When I bought my new patio furniture I knew I was going to get a lot of use and enjoyment out of it. I didn’t realize how much someone else would enjoy it as well.
We hope your weekend is filled with snacks and lounging in the shade.
Rock on,
The WB
Donna came over to my house last month (surprise, surprise), one of several visits actually. I forget why or what we were doing this particular time but I don’t forget what I made for lunch! Or was it supper?! 🤣
My daughter had served me this meal previously, and I not only thought it delicious but perfect for my mostly-vegetarian friend and co-host. Here is the recipe: Instant-Pot Mujadara.
I would describe this lentil and rice dish as comfort food that is easy to prepare, and quite healthy (as opposed to most comfort foods 😉). I think you could spice it up easily, if you wanted. For my first time making it (don’t you love how I make my guests my guinea pigs?), I made and served it exactly as the recipe stated. I don’t know who I am anymore either. I made it the day before so there would be less time in the kitchen and more Donna-time.
That’s what was on my plate in June! I’ll be adding this recipe to my repertoire, especially for the colder months. Please join Donna and myself in sharing what was on yours, either in the Comments or via the Link party (if you wish to link your blog post).
Rock on,
The WB
Last Sunday the whole pack went on a road trip to see Bowser’s “other” grandparents for their birthdays (only 1 day apart!). Grandma Judy suggested we go for a walk on a trail she had discovered nearby.
We hope your weekend has some fun walks and some chill times too. Happy Canada Day long weekend, to my fellow Canadians!
Rock on,
The WB
Warning: Picture-heavy post!
Pole beans and squash in raised beds:
Wind chime that followed me home from the Butchart Gardens gift shop:
My tea/herb garden this year:
Hostas and lupin that emerged this spring:
Planted a foam flower in front of the bird bath. Hope it does well in its new home:
The black currant I planted this spring:
One of the two elderberries I planted this spring:
One of the 3 bare-root black raspberries, also planted this spring:
My fig tree (new to my garden) – which looked for the longest time like a bare stick planted in a pot – is now leafed out and (gasp!) growing actual figs:
I bought a patio set for the new patio and pergola. Very comfortable and doubles as an outdoor dining space (long-time readers may recognize the dick pillows):
I have not forgotten to make my garden magical at night. These are solar colour-changing dragonflies (a gift from my landlords, for Mother’s Day last year):
Solar lantern on the patio table:
Fairy lights (also solar), under the wisteria:
And my most stunning solar light, in front of the black currant. Weighted down with a cool rock I found on Bowser’s Secret Trail:
Close-up of the light in action:
Full-effect of this particular solar light. Isn’t it stunning?
Stay tuned for more updates as the season progresses. Future plans include enjoying the harvest, building 2 more raised beds, and creating a fire pit space!
Rock on,
The WB
I’ve said it many times and it still holds true: A tired doggo is a good doggo.
We hope you are having a boss doggo type of weekend.
Rock on,
The WB
…And like most births, it was accompanied by long hours of sweat, pain, cursing, and some blood loss 😉. I will let the pictures do the talking for the most part, as this is going to a very picture heavy post of the backyard transformation at my new home.
So that’s it for the bare bones of this garden. The next garden post will be what it looks like now!
Rock on,
The WB
Bowser’s momma bought him a new harness and leash.
The harness is a beautiful fluorescent orange.
The leash may be new, but Bowser already knows he gets to carry it to the end of our street.
The new gear is working well.
The harness provides a sharp contrast between dog and environment.
Sorry, Bowz…you no longer blend right in!
Luckily, Bowser doesn’t even care. Just so long as he can be out adventuring!
We hope you find some adventure this weekend.
Rock on,
The WB
Too many cute photos of Bowser playing with his toys to put them all in one post, so I decided to break it up into 2 parts. (Plus I am out of town this weekend so I had to work ahead!)
We hope you are having a restful weekend.
Rock on,
The WB
Last month I had a good friend come to visit me (and attend a work conference in Victoria, but yeah let’s say the main reason was to visit me 😉). Kalena invited me to come down to Victoria with her, and amuse myself while she was busy doing the conference thing. As I am easily amused, there could only be one response: HELL YES. So this month’s post is going to be about that time, and some of the wonderful things we ate and drank during her visit.
We made sure that a stop at The Butchart Gardens (enroute to Victoria) happened!
We had several memorable lunches while Kalena was on a break from conference-ing (is that a word?) but my favourite meal was actually at the hotel (Marriott Inner Harbour). It was a meal for me, but a snack for Kalena as she had a gala dinner to attend!
After the conference, we had only 1 full day before Kalena had to fly back home. We decided Cathedral Grove and Goats on the Roof were two good ways to spend it.
I think I gave Kalena a good enough “taste of the island” that she will come back to visit me again 😉. I know that I certainly enjoyed myself!
That’s what was on my plate in May! Please join Donna and myself in sharing what was on yours, either in the Comments or via the Link party (if you wish to link your blog post). Note: When this post goes live I will be traveling by plane to Ontario for a very quick visit to my hometown so please forgive me as I may be tardy in replying or visiting your blogs.
Rock on,
The WB
Lucky Bowser got a new squeaky toy because his mommy and I shopped at PetSmart while he was at the doggy spa last week. This dog LOVES his squeaky toys, more than any other schnauzer I have known. They must scratch his prey drive itch.
We hope you find your bliss this weekend.
Rock on,
The WB
