Meet Guinness

The rain is supposed to be moving in, so J & I have been doing outdoor chores before it begins. J did some mowing, and moved some earth around at the pond, to facilitate water flow into it. I filled birdfeeders and pruned our kiwis; also pruned a little on the blueberries, though I didn't want to do much, with the branches already full of blossoms. I'll have to do better next year about pruning them earlier.

We're delighted with our puppy, whom we've decided to name Guinness. A friend suggested it, as he's a "stout" little pup. And it seemed appropriate, being he came into our home the day after St. Patrick's Day. It was tough to catch him standing still for these pictures.

Yesterday was my Mom's birthday. She and Frank visited us, took a walk to see the new pond, and helped collect eggs. Happy Birthday, Mom! Everyday, I take a stroll to see what new plants have come up. Many of the hostas have come up this week, and this morning I saw the peony had come to life. I'd been a little worried about the dwarf pomegranate we planted last year, but it is beginning to leaf out. I so look forward to the day we're picking our own pomegranates. And kiwis, for that matter. OK, we're ready now, so bring on the rain.

A New Addition

There's a new addition on the homestead. A baby of sorts. We're all settling in and getting to know each other. He's fond of helping me do laundry. J and I both sent our taxes off yesterday. Hallelujah! Over the weekend, we had a couple of potatoes, and a whole lot of eggs that needed using. I found a recipe for a frittata, and tweaked it a bit. I'll definitely be making it again.

Potato and Cheese Frittata

2 tbs olive oil

2 Yukon Gold potatoes, preboiled and sliced in 1/2 inch pieces

1/2 yellow onion, diced

salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

4 eggs, beaten

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C)

2. Heat oil in a 12 inch skillet over medium-high heat. When skillet is hot, add the potatoes and fry until crispy and golden, about 15 mins. Reduce heat to medium and add onions. Cook, stirring until softened. Season with salt and pepper. Pour eggs over potatoes and onions.

3. Place skillet in the oven about 10 minutes., or until eggs are firm. Remove from the oven, and sprinkle cheese over top. Return to oven about 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Yields 4 servings.