Pollock

There's a cute contest over at Curlywurlygurly’s Weblog. It's a pretty clever idea of having some fun with M&Ms. I never win a contest; but maybe you will. Thanks to Chronicles of a Country Girl http://chroniclesofacountrygirl.blogspot.com/ for the tip.

PROMOTION

Yipee! Skippee! I got a nice, beefy promotion today. Dang it. That kind of event certainly helps self esteem move up a notch or two.

Candy

My favorite candy is Rowntree Table Jellies. My granny would send me these in parcels from Scotland along with pastilles and Edinburgh Rock (sugar and spice!).

What's your favorite candy?

POTHOLDERS

I can't stand silicone potholders. This is what I currently have in my kitchen. I'm ready to return to the old fashioned kind. Geez - even a crocheted one would float my boat.

My fingers have been singed more times using these flippy-floppy things.

What kind do you recommend?

Pergola

We're starting construction of a pergola next week to extend our patio and replace some shade we need after removing a tree. Grape vines would grow great there with tons of sun. I was thinking of red flame grapes; but I'm afraid it will get too messy from birds and dropped fruit. I love grapes and most especially love when the leaves change colors. My second choice (and probably the winner) is wisteria. Although it usually only blooms once in the spring, I am now getting a second bloom.

Does anyone have vine suggestions for hot, dry Bakersfield, California (Zone 8-9)?

Hades Has Been Unleashed

Holy Hot Dog it's hot! My car thermometer read 112 this afternoon. The hottest car thermometer reading I ever saw was driving into Las Vegas from St. George on a September afternoon. 126! I thought my tires were going to melt to the road. Come on October. Summer is killing me.

How hot is it wherever you're sipping lemonade?

4th of July

I was all set for hot dogs, Ruffles, baked beans and ice cream. Sure we'll have vegetables like salad, corn on the cob, and fruit like berries and melons. But I wanted the hot dogs, Ruffles, and baked beans. (The ice cream stays regardless.) I was overruled in our home. The menu will be shish kabobs, rice pilaf, and salad. Corn on the cob, thankfully, gets to stay. I say the majority living in my house are all terrorists, communists, or just hate American and all it stands for. Sheesh. I'll be fine. I'll slap those dogs on the BBQ sometime over the weekend. Meantime, if the FBI is scanning this blog you might want to take a closer look at those coming to my place on the 4th. I question their patriotism.

Whats on your menu for the 4th?