You say tomato, I say to-mah-to!

WOW, what a bounty! This is probably the 10th and 11th baskets we've had like this this summer! I sliced an especially ripe on up today for a yummy bacon and tomato sandwich. That's become my new fave. Warm, crunchy bacon and ripe, sweet tomatoes on soft, delicious sourdough bread - makes you want one, doesn't it? Make me want another one!!! Chris used a friend's dehydrator to dry at least two baskets full of Romas and they are going to be fabulous this winter when there's not a good tomato in sight!

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!

Do you know the pumpkin man?!?

OMGosh!! This is the pumpkin my darling husband just brought in from his garden! If it was about 40 degrees cooler, it would feel like fall with all his bounty! The little pumpkins are my favorite. I bought the new SU! rub-ons just so I could decorate them. I can't wait!! I may have to do one tonight :) My husband, who grew up on a MAJOR farm, has an incredible green thumb. While everyone else was enduring the tomato embargo this summer, we had lots & lots & lots - and they're SAFE!! We've also had green peppers, zucchini, a couple of eggplants, more okra than my precious parents can eat, gourds, & spaghetti squash. Plus, we have two amazing herb gardens that have produced a ton of basil, garlic, oregano, dill, sage, and onions. I've never been much of a veggie person, but I have really enjoyed fixing new things this summer. My fave has been Carolina Caviar. ENJOY!!

Carolina Caviar
2 (15.8 oz.) cans black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
1 (16 oz.) bottle Italian dressing
1 (11 oz.) can white shoepeg corn, drained
1 large firm tomato, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup chopped fresh parsley
4 green onions, chopped
1 T. chopped fresh cilantro
2 garlic cloves, minced

Stir together all ingredients in a large bowl. Cover & chill 8-24 hours. Spoon mixture into a serving bowl, using a slotted spoon. Serve with Scoops. Yield: 8 cups.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!

AMSE "Road Trip"

If you've never been to the American Museum of Science and Energy in Oak Ridge, you should definitely check it out! This was our last big adventure before school started (boo hoo!) and we had a great time!! Bailey had been wanting to go for weeks after seeing the billboards around town showing a girl with her hair standing on end. The gizmo this causes that has a name, but I cannot remember what it is! But the show is billed as a "hair raising demonstration of static electricity," and it was!! Bailey's hair stood right up and she got to touch that contraption again and again! She loved it!! She also had a blast trying to build a tower with her hands inside the big rubber gloves. We ended our day with a treat from The Cupcakery (Tuxedo for her, red velvet for me).

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!

First (& Second) Day of School - Boo Hoo!

Yesterday was Bailey's first day of second grade and I am very sad! She looked so grown up with her stylish messenger bag and trendy jeans. Plus, I believe she's growing taller every single day!! She was excited and nervous about school. Her teacher is very nice and she knows most of the kids in her class, but I think she's already figured out that school is more "work" than "play!!" She begrudgingly let me walk her into school today, her second day, but I couldn't actually step into her classroom - just a quick kiss and hug at her locker was all I got today! I am so thankful that she is that independent, but I still like it when she needs her ol' mama! It was surprisingly cool this morning (Hallelujah!!!), so that's why Bailey looks like she might be shivering in this picture. Her outfit was SOOOOOOO cute today that I didn't want her old and tired Washington DC jacket to detract from her "beautyness." In fact, I'm outside right now updating my blog! It is GLORIOUS!! It has been so hot and so humid all summer that it's amazing that it has cooled off so much in the mornings. I cannot wait for fall . . .

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!