Monday, May 25, 2020

T Stands for Tuesday & Lots of Photos (Long Post)

  Hi Everyone,
      Here in the States we are winding down our 3 day weekend with Memorial Day. Of course with Missouri being mostly open many and I mean many drove to the lakes.
    We were originally forecast to have a wash out with lots of rain and t storms but where I am we were mostly missed.
   So the two of us had "entertainment" looking out over the lake since late Thursday. There was also allot of fireworks going off too every night. I could hear them loud and clear but couldn't see most of them.
   I even saw on facebook where one of the bars on the lake made the national news-big signs saying to self distance but of course no one was doing that.

    Tuesday is upon us already where we share a drink related photo in our post, and link up with friends at Bleubeard and Elizabeth. (link in my sidebar)

    Saturday mid day was probably the busiest on the lake with boats everywhere. and I just don't understand these ocean boats being on the Lake of the Ozarks, so many this long weekend. I was making our dinner at the time and didn't grab my camera to video all the craziness.  I did get a couple videos that shows about a 1/4 of the number of boats that were here on Saturday.

  Lots of these ocean boats-all sizes here on a lake-Larry says people showing off their wealth and toys.



Lots and lots of these personal water craft "toys"   We call them motorcycles on water


This first video shows all sorts of boats, all different sizes. Towards the end of the video you will also see a very long and large boat that is used to shuttle people back and forth to the bars that are on the lake
   I also was showing with all the activity the water was splashing up over the rocks, and so much debris has drifted in around our dock.



   I made us a New York Cheesecake for the weekend-using Lakanto powdered sweetener. I also made a thin crust with gluten free graham crackers and almond meal, butter, Lakanto sweetener  This was my best bake ever sooo creamy and delicious
     If anyone would like the link to the recipe-go here  I did not bake this in a water bath per recipe, and I did add the crust. I baked at 300 degrees f for about 90 minutes. The other changes were two packages of full fat cream cheese and one package of the 1/3 less fat cream cheese, lower fat sour cream, and I used Lakanto brand sweetener instead of Swerve-both brands are really good I just prefer Lakanto now.
    If you are looking for healthy recipes-no sugar etc this site is really awesome and makes more sense to me then some of the other keto recipes I have seen.



This is our favorite jam now, comes from France not overly sweet, always thick with fruits I love it


 Off in the distance is a pirate ship-used for tourists. This little bird flew in while I was taking a photo If you enlarge the photo you  may see it in the distance.


A better look


Another ocean boat


Another painting with Valerie's photo. I wanted to do this again, and I will be painting from this image again, as this time I was learning how to use the colored pencils wet. You can see the black kinda got away from me. I do like it though



A drink reference-I found a box of the Strongbow hard cider that I had picked up over a year ago.Perfect for the weekend. I prefer this brand over Angry Orchard hard cider as it is allot lighter and less filling.  I also like that these cans are smaller in size too.


  More flowers blooming, my mints and lavender looking good after all the rains last week, and my tomato plants I grew from seed need to get planted soon.



The lavender had a set back from staying in the pot too long but looking good now-the center really died back on me. I am not going to harvest any of the blooms this time, to give the plant a boost


I am thinking of digging up some grass below and in front of where the lavender and mints are to plant some of these tomatoes One is Burpee big girl, and the other is a large heirloom tomato also for slicing.

 
This afternoon I poured this over ice-I really like it no fake sweeteners in it just Ozark spring water that's been carbonated with a splash of natural flavorings


Happy T everyone

48 comments:

  1. Wow, that busy lake takes me back in memories. We enjoyed living on the water, but not on weekends. I think Larry is right, people showing off their wealth and toys. We called them weekend cowboys, drinking and boating at top speed. I hope you don’t have accidents like some that we saw. There should at least be speed limits and no wake zones. Enjoy your lake during the weekdays. I love the purple flowers in the painting you did. Very, very pretty! The bricks look great too!

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  2. Your garden is looking great! Mint is so easy to grow and I love how fast it spreads. I wish I could grow tomatoes but we have groundhog issues.
    Your Memorial day celebration sounds perfect. Loved your pictures of the lake. Your cheesecake recipe sounds yummy!
    I love your colored pencil drawing. I can certainly see the highlights better this week. I love the black!
    Happy Tea Day,
    Kate

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    1. we have animals here to coming in at night-and I think there is a groundhog in this area too-sigh-something kept digging up all my seeds in the open pots-thanks for compliment on the painting-still learning Happy Tea

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  3. We have the same size boats on lakes around us. Sometimes people use these boats as they resort cabins rather than owning homes on the lake. But they are so big, aren't they? And I love the latest art Kathy. You need to link it up at AJJ as I do see some flowers in it. And your cheesecake looks really yummy. I haven't had cheesecake in forever. Hmm. Maybe it's time to make one myself. Have a super T day Kathy. Hugs-Erika

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    1. This cheesecake was sooo good I will make it again for sure. yes there were allot of boats with sleeping rooms in them for sure. Happy T

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  4. My local news showed Lake of Ozark shots today where no one was wearing a mask and there was no social distancing. Hundreds of people gathered around one area of the lake and no one seeming to act like like the virus was gone.

    Both my lavender died. I kept one alive three years but now they are both dead\. For some reason, I can't seem to keep lavender alive. Congrats to you for yours coming back.

    What unique sparkling water. From Branson? It sounds good, too. Thanks for sharing your boat videos, your cheesecake, your veggies and herbs, and your drinks with us for T this almost Tuesday.

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    1. I thought I would catch the local news tonight and I saw the photos and videos about the lake. They have asked to quarrantine themselves now for 14 days, I am thinking most will not.
      I was glad I didn't lose my lavender plant-they can be touchy with the soil-it has to drain well.

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  5. Hi Laurie, before retirement we used to live near Lake Geneva Wi-it's where we shopped for groceries so when summer came we made sure to stay away during the weekends. here I do my shopping first before everyone heads to the lake haha.
    I am glad you love this jam too-like homemade

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  6. Lots going on in your part of the world! Sorry the people are not being sensible any more, that's not good. It will all soon be back if people carry on like that. Your cheese cake looks magnificent. And I love the new painting, practice makes perfect....Stay safe, happy T day, hugs, Valerie

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    1. Thank you Val, I think I am going to enjoy these watercolor pencils-Yes the younger people don't believe in wearing masks etc I think part of this issues is some of the governors in some states are too strict and people are rebelling Missouri at least has common sense but with guidelines that need to be followed.

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  7. Showing off. Haha. We have a "famous" road here and guys in Porsche and Co like to circle the area, you see the same car every 10 minutues.
    Hubby then says, "look, another guy with a very small penis, again...."
    But then... we once owned a Harley, hmmmm... ;-)
    We just drove in the country, though!

    Bars on the lake, I really never had heard of that!
    But I do love your lake, if really busy, oh, my, do you dare to go for a swim in that crazyness?

    I just opened a jar of jam, too. Onion-thyme. Not sweet, LOL.

    Woah. Hubby´d jump in the water to swim to that pirate-boat, if he had to!!!

    You wet the pencils before? Interesting idea. Will try that - if in the mood. Somehow I think my crafty times are over, just... I kept buying material!
    Plan here: Plant coming weekend :-)
    Happy T-day and hugs!

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    1. Hi Iris, on this lake (lake of the ozarks) there are lots of bars on the lake-you pull your boat up and tie it in and then they party and swim. we are too old for all that now haha
      there are some that do swim by their docks with all this commotion, this pirate ship is always fun to see go by.
      watercolor pencils work the best as they were made to use i water.
      Happy T hugs

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  8. The repercussions from this weekend are painful to anticipate. Our relatives in Missouri are all keeping very much inside their houses, but the government is a disgrace.

    That's my favorite jam too. And the jars are so convenient after the jam is eaten up.

    be well... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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    1. I like that our Missouri governor is not tyrant as many other governors are and he has set guidelines in place for every situation-but the younger generation don't care and don't follow them. on the news last night they asked all that were in attendance to those water parties to please self quarantine for 14 days-I doubt they will do it -sigh
      This jam is just like homemade, I save allot of the jars too happy T

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  9. Hi Kathy, looks as if so many people don't keep their distance, it's the same everywhere, we have it here although not too bad but in England it's awful.
    I do love your views, I would never get bored of that view.
    Your garden looks lovely and that cheesecake is our sons favourite. We buy that Jam for our GS when we are in San Francisco, without the pips if possible as he has a retainer, LOL
    Have a lovely T Day
    Jan x

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    1. It is sad many don't follow the guidelines. we keep our distance and are pretty much staying in our home. I do the grocery shopping and wear a mask and use sanitizer
      Yes jam would not be so good with a retainer lol enjoy your day

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  10. Lake life...ah...love it...miss it. The pirate ship had me giggling. I bet they make a mint with the tourists...esp ones with little ones.
    The cheesecake looks delish!
    Happy T day!

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    1. Hi Halle, yes we really enjoy watching all the activity and the beautiful sunrises from our wall of windows. nice change really from being so isolated living in the woods. at least we see people here.
      there used to be two different places that had these pirate ships one sank last year-they turned it into a big sandbox for the kids.
      this was my best cheesecake ever will make again for sure.

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  11. The freedom must feel wonderful to all the partiers. But do you think they're going a bit overbaord, Kathy? (grin)

    The lake looks lovely. Did you have a lot of clean-up to do on your lakefront after the weekenders left?

    Your cake looks delicious! We love cheesesake; but I haven't made one for ages.

    I love your second version. I'm not sure you went overboard with the black. The shadows really show this time.

    Your garden is coming along beautifully.

    Happy T-Day! Eileen xx

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    1. Yes I think a bit overboard by not trying at least to social distance.
      No by today what was in the water as moved on down,except for some of that leaf debris.
      I don't usually bake up cheesecakes but I wanted to make one with the keto sweeteners and this turned out so perfect we loved it.
      thank you about my painting-I think it looks more like bricks now too

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    2. In the meantime, I saw the viral video of partiers at one of the beach bars. They REALLY were going overboard!

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  12. Wow, so many boats out on the lake now you're having good weather! It must be such a contrast to the winter months and very entertaining too 😀. That cheesecake looks so yummy and the jam is a brand I would buy when I'm not making my own, never seen blueberry though I'll have to keep an eye out for it - yum! Your artwork is amazing, so beautifully painted and I'm loving all the plants in your garden too - perfect! The cherry drink sounds refreshing, it's sunny here today so I'll happily join you for a glass 😉. Take care and Happy T Day! Hugs, Jo x

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    1. Hi Jo, yes this was a huge turn around in weather as we have had so much rain or cold weather. We hit the 90's f one day too.
      I think it's neat that so many love this brand too-it really is the best for store bought. Thank you for your comments on my art page-I really like this one too-I am getting better yes I am enjoying this sparkling water-

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  13. Your cheesecake looks delicious. We tried a lot of strawberry preserve brands (my hubby's favorite) before we came across the brand you're using. He liked it so much we quit looking for better. It's a winner :) Your flowers are beautiful! My lavender isn't blooming yet.

    Lake of the Ozarks made the national news! I don't imagine it was the only place to be that crowded, though. Time will tell if that was a bad idea. I don't like crowds at the best of times, but some folks were just dying to get out there and party with partiers lol We'll see.

    Happy T Tuesday!

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    1. I agree this brand is a winner tastes just like homemade jams and not super sweet-and I love the jars too for storage afterwards.
      My lavender just started blooming recently but we have had allot of rain and then it really warmed up for this long weekend.
      we stay away from crowds anyways too, and now with this covid-we are the ones at risk so Larry isn't going anywhere right now unless he needs to and he wears a mask-I do the same when I food shop and use allot of clorox wipes or sanitizer when I am out

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  14. So busy on the lake! People are crazy and irresponsible. Yes, you do well to keep away. I agree it is pure showing off! (I had to laugh at Iris' comment, as her hubby calls these large boat owners/posers 'men with small penises'. )
    I'm sure your lavender will pick up. Your tomato plants are really looking healthy. Mine are way behind and are much smaller. (I might catch up...)
    We get that Bon Maman jam here too. I agree, it tastes really nice and home-made.
    I love Strongbow cider.It is relatively expensive here. We pay between 19 and 39 cents for a can of beer. Cider costs 1.59 for the same size can. Of course we have expensive beers too, but no cheap cider.
    That cheese cake looks really yummy. We don't get all these special sugar substitutes here, so I can't bake anything without sugar. I can order online but we are on a tight budget and the $20 shipping costs will 'kill' me!
    Happy T-Day,
    Hugs,
    Lisca

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    1. I had to laugh at Iris'comment too
      Now where to put these tomatoes-I have an idea but I need to dig up some grass first. these ciders are rather expensive here too, and I haven't seen them locally here but I do like having some strongbow on hand.
      I think too this is the best jam-since I would have to buy the fruits in order to make jam I prefer this one and they have so many varities to choose from. we have been putting a spoonful in our yogurt and granola now for breakfast.
      we are fortunate here that I can usually search around for free shipping. the lakanta sweetener has a pretty high dollar to reach for free shipping so this time I just paid the 6.00 shipping since I only needed two items and those were on sale. Hugs to you

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  15. How wonderful to just watch the boaters going around the lake. My fear though about the eastern shores is that people won't adhere to the social distancing and not crowding/gathering rules and it will ruin things for everyone. We are all anxious to get out and about, but at what cost...
    You always find such interesting and yummy looking recipes to share.
    We don't often use jam but when we do- it's only Bonne Maman:)
    Lovely journal page art. Happy T day!

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    1. We have the same thoughts about these social gatherings. we have decided to no longer stress over all of this and just do what we ourselves need to do to stay safe-that's all we can do really.
      this cheesecake recipe was just sooo good thanks and Happy T

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  16. Looks like a beautiful day on the water. Your deck would be the perfect spot to have a piece of that cheesecake and watch all the boats. It would be fun to sail on that pirate ship, too. Take care and enjoy your beautiful weather. Happy T Day

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    1. Yes it would be a perfect spot to enjoy cheesecake. Larry's sister and family may be coming for a visit in August if he is up to it by then. They want to go fishing in his boat and they want a ride on that pirate ship too haha

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  17. What a good job those folk aren't there all year round. although I'm sure the bars would love it if they were! Your cheesecake looks delicious! We like Bon Maman jam too, although we don't eat much jam - would...but best not!! My mint is not doing so well - it is an old plant and I think I should have cut it right back in the Autumn! I will have to have a trip through your posts to see your first painting! Happy T Day! Chrisx

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    1. yes the lake bars would love it for sure. haha It's only this super busy on the lake on memorial week end, 4th of July, and Labor Day during the week even in the summer months it's not that crazy out there. saturdays are usually the busiest

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  18. I have no idea what happened to last week's comment, although I did make some on my tablet! I can see both versions but love the drama in this one! Apologies if you thought I was ignoring you! I am on the computer today!! Chrisx

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    1. no problem-for some reason your comments don't go into my email to publish, but go into comments here in settings for me to approve-but I do check that on Tuesdays for sure and a couple times a week. so for some reason your comments must not have come in-that's computers haha

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  19. Hi Kathy a super post to read and see the photos. In case I orget your art page looks fantastic.
    Its worrying times when folk don't seem to be looking out for each other, it must get quite noisy with all the boats about.
    That jam is the one we prefer to use as well, we used to bring it home from caravan holidays in France when the boys were teenagers[ a long time ago now]. It is in most supermarkets here in the UK. I think it is the fruit content that helps the flavour. Strawberry is our favourite.
    The cheese cake looked delicious Kathy, I'm sure you must have enjoyed it.
    Your plants look really lovely, does your lavender have a nice perfume after the rain, rain seems to help smelling plants our lilac this year had a great scent
    Happy belated T day wishes.
    Yvonne xx.

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    1. Yes there was allot of partying on the lake over the weekend-it made national news and even international news. our state is open but suppose to be with the guidelines-the younger generation don't care.
      I am finding out that many in the T group love this jam too-it is loaded with fruit which we love and too sweet.
      the cheesecake was really good I will make it again for sure.
      yes the when in bloom the lavender smells wonderful after a rain too. hugs

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  20. Lots of activity on the lake. The cheesecake looks delicious, and I love the Fall theme plate you had that piece on. Your plants look like they're growing well. (I'm not much of a green thumb.) Happy belated T-Day!

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    1. Yes the long weekend was totally craziness-fun to watch them all though. I love these dishes too-they were originally my Grandma's, they are vintage stoneware made in California. They got to be too heavy for her so she gave them to me back when I was in my 20's I used them allot-My Mom had bought me allot of the serving dishes for gifts. over the years I was down to only 2 dinner plates and a couple of these small plates. I found them on ebay so am delighted to use them again

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  21. Oh YUM-that cheesecake! Your tomato plants are beautiful. I hope things get a bit calmer on the lake for you both. Hope hubby is feeling well.

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    1. Hi, yes the lake is back to "normal" now-that was one crazy weekend lol.
      Yes Larry is still on the mends but getting around better, if he does too much is still pretty painful though

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  22. Hey Kathy!! So nice to see you're busy doing wonderful things. I laughed at the Bonne Maman confiture, one of my fav' too.
    I'm blogless at the moment, will have to find a place to share. You're very inspiring.
    See you, Aggie in Paris.

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    1. Good morning Aggie-I have been thinking about you and if you found a new place for blogging yet. You have me smiling for sure so happy you found me again and stopped by.
      There are many wonderful artist friends that share T posts on Tuesdays-many are from Europe and we all share a drink related photo and usually our art Hugs-we are now living on the lake-and moving out of our woods home

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  23. It´s very sad to see people neglect everything and act irresponsibly. Here in Spain we also see crowded beaches, and people having fun anywhere without caring about anything. They believe this has already happened, but it is not, the virus is still here, and it will continue for a long time, so we have to protect ourselves very well and protect others.
    I really liked your Art journal page, it is Amazing. Your cheesecake is awesome, it has to be delicious. Hope you spent a happy T-day. My mother really likes that Bonne Maman jam, I have also tried it and I liked it.
    How beautiful are the flowers in your garden!
    I wish you a very nice weekend, stay safe and well,
    Big hugs, Caty

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    1. I know I have decided keeping our freedoms and sanity is important as well, so we avoid crowds but working on not be afraid all the time-we do wear our masks out and use lots of sanitizers
      The cheesecake recipe is really good and will make again for sure. I am happy with this page too-thank you I am learning many of us love this jam too.
      You have an awesome weekend too and stay safe and well hugs back

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  24. Looks like you had fabulous weather for the Memorial Day weekend and that cake looks delicious! Your floral page is really atmospheric (black always does get out of control and take over, I find - it's why I hardly ever use it!!) and such delicate, pretty flowers.
    Alison x

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    1. We did-it didn't rain til afterwards.
      I am new to painting so was playing with watercolor pencils. I am going to work with acrylic next. thanks for stopping by

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  25. Nice to see your photographs, it looks busy on the lake …
    Yummy cheesecake.

    All the best Jan

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