit before scooping out some.

    When I had shared that I just froze keifer that was tasty but needed the half and half added to it.  I will try that again.

    Frozen yogurt just finished up while typing this up-good flavor and creamy-will share how it does after it has been in the freezer. I had set the timer for 10 minutes when I started this post and that was just a bit too long as some of this frozen yogurt is stuck hard to the bottom and sides. 

   Will post with an update on  how my frozen yogurt turns out. My camera is not getting a good photo lately-I need to take the time to read the instructions as sometimes I guess there is too much light and won't take an image.

For a creamy homemade frozen yogurt using an ice cream maker, you can try this recipe: 

Ingredients:

• 3 cups plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
• ⅔ cup to ¾ cup sugar or honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: ½ cup heavy cream or 1 tablespoon corn syrup for extra creaminess 

Instructions:

1. Prepare the ice cream maker: Freeze the bowl of your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions, at least 24 hours in advance. You should not hear any water sloshing around when you shake the bowl.
2. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, sweetener (sugar or honey), and vanilla extract. If using, also whisk in the heavy cream and/or corn syrup. Mix until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are well combined.
3. Chill (optional): If the mixture has warmed significantly or if you're not ready to churn yet, cover it and refrigerate until very cold.
4. Churn: Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually around 25 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
5. Serve immediately or freeze: You can enjoy the frozen yogurt right away, or for a firmer consistency, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, smooth the top, cover with parchment paper, and freeze for 2-3 hours or overnight.
6. Allow to soften before serving: If frozen solid, let it sit at room temperature for 10-20 minutes before scooping and serving. 

Tips for creaminess:

• Use whole milk Greek yogurt: This provides a richer and creamier texture.
• Add heavy cream or mascarpone: This helps make it richer and prevents iciness.
• Include sugar: Sugar prevents ice crystals from forming, leading to a smoother texture.
• A little corn syrup: This can also help prevent ice crystal formation.
• Consider a banana: Adding a frozen sliced banana can boost creaminess and volume.
• Cover the top with parchment paper: This helps prevent ice crystals from forming on the surface during freezing.

This was a fun video

A Warm Day-Happy June & A Few Garden Photos

   Good afternoon, I totally forgot about today being June 1st--soooo Happy June

For sure a June day-humid and high 80's. Warmer tomorrow-but then Tuesday lots more rain coming in. June 5th will be our 43rd wedding anniversary

   I did get mowing done this morning-one large battery for the weed eater, and I worked a bit in the garden. Took a few photos. Hoping to get back to mowing before the sun goes down later today.  

    Tuesday we have huge amounts of rain coming in-sigh. So I am delaying getting flower seeds scattered about til after the worst of it. This coming week on the non rain days-need to also get back to tackling all that mint-ugh

   The milkweed I had planted from seed last year is blooming and has multiplied a bit-love that. and I saw the first butterfly today, and birds using the bird baths. Smiles

  The lavender seed from my old plant that found a spot in the rock wall-is blooming

Milkweed

  

To the left is my new lavender plant-that was a splurge do to the price-but it was a large plant which I thought would give it a good start before winter.  I found those two straggly lavender plants from my original one that I brought over-that was over 25 years old-so it had a good life

 I did purchase one small yellow pear tomato plant when I bought the lavender plant. I was not sure if my seeds were going to grow-but they did-and in the back tubs there are two set ups for sweet black cherry tomatoes that I grew from seed  with the acid reflux I can eat tomatoes as long as they have less acid and are more sweet.

  Now to keep the squirrels and those chipmunks from eating them. I have been looking into garden netting-but then how do their flowers get pollinated?

This is another perennial that made it despite that water leak-not sure what this one is. and to the right of this I have big clumps of yarrow, and few other perennials too

I wintered over two pots of amaryllis bulbs. I was concerned that they may have died as they never started growing in the house before the last freeze-which they usually do.  I set them both outdoors as I didn't think we should get another freeze-and after a week they started to grow.

  The pot to the right is older and has two baby bulbs-all three are just starting to green up with leaves-that makes me happy

Happy June  my friends