Saturday Meanderings

Happy Easter weekend! Our weather is drop dead gorgeous and it will be perfect tomorrow for Easter Sunday and the brunch we are hosting. This may be a shortened version of my Saturday post as I am a bit swamped with a rather long to-d0 list. Let’s get started chatting about all good things this week!

The Beer is Working

Those darn pill bugs are a nuisance this year in the strawberry patch so I am trying a combination of diatomaceous earth around the perimeter and a bowl of beer at ground level. All the bugs seem to enjoy the beer and are drowning in the hops. It’s a bottle per week, but am seeing more unblemished strawberries without bug tunnels.

Birthday Celebration at English Rose Tea Room

My sweet friend, Christine, treats me to a birthday luncheon at the English Rose Tea Room in Carefree, Arizona. Established in 2002, the English Rose Tea Room has been regularly voted Best Place for Afternoon Tea by Phoenix Magazine.

With an interior to rival the Ritz Hotel and a romantic, shady patio for tea al fresco, the English Rose Tea Room is a true gem in the desert. From a Formal Afternoon tea, to a light lunch with friends, they offer something for every discerning tea-lover’s palate.

All the teas are loose leaf and with over 50 to choose from you can find the perfect brew to suit any tea lover’s palette. We had a lovely lunch in such a civilized setting. A must do if you live or are visiting Phoenix.

Carving the Tree Stump

Two summers ago, we lost our huge silk oak tree in our side yard. It was difficult to cut down and my husband told the tree guys to leave a portion of it, in hopes of creating an art piece.

Scott arranges the scaffolding project to provide a safe and stable structure around the tree. Our dear friend and talented artist, Rick Rowley, brought his assortment of chainsaws, grinders and routers and turn a dead tree stump into a one of a kind forest spirit.

Rick starts carving at 11:00 a.m. and finishes this artistic masterpiece at 6:30 p.m. It is amazing to watch him design, carve and detail this piece.

As the wood ages, it will show more detail and depth. It is heartbreaking to lose an old tree and we are happy it lives on through this wood spirit.

They Still Need Me

After being a mother for many years, it’s nice to know you are still needed. My youngest, Elisabeth, decides to cut her own hair, using a terrible pair of scissors.

I offer to help, using professional hair cutting scissors and here is the after. Too funny.

Tedious Tasks Completed

Am I the only one that puts off tedious tasks? Finally, this week I go through all the Christmas and holiday cards we received and update my address list spreadsheet. The upside is that I get to re-read the cards and think about friends and families, so it actually is a good thing (except for the procrastination).

Our home is on the National Register of Historic Places issued by the Department of Interior, as well as the city and state historic register. As a result, we get a break (50%) on our property taxes. Since maintaining a 115 year old home can be costly, this tax break is a nice way to offset those expenses. However, the tax break is only issued for a 15-year period, which ends in 2025.

This week I completed the necessary paperwork to get the tax credit reissued and now we wait. Keeping our fingers crossed as the home is still in historical condition.

I don’t believe anyone is a fan of April 15th, Tax Day~glad that is behind us.

Lots of Lemons

I helped my neighbor glean their lemon tree and as a result, we have lots of lemons. The week is filled with lemon recipes~ lemonade, lemon poppy seed bread, lemon blueberry bread, lemon pasta, gluten-free lemon bars and I also froze a bunch of lemon juice.

If you are enjoying citrus season, here are some of my favorite lemon recipes.

Flower Photos to Enjoy

It is a glorious time to be in Phoenix. As I write this it is 70 degrees, the birds are chirping, windows are open and I am enjoying all the blooms in our yard.

I am loving these deep red hollyhocks against our the natural wood color of our well tower.

Of course, the roses-oh my! Not only do I get to enjoy them in the garden, but in vases around the house. When the blossoms drop, I gather them up for making potpourri for the chicken’s nesting boxes in the hen house.

Have a Blessed Holiday Weekend

I am so looking forward to this Easter weekend. Sunrise service on Easter morning and then brunch with family and friends. Wishing you a blessed one, surrounded by love and laughter. Remember to stay safe out there.