Saturday Meanderings

Happy first Saturday in September! I hope you enjoyed your Labor Day weekend. It was less than a week away and yet it seems like so long ago. Welcome to Saturday Meanderings, where we chat about all good things this week. I am back in Phoenix for a few days trying to catch up with meetings and chores and driving back to the mountains today.

Hatch Chiles

What is a Hatch Chile? It is a unique pepper grown in the Hatch Valley of New Mexico. While other people may say they have better chiles, there is no chile in the world like that produced in the Hatch Valley. The Hatch Valley was once a floodplain for the Rio Grande valley, which is why it has the nutrient-rich soil that makes the most fantastic chiles. The temperatures also fluctuate in the Hatch Valley, which is another unique growing condition. There is nowhere else in the world with the same growing conditions for this delicious chile.

My neighbor in Phoenix generously shared a huge burlap bag filled with Hatch chiles. I have so many chiles, even after giving several away to friends. So, I am hoping this weekend to make Jess Pryles’s Fire Roasted Green Chile Jam, a recipe my son sent me. It will use up a good quantity of them. The rest I will roast and freeze for future use….unless someone has a recipe I need to try. If so, please send it!

What to Do with Decorative Bottles?

My husband likes to hang onto unique and decorative bottles, after they are empty. Some of the tequila bottles, like this beautiful blue and white one from Clase Azul tequila has been in storage in our garage for quite a while.

My friend, Tevia has one of these and it’s such a great and affordable way to turn an empty bottle into a table lamp. Currently 10% off on Amazon, this wireless bottle lamp is only $14.39. The lamp has 3 colors~warm, neutral and white light by the touch of a button on the top. Since they are wireless and rechargeable, you can put the lamp anywhere.

Won’t these be pretty on an outdoor buffet table? Here is a similar brand with great reviews and for a few pennies more, they have a wide selection of colors.I may need more tequila bottles!!

Old Mr. Duck

Back in 2011, our friend and chiropractor, Dr. Diane, gave us 4 runner ducks. Not sure how old they were at that time, but today, we have only one male duck left. The average life span for runner ducks is 5-10 years, and Mr. Duck maybe older than 13.

I have a soft spot in my heart for Mr. Duck. With deep black feathers in his youth, Mr. Duck is now totally gray. His eyesight is either gone or diminished. The webbing between his feet has deteriorated, so walking sure footed is a thing of the past.

The aging process is sometimes difficult to watch. I find myself worrying about Mr. Duck~is he getting enough water? Can he see his food? Are there obstacles that he cannot overcome?

This week, while I am home, he is getting a gourmet feast of frozen vegetables, sweet watermelon and lots of Grubblies (dried black fly larvae). Every time I go to the hen house, I listen for his quacking and fear the day I don’t hear it.

But for now, he is being pampered and loved. Who knew a duck could worm his way into your heart.

An Impressive Knitting Project

When my daughters were younger, we all took a knitting class. Julianna, my middle child took to knitting immediately. Me, not so much. She not only knits, but designs patterns too. Here is a peek at her latest knitted blanket, and by using a lot of leftover yarn, it is nearly 10 feet long.

My mother was a skilled knitter and I’m guessing she inherited the talent from her grandmother (obviously not me).

Started a New Painting

As much as I enjoy painting, for some reason I cannot make time for it. On Labor Day, I decide to set schedule time and start this one. Inspired by a photo I saw back in 2021 on Cindy Hattersley’s website (a designer/blogger), I am attempting to recreate this pottery vase with pretty roses.

Can’t wait to share it with you once I am finished (if it turns out okay).

It’s Hard to Stay Mad

Our sweet 7 month old enormous puppy, Finn, decides to chew up my RayBan sunglasses. I’ve had these glasses for years and love them. Fortunately, I did contact RayBan and they still have the same style and color, so lucky me, I have a new pair of sunglasses arriving in a few days.

Who can stay mad at this cute face?

A Visit to Ivy and Sage

Often I find myself doing chores, working and not taking time to explore. My goal during the fall months is to get out and visit new places in our community. This week I go to Ivy and Sage, which isn’t really close (45 minute drive), but a worthwhile trip. Known as “a modern boutique with a vintage flair” it’s a unique retail experience.

They have some unique seasonal pieces for the fall and Halloween, as well as a wide variety of products from local craftsmen. If you live in the area, you may want to check it out:

Ivy and Sage, 4946 S. Power Road, Mesa, Arizona

Fun Dishes at Williams-Sonoma

I have a bit of a dish addiction and it took a lot of willpower not to buy these witch plates at Williams-Sonoma. They sell individually for $14.95. However, since I cannot stop thinking ab0ut them, I try to source them online.

It appears they are not sold individually online, but as part of a set with other styles of dishes. That’s not what I want.

In calling the Williams-Sonoma store at the Biltmore, they have only 4 of them left. I am on my way to buy them. They remind me of the Wizard of Oz, which is one of my favorite movies. I am so weak.

Pistachio Milk

I am trying to use less oat milk in my coffee. Not really sure if it’s true but I heard if you want to fatten something up, feed them oats. It might make sense for me to do a bit more research. Almond milk is okay but I’m not a big fan.

Quite a while ago, I did make pistachio milk and recall loving the flavor it adds to my coffee. So I am back making pistachio milk by soaking 1 cup of pistachios (mine are salted) over night in 4 cups of water. The next morning I drain off the soaking water, toss the pistachios in my Vitamix blender and add 4 cups of fresh water. Whir it around for about a minute and strain. Using a nut milk mesh bag makes this very easy. For added sweetness you can toss in a date.

Don’t get me wrong, I like real milk, however, I try to limit my dairy. I find the pale green pistachio milk a bit of an indulgence in my morning Joe. If you are interested in making your own nut milk (benefits of no chemicals or preservatives), you can check out my blog post on this.

Well, that’s a wrap. Any fun plans this weekend? I am picking up 120 lbs. of Roma tomatoes and hope to can a year’s supply of sauce on Sunday. Will be heading back up to the cabin this weekend, for a final move back to Phoenix on Tuesday. Have a lovely weekend and stay safe out there!